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My System "Life of a Healer"
Chapter 7&8 Coins and Crossroads

Chapter 7&8 Coins and Crossroads

As the first light of dawn broke through the clouds, Alexander arrived at Lilian's apothecary, eager to begin the day. The sun cast a golden glow on the cobblestone streets, and the city was already bustling with activity. He stepped inside the shop, taking a moment to admire the shelves lined with vials and jars filled with colorful liquids and herbs.

"Ah, there you are, Alexander," Lilian said, a warm smile on her face. "Today's a big day, so let's get started. First things first, let me tell you our brand slogan: 'Seraphine's Elixir Emporium - Where Potions and Purpose Unite!' Remember that, and always greet our customers with it."

Alexander nodded, committing the slogan to memory.

"Now, when it comes to our adventurers," she continued, "you'll need to assess their needs based on their appearance and the information they provide. Don't be afraid to ask questions. And remember, always barter with them. They'll try to get the best deal they can, but it's important that we make a fair profit. Be sure to factor in the rarity of the potions and the materials used."

Throughout the day, a diverse array of people entered the apothecary. The first customer was a tall, muscular man with a scar across his face, wearing a suit of shining plate armor. He entered the shop, his steps heavy and echoing throughout the room.

"Seraphine's Elixir Emporium - Where Potions and Purpose Unite!" Alexander greeted him enthusiastically. "How may I assist you today, sir?"

The warrior grunted in acknowledgment. "I'm in need of some strong healing potions for a dungeon expedition. Got any?"

Alexander examined the man, noting his battle-hardened demeanor and the quality of his armor. "We have a selection of healing potions, ranging from common to rare," he said, guiding the warrior to a shelf displaying the various vials. "For someone of your experience, I'd recommend the rare potion, which can restore a significant amount of health."

The warrior raised an eyebrow, clearly interested. "How much for five of them?"

"Five rare healing potions would typically cost 75 gold pieces," Alexander replied. "However, since you're purchasing in bulk, I can offer you a 10% discount, bringing the total to 67 gold pieces."

After a brief moment of contemplation, the warrior nodded and handed over the gold. "Deal," he grunted, a hint of a smile on his face.

As the day continued, the flow of customers remained steady. A duo of elves entered the shop, their ears gracefully pointed and their steps light as a breeze. They wore intricately woven garments adorned with silver embroidery, giving them an air of elegance and sophistication.

"Seraphine's Elixir Emporium - Where Potions and Purpose Unite!" Alexander greeted them, doing his best to hide his astonishment at seeing elves for the first time.

The taller of the two elves, a woman with flowing, silver hair, smiled warmly. "Greetings, young human. We are in search of potions that enhance mental clarity and focus. Our magical studies demand great concentration."

Alexander led them to a shelf with a selection of cognitive enhancement potions. "These potions here are designed to improve focus and mental clarity. We have potions of varying potency, with the rarer ones providing a more pronounced effect."

The other elf, a young man with golden hair, examined the vials carefully. "How much for three of the rarest ones?"

Alexander did a quick mental calculation. "Three of our rarest potions would cost 90 gold pieces, but I can offer you a 5% discount for purchasing three, which brings the total to 85 gold pieces."

The elves exchanged a glance, and the woman nodded her approval. "That seems reasonable," she said, handing over the gold.

As the afternoon progressed, the door to the shop opened once again, revealing a duo of Kruun, their muscular forms drawing the attention of everyone in the shop. One had dark brown skin adorned with tribal tattoos, while the other had lighter brown skin and a mane of fiery red hair. Their powerful forms were complemented by their proud expressions, and they moved with a warrior's grace.

"Seraphine's Elixir Emporium - Where Potions and Purpose Unite!" Alexander greeted them, trying to conceal his awe at seeing Kruun for the first time.

The tattooed Kruun, a female with a steady, commanding gaze, nodded in acknowledgment. "We require potions to enhance our strength in battle. We've heard that you have a selection of such elixirs."

Alexander guided them to a section of the shop with potions designed specifically for enhancing physical prowess. "These elixirs can help improve your strength, agility, and endurance, depending on your specific needs. We have various options available, with the rarer ones providing a more pronounced effect."

As they perused the selection, the red-haired Kruun, a male with an intense, focused stare, looked curiously at Alexander. "You seem rather young for a potion master. Have you ever fought in battle before you became a healer?"

Alexander shook his head, a determined smile on his face. "Not yet, but I have been trained as a healer and surgeon from a kind hermit far from here. I hope to apply my skills in various ways, including supporting warriors like yourselves."

The Kruun warriors made their purchases, exchanging a few more words of respect with Alexander before departing the shop.

As the day neared its end, a group of Tinklids entered the apothecary, their small stature and tinkering gadgets catching everyone's eye. "Seraphine's Elixir Emporium - Where Potions and Purpose Unite!" Alexander greeted them warmly.

One of the Tinklids, a curious little fellow with a bushy mustache and a pair of goggles atop his head, giggled excitedly. "We're in need of some potions to help with our latest inventions, lad! Got anything that can improve our focus and fine motor skills?"

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Alexander grinned, guiding them to a section of the shop dedicated to cognitive enhancement potions. As they browsed the shelves, another Tinklid, a female with a wild mane of hair and a toolbelt slung across her waist, asked, "So, lad, have you ever tinkered with magical gadgets or contraptions? There's nothing quite like seeing a creation come to life!"

Alexander shook his head, smiling. "I haven't had the pleasure yet, but I find your work fascinating. For now, I'm content with helping adventurers and inventors like yourselves prepare for their endeavors."

The Tinklids made their purchases, chatting animatedly with Alexander about the various projects they were working on before departing the shop, their pockets filled with potions to aid their inventive pursuits.

As the day went on, Alexander continued to help various customers, each with their unique needs and personalities. The atmosphere in the shop remained lively and bustling, and Alexander found himself enjoying the interactions with the diverse inhabitants of this world.

Suddenly, the door to the shop burst open, and a group of adventurers rushed in, carrying one of their comrades who appeared to be on the brink of death. The injured adventurer, an Aquari with blue-green skin and gills on his neck, was barely conscious, his breathing shallow and labored.

"Help!" cried one of the adventurers, a panicked Elemari with flames flickering around her fingertips. "Our friend has been gravely wounded in battle, and his life is slipping away. We've tried healing potions, but they aren't working!"

Alexander immediately sprang into action, his healer instincts kicking in. "Lay him down on that table," he instructed, assessing the Aquari's injuries. Deep gashes covered his body, and it was clear that the damage was far beyond what a simple potion could mend.

"Lilian," Alexander called out, his voice steady but urgent. "I need you to gather bandages, sutures, a scalpel, and a cauterizing iron. And bring some numbing and healing potions as well."

As Lilian hurried to gather the necessary supplies, Alexander focused on the wounded Aquari, his surgical knowledge coming to the forefront. He quickly and efficiently cleaned the wounds, using his numbing potion on the injured adventurer to ease his pain.

When Lilian returned with the requested items, Alexander began the delicate process of suturing the deep lacerations, his hands steady and precise. The other adventurers watched with a mix of fear and awe as Alexander worked tirelessly, his concentration unyielding. As he sewed the last suture, Alexander took the cauterizing iron and sealed the wound, preventing any further blood loss.

Finally, Alexander administered a healing potion, its powerful magic aiding in the recovery process. The Aquari's breathing gradually stabilized, and the color returned to his cheeks as the life-threatening danger subsided.

The group of adventurers, their expressions filled with gratitude, thanked Alexander for his exceptional skills and quick thinking. One of the adventurers, a Therian with a wolf-like appearance, spoke up. "Your actions today have saved our friend's life. We are in your debt. If there is anything we can do to repay you, just name it."

Alexander smiled, relief washing over him as the Aquari stirred and opened his eyes. "Seeing your friend on the road to recovery is more than enough for me. Just make sure he gets plenty of rest and heals properly."

As the group of adventurers left the shop, their injured comrade supported between them, Alexander couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. He had faced a dire situation and, with his skills and quick thinking, had turned the tide in their favor. It was a moment that would not soon be forgotten.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky with hues of pink and orange, the day finally came to an end. The last customer had left the shop, and Alexander and Lilian took a moment to catch their breath after the intense day.

Lilian looked at Alexander, her eyes filled with a mixture of amazement and gratitude. "Alexander," she began, her voice soft and sincere, "I cannot thank you enough for what you did today. Not only were you an invaluable help with our customers, but you also saved that Aquari's life. You truly have a remarkable gift."

She reached into her apron and pulled out a heavy pouch, the clinking of gold coins audible even through the thick fabric. "Here is your cut of today's earnings," she said, handing him the pouch. "It's more than your usual day's wages, but you've more than earned it."

Alexander took the pouch, feeling the weight of the gold coins in his hand. It was a generous amount, and he couldn't help but feel grateful for Lilian's kindness. "Thank you, Lilian," he replied sincerely. "I couldn't have done it without you."

Lilian shook her head, a warm smile on her face. "You're selling yourself short, Alexander. You have incredible skills, and I think it's important for you to explore all your options in this world. You don't have to spend all your time at the shop. There are several guilds nearby that might interest you – fighters, thieves, and even a magic guild. They could help you learn to fight or become an even better supporter."

Alexander thought about Lilian's suggestion, and he realized that she was right. As much as he enjoyed working in the apothecary, there was an entire world out there waiting for him to explore and learn from. "I appreciate your advice, Lilian. I'll definitely consider joining a guild and expanding my skills."

Lilian nodded, pleased with his response. "Good. Now, take tomorrow off. You've earned a break, and it's important to have some time for yourself. You can return on Sunday, and we'll continue working together."

Alexander made his way to the inn, the golden hues of the setting sun casting long shadows on the cobblestone streets. Today had been an eventful day, and he felt both physically and mentally exhausted. As he entered the familiar warmth of the inn, he decided to skip dinner for the night. The day's events had taken a toll on his appetite, and he just wanted to rest.

He climbed the stairs to his room, his footsteps heavy with fatigue. Once inside, he closed the door behind him and leaned against it for a moment, taking a deep breath to compose himself. He could still hear the distant chatter of the inn's patrons downstairs, but the sounds were muffled and distant, creating a soothing ambiance in his room.

Alexander sat on the edge of his bed and pulled out the pouch of gold coins Lilian had given him. He carefully emptied its contents onto the bedspread, the coins glittering like tiny suns in the dimly lit room. He began counting the gold, feeling a sense of accomplishment and pride in his earnings.

s Alexander counted the gold coins, he meticulously organized them into neat stacks. After a careful tally, he determined that he had amassed a total of 350 gold coins. But his earnings didn't stop there; he also had a separate pouch for silver and bronze coins. He proceeded to count them out, organizing them in the same manner as the gold coins.

He discovered that he had 175 silver coins and a staggering 500 bronze coins.

As he finished counting, an ethereal voice suddenly echoed in his mind: "Congratulations! Your Barter skill has reached Level 4!" Alexander couldn't help but smile at the unexpected announcement. It seemed his hard work had not gone unnoticed, and he was becoming quite adept at trading.

He lay down on the bed, his mind swirling with thoughts of the day's events and the possibilities that lay before him. He pondered over Lilian's suggestion of joining a guild and expanding his skill set. It was a compelling idea, and he couldn't deny the allure of learning new abilities and embarking on thrilling adventures.

As Alexander's eyelids grew heavy, the last rays of the sun disappeared beyond the horizon, casting the room in darkness. He drifted off to sleep, his dreams filled with visions of enchanted forests, bustling guild halls, and epic battles against fearsome foes. The world was vast and full of opportunity.