Ryan's eyes snapped open before dawn, his mind already racing with plans for the day ahead. For the first time in years, he felt a sense of purpose, a drive that pushed him out of bed without the usual struggle against his hangover-induced lethargy.
As he splashed cold water on his face, Ryan caught his reflection in the cracked mirror above the wash basin. His eyes stared back at him, a pair of deep blue orbs. They seemed clearer today, more focused. He ran a hand through his disheveled hair, noticing the flecks of gray at his temples. At twenty-one, he wasn't old by any means, but years of hard living had left their mark.
"Today's the day," he muttered to his reflection. "Time to turn this ship around."
The pre-dawn streets of Denair were quiet as Ryan made his way to his stall. The cool morning air carried the scent of fresh bread from nearby bakeries, mingling with the earthy smell of herbs and reagents that now clung to his clothes. As he walked, he mentally rehearsed his sales pitch, determined to make the most of every potential customer.
Arriving at his stall, Ryan set about transforming the rundown space into a proper alchemist's workshop. He arranged his newly acquired equipment with care, setting up the mortar and pestle, measuring spoons, and copper pot in easy reach. The vials of potions he'd managed to brew the day before were displayed prominently, their reddish contents catching the first rays of the rising sun.
As he worked, Ryan's mind turned to the numbers. He'd spent nearly eight hundred silvers on supplies and equipment. The glassware and recipe book were one-time purchases, but he still needed to recoup those costs. He'd managed to produce twenty-five minor health potions yesterday and had enough ingredients for about fifteen more. By his calculations, each potion cost around twenty silvers to produce, meaning he could sell them for thirty silvers a bottle and still turn a decent profit.
Ryan knew he still had to get his hands on more skill tablets to make this all work out. He had two options: either go to Looter's Heaven and try to get common skill tabs in bulk at a discount, or go straight to the source - Gary's Tabs, which only sold in bulk and never to adventurers. Something that favoured the merchants in the Eternal Realm, adventurers needed skill tablets to upgrade the potency of their skills, the higher the grade, the higher the increase in the skills potency. As a static, Ryan decided now was as good a time as any to make the trip to Gary's.
The walk to the market was uneventful, filled with the usual nods and greetings to fellow merchants. But inside, Ryan's heart was racing with excitement, his mind filled with visions of the profits to come.
Gary's shop, the second largest in Denair after Looter's Heaven, was a disappointment at first glance. The building was plain and utilitarian, with a simple door flanked by two guards and a few windows. But Ryan reminded himself that the target audience was statics, not adventurers, so flash wasn't necessary.
Inside, Ryan joined the queue at the counter. When it was finally his turn, he greeted the middle-aged man behind it. "Good morning, Gary."
"Good morning, welcome to Gary's Tabs. What can I do for you?" Gary asked.
Ryan inquired about the minimum number of common skill tabs he could buy and their price. Gary informed him that their lowest offer was twenty-five common skill tabs for three gold and nine hundred silvers, discounted from four gold.
After a brief moment of hesitation, Ryan made the purchase. It was a significant investment, leaving him with barely any gold, but he knew it was necessary for his plan to work.
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Back at his stall, Ryan took stock of his inventory. He now had twenty-seven skill tabs in total, including the two he already owned. With his current and potential potion stock, he calculated that he could sell each package deal - one skill tab and one minor health potion - for two hundred and fifteen silvers. This would net him a profit of thirty-five silvers per deal.
As he finalized his pricing strategy, Ryan pulled up his stat screen:
[Name: Ryan Lionheart
Profession: Merchant
Class: Alchemist (journeyman)
Coin: 0 gold, 570 silvers
Debt: 6 gold (deadline 6 days)]
The numbers were sobering, but Ryan felt a determination he hadn't experienced in years. He set to work, brewing potions with growing confidence. The recipe book lay open before him, but he found himself referring to it less and less as muscle memory from his long-dormant skills began to resurface.
The aroma of brewing potions soon attracted the attention of early market-goers. A few curious onlookers paused to watch Ryan work, their eyes widening as they saw the skill tablets displayed alongside the homemade potions.
"Step right up, folks!" Ryan called out, his voice carrying an enthusiasm he hadn't felt in years. "Genuine health potions, brewed fresh daily! And for a limited time, get a free minor health potion with every skill tablet purchase!"
A young woman approached the stall, her eyes fixed on the shimmering red liquid in one of the vials. "Are these really health potions?" she asked, her tone a mixture of curiosity and skepticism.
Ryan smiled, feeling a surge of confidence. "Indeed they are, my lady. Minor health potions, perfect for adventurers just starting out or anyone looking for a quick boost. And today, with every purchase of a skill tab, you get a minor health potion at no extra charge!"
The woman's eyebrows rose. "A potion too? That seems too good to be true."
"Ah, but that's where you're wrong," Ryan said, warming to his pitch. "You see, I'm new to the market, and I'm looking to build a loyal customer base. So I'm offering this incredible deal for a limited time. These skill tablets?" He gestured to the small stack on his counter. "They're genuine, guaranteed to help you learn a new skill or improve an existing one. Combined with the potions, it's an unbeatable package for any aspiring adventurer."
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As he spoke, Ryan continued his brewing, his hands moving with increasing surety as he measured, mixed, and decanted. The woman watched, clearly impressed by the display.
"Alright," she said after a moment. "I'll take one skill tablet and potion package."
Ryan's heart leaped. His first real sale! "For you, my lady, two hundred and fifteen silver pieces for the lot."
As the woman counted out the coins, more customers began to gather around the stall, drawn by the commotion and the enticing aroma of brewing potions. Ryan felt a rush of excitement as he handed over the package, already turning to address the growing crowd.
"Who's next, folks? Don't miss out on this incredible offer!"
For the next few hours, Ryan found himself in a whirlwind of activity. He brewed potions as quickly as he could while simultaneously handling transactions and answering questions from curious customers. His merchant skills, long overshadowed by his struggles with alcohol, came rushing back. He found himself effortlessly adjusting his sales pitch to each customer, highlighting different aspects of his products to appeal to their individual needs.
As the sun climbed higher in the sky, Ryan's stock began to dwindle. He'd sold over half of his skill tablets and nearly all of his pre-made potions. The constant brewing was taking its toll - his arms ached from grinding herbs and stirring mixtures, and his throat was hoarse from calling out to passersby. But the weight of coins in his money pouch was a constant reminder of his success.
During a brief lull in customers, Ryan took a moment to check his stats:
[Name: Ryan Lionheart
Profession: Merchant
Class: Alchemist (journeyman)
Coin: 3 gold, 275 silvers
Debt: 6 gold (deadline 6 days)]
The numbers were encouraging, but Ryan knew he couldn't afford to slow down. He still had a long way to go before he could pay off his debt and truly turn his life around.
As he prepared to call out to another group of potential customers, a familiar face caught his eye. It was Jenora, the white-haired alchemist who had sold him the starter kit. She was watching him from across the market, a small smile playing on her lips.
Ryan felt a surge of gratitude. Without her help, none of this would have been possible. He made a mental note to thank her properly when he had the chance.
For now, though, there was work to be done. Ryan turned back to his stall, a renewed sense of energy coursing through him. He may have started this journey out of desperation, but now, for the first time in years, he felt something else: hope.
As Ryan's business picked up momentum, he encountered different sets of customers, each presenting different challenges and opportunities. Among them were two particularly memorable interactions that tested his haggling skills, and one surprising encounter that left him pleasantly stunned.
Midway through the afternoon, a gruff-looking dwarf approached Ryan's stall, his beard adorned with intricate braids and metal clasps. He eyed the potions suspiciously before fixing Ryan with a steely gaze.
"Yer potions any good, lad?" the dwarf growled. "I've burned my tongue before because of shoddy alchemists."
Ryan straightened his posture, meeting the dwarf's gaze. "I assure you, sir, these potions are top-quality. Brewed fresh this very morning using only the finest ingredients."
The dwarf harrumphed. "Fine words, but I'll be the judge of that. I'll take five potions and three skill tablets, but I won't pay more than five hundred silvers for the lot."
Ryan's eyes widened. At his usual prices, that would be worth nearly Seven hundred and twenty silvers. He knew he couldn't afford to sell at such a loss, but he also didn't want to turn away a bulk sale.
"I appreciate your interest, good sir," Ryan said, thinking quickly. "But I'm afraid I can't go that low. These are premium products, after all. How about seven hundred and ten silvers for the package? That's still a significant discount."
The dwarf's bushy eyebrows furrowed. "Six hundred and fifty, and not a silver more."
Ryan took a deep breath. "Seven hundred, and I'll throw in an extra potion. That's my final offer."
For a tense moment, the dwarf said nothing. Then, slowly, a grin spread across his face. "Ye drive a hard bargain, lad. Deal."
As Ryan packaged up the goods, relief washed over him. It wasn't his full price, but it was still a decent profit, and the bulk sale would help move his inventory.
Later in the day, a well-dressed fairy approached the stall, her nose wrinkled slightly as if the smell of potions offended her. "I require two skill tablets," she said haughtily. "I assume you can provide a discount for multiple purchases?"
Ryan, tired from the long day but still alert, saw an opportunity. "Of course, my lady. For two skill tablets, I could offer them at two hundred silvers each, instead of the usual two hundred and fifteen."
The fairy's eyes narrowed. "That's barely a discount at all. Surely you can do better than that."
"Well," Ryan said, thinking on his feet, "I could lower it to one hundred and ninety each, but only if you also purchase two potions. It's a package deal, you see."
"Potions?" the fairy scoffed. "I have no need for such crude concoctions."
Ryan leaned in, lowering his voice conspiratorially. "Ah, but these aren't just any potions. They're perfect for maintaining that youthful glow. Many of my high-class customers swear by them."
The Fairy's expression changed subtly, a flicker of interest in her eyes. "Well... I suppose I could take two. But I won't pay more than five hundred silvers for the entire package."
Ryan pretended to consider for a moment. "Five hundred and fifty, and I'll include a special herbs blend for a relaxing bath. It pairs wonderfully with the potion's effects."
After a moment's hesitation, the fairy nodded. "Very well. I suppose that's acceptable."
As Ryan prepared her purchase, he silently congratulated himself on his improvisation. The "special herbs blend" was just a mix of leftover ingredients, but it cost him nothing and sealed the deal.
Just as Ryan was considering closing up for the day, a final customer approached. The man was unremarkable in appearance, dressed simply but neatly. "I'll take everything you have left," he said without preamble.
Ryan blinked in surprise. "Everything? Are you sure, sir?"
The man nodded. "Quite sure. I've been watching your stall all day. Your products seem to be in high demand, and I trust in quality that others vouch for."
Still somewhat stunned, Ryan quickly tallied up his remaining inventory. "That would be three skill tablets and seven potions, sir. At my usual prices, that would come to eight-hundred and sixty-silvers."
The man reached into his coin purse and counted out not silver, but gold coins. "Here's one gold and five hundred silvers. Keep the extra as a token of my appreciation for your hard work."
Ryan's jaw dropped. "Sir, that's far too generous. I can't possibly-"
The man held up a hand, smiling. "Please, I insist. Consider it an investment in your future success. My name is Gerhalt, I'm a Master blacksmith. Incase you ever decide to improve on your portfolio meet me at my stall, The Iron bender at the center of the town."
As the man walked away with his purchases, Ryan stood in amazed silence. This unexpected generosity and potential partnership, combined with his successful day of sales, had pushed his earnings beyond anything he had dared to hope for.
By the time the market began to wind down for the day, Ryan was exhausted but exhilarated. He'd sold all of his skill tablets and potions, and his coin purse was heavier than it had been in years. As he began to clean up his stall, he couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in what he'd accomplished.
With trembling fingers, he pulled out his ledger and carefully tallied the day's earnings. As the numbers added up, a disbelieving smile spread across his face. He'd done far better than he'd dared to hope.
Before allowing himself to drift off to sleep, Ryan checked his stat screen one last time:
[Name: Ryan Lionheart
Profession: Merchant
Class: Alchemist (journeyman)
Coin: 5 gold, 685 silvers
Debt: 6 gold (deadline 6 days)]
The numbers were a stark improvement from just a day ago. He was more than halfway to paying off his debt, with six days still to go.
That night, as Ryan collapsed onto his bed at The Messy Inn, he allowed himself a moment of reflection. He was still in debt, still struggling, but for the first time in a long time, he felt like he was on the right path. With a smile on his face, he drifted off to sleep, dreaming of potions and possibilities.