Reincarnated With The Strongest System Chapter 1480 James After Story - Happily Ever After Is Not A Fairy Tale. It Is A Choice

"Even in my advanced age, seeing lovely ladies like yourselves makes me feel quite youthful," remarked an elderly man sporting an eye patch with a genial grin. "Now, if you happen to possess any Merit Points, might I entice you with these beauty elixirs? I am even prepared to offer a special reduction. How does 10,000 Merit Points per vial sound? It will not only bestow upon you a youthful, radiant appearance but also shield your skin from the sun's rays and even serve to repel pesky insects."

"What? You are attempting to negotiate down to 5,000 Merit Points? Miss, while I certainly wish to accommodate your budget, I would be operating at a loss. However, since you ask so politely, shall we reach a middle ground at 7,000 Merit Points?"

"Exquisite! A pleasure to conduct business with you. Pray, do return soon!"

The old man observed as the young witches from Brynhildr Academy departed, their expressions radiating delight.

At that precise moment, a youth in his late teens wandered toward his display and flashed a grin.

"Old man, I am called George, and I intend to climb to the pinnacle of this academy," George declared, wearing a look of immense confidence. "For that very reason, I require a blade that is both powerful and intimidating! Wait, this Axe appears quite impressive. It seems lethal, yet why is there no plaque describing its history?"

The Old Bandit of Lont chuckled inwardly upon hearing the arrogant youth, who reminded him vividly of someone from his past. With this in mind, he began rubbing his palms together, eager to scam—err, assist the teenager in realizing his dreams of becoming a legendary warrior!

"You possess a keen eye, Young Man," James said with a welcoming smile. "This particular weapon is known as the God of War Axe. Historical records suggest this axe has claimed the lives of over a hundred Gods throughout the ages. Its former master, Kratos, gifted it to Brynhildr Academy so that it might eventually be wielded by a true God Slayer. The instant I saw you enter the Treasury, I recognized your immense courage and valor. Even now, I can practically feel the God of War Axe calling out to your spirit."

"Hahaha! You have sharp perception, old man," George replied, his face filled with smug satisfaction. "Though I didn't feel anything specific when I first laid eyes on this axe, your words ring true to me. Do you know who I am? I am a member of Dud Manor who triumphed in every bout of the tournament. With just a single strike of my hand, I sent my foes flying. They didn't even manage a final word!"

"Astonishing!" James, maintaining the practiced smile of a seasoned con artist, praised George after his boast. "I knew it! This God of War Axe was clearly waiting for you. It remains our highest-selling item, after all!"

"Hm? What do you mean by highest-selling?" George blinked. "Is this not the only one of its kind?"

"Ah! Forgive me," James quickly corrected his verbal stumble. "I meant, this is the most sought-after weapon I possess for sale, but it is incredibly selective. It only allows true heroes to lift it. Why don't you give it a try?"

George tilted his chin up with arrogance, opened the container, and hoisted the War Axe from its resting place with ease, swinging it firmly as if it weighed nothing. The old man began clapping in theatrical admiration.

"Indeed! You are the destined one!" James gasped with exaggerated flair. "A man among men! A dragon among dragons! A hero among heroes!"

George proceeded to admire the austere-looking War Axe, testing it with several practice maneuvers.

"The balance is impeccable," George observed. "It feels as though this artifact was forged specifically for me."

"Young man, I told you it was our premiere—er, our most legendary weapon available in this section," James remarked with a smirk. "Shall I wrap this up for you before you second-guess yourself? Just remember, all sales are final, no refunds!"

"But this weapon is priced at 100,000 Merit Points," George noted. "I only carry 50,000."

"Hahaha! Fortune smiles upon you, lad, as we are currently holding a clearance event." James hastily placed the War Axe into a wooden storage box, tying it with a decorative crimson ribbon. "You say you only have 50,000? You have arrived at the perfect moment, as everything here is 50% off for today only!"

The transaction concluded momentarily, and James bade farewell to the boy he had scammed—or rather, helped achieve his dreams of martial glory.

Suddenly sensing two pairs of eyes upon him, he reclaimed his businessman persona, eager to assist potential patrons.

"Greetings, esteemed customers," the old man hailed them. "My name is James. Might I interest you in some Legendary Weapons at an incredibly accessible price? Everything is half off, today only. Invest in one, and I guarantee you won't regret it… at least for a few days."

The lovely lady with light-brown locks grimaced and tugged on the robes of a handsome boy with sapphire hair standing beside her.

"N-no, thank you," Chloe stammered. "Ethan, we still have matters to attend to, correct? Let us depart. Farewell, Mister."

She didn't even wait for her cousin's response, pulling him away before the old man could deploy his masterful swindling tactics.

Naturally, James did not impede them. However, he did call out toward the handsome youth, whom he identified as one of the world's potential future heroes.

"I shall remain here until midnight!" James shouted. "Ensure you return by then while our 50% discount remains in effect!"

The blue-haired teen known as Ethan glanced back at James and gave a slight, curt nod.

Though his demeanor suggested no intention of returning to deal with suspicious peddlers, James noticed a glimmer of doubt in his eyes—the kind of hesitation that stems from the fear of missing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

James watched the pair disappear from sight. Once certain they were alone, he turned his attention toward the far end of the Treasury.

"Old friends, is there a reason for your presence?" James inquired in a mocking tone.

A moment later, a youth and an elder materialized into view, regarding James with conflicting expressions.

"Odin, we have come to request a favor," the God of Games, Eriol, stated respectfully.

"A favor?" James stroked his beard, eyeing the New-Generation God who had risen to prominence after his own Divine powers had faded. "Listen, I am the All-Father no longer. I am merely a simple wanderer, traveling the Multiverse and playfully meddling in the affairs of mortals."

"James, the reason we seek you is because only you can assist us," noted the God of Gamblers, Macuiltochtli, referred to as Max. "As you are no longer a God, you have the freedom to interfere directly with mortal lives. Our devoted follower requires your intervention."

James contemplated the situation briefly as he studied the two deities who had come to solicit his aid.

"Very well, speak," James muttered. "What exactly is it you require?"

Max exhaled in relief, sensing James's willingness to listen. After hearing their detailed explanation, a melancholic look shadowed the Bandit's face.

"So youthful, yet forced to carry the weight of two worlds," James sighed. "His name is Lux, correct? Another red-haired Half-Elf? You two certainly knew who to seek out. Fortunately, the timezone in that realm moves more sluggishly than here..."

James closed his eyes, as if weighing a heavy decision.

"Very well, I shall assist you," James declared. "However, you must wait until midnight. I have a prior commitment to attend to regarding a Sapling in this world."

Eriol and Max nodded in unison. Given that time flowed slower in Elysium than in Midgard, waiting a few hours was reasonable.

A few hours later, they observed as James attempted to charm the boy with blue hair, presenting him with a Trident. "Can I receive a refund if the item is flawed?" the teenager asked. "Apologies, but our policy prohibits refunds," James answered. "Once purchased, it is final."

The two deities, observing from the shadows, recognized that the Trident was no ordinary artifact.

They did not interfere with the appraisal, however. They remained unseen, watching as the Multiverse's legendary Old Bandit performed his ritual. Once the exchange was complete, James handed Ethan the box and offered a thumbs-up.

"Allow me one final piece of counsel before you depart, Ethan," James said quietly. "'Happily Ever After' isn't a fairy tale. It is a choice. If you desire everyone to prosper, you must put real effort into making it so—especially if you love more than one girl, if you catch my meaning."

Ethan smiled, nodded, and headed back toward Dud Manor.

James clapped his hands, and every artifact within the "Defective Goods" category vanished back into his storage ring.

"Well then, time to meet this young Half-Elf named Lux," James decreed before vanishing into thin air.

The old man breathed a heavy sigh, fixating his gaze upon a planet situated on the far side of the Multiverse.

"There truly is no rest for the wicked," James whispered before stepping into the portal that Eriol and Max had prepared specifically for him.

A portal leading to a world teetering on the edge of utter ruin.