Selling (Somewhat) Magic Goods in Arknights

[Paracsus]

Good day, my dear readers. Apologies for the lack of updates as of late. I'm just busy with irl stuff at the moment, and the rainy seasons in my country aren't making things easier.

Anyway, I've resolved myself to make 2 to 4 chapters a month guaranteed as I've talked with a few other fellow writers as I've been wanting to crank out content for a while. I'll try to release the chapter within the next week, so wish me luck.

Thank you for staying if you have, and I fare thee well if you don't.

 

[Paracsus]

Hello everyone. Once again, I apologize for the delay, and I have a confession to make.

I might not be able to make a chapter this month. Why? Because my laptop went kaput. And sadly, my notes and other records of this fanfic are in that laptop.

But it's not destroyed or anything, just having some issues in turning on, so Imma get it fixed. So I'm afraid I'll have to post the next chapter by next month at the least unless something good happens.

Thank you all and I apologize once again for the inconvenience.

 

[veekie]

Alas, technical failures spare no one.
But as long as the data is intact you are probably fine.

Ouch on the wallet tho

 

[Despacitoleo]

Thank you all and I apologize once again for the inconvenience.

Click to shrink...

its good man hope it goes cheaply for you

 

[Paracsus]

A week had passed since that conversation with Gudako about her past, and Arno's subsequent trip to City Hall. After several long days of processing forms, waiting in lines, signing papers, and listening to lectures about the rules of selling merchandise, Arno had finally secured the required paperwork. He was now allowed to sell his goods and continue commerce in Siesta.

He was also given the chance to choose a spot for the cart. That morning he drove toward the location he had selected.

The process was actually supposed to take much longer, and his options were to be much more limited if it were not for the intervention of a higher up. As of now, Arno only had a letter from said higher up about how he will be contacted at a later date.

He positioned the cart so the open side faced the flow of people moving between the merchandise stalls. Salt air mixed with the scent of coconut oil and fried food from nearby vendors. At least, some of the few that were in the same spot as him.

Niko sat in the stall lazily while playing on her phone while Gudako merely roosted on top of the cart to get some sun. The Beast girl had switched over to her Tropical Summer Mystic Code and was currently lounging on the roof while enjoying the breeze and sun. The ride over had stayed smooth overall, with the spot Arno had rented sat a short distance from the main crowds of people swimming or spreading towels under beach umbrellas. It was located near the far end of the beach, closer to the line of stalls that sold t-shirts with local slogans, stacks of surfboards for rent, flip-flops, and other beach merchandise

Just like the first few days, the sales were excruciatingly slow. Very much unlike their stay in the alleys of Lungmen.

The sun rose higher as heat built across the sand. The first buyers came in ones and twos while others were mostly curious to see what the new face had to offer. A young mother with two young Perro children asked for water and something to settle their stomachs after too much swimming. Arno handed over the bottles and crackers (one of his more mundane stocks), took the money, and watched them walk back toward their umbrella. A group of young men renting surfboards stopped for a few drinks after one of them ate sand after a particularly spectacular wipeout.

Business moved, but it was slow.

Niko let out a long, dramatic sigh and flopped backward against her chair, her phone dangling from one hand. "This suuuuuucks! We've been out here for days and barely anyone buys the good stuff. It's like people don't even notice us."

She kicked her feet lightly against the wood. "If we were closer to the water or by those big hotels, people who actually want to eat would find us. Instead we're stuck all the way out here where only the people looking for flip-flops and cheap shirts walk past. Nobody's thinking about real food when they're this far from the main crowds."

Arno wiped his hands on a towel as he finished eating a sandwich. He watched another group of tourists walk past without even glancing at the open side of the cart. "You're not wrong. Sorry that the spot isn't great. The big companies already locked down the best places, and we're the new ones with no name here. People don't know us yet."

"Oh, I didn't mean to say it was your fault, Arno. I just wish that we could've gotten more customers like the grilled fish vendors from the other day…" Niko apologized.

He glanced toward the denser part of the beach where the Colombian stalls had music playing and employees calling out deals. Crowds moved around those setups easily. "Still, I'm glad we got something at least near the beachgoers. It could have been worse; one of the options they first offered was all the way out on the edge of town with almost no foot traffic. I turned that down right away. This isn't perfect, but at least there are people walking by."

From the roof, Gudako hummed in agreement. She sat up a little, stretching her arms above her head as the sun warmed her skin. "It can't be helped. New places take time. The big companies got here first and took the spots that make the most money. We have to start somewhere."

She looked down at Niko and then over at Arno. "I've got an idea, Master. I can grab Niko here and we can walk around with some free samples. Let people try a bit of the food so they know what we're selling. Maybe that gets a few more customers to come over."

Niko's ears perked up immediately. She sat up straighter, already interested. "Yeah! We could do that. Walk near the water or by the hotel paths. Just a little taste of the bentos or the snacks. People might follow us back if they like it."

Arno thought about it for a moment. He looked at the slow trickle of people, then at the shelves that still held most of the denser foods and prepared meals. Free samples could draw attention. It had worked in other places before. But something about the idea didn't sit right this time.

He shook his head after a short pause. "I appreciate the offer. Really. But I don't think the problem is just the place."

Niko tilted her head. "What do you mean?"

Arno gestured toward the beach. "Look at who's walking around. Most of these people came here to swim, relax, and buy light stuff—drinks, sunscreen, maybe a quick snack. They're not looking for the kind of meals that sold well back in Lungmen. Different crowds with different habits."

He leaned on the counter again, watching a family set up an umbrella farther down the sand. "Even if we handed out free samples closer to the water, a lot of them would still walk past once they got the free bit since the interest for our type of merch just wouldn't be here. Plus, there are warnings lifeguards usually give about eating before swimming."

Gudako nodded slowly from the roof. "That makes sense. People want something quick and cold, not a full meal they have to sit down for. Especially since you can get cramps, which is dangerous when you're out in open and deep water.."

Niko groaned and flopped back again. "So we're stuck selling water and crackers all day while the real food sits there? That's so boring."

Arno gave a small shrug. "For now, maybe. We can adjust the stock as we go. See what people actually like and move on from there. The drinks are getting some traction in this area at least."

The sun climbed higher. More people filled the sand, but the flow past their cart stayed thin. A few more customers came by such as teenagers wanting a cold drink after playing in the waves. Each sale was relatively small so it was a slow day over all..

Niko eventually went back to her phone, though she kept glancing up every time someone walked past. Gudako stayed on the roof, eyes closed against the sun, clearly content to rest while the day dragged on. Arno stayed at the counter, greeting the occasional customer and watching the difference between their quiet stretch of beach and the busy stalls farther down.

A middle-aged couple stopped a short while later. The man asked about cold drinks while the woman looked over the smaller packaged snacks. In the end, they decided to grab some drinks and a bento to share. Arno thanked them and watched them walk away toward a cluster of umbrellas. Not a big sale, but better than nothing.

Gudako shifted on the roof, propping herself up on one elbow. "At least the candies seem to be moving faster now. Candy smoke is such a cool idea, by the way. But aside from that, I guess we can just put more emphasis on the drinks and smaller snacks and candies since the meals aren't really going anywhere. The coffee is cool too, but it's not really a beach drink unless you wanna start making those supposed artisanal crap where they pump loads of sugar, cream and sprinkles on it. Y'know, the kind that makes it look good on camera?"

Arno rubbed his nape and grimaced at the idea. "Please don't. Those ones barely even taste like coffee anymore, and the hype dies down really fast anyways. Let's just emphasize the drinks and candies more and go from there."

"Okie-dokie! I'll just put up a sign that says we also have food too, as well as put some sample cups out."

They did exactly that a short while later. Arno and Niko moved the water bottles and packaged light snacks to the front edge of the open side while the meals were put back in storage. Gudako stayed on the roof, occasionally calling down when she spotted someone looking their way.

The change helped a little. A few more people stopped for drinks. One woman bought two pieces of jam-filled bread for her kids. Still, the overall pace remained far slower than what they had grown used to.


More people started drifting closer as the afternoon wore on. Not a crowd, but a steadier trickle than the morning. Most of them came because of the Sugarettes. Word had spread a little among the nearby stalls and the people walking the path between the merchandise stands. A few workers from the shirt and surfboard shops wandered over during their breaks, curious about the unusual product. They bought one or two packs each, talked about the candy smoke for a minute, and then headed back to their own counters.

Random passersby also stopped more often once they noticed the small display. A couple of younger visitors asked questions about how the Sugarettes worked and bought a pack to try. An older man from one of the neighboring stalls bought three packs at once, saying he wanted to share them with the other vendors later. Each of those sales helped, but they were still small and spaced out.

Even with the extra interest, overall business stayed relatively slow. The novelty of the Sugarettes brought people over, but it just barely turned into steady traffic.

Another problem became clear as the day went on. The section of beach they were near apparently did not allow smoking, as shown by signs posted along the path and near the sand made it plain. Most of the people who bought Sugarettes ended up tucking the packs away instead of lighting one right there, while a few of them walked farther down the beach or toward the parking areas before they tried them. That limited how much the product could draw in new customers on the spot. People could buy them, but they could not really experience them while standing in front of the cart to bring more intrigue.

Most of the remaining sales came from the other shops nearby and from the occasional random passerby who happened to notice the open side of the cart. Workers from the flip-flop and souvenir stalls stopped by now and then for a drink or a small snack with the occasional bento. A few tourists who had already finished swimming wandered past looking for something cold. None of them stayed long, and none of them bought in large amounts.

Gudako watched the pattern with growing boredom. She had long finished her tanning session and was now just sitting behind the counter with Arno, chin in her hands. Niko had gone back inside to play on their gaming console after it became apparent that Arno didn't need help.

"At least we're getting some attention," she said. "But even those aren't selling that fast because nobody can smoke them here. It's like the one interesting thing we have is stuck behind a rule."

Arno nodded while restocking a few bottles of juice. "Yeah. But I can't help but be happy that they're taking the cleanliness of the beach so seriously though. Back home, most beaches had you up to your knees in trash. It still sucks that it's hard to sell though."

Gudako shifted on the roof, looking down at the path. "At least the workers from the other stalls seem interested? So… maybe they will tell more people later. Still, it is not enough to fill the day."

She then got a playful look in her eye as without warning, her original Tropical Summer getup…

To her Brilliant Summer Mystic Code.

"You know~... I coouuuld just lounge around like this. Just…gathering more peeps to come to the cart with my looks, y'know? What shop doesn't like a good poster girl to bring in more customers? Someone like…moi~? Come on, don't look at me like that. You saw how well it worked befo—OW!"

Before Gudako could enact her devious plan, Arno started pinching cheek, making her wince.

"Gudako, the last time you used your charm powers on people to get customers, you started a riot. People started climbing over each other to get a glimpse of you, remember? Besides, Niko is the poster girl."

"Pshh!" Gudako waved her Master's hand away. "That's ancient history! I can just tone it down! And as much as I respect Niko's cuteness, she's got nothing on yours truly~."

"THAT WAS TWO DAYS AGO!"

During that incident, Gudako changed into a rather provocative swimsuit that showed off her curves and toned muscles while taking poses near the entrance of the gate. And while she does look supernaturally beautiful with her powers, she also demonstrated a new power to Arno that had him use every ounce of self-control to keep things respectful.

Fellas, ya gurl can shapeshift.

And wouldn't you know it, she can somehow give herself the proportions and features of one of the more gifted Servants from Chaldea. People naturally were drawn in by the extremely hot figure and were ready to take pictures when the Beast girl did something extra stupid.

She took off the ring suppressing her powers.

It was barely 20 minutes later when Zelretch popped over after receiving a distress call from Niko with her phone, the latter having knocked out Arno after he once again fell victim to Gudako's spell (with a skillet this time, as revenge for burning her pancakes as the dummy was too busy staring at her friend's boobies. But you didn't hear that from Niko, no siree bob, you didn't hear nothing.)

Spoiler: Imagine her holding a skillet

And the Wizard Marshall found a gigantic crowd of people trying to knock down a post that Gudako was on top of to escape their clutches. The girl looked very sheepish when she noticed Sir Kaleidoscope looking at her with a tired expression.

With the assistance of the Kaleidosticks, they were successfully able to knock everyone out and wipe their memories of the events. And Gudako was given a stern talking to by both Arno and Zelretch when things got back to normal.

She is currently still not allowed to play her gacha games for the next two weeks after that, making her whine and beg for Arno to reconsider.

"B-but…what about my dailies?! I need to do those to make more rolls!" Gudako pleaded while on her knees. "C'mon, Master! Please! Is there nothing else I can do other than this?!"

Niko promised to play her games for her while she was grounded to make sure the gacha addict didn't miss out on the event. Yet all it did was succeed in making her whine even louder as her Master didn't budge. Only stopping when Arno threatened to extend it by a month.

It was only a coincidence that nobody was able to get pictures before the Beast girl got swarmed. Who knows what would have happened if her pictures started floating around the web. But that didn't stop Gudako, even while grounded, to add some features to herself when she knew Arno was looking, as if to tease him.

"No, I'm not lifting the ban. Especially since you don't seem to regret what happened considering that you're suggesting it again."

"Phooey."

It mostly continued like that until near closing time with only the odd purchase of some bread and bentos for a customer and his buddies at the other shops. Yet just before they began closing, an elegant voice chimed out from the path, clear enough to cut through the low evening sounds of the beach.

"Good evening, Mr. Arno. Slow day as usual, I suppose?"

Arno turned and he saw Lady Ceylon standing a short distance away, dressed neatly despite the sand and salt air. Schwarz remained a step behind her, quiet and watchful as always.

Arno set down the panel he had been securing and gave a small bow. "Yes, milady. It appears that my friends and I are currently at a disadvantage, but we'll figure something out."

Ceylon tsked lightly, the sound more amused than irritated. "Please drop the formalities, good sir. I am just a quaint researcher, after all."

"Nonsense, milady." Arno's lips turned up slightly. "You are my benefactor, and if it weren't for you, I would have probably been sent to the outskirts or something to sell my goods. It is only natural for me to address you in this manner."

Ceylon regarded him for a moment, then let out a quiet breath that might have been a sigh.

"…You're never going to stop, are you? At least Miss Niko over there got the memo. Please note that I am not holding any title of benefactor over your head so that you feel obligated to owe me money or favors. You could simply say that I was… intrigued by your product line, as well as the effects you claim they produce." The young liberi researcher said as she watched her sister and bodyguard go near the counter.

"Many merchants have tried to pull the wool over my eyes with so-called remedies and 'special' goods. Most of it is little more than clever packaging and empty promises. Yours, however, have shown results that are rather difficult to dismiss. Potent, one might say. That alone is worth taking seriously, so bravo."

As she said this, Gudako offered a foldable chair for her to sit in while Arno opened a large bottle of juice for them to share while they talked.

While they spoke, Schwarz moved past them without a word and approached the open side of the cart. Niko looked up, a little surprised, then quickly shifted into her usual helpful mode.

"Hi, Miss Schwarz." Niko said. "Do you want anything? We're near closing time, but I can dig something up if you like."

Schwarz gave a short nod. "The usual drinks, please. And more of the packaged meals if you still have them." Her voice was low and even. She placed a list of orders on the counter without fuss and waited while Niko gathered the items.

Niko packed the drinks and meals into a small bag and handed it over. "Oooh, another big one, huh? Okay, I'll just go get the stuff, so please wait. At least SOME people know good food when they see it." The cat—err, young girl muttered the last part under her breath.

Schwarz took the bag with a brief "Appreciated," then stepped back to stand near her charge while Niko and Gudako went to gather the items..

Arno straightened from his slight bow. "I'm glad the goods have proven useful, milady. We've been adjusting what we put forward each day, trying to match what people here actually reach for."

Ceylon's gaze moved briefly over the remaining displays, then back to him. "Adaptation is the sensible approach. A researcher who refuses to revise their methods when the data changes rarely produces anything of lasting value. The same principle applies to commerce, I imagine." She paused, then added in a slightly lighter tone, "I trust the location has not been entirely unkind, even if the pace is slower than what you were accustomed to."

"It's manageable, I guess." Arno replied. "And considering that we are somewhat independent, that is to say that we do not have a corporation to back us up, it is to be expected. We will bounce back after a while when we figure out what to give people here, so rest assured that we will not be a pit of money for you, milady."

Ceylon nodded once, satisfied with the answer but still rolled her eyes at the address. "There you go again, good sir, with your overly formal address. But nonetheless, it is good to hear that you can still draw in customers even if it is a slight hassle to get here."

She glanced toward the darkening water, then back at the cart. "I won't keep you from closing. The evening is already advancing, and I have reports of my own to finish. Schwarz and I simply happened to be in the area."

Schwarz remained silent, though her eyes flicked once toward the path leading away from the beach, already assessing the route back.

Niko finished securing the last of the lighter items and leaned on the counter. "You're welcome anytime. The drinks stay cold, at least. Bye, miss Ceylon! Bye, miss Schwarz!"

Ceylon gave a small, polite smile in Niko's direction. "I shall keep that in mind, and thank you once again." She turned her attention fully to Arno again. "Continue as you are. And please drop the overly formal talk, next time."

Arno inclined his head. "Thank you, milady. We'll keep at it."

Ceylon sighed as she did not correct the formality this time. She simply adjusted the strap of the bag Schwarz carried and prepared to leave. "Then I wish you a quieter evening than the day that preceded it. Oh, and Father has taken an interest in the food that we have been bringing back as of late, so expect him to contact you soon."

Schwarz thanked them as well and waved a little before turning, then fell into step beside Ceylon as they started back along the path. Their figures moved steadily away from the cart, the elegant researcher and her quiet shadow, until the growing dusk began to soften their outlines.

Arno watched them go for a moment longer before turning back to the final latches. Niko stretched her arms above her head and yawned.

"She's nicer than she looks at first," Niko said. "Still talks like she's grading a paper, though."

Arno gave a short huff of amusement and finished securing the side of the cart. "She's a researcher after all. Must be used to using plenty of academic jargon and terms when writing and speaking due to her background.."

Gudako, who had remained quiet near the rear during the exchange, finally spoke. "She's still a nice girl, Master, even if prideful and haughty at times. So take it easy when you tease her like that."

"That's rich, coming from you. And how do you know that she's haughty? She seemed pretty nice so far?" Arno asked as he put away the extra chairs.

"I have my ways."

The three of them finished the last of the closing work as the beach prepared for its evening visitors, and with shops changing out their signs and even decor to receive them. But unknownst to the trio, they shall soon be a part of that very group.

---

The Entity watched the cart from its usual distance.

Sales on the Siesta beach remained thin as only light snacks moved in small amounts. Sugarettes drew a few workers from nearby stalls, but it was not enough in its eyes.

Do not misunderstand. The Entity is thankful that his apostles employees have been working hard to unknowingly spread its influence, but it needed more.

The Entity reviewed the scenario with mild concern, as even though it was still gaining currency, it fears that its project will come to a halt as the little interest in the cart blows over and is forgotten.

It considered several options. Adding more novelty items risked running into local rules the way the Sugarettes already had, and skepticism of more odd products can be red flags for the customers. Pushing the heavier stock harder would waste effort. Something new was required…something tourists can enjoy on the beach.

The Entity turned its attention to its own stores. Rows of possibilities waited there, most of them either too dramatic or too plain for the present need. It moved through them methodically until its focus settled on the wine cabinet.

The cabinet held bottles collected over a long period. Some were ordinary. Others carried effects that can be considered miraculous or cursed depending on the beholder.

The idea took shape quickly. The cart could receive a limited run of the simpler spirits and wines as an experiment. The effects would remain light and temporary. Nothing that violated local regulations. Nothing that drew unwanted attention. Just enough difference to make a customer stop, taste, and remember the cart.

It was genius, the Entity realized.

The Entity began preparing the shipment with complete confidence. In its view the quantities were modest, the effects mild, and the packaging perfectly clear with its instructions. Arno would find the crates waiting in storage the next morning. They would set the bottles out, explain them in simple terms, and the beach would respond exactly as the Entity expected.

It considered the plan elegant. A lighter drinks such as beer would cause mild bouts of relaxation while the whiskey and rum would bring out one's courage. By its own measure the effects sat firmly in the "gentle and harmless" range. The Entity saw no reason anyone would struggle with them.

It finished the arrangements, satisfied that it had solved the problem with precision and restraint. The shipment was then whisked into the cart's storage without further thought, while the Entity returned its attention to the three operators, certain they would handle the new stock with their usual practicality. It then went on to busy itself to write a new notice to give its chosen people directions on how to use these items.

What it did not account for was the gap between its own standards and those of the average person on Terra.

---

The Entity: I'M HALPING!

Everyone else: Please stop helping.


AN: Hello, consumers. I'm back with a new, albeit shorter chapter for this fic. This is just a way for me to get back into the swing of things as I've been busy with things on my end. Thank you for everyone that's been waiting for my glorious return. Sadly, the original chapter in place of this didn't get saved on the Cloud for some reason, so I had to redo it from scratch. Hopefully it's okay with y'alls in terms of quality. So I'll see you guys in the next chapter.

By the way, the scene with Gudako causing a riot? Here's a mental image for y'all. She decided to go out there on the beach entrance before Arno could stop her, and chose Ushiwakamaru's swimsuit.

Okay, that isn't so bad, right? It's pretty hot for what it is, and it shows off the original's form very well, so what's wrong?

She wore that…and donned Raikou's figure. And it just spiralled from there. One can be thankful she didn't decide to go full Passionlip or Barghest when she did it.

 

[aquanine]

Thanks for the chappy

 

[CereysKerrigan]

What, the cure/Vac for orignium?

 

[Krein]

A lighter drinks such as beer would cause mild bouts of relaxation while the whiskey and rum would bring out one's courage.

Click to shrink...

...Those are going to be literal 'mind-affecting alcoholic potions', aren't they?

She wore that…and donned Raikou's figure

Click to shrink...

pics or ir didn't happen

 

[Paracsus]

...Those are going to be literal 'mind-affecting alcoholic potions', aren't they?


pics or ir didn't happen

Click to shrink...

Nobody was able to take pics because they all went insane, remember.

 

[Paracsus]

What, the cure/Vac for orignium?

Click to shrink...

Nope. Something liek that will be quite a ways away.