The morning light filtered through the windows of Rhaenor’s new business establishment, casting a warm glow over the bustling activity within. From the moment the doors opened, it was clear that his venture was off to a promising start. Carus, the alchemist, had already set up a workbench in the corner of the first floor, meticulously mixing potions and crafting various alchemical products with a level of precision that impressed even Rhaenor. Emar, the grizzled guard captain, stood near the entrance, his watchful eyes scanning the customers, ensuring no unwanted guests made trouble.

Adon was darting around the premises with youthful energy, taking note of supplies they needed to stock up on and ensuring deliveries were made on time. His friend, Cala, sat behind a sturdy wooden desk near the center of the room, a focused expression on her face as she worked through the books. She had taken to the role of head clerk with remarkable ease, efficiently managing both the financial records and the scheduling of work orders. The sound of clinking coins could be heard as a few early customers exchanged money for their purchases, and Cala carefully logged each transaction, her sharp eyes keeping track of every detail.

The atmosphere inside the building was one of steady productivity. Rhaenor had expected some hiccups during the first day of operations, but to his surprise, everything was running smoothly. The alchemical goods were flying off the shelves, and thanks to Cala’s discreet but authoritative presence, customers felt safe as they browsed. By midday, Rhaenor had already seen a steady stream of income from sales, and he couldn’t help but feel a swell of pride as he observed his team working in unison. This was more than just a business—it was a well-oiled machine, and it was performing even better than he had anticipated.

By the end of the day, Rhaenor gathered his team together for a brief meeting. They had made an impressive profit on their first day totalling 50 gold, 200 silver and 5000 bronze, with customers already returning for repeat purchases. Carus had managed to complete a few special requests for high-tier potions, and Cala had efficiently handled every transaction, ensuring no errors in the bookkeeping. Even Adon had contributed significantly by securing a few new supply deals, which would keep their stock replenished at a lower cost.

As he dismissed them for the night, Rhaenor couldn’t shake a thought that had been forming in the back of his mind all day. The business was already proving to be a success, but it didn’t feel like enough. While he had initially thrown himself into building this venture, he realized that his true calling wasn’t here, behind the walls of this establishment, selling potions and managing finances. His heart longed for something more—the adventure that Midgard promised, the mysteries of his Magus class waiting to be unraveled. The bustling city of Eldham was only a small corner of this vast world, and he couldn’t let himself be tied down to just one place.

The following morning, Rhaenor had made up his mind. He wouldn’t stay here, running the day-to-day operations of his business. The team he had assembled was more than capable of handling it, and the profits would continue to flow without his constant presence. Instead, he would set out to explore Midgard, to push the boundaries of his unique Magus class and uncover what lay beyond the familiar streets of Eldham. There were untold wonders in this world, dangers to face, and powers to master. Staying here, confined to one city and one business, would only limit his growth.

Rhaenor then talked with Cala, this time to discuss the future of the business in his absence. Cala, who had proven herself as a reliable and capable manager, would be entrusted with greater responsibilities. “Cala,” Rhaenor said, his voice steady, “I’ll be leaving the day-to-day operations in your hands. You’ve shown you can handle the numbers and the customers with ease. I’ll be automating the building’s access so you and the others can continue working even when I’m away.”

Cala blinked in surprise but quickly nodded, her professional demeanor never wavering. “I understand. I’ll ensure everything runs smoothly in your absence.”

Rhaenor spent the next few hours using his administrative panel to set up a series of protocols that would allow the business to function without his direct involvement. He adjusted the building’s magical locks so that only those on his approved list—Carus, Emar, Adon, and Cala—could enter the main building. Their customers could still buy their products, as the building has a storefront that enables them to make purchases without entering the building. Rhaenor also programmed the security system to alert Emar in case of any threats or disturbances, ensuring the business remained protected.

As for the finances, Rhaenor assigned Cala the additional responsibility of managing the salaries and handling the daily bank deposits. “You’ll receive an additional two gold per day for these duties,” Rhaenor told her, watching as her eyes widened in appreciation. “That brings your total salary to three gold per day.”

She nodded, a slight smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. “Thank you, Rhaenor. I won’t let you down.”

With the building now fully automated and Cala managing the business, Rhaenor felt a weight lift from his shoulders. The profits would continue to roll in, safely secured in his bank account, and his team was more than competent to handle any issues that arose. For the first time since arriving in Midgard, he felt free—free to explore, to discover, and to truly experience all that this world had to offer.

As he was about to leave the building, Rhaenor took one last look at the bustling business he had built. The alchemist's workbench, the guard by the door, the diligent head clerk—all were a testament to the foundation he had laid. But now, it was time to venture into the unknown. He was lost in thought when Adon, his loyal companion over the past few days, approached.

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“Adon,” Rhaenor called softly, walking toward the boy who was busy stacking crates near the storefront. “I’ve been thinking. Tomorrow, I’m heading out of the city to explore. I wanted to ask if you’d come with me. We’ve been through a lot together, and I could use your company on the road.”

Adon looked up, surprised by the offer. His hands slowed, and he turned to face Rhaenor with a soft, bittersweet smile. “That’s kind of you, Rhaenor, but…” He trailed off, his voice quiet as if unsure how to say the words. “I can’t.”

Rhaenor frowned, crouching down to meet Adon’s eye level, his voice gentle. “Why not? You’ve been a great help here, and there’s so much more out there to see. You don’t have to stay in Eldham forever.”

Adon sighed, glancing around the courtyard where the employees were busy preparing for the next day. “Things are finally starting to look up for me here. I’ve got a bed, food, and… I belong. I’ve never had that before. For the first time, I feel like I’m part of something.”

Rhaenor’s heart sank. He understood all too well the desire for a sense of belonging, especially for someone like Adon, who had spent his life on the streets. He rested a hand on the boy’s shoulder, his voice thick with emotion. “You deserve that, Adon. And I’d never take that from you. But remember, no matter where I go, you’ll always have a place with me if you change your mind.”

Adon’s eyes glistened with gratitude, and he nodded. “Thank you, Rhaenor. I’ll be here when you get back.”

The air between them was filled with an unspoken understanding. Rhaenor knew this was a turning point for both of them. Adon was making a life for himself, while Rhaenor’s path was leading him to the unknown.

With a final glance at Adon, Rhaenor made his way toward the bustling merchant district. It was time to prepare for the next stage of his journey. The streets were busy, filled with traders peddling their goods, and Rhaenor scanned the stalls, searching for equipment that would suit his Magus class.

After hours of combing through the marketplace, Rhaenor felt drained and unimpressed. He had spoken with several merchants, but none offered gear that suited his rare class. Each stall seemed focused on typical adventurer gear, and no one catered to the needs of a Magus. First, he approached Gavrel, a broad-shouldered man with a thick beard, who specialized in heavy armor. Gavrel barely glanced at Rhaenor before dismissing him. “Magic-user, huh? I deal in solid iron, not robes,” Gavrel muttered, turning back to his gleaming chestplates and shields.

Next was Lira, a sharp-eyed woman with an array of enchanted daggers and rogue cloaks. “Stealth gear only,” she said flatly, waving Rhaenor away. The collection of dark, shadow-infused items clearly catered to assassins and thieves, offering nothing of use for a spellcaster.

The third stall, run by Beric, showcased massive war hammers and axes brimming with raw strength. When Rhaenor asked about mage gear, Beric simply grunted. “I’ve never had much call for mage stuff. Try the mages’ quarter,” he said, offering no further help.

At the fourth stop, Rulfo, a wiry man specializing in bows and arrows, gave Rhaenor a once-over. “You’re in the wrong part of town for that kind of gear. Maybe try the Academy’s district,” he said, turning his attention back to an eager crowd of hunters looking for ranged weapons.

Frustrated and nearly ready to give up, Rhaenor finally came across a secluded stall at the end of the market. The merchant here stood out—an older man with long, greying hair and a knowing look. His nameplate read Verin, and his wares gleamed with a subtle magical aura. For the first time, Rhaenor felt like he might be in the right place.

“What can I do for you, traveler?” Verin asked, his voice low and serious.

“I need armor and weapons suited for a Magus,” Rhaenor said, almost expecting to be turned away like before.

Verin’s eyes lit up with interest. “A Magus, you say? Very rare. I have exactly what you need.” He turned to his stock with care, pulling out a set of shimmering dark-blue robes that pulsed faintly with magic.

A panel appeared in front of Rhaenor, displaying the item's information:

Arcane Mantle (Epic)

- Price: 100 Gold

- Description: A finely woven robe infused with arcane runes. The perfect attire for a magic user, enhancing spellcasting capabilities and defense against elemental forces.

- Effects:

- +50 Mana Regeneration per minute

- +20% Resistance to Elemental Damage

- +5 Intelligence

Rhaenor’s eyes gleamed as he inspected the Arcane Mantle. “This is exactly what I’ve been searching for,” he murmured.

“And for a weapon,” Verin said, turning to an ornate staff made of ebony, the carved shaft spiraling into a glowing crystal at the top.

Again, a panel appeared before Rhaenor:

Astral Staff (Epic)

- Price: 50 Gold

- Description: A masterwork staff carved from ancient ebony. It amplifies spell power and stores spells for instant use during combat.

- Effects:

- +30% Spell Damage

- Ability to store up to three spells for instant casting

- +10 Mana

Rhaenor was stunned by the staff’s potential. With this gear, his magic would become exponentially more powerful. He glanced at Verin, who smiled knowingly. But Rhaenor wasn’t done. “Do you have anything else that might help with mana or regeneration?” he asked, sensing that Verin’s collection might hold more secrets.

Verin nodded, reaching into a hidden compartment. He pulled out two finely crafted rings, each glowing with a faint magical aura. “These are special,” he said, his voice lowering to a conspiratorial tone. “There are only ten rings like these in the entire world. Wear all ten, and it’s said you can become a true master of magic.”

A panel appeared before Rhaenor, detailing the rings:

Ring of Arcane Focus (Epic)

- Price: 50 Gold

- Description: An epic magical ring, part of a epic set said to bestow unparalleled power to those who collect all ten. This ring enhances the wearer's mana capacity and regeneration.

- Effects:

- +10% Maximum Mana

- +10% Mana Regeneration

"I’ll take them all," Rhaenor said, handing over a banknote for 250 gold without hesitation.

After a quick transaction, Verin packed the Arcane Mantle, Astral Staff, and both rings into enchanted satchels. Rhaenor’s coin purse was significantly lighter, but the items he now possessed were beyond what he had dreamed of finding.

As he donned the Arcane Mantle, Rhaenor could feel the magic flowing through him. The staff pulsed in his hand, responding to his slightest magical impulse. The rings fit perfectly on his fingers, their magic seeping into his body and mind, amplifying his reserves of mana. With this gear, he was no longer the novice Magus who had wandered the city’s streets uncertainly. He was now armed with the tools of a true arcane master. He was only level 3, but his stats looked like those of at least a level 20 adventurer. Wealth and connections really have an edge in every world.

Feeling the weight of the day’s purchases, he found his way to a nearby tavern. The glow of the hearth and the scent of roasting meat promised comfort and warmth. He took a seat at a quiet corner table, ordered a meal, and reflected on the incredible power he now wielded. Tomorrow would bring new challenges and greater dangers, but Rhaenor was prepared. For the first time since entering Midgard, he felt truly ready.

After finishing his meal, he retired to a modest room above the tavern. His mind raced with possibilities, but the exhaustion of the day soon took over, and sleep claimed him. Tomorrow, a new chapter in his journey awaited.