After completing the currency exchange and paying two Miyolorian Copper Coins each, Shin and Aqua handed their payment over to Lord Silverhaven.
There were a lot differences between the currencies of both continents.
Myrridia had a lot of currencies, but mostly used:
Myrridian Gold (MG): The primary currency, represented by shimmering gold coins. They were used for most transactions.
Mystic Shards (MS): Rare and magical gemstones that served as a form of high-value currency. They came in various colors, each with unique properties, and could be be used in enchanting and crafting.
The exchange rates were…
- 1 MG = 100 Silver Coins (SC)
- 1 SC = 10 Copper Coins (CC)
- 1 MS = 1,000 MG
As for Miyoloris…
Miyolorian Drachma (MD): The primary currency of Miyoloris Continent, represented by ornate platinum coins with intricate motifs.
Luminary Crystals (LC): Rare and luminescent crystals with mystical properties, serving as high-value currency. They came in various colors, each associated with a different element and could be used in spellcasting and magical trade.
Copper Coins (CC): Used for small change.
Exchange rates were…
- 1 MD = 100 Copper Coins (CC)
- 1 LC = 1,000 MD
Exchange Rates from Miyoloris Continent (MD) to Myrridia (MG):
- 1 MD = 1 MG
- 1 LC = 1,000 MG
- 1 CC = 0.01 MG (1% of 1 MG)
So…
Shin and Aqua paid 0.02 Miyolorian Drachma which was the equivalent 2 silver coins.
He graciously accepted the coins and slipped them into his big pockets.
"You may now enter Silverhaven!"
There was a broad grin on his face.
Crossing the border into Silverhaven, Shin and Aqua entered the Mystic Continent.
Silverhaven had a unique charm, different from the usual rustic or medieval look of Eses.
This made sense since there were no Dwarves in Myrridia. Because of that, the towns and cities in Myrridia had more of a fantasy-like style than those in other regions.
Aqua was full of excitement as she took in the scene before them. Grabbing Shin's hand, which was casually resting in his pocket, she gave it a tug and pulled him along.
She was bubbling with joy and excitement.
"Come on, Shin! Let's check it out together!"
They reached a more bustling part of the town.
Aqua couldn't help but gush.
"It's even more beautiful than Eses, right?"
She looked at him, her eyes wide and expectant, waiting for his agreement.
Shin carefully surveyed the surroundings.
"More or less the same thing in the end…"
His reply was very calm.
Aqua pouted, her cheeks puffing out in a playful show of frustration.
"Can't you be positive for once?"
She huffed and crossed her arms over her chest.
"But… I am being positive."
"Whatever." Aqua held her head in her hand.
Shin and Aqua walked through the busy streets of Silverhaven, taking in all the sights and sounds around them. The town was alive with activity, filled with a mix of human hybrids and magical beings that gave the place a unique and lively feel.
All sorts of creatures moved through the streets… some flying gracefully above, while others walked casually below.
As they moved through the crowd, Aqua noticed a few people glancing their way with curiosity. Feeling a bit uneasy, she took a small step back and gently tugged on Shin's sleeve, hoping he would notice.
"Shin?" she softly called
"Hm?"
Leaning in, she whispered, "Whyʼre all these people staring at us like that?"
She felt it was more than them just being a human and an elf.
Shin's face took on a puzzled look as he arched an eyebrow. He glanced around, noticing the curious stares directed at Aqua, and quietly murmured in response.
"They're not looking at me though… They're looking at you."
Perplexed, Aqua furrowed her brow.
"Eh? Why would they be looking at me?"
"Hmm…"
Shin rubbed his chin pretending to think.
"Well, if I was covered in a tattered, blood-stained cloak. I'd probably find myself quite intriguing too."
Aqua's eyes widened in realization as she looked down at her robe and noticed the stains and wear. Her cheeks turned red with embarrassment, and she quickly exclaimed.
"Crap, I forgot…! I need to change my attire!"
"Hm? I thought 'crap' wasn't a lady-like thing to say…?"
Aqua rolled her eyes. "Don't give me that…"
Curiosity getting the better of her, Aqua turned to Shin.
"By the way, how much money do you have on you?"
Shin thought for a while before replying, "Erm, about two Luminary Crystals and 300 Miyolorian Drachma."
The blue-haired elf gasped heavily as her eyes bulged out.
"H-, How on earth did you get that much money?"
He mentioned to her that he had recently bought some in-game currency before the Double-Tier Leveling Event.
While many players used real money to make these purchases, it was only recommended for those who were financially stable. Otherwise, they would need to earn money by completing quests, stealing, or getting gifts from other players. Luckily, Shin came from a wealthy background, so he didn't have any problems buying in-game currency.
Aqua raised an eyebrow, crossed her arms, and gave him a sideways look.
"Wait, really?"
She asked in such a skeptical way.
Shin raised his eyebrows and calmly questioned her doubt.
"You don't believe me?"
He answered a question with a question.
Aqua shrugged nonchalantly, observing Shin's current gear.
"I just don't see you as the type to spend money on in-game currency if it wasn't at an opportune moment. And judging by your gear, it doesn't seem like you did."
Unruffled, Shin clarified the situation.
"Actually, Hiro was the one who needed the money. He was planning to use it to purchase higher-level equipment once he leveled up."
The blue-haired elf accepted his explanation with a casual shrug. "Eh, if you say so…"
Shin looked around some more.
"Well, let's search for a place where you can get some new gear. I have enough money to get you suitable items for your current level."
An eyebrow raised, Aqua kept her stare on him. "Hm? Aren't you going to get anything for yourself?"
"Huh? Why though?" Shin asked.
Sounding worried, Aqua explained, "Because if you don't make any effort to protect yourself, you'll die."
Unaffected by her words, he asked her, "So?"
Aqua paused for a moment, her gaze turned to the side, and finally muttered, "Nevermind…"
Shin then revealed a surprising perspective on the matter.
"I'm not really scared of dying. Why would I be? It's just death, after all…"
With that, they continued searching for the Market Square.
Their conversation was left questionable and unfinished.
『I can never tell what's really on your mind…』
Aqua thought.
━ ━ ━ ━
Five minutes later…
When Shin and Aqua reached the busy Silverhaven Market Square, they were met with a lively crowd of adventurers and merchants. The square was full of people buying supplies, getting ready for their quests, or just browsing through the many shops.
Armories, weaponry shops, potion vendors, enchanting establishments, and scroll emporiums beckoned from every corner of the square.
Silverhaven was a busy trading center, drawing in merchants from all over Myrridia.
In the heart of the city, the marketplace was always lively with people bargaining and making deals.
You could find rare herbs and plants from the Deadlands, valuable crystals and gems from the Frigid Mountains, and magical items from the Empyrean Forest. These were some of the most popular goods brought to Silverhaven.
"Alright, let's start by visiting an armory."
Aqua was excited to get some new gear.
She walked forward confidently.
But Shin stayed put as his eyes were focused on something in the distance.
"What is it?" Aqua asked him.
Shin's eyes lackadaisically surveyed the crowd, and he pointed out something that caught Aqua off guard.
"Look… some of these people have player icons above their heads."
"They're fellow players!" Aqua's face lit up with a smile.
"Looks like we got lucky…" Shin remarked.
Aqua playfully nudged him and teased, "Hmm, for some reason I feel like you knew they'd be here."
Shin calmly shook his head.
"Nah, I'm not that clever. But let's take advantage of the situation. We can interact with them and maybe find out where other groups of players are meeting up."
He was pretty sure the players would hold a meeting about their situation of being stuck in the game. Since not even a day had passed yet, he surmised they would likely have the meeting late at night or early tomorrow morning. This way, all the players near Myrridia would have a chance to gather in Silverhaven before the meeting.
"Alright, let's go…" Shin said.
"Wh-, What about my new gear?" Aqua asked.
"Hm?" Shin suddenly remembered it. "Oh yeah, we could always buy it after. There's enough time after all."
Aqua nodded in agreement, but she couldn't help but notice her outfit, which was attracting a few curious looks from the people around her.
She sighed inwardly.
"Ugh, I don't exactly feel comfortable in these clothes…"
Meanwhile…
Shin had already started walking ahead.
His steps carried him further into the square.
Aqua quickly hurried after him.
"Hey! Wait up, meanie!"