Ugly Merchant

Relaxed in his chair with his hand up, Jasper kept staring at his armbrace, "Power On." He wanted to have some fun to refresh his mood after getting tired mentally and physically from work.

He went straight to hunt some monsters. Leaving the royal city, he found a mercenary near the forest—a character he had seen before. He approached and pressed [Talk].

Mercenary:

I narrowly escaped from a powerful monster deep in the forest. I went to check if I could find 'Chilly Mint' for my young sibling… Take care of yourself and don't dive deep into the Black Forest.

"Hmm, nothing unusual. Monsters are normally stronger the more you dive in—nothing new."

Jasper took the chance to face those powerful monsters, so he chose to avoid each weak one he encountered on the way.

The Black Forest kept getting darker the deeper he went, but he could still see his surroundings. Suddenly, his character stopped, and the screen started flashing.

Jasper – Lv. 0

HP: 600/600 | SP: 500/500

[Attack]

[Guard]

[Items]

[Flee]

VS

Black Wolf – Lv. 2

HP: 300/300

"Huh? What is this? Lv. 2? I've never seen such a thing! And why am I still Lv. 0?"

Round 1

Jasper – Lv. 0

HP: 600/600 | SP: 500/500

Black Wolf – Lv. 2

HP: 300/300

Black Wolf's Turn:

The Black Wolf snarls, lunging at Jasper with bared fangs!

Damage dealt: 92

Jasper HP: 600 → 508/600

"Wow, this mongrel hit me first? I was always the first to initiate the fight. Does being Level 2 give him that advantage?"

Jasper's Turn:

[Attack] – Jasper swings his blade in a wide arc!

Damage dealt: 78

Black Wolf HP: 300 → 222/300

(SP -10 → 490/500)

Round 2

Jasper – Lv. 0

HP: 508/600 | SP: 490/500

Black Wolf – Lv. 2

HP: 222/300

Black Wolf's Turn:

The wolf's muscles coil—then it pounces with a CRITICAL BITE!

CRIT Damage dealt: 150!

Jasper HP: 508 → 358/600

"Oh S! That really hurts."

Jasper's Turn:

Jasper retaliates with a vertical slash!

[Dodges] – With a nimble sidestep!

(SP -10 → 480/500)

"F!er."

Round 3

Jasper – Lv. 0

HP: 358/600 | SP: 480/500

Black Wolf – Lv. 2

HP: 222/300

Black Wolf's Turn:

The wolf swipes with razor-sharp claws!

Damage dealt: 85

Jasper HP: 358 → 273/600

"I can't keep trading hits like this…"

Jasper's Turn:

[Attack] – Jasper channels his frustration into a fierce strike!

Damage dealt: 82

Black Wolf HP: 222 → 140/300

(SP -10 → 470/500)

Round 4

Jasper – Lv. 0

HP: 273/600 | SP: 470/500

Black Wolf – Lv. 2

HP: 140/300

Black Wolf's Turn:

CRITICAL HIT! The wolf sinks its fangs deep into Jasper's arm!

CRIT Damage dealt: 150!

Jasper HP: 273 → 123/600

"How many crits do you need to hit me with to be satisfied, you mutt? One more and I'll say goodbye."

Jasper's Turn:

[Items]:

High-Grade Potion! x2Mid-Grade Potion! x5Low-Grade Potion! x10 ←

You used a Mid-Grade Potion.

HP restored: +300!

Jasper HP: 123 → 423/600

"Now it's my turn to kick your butt."

Round 5

Jasper – Lv. 0

HP: 423/600 | SP: 470/500

Black Wolf – Lv. 2

HP: 140/300

Black Wolf's Turn:

The wolf leaps, but Jasper braces—its teeth only graze him!

Damage dealt: 88

Jasper HP: 423 → 335/600

Jasper's Turn:

[Attack] – Jasper roars, driving his sword clean through the wolf's flank!

CRIT Damage dealt: 100!

Black Wolf HP: 140 → 40/300

(SP -10 → 460/500)

Round 6

Jasper – Lv. 0

HP: 335/600 | SP: 460/500

Black Wolf – Lv. 2

HP: 40/300

Jasper's Turn:

[Attack] – With a final shout, Jasper decapitates the beast!

Damage dealt: 75

Black Wolf HP: 40 → 0/300

(SP -10 → 450/500)

Jasper's eyes widened. "Did I hit it twice? No, this turn I hit first. But why… Hmm… Never mind. At least I killed it—that was a tough fight."

Battle Result

Jasper wins!

HP Remaining: 335/600SP Remaining: 450/500EXP Gained: 100Loot: Wolf Fang x2, Torn Hide x1, Tier 10 Core (Heart).

The chair creaked as Jasper jumped in astonishment. "What is this? Tier 10 Core? Isn't it supposed to be a Monster's Core? Why does it have a tier now?"

As Jasper questioned, a voice came from the armbrace:

Hello again, dear user. Congratulations on defeating a Level 2 monster on your first try. As a prize, I'll explain a few things: When a monster is stronger than you, the chance of it landing a crit is higher—though this is just one factor. Second, this info is me doing you a huge favor. The levels and cores have a mutual purpose, and this isn't just game-related. Third, the EXP has nothing to do with your level. You must discover its purpose. These things will help you here and in daily life. Good luck!

"What do you mean by that? Will the cores help me level up in real life too? Is this real?"

Jasper kept thinking for about fifteen minutes before snapping back to awareness.

He continued playing and saw a bunch of herbs, so he took the chance to pick one.

You have obtained Chilly Mint.

"Oh ho, this is what that NPC wanted." When Jasper tried to move, the screen started flashing again.

Jasper – Lv. 0

HP: 335/600 | SP: 450/500

[Attack]

[Guard]

[Items]

[Flee]

VS

Black Wolf – Lv. 1 | Black Wolf – Lv. 1 | Black Wolf – Lv. 1 | Black Wolf – Lv. 1

HP: 200/200 | HP: 200/200 | HP: 200/200 | HP: 200/200

"Hahaha! In your dreams if you think I'll stay and face you. All my life is about escaping—you're no exception."

Round 1

Jasper – Lv. 0

HP: 335/600 | SP: 450/500

Black Wolf – Lv. 1 | Black Wolf – Lv. 1 | Black Wolf – Lv. 1 | Black Wolf – Lv. 1

HP: 200/200 | HP: 200/200 | HP: 200/200 | HP: 200/200

Jasper's Turn:

[Flee] – You successfully fled from the battle.

"Phew, that was close. It would've been shameful to get beaten by a combo like the slimes did to me once."

Once Jasper left the forest, he spoke to the NPC.

Mercenary:

…Is this really for me?

("No, honestly, it's not for you, I just spoke with you. How could you interpret that the herb is for you, isn't that a daylight robbery?" Jasper complained about the NPC trying to take his herb.)

…I'm grateful for your kindness. I can't thank you enough ("You don't need to thank me, just leave my herb alone")—with this, my little brother can be cured of his cold. As a token of appreciation, let me tell you about a retired mercenary named Jackal. If you fulfill one of his requests, he'll teach you advanced swordsmanship. He killed many monsters before retiring—I'm sure his skills will help you. You can find him northeast of the city or at the mercenary guild's training area.

"Hmm, being generous has its benefits too. Let's go search for this Jackal. Maybe hunting will be smoother once my character learns swordsmanship."

At the mercenary guild's training area, he searched for someone named Jackal but found no one. So, he headed northeast, but the NPC hadn't specified an exact location. Jasper talked to every NPC there, but none were named Jackal.

"Did I get scammed again? Did he hear me complaining and tricked me? No, no—he wouldn't dare scam someone who helped him."

Jasper returned to the training area to check once more. This time, he spotted someone who hadn't been there before—an old, intimidating NPC. Approaching, he pressed [Talk].

Jackal:

What do you want, rookie?

…

You want me to train you? (No, I want you to cook me some noodles, Of course I want you to train me.) Sorry, that's not happening. (???)

…

Hey, kiddo, do you know how many mercenaries I trained survived? (Who cares, just train me already!)

…

None! Zero! Do you think it's because they were weak? (Of course) Or my training was deadly? (Naahh) Not at all. They grew arrogant after learning my swordsmanship and fought horrific monsters outside, thinking they were invincible. Haah! Foolish. Even a veteran like me can't face those beasts—only barbarians might stand a chance. (Ok I'm not as stupid as them so will you train me now?)

…

You're as stubborn as they were. Fine. Bring me a Level 2 Black Wolf's hide as proof of your resolve.

("Bring me a Lv 2 Black Wolf's hide, this old geezer said. Open your eyes wide and clear—you can even see through the holes of this wolf's hide! I tortured it to death." (Stop lying, dear user.) "Shut it, Armbrace! The sole time you answer me is mocking my legendary efforts.")

…

What? You already killed one? And this miserable thing is its hide? Well, seeing it this torn, I believe you. No one at your level could've gotten such hide intact. Now, show me your swordsmanship—let's see how you handle a blade. ("I don't know, but I feel like I won't be able to be friends with this one. His tone is playing with my nerves. he didn't want to teach me at first, and now he is mocking my effort.")

…

Sigh! No wonder it's called [Trashy Swordsmanship Lv. 0.1] in bold and italic. Even neighborhood kids hold swords better than you.

…

Deep breath! Exhale!

("Hold yourself, Jasper. He's just a fictional character. This F!er and his mentorship are my lucky encounter. I've dealt with worse over the years.")

"Tsk. Tsk. Tsk. Not even the royal knight commander could fix this disaster, you swing like a wet noodle. I think I lost 2/10 of my eyesight watching you."

(●'◡'●)

"Power Off."

Jasper jumped in rage. "What's wrong with this old fart! Did I steal his wife?! Not like I could even if I tried! F! Now I'm trash-talking myself! It's all your fault, you fictional old geezer!"

"Sigh!"

"Master?" Leaving his room, he turned toward the voice and felt instant relaxation. Lysandra's face was like a cure to his stress. Then he remembered—he'd told her, Mina, and Breeze to stay hidden.

"Why did you leave your room?"

"Don't worry, Master. They'd already left when I came out."

"Good. Let's meet the others and wait for Ivar."

Once Ivar arrived, they discussed starting their new business.

***

About half an hour earlier…

"Yo, folks! See this Rat? He's the reason we lost gold. Without batting an eye, he lied about the Boss testing us. Thankfully, the Boss didn't play along by saving this stinky Rat for his skills. Remember: skills mean nothing if we're traitors. The Boss isn't the type to say cliché things like 'Oh, your skills are interesting, swear your loyalty to me and I'll spare your life.' scenario. He outright said he loathes traitors." Franco said, admiring the Boss's principles despite his monstrous appearance.

"So, what was the Boss's punishment for Rat?" Wolf asked.

Franco mimed a throat-slitting gesture.

"Sigh. It saddens me to kill a gang member, but traitors have no place here. At least we caught him early."

After Rat's execution, the gang was free of a potential threat.

"What now? Did the Boss give instructions, Franco?" Falcon asked.

"No, he didn't."

"Celebrate with the money, folks. Opportunities like this don't come often," Ivar said, arms crossed.

"Yeah! Let's get some high-quality meat! I've dreamed of eating it since I was a kid," one member shouted.

"With that face, no one would believe you were ever a kid," another gang member shot back, his laughter echoing through the street.

"What did you just say, you—"

The gang's raucous voices faded into the labyrinthine alleys of the Sunken Slums as they strode away, their laughter echoing off the crumbling brickwork.

They sang—a rowdy, off-key chorus of some old folk song—as they spilled out from the shadowed underbelly of the Sunken Slums and into the lit city. The air here was different: less the stench of stagnant water and rotting food, more the distant aroma of roasting meat, fresh vegetables, and, unmistakably, the drool-worthy scent of pastries wafting from the bakery. Their boots kicked up dust from the ground as they stepped forward, expecting a joyful day.

Then, a thunder of hooves came into existence.

A parade of Eldermere's knights cut through the main street with an arrogance that you could see and smell, their procession carving a path toward the royal castle. The knights sat high atop their warhorses, beasts bred for size and intimidation, their coats gleaming like polished steel. The riders themselves wore expressions of smug superiority, their lips curled into smirks as their eyes roamed over the Zoliland commoners with a mix of hunger and disdain.

Zoliland was known for its people's charming beauty compared to other nations. Even commoners were as beautiful as other kingdoms' nobles. The herbalists—who were also falsely known as witches—were the descendants of Zoliland. The crowds watched with hatred as the knights of Eldermere, bloated on their nation's might, seemed determined to remind everyone of their place.

One particularly porcine knight jabbed a gauntleted finger at a broad-shouldered laborer. "Well now!" he brayed, voice dripping with false delight. "An ox among swans! So the rumors of Zoliland's universal beauty were exaggerated after all!" His companions erupted in laughter that echoed off the cobblestones like breaking glass.

The insulted man trembled with barely contained fury, his sudden movement sending a flower girl tumbling into the procession's path. Her basket flew from her hands, scattering blossoms like colorful tears across the filthy stones. One knight, his gilded pauldrons catching the light, sneered down at the young flower seller. "Mind your step, petal-girl," he drawled, his voice thick with mockery with his horse crushing the pitiful flowers. "Lest you find yourself trampled under something far less delicate than your wares." His companions laughed, the sound sharp and mocking. The girl's sobs disappeared into the din like a candle snuffed by a hurricane.

The gang's singing died in their throats. Falcon's fingers twitched toward the dagger at his belt, but Wolf caught his wrist with a warning glare.

"It's not like you to be this hasty, Falcon. One misstep, and the king's knights will hunt us down, eventually, separating our heads from our shoulders."

Falcon controlled his anger almost instantly. "Thanks for the reminder."

The knights passed, their arrogance lingering in the air like a skunk's fart. Only when the last hoofbeat faded did the gang exhale. They were afraid they would start trouble because their patience was at its limit.

"Bas!" Franco spat, kicking a loose stone.

Falcon approached Franco, asking for a silver coin. Franco glanced at the man in front of him and quickly offered the silver—he knew that Falcon was a wise man despite being a gang leader.

Falcon was grateful that Franco didn't pry into the reason behind his request. On the other hand, Wolf kept staring at the knights,

"Hey guys, go and enjoy yourselves, and don't forget about my part of the meat. I'll be back soon," Wolf said, following the knights' parade.

They all left the place fast, trying to shake off the gloomy mood that had fallen upon them in an instant.

Alone now, Falcon approached the weeping girl with the cautious movements of a man approaching a wounded bird.

"Hey, sweet little girl," Falcon said in a parental tone, crouching to her level.

The crying girl turned to him, tears making Falcon's heart throb with pain. With a sniff and unsteady breathing, she kept silent. "..."

"How much for your flowers?" he said, caressing her messy hair, which looked unhealthy from poverty.

"What flowers? These aren't flowers anymore," she said with a suffocated voice, her tears falling on what remained of her day's goods.

Falcon scooped up a crushed violet, its purple petals now brown at the edges from trampling. "Funny thing about flowers," he mused, turning the broken stem in his fingers. "Even when they're bruised and broken, they still smell sweeter than all the perfumes in a noblewoman's chamber." He inhaled deeply before offering it to her. "Unlike some people, who stink of rot no matter how much gold they drape over it."

The girl stared at the ruined flower, fresh tears welling in her eyes. "They were all I had to sell today," she whispered, her voice barely audible, the tone of someone holding back tears.

Sigh!

"Is a silver coin enough to cover your loss?" Falcon questioned.

The girl, with a mutter of shyness, said, "It's more than enough."

Falcon smiled, caressing her hair. "This silver coin is yours, but first, you have to answer my questions," he said while scrutinizing her thin body.

The girl's face brightened as if life had found its way back to her. Still, she nodded with embarrassment.

"Where are your parents?"

"Dead."

"Do you have siblings?"

"No."

Each answer like a knife twisting in his gut.

"Do you have a home?"

"I... I live on the street."

"Any relatives?"

"No."

With every question and answer, the girl seemed to shrink further into herself, her cheeks burning with shame.

"I'm sorry for embarrassing you with those questions, but I have something in mind I want to know."

"It's okay."

"This silver coin is yours now, but I want to ask something of you."

The girl stayed silent, listening patiently to the old man in front of her.

Falcon exhaled slowly. "I had a daughter once; she was as cute as you." he said, his voice roughened by memory. "About your age when the fever took her. Since that day, the loneliness has been killing me. I'm here to ask for a favor—would you do me the pleasure of staying with me? I can't fill the gap your parents left in your heart, but I promise I'll take care of you until the day I die."

Falcon phrased it as a request, ensuring she felt she was doing him a favor—not the other way around. That way, she wouldn't feel pressured or ashamed to accept.

The girl had been excited about the silver coin, but upon hearing the old man's words, her eyes welled up, and she instantly burst into tears. Young and alone, with no one to lean on, she had struggled to survive by any means. Now, someone needed her—someone who wanted her company just as much as she needed his.

"Do you promise you won't hit me?"

"I promise!"

"You won't mistreat me?"

"Never!"

She extended her hand for him to hold. With joy sparkling in his eyes, he instantly grasped her petite, delicate fingers—a touch that sent a wave of nostalgia through him, reminding him of his own daughter. His eyes threatened to well up, but he held back forcefully.

Eventually, he couldn't. He knelt on one knee and hugged the young girl.

"My sweet little blossom, this silver coin is my first gift to you—and I promise it won't be the last."