The Collector's main body is hidden somewhere in the sea, at an unknown depth.But even just this puppet before him moves at an incredible speed. Yang Yi seriously considers trying to kill or escape the Collector, maybe by cutting the threads and sailing away, but the variables are too great. He won't risk it unless the situation becomes completely unsalvageable."In that case," he thinks, "trading is the only path left."He begins to review the items he has on hand. Conch Coins are out; the Collector only accepts item-for-item trades. He has few items valuable enough to trade for a top-tier item. The Roaring Flintlock is one. Then there's the white fragment of unknown quality, and the Stone of Truth.He doesn't rush. He re-reads the log entry: different Collectors have different preferences. Catering to its tastes might be the most important thing. And so far, it hasn't shown any aggression. It's behaving like a polite, patient merchant, not pressuring him at all.Keeping his composure, Yang Yi discreetly sends a private message to Song Yingwen."Do you have any intel on the Collector?"Song isn't asleep and replies quickly. "You've encountered the Collector?""Yes.""My information is limited. But someone once tried to sell me a special item, something ~Nоvеl𝕚ght~ called a 'Collector's Keepsake.' No one bought it, and later… the person deleted their account," Song writes back.Yang Yi's eyes narrow. He knows what kind of "keepsake" Song is talking about—a shriveled human head. It seems that in the eyes of some Collectors, human bodies and organs are also tradeable goods.Seeing there's no useful intel, Yang Yi prepares to end the conversation, but another message comes through."Remember to take a picture, I'll buy it at a high price. We've got another headline for this week's issue!"Yang Yi is speechless. The guy has no sense of urgency. But then again, Yang Yi is the one in danger. Only he understands how perilous this creature truly is. He has no time for photography.After a dozen seconds of thought, he decides to probe. He mimics the Collector, squatting down on the deck, flintlock in his left hand, right hand pretending to rummage through his clothes. He's stalling, his attention fixed on the creature. Seeing no reaction, he finally decides what to offer. He pulls the Serpent's Tooth from his Charred Worm-Ring and places it on the deck.The Collector takes the dagger, observes it for a few seconds under its empty hood, and then shakes its head.[The Collector is not interested in this item. Remaining trade attempts: 9]The dagger is returned to him. The log entry is crucial. The Collector's valuation is based on personal preference, not just quality.He continues the test, this time placing the white fragment on the deck. It's an ice-egg the size of a goose egg, with the fragment inside. This time, the Collector doesn't even touch it, just glances at it and shakes its head.[The Collector has rejected this item. Remaining trade attempts: 8]"Rejected?" Yang Yi is surprised. From its refusal to even touch it, it seems the Collector recognizes the item and wants nothing to do with it. He retrieves the egg and, after a moment's hesitation, takes out the crimson Stone of Truth.This time, the Collector reacts. The instant it appears, the creature snatches it, moving so fast Yang Yi has no time to respond. He only manages to raise the flintlock's muzzle. Suddenly, the ship begins to rock. No, not the ship—the sea itself, as if some behemoth is stirring in the depths. The waves subside after half a minute. Cold sweat beads on Yang Yi's forehead. The Collector's body in the sea… it might be as large as the nearby island.The creature calms and hands the stone back.[The Collector greatly desires this item, but it cannot offer an item of corresponding value in exchange. Remaining trade attempts: 8]Yang Yi's eyebrows raise. He's surprised by its adherence to the rules. At least, for now. He puts the stone away. If it's interested in the stone, it might also be interested in… potions.He places a bottle of Appetite Potion on the deck. The Collector takes it.[The Collector is interested in this item, but its value is still not enough to complete the trade. Remaining trade attempts: 7]"Sure enough!" Yang Yi's eyes light up. He pulls out another bottle, but the Collector rejects it. It doesn't want duplicates. The attempt is spent. He's starting to understand the rules.He takes a deep breath and pulls out the orange potion, its name still unknown to him. The Collector takes it, looks at it, and nods repeatedly, seeming much more satisfied.[The Collector is very fond of this item. A trade can now be completed. Remaining trade attempts: 6][You can continue to trade by offering more items, or you can complete the trade now, and the Collector will give you an item of corresponding value in return.]

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