I've barely made it back behind the counter after unlocking the door to my shop for the day when the customers who had parked outside enter the shop, a small tone sounding out. They're a man who looks about nineteen and a girl who looks around fourteen or fifteen, mostly likely fifteen. People who Awaken before the age of fifteen are actually rare, I've simply encountered a lot of them over the last eight years.

At a guess, I'd say they're siblings since they both have the same dark pink hair and dark green eyes. Neither is dressed in expensive gear, only basic Tier 1 stuff which likely came from the discount section in the hunter's mall. They must be new Awakened; it's not uncommon for siblings to receive the Awakening Quest at the same time. With the quality of their gear, they also likely only had their registration bonus to buy things.

"Hey, hey!" The girl rushes up to the counter when she enters. "Is it true that you're the Dungeon Baby?"

"Emily!" The man exclaims. "You can't just ask a question like that!"

"A lot of people ask me that," I tell him, then look at the girl. "Yes, I was found in a Dungeon as a baby. We never found out who my parents are or why they abandoned me there. Are the two of you fresh Awakened?"

"We Awakened yesterday," the man answers. "Registered a little after, then bought some gear. Only Rank 2, though, so it wasn't much from the registration package."

"It's all Tier 1 stuff," I nod. "Which was a smarter choice. They won't be asking you for anything other than a Category 1-1 Dungeon at first, to help you get a feel for things, maybe Category 2-1 as well if needed and they feel you can handle it. Neither of those don't need any gear higher than Tier 1."

That much is something I already knew, since I do get a lot of fresh Awakened here. I even knew most of what my Rank 5 friends told me, though I didn't expect that Rank 5s weren't actually called that often. As it turns out, the reason most of them went into Dungeons a lot early on was because they were buying the rights to it.

As a scavenger, I have to pay a fee based on the Dungeon's Category to enter to loot. Usually, I can make a lot more than the fee off the loot I scavenge from it. What I didn't know about was that the bureau pays hunters for taking on the Dungeons when they contact them for it.

Something I did know was that Awakened can also buy the rights to a Dungeon – that's how guilds gain access to them. Management rights to a Dungeon, or the permission to choose who enters it and what happens with the loot, cost a lot more than either the scavenger fee or the payment to hunters assigned to entry by the bureau. The reason for that is because it means that whoever buys those rights will earn a lot of money in turn as they get first pick on the loot.

Apparently, it's not uncommon for novice Rank 5s to keep buying the rights to Dungeons for their first few months. All of the ones I talked with said it was just some sort of rush or high for them, an excitement within them that drove them to using their abilities more. Once they burned out on that, they calmed down on it.

Fortunately, Dungeons are a high enough spawn that it's not a major issue for them to do that. Or at least, they used to be. If the spawns continue to drop as they have been rather than returning to normal, things might be a little bit difficult. At least there are still Dungeons outside of town and the monsters in the wilderness that people can hunt and harvest from.

"Can you guess what we are?" The girl asks. "Our Classes?"

"You've got a quiver and bow strapped to your back," I say. "So you've likely received an archery-based Class, while you," I look at the man. "Have a seven-inch sphere on your hip. A casting focus, so a mage. Since you're both Rank 2, you've got a second Class as well. At a guess, you have either a plant-based or a mind-based Class, while your brother probably has both."

"H-how did you figure that out?" She asks. "I'm an [Archer] and a [Thought Seeker]! Though I can only sense minds with the Skill I received from it, not hear thoughts or anything like that. My other three Skills are all for [Archer]. And Nate has [Plant Mage] and [Thought Seeker]! But seriously! How did you guess?"

"Hair and eyes, dummy," the man snorts. "Pink hair is common in people with natural affinities for mind magics. Green eyes can be a sign of plant magics."

A person's hair and eyes aren't always an indicator for what types of magics their Skills will be on, but it can often be a good indicator. When several generations in a row use a type of magic heavily enough, it can cause a mutation in them to make them predisposed to it, or alter their appearance slightly. That affinity can die out over time even if the changed coloration doesn't.

"It's not always an indicator," I say. "But his orb has a plant focus to it, so that also gave it away a little."

"We received a request to help with a Rank 1-1 Dungeon," Nate tells me as Emily pouts. "We were hoping to get some potions with what we've got left. The assignment is for in about forty minutes."

"What's your budget?" I ask.

"A hundred dollars each," he answers. "We don't know what the rest of the people going into the Dungeon are, so we were wanting both HP potions and MP potions."

That little? A Rank 2 receives $3,000 as their registration package so I'd have thought they would have more. Their gear is pretty low in quality, too. Either they went out and celebrated with it, they put some aside for savings and don't want to touch it, or they spent it on bills of some sort.

"They generally ask for at least two tanks, two close-range fighters, two supporters, and two ranged fighters," I inform them. "To balance the party a bit."

"Don't tanks really only work in video games?" Nate asks.

"The way you're thinking, maybe," I say. "In this sense, a tank is a person who helps draw the attention of the enemy while also making sure the ranged fighters and supporters are protected. Their main goal isn't to kill the monster but protect the others. The close-ranged fighters use openings created by the tanks and ranged fighters to get in close and strike, while the supporters providing healing support, binding magic, buffs and debuffs, and so on. And tanks will perform attacks if the monsters get close to the ranged fighters and supporters. It's essentially a difference in active offense and passive offense.

"This means the two of you will have a lower chance of taking damage as long as the party is assigned properly," I say. "And they generally have at least one experienced tank and one experienced healer in the group if there are newbies in it, so the risk of you being attacked are low. Health potions aren't generally needed for ranged fighters to begin with and this reduces the odds even more. I'd still recommend a little bit for each of you, just in case they can't get experienced hunters in or something unexpected happens."

"What would you recommend?" Nate asks.

The fact that they let me explain all of this and listened intently is a sign that they probably didn't attend one of the schools which focused on making sure its students were prepared in case they Awakened. Roughly eight percent of all people Awaken by the time they reach the age of twenty so plenty of schools teach about Dungeons and hunters.

Nate asking for a recommendation and Emily nodding her head in agreement is another sign of that, as well as a sign that they're willing to listen and learn. There's been a few times where customers haven't been willing, and I usually end up hearing about them getting into major trouble in a Dungeon or in the wilderness.

"The current cost is $0.16 per 1 HP restored due to the current shortage of materials," I say. "At Rank 2, you'll both have 300 HP and MP. I'd recommend potions which restore 25 or 50 HP per ounce. It's easier to avoid wasting any if you don't restore as much per drink, and you probably won't receive that much damage. What you don't use for the fight, you can save for the next Dungeon."

A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

"Then we'll do that," Nate says. "They recommended at the mall that we buy bottles for storing potions in that we could clip onto our belts."

"To make it easier to drink, yes," I nod. "They sold them at the mall, but it sounded like you thought you needed to buy them here?"

"Yeah," he looks sheepish.

"No worries," I say. "I sell potion bottles that can be clipped onto belts, though those cost a little bit more. These aren't the same bottles they were talking about – these are glass bottles, while the ones they were talking about are plastic ones which resemble water bottles, and which come in standard and sports varieties. Mine are only in a 3oz variety and are more disposable. Tier 1 would be the better ones for you."

"Okay," he says, then checks his phone. "We have time to return to the mall before we have to be there."

"I wouldn't recommend that," I say.

"Why not?" Emily asks before I can answer.

"Tier 1 bottles will run about $40," I say. "That would reduce your available funds down to about $60 each. Just 3oz of the health potion will cost $24. The glass bottle to hold that and which can clip onto your belt would cost you $5. It's more easily damaged and most people just drop them after they use them, but it will let you spend more on mana potion. Those have a higher price than health potions.

"As you can see on the board up there," I gesture up to the board on the back wall which lists my products and prices. "They currently cost $0.22 per 1 MP restored. As you're both ranged-types, you'll most likely use a decent amount of mana in the Dungeon run. I would recommend buying 300 MP in mana potions each.

"The typical Rank 1 caster and archer who comes here mentions they usually use a little bit more than they expected for their first Dungeon," I explain. "Often up to around 250 MP in Skills. Buying 300 MP gives you an extra twenty percent, just in case. That's $66 in potions. Adding on a glass bottle for the belt, that's $71. Combined, what I'm recommending is the full $100, so I understand if you would prefer less than that."

Nate and Emily think about it, then step back to talk among themselves for a minute.

"We do have a little bit extra," Nate says. "And we'll be getting paid from the Dungeon and the loot, too. We'll do as you suggested."

"Alright," I say. "Wait right here and I'll bring those up."

I head into the back and portion out the potions, pulling from the relevant buckets to make two belt-bottles of health potions which restore 50 HP per ounce, two belt-bottles of mana potions which restore 50 MP per ounce, and two 3oz bottles which restore 50 MP per ounce. Those are set onto separate trays per customer order, which I then bring up to the front.

"Please check to verify these are as you're requesting," I instruct the customers as I set the trays on the counter.

Once they check and confirm these are what they're purchasing today, I ask if they're paying together or separately. It's separate, so I ring up one order first and Nate pays, then I ring up the other and Emily pays.

"Thanks," Nate says as Emily grabs her bag and receipt. "Have a good day."

"Bye, Dungeon Baby!" Emily waves.

"Have a good day," I say as they exit, then I pull out a book and begin reading.

No one else arrives until nine o'clock. I don't need to look at the door when it opens to know who it is as there's a regular customer who always arrives at almost exactly nine on Mondays. Much like Ryan, he's a long-time customer of mine and his personality is good, too. He's not as attractive as Ryan, but he's still fairly attractive.

I look up as Adam approaches the counter. He's 5'9" and has a lean build, his brown hair styled lightly and green eyes as vibrant and full of energy as always. Fixed onto his left hip is a sword with a brown crystal set into the pommel and a pair of brown and green ones on either side of the crosspiece.

His outfit itself is a skintight, dark grey sleeveless shirt that shows off his light muscle definition well, black pants, and dark brown leather boots. The belt around his waist has a variety of vials and other small items fixed onto it, including a knife and some twine. On his left wrist is a black wristband, while there's a black armband around his right bicep, the latter of which has a pouch attached to it.

While I've never looked at his gear's information before, I'm fairly certain he's not an amateur. Adam's been a customer here for almost two years now. Much like Ryan, he just keeps coming and placing a simple order.

Also like Ryan, I'd have probably asked him for a hookup before if I didn't have the personal policy against any form of relationship or friendship with customers. He's attractive and his personality is good so there are no issues there.

"Hello, Adam," I greet him.

"Hey, Evan!" He greets me. "You've expanded your selection?"

Adam noticed the increased list of items on the board without even looking at it. I've learned that well-experienced hunters tend to notice changes like that pretty easily, so used to observing their surroundings in Dungeons that they do it outside as well.

"Yeah," I nod. "I now offer mana potions which can restore 250 MP, 300 MP, 400 MP, and 500 MP per ounce. I wasn't able to acquire the materials to make health potions, so it's currently only my mana potions which restore more."

With the higher values, I had enough materials from my Weekly Dungeon on Saturday that I had a sufficient amount that I could dilute them down to lower values as I brewed up batches.

"Oh, that's neat," he says. "I might change my order, then."

"I wanted to call you about that," I tell him. "I do have your number on record from when you placed an order for later pickup in the past, but wasn't sure if you'd be okay with that."

Some customers might be okay with that, others might not be. I decided it was better to hold off on calling customers I thought might want some higher-quality potions until I knew whether they were okay with it or not.

"Ever want to call me about changing your stock," he says. "Go right ahead, Evan! I like supporting the independent businesses out there! Plus, your skill with traditional alchemy is something to envy! Did I ever tell you that I tried it before?"

"And nearly blew your face off," I chuckle, then glance outside. "It doesn't seem as if anyone else is coming. I know it's normally rude to ask this, but are you okay with me asking what your Rank and currently Level range is?"

"You're right," he says. "It normally is pretty rude, but I don't mind for you. You're a great guy and I'm sure you've got a reason. I'm Rank 5, Level 17."

"Seriously?"

"You've never looked at my gear, have you?" He asks.

"I felt it rude," I say. "I could tell they were high in quality, though."

"Started coming here as a baby Awakened," he says. "And thought I'd keep supporting you even once your stuff isn't that useful for me. Well, it was barely useful back then since I was using Skills a lot and burning through my MP, but you know what I mean."

"You still use them, though?" I ask.

"They're gifts for good behavior for fresh Awakened I train," he flashes me a grin. "Some of them don't listen that well while others actually try to learn. Do one award a week for them."

That's not something I had considered when thinking about reasons he might want to still come here after so long. It does make sense, though, and now I want to know how many of my long-time customers do that.

"Okay," I say. "Since it's hard to be a regular customer here for a long time without having a decent amount of Levels, I assumed there would be hunters of a higher Level or Rank among my customers. This is a product that I'm currently not listing as on the shelf and am only sharing with customers I like."

I reach out to set something on the counter, and a 3oz glass bottle appears in my hand. Adam examines it upon seeing the richer blue of the liquid within. His surprise is pretty visible on his face. Whether it's from the potion or the fact that he's just learned I'm an Awakened, I'm not sure. It could be both.

[Mana Potion] Tier: 7 A potion of liquid mana, which immediately restores the user's MP when consumed. Mana Content: 3,500 MP per ounce

"The price for these ones are back to $0.20 per MP restored," I inform Adam. "Making the weaker ones actually still costs me more, which is why their listed prices up on the board are higher."

The board just states the MP per ounce amounts I can sell, as well as the price of $0.22 per MP restored regardless of that.

"And this is something for trusted, liked customers?" Adam asks.

"Yes."

"How long have you been Awakened?" He asks, and I get the feeling he's looking at my clothes, which are Tier 7 ones. "And I'm guessing it's Rank 5?"

"Just a few days," I answer. "I was able to acquire the materials for this in my Weekly Dungeon last week. I don't plan on taking business away from others, just expanding the goods I do sell in case my long-time regular customers are interested."

That's why it's only for them rather than everyone. If word got out that I was selling potions of too much of a higher potency over what I already sell, I'd begin taking customers away from other shops which might deserve them.

"I'm definitely interested," he says. "Damn. A Rank 5 craftsmen. Lucky. My Weekly Dungeon last week wanted me to kill a teleporting spider."

"Sounds like a challenge," I say.

"Not in the way you think," he chuckles. "My Class build is warrior with a tracker aspect, so I could find her again. The challenge was putting up with having to keep following her around. But it was a guaranteed 1,500 EXP, so it was worth it."

"Okay," I say. "Tier 7 mana potions aren't the only additions to my stock now. Are you interested in the others?"

"Definitely," he says. "Whatcha got?"