The two boss monsters lay defeated, their massive forms sprawled across the stone floor of the dungeon. Nikos stood over them, his face a mask of calm satisfaction.
"Marielle, Liriel, Jarek," Nikos called, his voice cutting through their relaxing moment. "Go collect parts of these monsters. They're valuable materials for weapons and potion ingredients."
"Yes, Master," Marielle said, stepping forward with her staff in hand. She was still catching her breath from the previous fight, but she followed Nikos' orders without hesitation.
Liriel nodded, her dark eyes scanning the remains of the monsters. "Understood, Sir." She moved with the grace and precision of an assassin, her daggers flashing as she began to extract useful parts.
Jarek, ever the cautious warrior, approached the fallen creatures with his greataxe at the ready. "I'll take care of the heavier partss," he said, his voice a low rumble.
Nikos supervised their work, his mind always several steps ahead. "Be careful with the venom sacs," he advised Liriel. "They're particularly potent and could be useful in creating more potent elixirs."
Liriel nodded, her hands steady as she carefully removed the sacs. "Got it, sir."
Marielle, carefully handling the monster parts, looked up at Nikos. "These materials will make excellent potions, won't they, master?"
"Indeed," Nikos replied, a hint of a smile playing at his lips. "With these, we'll be able to produce potions that will help defend against the upcoming monster wave."
After they had collected the necessary parts, Nikos led his party to a large door at the end of the room. It was adorned with intricate carvings and exuded an air of mystery. "This should be the treasure room," he said, placing a hand on the door. "Let's go."
The group stepped inside, finding themselves in a mid-sized chamber. In the center was a small stack of gold coins, on top of it rested a treasure chest. The room's dim light cast a golden glow over the scene.
"This is it," Nikos said, his voice filled with a mixture of excitement and caution. "Our reward."
Marielle's eyes widened in amazement. "Look at all that gold!"
Jarek's gaze was drawn to the treasure chest. "What do you think is inside, mashter?"
"Only one way to find out," Nikos replied, stepping forward. He collecting all the gold coins and placed it into his inventory bag, making sure every piece was secured.
------------------------------------
> Main < | Merchant System | Class | Inventory
Nikos Aarav ā Lv. 26
Race: Human ā Class: Intermediate Support
Gold: 19362 (ā11839)
System Credit: 102
---- SC Converter
------------------------------------
Then, he approached the chest. As he opened it, a golden ray of light burst forth, illuminating the room. Three images appeared above the chest: gold, a weapon, and various ingredients.
Nikos checked the chest and there was nothing inside it under the ray of light of the three images. He turned his attention back to the images.
Is this mean if I choose one of this, I'll get more golds, weapons, or more ingredients? I guess there's no other explanation.
Nikos' eyes flickered with interest. He knew the value of each option but also understood their current needs perfectly. "We need ingredients," he decided, as he touch the ingredients image.
Then the golden ray shimmered and transformed into a bucket brimming with a variety of ingredients. Nikos carefully placed the bucket into his inventory.
"Excellent choice, master," Marielle said, her admiration clear.
Liriel and Jarek agree with their nod.
"These will serve us well. Now, let's get out of here." Nikos said.
Then he pulled out a teleport scroll, its magic already humming with energy. "Everyone, gather around."
The group came closer as the teleport energy enveloped their bodies for a couple of seconds, before they disappeared from the dungeon.
In a flash of light, they were transported out of the dungeon and into the evening air outside the gates of Oakheart Town.
The sun was setting, casting a warm glow over the town. Finishing their journey for two days, they decided to make their way back to their new shop.
The shop was modest but well-structured.
The front served as their store, with shelves and displays ready for their products.
Behind the main area were three rooms: a main room was for Nikos, a smaller shared room for Marielle and Liriel, and a warehouse for storing their stock, which also doubled as Jarek's room, since he was more comfortable sleeping on the floor and simultaneously protecting the ingredients.
Inside Nikos' room, everyone gathered.
He pulled out all the ingredients necessary for making the potions and placed them on a large table.
"Marielle, Liriel, go clean up the front part of the store a bit. After that, you two can take a proper rest," Nikos instructed.
"Yes, Master(Sir)," Marielle and Liriel responded in unison, went out of his room and moving to tidy up the shop.
Next, Nikos began the meticulous process of creating potions. The ingredients they had gathered from the dungeon were laid out before him. He instantly crafted the first batch of potions and let the normal process run on the system. He sat at the table while also thinking about his next steps for the business.
Jarek stood guard near the door, while his watchful eyes ensuring Nikos was undisturbed.
Nikos turned to Jarek, "You too, go take rest."
Jarek shook his head, "No, Mashter, I'll protect you until you're finished. This is my duty."
"Do what you like then," Nikos went back to writing his thoughts and strategy for the business.
"Thank you, Masster."
The night passed with the soft glow of his finishing process illuminating Nikos' workspace. Marielle and Liriel were resting in their room, while Jarek guarded the door with all seriousness.
As couple hours before dawn approached, Nikos finally finished his work. "That should be enough for now," he said, his voice tinged with fatigue but also satisfaction.
Nikos stopped his work and took a rest for two hours. If he didn't do that, Jarek would probably stay up all night. Seeing Nikos finish his work, Jarek also got sleepy and he lay down on Nikos' room floor, as it was more comfortable for him, and he too slowly drifted to sleep.
Then one hour before the sun rose, in the early morning, Nikos and his group woke up. The air was filled with a sense of purpose as they began preparing the store for the day. Each member moved with quiet efficiency, knowing exactly what needed to be done.
"Alright, everyone," Nikos said, his voice calm but commanding. "We have a lot to do before we open. Marielle, you handle the potions. Make sure they're displayed prominently. Our healing and mana potions should be front and center."
"Yes, master," Marielle replied, she carefully arranged the potions, ensuring they were easily accessible and visually appealing.
"Liriel," Nikos continued, "I want you to take care of the weapons and equipment. Make sure everything is polished and ready for display. We want our customers to see the quality of our goods immediately."
"Understood, Sir," Liriel said, her eyes scanning the items as she began to arrange them meticulously, her appreciation for their craftsmanship evident in her careful handling.
"Jarek," Nikos addressed Jarek, "you'll help me with the inventory in the back. We need to ensure everything is accounted for and in its place. We can't afford any mistakes for our first day in new store."
"Yes, Masster," Jarek responded, his nature driving him to approach the task with the same caution and thoroughness as he showed in battle.
As they worked, the sun began to rise, casting a golden glow through the windows. The shop started to take on a warm, inviting atmosphere. Nikos took a moment to look around, satisfied with their progress.
"We're ready," he said, his voice filled with resolve.
Nikos moved to the front of the store, ensuring the final touches were in place. He flipped the sign to 'Open'. The anticipation of the day ahead was palpable.
As the sun climbed higher, filling the shop with a warm, welcoming light, they opened the doors, ready to sell their products and face the new day.
Nikos took a deep breath, feeling a mix of excitement and determination. "Let's get started. Our first day."