First Step in the new World

The sun hung high in the sky as James and Ofelia strolled back into the bustling heart of the marketplace. The cacophony of voices, the jingling of coins, and the occasional outcry of a merchant advertising their wares filled the air. Despite having spent a bit amount earlier, James was intent on finding new opportunities to turn a profit.

He glanced at Ofelia, who walked a step behind him, her eyes darting from stall to stall. Though she still carried a reserved air, there was a hint of curiosity in her gaze as they navigated through the crowded streets.

"We've spent a bit today," James said quietly, more to himself than her. "I need to see if there's something I can flip quickly for a extra profit."

Ofelia tilted her head slightly. "You're very resourceful... James," she said softly, still keeping her distance as if uncertain of her place.

He gave her a reassuring smile. "It's all about survival. You've got to make every coin count."

As they passed by the rows of merchants, James activated Appraisal discreetly, keeping his skill hidden from everybody. Each time the holographic HUD flickered into view, it glitched momentarily before stabilizing.

The first stall they stopped at displayed rows of carved wooden trinkets, which the merchant claimed were enchanted. James appraised a small amulet, the interface flashing erratically:

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Err%or: An@lyz!ng… …

Itm: W@@den Amulet

Eff%ct: N^ne

Va|ue: 3 co//per

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James frowned. The merchant had been asking for 15 copper coins, claiming it offered magical resistance. Clearly a dud.

"Let's keep looking," James murmured, moving away before the merchant could catch him examining the wares too closely.

Further down the marketplace, a modest stall caught James's attention. The vendor was selling a mix of unpolished gemstones and shards of metal. While most of the items appeared mundane, one jagged yellow crystal stood out to him.

The merchant was an older woman with sharp eyes and a no-nonsense demeanor. "That one's special," she said, pointing at the green crystal. "Pulled from a labyrinth years ago. Folks say it holds some magical properties."

James activated Appraisal again, the interface flickering wildly:

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It*m: EaRth|y Sha_rd

Eff%ct: E@rth M@gic B_oost

Cond*ti_n: G//d

T^pe: Ingr#di^nt

Val//e: Estim@ted 40~~50 s!lver

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His heart quickened. The merchant had listed the shard for just 2 silver coins, clearly unaware of its true value.

Curious he appraised the woman:

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N@me: Ni~n@

A^ge: 4^7

Jo%b: F@rm~er Lv 2#1

Cond!ti~on: H^ealthy

T!tles: N&ne

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Ah, so that's why the price is like that.

"That's a bit steep for a trinket," James said, trying to sound indifferent. "I'll give you 1 silver and 50 copper for it."

The woman scowled, but after a brief moment of consideration, she nodded. "Fine, take it. You've got a good eye for bargains, kid."

James handed over the coins, careful to keep his excitement hidden. As soon as he had the shard, he slipped it into his bag before discreetly storing it in his Item Box.

As they walked on, James noticed Ofelia stealing quick glances at him, her gaze darting away whenever he turned toward her. Finally, he decided to address it. "What is it?" he asked, his tone light.

She hesitated, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her shirt. "You seem… very skilled at this," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "Finding hidden value where others… don't seems to be aware of it..."

James shrugged, giving her a casual smile. "It's just about paying attention. Sometimes people don't realize what they're holding. And sometimes they lie." He paused, then added with a playful glint in his eyes, "And also…"

She tilted her head slightly, her curiosity piqued despite herself. "Also…?" she asked hesitantly, her voice uncertain.

He glanced at her with a mischievous grin. "I found you too, didn't I?" he said, winking at her before turning back to continue walking.

Ofelia froze mid-step, her breath catching as her cheeks flushed a deep crimson. Her heart pounded, and for a moment, she wasn't sure how to react. Was he teasing her? Complimenting her? The idea felt alien and unsettling, yet strangely warm.

She hurried to catch up, keeping her eyes firmly on the ground and maintaining a few paces of distance between them. Her mind raced, replaying his words over and over, searching for any hidden meaning. She didn't speak for several minutes, too flustered to form a coherent response.

When she finally managed to find her voice, it was quiet and cautious, her shyness and mistrust still evident. "You're… different," she murmured, her gaze flickering toward him briefly before returning to the ground.

James chuckled, glancing back at her with a gentle smile. "I'll take that as a compliment," he said, his tone warm but teasing.

Ofelia's lips pressed together as she lowered her head further, unsure how to respond. A faint blush lingered on her cheeks as she followed him silently, trying to suppress the strange flutter of emotions his words had stirred.

By the time they finished exploring the market, James had tucked away two more overlooked trinkets with magical properties. He had also managed to avoid several obvious scams, including a fake enchanted dagger that, upon appraisal, turned out to be nothing more than a simple iron blade with a chromatic coating.

As the sun began its slow descent, James turned to Ofelia. "We've done enough here for now. Let's head back to the inn and figure out our next steps."

She nodded quietly, following as he led the way out of the marketplace. Though she still kept her distance, there was a faint glimmer of trust beginning to grow in her eyes, at least when he was buying and selling things.

James's mind, however, was already racing with ideas—how to use his newfound profits, where to look for better deals, and how to keep building their modest fortune.

"Slowly but surely," he muttered to himself, the flickering interface of his Regalite casting a faint glow in his peripheral vision.

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Back at the Iron Hearth Inn, the bustling noise of the market faded into a comforting hum as James and Ofelia stepped through the wooden doors. The smell of freshly baked bread and roasted meats lingered in the air, but James's mind was elsewhere. Something had been nagging at him all afternoon, a subtle feeling that something had changed.

Once they reached their room, James set the leather pouch on the small table and leaned back against the wall, his arms crossed in thought. Ofelia, who had been quiet most of the way back, sat on the edge of the bed, her gaze flickering toward him curiously.

"...?" she asked softly.

"I don't know," James replied, frowning slightly. "I just have this… feeling."

With a deep breath, James whispered the familiar command: "Appraisal."

The glitchy, holographic interface flickered into view, buzzing faintly as it loaded his stats. The text was still erratic, but clearer than usual:

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N@me: James Blackwell

A^ge: 21 - Free M?an

Jo%b: War?ior Lv3

Unlocke%d Jobs: Merchant Lv 3 | Villager Lv 7

Ski%lls: B*ash

Cl@ss System: Classified (Err%or - U#nable to Pr#ocess)

B$n$f/ts: Appraisal - Ex, Item Box - Ex, %&?! - [UNREADABLE]

Condition: Healthy

Expl0rer Gu!ld R@nk: G

T!tles: None

Ow/n slav$%d: Of@lia

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James blinked, his heart skipping a beat as he saw the addition of Merchant Lv 3 under his unlocked jobs. He hadn't been expecting that.

"Merchant?" he muttered aloud, his voice tinged with surprise.

Ofelia looked up, tilting her head. "...?"

James gave her a small, reassuring smile, masking the truth of his ability. "It's someone who buys and sells things for a living. I guess I've been doing a lot of that today."

The realization settled over him as he considered how his activities in the market must have contributed to this newfound job. The skill progression wasn't just for combat—it responded to his actions and choices.

His curiosity wasn't satisfied yet. Turning toward Ofelia, he hesitated before whispering, "Appraisal."

The interface flickered again, glitching briefly before stabilizing.

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N@me: Of@lia

R@ce: Elf

J%ob: Villager Lv 6

Unlocke%d Jobs: None

Ski%lls: None, (Locked)

Condition: Malnourished (Recovering), Mana Depletion (Recovering), Mana Sickness (Recovering)

Expl0rer Gu!ld R@nk: G

St@tus: E&sl@ved(owner: J@me/s Bla()kwel!l), Emotionally Distressed (Improving)

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James stared at the display, his eyebrows lifting in surprise. "Recovering?" he muttered. Both Mana Depletion and Mana Sickness, which had seemed like dire conditions, were marked as improving. Even her Malnourished state was making progress.

"What...?" Ofelia asked, her voice hesitant. She had noticed his sudden focus on her and the soft glow of his Regalite.

James quickly masked his reaction, shaking his head. "Just thinking out loud. You're looking… better than I thought. You've been through a lot, but you're stronger than you realize."

Ofelia frowned, clearly not understanding the full meaning of his words, but her cheeks flushed slightly at the unexpected compliment. ".....don't feel different," she admitted quietly.

James smiled softly. "Sometimes change happens in small steps. You'll see it eventually."

But he couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't adding up. As he stared at Ofelia's stats, the two Mana ailments marked as Recovering gnawed at his thoughts. Those statuses hadn't been present when he checked her earlier in the morning, and nothing she had done today should have triggered such a change—at least, not that he could recall.

His gaze shifted to her. Ofelia had been quiet, sitting cross-legged on the bed, tracing small patterns on the blanket with her fingers. The black mana stone she had tucked away earlier came to mind. Could it be connected?

"Ofelia," James said suddenly, his voice calm but firm enough to catch her attention. "Can you put your mana stone on the table for a moment?"

She looked up, confused but compliant. "Yes...." she replied softly. Reaching into the small pocket of her shirt, she retrieved the polished black stone. Its surface glinted faintly in the dim light as she set it down on the wooden table.

James leaned forward, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Thank you," he murmured before activating Appraisal again. The interface flickered, buzzing faintly as it struggled to display her updated stats:

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N@me: Of@lia

R@ce: Elf

J%ob: Villager Lv 6

Unlocke%d Jobs: None

Ski%lls: None, (Locked)

Condition: Malnourished (Recovering), Mana Depletion , Mana Sickness

Expl0rer Gu!ld R@nk: G

St@tus: E&sl@ved(owner: J@me/s Bla()kwel!l), Emotionally Distressed (Improving)

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His heart skipped a beat. The Recovering status for both Mana Depletion and Mana Sickness had vanished entirely.

James straightened, his thoughts racing. His eyes moved to the black mana stone resting innocently on the table. Could it be?

Without wasting a moment, he activated Appraisal on the stone:

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[Appraisal Activated]

N@me: B!a#ck Mana St%ne

Cond!tion: Good

Eff#ct: 3% Charged - Absorbs a small portion of mana from defeated monsters

Valu^e: 15 Copper Coins

Err%r: None Detected

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James sat back, his mind reeling. The stone had 4% remaining mana when he purchased it earlier in the day. Now it had dropped to 3%—and Ofelia had been carrying it. That had to be the explanation.

"You're absorbing the mana," he murmured, half to himself. He glanced at Ofelia, who was staring at him with a mixture of confusion and concern. "The stone. It's helping you recover."

She tilted her head slightly, her brows furrowing. "I… don't understand."

James exhaled slowly, trying to keep his explanation simple. "This stone you've been carrying—it's got mana in it. When you have it on you, it transfers some of that energy to you. That's why you've been feeling better. It's also why those ailments were marked as 'Recovering' earlier."

Ofelia blinked, her gaze shifting to the stone. She reached out hesitantly, as though unsure if she should touch it again. "So… it's healing me?"

"In a way, yes," James replied. "It's subtle, but it's working. It's also helping you get stronger—your body is probably learning to adapt to the mana it's absorbing."

She seemed both awed and wary. "I didn't know such things... existed."

James gave her a small smile. "There's a lot we're both still learning about this world. But for now, keep carrying it. As long as it has mana left, it should continue helping you."

Ofelia watched him silently, her expression unreadable but her gaze lingering just a little longer than before.

James felt a strange sense of relief. The mana stone, small and unassuming as it seemed, was already proving invaluable. It wasn't just a tool for him anymore—it was actively aiding Ofelia's recovery, even beyond what food and rest could provide.

"You've had this on you all day, haven't you?" James asked, glancing at her again.

Ofelia nodded. "Yes… kept it in my pocket, like you ask."

James nodded thoughtfully. "Good. Let's keep it that way. But if you ever feel like something's wrong—if the stone feels heavy or strange—let me know immediately."

"I will," she said softly, her fingers brushing the stone's smooth surface.

He studied her for a moment longer before leaning back, feeling a renewed sense of determination. "We'll need more of these if we can find them," he mused aloud. "If they're this effective on you, they'll be worth every copper we spend."

Ofelia hesitated, then spoke in a quiet voice. "Why are you… doing all of this for me?"

He met her gaze, holding it steady. "Because to me you deserve it. And because I promised myself I'd take care of you, no matter what."

She lowered her eyes, a faint blush creeping across her cheeks, but said nothing more.

James sat cross-legged on the floor of their room at the Iron Hearth Inn, his leather satchel resting beside him. The room was dimly lit, with the fading sunlight filtering through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the wooden furniture. Ofelia watched him curiously from her spot on the bed, her legs tucked neatly beneath her.

He reached into the satchel, pulling out the few items he had purchased that day. His goal was to assess their potential value and utility. Laying them out carefully on the table, he began sorting through the small collection.

Silver Ring - Silence

Price Paid: 2 silver coins

Effect: Silence — Completely muffles the wearer's footsteps.

Condition: Fair

Value: 2.4 gold coins

Earthly Shard

Price Paid: 1 silver, 50 copper coins

Effect: Ingredient — Enhances earth-based spells or abilities.

Condition: Good

Value: Estimated 40–50 silver coins

Black Mana Stone

Price Paid: 10 copper coins

Condition: Good

Effect: 4% Charged - Absorbs a small portion of mana from defeated monsters

Value: 15 Copper Coins

Black Mana Stone(in Ofelia's possession)

Price Paid: 10 copper coins

Condition: Good

Effect: 3% Charged - Absorbs a small portion of mana from defeated monsters

Value: 15 Copper Coins

Trinket #1: Bronze Brooch

Price Paid: 15 copper coins

Effect: Boost to Intellect — Increases cognitive clarity and focus.

Condition: Average

Value: 1.5 gold coin

Trinket #2: Copper Earing

Price Paid: 12 copper coins

Effect: Endurance Boost — Slightly enhances stamina during physical activities.

Condition: Good

Value: 75 silver coins

James leaned back, his brow furrowed in thought as he mentally tallied his profits. The two trinkets he had acquired were solid finds, their effects likely to attract the interest of the right buyer or party. The Earthly Shard, with its unique properties, would almost certainly appeal to a skilled craftsman. But the true gem of the day was the Silver Ring—a rare and practical treasure that far exceeded its modest price. A flicker of pride crossed his face as he reflected on his ability to spot undervalued items amidst the market's chaos.

Satisfied with his assessment, he picked up the Silver Ring and turned it over in his fingers. Its plain design belied its unique properties. He had been curious about its effect since he first appraised it, and now seemed like a good time to test it.

James slipped the silver ring onto his finger, its smooth surface fitting snugly. He flexed his fingers, turning his hand to catch the light. The simplicity of the design belied its apparent power, and he was eager to see if the Appraisal results were accurate.

"Let's give this a try," James muttered, mostly to himself.

He took a step forward, expecting the usual scuff of his boots against the wooden floor—but there was nothing. No sound. He frowned, deliberately stomping his foot. The silence persisted, unnatural and eerie.

"Not bad," James mused aloud. He turned to Ofelia, who stood by the bed, her expression a mix of caution and curiosity.

When James took another step toward her, completely silent, Ofelia's eyes widened slightly. She stiffened, her hands clasping the edge of her shirt. "That's… strange," she said quietly, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

James stopped and removed the ring, allowing the familiar sound of his movements to return. He held it up, examining it closely. "It completely silences footsteps. Could be useful in a labyrinth—or anywhere stealth is needed."

Ofelia glanced at the ring, then back at James. Her lips parted as if to say something, but she hesitated, lowering her gaze instead. "It's impressive… Master," she murmured, the title slipping out in her moment of unease.

Her reaction was subdued, yet James could see the flicker of surprise in her eyes. She seemed wary, as though unsure if she was allowed to express her thoughts openly. It reminded him once again of the walls she had built around herself—walls that wouldn't come down easily.

"You don't have to be afraid to speak your mind," James said gently, slipping the ring off and tucking it into his pouch. "I value your opinion."

Ofelia looked up at him briefly, uncertainty still etched across her features. She nodded but said nothing more, her posture remaining reserved. Even in the small act of sharing her thoughts, she seemed to hold back, as if guarding herself from potential consequences.

James sighed inwardly. He knew he couldn't undo years of mistreatment in a day—or even in a month. But moments like this, however small, were steps in the right direction.

He pulled out his coin pouch, shaking its contents gently into his hand. The clink of coins filled the room as he spread them out on the table: a mix of silver and copper, with a few gold coins still safely tucked away in his Item Box.

"Alright," he muttered to himself. "Let's see where we stand."

He began arranging the coins into neat piles as he spoke. "We started today with 5 gold coins, 35 silver coins, and 43 copper coins."

He paused, running a hand through his hair. "Now, after everything we spent today—"

Breakfast and lodging for tomorrow: 4 silver coins

Marketplace purchases:

Leather satchel: 3 silver coins

Silver ring: 2 silver coins

Black mana stones (2): 20 copper coins

Earthly shard: 1 silver, 50 copper coins

Trinkets: 2 silver, 30 copper coins

"That brings us to a total of…" He picked up the coins he had set aside for the day's expenses and added them together mentally. "11 silver and 21 copper spent."

He glanced at Ofelia, who was watching him intently, though her gaze darted away when he met her eyes.

"That leaves us with…" He moved the remaining coins into piles again.

James tapped his fingers on the table, calculating silently. "In total, that's 5 gold coins, 23 silver coins, and 22 copper coins. Or, if you convert everything to copper, 52,322 copper coins."

He sighed, leaning back. "Still a good amount left, but today's spending was higher than I'd planned. At least most of it was on useful items."

Ofelia tilted her head slightly. "Are we… running out of money?" she asked hesitantly, her voice soft.

James shook his head, offering her a reassuring smile. "Not yet. But we need to be careful. Every copper counts, especially if we want to keep building on what we've got."

She nodded, though her expression remained pensive.

James stood, scooping the coins back into his pouch. "Alright, let's get some dinner. We've done enough thinking for one day."

As he secured the pouch at his waist, he made a mental note to stay even sharper in tomorrow's market dealings. Every deal, every purchase, every opportunity—they all mattered.

The common room of the Iron Hearth Inn bustled with activity as the evening settled in. The smell of roasted meats, hearty stews, and freshly baked bread wafted through the air, mingling with the sound of laughter, clinking mugs, and the occasional cheer from adventurers recounting their exploits. James and Ofelia found a quiet corner table, away from the commotion.

Marlin approached with his usual grin, balancing two steaming bowls of stew and a loaf of crusty bread. "Beef stew tonight—perfect for adventurers like yourselves. Eat up," he said, placing the food in front of them.

James nodded in thanks. "Smells great, Marlin. Thanks again."

Ofelia glanced at the food, hesitating for a moment before picking up her spoon. The stew was rich and aromatic, filled with tender chunks of beef, carrots, potatoes, and just the right hint of herbs. James tore off a piece of bread, dipping it into the thick broth before taking a bite.

"Good stuff," James said between mouthfuls. He glanced at Ofelia, who ate quietly, her movements cautious but steady. "How's yours?"

She looked up briefly, her expression guarded. "It's… very good," she said softly, returning her focus to the food.

The meal passed mostly in silence, both of them too focused on eating to make much conversation. James finished first, leaning back in his chair with a contented sigh. "They really know how to cook here."

Ofelia nodded slightly, still working her way through her bowl. James didn't rush her, letting her take her time.

Once they finished their meal, James waved Marlin over. "Could we get some hot water and cloths for washing again tonight?"

Marlin chuckled. "Of course, lad. I'll have it sent up in a bit."

James looking up with a small smile, "Thanks for taking care of us."

Marlin nodded. "Pleasure's mine. You're good folk, James. Sleep well when the time comes."

Back in their room, James and Ofelia waited as the inn staff delivered the basin of hot water and clean cloths. James set everything on the table, gesturing for Ofelia to go first.

"You go ahead," he said, his tone casual.

Ofelia hesitated briefly before stepping forward. She dipped a cloth into the warm water, wringing it out before beginning to wash. Her movements were methodical, as though she were afraid of doing something wrong. When she finished, she set the cloth aside and stepped back, her damp hair clinging to her face.

"Your turn," she said softly.

James nodded, washing quickly to make sure they didn't waste the warmth of the water. The heat soothed the day's fatigue from his muscles, and he felt more refreshed as he finished up. As he dried his hands, he glanced at their simple clothing, realizing just how limited their wardrobe was.

"We'll need to fix this tomorrow," James said, half to himself. He looked at Ofelia, who was carefully folding the cloth she'd used. "I'll make sure we both get proper sleep clothes. It's about time we had more than just one set of decent clothes."

Ofelia blinked, her hands pausing mid-fold. "You don't have to do that," she said quietly. "I can manage with what I have."

James shook his head. "No, it's not just about managing. We're building a new life here, and that includes making sure we're comfortable when we can be. It's a small thing, but it matters."

She lowered her gaze, her fingers resuming their careful folding. "Thank you… James," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

As they prepared for bed, James ensured there was enough space between them, respecting her boundaries. He lay on one side, his thoughts already turning to the next day. Ofelia settled on her side, her back to him, her posture still stiff and uncertain.

"Goodnight, Ofelia," James said softly.

"Goodnight… James," she replied, her voice hesitant but sincere.

The room grew quiet, the soft murmurs from the street outside the only distant sound. James stared at the ceiling for a while, mentally planning their next steps: buying clothes, exploring the market for more bargains, and checking on the auction results.

Beside him, Ofelia lay awake for a few moments longer, the unfamiliar comfort of the bed and James's kindness stirring thoughts she couldn't quite place. Slowly, her breathing evened out, and she drifted into a dreamless sleep.