Row Online: I have administrative class

Chapter 8: Preparing for the Storm

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Adam reluctantly sent the friend request to Kamiko.

The notification confirming her acceptance appeared almost instantly, and her name was added to his friend list with a soft chime.

Adam stared at the glowing system message for a moment, his frown deepening.

Kamiko.

Her name alone stirred conflicting feelings. In his previous life, she had been an ally at times but more often a rival, seizing opportunities and manipulating situations to her advantage.

She was brilliant, resourceful, and utterly unpredictable.

Keeping her at arm's length was always the safest move, yet here he was, adding her to his friend list.

He rationalized his decision. Better to give her what she wants and avoid unnecessary conflict. For now.

Kamiko's face lit up with a triumphant smile as she glanced at her interface.

"Alright, AlphaBoss. See you around!" she said cheerfully, waving as she turned to head toward the village.

She moved with an air of confidence, her golden hair catching the sunlight as she disappeared down a side path.

Adam didn't move immediately. He stood still, watching until she vanished behind the houses on the far side of the village. Only then did he release a quiet breath.

The forest around him was calm now, the earlier tension easing slightly. But Adam's focus remained sharp. He wasn't about to let a brief encounter derail his plans.

His mind shifted back to his primary objective: collecting as many resources as possible before the influx of new players tomorrow.

By the next day, the dynamics of the Beginner Village would change drastically.

Prices would skyrocket, supplies would dwindle, and the once-quiet paths would be crowded with inexperienced players clamoring for loot.

This window of opportunity is small, Adam thought as he adjusted his gear and began walking toward the village.

Unlike most players, Adam wasn't concerned with leveling up quickly.

He knew better. In his first life, he had made that mistake—chasing after experience points and neglecting the foundation needed for long-term survival. This time, he had a plan.

"Experience points can wait," he muttered under his breath as he approached the village gates.

The sound of his footsteps blended with the hum of activity ahead. "Resources are what I need right now."

The village was a quaint, bustling hub of activity, its cobblestone streets lined with wooden houses and shops.

The warm glow of lanterns illuminated the streets despite the midday sun, casting soft shadows over the crowd.

Adam made his way directly to the marketplace, his steps purposeful. He had no time to waste.

The market, though modest, was the lifeblood of the village. Vendors displayed their goods in colorful stalls, their voices rising above the chatter as they called out to potential customers.

Adam surveyed the scene with a critical eye. Most of the items here were reasonably priced, but he knew from experience that the cost of certain essentials—like weapons and advanced gear—would soon skyrocket.

"This village is too far from any major city," Adam murmured, glancing at a vendor haggling over a crate of arrows.

The nearest hub, Silver city, was several days' travel away. That distance made transportation costly, driving up prices for almost everything.

Still, Adam didn't hesitate as he pushed his way into the bustling marketplace.

The marketplace was alive with energy. Vendors stood behind their stalls, their goods meticulously arranged to attract buyers.

A vegetable stand caught Adam's eye, its vibrant produce stacked in neat baskets.

Nearby, a potion vendor displayed bottles of glowing liquids, the shimmering contents promising everything from increased stamina to minor healing.

Adam ignored the distractions. His focus was singular: finding the right shop to sell the loot he had collected from the Fang Wolves.

As he weaved through the crowd, snippets of conversation reached his ears.

Players were already discussing strategies, exchanging tips, and bartering for items. The excitement was palpable, but Adam tuned it all out.

After a few minutes of searching, he spotted a shop to his left. A weathered wooden sign hung above the door, the words Adventure Mart carved into its surface.

"This is it," Adam thought, a flicker of satisfaction crossing his face.

He pushed open the heavy wooden door and stepped inside.

The shop's interior was simple but efficient. Shelves lined the walls, stocked with an assortment of items: basic armor, potions, and tools for adventurers.

A faint scent of aged wood and herbs filled the air, giving the place a rustic charm.

Behind the counter sat an elderly man, his white beard neatly trimmed.

His eyes, sharp and discerning, flicked to Adam as he entered. Despite his age, the shopkeeper exuded an air of authority, as though nothing escaped his notice.

Adam didn't linger by the shelves. He walked straight to the counter, his movements confident but measured.

The shopkeeper raised an eyebrow, leaning forward slightly. "You're not here to browse, are you?" he asked, his voice gravelly but kind.

Adam met his gaze evenly. "No," he replied. "I'm here to sell."

The man's lips twitched into a small smile. "Then you've come to the right place," he said, gesturing for Adam to continue.

Reaching into his inventory, Adam selected the loot he had gathered from the Fang Wolves: ten fangs, several cuts of raw meat, and a modest pile of copper coins.

As the items materialized on the counter, the shopkeeper's eyes gleamed with interest.

"Fang Wolf materials," the man murmured, inspecting the items carefully. "Not bad. These are in decent condition, too."

Adam said nothing, allowing the shopkeeper to examine the goods at his own pace.

Finally, the man straightened, meeting Adam's gaze. "I'll offer you 150 copper coins for the lot," he said.

Adam's brow furrowed slightly. He knew the materials were worth more, but haggling wasn't worth his time right now. Every second spent in the shop was a second wasted.

"Deal," Adam said simply.

The shopkeeper nodded, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Efficient. I like that." He handed over the coins, the transaction complete.

As Adam pocketed the money, his mind was already racing ahead.

The resources he had just sold would provide him with enough funds to secure critical supplies for the coming storm.

Then the shopkeeper looks Adam up and down and says"Are you an adventurer?"

After listening to the shopkeeper, Adam looks at the old man and shakes his head and asks him, "Will you do a favor for me?"

Then a blue colored window appears in front of Adam in which it is written Mission Triggered.