Chapter 8: The Little Girl
'Let's skip this discussion. Ahem, tell me more. Is there any other feature I am unaware of?'
[Indeed.]
[4. Shop]
[You can buy various skill sets, books, information or even sell.]
'Ah, just like games… but what's the currency?'
[System coins. 1 SC will be worth 10 GC (gold coins) in this world.]
[10 Copper coins = 1 silver coin.]
[10 silver coins = 1 gold coin.]
[Gold coins are the highest payable coins in the world.]
[For a better comparison, a guard hired to protect goods during travel gets paid 2 gold coins only if he guards for 10 days. 1 silver coin can buy you 3 good meals and-]
'Enough!'
'I don't need more comparisons, I understand!'
[Ahem, alright, so moving to next…]
[5. Inventory]
[You can store whatever you want in this. It is like a space made just for you. Unfortunately, no living beings except plants or plant-type monsters or plant-borne monsters can be stored here.]
[Time won't be paused inside.]
'I see…'
'Hmm, any other?'
[6. Tag]
[You know the location and also read the thoughts of the person whom you have tagged.]
"That's a great feature!" Vaughn exclaimed with a gleam of excitement in his eyes. The realization that he could not only track someone's location but also delve into their thoughts was mind-boggling.
It was like having a direct line into someone's mind, a window to their deepest secrets and desires. It was literally the best cheat out of all the abilities that was shown!
*gulp*
'So any other…?'
[I believe for now, you have access to only these features. After you level up, you may have many more advanced features such as Training Ground, Assessment, etc.]
Vaughn, after comprehending all the available functions, finally shifted his attention to utilizing them and gaining a deeper understanding. However, just as he was about to delve into exploring the shop and inventory features, he felt a gentle touch on his arm.
Turning to his left, Vaughn's gaze landed upon a young girl, malnourished and frail, who had awakened from her slumber.
'You want me to be the king of harem right?'
[Yes.]
'Then this girl is also a potential target?' Vaughn questioned, his gaze shifting towards the young girl who appeared to be no older than fifteen.
[…]
[She is under-aged but more importantly, she is your younger sister.]
"Cough, what!?" Vaughn exclaimed, surprised by what he was about to do.
[No incest, I hate it.]
'Same…'
And just as Vaughn was lost in his own thoughts, he heard a soft voice calling out to him.
"B-brother...?" a timid voice whispered, catching his attention.
Vaughn turned to his left and instantly locked eyes with a little girl. She appeared frail, her body showing signs of malnutrition and exhaustion. Dark circles accentuated her tired eyes, and her bony frame revealed bones sticking out, evoking a deep sense of pity within Vaughn.
"Brother!" she called out in a feeble voice, barely audible, as she mustered all her strength to move closer and embrace Vaughn.
"Umm..." Vaughn replied awkwardly, feeling the loose embrace of the weak girl.
"Brother, brother," she repeated, her voice trembling. "This isn't a dream, right?" Tears streamed down her small, petite face.
Confused, Vaughn gazed at her back, which he could see as she clung to him. He noticed bloodstains on the tattered cloth she wore, particularly on the back.
She continued to flinch, visibly shaking. At first, Vaughn assumed it was due to her crying, but he soon realized it was because of physical pain.
He gently moved his hand towards her, patting her head in an attempt to offer comfort. "Brother..." she continued to cry and cough, clearly showing signs of being unwell. However, Vaughn couldn't muster the courage to ask about her condition. He didn't even know her name yet.
'Hey, could you tell me about her condition?' Vaughn inquired, setting aside the need for her name in that moment. His primary focus was to calm her down.
The system swiftly analyzed the little girl, and the results it displayed shook Vaughn to the core.
[Analysis complete.] [Condition: Injured; Weak; Hungry; Relieved; Happy] [There are marks of whipping and abuse.]
'What was her name again?' Vaughn asked, acting as if he forgot momentarily.
[I'm afraid she doesn't have one. But the previous owner of the body used to call her Moon.]
Upon hearing that, Vaughn let out a chuckle, though it was laced with sadness. He continued to pat the little girl, who lacked the strength to speak another word.
'I'll let her rest now, and we can talk tomorrow...' Vaughn whispered to himself.
The little girl ended up falling asleep on his lap, eliciting a mixture of happiness and sympathy within Vaughn.
'System, how many coins do I have?' Vaughn asked.
[Balance: 1,000 SC] [This is something the Goddess blessed you with.]
'Yeah, I'll have to thank her if I ever meet her again,' Vaughn thought. The reincarnation goddess not only saved him and ensured a proper reincarnation, but also bestowed blessings upon him, elevating him from his previous state.
'Alright, first, get me a Health Potion,' Vaughn instructed the system.
[Forgive me, but you can't buy any potions right now.]
'Huh? Why?' Vaughn questioned, puzzled.
[You need to complete at least one mission to unlock the ability to purchase items from the shop.]
"...," Vaughn fell silent, considering his options.
'Can I at least get a bandage and some alcohol?' Vaughn asked.
[No, the only item available for purchase in the shop is the Bottle of Water(2 litres).] [Price: 1 SC]
'Isn't that 10 gold coins for just one bottle of water?' Vaughn scoffed at the system.
[It is what it is.] the system responded.
'Tsk, fine. Get me one,' Vaughn reluctantly agreed.
[Thank you for your purchase.] [Balance: 999 SC]
Vaughn didn't buy the water for himself. He bought it to clean the girl's wounds, aware of the risk of infection that untreated injuries could pose.