Ugh. Worse time to work on this with a revamp of my research paper needing to be done.
Chapter 2:
The Branwen Tribe does not stay in one place. Their campsites are constantly on the move to avoid becoming stationary targets for Grimm and people. The effort of taking down camp and moving takes a considerable amount of time and effort, not to mention it makes them vulnerable.
Once they form a convoy and move out, scouts are sent in advance to see if there's any danger ahead. When the scouts reported a large and expensive red vehicle parked at the foothill where they would have been passing through, Raven was immediately suspicious. The first instinct from her less than bright kins was to steal it, maybe hold its owner captive for ransom.
Imagine Raven Branwen's surprised when more scouts reported back saying that they couldn't do anything to the vehicle, or its owner.
"What do you make of this, ma'am?" Vernal asks the black-haired woman. The young girl was her Spring Maiden decoy and soon to be her trusted lieutenant.
Raven didn't like it.
She scowls from behind her mask, "I don't like it."
She's been watching her kin try and hijacked the vehicle, only to be repelled by some unseen force. They eventually resorted to threatening an unfazed teenager with amber blond hair and brown eyes. His response was to simply smile and remain idle inside his RV, ignoring the gun pointed at his head.
"Now, now. Do try to conserve your bullets when you truly need them." He chides them playfully, irritating them.
A bandit wielding a powerful automatic rifle immediately unloaded his entire clip into the teen.
Instead of puncturing his body, the bullets straight up flatten against his body like clay. Despite being entirely covered in burning thin sheets of flattened bullets, the teen casually wipes them off like they were nothing but small paper plates.
"That packed quite a punch. What is the caliber for that gun you're holding?" The teen leans on the window's counter of his RV and rubs his chin, "You would think that I would instantly know the caliber of most weapons after being on the receiving end of them so many times."
He laughs at his self-deprecating joke while some of the bandits slowly backed away. Fearful of his invincibility.
Another bandit steps forth and lobbed an improvised explosive device into the RV and ran back before it could explode. Raven frowns slightly at this waste of plunder, but it was better safe than sorry. Anyone who can tank an entire clip at point-blank without flinching is a huge threat to her and the tribe.
The teenager blinks and looked at the IED, pointing at it. "I didn't know bandits use explosives like these. Did you make that yourself?"
It detonated, rocking the entire area with a powerful blast that funneled out of the window and into the bandits, sending them flying.
"Idiots!" Raven jumps down with her armed group, quickly rushing to their aid. "Hey! You alright?"
She grabs one of the bandits by the arm and pulled her up.
"Huh?" The bandit looked slightly dazed, "Did you say something?! My ears and ringing!"
"Tsk. They're fine." Raven kept her eyes on the red RV that remained intact. "Vernal, with me."
The sound of coughing could be heard from the RV as the thick smoke begins to clear up. She puts a hand onto the handle of her sword, the mechanized sheath rotating and stopping on an ice Dust-infused blade.
The boy came into view, swatting away the smoke, looking untouched by the explosion. Not a smudge from the explosion could be seen on the vehicle or the teenager. Raven can't help but glance down at her weapon, doubting it would make much of a difference should she decide to attack him. Even she can't withstand an entire clip to the face, much less a highly packed explosive.
"I must say, that was an impressive explosion. You might be interested in some of the ordnance I have in stock." He remarks with an amused look. "Ah! And look who has arrived. If it isn't the chieftain of the Branwen Tribe, Raven Branwen. Hello there."
"So, you've heard of me." Raven coolly replies, silently signaling for her fellow bandits to back away in case things get ugly.
"You and your former teammates." She could feel the boy staring through her mask, gauging something within her. "And I see you've taken the burden upon yourself."
Raven tightens the grip on her sword. 'Calm yourself. That could mean anything.'
She can see Vernal looking at her through the corner of her eyes, ready to play her role on her command.
"Where are my manners? Call me Seth, owner of Here and There." He gestures to the board mounted over the counter.
[Here and There]
A Store out of Nowhere
"A store?" Vernal's perplexed expression is shared with just about everybody present.
"Of course. I am a traveling merchant after all."
Raven remains silent and reads the service plaque.
Supplies
Medical supplies, ammo, Dust crystals, utility devices, you name it!
Smithy
Buy, upgrade, or design your own weapon and armor!
Clothes and Accessories
Spare wear while being functionally fashionable!
Food & Drinks
Can't survive without a good meal and drink!
Sell
'What're ya selling?' Because everything has a price!
"Now then, shall we get down to business?"
"You want to do actual business with us?" Raven loosen the grip on Omen and studied him behind her mask. "We're not some wandering tribe, you know."
"I'm well aware that the Branwen Tribe are bandits," Seth answers honesty, his smile turns into a grin that made Raven uneasy. "I would imagine that banditry would yield some spoils that doesn't have much value to you, and I would happy to buy it off your hand."
"And how do I know you're not setting us up?"
"I am an honest merchant, and I certainly don't discriminate who my clients are, Ms. Branwen." He yawns and then stretches his arms before giving her a knowing look. "Whether they're Huntsmen or some evil immortal witch from a fairy tale, it matters not to me."
Raven froze on the spot. Her breathing stilled momentarily before she caught herself. She was glad that her subordinates didn't notice anything. It would have made her seem weak, and she hates looking weak.
She reevaluates her situation. It doesn't seem like Seth is working for Salem, and certainly not with Ozpin. He could be sprouting random nonsense, but it sounds like he knows more than he lets on if the subtle hints are anything to go by, including the Maiden's power. She's very tempted to silence him, but after seeing how he emerged unscathed from the numerous attempts on his life, she doubts it'll be anything but an easy fight.
This helplessness… She hated it. If she can't overcome something by destroying it, then it's best to retreat. But he doesn't seem to be hostile, only opportunistic. Raven is cautious, but she too is pragmatic.
"… Very well." She pulls out a silver pendant she got a week ago from raiding an armored transport carrier. "How much would you give for this?"
The plaque reading Sell activated, generating a holographic screen before the chieftain nearly startling her.
Round Floral Silver Pendant
Sell Price: 109,017 Lien
Adjust Tradable Currency
"A Sterling silver pendant! These are in high demand by the wealthy elites you know."
Seth observes the silver pedant while ignoring the burning glare from Raven, who does not enjoy being startled. Raven slimmer her temper and quietly went through her options before deciding to stick with Lien. After some hesitation, she went through with the transaction, curious to see how everything works.
The silver pendant in her hand flickers out of existence, replaced with a stack of Lien neatly secured by a rubber band. A receipt was wrapped around the stack of Lien detailing the transaction.
Transaction:
1x Round Floral Silver Pendant SOLD FOR - 109,017 Lien
You Receive: 109,017 Lien
'… How?' Raven gathers her thoughts, tossing the stack of Lien into the air several times and catching it. "Curious how you can do all these things: Being able to withstand an explosion and bullets to the face without flinching, now making objects appear and disappear on a whim."
"Let's just say that's a trade secret."
"Hmph. How do I know these aren't counterfeit?"
"You have my word that they are not, besides… I think your tribe's reputation makes it difficult for others to conduct business with."
"Except you."
Seth grins and pulls back. "What're ya buying?" He asks in a strange accent, chuckling then composing himself "Sorry, couldn't help myself. Anyway, I can assure you that my wares are up to everybody's standards. Weapons, medical supplies, ammo, food… Why don't you and your tribe take a look at what I have in store? It might look like it's not carrying much, but things aren't always what they appear to be."
Raven gave him a hard look, then activates the Smithy holographic interface. A few seconds pass by as she browsed through some of the stock, glancing at the stack of Lien in her hand.
"You really know how to rig a business model."
That made him laugh out loud. "Oh, you humble me!"
"That wasn't a compliment." She growled and was suddenly wary about her surroundings. "And what of the Grimm?"
"Oh, don't worry about the Grimm." He dismisses her concerns, "They like to steer clear of the entire area when I establish a safe zone to conduct business."
'Establish what?' The raven-haired bandit only gave him a deadpan stare in response.
/-/
The ride to Southern Mistrial can be summed up in one word: Horrible.
I should have known the damn Auto Drive would drive us off a fucking cliff and into the ocean because we were on another continent. If I had known, I would had used another method to get to Mistral. You might be wondering how I even got to Mistral within less than a day across the ocean and by RV. Ever seen someone walk on water? Now picture a giant RV driving across the water and nearly breaking the sound barrier in the process.
Isn't that a sight? Well, it sucks if you're inside the vehicle and bracing the ocean waves since it feels like it was driving on a screwed-up road. On the flip side, I got to Southern Mistral quickly before daybreak at the expense of my sleep. But that's the cost of doing business, or overhead expense if you major in business. Actually, worth the cost, let me tell you that.
By chance, I encountered the Branwen Tribe on the move, and with my encounter is a business opportunity. Everything is going accordingly to what I had envisioned. Things like pieces of jewelry are practically useless to them unless they can find someone willing to buy their plunder. With their cutthroat reputation, good luck finding a buyer. Ain't that a shame? All this untapped market and trade so far from civilization?
Well, I'm here to fix that.
'The net gains I've made today are huge.' I happily thought to myself.
After asserting the quality of my wares, Raven sent out an order to bring everything that isn't of use to them. I buy their plunder, then they use the money from the transaction to buy things from me. Weapons, supplies, food, and drinks. Especially food and drinks. I can't imagine them getting a good meal out here in the wild.
Speaking of weapons, young Vernal has commissioned a weapon that I am all too familiar with. A weapon that she used when she first made her appearance in RWBY Vol 4.
Blueprint: Vernal's weapon
2x High Carbon Heat-Treated Steel – 2,241 Lien
2x Dust Infusers, Type M5 – 2,539 Lien
4x Chrome-Moly Steel Barrel – 4,549 Lien
6x Grade 4 Titanium XS Gearwheel – 4,644 Lien
8x Type 01 Steel – 6,823 Lien
Total: 20,796 Lien
A whirring sound came from the forge compartment with Vernal's weapon in the making. Technology really is wonderful, able to do things at a moment's notice. You can forget about all the small parts and details because it'll convert the material to do everything that is needed.
[Initiating forging…]
[Converting materials]
[Molding outline]
I produced a receipt and copy of Vernal's weapon blueprint and hand it to her. "I must say. Your weapon design is most elegant. It reminds me of a weapon called a chakram. A circular bladed weapon. Most variants are made to be thrown though, not like yours which has multiple capabilities."
"Uh, thanks."
DING!
[Vernal's weapon: Completed]
"It seems that your weapon is finished." I retrieved it out of the compartment with a metal tray, carefully presenting Vernal her new weapon.
The weapons were two crescent-shaped blades, each with a ring-shaped center. The large outer blades had hooked points that pointed back toward the grip. They had four smaller blades located in pairs above and below the grip, which were wrapped in red cloth and curved to form part of the middle ring. The large outer blades were capable of collapsing towards the grip.
Atop the ring and below the upper blades was a pair of rectangular gun barrels. Within the main ring was a smaller, thinner ring connected by a pin to the forward-facing portion of the weapons, acting as a trigger for the barrels.
Vernal reached out and wraps her hands around the handle of her newly created weapon. She tilts it to the side and back, inspecting its quality.
"How is it?" Raven asks her, leaning on the counter with her arms crossed. It was nice of her to use the Lien she got from selling that silver pendant to help commission Vernal's weapon.
"A little bit heavy, but it's how I'd imagine it…" She did a few slow-motion swings.
Equipment [Vernal's weapon]
Grade: Rare
Physical Range DMG: 104 – 366
Physical Melee DMG: 70 – 295
Elemental DMG: 20 – 114
"I'm happy to hear that. Since your weapon is also a gun, it would need some bullets. Here, allow me to include these." I slide four ammo clips to supplement her weapon.
Raven snatched the ammo clips off the counter and gave me a glare while handing it to Vernal who looked intimidated. "Vernal. Go and practice with your new weapon."
The girl quickly hurries off. I raised an eyebrow as Raven leers at me for the… Well, I lost count.
[47 times]
'Shut up you psychotic interdimensional software.'
"Something wrong, Ms. Branwen?"
"I don't trust you."
'Hm, yes. And the ground is ground.' Questioningly, I pointed to the bandits hard at work, setting up tents and wooden staked walls. "Yet you have your entire tribe set up camp around my RV, or are you trying to trap me in?"
"I'm not stupid. You're free to leave whenever you like." She snaps, then lowers her voice. "What are you after?"
"Profit, of course. What else would a merchant be aiming for?"
"Don't. Lie."
I can't help but grin widely. It's so fun to mess with people while telling the truth.
"Ms. Branwen. I am but a free-spirited and honest merchant. All I'm looking for is to make a profit while exploring the world. What about you? What are you after?"
Raven regards me for a moment. "How much do you know?"
'Not answering my question, I see.' I lazily shrugged, "A lot of things, but you shouldn't worry about me spilling them. Especially yours."
"You knew." Her statement was more of an accusation. A flicker of magic emits from her eye before disappearing.
'I wonder how long Raven had the Spring Maiden's power.' Almost feel bad for whoever the previous Spring Maiden was. I say almost because I know next to nothing about here.
"As I said earlier, I know many things. But yes, I'm aware of the burden you've placed upon yourself. You need not to bribe me. I won't be telling anyone."
Raven grits her teeth, "Words are not enough."
"I'm afraid I don't know if there's anything to convince you otherwise. Hm? Oh, if you excuse me... Your kin would like to conduct business with me." I motion to a small group of bandits that were waiting patiently for their leader to finish.
Raven shoots them a look and growls, causing them to stiffen. She then puts on her helmet and walks away in a huff.
'No chill.' I turn to my customers and beckon them to come forth. "My apologies for that! Now to business."
/-/
When I announced that I'll be leaving after they had finished dinner, the entire tribe swarmed my RV to sell and buy at the last second. It took a while for everyone to get what they need, but I've handled rushes like this before so everything went very smoothly. It helps that Raven was around, keeping everyone from getting too rowdy.
A shame I wasn't able to establish a feasible business connection with her. She tried her best to avoid me by sulking in her tent almost the entire day. It's adorable how she uses Vernal as a go-between to buy food during lunch and dinner.
I processed the last transaction for the day, handing over the receipt to a tough-looking bandit. Even the weapon he bought matches his muscular physique. A heavy saber and high caliber pistol.
Transaction:
1x Type H Saber Scabbard – 1,113 Lien
1x 6T Pistol Holster – 946 Lien
1x CS Type H Saber – 5,586 Lien
1x 6T-F00 Pistol – 4,385 Lien
16x .50 AE Clip – 2,963 Lien
Total: 14,993 Lien
"It's a pleasure doing business with you."
The bandit nods and happily returns to his tent with his weapons secured to their respective holster.
After doing a few last calls, I started up the RV and slowly drive out of the Branwen campsite. Waiting at the gate is Raven, looking eager to see me leave.
'How cruel. I helped armed and feed your entire tribe.' I stopped the RV and poked my head out of the window, "Need something, Ms. Branwen?" I eyed her sheathed weapon, "Maybe a last-second upgrade for your weapon?"
"No."
"Are you sure? Your Dust infused blades are so fragile. Powerful, sharp, and elementally potent, yet so brittle. It would be a waste to be constantly crafting new ones." My analysis was met with Raven positioning her weapon away from my line of sight and fixing me another glare.
[103 times]
'Fuck off.'
"Where are you heading next?" She asked, studying me like a wary predator.
Shrugging, I answered her truthfully. "Where I go, no one knows. Not even me. Oh, don't make that face. It'll ruin your complexation as you get older."
It seems that I shouldn't have mentioned her age, because I could a powerful killing intent radiating off of her.
'Whoops…'
"That was rather rude of me. My apologies." I keep forgetting you shouldn't bring up age with some people.
Raven spats on the ground and points towards the darkening wilderness. "Leave."
"Of course, I shall be on my way." I cheerfully wave her goodbye and drove off. "I'll be back someday! Try to keep your loots intact!"
From my rearview mirror, Raven was flipping me the bird much to my amusement. More so since she can turn into a bird.
It reminds me of the time I was in the Fullmetal Alchemist universe where Edward Elric used his alchemy to construct a massive middle finger for calling him a midget. Those were the good old days.
'Hate to imagine what Raven was like as a teenager. Alright, give me the total and conversion amount for today.'
[End-of-Day Sales Totals Report]
…
Sales Total: 2,783,853 Lien
Conversion Amount: 807,317
'Heeeh… Good yield for the second day. Even better when I start selling off what I bought from the Branwen Tribe.'
I really don't know how Lien holds up to other currency, so I am going in a bit blind and relying on the system to give me information. You may have over a million cash on hand, but if there's inflation, you're not a millionaire. See what I'm getting what?
"I'll leave the driving to you, again. Don't drive us off a fucking cliff this time. I need some sleep." I jumped onto my bed and pull the cover over myself. Our destination is still somewhere in Southern Mistral, which is mostly an open field. Hopefully, it'll be a smoother ride from here on out.
[Auto Drive: On]
'Wonder where I'll end up this time.' I thought to myself before drifting off to sleep.