The forest felt calmer now that Kamiko was gone. The tension she brought had faded but Adam did not relax. He kept his focus sharp. He would not let one annoying encounter derail his plans. Kamiko was a problem for another day. Right now he had more immediate concerns. His mind went back to his primary goal gathering as many useful resources as he could before the inevitable flood of new players. He knew what was coming.
By this time tomorrow the game servers would be jammed. The now-quiet Beginner Village would be transformed. He could picture it clearly from his past life. Prices for useful items like healing potions would skyrocket. Basic crafting materials would become scarce as thousands of new players scrambled for the same starter quests and easy-to-get items. The quiet paths he now walked would be choked with confused shouting players all desperately trying to grab any loot they could find.
This first day is my best chance Adam thought adjusting the strap on his shoulder bag. He started walking purposefully towards the village. Unlike almost every other new player Adam was not worried about leveling up quickly. That was a mistake he had made in his first life. He had chased experience points rushing through quests and killing monsters just to fill the XP bar. But he had neglected to build a strong foundation. He had not gathered enough money materials or contacts early on. Later when the game became more difficult he found himself constantly struggling always a step behind players who had been smarter.
"Experience points can wait," he mumbled quietly. The wooden walls of the village came into view smoke drifting from a few chimneys. The low buzz of activity grew louder. "Resources. Money. Contacts. That's what I need right now. That's the real power early in the game."
He reached the main gate. Two guards in simple leather armor stood on either side looking bored. They barely glanced at him as he walked past. Stepping inside felt like entering a new world. The ground changed from soft dirt to hard-packed earth and rough cobblestone streets. The air smelled of cooking fires sawdust and a faint hint of farm animals. Wooden one-story houses lined the streets. Shops had simple signs hanging over their doors a hammer for the blacksmith a loaf of bread for the baker a bubbling flask for the potion maker. Glowing lanterns hung from posts and buildings giving the village a cozy welcoming feel.
The village was not empty but it was not yet crowded. Small groups of players chatted near the central well. A few studied the quest board outside the village leader's house. Adam ignored them all. He knew exactly where he was going. He walked straight towards the marketplace the busiest spot in any starting village. His steps were quick and sure moving easily around the slower players. He heard bits of conversation "Where do I find the slime swamp?" "Did you see how much that basic sword costs?" "Need one more person for the wolf cave quest!" These were the sounds of a new world awakening. Adam blocked it all out focusing on his goal.
The market square opened before him. Sellers had set up colorful stalls calling out their wares. "Fresh apples sweet and crisp!" "Strong leather gloves best protection!" "Potions! Minor healing stamina boosts get 'em while they last!" Adam scanned the area. He saw plenty of basic items for sale at reasonable prices. But his future knowledge screamed a warning. The cost of important goods like better weapons and rare ingredients would soon explode.
"This village is too far from anything important," Adam muttered. The closest major town Silver City was several days' travel away. This isolation made shipping expensive which drove up prices for imported goods. On the other hand it meant his locally sourced Fang Wolf parts might sell for slightly less here. Selling them now was still the better option.
He pushed deeper into the marketplace ignoring the tempting displays. The air was thick with the smells of spices cooking meat and the sharp metallic tang of a forge. He scanned the signs above the shops Blacksmith Armorer Fletcher Alchemist. He needed a general store one that bought monster parts. After crossing the square he saw it on his left squeezed between a noisy bar and a quiet tailor shop. An old wooden sign hung above the door Adventure Mart. "This is it," Adam thought a hint of satisfaction on his face.
He pushed open the heavy wooden door. It creaked loudly. The noise of the marketplace faded behind him replaced by a calmer atmosphere. The shop was simple practical and darker than the bright square. Rough wooden shelves lined the walls filled with coils of rope stacks of torches leather armor and other adventuring gear. The air smelled of old wood dried herbs and dusty paper. Behind a sturdy wooden counter sat an old man. His white beard was neatly trimmed. His eyes were sharp and intelligent as they looked up at Adam. They seemed to take in everything at once.
Adam walked straight to the counter. The shopkeeper raised a bushy white eyebrow. "You're not here just to look around are you young man?" he asked his voice rough but not unkind.
"No," Adam replied simply his voice calm and steady. "I'm here to sell."
A small smile appeared at the corners of the man's lips. "Straight to business. Good. Let's see what you've got." He gestured to the counter.
Adam opened his game inventory and mentally selected the loot from the Fang Wolves. Ten sharp fangs several pieces of raw meat and the small pile of copper coins appeared on the counter with soft thudding and clicking sounds. The shopkeeper's eyes locked onto the items a spark of professional interest in them. "Ah Fang Wolf materials," the old man mumbled. He picked up a fang turning it over in his fingers. "Not bad at all. Clean kills looks like." He glanced up at Adam a quick appraising look.
Adam remained silent letting the shopkeeper inspect the goods. Finally the man put the fang down. "Alright. For this whole pile I'll give you 150 copper coins." His voice was firm.
Adam frowned slightly. 150 copper was not a great price. He knew he could get more in a few days. But arguing would take time. Right now speed and efficiency were more valuable than a few extra coins. "Deal," Adam said without pausing.
The shopkeeper nodded pleased with the quick agreement. "Efficient. I like that in an adventurer." He reached under the counter and counted out the coins pushing the pile across the counter. Adam quickly swept them into his inventory. His mind was already working planning his next steps. This amount should be enough to buy the supplies he needed before his next hunt.
As Adam prepared to leave the shopkeeper looked him up and down again his eyes thoughtful. "Tell me," the old man said his rough voice cutting into Adam's thoughts "based on how focused you are and how good those wolf parts look are you an adventurer?"
Adam stopped surprised by the direct question. After a moment he slowly shook his head. Before he could explain the shopkeeper leaned forward. "Actually will you do a favor for me?" The second the words were out of his mouth a bright blue window appeared before Adam's face. Glowing white letters shone within.
[Mission Triggered!]