[Part 1 - The Exchange Market]
“It’s time to wake up, you know?”
My eyes slowly open as a soft, female voice pulls me out of my dream. I rub my eyes and try to focus on the figure standing before me. It takes a moment for my surroundings to come into view, and a green-haired receptionist looms over me.
“Hu…uh?”
“You’ve been asleep for a while now, probably over seventeen hours.”
I groan and stretch my limbs, feeling the stiffness in my muscles from sleeping in such an awkward position. The receptionist hands me a cup of a strange yellow liquid, but the aroma instantly wakes up my senses.
“Thanks.”
I mumble, taking a sip and feeling the stimulants jolt me back to reality.
“What is this… drink?”
“It’s a magical potion that jolts you awake, or, as I affectionately refer to it, wake-up juice.”
She giggles delicately as I nod in appreciation, finishing the strange drink quickly without any further thoughts, and feeling more alert and energised. As I sit up straighter on the bed, I take a moment to gather my thoughts and remember why I came to this place in the first place.
I look out the window, expecting to see the sun, but instead, only the dark sky remains with its celestial canvas of stars. The stars twinkle brightly, their light flickering in the vast expanse of the night sky.
“Is it always night here…?”
“What a strange question. It’s always night in regions like these.”
The receptionist responds with a warm smile and a gentle, soothing tone in her voice.
“Why not head down to the lobby? We have an amazing selection of food options just waiting for you to dig in.”
I nod in response, grateful for the suggestion.
…Seventeen hours? That’s gotta be some kind of record for me.
As I make my way to the lobby, the green-haired receptionist’s words about it always being night here echo in my mind. Weird, but I guess I’ll just have to get used to it.
I step into the lobby, greeted by the comforting aroma of freshly prepared food wafting through the air.
Surprisingly, the lobby seems quite empty, or maybe it’s because I woke up at a busy time. I can’t really be sure.
I plop down at an empty table, taking in the sight of the sparse room.
“Guess I’m not the only one up at this ungodly hour…”
I remark to no one in particular, my voice echoing slightly in the quiet space.
“Morning, love. What can I get ya?”
A cheerful voice chirps from behind me. I turn to see a small, winged faery hovering near my table, a mischievous glint in its eyes.
Startled by the unexpected presence, I find myself blinking in surprise at the creature standing right in front of me.
“Uh, whatever you have, I guess?”
The faery nods enthusiastically, fluttering off to fetch whatever she can.
“I guess I’ll be staying here… for god knows how long.” I mutter to myself, the words escaping with a sigh.
The faery returns with the food, setting down a steaming plate of food before me with a flourish. If I’ve learned anything from yesterday, it’s that taste and appearance don’t always go hand in hand.
I take a tentative bite, surprised by the burst of flavour that fills my mouth. It’s actually not bad. The faery watches me expectantly, clearly pleased with herself.
As I eat, my mind wanders to the events that led me here. The suicide. I remember the overwhelming despair and hopelessness that consumed me, driving me to that pitiful state.
My thoughts ponder on until they reach the mysterious voice that granted me this new existence.
Why did they do that? What was their goal anyway—to give me such a choice that basically altered my fate?
… Dwelling on the past won’t change my present reality. If anything, it’ll just make this journey harder to bear.
As I finish my meal, I prepare myself for my first day of exploration. I remind myself that I have been given a second chance, a new beginning, and I am determined to make the most of it.
I take a deep breath, feeling the air fill my lungs, as I consciously make an effort to push aside the haunting memories of my past.
I step out the inn’s front entrance, taking in the fresh air.
“Oh wow.” I mutter to myself as I stroll through the lively village. “This place is more alive than yesterday.”
I didn’t know adults could play like children, but this place proves me wrong.
the kids, the teens, and the adults all play tag together, I assume, as they dart through the wide streets.
“Hey, watch out!”
A sudden shout jolts me out of my thoughts as a group of kids runs past, narrowly avoiding collision with me. I step back, chuckling as I watch them continue their game of tag, their laughter echoing through the streets.
“Sorry ‘bout that!” one of them calls out over their shoulder, waving apologetically before darting off again.
As I walk further in, I reach a crossroad with a huge fountain in the centre. Carriages manoeuvre around the fountain as I try to understand the words written on the sign.
As I continue my stroll, I reach a crossroad adorned with a grand fountain in the centre. Carriages navigate around it with practised ease, while pedestrians bustle about, going about their daily business.
I glance up at the signpost, squinting slightly as I try to make out the words. It’s written in a language I don’t recognise, probably the one I can magically speak. It’s strange why I can’t read it.
Okay. An upside-down V shape accompanied by two hollow boxes and a line underneath, and curved straight lines with two Z-shaped squiggles between them…
Yeah, I can’t read that.
“Guess I’ll have to rely on my instincts.” I mutter to myself, resigning myself to the fact that I’ll have to figure things out as I go along.
So, off I go, trusting my gut and hoping for the best.
⁂
After passing around about twelve different carriages and unnaturally big-breasted females, I come across a street with seemingly endless stalls and stores.
It also seems to be crowded, and the same wooden texture does seem a bit repetitive. Still, I press on.
As I navigate through the crowded street, I catch glimpses of vibrant orbs, sparkling crystals, exotic potions, and yellowish-white and indigo stones on display. The air is filled with the scent of spices and the sound of vendors haggling with customers.
I weave through the throngs of people, my gaze darting from one stall to the next as I take in the array of goods on offer. The vendors call out their offers with infectious enthusiasm, their voices blending into a cacophony of commerce.
“Step right up! Best elixirs in town! Guaranteed to cure what ails ya!”
“Rare gems and mystical artefacts! Enhance your magical abilities with our exclusive collection!”
“Step right up, adventurer! Feast your eyes on the finest wares in all the land!” Echoes a vendor’s enthusiastic voice, cutting through the bustling atmosphere of the market.
I pause, intrigued by the energetic pitch, and my attention is drawn to a stall nestled in the corner of the market square. It’s adorned with colourful banners and intricate displays, standing out amidst the sea of vendors.
Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.
I continue my stroll through the bustling market, my eyes scanning the stalls filled with an assortment of goods. Weapons, armour, and mystical artefacts gleam under the sunlight, each promising its own unique power and protection. It’s a sight to behold, and I can’t help but feel a sense of excitement coursing through me as I take it all in.
As I meander through the market, I overhear snippets of conversations about Sunstone and Moonstone, the currency of this world’s trade. It’s no wonder my yen wouldn’t work here. I’m still amazed I had any on me in the first place.
Despite my initial confusion with the unfamiliar signpost and currency, I find myself adapting quickly, seamlessly blending into the rhythm of the market. It’s as if I’ve been doing this all my life, navigating through the crowds and engaging in the age-old art of bargaining.
Amidst the hustle and bustle, I spot a stall tucked away in a corner, different from the others. There’s a sign that catches my eye—really only because it’s glowing bright green. Green’s always been my favourite colour, so naturally, I’m drawn to it like a moth to a flame.
Approaching this store, which is your small, average wooden stall, I'm greeted by a friendly merchant.
“Ah! Hello there.”
“Uhh, hello… What are you selling?”
“Oh, I don’t sell; I give away for free; the sign does say ‘Free Essentials for Those in Need’ after all.”
I chuckle nervously, scratching the back of my head.
“Oh! Right, I knew that… haha…”
“Ah, don’t worry about it.” The merchant replies with a warm smile, seemingly unfazed by my awkwardness. “It happens to the best of us. Now, let me show you what we have here.”
I nod, feeling a sense of relief at his easygoing manner. As he begins to rummage through the various items on display, my curiosity piques. Free essentials for those in need? It’s an offer too good to pass up.
“Here we go. This should help you on your journey.”
I accept the pouch eagerly, eager to see what’s inside. Opening it up, I find a potion, a map, an amulet, a steel dagger, and a pair of glowing leather gloves.
“Wow! All this?”
The merchant nods.
“Indeed sir.”
I smile brightly, something I’m not really used to.
“How can I thank you enough for all this?”
“No need for thanks, my friend. It’s the least I can do to help a fellow traveller in need. Just be sure to put those items in your inventory. Wouldn’t want them getting lost or stolen now, would we?
His words, spoken with a casual tone, abruptly bring me back to reality from the depths of my reverie. I find myself nodding in agreement, as the realisation of what he’s saying slowly sinks in.
I decide to take a different route in an attempt to save time…
Inventory.
… But, as expected, it ends up being unsuccessful.
Determined to fully understand this system, I attempt to open the main screen with the word "Inventory.”
Open Inventory.
To my surprise, I find that my attempt is successful, and the word successfully opens the desired screen.
[No Item Selected]
« INVENTORY » « SLOTS [0 / 20] » « PAGE 1/1 »
My inventory is empty—well, not for long, I just need to figure out how to add things to this… virtual inventory? I guess you’ll call it that.
"So, let's see... How do I add these items to my inventory?" I mutter to myself, scratching my head in confusion. "Maybe if I just... think about it? It's worked every time so far."
I focus my thoughts on the items in front of me, picturing them appearing in the inventory screen. Lo and behold, as if by magic (which, let's face it, it probably is), the items start to materialize in the virtual space before me.
"Huh, that actually worked." I marvel, a grin spreading across my face. "Guess I'm getting the hang of this after all."
I secure the items I was given into my inventory, and put on this strange amulet.
With a satisfied nod, I close the inventory screen and turn my attention back to the friendly merchant who provided me with these essential supplies.
"Thanks a lot for this. I really appreciate your help."
I say, genuinely grateful.
The merchant waves off my thanks with a smile, his eyes twinkling with kindness.
"No problem at all, my friend. Just doing what I can to help out fellow travellers like yourself."
I nod, feeling a warmth in my chest at his generosity. It's not every day you come across someone willing to offer assistance without expecting anything in return
"You take care now, and remember, if you ever find yourself in need again, don't hesitate to stop by."
"Alright, see you later."
I bid farewell to the friendly merchant, a sense of gratitude warming my chest as I turn to resume my exploration of the village.
As I take my leave from the merchant, a sense of gratitude still lingers within me, buoying my spirits as I continue down the winding streets of the village. The sights and sounds of this new world envelop me, filling me with a sense of wonder and excitement. Yet, amidst the hustle and bustle, a nagging curiosity tugs at the corners of my mind.
The memory of seeing "No Item Selected" in my inventory lingers, leaving me pondering what might happen if I were to choose an item.
With that, I open my inventory again and press the slot with the pouch.
Small Pouch: Used for storing Items
Contents: Map x1, Healing Elixir x5, Steel Dagger x1, Enchanted Leather Gloves x1
Capacity: 7 / 8
« INVENTORY » « SLOTS [1 / 20] » S.Pouch « PAGE 1/1 »
Ah, so it tells you some information about the item… Interesting.
I glance up from my inventory screen and spot a peculiarly shaped building isolated in the distance. Its silhouette stands out against the backdrop of the village, its angular architecture catching my eye. The structure rises tall, with sharp edges and unusual contours that set it apart from the traditional buildings nearby.
The building’s facade is adorned with intricate carvings and embellishments, hinting at a craftsmanship beyond the ordinary.
“Eh? What’s that…”
I mutter to myself, intrigued by the mysterious building.
Without further ado, I set off toward the building, my steps quickening with excitement. As I draw closer, its angular architecture becomes more pronounced, contrasting sharply with the traditional structures nearby.
Upon reaching the entrance, I pause to take in the intricate carvings adorning the facade, marvelling at the craftsmanship displayed. It’s unlike anything I’ve seen before, and my curiosity intensifies.
“Hey there!”
A voice interrupts my thoughts, snapping me out of my reverie. I turn to see a local resident, with a friendly smile on their face.
I jump, startled by his sudden appearance.
“Oh, uh, hi!”
“Are you heading to the Public Guild Hall?”
The resident asks, gesturing towards the peculiar building.
“The what now?”
“You don’t know what it is?!”
I shake my head, feeling a bit embarrassed by my lack of knowledge about this world.
“No, sorry… Could you tell me more about it?”
“Of course! The Public Guild Hall is where adventurers like yourself come to form parties, register for quests, upgrade their gear, and even participate in special events hosted by the guild. It’s basically the heart of our village’s adventuring community.”
“Oh, gotcha.”
I nod along, pretending like I totally know what he’s talking about.
“If you’re looking to team up with others or take on some quests, that’s the place to go.”
“Thanks for letting me know. I’ll check it out.”
With a grateful nod, I bid farewell to the resident and turn my attention back to the imposing building ahead. It’s a daunting sight, but also strangely exhilarating.
This could be the start of something big, something that’ll change my future in this world.