Multi-Dimensional Merchant System

“Hey, T. What's up?”

Tyrone smiled from the other side of the video call. “Oli! I got your message about being out of town.” He eyed the white sand and gentle waves in the background behind Oliver briefly before shaking his head. “I thought you were out on a job or something, not lounging around on a beach. Isn't it a bit cold for a beach vacation?”

Oliver shrugged as he continued to stare off into the distance. “It's summer here in the Southern Hemisphere, T, so it's actually pretty hot. And I wrapped up the job yesterday.”

Tyrone nodded along, a glint of amusement in his eyes. “Cool. I should have guessed you were done already. You kind of implied that it would be easy.”

A soft chuckle escaped Oliver as he shook his head. “It was supposed to be easy, and I guess it kinda was... It's probably best if I don't go into detail over a call, though. How are things progressing with setting up the business?”

Tyrone didn't question any further about the job, knowing that some things shouldn't be talked about- and not particularly wanting to know exactly what had happened. At the mention of the business, he sighed softly and shook his head in awe. “Bro... I mean, it's going well, and I've got a handle on everything... But... That's a lot of money, man.”

Oliver finally turned to look at Tyrone, a small smile playing across his lips. “Yeah, but I trust you man. And if you're going to be running it when I'm off on jobs, then you're definitely going to need it. Hell, considering the startup costs, it may not even be enough.”

“Oli, bro, that's...” He hesitated for a second, his voice dropping to a whisper. “It's a million dollars, man! I've never even imagined handling that much and you just drop it on me and say 'I trust you, bro'! I mean I can handle it, but damn if that ain't a shock.”

Oliver just shrugged, unconcerned about the amount. “Eh, I can make that in a week if I try. So don't sweat it bro. Anything you need from me to get things rolling?”

Tyrone shook his head, a confident smile flashing across his face. “Nah, I've got it handled. Already picked up a manager to help us get things organized. He has some connections to FEMA that will help us get relief efforts going once we're set up. We'll be checking out a couple buildings tomorrow. Hopefully we'll be up and running within the month.”

Oliver simply nodded, having expected as much. His friend was going all out on this, mostly out of loyalty and their friendship... But the impressive salary Oliver offered him certainly helped. “That's great, man. I'm thinking about heading out on another job soon, and I'm not sure how long I'll be gone, so it will all be in your hands until I get back.”

Tyrone furrowed his brow in concern. “Another job so soon? Bro, it hasn't been that long since you saved my ass, and now you're doing jobs back to back? I know you busted your ass to get the money together for the business... You need a break, bro, even if it's just a short one.”

He thought for a second before a bright smile broke out on his face, clearly hitting on an idea. “How about you push the job back a week? The guys want to have a party to kick off the new semester... It would give you a chance to unwind a little and hang out, right? Make it a date for you and Poli or something-”

Tyrone barely caught a glimpse of the pain and confusion that flashed across Oliver's face, as it disappeared literally in the blink of an eye. His words trailed off for a second before he sighed sadly. “Shit, man. What happened?”

Once more masking his feelings, Oliver shrugged slightly. “I told her everything. She... She didn't really know how to react... Said she needed time...”

“Fuck... I mean... She said she needed time? That's not a breakup, so there's still a chance it will work out. She didn't strike me as the type to play games, you know? Maybe she just needs to process everything.”

“Maybe.” Oliver sighed.

Opening Auction House...

Initiating Virtual Space...

Distributing Invitations...

The MDMS Auction House is now open for business!

Mercenary Grok has joined the auction.

The Bloodgorger of Myrn has joined the auction.

Anonymous has joined the auction.

Anonymous has joined the auction.

Luminatira has joined the auction.

Lady Moonthistle has joined the auction.

The Ash Lord has joined the auction.

The Silence has joined the auction.

Pack Master has joined the auction.

Oliver pushed aside the fear and worry brought about by his relationship problems just as the last few attendees trickled in. He still felt that keeping the system a secret was of the utmost importance, but, after all the trouble that had festered because of his hesitation, he was done with half measures.

It was time to see exactly how much he could exploit his unique position.

Silk(Host): Welcome, everyone! Tonight's auction features some new items, including something so rare it is thought to be a myth in some places! Of course, I'll be saving that particular surprise for last...

Silk(Host): But enough of me teasing you. All of you came here to buy something, so lets get right to it!

Silk(Host): For our first lot, we have one kilogram of Vintage. This drug, which is illegal or banned in a large number of places that I am familiar with, is a highly addictive stimulant. It is an incredibly potent narcotic, typically mixed with less potent drugs or a non-toxic base before use to reduce its intensity. Fair warning to all, consuming this drug in its pure form- or excessive consumption of it in general- can cause a number of health issues, including death.

Silk(Host): And those with a discerning eye can tell by the tell-tale silver gleam that this is Vintage in an exceptionally pure form. As the seller, I take no responsibility for your use-or misuse- of this substance. Nor do I condone the use drugs. Your decisions are your own.

Silk(Host): Of course, I am sure there are some who are likely to see this as an opportunity to examine a drug that you have never seen before. Are there some scientific breakthroughs to be found here? Who knows!

Silk(Host): Lets start the bidding at 5,000 credits. Any takers?

Oliver leaned back in his seat, a small frown creased his face. He wasn't sure if selling drugs across the Multiverse was the right thing to do, or ethical in any way. He didn't particularly care if people decided to do drugs. That was their business, not his... But he also didn't care for facilitating other people in such a way, either. Of course, he felt similar about selling the guns...

“Fuck... Arms dealer, drug dealer... I guess I am an asshole.” He muttered to himself as the bids started to roll in.

The Decadent bid 6,000 credits.

The Council of Woe wishes to bid (Scroll of Minor Misery).

Scroll of Minor Misery: When used, curses the target to suffer minor joint pain for a duration dependent on their Spirit attribute(maximum one month). This pain is purely a result of the curse and causes no actual damage to the target. Scroll is destroyed on use.

Estimated value: 5,100 credits.

Accept Bid? (Yes/No)

Joe Blow bids 8,000 credits.

Oliver directly ignored most of the items being bid, especially the ones he considered useless... Like that scroll. Inflicting mild suffering on someone like that just seemed petty and pointless... Though he couldn't help but imagine a few people that deserved it, acquiring a scroll like that was a waste of his valuable auction slot.

“A couple lots of this... Then the big one. Let's see how many credits I'll have to work with later.” He mused to himself as the bids flew by.

Oliver was surprised, though he felt he shouldn't have been. Selling Vintage turned out to be just as profitable as selling guns had been, though it made sense. The only thing more common than violence were people looking for an escape from their problems. While he had no interest in drugs himself, he understood wanting an escape... And understood it all too well.

Forcing aside distracting thoughts, he focused again on the gains. Over a hundred thousand credits for the four lots he had already gone through was a decent payout, and would definitely make his next steps easier.

But before that, he had one last lot.

Silk(Host): Well, I must admit that I was a bit surprised by everyone's enthusiasm for Vintage, and I thank you all for your participation. But, before we end things tonight, we have one final lot... And I know you are all curious as to what sort of myth or legend I am offering to you, and whether or not it will live up to my hype.

Silk(Host): So, I present to you... Five Chupacabras!

Silk(Host): Chupacabra. The name literally means “Goat sucker”. These creatures do, in fact, drink blood... Though typically they prey on livestock, they won't hesitate to attack people as well- a fact I can personally attest to, as they certainly had no reservations towards attacking me! Thought by many to be myths, these creatures are rarely seen by people... At least that is the case in many places that I have visited.

Silk(Host): And I have for you here five of them! Two males and three females, all sold as a single lot to one lucky bidder!

The Bloodgorger of Myrn: A vampiric creature?How interesting! And they are quite adorable, too. I must have them!

Warlord Ketrim: Can these beasts be trained for war?

Star Dancer: Adorable? How can anyone call these things adorable!

Oliver chuckled at the sudden surge of questions and comments. It seems that selling mythical creatures may be a hot ticket item after all... Maybe he would be able to post more bounties than he had originally thought...

Silk(Host): I see we have some interest already. So how about we start the bidding at 50,000 credits?