[Bulletin Board / Action]

[vulcanblazer]

[Board Message]

[Pinned on the message board in the main foyer of the Overlord's Castle is a new notice, something of an advertisement, really. Done mostly by hand, it reads the following:]

NOW OPEN: ADELL'S ITEM WORLD LEVELING SERVICE

That new sword you bought not cutting it? That armor you found on a defeated enemy not protective enough? Don't sell them off for a quick buck, invest in it. No time for Item Worlding to make it better? That's where we come in.

I can provide quick, easy Item World leveling and service for a reasonable fee up front, there are two options you can take:

1) If you don't wish to come into the item along with me after you pay the fee, I will level the item up as best as I can. What's the catch here? Anything I find in the item, gear, money, or other valuables are mine. But on the other hand, you just gained a powerful item for only paying an upfront, one-time cost.

2) If you choose to accompany me into the item, items and Hell will be divided equally between us, with preference of items going to the consumer.

Either way is a good deal, so next time you're in need of an item upgrade and you can't find the time or don't want to take the risk of venturing into the Item World alone, count on Adell for everything you need!

[Action]

[Adell himself had put the finishing touches on his stall a few days before, finally ready for business. It took a lot longer to get off the ground than he started; he had to level up some gear of his own on the side to make sure he could cover the tougher contracts. Thankfully, having power comparable to an Overlord made Item World running easy enough. So fully equipped and ready, Adell sat at his stall and awaited any curious individuals or potential customers.

He kept an eye out. Honestly, he was surprised no one else thought of this sooner. He'll probably make a killing off it.]

Comments

[vulcanblazer]

Ha, hardly. Any fighter worth their salt knows the weapon's not what makes the man. A great weapon won't do anything if the wielder isn't skilled.

But the skilled deserve to have the best weapons they can get their hands on, don't you think?

[sonofursa]

[He gives a grudging nod, because he still doesn't feel like what Adell's saying now and his description of this Item World thing match up.]

If you want to talk about a good weapon, then you talk about the weight and the balance, the quality of the steel and the sharpness of the blade. Anything else is confusing the weapon with its master.

[vulcanblazer]

Those are all factors, but you'll understand once you see the difference in an item that's never been put through the item world, and one that has. Without exaggeration, a fully unleashed and leveled weapon will make the original version pale in comparison.

Think of it almost like magic, if you must. But it's a for real deal.

In fact, I really need to get some demo copies of weapons to illustrate that. Thanks for that idea.

[sonofursa]

[Zuko remains unconvinced, especially when the word 'magic' enters the conversation.]

Yeah. Some display pieces might help your pitch.

[It almost sounds like he thinks Adell is trying to dupe people.]

[vulcanblazer]

[It does, and he doesn't like it. And his tone quickly reflects umbrage at it.]

Hey, if you think I'm trying to screw you over, why don't you go into the Item World and see for yourself? I don't pass out free runs to just anyone, so how about this? Why don't I give you one of the swords I found in one of my runs, you can test it, and then go improve it yourself?

I live in the Netherworld, man. I know what I'm talking about when it comes to this, and lying about it isn't my style.

[sonofursa]

Being the one who warned me about scams doesn't automatically put you in the clear.

[Although the thought that people might actually be able to go inside their weapons like Adell says is easily more disturbing than that of a potential scam. Yeah, let's stick with disbelief.]

I'm happy with my own swords, thanks all the same.

(sorry for the delay, been a long week...)

[vulcanblazer]

[He's quickly beginning to see why so many people who work customer service get frustrated with customers, even if Zuko does have a point.]

Well, whatever. I'll have demo swords soon enough, so if you ever get curious again, you can check 'em out if you want.

no worries!

[sonofursa]

[He can bother Zuko at the tea shop later if it'll make him feel any better.]

Maybe I will. We'll see how many satisfied customers you've had by then.