Hunter Academy: Revenge of the Weakest novel Chapter 713

Chapter 713 161.2 - Market

The competition's rules were simple: one would haggle first while the other observed from a discreet distance, then they'd switch, each attempting to get a better price for the same item. At the end of three rounds, they'd compare receipts to declare the victor.

Irina, her hazel eyes blazing with determination, volunteered to go first. She stepped up to the first stall-a vibrant display of handwoven scarves, each shimmering faintly with mana-infused thread. Astron lingered just out of carshot, his posture relaxed but his sharp gray eyes clearly watching.

******

The first haggle was about a scarf.

Irina picked up a pale blue scarf, running her fingers over the delicate fabric as the vendor beamed at her.

"Ah, a fine choice," the vendor said, clasping his hands. "Mana-woven silk, perfect for warding off the chill while enhancing your magical resonance. 3000 Valer."

Irina tilted her head, her expression thoughtful. 'Alright, start strong. Compliment the item, but cast doubt on its worth! She held the scarf up to the light, her lips curving into a small smile.

"It's lovely, but I've seen similar scarves priced lower in Stellamare's main market," she said smoothly. "For 3000 Valer, I'd expect something rarer. How about 1500?"

The vendor's smile faltered. "1500? Madam, this is no ordinary scarf! The mana infusion alone makes it worth far more. I could go to 2500 for you, but not a coin

less."

Irina arched an eyebrow, her tone taking on a polite but firm edge. "2500 is generous, but I doubt you'll move these at that price today. I'll offer 2000 Valer-right now."

The vendor hesitated, glancing between her and the scarf. After a moment, he sighed. "Alright, 2000. You drive a hard bargain."

Irina's lips curled into a triumphant smile as she handed over the coins. She glanced toward Astron, who gave no visible reaction, before moving on to the next stall.

******

At the next stall, Irina examined a pair of golden earrings shaped like phoenix feathers, their edges glinting faintly with enchantment.

"Ah, exquisite taste!" the vendor exclaimed. "These earrings are imbued with minor fatigue resistance-practical and stylish. Only 8000 Valer."

Irina raised an eyebrow. 'Overpriced. Time to play the long game.' She set the earrings down gently. "8000? They're charming, but for that price. I'd expect a stronger

enchantment."

The vendor looked startled but recovered quickly. "The craftsmanship alone-"

"Is excellent, but not worth more than 5000 Valer," Irina interjected, folding her arms. "That's my offer."

The vendor grimaced. "5000 is far too low... I could do 7000, but not a coin less." Irina gave a small, calculated shrug. "Then I'll look elsewhere. Plenty of vendors carry similar designs."

As she turned to leave, the vendor panicked. "Wait! 6000 Valer. Final offer."

Irina paused, her lips twitching into a victorious smile before she turned back. "Deal"

She handed over the coins, her gaze darting toward Astron. He stood a few stalls away, arms crossed, watching with quiet interest.

******

At the final stall, Irina selected a small mana trinket-a pendant that shimmered faintly with shifting colors.

"This is a rare piece," the vendor said proudly. "Crafted with spectral mana. 10,000 Valer."

Irina let out a soft laugh, shaking her head. "This one's absurdly overpriced. Heh....you think you can trick me into doing this?' She leaned forward slightly, her tone turning skeptical. "10,000 for this? It's lovely, but I've seen better-crafted pendants with stronger mana flow."

The vendor's smile wavered. "Ah, but this one-"

"I'll offer 4000 Valer," Irina said firmly. "That's more than fair for something of this

level."

"4000? Impossible!" the vendor exclaimed. "The materials alone-"

"Are standard," Irina interrupted, holding his gaze. "Look, I don't want to waste either of our time. 5000 Valer, and we'll make the deal now."

The vendor hesitated, his expression conflicted. Finally, he sighed. "Alright, 5000 Valer. You drive a hard bargain, miss."

Irina paid for the pendant, clutching the receipt as she walked back toward Astron. Her eyes sparkled with triumph as she gestured for him to take his turn.

******

Irina returned to Astron's side, her hazel eyes glowing with triumph as she clasped her hands behind her back. She exuded confidence, the faint smirk on her lips practically daring him to try and top her performance.

"Well," she began smugly, tilting her head slightly. "I hope you were paying attention, Astron. You might learn a thing or two. I managed to get those vendors down to what I'd call very reasonable prices. I'd be surprised if you could even come close." Astron glanced at her, his gray eyes calm and unreadable. "You seem confident," he said simply.

Irina crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow. "Oh, I am. Those prices were practically unbeatable. You should just accept your loss now and spare yourself the