Suho pushed through the thinning trees, sword heavy at his side, pouch of coins thumping against his hip.
"Five gold, ten silver," he muttered. "All the money in the world… and no one to spend it on."
→ Path Ahead
He followed the faint arrow, branches snapping underfoot, until the forest broke open. Sunlight spilled across the horizon, and stone walls rose in the distance, massive and unyielding.
"There… a city." His voice cracked with relief. "Finally."
At the gates, armored guards stood watch. One stepped forward, spear gleaming.
"Entrance fee. One silver."
Suho frowned. "A fee? Just to walk in?"
The guard's stare didn't waver. "Pay, or turn back."
Suho sighed, pulling out a coin. "Fine. One silver."
→ Currency Updated: 5 Gold 9 Silver
Inside, the city roared with life. Merchants shouted, carts rattled, and the smell of bread and spice filled the air. Suho's eyes darted everywhere, the system whispering in overlays.
→ Bread Loaf
→ Value: 0.5
→ Market Price: 1.0
→ Status: Overpriced
Suho muttered, "One silver for bread? They're robbing people blind."
By evening, exhaustion pressed down. He found an inn tucked in a quiet lane, its sign a painted stag swaying above the door.
The innkeeper eyed him. "Room's two silver. Supper included."
→ Lodging Restores Stamina
→ Cost: Fair
Suho handed over the coins. "Deal."
The stew was thin, the bed rough, but the door closed behind him. For the first time since the forest, he slept without fear.
→ Rest Complete
→ Stamina Restored
Morning light painted the streets gold. Suho strapped his sword and stepped out, the city alive with trade.
A young merchant approached, smile sharp. "You look new. Want to see where the real money flows?"
Suho narrowed his eyes. "Show me."
They wound through alleys until the road opened onto a broad avenue. At its end stood a compound of white stone and black iron, gardens manicured, columns carved.
Suho slowed. "That's… different."
The merchant's voice dropped. "House of Varrin. Renowned. Powerful. They trade in goods… and in people. Slaves, contracts, indentures. Legal, licensed, untouchable."
→ Power Node Detected
→ Risk: High
→ Reputation: High
The butler at the gate bowed. "Do you have business with the House of Varrin?"
Suho nodded. "I want to see what you offer."
→ Entry Granted
Inside, the villa gleamed with marble floors and chandeliers. Lord Varrin himself descended the stairs, robes embroidered with gold thread. His smile was sharp, his voice smooth.
"You seek trade?"
Suho's jaw tightened. "I want to understand what you deal in."
"Slaves," Varrin said simply. "Every soul has a price."
→ Slave Catalogue Available
They walked past rows of cages. The system displayed each profile in crisp lines:
→ Name: Darius
→ Race: Human Swordsman
→ Value: 3 Gold
→ Skills: Combat Training, Guard Duty
→ Loyalty: Contract Required
→ Name: Borin
→ Race: Dwarf Blacksmith
→ Value: 7 Gold
→ Skills: Forging, Craftsmanship
→ Market Demand: Strong | Endurance High
→ Name: Elira
→ Race: Elf Healer
→ Value: 12 Gold
→ Skills: Healing Magic, Long Lifespan
→ Status: Rare | Exotic | High Demand
→ Name: Kael
→ Race: Apprentice Magician
→ Value: 8 Gold
→ Skills: Arcane Study, Basic Spells
→ Risk: Escapes Easily | Loyalty Low
Suho whispered, "You put numbers on people."
Varrin's smile widened. "Numbers reveal truth. Worth is measurable. You, too, have a value."
Finally, Varrin stopped at a single cage, set apart from the rest. A young woman sat inside, her wrists bound by silver chains. Her hair was dark, her eyes sharp and unyielding despite her condition.
"She is special," Varrin said softly. "Her name is Lyra. Five gold. Resilient, unbroken, trained in both combat and healing. Few can afford her. But you… you have exactly enough."
→ Name: Lyra
→ Race: Human (Enhanced)
→ Value: 5 Gold
→ Status: Rare | Unbroken
→ Skills: Swordplay, Basic Healing
→ Potential: High Growth | Combat + Support
Suho's breath caught. "Five gold… for her?"
Varrin's eyes gleamed. "Yes. She is worth every coin. A rare investment. She could serve, fight, or… become more."
The system pulsed, arrows flashing between options:
→ Option: Buy Lyra (Cost 5 Gold)
→ Option: Refuse | Retain Wealth
→ Option: Negotiate Terms
Suho's hand hovered over his pouch. The coins felt heavier than ever.
"And if I refuse?" he asked.
Varrin's smile didn't falter. "Then someone else will claim her. Value never waits."
→ Choice Required
Suho's jaw tightened. He thought of the forest, of hunger gnawing at him, of the bandit cart and the blood on the ground. Alone, he had survived. But alone, he would break.
He pulled the pouch free. "Five gold. I'll take her."
The clink of coins echoed in the hall as he placed them on the table.
→ Transaction Complete
→ Currency Updated: 0 Gold | 9 Silver
→ Acquisition: Lyra
The chains were unlocked. Lyra stepped forward, her eyes never leaving Suho's. She stood tall despite her captivity, her voice steady. "You bought me. Why?"
Suho met her gaze. "Because I need someone who can fight beside me. And because you deserve more than a cage."
The system pulsed softly:
→ Bond Initiated: Lyra
→ Growth Efficiency +300%
→ Companion Acquired
Lord Varrin's smile lingered. "Wise choice. She will serve you well… if you can keep her."
Suho placed a hand on the hilt of his sword. "I'll keep her. Not as a slave. As an ally."
Lyra's eyes widened, a flicker of hope breaking through her hardened stare.
→ Courage +5
→ Survival Efficiency Increased
As they stepped out of the villa, the city's noise returned, but Suho felt different. He was no longer alone. The arrows in his vision shifted, pointing outward not just for him, but for both of them.
→ Party Formed: Suho + Lyra
→ New Quest Unlocked: Establish Standing in the City
Suho tightened his grip on the sword, Lyra walking beside him. Civilization had opened its gates, and now he had someone to face it with.