[Notification]
New material unlocked: Silver.
75 Mana per coin.
[Notification]
New material unlocked: Gold.
100 Mana per coin.
[Notification]
Due to your thirst for knowledge, you have been granted an additional 10 Intelligence points.
Character Sheet
Class: Magus II
Level: 3
Experience: 3000/5000
Money : 0 bronze, 0 silver, 0 gold
Character Stats (12 unassigned points)
Health: 150/150 (HP Regen: 5 HP/min)
Mana: 800/800 (Mana Regen: 30 Mana/min)
Strength: 10
Agility: 17
Intelligence: 80 (+10)
Endurance: 10
Luck: 8
Skills
1. Gaseous Transmutation (Active, Beginner 4): Can transmute oxygen into bronze or carbon dioxide into precious metals.No cooldown. Mana cost varies based on the metal's rarity. (5 bronze is to 1 mana, 1 silver is to 75 mana, 1 gold is to 100 mana)
2. Vaporous Transformation (Subskill): Allows the user to become vapor. No cooldown, but resolidifying takes 24 hours.
3. Basic Elemental Manipulation (Passive): Enhances control over natural elements like wind and rain.
4. Wind Blast: The caster channels the surrounding air into a concentrated force of wind, releasing it in a powerful blast for 5 seconds. The gust pushes enemies back, dealing damage and momentarily disorienting them. The force of the wind can knock lighter foes off their feet.
5. Levitate (Active, Level 1): Allows the user to hover a few feet off the ground for up to 10 minutes. Costs 20 Mana.
6. Jump (Active, Level 1): Grants enhanced jumping ability. Costs 5 Mana per jump.
7. Hide (Active, Level 1): Temporarily conceals the user from enemies. Costs 10 Mana.
Rhaenor smiled. His persistence had paid off brilliantly, satisfied after nearly a full day of grinding in the Eldham Library, where countless ancient tomes of Midgard’s lore were housed. The library was becoming his second home—a sanctuary of quiet study and discovery. This morning, he woke with a singular focus: to find books that might unlock the secrets of silver and gold transmutation for his unique skill. The musty scent of old parchment clung to the air as he wandered through the aisles, searching for the right text. Fortune favored him when his efforts led him to a thick volume titled "Metallurgy and the Arcane: A Study of Metal Properties and Their Magical Applications." The book detailed the unique properties of various metals, explaining how each interacted with magical energies. Silver, highly conductive to magic, was perfect for crafting enchanted items but required significant mana. Gold, denser and more durable, demanded even more mana but offered unparalleled stability in magical crafting.
As he left the library, dawn had already broken, and the morning light filtered lazily through the thin fabric of his newly purchased shirt. Eldham's streets were just beginning to wake. Merchants set up their stalls, and people hurried about, but Rhaenor’s mind was elsewhere. His conversation with Adon had solidified one thing: to succeed, he needed more than quick money. He needed a permanent foothold in this virtual world—a base of operations that would provide a steady stream of income and a place to manage his alchemical ventures.
For now, he set this idea aside. His plan was to return to the sewers to test his newfound transmutation abilities.
The author's narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.
Two days passed, and while hunger gnawed at him, it was easier to bear when turning the rancid sewers into a veritable goldmine. By transforming sewage into gold, he amassed nearly 720 gold coins in two days—a fortune compared to the meager earnings he might make in a dungeon. After checking his character sheet, Rhaenor rushed to a nearby restaurant, driven by the now unignorable pangs of hunger.
His quest for the perfect location began that afternoon. He needed a building that could house not only his growing wealth and materials but also offer security and discretion, a place close to the city's heart but hidden enough for privacy. Adon accompanied him, visibly more at ease after their shared meal. The boy’s sharp eyes scanned the streets with the practiced focus of a survivor. Though silent, Rhaenor could feel Adon's curiosity bubbling beneath the surface.
"You know what I’m looking for, right?" Rhaenor asked as they passed a row of shops near the market square.
"Something discreet, I imagine," Adon replied. "Not too flashy, but big enough for...alchemy experiments."
"Exactly. A place with a basement would be ideal."
Their first stop was a stone building nestled between two larger houses, with a small alleyway leading to a back entrance. It had a cozy charm, but the location was far too exposed. The rent was listed as 1 gold per day—affordable, but the bustling street outside made privacy a concern.
"No, this won’t work," Rhaenor said. "Too open."
Adon nodded in agreement, leading them deeper into the city. The second location was a dilapidated warehouse near the outer walls. It was large, with reinforced doors and small windows, but it felt isolated, far from the city’s activity. The rent was just 3 gold per day—a bargain—but it felt too disconnected from the pulse of Eldham. It wouldn't suit his needs for both privacy and access to business.
Finally, they arrived at a promising location: a two-storey building perched on the edge of a river channel, just beside a stone bridge that connected different city districts. The structure was old but solid, with a basement that extended below the waterline. The flowing river behind the building offered a natural water source and a degree of seclusion. It was a perfect blend of rustic charm and practicality.
"How much is the rent?" Rhaenor asked, already feeling optimistic.
Adon glanced at the faded sign on the door. "Five gold per day."
Rhaenor’s heart sank. Five gold a day was far beyond what he had budgeted. He couldn’t afford that for long as he planned for his business to become self-sufficient. While he could use his alchemical skills to generate wealth, Rhaenor also wanted time to explore, learn new things, and grow in other areas. Fortunately, the building was available for purchase at 500 gold—a substantial amount, but a potential long-term investment that could give him full control and freedom from rental costs.
Determined, Rhaenor approached the building's owner, a gruff older man sitting at a nearby stall. "Five hundred gold is too steep, especially given the condition of the building. The basement is nearly flooded, and some repairs need to be done. How about 350 gold? I plan to start operations the day after tomorrow, and I need renovations done fast."
The owner, intrigued by the offer, scratched his chin. "Three hundred fifty gold, eh? That’s less than I’d like, but if you guarantee the 15 days, I’ll consider it. How about 450 gold, and I’ll get a crew in tomorrow to start repairs?"
Rhaenor smiled. "Done." They shook hands, and Rhaenor felt a weight lift from his shoulders. The location was perfect, and the deal was set. He handed over the lump sum payment, secured the keys, and prepared to move in after the renovations.
The contract of purchase was made in an instant; it was a decently sized scroll with golden engravings on the sides. The contract outlined the terms with a clause detailing that the building company would start repairs within 24 hours. Upon signing, the contract abruptly turned into specks of light. This was probably how contracts were done in this world. After he became the owner, a notification emerged displaying his options as the building owner. Rhaenor could hire personnel for the building. The panel presented several options: an alchemist who could create alchemical compounds and products, a receptionist to handle inquiries and manage day-to-day communication, a guard to ensure security, a merchant to manage alchemical product sales, and even a head clerk to oversee the administration of his ventures. Rhaenor considered these roles carefully, realizing each would be critical in building his business infrastructure.
Rhaenor stood in the center of his newly acquired building, surrounded by the fruits of his labor. The weight of gold in his hands felt satisfying, but a nagging thought gnawed at him—wealth could vanish in an instant. If misfortune struck again, like a forced use of his Vaporous Transformation or another unforeseen danger, he could lose everything. He needed to secure his wealth, and that meant finding a bank.
The Eldham Bank, an imposing structure near the city center, loomed large before him. Tall marble columns flanked the entrance, their gleaming white surfaces catching the sunlight and casting long shadows on the street. Inside, the atmosphere buzzed with quiet efficiency. The grand hall was lined with polished stone floors that reflected the soft light filtering through stained glass windows. Rows of counters stretched along one side, manned by tellers attending to the city’s wealthiest merchants and landowners. Wealthy patrons in fine clothing moved through the space, conducting their business in low murmurs. Massive iron vault doors could be seen at the far end of the room, a reminder of the bank's security. Chandeliers overhead added to the air of opulence, their soft glow casting a golden hue over everything.
Rhaenor approached the counter, where a sharp-eyed teller greeted him with a polite nod. After explaining his intention to deposit his recent earnings, the teller guided him through the process. As Rhaenor handed over his coins, the bank's system displayed a series of financial options, offering different account types. He opted for one with a high-interest yield—something unique to this world. A monthly interest rate of 10% on his deposited gold would not only safeguard his wealth but grow it steadily over time.
"Depositing gold here is quite advantageous," the teller explained, showing Rhaenor a detailed breakdown. "Your interest will compound monthly. Many of our clients find their wealth increasing rapidly over the years."
Rhaenor nodded thoughtfully. This was far better than leaving his gold sitting in the building. He deposited the remaining 270 gold from his pocket, confident that it would multiply with each passing month.
Satisfied, he left the bank, feeling a renewed sense of security. His business, his fortune, and his future in this world were finally beginning to take shape.