The dawn broke over the village, casting warm golden light across the rooftops. Kian sat at the rickety table in his room, inspecting the small, glowing Crystal of Insight he had received as his reward.
The Wealth System's voice chimed in his head:
[Would you like to activate the Crystal of Insight? This will unlock advanced features of the Wealth System.]
Kian hesitated for a moment. He had barely scratched the surface of what this system could do, and he wasn't sure what "advanced features" might entail. But if there was one thing he had learned from his past life, it was that opportunities should never be wasted.
"Yes. Activate it," he said firmly.
The crystal dissolved in his hands, and a wave of warmth coursed through his body. The translucent panel reappeared before him, updated with new information.
---
[Advanced Features Unlocked:]
Profit Forecasting: Predicts the profitability of business ventures.
Resource Radar: Identifies valuable resources within a 1-kilometer radius.
Skill Integration: Access skills tied to economic management and strategy.
---
Kian leaned back, a slow grin spreading across his face. This was the edge he needed to accelerate his progress.
[New Quest Unlocked: Establish a Sustainable Income Stream]
Tasks:
1. Start a business with consistent earnings.
2. Gain recognition within the village.
3. Earn at least 5 silver coins in profit.
[Reward: Access to the Trade System.]
His eyes gleamed at the mention of the Trade System. This world wasn't ready for the kind of influence he was about to unleash.
---
Step 1: Surveying Opportunities
Kian decided to explore the village further, using his newly unlocked Resource Radar. As he walked through the bustling market, faint golden glimmers appeared in his vision, highlighting potential resources and business ideas.
Near the edge of the market, he stumbled upon a neglected patch of land where children played with rough clay balls. A flash of golden light caught his attention—a deposit of fine-quality clay lay beneath the surface.
"Pottery," he murmured, the gears in his mind turning. In his previous world, pottery had been a lucrative industry in developing regions. With this clay and a little innovation, he could create not just functional wares but luxury items for the wealthier townsfolk and travelers.
---
Step 2: Assembling a Team
To get started, Kian knew he couldn't do everything alone. He needed manpower and expertise.
He returned to the blacksmith, who was now in a much better mood after the success of their previous deal.
"I need a partner for a new business venture," Kian began. "Do you have any apprentices skilled in shaping clay or crafting molds?"
The blacksmith scratched his beard. "My nephew dabbles in that sort of thing. He's not much of a smith, but he's good with his hands."
"Send him to me," Kian said. "I'll make it worth your while."
---
By midday, Kian had recruited three people: the blacksmith's nephew, a young orphan girl skilled in painting, and a retired potter who had fallen on hard times. Together, they began working on their first batch of pottery.
Using his Profit Forecasting feature, Kian designed products that were both practical and aesthetically appealing:
Simple, sturdy pots for farmers.
Decorative vases and plates for wealthier buyers.
Customizable designs for special orders.
---
Step 3: Marketing and Sales
The next challenge was convincing the villagers to buy his products. Kian knew that presentation was everything.
He set up a small stall near the market square, arranging the pottery in an eye-catching display. The painted vases, adorned with vibrant floral designs, quickly drew attention.
"Handcrafted pottery! Durable, beautiful, and affordable!" Kian called out, his voice confident.
Curious onlookers gathered, admiring the craftsmanship. A wealthy merchant passing through the village stopped to inspect a vase.
"This is fine work," the merchant said. "How much for this piece?"
"Three silver coins," Kian replied without hesitation.
The merchant raised an eyebrow but eventually nodded. "I'll take it."
As the merchant handed over the coins, the Wealth System chimed:
[Quest Progress: Earn 5 silver coins - 60% complete.]
---
Step 4: Expanding Operations
By the end of the day, Kian had sold most of the pottery, earning a total of 7 silver coins. He reinvested part of his earnings into better tools and supplies, ensuring their next batch would be even higher quality.
[Quest Complete: Establish a Sustainable Income Stream.]
[Reward: Trade System Unlocked.]
The translucent panel updated again, and Kian's heart raced with excitement.
---
[Trade System Features:]
Global Trade Map: Visualize trade routes and market hubs across the continent.
Merchant Networking: Gain influence with traders and guilds.
Dynamic Pricing: Adjust prices based on supply and demand.
---
That night, Kian sat in his small room, staring at the silver coins spread across the table. In just two days, he had gone from a penniless stranger to a budding entrepreneur.
"This is only the beginning," he murmured. "The world will know my name soon enough."
As he drifted off to sleep, visions of trade caravans, bustling cities, and untold riches filled his mind.