Ever since Heaven's Gate opened, Henry noticed there were fewer and fewer people who came to class. Even the student center which had been a bustling hub of Heaven's Gates clubs was empty. People preferred meeting in-game, or meeting over the Heaven's Gate forums. This was his last semester of college, and he wondered what the university would due with no students coming to campus.
He got his answer in his Business Capstone class. His professor an old balding man announced the college was canceling in-person classes. Most students preferred to take online classes, where they could complete the homework in-game using the game's time dilation. That meant homework that normally took four hours in real life, only took a matter of minutes in-game.
Moreover, the college announced it would be opening a virtual campus in Pinewood because most of its students were already there. Henry couldn't believe the announcement. Going forward students could choose to talk in-person classes in-game, in real life, online, or a mix. According to his schedule, all his classes had moved online. The college even offered virtual internships and apprenticeships. And from a quick online search, Henry realized his university wasn't the first to do this.
Over 4 billion people were now playing Heaven's Gate. The game was so massively popular, even businesses were operating virtually. Buena Vista, the company behind Heaven's Gate became the wealthiest company in history. Owning shares in Buena Vista was akin to a golden ticket.
After class, Henry and Heather had lunch. They talked about classes, the new virtual campus, and interesting topics on Heaven's Gates forums. There were dedicated tv, radio, and apps just for Heaven's Gates news and gossip. Heaven's Gate was the hottest trending topic on every APP. There were even Heaven's Gates dating apps. For many, Heaven's Gate and the real world swapped. Being in Heaven's Gate felt more real, than the real world.
After lunch, they left for their respective apartments. Thaddeus read the forums, replaced the nutrient capsule, and cleaned the inside of his FIVR pod. At six o'clock pm, he closed the pod's door and logged back into the game. Thaddeus woke and looked at the clock in-game. It was 6 am. He was excited. Today he'd finally leave for Woodaerst.
He washed up and walked downstairs for breakfast. The dining area was empty, it looked like he was the first to arrive.
"Morning Rhoda," he said greeting the innkeeper.
"The food will be out shortly. Remember you need to be out by 1 pm or you'll be paying for the third night!" she said sternly.
"Don't worry, I'll be gone by then, and I have a friend joining me for breakfast," he said paying for Heather's breakfast.
"I'll believe it when I see it," she said bringing him over a plate of sausage quiche and a tankard of milk.
Rhonda made a terrific cheesy, sausage quiche with onions and peppers. She was an excellent cook, and her inn was meticulously clean. As long as you paid her and kept your word, she was a nice woman behind that grumpy appearance. Now that he thought about it, most NPCs seemed grumpy and suspicious of players. It took Josh and Roy a while before they even trusted him.
It didn't take long for Heather or Sabrina to walk into the Prancing Pony. True to Rhonda's nature, she eyed Sabrina suspiciously before she sat down next to Thaddeus. Rhonda quickly brought out another plate of quiche and a tankard of milk.
"Mm, this is really good, and I like this inn. It's much quieter than the player taverns or inns," she said.
"And I want to keep it that way. You rowdy Travelers are always fighting and breaking things. That's why I only cater to crafters!" Rhonda complained.
"Wait, this inn caters to crafters? Why am I just hearing about it?" Sabrina asked confused.
"I don't know. I only found out because my clerk at the Crafter's Guild told me," Thaddeus explained.
"How much does it cost for room and board?" Sabrina asked Ronda.
"50 coppers a night. But if you give me a healing potion once a week, I'll give you a discount," Rhonda said.
"That's 15 silvers a month. I'm afraid that is too much for me. But if I was interested how much would I have to pay?"
"Seven silvers a month," said Rhonda
"An apprentice healing potion sells for three silvers in the alchemy shops. How'd you get 7 silvers?" Sabrina asked.
"Seven silvers are a week's rent with room and board. That's three weeks' rent you pay for with healing potions. That's a fair deal," Rhonda said flatly.
"Sorry I still can't afford it but. But I'll come over for lunch sometimes," Sabrina promised.
"You young alchemists are always so poor. Come see me when you rank up to Journeyman and can start making some real money," Rhonda advised and left.
"So, what are we buying?" Sabrina asked standing up and stretching after finishing her meal.
"Camping gear, maybe a tarp if I can find one," said Thaddeus, thinking out loud.
"Do you have everything you need for the farm or any tools?" she asked.
"Nope, I'm fine. Well, I could always use more lumber," Thaddeus laughed. "Come on let's check on the horses before we go."
They walked to the barn and saw Tony fast asleep. Next to him was clean, well-groomed, Carl and Betsy happily eating a bucket full of oats.
"They're tall and pretty," Sabrina said looking at the tall horses happily eating.
They tip-toed around the sleeping Tony and walked up to Carl and Betsy who were in adjoining stalls. After a bit of encouragement, Sabrina petted Betsy who whined happily.
"I hope you're ready, we have a long road ahead of us," Thaddeus said to the horses, petting them. They left the barn after spending a few minutes and walked to the shops on the main street.
"I wish we rode them here," Sabrina said softly, reminiscing about how romantic it was yesterday evening.
Thaddeus nodded his head in agreement. He didn't want to say anything, but he really enjoyed having her in his arms as they rode. He realized yesterday, how attracted he was to her and was happy nothing decided to poke out.
After a short walk, they arrived on the main street. Thaddeus quickly looked to see if the bookstore was open, but unfortunately, the sign over the door still read closed. He wondered how they made a profit if they were closed all the time. Then he looked at the three largest general stores. The largest and grandest was the Grand Arcadian Emporium, the other two had a less impressive exterior but seemed fine, nonetheless. The other two were the Arcadian Trading Company and Pinewood General Store.
"Let's go to the emporium, I've always wanted to go inside," Sabrina said walking over quickly.
Thaddeus followed her inside but knew the flashier the store, the flashier the wares. And the wares he wanted, probably wouldn't be available in store.
The emporium was huge and just as ostentatious inside as it was out. Rows of fine rugs, chandeliers, expensive furniture, drapes, and other household luxury decorations covered the place. This place definitely catered to a wealthier clientele. When they walked in, they were met by a beautiful female salesperson who could model professionally.
"How may I help you?" she asked in a warm welcoming manner.
"Do you have any alchemy equipment?" Sabrina asked unable to control her desire.
"Yes, please follow me. Alchemy is a noble craft, we carry the latest model pots and beakers," said the saleswoman.
She walked them to the middle of the store, where the aisle sign read [Crafting]. The row had rows of alchemical, enchanting, and blacksmithing tools. Of which, Thaddeus was only interested in the blacksmithing tools. Most of the tools were journeyman level and below. Most crafters preferred to make their tools, clearly, these tools were meant for the children of the wealthy who wanted to start crafting but did not make their tools. The most interesting thing was looking at the craftsmanship. He enjoyed analyzing the differences in technique between blacksmiths.
"Thaddeus, did you find what you were looking for?" Sabrina asked holding an alchemical pot lovingly.
Thaddeus shook his head no.
Seeing him shake his head no, Sabrina turned to the saleswoman and excitedly asked, "How much is this pot?"
"That pot is the latest model and very exclusive. We just got it this month. It was created by a master blacksmith who lives in the capital and rarely crafts nowadays. You can consider that pot an heirloom due to the enchantments. It's enchanted to stay on temperature and increase pill output. The retail price is 156 gold, but for the happy couple, I'll give you a 10% discount," she said.
Sabrina's mouth dropped at hearing the price. She politely declined the offer and left dejected and angrily the store. Outside, she continued to voice her displeasure, "That place is a rip-off. 156 gold where would a solo player find that kind of money? I will never shop at the overpriced money pit as long as I live here!"
Seeing she was so upset, Thaddeus held her hand and walked her over to the Arcadian Trading Company. The outside of the store looked like it could use a fresh coat of paint, but he could tell from the ropes, grappling hooks, and camping cookware hanging outside the windows this store might have what he needed.
When they walked in, several players were already inside buying weapons, rope, and sleeping bags. Looking around he saw hatches, yarn, fishing poles, tents, and tarps. He let Sabrina look around on her own while he grabbed what he needed. The first thing he bought was a large blue tarp, that he planned to use as the cover for his sawmill. Then he purchased a black graphite baitcasting rod and a box of assorted lures. He hadn't been fishing since his dad dies, and all the fishing poles looked alike, so he grabbed one. He hoped he could teach himself to fish again, but he figured it was like riding a bike.
Afterward, he looked around the store, enjoying himself, especially when analyzing other crafter's tools. Looking at other crafters made tools, gave him a different perspective and helped him learn other tricks, tips, and what not to do. He moved on the sleeping bags, unfortunately, there was only one in his size. So, he decided to purchase the extra-large sleeping back, along with a utility pocket knife, jerky, rope, and four balls of yarn.
The last thing on his shopping list was a tent. Since he didn't know the climate, he needed something sturdy that had a vent and insolation. Right now, it was early spring in-game, but no one knew how cold winter would get. He had to be prepared for anything.
As he was looking at the tents, an older middle-aged man with brown hair, eyes, and a beard walked up next to him. The man took the glasses off his face, placed them in his hair, and said, "Young man, I can see you're preparing to go on a long trip. My name's Owen, I manage this store, is there anything I can help you with?
"I leave today for my homestead and I'm just looking for a few items to buy with my voucher," Thaddeus said handing the man the voucher he got from City Hall.
"Going to farmstead in the wilderness. Sounds peaceful. If you are stuck on what tent to buy, may I suggest you go with this one?" said pointing to a package that read [Yurt In a Box]. "Oh, I'll keep the voucher, and ring you out at the register."
"Why this one?" Thaddeus asked curiously.
"It comes with a kitchen, mattress, outhouse, it's insulated, has vents, has a flap at the top so you can cook inside, and all you have to do is open the box and press a button," Owen advised.
"Sounds too good to be true," Thaddeus doubted.
"You mean it sounds pricey and it is. The yurt is the cost of your voucher, but it's well worth the price!" he warned.
"I'll take it," Thaddeus said.
"Good choice lad, you'll thank me later. Now tell me where your homestead is?" Owen said walking Thaddeus to the counter.
After hearing the answer, Owen opened what looked to be a ledger and said, "That's Cassian's territory. He travels that rode once a month. That'll be your trader from now on. When you see him, tell him you know me. Not many traders cross the dragon's territory, but it's a lucrative stretch for sure. That's the only road to the Rhine Theocracy and the Dawn Kingdom. But I'm surprised they sold it to you. Unless the dragon's dead, you're taking a big risk."
"Well, I plan to leave the dragon alone, hopefully, they leave me alone too. As far as I'm concerned, we can both lives peaceful, quiet lives," Thaddeus said.
"Well, I hope it works out for you. Are you ready to check out?" Owen asked.
"Wait," Sabrina shouted as she walked up to the counter and placed a new pot, and ingredients on the counter.
"Together or separate?" Owen asked.
"Separate," Thaddeus and Sabrina said at the same time.
"All right lad, yours comes to a silver and 32 coppers. And the lady's comes to 2 silvers and 17 copper," Owen said.
Thaddeus was surprised, he guessed alchemy tools and ingredients really did just cost more.
"Did you get everything you needed?" Sabrina asked.
Thaddeus nodded and said, "I did. I'll load into the wagon and then leave for Woodhaerst."
"I can't wait to hear about how it goes, and I can't wait to see it for myself in six months. Bye," she said excitedly. She gave him a quick kiss and then ran to the shop she worked.
Thaddeus watched her leave, then walked back to the Prancing Pony. Thankfully, Tony already had the horse hitched to the wagon and ready to go. He quickly loaded the goods he just bought into the wagon and ran upstairs to clean up a little bit before handing Rhonda his room key.
"Thank care," she said uncharacteristically handing him a quiche for the road.
Outside, Tony wished him goodbye as well, and with that Thaddeus encouraged Betsy and Carl to giddyap as the horse trotted down the tree and out of Pinewood.