I stood at the stall, my hands throbbing with searing pain from refining the Breakthrough Pill without proper tools. The blisters were forming rapidly, but I kept my expression neutral. I wouldn't give anyone the satisfaction of seeing me wince.
"Here's the Best Thin Armor, as promised," the old merchant said, presenting me with the package.
I reached out with my injured hands to accept it when a voice cut through the crowd.
"Wait!"
A thin man with a pointed beard pushed through the gathered spectators. He wore the dark blue robes of the Celestial Apothecary Guild, with a silver emblem pinned to his chest indicating his rank.
"I'm Alchemist Finn from the Celestial Apothecary Guild," he announced loudly. "I couldn't help but notice this... unusual transaction."
The merchant hesitated, the armor still in his hands. "This gentleman has fulfilled his end of the bargain."
