Andrea

As Andrea watched them staring at her, she thought about how it all started.

A new dungeon was found, undoubtedly lucrative but not enough appeal for her position, too much work and waiting till it pays out. Yet, somehow, this was different. Andrea was born with a certain sense of profit, and it has never failed her. There were times she failed to grab that opportunity, but as she grew, that hardly happened. And that sense was ringing like never before.

More news was acquired about the peculiar location and the lifting of the ban on The Forbidden. She worked quickly while others contemplated, and the countries were deciding on what to do. She pulled a few strings, some letters, and sweet words, and she got the position to be the first to explore it.

As she explored it, she knew her senses were right, her mind worked fast. Normally, a dungeon takes a long time to gain floors, much less new valuable resources, but her senses told her this dungeon would grow at a pace never before seen.

Not to mention the first floor, she could see how this place was littered with popular ingredients, not to mention the quality. As a merchant, once she saw them, she immediately recognized that this dungeon had intent, but even now, it perplexed her just how it could know what was popular and lucrative.

‘Doesn’t matter as long as there is profit to be made.’

Then Lorien speaks, knocking her out of her thoughts.

“This is a national problem concerning the whole of Solara, individual activity is not permitted.”

‘Ah, the strict, law-abiding Lorien, the good friend of the prince of Emerald Grove. Such talent used being a dungeon inspector.’

Nolan follows with his disapproval.

“And who knows what you may do to this sacred place out of sight? After all, it is best for us to stick together.”

‘Ah, Nolan, the very charming priest, with his smiles and voice. But not entirely. After all, kindness alone wasn’t why he became high priest.’

“Oh, and just what may I possibly do? I simply wish to explore what this dungeon has to offer. And you need someone to talk to her for information, and I don’t see anyone more suitable than me.”

Just as the two were about to talk, Varkana interjects, stopping them.

“Alright, then the three of us will investigate this dungeon while you try to gain information from ‘her.’”

‘Varkana, not good with her type, no fancy words and tricks, but blunt honesty works on her, yet she is far more than just truthful herself.’

They all knew they couldn’t persuade her, and if they could, it would be far too much trouble. Varakana knew that, so she stepped up.

‘See, acts like a reckless warrior yet hides a snake inside.’

Once that was settled, the three ventured forward. Once they were out of sight, Andrea began to work. Drinking a potion of haste and levitation, she drifted through the sections' borders, analyzing and collecting each resource found.

Lastly, entering the cave entrance in the clearing as she was collecting moss and mushrooms, a monster tried to attack from behind. Still, she quickly defeated it by using metal affinity to control her metal needle as it pierced through.

Once dead, before seeing it burst into mana as the mana showered her, she noticed its form.

‘Interesting, a fungi-type monster, so does this dungeon have two types or perhaps more?’

Either way, it was good news for her. Back with the gathered stuff, she used a skill on an empty space once she was back in the clearing.

Makeshift Workshop

Next, the space began to shift, and a simple crafting table and instruments appeared.

‘Not the best place to work and craft, but far better than nothing.’

Then she got to work, first some herbs.

Red Basil

Grown in a place full of life and nature mana, has gained properties of healing. Delicious.

Mixing it with some other common ingredients in her bag of holding and using the instruments. Soon, a vial of red liquid was made.

Analyze

Lesser Flavorful Health Potion

Quality: Superior

A potion made by a master alchemist, quality slightly lacking due to inappropriate instruments.

-Provides a Medium amount of healing once consumed

-Basil scented and taste

‘Interesting, very interesting.’

The potion’s quality was one tier higher than usual, which was expected due to the quality of the ingredients, but the flavorful adjective was what really got her.

Once she had checked what she needed, she first smelled the liquid, which had a pleasant basil smell as she drank it.

The taste of basil that followed it was smooth, refreshing, aromatic, and mellow. The taste and smell pleasantly lingered as she drank it all.

‘This, this was going to sell.’

Analytical Mind

Using her skill, her mind quickly calculated the quality, the amount of supply, the shipment, the rarity, the exclusiveness, the buyers, and many factors to consider when thought and taken into account.

When she was done calculating, she went back to creating and testing. As she was doing all that, she noticed a gaze on her but ignored it. As she continued, a voice entered her mind.

“Are you not going to join your companions?”

‘Jackpot!’

Andrea was waiting for this moment. As much as she wanted to start talking and getting information out of her years of experience dealing with all sorts of people and situations, she knew that it wasn’t the right way to deal with such kinds of people.

You had to wait till they talked to you to be natural and make them feel like they weren’t being interrogated.

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

Charming Voice

Pleasant Voice

Relaxing Aura

Alluring Movement

Mercahnt’s Sense

Mercahnt’s Tongue

“Well, we’re not exactly friends and more so acquaintances or co-workers. And I’m sure they will be fine. Their competence is famous, after all.”

“Hmm, well, don’t worry, they will be fine.”

“So, how was it seeing me working?”

“Oh, excuse me, was I not allowed to look?”

Although the voice sounded apologetic, Andrea could sense that they didn’t actually mean it. Although she hid it pretty well, Andrea's years of dealing with people saw right through it.

‘Oh, so she can lie.’

“Of course not. Normally, crafters get really protective, but then again, I’m literally doing it in your front yard, so at that point, I’m just begging for someone to see.”

“It sounds to me like you wanted my attention.”

Andrea looked back at the tree, but this time, there was no woman figure to look at, yet she still smiled sweetly as she spoke.

“Perhaps, after all, it isn’t every day you can talk to someone unique and otherworldly like yourself.”

Evangeline pleasantly laughed as she replied.

“What do you wish to know?”

“Tell me about this garden, about how you see it?”

“Gladely.”

Then, for the next hour, Evangeline discussed her view of the dungeon floor. Andrea naturally chimed in and replied as she continued to use the resources she had gathered.

Seeing that she had one-tenth of the gathered resources left to use and test and sensing her ease in attitude, she started to ask questions.

“You were so sure of their safety, and it wasn’t just because of their skills, was it?”

“Oh, that. Yes, your companions will be perfectly fine, as will the other future guests. After all, father dislikes killing, and I dislike making father sad.”

Andrea tried to wrap her head around that notion, a dungeon disliking killing. She didn’t have the ability like Varkana, but her years of experience told her that she wasn’t lying.

‘Well, it won’t be long until we can testify that.’

“You really care about him, don’t you? Your name did your father give it?”

Then Evangeline’s voice noticeably brightens up.

“I do, and yes, he gave me this wonderful name that I will forever treasure.”

“Your father, what is he like for you to care this much?”

Andrea knew she was rushing it, but this would be the last time she would have an opportunity like this. She had to risk it.

Evangeline paused for a while, almost as if she were talking to someone. Then, she replied soon in a warm voice that was also somehow apathetic.

“Little one, my love towards father is not simply because he is my creator. He has shown and taught me love, care, compassion, thoughtfulness, and many more. He is the sun that shines upon me, upon us.”

Andrea thought she had pushed the wrong button, but somehow, she thought this attitude better suited her; it just felt right.

“Little one, the name of father is Aiden. Your companions will be arriving shortly, and I believe it is time to leave. But I will permit one more question.”

Andrea thought about what to ask. What question would be most profitable?

“Can you tell me something about how to clear the main quest?”

“Nature is cruel. It is unfair. Some die so others can live and grow. With another death, new life sprouts and thrives. Yet, there is beauty in it. As they intertwine and connect. They support and give to create something more. It is a cycle of nature and life.”

Andrea definitely did not expect a philosophical remark. She grimaced at the answer and wondered just how much of an answer that was.

“Andrea, it was so nice to meet you. However, it seems you and your companions have overstayed your welcome. I would wait with anticipation for yours and their next visit.”

When Andrea saw the silhouettes and sounds of the three of them approaching, it didn’t take a genius to realize that she wanted us out and she wasn’t about to be adventurous.

“I, too, am glad to have met you, and we thank you for your invitation. And a gift for the wonderful time given.”

Then, with a charming bow, she said her goodbye, placing a bag in front. She signaled her company that came to view to get out of here. Let’s just say they weren’t thrilled about it.

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Soon, they were out of the dungeon and out of the dungeon's aura.

Lorien, with a heavy face, questioned her

“What did you do? What happened?”

Andrea admits that she rushed it, but she felt no malice. It was strange, with no anger, discomfort, or anything else. She felt nothing.

“Sorry about that. I might have hit a nerve inquiring about this ‘Father’ as an apology. I will give you all this information for free. Apparently, the father’s name is Aiden.”

They were a little surprised to hear that, thinking of the implications, as Varkana mentioned.

“Free?”

“Of course, I’m not doing charity over here.”

Nolan was not too pleased with that.

“It is quite brave to put a price on the work of The System.”

‘Oh, please, like you don’t charge for your services in the name of Gods.’

Andrea just smiled and said nothing as they stared at her. Reluntaclty relenting, Lorian asked.

“What do you want?”

A brighter smile appeared on her face.

“I want a 1-year monopoly for my trade company to be the only commerce platform for this dungeon.”

The three of them weren’t too happy hearing that. Lorien was the first to speak.

“No, we don’t have the authority to decide, or neither risk sending it to the higher-ups.”

“Of course, I know. Don’t worry, I’ll make it reach whoever it needs to. You guys just have to give it a little push and leave a good word, that’s all.”

They discussed it for a few moments but eventually agreed upon it, lessening the length to 5 months. As Andrea told everything she got out of her.

As they listened, they compared it to what they had observed and found that it matched the description of what they had investigated. However, even after investigating and hearing her information, they couldn’t figure out the objective of the quest. Then Andrea asked about something she was curious about.

“About what she said about not killing, is it true?”

Lorien frowned upon hearing it.

“Can’t say for certain there were signs of unusual behavior and the monsters causing hindrances than harm. But that may very well be due to them being no match to our strength.”

Varkana also added to it.

“At the very least, they had no intention to kill.”

Nolan's eyes brightened as he declared.

“It is a being sent by The System, such actions only reinforce that the dungeon is a gift and miracle.”

As soon as they had all the information and sorted it out, they each put up barriers for sound and visible blocking to contact their country and send the news.

Once they had finished, the four looked at each other as Nolan was the first to say.

“It is decided that the Theocracy will build a settlement near the dungeon to continue to observe and seek its guidance.”

Then, the other three followed, doing the same. After all, the Confederacy saw profit, Emerald Grove saw conflict and change, and the Alliance would not fall behind the others.

In the end, the construction of a settlement was unquestionable; the countries had predicted this. The problem is how much authority each country will have and contribute. Andrea went first, laying out how much they were willing to contribute.

“We will recruit and pay all the builders, planners, and constructors for the settlement and further expansion.”

“Then the Emorld Grove would supply with all the materials required.”

“The Alliance would organize the settlers with professional technicians.”

“The Theocracy will donate a settlement crystal and will pay for all the upgrades further needed.”

The last one surprised them as a settlement crystal was a national treasure, much less the cost it would take for it to have noticeable effects.

Nolan smiled at them as he explained.

“The Theocracy is quite serious about this matter, but all that we ask is for the church to be built closest to the dungeon, and may our priests be free to enter and study this dungeon.”

Of course, the things said here are not final. It would take some time for the countries to agree on the details, but one thing for sure was that this dungeon would be the center of change.

Too focused on their exchange, they failed to notice an ear eavesdropping at the edge of the dungeon's aura.

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This is for those who wish to know the scale of labels on system messages(I can't think of a better word for it)

For Boost:

Minuscule-minor-moderate-medium-generous-large-major-immense-colossal-monumental

For proficiency and classes:

Beginner-Novice-apprentice-journeyman-adept-expert-veteran-master-grandmaster-legendary-mythical

For Quality of crafted items:

Poor-inferior-average-decent-good-excellent-superior-exquisite-legendary-mythical-divine

For blessings and potions:

Minor-Lesser-Intermediate-greater-major