{"id":4103,"date":"2025-12-09T04:04:58","date_gmt":"2025-12-09T04:04:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/novel.mdtaal-aminii.my.id\/?p=4103"},"modified":"2025-12-09T04:04:58","modified_gmt":"2025-12-09T04:04:58","slug":"merchant-crab-chapter-18-staff-meeting-read-merchant-crab-chapter-18-staff-meeting-online-all-page-novel-bin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/novel.mdtaal-aminii.my.id\/?p=4103","title":{"rendered":"Merchant Crab #Chapter 18: Staff Meeting – Read Merchant Crab Chapter 18: Staff Meeting Online – All Page – Novel Bin"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

It had been another scorching hot morning, and Balthazar had just emerged from the pond\u2019s waters where he was attempting to cool himself off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A few paces to the side, Druma stood with his feet submerged, using a wooden bucket to pour water over himself, his wizard hat resting on the shore behind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe need to get some shelter built for those crates,\u201d Balthazar said to the goblin. \u201cOr else the heat from the sun is going to spoil all the fruit. Think you can put up some tarp shelter there for shade this afternoon?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Druma squinted at the crab, water rolling off the sides of his hairless head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Balthazar rolled his eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPut the hat on,\u201d he said, pointing a pincer at the hat behind the goblin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOooooh,\u201d said the assistant, as he fit the oversized hat on his head. \u201cYes, yes! Druma can do!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A loud grumbling came from Balthazar\u2019s stomach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut for now, I think it\u2019s time for a lunch break.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The crab and the goblin joined the large golem who sat on the ground next to Balthazar\u2019s tent, back straight, hands on his crossed legs. It was yet unclear how effective Bouldy would be if things got ugly, but at the very least, in terms of looking big and imposing, he was doing a fine enough job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Balthazar adjusted himself into the large cushion that lay in front of his tent. It was his place of choice to look over his pond. Perfect view of the whole area, allowing him to keep an eye on any adventurer who came in from the road and browsed his wares displayed on the many wooden shelves and tables Druma had been dutifully building for the past few weeks, and best of all, sitting on it made him look very regal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Or at least he felt so. He had never actually seen a king in person, but he felt sure they had a lot of common tastes. Living a life of luxury, surrounded by gold and servants, eating delicious food all day, that certainly sounded like a good deal. Not so much the part about having to put up with a whole kingdom of annoying people, though.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With careful precision, Balthazar carved a generous slice of lemon cream pie with his silver claw, and took a bite at it. Sitting on a small pile of hay, Druma was already munching on one of the meat pasties Madeleine had made for him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSomething wrong?\u201d Balthazar asked, noticing the goblin\u2019s concerned look towards Bouldy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBoss sure big rock don\u2019t want food?\u201d Druma responded between loud chewing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYes, don\u2019t worry about it. I told you, golems don\u2019t need food. It\u2019s magic stuff, or something. You wouldn\u2019t get it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBig rock don\u2019t need food, but maybe big rock still want food?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Balthazar looked up at Bouldy\u2019s permanently smiling expression, which was currently fixed on the goblin eating beneath him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think it\u2019s food he wants,\u201d the crab said, sending crumbs flying from his mouth as he spoke. \u201cHe just wants to watch over his friend.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Druma squinted his eyes in deep thought. \u201cBoss never have tribe? Other crabs?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWho, me? No, no. None of that,\u201d Balthazar said, slowing his chewing. \u201cCrabs don\u2019t do tribes like you goblins do.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A pigeon landed on Bouldy\u2019s head, who seemed entirely unaware, or at least unbothered by it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDamn it!\u201d Balthazar exclaimed, spewing pieces of pie from his mouth. \u201cGet that thing off your head, Bouldy!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The golem moved his head in order to look up, causing the bird to flutter away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDid you\u2026 used to like it in your tribe?\u201d Balthazar asked, returning his attention to the goblin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Druma produced a shrug. \u201cDruma too small next to other goblins. Druma like to build stuff. Other goblins like to destroy stuff.\u201d The small assistant swallowed and stared at his pasty without going for another bite. \u201cBig goblins call Druma \u2018smarty pants\u2019 and throw rocks at Druma.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh,\u201d Balthazar said, deciding it probably wouldn\u2019t do much good to point out the goblin\u2019s low Intelligence in that moment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOne day humans attack tribe village,\u201d Druma continued, with a vacant gaze. \u201cMany goblin die in fight. Druma too small to help. So Druma hide. Tribe chief say Druma coward. Druma don\u2019t help tribe.\u201d The goblin frowns. \u201cDruma don\u2019t hide no more.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Balthazar looked down at the crumbs underneath him, feeling unsure about what to say.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh, for crying out loud!\u201d the crab shouted. \u201cThe damn pigeon is back!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The round bird landed in front of the tent and began frantically pecking the ground for pie crumbs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cShoo! Get out of here! They\u2019re my crumbs!\u201d Balthazar yelled, as he unsuccessfully attempted to swat the winged menace, who kept fluttering and dodging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDruma help boss!\u201d the goblin said, while grabbing his pointy stick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Joining the fray, he started trying to poke the pigeon while the crab continued to snap at it with his claws. Neither one of them being able to stop the determined bird in his mission to gobble up every single crumb it saw.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bouldy watched from above, smiling at the scene like it was all friendly playtime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDon\u2019t just sit there smiling!\u201d Balthazar shouted at the golem. \u201cHelp us!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The lumbering stone got up to his feet, causing the ground to shake. The pigeon flew back and away, scared by the vibration, but still hovering above the tent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cStupid bird!\u201d Druma yelled, taking his spear over his shoulder and throwing it at the bird.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The stick barely gained any altitude before dropping back down and splashing into the pond. The pigeon continued hovering above them, unafraid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Balthazar decided it probably wouldn\u2019t do much good to point out the goblin\u2019s low Strength in that moment either.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBouldy! Grab it!\u201d the crab told the golem, while pointing his pincer at the damnable bird.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The big rock smiled and slowly moved a hand in the bird\u2019s direction, slowly closing it around nothing, as the pigeon had already steered away from it, now hovering slightly lower.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDruma got you now!\u201d the goblin said, blindly reaching for another stick atop a table nearby, eyes fixed on the bird just within reach above him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Balthazar looked back at what his assistant was grabbing. \u201cDruma! That\u2019s not a spea\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The goblin thrust his stick upwards at the bird and a stream of glowing green orbs shot out, pummeling the bird, who fell down on the ground, leaving a trail of feathers floating above it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Druma stood dumbfounded, looking at the Staff of Magic Bolts in his hand. \u201cBoss\u2026 is Druma\u2026 wizard?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2026 no, of course you\u2019re not,\u201d Balthazar began, unsure of what to tell him. \u201cNow put that back before you hurt someone with it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The goblin looked at the staff with curiosity while scratching his head under his wizard hat before putting it back on the table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIs bird dead?\u201d Druma asked, joining the other two in a circle around the pigeon, who laid on its back on the ground, wings spread, tongue sticking out the side of its beak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Balthazar said. \u201cPoke it, see if it reacts.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDruma don\u2019t want to touch bird,\u201d the goblin said, sticking his pointy tongue out in disgust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh, you big\u2026\u201d the crab said, annoyed. \u201cBouldy, check if it\u2019s alive.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The golem stuck one of its massive fingers out and, as gently as its size allowed, poked the bird\u2019s chest. No reaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSeems dead to me,\u201d said Balthazar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat we do with bird now?\u201d asked Druma.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2026 don\u2019t know. I don\u2019t want it rotting away here,\u201d Balthazar said, scratching the top of his shell with the tip of a claw. \u201cBouldy, you take it and toss it out of here.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With a nod, the golem took the dead bird in his hand, and before Balthazar could react, pulled his arm back, put one foot up, and flung it at full force towards the open plains to the east, causing a rush of wind that nearly made Druma\u2019s hat fly off his head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Balthazar stood with his mouth open, staring at the lingering trail of feathers left in the air. \u201cWhat\u2026 the hell?!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The crab put one pincer up to his face in an attempt to facepalm. Except he did not posses palms to face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He attempted to facepincer, but it wasn\u2019t quite the same thing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The point was that Balthazar was quite exasperated at that moment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t mean \u2018toss\u2019 like that, you big dumb rock!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFriend?\u201d the puzzled golem said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh, forget it. At least we won\u2019t have to worry about that anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

***<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A few hours had passed in the day, and soon the sun would set, which meant it was time to pack in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Balthazar was carefully folding a towel with necklaces displayed on it when he heard wheels pulling up to the entrance of his pond and stopping. Heading towards the source, he saw an adventurer in leather and steel armor jumping off her small one-horse cart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGood day!\u201d the woman said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAlmost night,\u201d the crab responded, with a not very convincing forced smile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Balthazar loved to make money, but that didn\u2019t mean he didn\u2019t dislike last minute clients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They were some of the worst. They\u2019d always show up right as he was about to close up for the day and head to sleep, maybe have a late night pastry, perhaps take a nice bubble bath to relax after a hard day of trading.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But no, because some annoying adventurer with no one to put up with them at that hour felt like it, he would be stuck watching them leisurely browse through his wares as if it was still the earliest hours of the morning and they had all day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And Balthazar would love nothing more than to shove them out of his pond, but they always had to be the ones who looked like they had the most coin to spend, for whatever reason. Money doesn\u2019t buy friends or hobbies, he figured. Thankfully, the crab didn\u2019t need either of those things, so just money was fine with him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSay, friend, you wouldn\u2019t happen to have some nice helmets for sale, would you?\u201d the adventurer asked, running a hand through her long dark curls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOf course I do. Helmets, right here. Just take your pick. Anything in particular you\u2019re after?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo, not really,\u201d she responded, looking over the small shelf with about a dozen headpieces displayed on it. As her eyes perused the items, what until that moment had just looked like a normal boulder behind the furniture turned its head and looked at the woman. \u201cUh\u2026 what is that?\u201d the apprehensive client asked, hand on the pommel of her sword.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh, don\u2019t worry, that\u2019s just my guard golem,\u201d Balthazar responded, in a casual tone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIs\u2026 is it friendly?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh, yes. In fact, I think friendly is all he is,\u201d the crab said, with a hint of disappointment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The big rock smiled at them. \u201cFriend.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Relaxing her hand from the sword, she attempted to focus her attention back to the helmets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAnyway, as I was saying, whatever is affordable and sturdy. You know, it\u2019s dangerous out there, can\u2019t afford to be fighting baddies with an exposed head. That\u2019s for the big stars, ha ha.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Balthazar decided to ignore his questions about how the stars in the sky would ever wear helmets in the first place, and instead try to get on with his business, so he could attend his next meeting with a very important cream puff.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGot just the thing for you here!\u201d Balthazar said, holding up a horned iron helmet in his pincers and presenting it to his client. \u201cVery sturdy and at a good price. My last one of this kind, too. You should grab it before someone else does.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cUh\u2026 right,\u201d the adventurer said with hesitation. \u201cI was hoping for something a little more\u2026 higher level.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSure thing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Balthazar would sell that helmet. Eventually. Some day. Maybe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pulling a much more solid steel helmet from the bottom of the shelf, he presented it to her. \u201cPure steel, with a fine finish, and brand new too, not a scratch on it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis is more like it,\u201d she said, with a more satisfied expression. \u201cHow much?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFor my last client of the day? How about 40 gold?\u201d Balthazar said, omitting the fact that any other earlier client would have been offered a price of 35 gold coins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWell, I guess there are not a lot of other places open at this hour, so that will have to do,\u201d the woman said, pulling out her coin purse. \u201cYou wouldn\u2019t be willing to take my old helmet for a discount, would you?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDepends. What state is it in?\u201d the crab asked, one eye stalk rising higher than the other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSee, that\u2019s the thing. It\u2019s a bit\u2026 used now,\u201d the adventurer admitted, with a bit of awkwardness on her tone, as she pulled a bronze colored helmet from the back of her belt. \u201cThat\u2019s why I\u2019d be fine with just a couple of coins for it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She turned the helmet on her hand to Balthazar, revealing a large dent on the forehead, covered with a splatter of red and a few feathers still stuck to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cJust don\u2019t ask me what happened to it. You wouldn\u2019t believe me if I told you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201c4498\u2026 4499\u2026 4500.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Balthazar finished counting the coins in his iron chest behind his sleeping pillow, feeling both satisfaction and concern.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He loved counting his money and seeing its number grow larger and larger every day, but by his estimations, that chest would be full once it reached 5000 gold coins, and that was a problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not only had he not been able to find any adventurers carrying large containers they were willing to sell lately, but even if he had, he wasn\u2019t sure where he\u2019d put it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He liked to keep his treasure close at night, but there wasn\u2019t much room left in his tent, between the chest, his pillow, and all the many baskets of pastries surrounding it, there just wasn\u2019t anywhere to store large sums of money like that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Madeleine had told him during one of her recent visits that people in town with lots of money keep their valuables in places called \u201cbanks\u201d in exchange for a small fee. That sounded like complete nonsense to the crab.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paying someone to keep your coins? The whole point of having them was the satisfaction of holding them, counting them, playing with them, hugging a pile of them at night before falling asleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And even worse, what if they lose your precious coins? No, smart crabs don\u2019t trust banks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The problem was not just the coins, either. Adventurers were selling more and more loot every day, and no matter how fast Balthazar tried to offload it to the next adventurer who came around, his stock of junk continued growing, and slowly taking over the pond, crates and shelves being filled faster than poor Druma could put them together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Truly, Balthazar was a crab suffering from success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As he sighed, the bright yellow reflection of his many coins shining on him, Balthazar heard a woman\u2019s voice from across the bridge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cExcuse me, is this the crab\u2019s trading post?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right, this is the spot, and I am the crab,\u201d Balthazar answered, stepping out of his tent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other side stood a middle-aged woman, long black hair with two white strands emerging from the center of her hairline, falling over her black vestments of many layers and folds. Her large blue eyes shot at the crab as he appeared, and a wide smile appeared on her face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Balthazar felt slightly uncomfortable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[Level 42 Alchemist Witch]<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh, excellent, excellent!\u201d the woman said, clasping her hands together in front of her chest. \u201cJust who I was looking for.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCan I help you?\u201d Balthazar asked as he joined her on the other shore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSuch a magnificent specimen, you are!\u201d The strange woman began walking around the crab, looking him over, hands still held against her chest. \u201cAnd the stories were true. You really do talk!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYes, I do, and I\u2019d appreciate it if you stopped checking my behind now, please.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMay I ask how that happened? Was it some kind of spell? Enchantment? Perhaps a curse gone wrong?\u201d The witch gasped. \u201cDon\u2019t tell me you\u2019re actually a prince and if I give you a kiss, you will turn back into a human?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat?! No, why would that ever\u2026 Look, I don\u2019t know what kind of weird stories your head is filled with, but I\u2019m here to do business, so if you\u2019re not here for that\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh, come now,\u201d she interjected, \u201cis that a way to treat a lady?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI wouldn\u2019t know, but seems to me like the way to treat witches who aren\u2019t here to sell or buy anything.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am an alchemist,\u201d the woman said, her smile quickly vanishing from her face for a moment. \u201cAnd you are wrong in your assumption. I am here to do business.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGreat. Then what are you here to sell or buy?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m looking for rare alchemy ingredients,\u201d she responded, a smile already back on her face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSure thing,\u201d Balthazar said, moving to a shelf filled with multiple clay pots and glass jars. \u201cI got plenty of flowers, mushrooms, plant leaves, and much more. What\u2019s it going to be?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe ingredients I seek are rather\u2026 difficult to find.\u201d She pulled a folded piece of parchment from her sleeve, opened it, and started reading it. \u201cDo you by any chance have\u2026 troll\u2019s blood?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cUh\u2026 no, I don\u2019t,\u201d the crab said, hesitantly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cA werewolf liver?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWha\u2014no!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSpider broodmother glands?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhy would I\u2026 what the hell kind of poison are you planning to make?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh, no, no. No poison at all. Just some ingredients for some homemade recipes, nothing nefarious, I promise you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEither way, I don\u2019t have any of those things, and I\u2019m not sure I\u2019d want to, anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSuch a shame, really. But say, on a different subject,\u201d the witch said, moving around the crab again, trailing a black fingernail on the surface of his shell, \u201cthis is a beautiful pond. I\u2019m sure it looks incredible at night, if you were interested in giving me a tour of it later.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLook, lady\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPlease, let\u2019s not stand on ceremony,\u201d she said, an intense smile on her face. \u201cMy name is Velvet, but feel free to call me Velvie.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI will not, but thanks,\u201d Balthazar said, increasingly uncomfortable, while sidestepping away from the witch. \u201cIf there\u2019s nothing else you’re looking to buy, I really got lots to do.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThere is one more ingredient I am looking for,\u201d Velvet said, taking another step closer to the nervous merchant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIf it\u2019s not a common petal or some random fungus, I probably can\u2019t help you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s something I know for a fact you have. And being such a fine gentleman, you wouldn\u2019t leave a lady hanging, I\u2019m sure? I\u2019d be willing to pay almost anything<\/em> to have it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cErr\u2026 and what would that be?\u201d Balthazar apprehensively asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNothing much, just one, maybe two giant crab legs,\u201d the witch casually said, batting her eyes at Balthazar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou\u2026 you want what now?!\u201d the bewildered crustacean exclaimed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cA crab leg, that\u2019s all.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou want one of my legs? Lady, are you out of your mind?!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh, come now, dear, it\u2019s just a leg. You got seven more. You could easily be a sweetheart and spare one for a girl in need.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo! They\u2019re my legs. I\u2019m very attached to them!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThat\u2019s not a problem. We can take care of that without you even feeling a thing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou\u2019re nuts, get away from me and out of my pond, witch!\u201d Balthazar said loudly, nearly shouting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI really, really<\/em> need the contents of it,\u201d the desperate alchemist pleaded, putting a hand on one of his pincers and looking straight into his eyes. \u201cI\u2019m sure we can reach some sort of agreement.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAre we interrupting?\u201d a man\u2019s voice said from the road entrance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The crab and the woman turned to see a pair of figures standing by the pond\u2019s entrance. One had a bow on his back, a large basket in his arms, and a slightly embarrassed expression on his face, while the other carried a basket in each hand and looked at them with one eyebrow raised and an air of suspicion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNot at all!\u201d Balthazar quickly said, moving away from the black clad woman. \u201cMadeleine, Rye, please, come in. This madame witch was just leaving!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The expressions on the archer and the baker changed, becoming visibly apprehensive. Rye put his basket down slowly and rested his hand on his waist to give him quick access to drawing his bow. Madeleine spoke first. \u201cWitch, you said? Your client\u2019s not causing any trouble, is she, Balthazar?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAs I explained before, I\u2019m an alchemist,\u201d Velvet said, no longer smiling, while sizing up the two arrivals. \u201cAnd I take it you two are his clients as well, yes? Well, I\u2019m not done yet, so if you don\u2019t mind waiting your turn\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A frown formed on Madeleine\u2019s face and she opened her mouth to speak, but Balthazar interjected before she could get a word out. \u201cHa ha, no, no, they\u2019re not clients, they\u2019re here for\u2026 a delivery. Yes, that\u2019s it, a delivery. So now, if you don\u2019t mind, I really have things to take care of.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMy, that is so impolite of you,\u201d the woman said, not moving a step. \u201cNot to mention unprofessional. I thought you were a merchant? We\u2019re not done haggling yet, are we?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYes, we are! I already told you I\u2019m not selling what you\u2019re after.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBalthazar, what is going on here?\u201d Madeleine asked. \u201cWhat does this woman want?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cShe\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh, now, now,\u201d Velvet said, interrupting Balthazar as she turned to the baker. \u201cThe adults are talking. You shouldn\u2019t stick your nose in, little miss.\u201d She gave a sly smile. \u201cBut if you want to know so badly, Balthie and I were discussing the price of\u2026 parts of his body.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBalthie??\u201d the crab repeated, befuddled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe price of\u2026 what the hell?\u201d the baker exclaimed, her face turning red. \u201cWhat kind of dealings are you making now, Balthazar?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMe? None! This crazy woman came in here and started trying to buy one of my legs!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh, darling,\u201d the witch said in a dramatic tone as she bent a knee and grasped the crab\u2019s left pincer. \u201cI would take all of you, but if I cannot, even just a leg would satisfy my heart\u2019s desire.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Balthazar stared, perplexed, at the woman, and then at Rye and Madeleine. He was lost for words and actions. His face would be turning red at that moment if he had the skin for it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMate, are you sure you\u2019re alright?\u201d Rye said, a concerned smile on his face. \u201cDid she cast some kind of spell on you, or something?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh!\u201d Velvet exclaimed. \u201cI am the one who has been put under a spell. From the moment I laid eyes on you, Balthie, I knew I had found the one.\u201d She placed the back of her hand against her forehead in an exaggerated pose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGuys,\u201d Balthazar pleaded. \u201cCome on, you don\u2019t seriously think I have anything to do with this\u2026 this witch, right?!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Madeleine said, her face an even brighter red now. \u201cMaybe she offered you some nice sweets? That would probably sway you, wouldn\u2019t it? Maybe we should take these back to town, if you\u2019re already set here?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAh, you must be a baker, are you not?\u201d Velvet asked, eyeing Madeleine\u2019s white blouse and skirt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSo what if I am?\u201d the girl responded, defiant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThat\u2019s adorable,\u201d the witch said with a wide smile, before turning back to Balthazar and placing her piercing blue eyes close to his. \u201cI could prepare you concoctions sweeter than anything you\u2019ve ever tasted, my dear. If you\u2019d just be a little more\u2026 friendly with me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWha\u2026 No!\u201d Balthazar said, loudly, as he stepped away from her, trying to snap himself out of his befuddlement. \u201cYou should leave. I want to trade nothing with you, and I definitely do not want to be your friend!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A large piece of rock with eyes appeared above a shelf and smiled at the group. \u201cFriend?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Velvet looked up at the golem towering above her from behind the shelf, and then at the pair by the entrance, one with a hand on his bow, and the other with her hands on her hips, her face looking ready to fume. A goblin wearing a wizard hat joined them from across the bridge too, attracted by the noise and commotion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWell,\u201d the witch said, her smile no longer as smug, \u201cI can see there\u2019s no swaying you at the moment, and that your\u2026 friends aren\u2019t going to let us conduct business. So maybe I will get going.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThat would\u2014\u201d Balthazar started saying, before a very loud baker interrupted him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYes, that would be best. Good day to you. The road is over there. Be on your way.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The witch in black began calmly walking to the exit, taking a moment to turn her head back to the crab.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll catch up on our business some other time, darling.\u201d She winked at him before walking away, her dark vestments waving behind her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThat was\u2026 weird.\u201d Rye said, taking his hand away from his bow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou\u2019re telling me?!\u201d Balthazar said, feeling as though he had been holding his breath that whole time and only now could finally exhale. \u201cI don\u2019t know where that one came from, but she gave me the weirdest feelings in\u2026 Rye?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The archer was looking over the crab\u2019s shell with a scared expression. As Balthazar turned, he encountered the baker who was leaning down towards him, wrists against her sides, her freckled cheeks a bright crimson, green eyes shooting daggers at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWould you like to tell us what was that all about?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The crab gulped, unsure why he was so intimidated by a small baker, but still sure he didn\u2019t want to find out either.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2014I\u2014I\u2019m not sure,\u201d Balthazar stuttered. \u201cShe first came here wanting some weird alchemy ingredients, and then she says she needs one of my legs for something she wanted to make. It was all very weird. I\u2019m just glad you two showed up.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYeah, ha ha, right, good thing we did. Who knows what your new suitor would have done to you otherwise,\u201d Rye nervously said, attempting to lighten the mood. Unsuccessfully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYes, Balthazar,\u201d Madeleine said, tapping her foot on the ground rapidly, \u201cwhat would have happened if we didn\u2019t show up? Would you have let the witch do her weird stuff to you? You seemed very flustered in her presence!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOf course not! And\u2026 I\u2019m not exactly used to some of your strange human behaviors! I just don\u2019t know how to act around them! There, you happy now?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Madeleine pulled back and exhaled, losing some of her ire. \u201cI was just concerned about you. I know about witches. They are evil and tricky, and you\u2026 well, you\u2019re a grumpy crab, but you\u2019re our<\/em> grumpy crab. I don’t want anything bad to happen to you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Balthazar stared at her for a moment, confused. \u201cSo, wait\u2026 you were worried about me? And because of that\u2026 you also get mad at me? What the hell kind of sense does that make?!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know!\u201d Madeleine exclaimed, throwing her arms up. \u201cThat\u2019s just what people do sometimes!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou humans are an irrational bunch,\u201d Balthazar said, shaking his shell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYeah, well, maybe so,\u201d the archer started saying, with a sheepish smile, \u201cbut at least we can make great pastries, right?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The crab and the girl continued looking away from each other, both with their arms crossed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh, come on, you guys!\u201d Rye said. \u201cThat was a witch. Their class\u2019s whole thing is being tricky, manipulative, and sowing discord. You two are friends. Are you really going to let her have the last laugh by staying upset at each other?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Madeleine sighed. \u201cRye is right. I rarely get this upset at things, but\u2026 I really lose it when it comes to the ones I care about being in trouble. I\u2019m sorry I got mad at you, Balthazar.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Balthazar looked at her from the corner of his eyes, without uncrossing his arms. \u201cFine, I accept your apology.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rye gave him a look of disapproval and nudged the crab\u2019s shell lightly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAnd fine, I\u2026 I apologize too, for anything.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The archer groaned and rolled his eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s alright,\u201d Madeleine said. \u201cI\u2019m sure that took a lot of effort from you, so I\u2019ll take it. Just please, promise me if you ever see that witch again, you\u2019ll run the other way, with all your eight legs!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDon\u2019t need to tell me,\u201d Balthazar responded, finally relaxing, \u201cI don\u2019t want to go through that kind of discomfort ever again.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHey now,\u201d Rye started, with a smirk, \u201cmaybe a witch would be the perfect match for your grumpiness, eh?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They both looked at the smiling adventurer with the same sour expression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Druma, who had been sitting on the ground under the golem’s shadow with his legs crossed and quietly observing since joining them, finally broke the silence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDruma hungry. Can eat now?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was the middle of the afternoon, and Balthazar was sitting on his cushion by himself, chomping away at one of the chocolate cookies Madeleine had brought him. Chocolate was something new to him, and delicious, yet another marvel of human foods he could never have imagined before, but despite the sweetness of it, his mood was still sour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whoever that strange witch woman had been, she managed to catch him off guard. All his wit, cunning, and intelligence served him of little when she started acting so oddly around him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The archer and the baker kept teasing him during their visit about how he was \u201cflustered\u201d because of her, whatever that meant, but all Balthazar knew was that there was something about her, something around her that made him feel\u2026 disarmed. And a crab without arms is as good as a dead crab.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Balthazar had been racking his brain for an explanation ever since that encounter. Surely it must have been some kind of magic, a spell, perhaps? She was a witch, after all. But also an alchemist, so maybe a potion? But he was sure he didn\u2019t drink anything around her. Maybe a potion sprayed in the air, like a perfume? He did notice she smelled quite nice, so maybe\u2026 no, surely it was some kind of evil magic. It had to be. Damnable magic users and their stupid magic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stuffing another whole cookie in his mouth, Balthazar tried focusing on something else and not think about Velvet and her waving black hair any more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A young girl with a small crude bow on her back was browsing his shelf of arrows nearby, and he decided to place his focus on her instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHey, you. Gonna buy anything or just wear all my items out with your eyes?\u201d the crab said in a bitter tone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The adventurer looked at him with a slightly offended expression. \u201cFor a merchant, you\u2019re kind of rude, you know?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAnd for a supposed client, you\u2019re kind of not buying anything, you know?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The girl huffed and turned around to leave. \u201cKeep your junk, crab.\u201d She stopped for a moment and looked back. \u201cAnd maybe lay off the cookies. The way you\u2019re going at them soon you won\u2019t fit in that shell anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Balthazar felt annoyance rising inside him. How dare she imply he\u2019s getting chubby? Does she not know crabs don\u2019t get fat?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But he also felt a hint of guilt. He always disregarded everyone\u2019s accusations of being a grump, what do humans know about crabs anyway, but even he had a hard time not seeing it now. And for someone who fancied himself a merchant, that was not the best behavior to have. What good was his speech if he was using it to antagonize possible clients?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He needed to get his shell back in the game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the young girl was reaching the exit to the road, two other adventurers were arriving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGood day,\u201d one of them greeted, with a nod to the girl.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMaybe for you. That one over there seems to be having a bad one,\u201d she responded, pointing her thumb back to the crab, \u201cand wants to make everyone else have the same, apparently. Don\u2019t let him snip you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The two men\u2014both level 25 fighters\u2014raised their eyebrows as they made way for the girl to leave, following her with their gaze as she passed. Once she was no longer within earshot, they turned their attention to Balthazar, who had gotten up and crossed the small path over the water to join them. \u201cDid something happen with that one?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAh, just an unsatisfied customer. Guess not even I can keep a perfect record. But don\u2019t mind that, I\u2019m sure you didn\u2019t come here to chat. So, what\u2019s it going to be, buying or selling?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAye, you\u2019re right, we\u2019re in a bit of a rush,\u201d the first adventurer said, while the other moved to the shelves and began browsing through them. \u201cAs for your question, a bit of both. We heard a giant has been spotted somewhere to the west, in the plains, and we are going to head there, but don\u2019t got time to go into town. So we figured we\u2019d stop here, get some supplies for the task, and offload any unnecessary extra weight.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cA giant? Just hope that doesn\u2019t come this way, that\u2019s not a client I\u2019d want. What kind of supplies will you be needing?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLet\u2019s see,\u201d the adventurer began, while rubbing his chin and looking around. \u201cRope. The biggest coil of the thickest rope you got.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Balthazar skittered his way to a nearby crate and retrieved a large bundle of rope from within.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cA hook, too. Steel, extra large.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Putting the rope down, the merchant fetched a metal hook, larger than his right pincer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh, and a saw. Gotta be a strong one, though.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Placing the hook next to the rope, Balthazar turned and called out. \u201cDruma! Get the big saw, the one for big wood logs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After a few moments, the goblin came running in his usual jumping pace, a huge, sturdy saw in his arms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIs that going to be all?\u201d the merchant asked the adventurer, as his assistant hurried back to his tasks across the bridge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHmm,\u201d the client said as he looked around some more. \u201cOh, and four bottles of the cheapest wine you got, too.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSounds like it will be a gruesome party.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe wine isn\u2019t for us. Well, maybe a little after. But apparently giants like booze too, so that will be the bait.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cVery well,\u201d Balthazar said, as he returned with four bottles of wine held in his pincers. \u201cIs payment going to be coin or trade?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAh, right. I mentioned we needed to drop any unnecessary weight. And I don\u2019t really see the point in heading out on a giant hunt with this heavy thing on me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The adventurer opened his pack and reached inside with some effort, pulling out a solid piece of metal, its yellow shine reflecting the sunlight nearly blinding Balthazar as it hit his eyes. It was an ingot, similar to the iron and silver ones he had used to upgrade his claws, except this one was made of pure gold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Balthazar attempted to keep his jaw from dropping, as his greed nearly addled his brain. He had seen thousands of gold coins at that point, and while their novelty still hadn\u2019t worn off, a large slab of solid gold like that was a whole new thing for him, and he knew he had to have it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis would sell for a lot in town,\u201d the man said, \u201cbut we don\u2019t got time to go there, and it weighs a ton, so I\u2019m hoping you\u2019ll accept this in exchange for all the supplies. We\u2019re kind of short on coin right now, too.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMhmm, yes, it\u2019s an interesting offer,\u201d Balthazar said, feigning consideration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAh, damn it, I get it. Maybe we should just run up to town. Why would you want this thing down here? Not like adventurers would wanna buy a gold ingot before going out.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo, no!\u201d the crab hurriedly said. \u201cI understand your situation, and because members of the Adventurer\u2019s Guild are such good clients of mine, I\u2019m willing to accept this item as payment, just to help you guys out.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cReally?\u201d the adventurer asked, with a smile. \u201cGreat! That will save us a lot of time. Appreciate it, crab! You really aren\u2019t as bad of a grump as everyone says.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Taking his new items and signaling for his partner to follow, the two adventurers left with quick steps, heading out into the plains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cA grump. Hmph!\u201d Balthazar muttered. \u201cThese humans don\u2019t know how to appreciate a crab. I\u2019m a ray of sunshine. When they aren\u2019t making my life miserable.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the usual listing of traded items passed through his vision, an extra line presented itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[You have reached Level 8!]<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh,\u201d the crab exclaimed, surprised. \u201cThat hadn\u2019t happened in a while. Thought this thing had gotten tired of giving me experience. Not that I would know, since it doesn\u2019t show me that part!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Still annoyed at the system in front of his eyes, he begrudgingly upped his Intelligence as usual, from 17 to 18, but a sudden hunch stopped him before proceeding to the skills menu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Turning his attention to the gold ingot on the ground in front of him, Balthazar tried picking it up with his silver pincer. He struggled, the item being much heavier than he expected. With the aid of his stronger iron claw, he finally held the precious bar in front of his face, marveling at its beauty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI wonder if this one could be used for upgrades like iron and silver were\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[Upgrade Shell with [Gold Ingot]?]<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

[Yes | No]<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Balthazar\u2019s eyes widened as he read the prompt in front of him. \u201cMy\u2026 shell?!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He had already upgraded both of his claws to great results, but his shell felt like a much more important thing to change. He took great pride in his shell, always keeping it well polished and free of any disgusting limpets. Changing it sounded almost scary to Balthazar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But then he took another look at the gold he was holding, with its scintillating glint, and his iron and silver pincers, and his doubts evaporated. His two previous experiments with imbuing gave him two fantastic claw upgrades, so this could be nothing but a great choice, surely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[Imbuing rank C required for upgrade]<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201c<\/strong>I knew it! Trying to trip me up, weren\u2019t you, little system? Too bad for you I\u2019ve got too many legs for that.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wasting no time, the smug crab navigated to the Imbuing skill and upgraded it from D to C before returning to the upgrade prompt. <\/strong>Selecting \u201cYes\u201d on the message, Balthazar rolled his eyes at the system that yet again taunted and annoyed him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[Hammer required]<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stolen story; please report.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201c<\/strong>Why oh why do I need a hammer,\u201d Balthazar muttered to himself, as he crossed the bridge, \u201cI don\u2019t even know how to use it. Just a pointless requirement. I swear this thing is designed to irritate me.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Balancing the heavy ingot on his iron pincer, the crab took a hammer from Druma\u2019s toolbox with his silver one. \u201cJust going to borrow this for a moment. Don\u2019t worry.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The goblin looked at his boss with curiosity, but didn\u2019t question it. Even a goblin with 4 Intelligence knew better than to question the peculiar crab at that point.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Returning to his purple cushion, Balthazar held the gold ingot and the hammer, prompt up and ready to be confirmed.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201c<\/strong>Alright, here it goes. I can\u2019t wait to see what I get.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As he selected \u201cYes\u201d on the question, the gold ingot disappeared from his hand as the others had before.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clink!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The same sound from before ringed inside Balthazar\u2019s shell, despite the hammer being motionless in his pincer, except this time the sound came accompanied by a sharp pain between his eyes, as if something heavy and blunt had just struck him.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

His vision blurring, the crab fell prostrate on his cushion, dazed by the invisible impact. Before he could string a coherent thought, a new sensation took over his body. Like a squeeze, he felt his entire body\u2014the soft one inside his shell\u2014being pressed from all directions by an unseen force.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201c<\/strong>AHHHHHHHH!\u201d Balthazar yelled, the edges of his shell feeling as if cracking under an internal pressure.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201c<\/strong>Boss, boss!\u201d Druma shouted, rushing to the crab\u2019s aid. \u201cWhy boss screaming?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201c<\/strong>Druma,\u201d he tried saying, his voice faltering. \u201cDruma\u2026 get\u2026 Ahhh!\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Balthazar felt his body pressing outwards, as if trying to escape his own shell, and slowly being squeezed out of it. His vision fading from the pain, he mentally cursed the stupid, unhelpful system, the hammer, and even that one last cookie he ate, before passing out.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

***<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

[Molting…]<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201c<\/strong>Wha\u2026 what?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

[Molting finished.]<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201c<\/strong>Huh?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

[Shell<\/strong>upgraded to [Golden<\/strong>Shell] (+<\/strong>5<\/strong>Charisma)]<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Balthazar lifted his face from the damp sand, the world around him still spinning. A goblin wearing an oversized wizard hat stood above him, looking down with concern.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201c<\/strong>Is crab boss alright?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bouldy was on his hands and knees next to Druma, observing Balthazar too.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Trying to stand back up, he found himself slightly heavier than he remembered. Damnable delicious chocolate cookies.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201c<\/strong>I\u2026 I think so. What happened?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201c<\/strong>Boss go to sleep from pain! Boss start squeezing out of shell! Gross!\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Balthazar looked behind, realizing he had apparently dragged himself a few paces from the cushion he had been sitting on before passing out.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

With shock, he saw his own shell lying on the cushion, empty and cracked on the front, where his face used to be.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201c<\/strong>Then boss come out yellow!\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201c<\/strong>Yellow?\u201d the disturbed<\/strong>crab asked. \u201cWhat do you mean, yellow?!\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Trying to redistribute his strength around his newfound extra weight, Balthazar made way to the edge of the water and looked down at his reflection on the crystalline water surface.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

He had a brand new shell around him, shiny and polished, a golden finish over what looked like his old gray chitin.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201c<\/strong>Wait. What did it say? Charisma?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Balthazar rushed his eyes to the status menu, to see what had changed.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

[Status]<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

[Name: Balthazar] [Race: Crab] [Class: Adept Merchant] [Level: 8]<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

[Attributes]<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

[Strength: 3] [Agility: 2] [Intelligence: 18]<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

[Skills]<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

[Charisma: <\/strong>S<\/strong>(+<\/strong>5<\/strong>)] [Medium Armor: B] [Speech: B] [Fishing: C] [Slashing Weapons: C] [Reading: C] [Imbuing: C]<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201c<\/strong>What the hell is Charisma?!\u201d the befuddled crab exclaimed, before navigating to the list of skills.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

[Charisma: <\/strong>S<\/strong>(+<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

5<\/strong>)]<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

[The trait of being likable and charming to people you interact with.]<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201c<\/strong>What?! This is useless! I\u2019m already naturally likable and charming!\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bouldy and Druma were staring at the golden crab, a mix of confusion and concern in their expressions.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Balthazar paced around, still trying to get used to his extra weight. He looked at his iron and silver pincers, as well as his legs, all unchanged. This change had been a much harsher experience than the upgrades from before, and the result was not what he had expected at all.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201c<\/strong>You had to get the last laugh, didn\u2019t you, system?\u201d he muttered, sounding slightly deranged. \u201cCouldn\u2019t just tell me what the upgrade does before I take it, had to make me take the gamble. Well, joke\u2019s on you! I\u2019m going to do like Madeleine does and not let this get me down, ha! I love gold! Why wouldn\u2019t I want to wear it all over my beautiful shell!\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201c<\/strong>B\u2014boss? Is boss alright?\u201d Druma asked, looking mildly scared of the crab\u2019s behavior.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201c<\/strong>Never better!\u201d Balthazar said, giving a jump in place. \u201cJust need to move around a little, break this new shell in, get used to the weight of it, and I\u2019ll be perfect! Shiny and perfect!\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Balthazar walked over to a jar next to his old empty shell and took a chocolate cookie from it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201c<\/strong>Who needs this old thing now, when I can be golden!\u201d he said, with great confidence, as he chomped on the cookie.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

He didn\u2019t need this so called \u201cCharisma\u201d for anything. He already had plenty of natural charm, he was sure of it, but so what if the upgrade was wasted on something he was absolutely sure he\u2019d never need? His brand new golden shell was more than enough of a reward. Fashion, baby!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Leaving a confused goblin and golem on the islet, Balthazar walked across the bridge and to the road, facing the nearly setting sun and letting its warm rays<\/strong>bathe him with open arms, his new carapace reflecting the light like a beacon.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201c<\/strong>Psst!\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The crab broke out of his trance and looked around, confused.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201c<\/strong>Psssst! Over here!\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Balthazar tilted his shell and looked at a nearby bush.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201c<\/strong>Hello?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A head wearing a black hood and mask popped out of the bush. \u201cIt\u2019s me, Rob.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201c<\/strong>Oh, it\u2019s you,\u201d the shiny crab said to the thief. \u201cHow\u2019s the hand?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201c<\/strong>It\u2019s\u2026 better. Thanks\u2026\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201c<\/strong>Wait. You\u2019re not hiding there to steal from me again, are you? Hands off my shell!\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201c<\/strong>No. No! I told you, I never want to feel that pincer again,\u201d Rob said, wincing, before looking the crab up and down with raised eyebrows. \u201cBut hey, that\u2019s a really nice shell you got now.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201c<\/strong>Thanks\u2026 I guess. But then, if you\u2019re here, does that mean you have some news to tell me?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201c<\/strong>Yes, but it’s not good.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"\/<\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

It had been another scorching hot morning, and Balthazar had just emerged from the pond\u2019s waters where he was attempting to cool himself off. A few paces to the side, Druma stood with his feet submerged, using a wooden bucket to pour water over himself, his wizard hat resting on the shore behind. \u201cWe need […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4103","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-tak-berkategori"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/novel.mdtaal-aminii.my.id\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4103","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/novel.mdtaal-aminii.my.id\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/novel.mdtaal-aminii.my.id\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/novel.mdtaal-aminii.my.id\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/novel.mdtaal-aminii.my.id\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=4103"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/novel.mdtaal-aminii.my.id\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4103\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4104,"href":"https:\/\/novel.mdtaal-aminii.my.id\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4103\/revisions\/4104"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/novel.mdtaal-aminii.my.id\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=4103"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/novel.mdtaal-aminii.my.id\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=4103"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/novel.mdtaal-aminii.my.id\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=4103"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}