<31 August 2024, The White House - South Lawn, D-> [Joshua Armstrong] The day was beautiful. It was the first time that he had really taken the day off in a couple of years. Not being the president was kind of nice. At least that was what Joshua Armstrong thought. There were some people who had been very upset at him for giving up so easily. But as far as he was concerned, he had one job right now.

He looked down at his daughter, who was smiling up at him. "You having fun?"

Sarah nodded as they continued walking. They had just gone out looking for something to hunt. Joshua had never thought that he and his daughter would go hunting together, but needs must. Sarah began to recount their almost kill of a strange horned rabbit when she pointed to the sky in the direction of the tower. "Dad, what's that?"

In the distance, what Joshua could only call a magical steampunk castle was floating towards the tower. He felt his heart speed up. "I think that is what we have been waiting for."

They quickly made their way back to the tower and got to watch as the strange ship settled on top of the tower, which seemed to shift and twist to match the shape of the ship. He walked up to the bottom door that he had been unable to open since they completed the tower. A crowd of people had gathered.

Suddenly, the top half of the Dutch-style door opened, revealing a strange mechanical man with far too many arms. One of the arms waved, and a pulse of power emanated outwards from the being.

>Local Message: Universal Translation Active

The many-armed creature spoke. "Greetings and Salutations, humans. My name is Borgan. I am a trader for the Vel-Thurn Trade Family located on the Hesgeth Market World. The Vel-Thurn Trade Family has been contracted by the System to provide market access. I am tasked with meeting those in the vicinity of the Armstrong Merchants Guide Tower. Please step forward."

>Local Message: Designation change. The local area is being renamed regarding population and ownership of current structures. >Local Message: Analyzing... >Local Message: Name determined

Suddenly, everyone in the area saw what they all recognized as a location indicator appear in front of their eyes.

<DRAKGRÛM TOWER PLAZA, D- >

Many faces looked puzzled. And Joshua was about to say something when Renno and Velna walked up to him. Sarah got excited and ran up to the old woman, who smiled brightly at the little girl. "I see you beat us here, child."

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"We did, elder Velna," Sarah said, taking the old woman's hand and standing with her.

Joshua nodded to Renno and stepped up to the strange man. "Hello. So what is this?"

"Greetings, User Joshua Armstrong, as I said before, I am Borgan, and I am a merchant, a trader, someone who works in acquisitions. I am here to allow you to trade your hard-won coinage into something more tangible."

Joshua nodded, "And what do you have for people to partake of?"

"The markets of the System and of the Hesgeth Market World are vast and endless." Borgan said, "Though you are in a unique position. As the owner of this tower, you are able to set restrictions on what kinds of goods you would like sold."

Joshua nodded, "As long as you don't sell any slaves, I don't care. I don't even know what I would not want sold, as I feel that I don't have any idea what the potentially dangerous items are in this new world."

Borgan nodded. "I do not deal in flesh, so it is good to hear, but I will make a note, and that shall be updated for any future merchants that come here. I also have a message for you, but judging by the line forming behind you, I think I should wait to give it to you."

Joshua looked behind himself and found nearly everyone had formed a line. He stepped aside and went to stand with Renno, Velna, and Sarah. They spent the next few hours leading up to nightfall waiting. As the sun set, they all approached, waiting for the last person to finish their business before approaching.

"Mr. Armstrong, welcome back, and you brought friends," Borgan said.

Sarah stared up at him, awestruck. "Wow. You have so many arms!"

Borgan radiated happiness and amusement, "I do! You should meet my father, he has even more."

Borgan looked around, emitting a wave of conspiracy, "I heard that children on this world like sweets. Is that true, Protected User Sarah Armstrong?"

Sarah nodded eagerly, looking up at Borgan. With a flash, every single one of his many hands held a different sweet. "You may pick one."

Joshua stepped forward and was about to speak when Borgan spoke first. "They are just mana-rich sugar and water, with a slight enchantment to promote good health and help deal with any potential nutritional defects."

Sarah looked at her father with a little bit of drool coming out of her mouth. Joshua chuckled. "Alright, you may have one."

Sarah looked closely and began to inspect each one, before settling on a strange orange colored bar of something that she immediately took a bite of. "It tastes like chocolate chicken nuggets!"

They all chuckled. Borgan nodded and focused on Joshua. "I have a message and a delivery for you."

Joshua nodded, and Borgan continued, "I must identify you to verify your identity."

Joshua felt a thrum of power. Borgan nodded and produced a letter and a strange crystal cube. "I am departing from the tower tomorrow at roughly noon. I look forward to any business you or any other may need to conduct all night."

Joshua nodded and stepped away, the rest of his group following. Sarah was still enjoying her treat. He opened the letter and read it, before looking up, "Well, how do you all feel about taking a bath?"

The quizzical looks that he got only grew deeper as he held up the crystal cube that had been handed to him with the letter.

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