Chapter 710: Shop

Chapter 710: Shop

There was no need to worry about the Shelter right now, as Shinja had just arrived, so there was no need to worry about this place.

Shane’s destination was obvious; it was the Ivory Gear Shelter. Aside from the Marketplace, he knew that this was the only location that could possibly have what he needed.

It was also one of the few Neutral Shelters that had a good relationship with his Shelters…

As a matter of fact, Kang Zhen’s forces had even assisted them before…

Ivory Gear Shelter probably had the best mechanics, blacksmiths, and craftsmen around.

And Shane needed one very specific item, a high-tier alchemy cauldron. He had no doubt that he could actually find it here.

By late afternoon, he arrived at the Portal Hall near the southern gates of the Shelter. It was strategically placed in this location as this area could allow Shane to easily send reinforcements when needed.

Outside, he could see giant rotating gears spinning slowly, not for defense, but to power the entire outer wall.

‘Right… I forgot about this… Springriver Manor needed something like that.’ Shane mused as he recalled the river in the manor.

“Identification…” Suddenly, a guard approached him after realizing that he had come out of the portal hall.

He wasn’t trying to stop Shane, but he simply wanted to know what business he had for coming here. After all, the ones coming from the portal would normally want to meet the Shelter Owner, Kang Zhen.

Shane smiled and replied to the guard. “I’m Shane… I’m not here to meet the leader. I just want to look around.”

“Ahh… B-but Lord Kang Zhen told us to report to him if you’ve arrived.” The guard replied.

“Is that so? Go ahead and report it then… But I’ll be looking around.” He replied.

“Yes… Right… Welcome, Eclipse Leader.”

Just like that, the guard gestured for him to pass and visit the marketplace. After that, he swiftly ran to Kang Zhen’s mansion to inform of Shane’s visit.

***

Meanwhile, as Shane finally arrived near the market, he was immediately hit by the scent of oil, spices, and burning metal.

The inner market was bustling.

Some mechanical humans moved crates. Tinkerers were selling their exotic gear, whether they were toys or weapons.

There were also other survivors visiting the place as they traded with Unknown Meat, batteries, system-bought items, and even some Spirit Stones.

‘I guess the shelter had been exposed to many Survivors already.’ Shane mused.

Of course, it was not a bad thing at all. With more Survivors, more resources would also come into the shelter. Furthermore, Survivors like them had all kinds of things they could store in their inventory, making them perfect traders.

Soon, Shane looked at the stalls he had never seen before.

“Gearmancer Grel: Custom Tools & Enhancements!”

“Alma’s Alchemy – From Acid to Antidote!”

“Beast Ink & Bone – Tattoos and Beast Contracts!”

‘Interesting shops…’ Shane muttered, but aside from looking at them for a few moments, Shane ignored them. He didn’t bother visiting these shops, as from their names alone, he knew that he wouldn’t find what he was looking for.

At the very least, that seemed to be the case just by seeing their displays outside.

Well, he wasn’t here for interesting gears or gimmicks of the tinkers after all.

He needed a mid-to-high Tier Alchemy Cauldron—preferably one that could withstand volatile reactions and preserve rare essences.

Finding a perfect one would not be easy, but it was definitely possible.

After all, they weren’t something he could just upgrade with his Item Upgrade Crystals.

‘Still… It should be around here…’

He walked through a winding alley until he reached an unassuming building with old ceramic walls and a single golden emblem etched above the door.

“The Crucible of Vahn.”

Shane’s eyes gleamed.

This was the place mentioned by Tessa, their assassin scout. She actually bought a couple of hidden daggers from this place…

According to her, it was a hidden gem where retired Master Crafters sold surplus gear.

Shane then stepped inside.

After entering, he immediately smiled… What he just smelled was definitely the scent of burned herbs…

There were traces of Alchemists here!

Instead of going to the blacksmith for a cauldron, heading to a place with alchemical products would definitely be a safer bet

At the back of the room stood an old man with snow-white hair tied back, inspecting a steaming cauldron with intricate carvings…

He didn’t look up when Shane entered. “You smell like blood, ash, and herbs… an alchemist?”

“Something like that,” Shane replied calmly. “I need a cauldron. Not just any. One that can handle Zombie Lord reagents without corrupting the brew.”

The old man chuckled, revealing sharpened teeth—likely modified. “Not many dare say that in here. You’re either bold or stupid.”

“I’m rich,” Shane said plainly, “and in a hurry.”

That made the old man stop. He finally looked up and motioned to the wall behind him.

There, covered by a dust cloth, were three cauldrons on display—each one radiating a faint magical hum.

Cauldrons Available:

[ 1. Stoneheart Crucible (Tier 4)

Made from obsidian and bloodsteel.

Immune to acid corrosion.

Enhances defensive elixirs and stone-based infusions by 15%. ]

[ 2. Vileglass Cauldron ( Tier 4 )

Forged with enchanted tempered glass and mutant slime coating.

Stabilizes volatile reactions, perfect for poison, acid, and viral potions.

Boosts potion purity by 20%. ]

[ 3. Sunforged Emberpot ( Tier 5 )

Reinforced mithril alloy with solar runes.

Maintains perfect heat distribution, automatically adjusts brewing temperature.

Can craft up to 6 vials at once.

Has a purity retention rate of 93%.

Bonus: Occasionally unlocks a hidden trait in Skill Potions. ]

Shane’s eyes stopped on the third one.

“The Sunforged Emberpot,” he said. “That one. How much?”

The old man grinned. “Two thousand zombie cores. Plus thirty Spirit Stones.”

“Alright, let me have it…”

Shane didn’t hesitate. He transferred the payment instantly.

[ You have obtained: Sunforged Emberpot (Tier 5). ]

“Pleasure doing business,” the man said as Shane carefully stored the Emberpot inside his Storage Ring.