Nowadays, Mariel is 6 years old, her daily routine remains the same every day but one day, when Mariel comes down from her private bedroom on the second floor and is walking down the stairs to have breakfast with her parents. After finishing breakfast, she learns something that makes her heart swell.
"Eh? Pocket money?" Mariel said with doubt.
"Yes, my dear. When a son or daughter of every family reaches 6 years old, they must learn to take the initiative to spend pocket money or saving for necessary expenses. It is something that has been practiced for a long time," Claudia explained.
"Alright! Mariel, please come over to the living room table after finishing your breakfast," Deric said.
"Yes, Dad!" Mariel answered.
After finishing her breakfast, Mariel immediately comes to the living room and there were 3 piles of coins, divided into 3 different colors, and gold bars of various sizes which were from small to medium size on the table.
"This is the first coins pile which called the Bronze Coins. It was used for buying various small things, such as small drinks, snacks, and other things." Deric pointed out a small pile of copper coins. Then he picked up a coin and put it in Mariel's hand.
A girl picked it up and looked at it with interest. The copper coin was the same size as any other small coin in the previous world.
(It's as small as a 1 Baht coin in our previous world(Thailand Currency). I can only imagine in my heart, while making me think of the old world where just 1 Baht could hardly buy anything at all. But the value of this thing made me very happy because each Baht to earn was very difficult. It took labor, sweat, and energy to do construction work to earn the daily minimum wage of only a few hundred Baht.)
"This second coins pile is called Silver Coins, where 10 Bronze Coins are equal to 1 Silver Coin. This Silver Coin was be used to buy food at each meal which Including various consumer items such as soap, toothbrushes, blue medicine, shampoo, some stationery items, and many other necessities in life," Deric said as he took out a silver coin and put it in Mariel's hand.
Mariel studied the silver coin in her hand. It was found to be twice the size of a copper coin, giving a feeling of greater value for using to buy things.
"The third pile is called gold coins. 10 silver coins are worth the same as 1 gold coin. This gold coin could have a much higher value. Normally it was used for buying large items or weapons of various fighting classes, other personal protective equipment in the basic system and above a potion for increasing our own life force or magical energy in times of crisis. In addition, when collecting more than 100 gold coins or more. It would be transformed into a piece of gold like this," Deric said, placing the gold coin in his daughter's hand. He also picked up a piece of gold slightly smaller than his palm to look at it. This gold plate clearly has the number 100 G engraved in the middle of it.
Mariel looked at the gold coin that was twice the size of silver, then she looked at the gold plate that her father had brought out to look at with interest. Deric also showed her gold plates for 500 G and 1000 G too.
"These coins pile would be deposited in a bank where is strictly guarded 24 hours a day by higher magician staffs and would have a top-class magic protection field. These could be sure that Everyone's money would never be lost or stolen," Deric added.
"So...how much do houses, buildings, palaces, and various land have a trading value? Dad" Mariel asked curiously.
"There are different values, Mariel. The Residential houses are usually worth 1000 GOLD or more, buildings are also worth the same price. As for the palace of the noble people whose they are famous or are rich in money. It can be worth more than 10,000 gold, 100,000 gold or more as well. A Land normally depends on the area and location in which it is located. If you are in a very good location, it will possibly have a value as high as 1 million gold or more but most of the time, if you're in a normal area, it'll be around 100,000 gold or more," Deric explained in detail.
"Dad, what about the reputation quests I read about in this textbook? How many levels are there? And what are the rewards like?" Mariel wondered further.
"There will be 5 levels of missions, starting with the easiest level. It will be the type that hunts raw materials from hunting. Some wooden equipment from the forest or various fruits in the basic form, which the compensation will not be very high same as a fame and an honor too. Normally, from my simple mission, you will get no more than 50-100 reputation points and the compensation will be approx. 5 silver medals up to 1 gold medal," Deric said.
"As for Level 2 missions, which are medium-level, they will begin sending secret documents to other cities or send various important items. Giving some help to the people of that city as they request which includes working together to fight and protect them from the small demons that invade or go and destroy the strongholds of various small demons too. The reputation points will be in the range of 110-300 points and the compensation will be worth more than 1 gold coin up to 20 gold coins," Deric said.
"It shows that this is an easy and medium mission. Everyone can make it and it's widely available in various cities, right?" Mariel added.
"Yes, Mariel. Each day will have limited missions. For example, today there are a total of 100+ quests from easy to medium level missions, and people who gather in parties come to look at job boards in various corners of the city. Then they rush to the city council building to register and choose that mission before others. Any mission that is selected will be immediately crossed out on the notice board. So, it's up to who's faster at choosing the quest, Mariel" Deric replied.
"Next, Mission 3, a difficulty level, from now on will start to increase in level greatly. There is a risk of immediate injury or disability because we must invade and eliminate the demon army of a medium sized army or higher. These demons range from 20 up to 50+. If we are not planned well or slip up. It can be injured or disabled. Sometimes there is a mission to find various rare items in places such as mountain caves, mysterious cities, and underground caves that are quite dangerous to our life. The rewards are 310-500 reputation points, as well as rewards ranging from 21 to 100+ gold medals," Deric said.
"And have you ever done any difficult missions? Dad and Mom." Mariel asked curiously.
"We did it a lot. Mom and Dad joined a party with the leader Kehal and two other friends named Betty and Kerna. Kehal would be a shield swordsman who would be at the frontline to receive damage from the enemy and counterattack with the power of a fierce sword. As for Father and Kerna, whose probably were wizards that casted strong damage. Betty was an archer who shoots down distant level monsters. Last one, Claudia would heal and support the entire party. Each day, our income was 300+ gold coins per day, but they had to divide it among 5 people again, so each day they earned about 300+ gold coins. 60+ gold coins per person or more," Deric said.
"Then I will be the swordswoman's frontline and take down demons for the party," Mariel said, confidently stretching her chest with a smile.
"A normal swordsman who doesn't have a shield to absorb the damage, it is so difficult to stand for a long time, Mariel. But there are some skills that helped swordsman to take less damage. In a high-level magic school, there are many options for you to study and learn." Deric warned as he informed Mariel of the additional information.
"One more thing, Reputation points will make us more widely known because they have statistics boards on how much reputation each person has, the more they have, the more likely we will get special jobs besides the normal quests. Because the employer will be more trustworthy than others, the compensation will be higher as well. Each level will also give us a higher rank." Derik said. Then he took out his badge for Mariel to see. It was a shining silver metal badge in the shape of a magic wand. And then there was a letter written in the middle that said Saint, which was at a high level. Claudia has the same shining silver metal badge but in the shape of a healing scepter, which probably refers to her healer class.
"Now, let's me talk more about this. Mission level 4 is the hardest level. We also called it the level of death. The chance of success is very small. Most of the lists require a party of 50 or more to complete these missions and there are only a few quests each month. There are advanced negotiations with another city that has a dispute with one another. If negotiations fail, they have the right to be taken captive there immediately without any right to claim anything or it might be a mission to find very rare items which only a few people are able to successfully discover them because you may have to pass through countless levels of demons and various monsters. And another form is about fighting high-class demons which have very strong destruction power, perhaps the ultimate in magic. This magic can handle every party instantly. Nevertheless, these advanced demons also had high-level demonic magic crystals that can be used as raw materials for making S-Class magic wands as well which has a very high value in the market. The reputation score will be at the level of 510 points up to the level of 1000 points. The reward will be 500+ gold coins or more. This is worth a lot, Mariel." Claudia said.
"Have father and mother ever done any of the most difficult missions?" Mariel asked curiously.
"Mom and Dad had done this 5 times, Mariel. It was successful 4 times and failed 1 time. The 5th time had failed. It made...Deric and I almost lose our lives," Claudia said with such sadness that Deric had to hug and give her encouragement.
"No, you did your best, Claudia. At least we survived today. Even though we didn't do any difficult missions anymore but still able to earn income at a satisfactory level until today." Deric said.
"Are you doing any missions these days?" Mariel wondered further.
"I'm accepting middle-level missions and above, Mariel. Quests such as giving advice about various places, what should be prepared for new party groups which Including providing advice on planning various strategies. I announced it on notice boards at the city council. As a result, there are still old and new party groups stopping by to ask for advice. This gives me a satisfactory level of income because during the era when we were young, we fought a lot and there's quite a lot of information. Betty and Kerna returned to their hometown, where they opened an academy teaching magic and archery. Just like Kehal, our party leader who opened the Sword bureau," Deric replied.
"As for the last one: level 5 mission, it is Legendary level, which there will only be 1-3 missions per year. No one was interested in taking on this mission because of the results ahead means death in one place. There was almost no chance of returning alive. The most terrifying thing is waiting in front of everyone. Demons of another level of highest rank which are called Lord Sorcerers. Including the demon dragons, A huge giant, several tens of meters tall or more, that could hypnotize our side into killing each other. If the magical power of resistance is not strong enough, it can also shatter the bodies of party members whose power does not reach that level. It could be said that no one has ever come back alive," Claudia concluded.
"What about the Demon Lord? I read a history book that said it was sealed away by the legendary warriors a long time ago." Mariel further inquired.
"From what I know, about 460 years have passed since the legendary warriors said that The Demon Lord will be unsealed after 500 years because of the ultimate confinement magic power they have combined to create. The Demon Lord could only be imprisoned for 500 years. According to the next prophecy, there will be a new group of legendary warriors emerging to take on the Demon Lord again," Derik said.
"Do you think there will be a new generation of legendary warriors born?" Mariel asked.
"There definitely must be, Mariel. It was a predetermined prophecy," Deric replied.
From that day onwards, Mariel helped Deric and Claudia with whatever housework they assigned. Each time Mariel would receive a compensation of 1-2 bronze coins but there were times when working in the barn, which was quite hard for her, this would earn 1 silver coin which Mariel never once complained about it. She also smiled as she helped her parents with various household chores. Mariel never asked for more in return because for her Living with father and mother, help with housework as much as she can and intend to read a book. Doing her best is the most satisfying thing for her. The compensation is only a reward. When she gets it, she keeps putting it in a small money box.
3 months have passed, and Mariel had saved up a whole box of money. So, she gathered them up and put them in a small money box. From all she counted, there were about 5 gold coins and quite a few silver and bronze coins. Mariel smiled brightly as this was her first savings in her life.
(I was so happy that tears almost flowed out. From childhood until leaving the orphanage I never received warmth from my father and mother. The money was never touched. Never had a chance to save Until coming out to work in construction. There was hardly any money left for each day's wages because they had to pay for food and save up to pay for the monthly rent. So, my first savings in this new world means a lot to me.) (Chai thinking)
"Alright, Mom and Dad will take you into the capital city. We plan to buy some food and cooking ingredients at the market. Then I will take you to a candy store and magic shop for kids. In case you are interested in buying those things with this savings," Deric said.
"Yes, Dad." Mariel said with her smile.
They took a car to the city of Klaasgarl, which is the capital of the district. When they finished parking outside the city wall, they immediately walked into the city. Countless people were rushing around them. It was the first time that Mariel had entered the capital here, so she felt very excited. There were many shops located next to each other. It is divided into zones selling strange flower varieties that have never been seen before. A shop selling various pets that look like dogs and cats from the past world, but it looks a little strange than before. They all shout to people passing by to come in and take care of them. There were still various stationery stores, home decoration stores, weapon and armor shops were Including magic wands and many other healing spells.
Deric, Claudia, and Mariel walked into the market in the center of the city. They bought a lot of meats, vegetables, fruits, and condiments. Deric paid over 15 gold coins for these many materials.
"It can be used for months of cooking. That should be enough," Deric said.
Deric and Claudia then stopped at a stationery and household supplies store, where they purchased several items. Mariel looked at the various stationery items with the curiosity of a child.
"Wait here, Mariel. Mom and Dad lined up to pay for these items." Claudia told Mariel to wait next to the entrance of the store while her parents waited in line to pay for the items.
While Mariel was waiting, a faint sound was heard, but it was not too far away from the stationery and equipment store.
"Please give me some money. I haven't eaten in 3 days."
What Mariel saw it was an old man wearing a long, dull black robe. He looked dirty all over. The head was covered with the hood of the robe. His gray beard was all unkempt. Judging from the old man's rough wrists, he looked extremely gaunt. There will hardly be any strength. He was reaching out to ask for money from people who walked past him.
"Don't mess with me. Go away! It stinks and is disgusting," a woman complained as an old man approached her by holding his hands for money. Many others also chose to refuse to give money to this old man too.
The old man looked exhausted after being unable to ask anyone for money. Then he sat down next to a small shop across from the stationery shop.
(I'm looking at that Immediately thinking of childhood images in the past world. A memory of a little boy, about 10 years old, sitting and looking through the balcony from the second floor of an orphanage. Then I saw that the mother and daughter were quite wealthy but did not have a kind heart as they should. They showed disgust at the beggar uncle who asked for the money to buy some food. That old man just sat outside and starved and waiting for any kind person to give him some money to pass by for buying food to survive each day.
"That uncle was pitiful. If I had enough money and food, I would like to share some with him. It was a pity that I was just a little orphan. Just having rice to eat each day is hardly enough." Chai said.
Chai sat and felt sorry all the time. But there was one day for lunch, He ate rice and 1 boiled egg. He asked the cook for a small plastic bag and secretly put half of the rice and half of the boiled eggs in it. Afterwards, while the other children were playing behind the building, he walked near the front door, and today I saw that the old man sitting not far away from the door.
"Uncle! Uncle!" Chai called.
"Is something wrong, young man?" The old man slowly moved closer to the closed door of the orphanage. But there was a gap in the door that could be talked through, or you could send things to each other.
"I feel sorry for you. I don't have much food to give to you but this bag of rice and half a boiled egg, I'll give it to you," Chai said, passing a bag of rice through the gap in the door.
The old man received the bag of rice and was filled with emotion.
"Thank you very much. Few people would be generous to me like this. May your life be prosperous in the future, my boy." The old man thanked and wished.
"You too, Uncle." Chai replied.
After that, if Chai had a chance, he would bring some rice to uncle, even just a little. But one day, Chai saw a hearse bringing the body of old man who was lying dead next to this orphanage to the vehicle. The female cook said that old man's health had not been good for a long time, and he had nowhere to go. Sometimes the cook took pity on him and took the remaining food from each day to him to eat without the others knowing but today she saw someone passing by and said that they saw the old man lying dead here. So, she called a hearse to come pick him up for another ceremony.
Chai felt sorry for him. People only had to live to survive, but in the end, when they die, there was only a body without a soul. If an old man had eaten more than this, he might have a longer life than this) (Chai thinking)
Mariel thought about her past world and shed a few tears. Young girl looked at money box in hand and thought for a moment, she slowly pushed the shop door outside. Then she slowly walked towards the old man who was sitting, and she stopped in front of him.
"Uncle!" Mariel said softly.
"What's the matter, young girl?" The old man in robes slowly raised his head to look but Mariel couldn't see his face very clearly.
"Well, I don't have a lot of savings, it was about 5 gold coins and a few other coins. Anyway, I gave them to you, and you could go to buy something to eat. This might be able to help you for several days." Mariel said.
She also handed a small money box to the old man's hand, who gently held both hands to receive the money box carefully.
The old man was quiet. Most people passing by were disgusted and not very helpful but with this little girl Instead, she gave a box of his own money to a worn-out looking old man who used it to buy food to survive.
"Thank you very much. I didn't have much in return. So…let's accept this as a thank you." The old man slowly reached under his robes, then he took out an old gold necklace. This necklace was small, and it was a rather old gold necklace with some dust on it. With an old red diamond hanging in the middle. It didn't look very expensive but there is something mysterious hidden inside.
Mariel received it, and then Deric and Claudia rushed out of the shop to find their daughter with this old man.
"My dear, is something wrong?" Claudia came and hugged Mariel away from this old man.
"You're not hurt, are you?" Deric came closer to look at his daughter. When he found that Mariel didn't have any injuries, he was relieved, but he stumbled upon an old red gold and diamond necklace in his daughter's hand.
"I felt pity for this old man. So, I gave my savings to him to buy food to eat. This might be able to help him with many meals and he gave me this necklace in return," Mariel said, holding out her hand to show her parents the necklace.
Deric used his magic to check the necklace for any curses or dangers, but no signal returned. It was just a small normal old gold necklace. It didn't look like it was very expensive.
Deric then stared at the old man but from using his magic power for checking the old man. This guy looked ordinary, without any danger or hidden high level magic power.
"Well, thank you very much. You guys taught your daughters very well. That necklace was a reward from me. Keep it with you. What is your name?" the old man in robes asked.
"My name is Mariel." the girl replied.
"That's a nice name. Thank you again, Mariel." The old man smiled. along with sitting with his head bowed in the same place.
Deric and Claudia escorted Marielle from the area. Then Deric held Mariel in his arms and said softly:
"I'm so glad that you have a kind heart, share with others the money saving instead of being used by the child to buy snacks and Magic items for kids. But you gave it to someone else who was poor. At this point, I would like to praise you but next time, you should be more careful. Because you may meet a bad guy and you might be harmed. So don't do this again. You should tell mom and dad first, do you understand?" Deric said with a warning.
"Yes, Dad. I will do as you say." Mariel accepted.
"I am worried because nowadays we still can't trust strangers. They might have kidnapped a child. Even if what you do is good but don't do this again. As father said, there's always something to tell mom and dad first. Don't decide arbitrarily." Claudia caressed her daughter's head with concern and spoke.
"Yes, Mom. I will remember this." Mariel answered again.
(It was True. I was still a girl. I forgot to think about it. In the past world, I heard the news about a kidnapping case where the government issued a warning to parents about groups kidnapping children to sell abroad. or caught begging in various places. Some strangers came to befriend and gave sweets and candy to the children. Then when they had the opportunity, they hurriedly grabbed the children or carried them into the car that had been parked to look at the area and drove away immediately. From now on, I must be more careful about this.) (Chai thinking)
Mariel, thinking about the stories, felt guilty for making a hasty decision even though she was still young. Not a guy like in the past world.
"Well, it's good for you to understand this. Dad will take you to buy candys. Just a few things to choose from a shop. This is pay back the good things you do today," Deric said, smiling at his daughter in his arms.
"Yes, thank you, Dad. I promise I won't do this again." Mariel hugged her father tightly and promised she wouldn't do it again.
Deric, Claudia, and Mariel went to a candy shop not far away. The old man looked at the family with a smile on his face but there was a faint smile at the corner of his mouth.
"See you later, Mariel." the old man said, slowly picking himself up and getting ready to go out to find something to eat. Then he used both hands to lift the hood to cover his head completely. On the right wrist, it revealed a large black snake symbol. Then he slowly disappeared into the crowd of people passing by.