Title: My First Trading Partner is An Awaken
Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. Unless otherwise indicated, all the names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents in this book are either the product of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.
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"Greetings, Henry. It's been quite some time," Tyler Pierce said, his anticipation palpable as he looked forward to sealing another deal with Henry.
"Yes Indeed, it's been a solid 10 days. It took me a bit to gather the salt payment for that B-rank breathing technique you mentioned," Henry remarked.
"Ah, Ezio's Breathing technique, right. Regardless, I'm impressed by the amount you've managed to accumulate," Tyler acknowledged. He was really impressed.
'He is far more capable than 10 merchants combined,' Tyler thought.
"I had estimated it would take around three months to gather enough salt, but clearly, I underestimated your capabilities," Henry admitted.
"As they say, money talks in our world. Your earnings from our previous trades have certainly facilitated my accumulation," Henry said.
"It appears you have around 130 tons of salt at your disposal, with favorable tax rates," Tyler noted.
"Indeed. I'm looking to trade the B-rank breathing technique and the remainder for gold coins, wastewater, and powdered crystals," Henry stated his intentions.
"I've got those in stock and ready for trade," Tyler confirmed, having prepared for their exchange.
"In addition to posting in the merchant guild for wastewater, I've also made separate requests for F-rank powders and crystals," Tyler mentioned, explaining his strategy.
"It seems you're prepared to trade now, Tyler." Henry said.
"Yes, Henry. As a matter of fact, I am.So you intend to acquire the breathing technique for 120 tons of salt, 200 pieces of F-rank crystals for 4 tons of salt, 1000 gold coins for 1 ton of salt, and the remainder for wastewater and crystal powders," Tyler summarized.
"Exactly, Tyler! We're on the same page," Henry affirmed.
"I've already amassed a sufficient volume of wastewater, and my courtyard is filled. I even halted further purchases in anticipation of our trade," Tyler mentioned, eager to exchange the green liquid.
His courtyard is filled with the wastewater and he had some problem with the growing weeds when one of the container leaks out in his courtyard. With that concentration alone, the weeds grows and mutated in small time frame.
He asked his three servants to get ride of the weeds as it towers like Chinese boomboos in the center of his courtyard. It was the danger of storing it in the area as it leaks.
"I have around 800,000 liters of wastewater in my inventory, which is unusually high. This surplus is due to the recent invasion of one of the kingdom's regions by magical beasts, which necessitated the use of a large number of crystals," Tyler explained.
"Was it primarily used for making healing potions?" Henry inquired.
"Actually, it was mainly utilized for crafting bombs. The energy contained within the crystals allowed for their transformation into explosive devices," Tyler clarified.
"I recall our earlier discussions on the matter," Henry reminisced.
"Now, I propose to trade all this wastewater for the salt payment, utilizing credit since our contract binds us through the platform," Tyler suggested.
"I'm fine with that. My main concern lies with acquiring the breathing technique," Henry stated.
"Indeed. I remember when I was just starting out. It wasn't as smooth a journey as yours, but I managed. Before I had the chance to learn this breathing technique, it took me quite some time to accumulate enough gold to purchase the potion. You're fortunate, Henry," Tyler remarked.
"On average, most awakens need to consume 3 to 4 liters of the potion, and the experience can be quite awkward, to say the least," Tyler shared his experience of awakening. "You know how embarrassing it was to have a smelly butt."
"I did, and thanks to you, my father is now fitter than ever. And remember Dylan? He's been making progress, and his condition is improving too," Henry shared with a sense of gratitude. "Althought, that butt being smelly is truly embarrassing."
"It's to be expected, Henry. That potion is a rarity for ordinary people in my world. But through this trade, you've obtained some of it, and I've benefited from trading salt," Tyler remarked, acknowledging the mutual benefits of their exchange.
As they conversed further, Henry learned about the increasing chaos in Tyler's world due to the ongoing invasion of magical beasts in one of the kingdom's regions.
After concluding their trade, Henry acquired Ezio's Breathing technique, F-rank crystals and powder, and a substantial amount of wastewater.
With his outstanding credit reduced to only 11,100 kg, equivalent to about 44 sacks of salt, he reflected on the significant trade of 136.5 tons with Tyler, accounting for taxes. Despite storing 143.5 tons of salt in the platform's storage, he noted the decrease to 136.2 tons due to storage tax.
Observing the reduction in his acquired 800,000 liters of wastewater to 760,000 liters, Henry realized the need for storage, especially since he still had 200 liters in his room. The good thing about his room is that it was cemented and no weeds can sprout on it even when the wastewater leaks.
Turning his attention to the F-rank crystals and residues, he carefully placed them in a box, ready for purification and further use.
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Henry wasted no time as he eagerly opened the aged book that had found its way into his possession through a trade with Tyler. The pages, yellowed with age, seemed to whisper secrets of untold power as Henry delved into their depths.
At first glance, the instructions within the book appeared simple, but upon closer examination, Henry realized that achieving the optimized version of himself was a crucial prerequisite.
It seemed that enhancing oneself through various means, such as pills and potions, was necessary, with the F-rank healing potion being the most accessible option for Henry.
Though the path of enhancing oneself with the F-rank healing potion was deemed cruel by some, it was also the most cost-effective. Henry couldn't help but acknowledge the truth in Tyler's words, he was indeed fortunate to have stumbled upon this opportunity.
With the necessary enhancements achieved, Henry turned his attention to the breathing method outlined in the book. Thanks to Tyler, he already possessed the purified crystals required for this step, a vital component in the process.
As Henry's fingers traced the faded ink on the pages, he felt a stirring deep within him, as if the very words were alive with pulsating energy.
With each breath he took, he sensed the dormant power within him beginning to stir, awakening like a slumbering giant roused from its sleep.
Closing his eyes, Henry focused on his breath, allowing the rhythm to guide him as instructed. With each inhalation, he felt the energy stored within him unfurl, spreading outwards like tendrils of light piercing the darkness.
The energy surged through his meridians, suffusing every fiber of his being with newfound vitality and strength. It was as if he had tapped into a boundless wellspring of power that had always resided within him, awaiting this moment of awakening.
With each breath, Henry felt the barriers of his mortal form begin to crumble, like chains falling away from his body. No longer bound by the constraints of his previous limitations, he soared into a realm of pure energy, liberated and untethered.
Finally, as he opened his eyes, Henry knew that he had crossed a threshold, transcending the ordinary to become something extraordinary – an awakened being, ready to embrace his destiny and carve out his own path in the world with newfound vigor and purpose.
"This power! It's as if I've truly made a breakthrough!" Henry exclaimed!
The surge of energy coursing through him was palpable, and he couldn't help but marvel at the newfound strength that seemed to pulsate within every fiber of his body.
He sensed that he was now twice as powerful as his optimized self, a realization that sent a shiver of exhilaration down his spine.
"This seems to be the power and speed of 10 people combined!"
As Henry executed simple martial movements – a straightforward jab followed by a precise cross – he couldn't help but notice the effortless release of pressure accompanying each strike.
BANG!
BANG!
"The punch is louder!" Henry noticed.
It was as if the very air around him quivered with the force of his movements, echoing the strength that now coursed through his veins.
However, amidst the rush of power, Henry couldn't ignore the warnings Tyler had imparted. He remembered Tyler's caution that despite the breakthrough, impurities would still manifest and cling to his skin, remnants unreachable by even the potent F-rank healing potion.
Determined to rid himself of these impurities, Henry bath, the warm water soothing his skin as he scrubbed away the dirt and grime that had accumulated during his training.
He could feel the weight of impurities lifting and greasy oil removed leaving him feeling refreshed and revitalized.
As he resumed his training in the breathing method, Henry made a mental note that the use of the F-rank healing potion would only be necessary in cases of severe injury, such as the incident Tyler had experienced during their initial trade.
For now, he focused on harnessing the raw power that now surged within him, ready to embrace the challenges that lay ahead on his journey of self-discovery and mastery.
Dylan blinked in disbelief as he stared at the three conspicuous holes in the wall of the small gym situated adjacent to his brother Henry's room. It was just an ordinary morning for him but he didn't expect this.
"What in the world happened here?" Dylan exclaimed, his eyes widening in surprise.
Henry, with a sheepish grin plastered on his face, casually strolled over to inspect the damage. "Ah, those? That's just a little... um, remodeling project I was working on."
"Remodeling? More like destruction!" Dylan retorted, his eyebrows shooting up in incredulity. "And pray tell, what kind of remodeling involves punching holes in the wall?"
Henry chuckled nervously, scratching the back of his head. "Well, you see, it's all part of my... uh, new exercise routine!"
"Exercise routine?" Dylan repeated, his skepticism evident in his tone. "Last time I checked, a proper exercise routine doesn't involve demolishing the house!"
Henry's grin widened as he tried to explain. "But you know, Dylan, sometimes you just gotta let off some steam. And what better way to do that than by unleashing a flurry of punches? It's like a stress relief therapy, but with a bit more... impact."
Dylan shook his head in disbelief. "I thought you were just practicing boxing."
Henry chuckled, a mischievous twinkle in his eye. "Well, you know what they say, Dylan, sometimes you gotta break a few walls to become a true martial arts master!"
Dylan rolled his eyes, unable to suppress a chuckle at his brother's absurd logic. "Yeah, well, just try not to break the entire house next time, bro. You had just purchased this with your hard earned money and it seems like a waste to destroy it with punches."
"Deal," Henry agreed, still grinning like a kid who'd just pulled off a prank. "But hey, at least now we've got some natural ventilation in here, right?"
"Oh, I thought you decided to extend your room to this small area," Jimmy, their father, remarked, noticing the damage early in the morning while everyone else was still asleep.
"No, Dad. It was just the effect of the herbal medicine. It seems I had a breakthrough last night," Henry replied, offering a half-hearted explanation to both his father and Dylan.
"I presumed so," Jimmy said, taking a sip from the cup of herbal medicine that Henry had provided.
"So a punch from you now could really kill a cow, bro. Have you managed to control it?" Dylan inquired.
"I still need more training to control it, bro," Henry admitted. "By the way, how much have you consumed?"
"It's only been about 14 cups, so that's 1.4 liters," Dylan replied. "And it seems I'll be accompanying Dad for a check-up in another city."
"Yeah, you need to. We still have a score to settle with the Morante family after they bullied you," Henry recalled, his tone tinged with determination.
"Don't be like that, son. There's no good that comes from revenge," Jimmy interjected. "However, if they repeat what they did, I will take the lead."
Despite Jimmy's reassurance, he couldn't shake off the worry he felt when he learned about what happened to one of his sons.
However, with the presence of Henry's herbal medicine, he found solace, though he made a mental note to never let a similar incident occur as what happened to his wife eight years ago, where he felt powerless to help.
"Yes, I'll heed your advice, Dad. After your check-up, it's better for both you and Dylan to train along with drinking the herbal medicine," Henry suggested.
"You saw what happened to this wall; you might as well do it," Henry added, trying to inject a bit of humor into the conversation.
"Of course, son! Even at 48 years old, it seems with the use of herbal medicine, I can still have the strength of my prime," Jimmy exclaimed, his eyes shining with newfound hope and determination.