"Mr. Denver, I heard you closed the Donovan account this morning."
I looked up from my laptop, my fingers hovering over the keyboard. The regional manager, Mr. Caldwell, leaned against the glass partition of my office, arms crossed with a satisfied smirk.
"Yes, sir," I replied, straightening in my chair. "The client seemed pleased with the terms we negotiated."
"Pleased?" Caldwell let out a short laugh. "They doubled their contract value with us. That's more than 'pleased,' son."
I nodded, keeping my expression neutral. Sure, it's a big win, but that's just business. Nothing groundbreaking.
Caldwell stepped inside, lowering his voice. "You've been with us, what, eight months? Most of the team your age is still fetching coffee and filing paperwork. Keep this up, and you'll be running the place before you're 25."
I forced a polite smile as Caldwell clapped me on the shoulder and walked off. When he was gone, I exhaled, My gaze shifting to the city skyline outside my office window.
Rising through the ranks is great and all, but something's still missing.
I gazed on a plaque with my name on it, [Azur Denver - Account Manager]
Junior Account Manager at the age of 19 might sound crazy, but if you knew how much I've been through to get this job… well, you might understand.
It wasn't just luck. Late nights pouring over textbooks, countless internships while my friends were out partying, and pushing myself harder than anyone else—all of it led me here.
Not that anyone sees…or cares about that part.
People only see the results. The polished suit, the quick wins, the confidence I've had to learn to fake. But deep down, I've always felt like I was racing against something—someone.
I shook my head, snapping out of my thoughts as I packed my bag. The office was nearly empty now, quiet except for the distant hum of cleaning staff vacuuming the carpets.
I glanced at my phone: no new messages. No surprise there. Relationships had taken a backseat to my career a long time ago.
Maybe that's what's missing… or maybe I just need to get some fresh air.
The thought of going straight home felt suffocating. The same walls, the same routines—it was all too predictable. Tonight, he needed something different, something to break the cycle.
The phone on my table vibrates, breaking the silence.
trrrr... trrrrr... trrrrr...
I glance at the screen. Unknown number. My gut tells me to ignore it, but something compels me to pick up anyway.
"Azur Denver speaking. Who's this?"
The voice on the other end is calm, gravelly, and unsettlingly steady.
"Good evening, Mr. Denver. My name is Kalen. I represent The Arcane Emporium."
"The Arcane Emporium?" I repeat, frowning. Never heard of it. "Is this some kind of sales call? Because if it is, I'm not interested."
Kalen chuckles softly, like he finds my irritation amusing.
"Sales? Not exactly. Let's call it an opportunity. Something far beyond the mundane grind you're used to."
My frown deepens. "Beyond the grind? Look, I don't have time for cryptic nonsense. If you're selling something, save your breath."
There's a pause. When Kalen speaks again, his voice is calm but carries a subtle edge.
"This isn't about selling, Mr. Denver. It's about choice. A door has opened—both literally and figuratively. If you're ready to step through, you'll find someone at 1344 Birch Hollow. Everything will make sense once you're there."
"Right," I say, sarcasm dripping from my voice. "And why should I trust some random voice on the phone?"
"Trust isn't required," he replies, his tone as steady as ever. "Only curiosity. Do you have enough of it to take the first step?"
Before I can think of a reply, the line goes dead.
I stare at the screen for a moment, his words still echoing in my mind.
1344 Birch Hollow... What the hell was that all about?
I stood there, phone still in hand, staring at the screen where the call had ended. I stared at the time—7:13 p.m. The office was empty now, the cleaning staff long gone.
With a sigh, I grabbed my coat, switched off my office light, and locked the door behind me.
"1344 Birch Hollow…might as well."
I walked out of the building, the crisp night air hitting me immediately. The city streets, usually buzzing with energy, felt quieter now. I pulled my coat tighter around me adjusting the collar against the cool breeze.
Maybe this is just what I need... Something new. Something different.
Checking the map, i see Birch Hollow 1100, 1221, i continued.
I hesitated for a moment before turning onto the unfamiliar road. It was quiet here, the hum of city life replaced by an eerie silence. The streetlights flickered above, casting long shadows across the cracked pavement. I passed a few rundown shops, some with faded windows, but then I see it.
Finally, Birch Hollow 1344.
A building stood at the end of the alley, impossibly vibrant and full of character—The Arcane Emporium. The fantasy-inspired design stood out starkly against the modern backdrop, with intricate carvings along the doorframe and windows that shimmered with a soft, ethereal glow.
That wasn't there before. If there was such a unique place, Mr. Caldwell won't stop talking about it, that's for sure.
I approached the door. The golden light spilling from within beckoned me closer, and before I knew it, my hand was on the handle. The bell above the door chimed as I entered, and I found myself standing in a small, cozy store that smelled faintly of incense and herbs.
"Welcome, Mr. Azur Denver!!! You're our very first customer... Well, technically, the grand opening is tomorrow, but who cares? We're ready for business!" The storekeeper's voice rang out with an energy that made me blink in surprise.
She stood behind the counter, dressed as an elf—golden eyes, golden hair, and delicate pointy ears. Her white robe flowed elegantly around her, and she radiated a cheerful, almost otherworldly energy. It was hard to tell if she was a cosplayer or something else entirely, but the enthusiasm she exuded fit the fantasy atmosphere perfectly.
A girl cosplaying as an elf? Nice touch. Her enthusiasm definitely fitting for a store like this.
I always have a soft spot for fantasy—books, games, movies—it was my escape from the monotony of my daily life.
"What kind of stuff do you sell here?" I asked, glancing around the store, which was filled with shelves of odd trinkets and strange artifacts.
The elf's eyes sparkled. "We sell everything!" she exclaimed, spinning around with a flourish. "From soul stones and martial arts manuals to talent orbs and even portal scrolls that connect to other worlds! You name it, we've got it. Of course… it all comes with a price."
I blinked, my mind struggling to catch up.
Wait, what did she just say? Soul stones? Portal scrolls? This is… a fantasy-themed toy shop?
For a moment, I just stood there, trying to make sense of what was happening. This couldn't be real. Maybe it was just an elaborate joke, or maybe I'd wandered into some themed shop. But the gleam in the storekeeper's eyes, her enthusiasm—it was contagious. And I couldn't shake the feeling that something incredible, something unknown, was right in front of me.
"What's the catch?" I asked, still unsure whether to laugh or be worried.
She leaned forward, her smile widening. "The catch? Well, that's for you to discover, isn't it? Go on, try touching the thing you'd like to get."
[- Zenith Heaven Immortal Body Art -]
-Rank: ★★★★★★
-Creator: Martial Ancestor Jing Yuan
-Description: This legendary scroll contains the most revered and coveted martial arts techniques passed down through the highest echelons of ancient martial masters. It is said to be a gift from the heavens themselves, crafted by Martial Ancestor Jing Yuan, the founder of the Ancient Cultivation Sect. Those who study it can not only enhance their physical prowess beyond mortal limits, but also unlock the deepest reservoirs of inner energy and spiritual potential. The teachings within this scroll are divided into layers, each more challenging and transformative than the last. Each layer requires the practitioner to make significant sacrifices in body, mind, and spirit, and the journey to mastery could take centuries. The scroll is not just a guide to physical power, but also an ancient path to immortality. As the practitioner's strength grows, so does their lifespan—many have said that mastery of the full art can grant one the ability to transcend mortality itself. However, only the most disciplined can withstand the intense mental, physical, and spiritual strain of the process. In addition to enhancing combat ability, the scroll bestows the rare gift of mastering all martial styles at an unrivaled level, making the bearer a true legend.
-Price: 20,000 World Coins or 2500 years of servitude to Martial Ancestor Jing Yuan, including complete obedience in all matters related to martial arts and a guarantee to serve the Ancient Cultivation Sect for as long as the contract lasts, including combat and life-or-death missions.
---------------------------------
[- Portalstone of Vothar -]
-Rank: ★★★★★
-Creator: The Forgotten Archmages of Vothar
Description: A smooth, obsidian stone embedded with runic symbols that pulse with an otherworldly energy. When activated, the Portalstone opens a rift to another world. The stone's power is unpredictable; sometimes it leads to peaceful realms, other times to chaotic dimensions. Users may be transported physically, mentally, or spiritually. To travel physically, the user must hold and crush the stone. To send their soul, they must sacrifice a piece of their life force by dripping their blood in it . The stone can also force possession of a being in a parallel world as the price for safe passage by swallowing the stone. Once used, it will be destroyed.
-Price: NONE or ????
---------------------------------
[- Tongue of the Traveler -]
-Rank: ★★
-Creator: The Polyglot Guild of Eldoria
-Description: A small silver coin inscribed with symbols of communication. When held, it grants the user the ability to understand and speak any language for a limited time (up to 24 hours). The coin's power doesn't just translate words; it grants an intuitive understanding of the culture and nuances behind the language. The user can charge it under the sunlight. Note: Can be charged passively, we recomended the user to hang it on his neck or somewhere it can get the maximum amount of sunlight.
-Price: 25 silver coins or a pledge to assist the Polyglot Guild with translation or diplomatic missions for one month.
---------------------------------
[- Rune of Silent Steps -]
-Rank: ★
-Creator: Shadow Monk Kyanis
-Description: A small rune carved into a dark stone that can be placed on the bottom of a boot or worn as an amulet. When activated, it grants the user silent movement, allowing them to move with stealth for 30 minutes. While under its effect, the user leaves no trace of their presence, making it perfect for sneaking past enemies or navigating dangerous areas unnoticed. The rune can only be used once per day, and the effect fades if the user takes a hostile action during its activation.
-Price: 40 copper coins or a vow to assist a member of the Shadow Monks on a stealth-related mission, where the user must prove their skill in remaining undetected and completing the task without alerting enemies.
---------------------------------
[- Scroll of quick understanding -]
-Rank: ★
-Creator: Scholar Zhal'kar
-Description: A thin parchment scroll with ancient runes written in a script that looks foreign at first glance. When ripped apart, it accelerates the user's comprehension of any subject they focus on for the next 30 minutes. The user can learn basic concepts quickly, whether it's a spell, a foreign language, or complex techniques.
-Price: 10 copper coins or to perform a task of study or knowledge acquisition for a week, under the guidance of a scholar. This includes completing a written report on a subject chosen by the scholar to demonstrate the effectiveness of the scroll's power.
---------------------------------
[- Zenith Body Strengthening Art -]
-Rank: ★★
-Creator: Zenith Heaven Immortal Sect
-Description: A simplified and foundational martial art passed down to the outer disciples of the Zenith Heaven Immortal Sect. This technique enhances the user's physical attributes—strength, endurance, and agility—by channeling energy into the body's key meridians and muscles. Though it lacks the profound spiritual and mental cultivation of the higher-tier Zenith Heaven Immortal Body Art, it provides a solid base for improving combat abilities. With steady practice, the user can unlock the art's full potential, enhancing their stamina and resilience, making them formidable even without mastery of more advanced techniques. Though not as powerful or life-extending as the full Immortal Body Art, it serves as a stepping stone for those who aspire to reach greater heights.
-Price: 50 silver coins or guard the sect's outer gate for a month.
---------------------------------
... and so on
What are these items? Why do they sound legit? And how come I can see these words??
My mind raced as I took in the strange objects and their descriptions. The atmosphere of the shop, filled with so many fantastical items, seemed more surreal the longer I stood here. I blinked, rubbing my eyes, trying to make sense of what was going on. The words on the scrolls, the strange names, the bizarre descriptions—everything felt out of place yet oddly familiar, like I had stumbled into a different world altogether.
The storekeeper, still smiling brightly, noticed his confusion and raised an eyebrow. "What's the matter? You look like you've seen a ghost." She giggled at her own joke, but the gleam in her eyes remained sharp, as though she were waiting for me to understand something that was just out of reach.
I slowly stepped forward, still scanning the items on the shelves. "What is this place? This doesn't feel like a regular store…"
The elf's smile widened. "Oh, it's far from ordinary, dear customer. As you can read from the sgin, this is The Arcane Emporium. The name is a little misleading, perhaps, but it's all about potential. These objects... well, they offer more than just the usual gimmicks you might find in a run-of-the-mill fantasy shop. They're gateways to a different kind of life."
I swallowed hard. "Fantasy Shop?? Gateways to a different life? You're serious?"
The elf's tone softened, and for the first time, she looked at me with something approaching sympathy. "Every item here holds power—power that could change your life forever. But with that power comes a price. The question is... are you willing to pay it?"
My mind raced as I processed her words. A gateway to a different life? It was absurd, yet the weight of the moment seemed to press down on me. The items on the shelves—each with their own description, each seemingly impossible—began to feel less like fantasy and more like a reality I couldn't escape.
This can't be real… it's just a theme, right? Just a weird shop with quirky items.
The elf's golden eyes locked onto mine, and for the first time, I could see something beyond the playfulness—a seriousness in her gaze that made my heart race.
"Look," I said, trying to steady his voice, "I'm not some fantasy enthusiast. I'm a Junior Account Manager. I don't have time for—" I paused, unsure of what to call it, "—magic tricks."
The elf chuckled softly, as if amused by his skepticism. "Oh, sweetie, it's not magic tricks. It's real and it's an opportunity."
She gestured to the various items around her. "These things? They're tools. Tools to help you find your true potential. To unlock doors you never knew existed."
I had seen my share of oddities in the business world—clients with bizarre requests, deals that sounded too good to be true—but this felt... different. This was impossible.
"Fine," I said helplessly, a mix of frustration and curiosity boiling inside me. "Let's say I believe you. Let's say all of this is real. What do I do with it?"
The elf's smile turned sly. "You decide. You choose the item that calls to you. And then, you make your choice."
"These coins… I don't have them, do you accept USD?" I said. I knew these coins are not something I have right now, I hope that I can trade my dollars for it.
I got 92k in my savings, I hope it's enough
"We do, but the conversion rate is quite high since we don't really need this world's money. Take a look at this paper," said the elf storekeeper.
---------------------------------
Mortal Currency
1 USD = 1 Bronze Coin
100 Bronze Coins = 1 Copper Coin
100 Copper = 1 Silver Coin
100 Silver = 1 Gold Coin
100 Gold = 1 Platinum Coin
????? Currency
????? = 1 World Coin
----------------------------------
"...damn, all of my savings only amount to 9 Silver Coins."