Maybe it wasn't a good idea to do a rewrite/remaster when I got a bunch of things to do... Sigh.
Hopefully, this chapter is much better than the previous one.
Chapter 1:
"Okay. Where am I?"
[You are in Teyvat]
I rolled my eyes. "I know I'm in Teyvat. Where am I specifically? You know what, give me the map."
[Negative. You do not need a map]
"Listen here you…" A faint breeze billows through my hair, prompting me to brush my bangs aside and get a better glimpse of my surroundings. "Wait, I think I know where I am."
Lush green grass and trees span throughout the field I'd found myself in. I can see grassy mountain peaks from afar and remnants of broken stone pillars littered here and there. This landscape looked familiar, and if I'm correct I'm in the Windwail Highland. It's part of Mondstadt's landscape near Wolvendom.
'Looks like I'll be heading to Mondstadt first.'
Mondstadt. A city of freedom that lies in the northeast of Teyvat. Sounds like a wonderful place for a free-spirited merchant like me. Now, let's get started.
"Setup."
[Starting setup process]
So, you might be wondering who am I and what do I do? Well, allow me to explain myself.
Have you ever played a game where there's this NPC merchant who shows out of nowhere in the most dangerous, or outlandish place? While you've been fighting your way through a monster-infested dungeon that tries to kill you at every turn, this merchant guy has already beaten you to the deepest part of the dungeon, set up a shop, and is ready to do business. And it's not limited to setting shop in a dangerous environment; anywhere would do.
You have the Duke and Merchant from the Resident Evil/Biohazard series, the Skeleton and Wandering Merchant from Terraria, Nico's Van shop… I'm like those guys.
'Let's see… Five categories should be enough to sort out most of my merchandise. That can further be broken down into subcategories. The Sell option is there by default, as always. I can make the adjustments when I explore and learn more about Teyvat.'
[Categories created]
Supplies
Medical, stationery supplies, utility equipment, materials, you name it!
Smithy
Buy, upgrade, or design your own weapon and armor!
Clothes & Accessories
Spare wear while being functionally fashionable!
Food & Drinks
A wide selection of ingredients, meals, and drinks to choose from!
Specialties
From flowers to rare minerals, take a look at the Local and Exotic Specialties!
Sell
'What are ya selling?' Because everything has a price!
[Categories implemented into store interface]
"Done. Now to restock my supplies." I paused, "Or do I set up shop first? Nah, let's get the supplies restocked first. The question is, what do I need…?"
I didn't think this through, did I? Well, at least I have this interdimensional internet to look things up. There are important item types like artifacts and weapons. Those are further split down into things like Flower of Life, Sands of Eon, sword, bows, etc. Not to mention the wide selection of materials and ingredients I'll need to procure.
Seeing that I'll have to do some item-type research for a while, I decided to enjoy this warm afternoon and generated a nice chair from the system.
[Selected: Comfortable Cushioned Chair]
'This feels nice.'
Gentle warm breeze, bright blue skies, and white clouds; truly a lovely day. Places like these are the reason why I love to explore and wander a lot while making a few profits. The sooner I get a grasp of the items I should be selling, the sooner I can sell my wares and enjoy my travels.
'Now then, it's been roughly half a year since I've kept track of this world. What in the world did I miss?'
Don't you hate having to read pages of patch notes?
My research was suddenly interrupted when I hear grass rustling. I lowered my screen to glance at what was making that noise. Planted a meter away from me is a large pale red flower that certainly was not there before. The flower elevated a bit. A pudgy creature pokes its head out from the soil, revealing white eyes with orange rings around it.
[Large Dendro Slime]
Upon seeing that I had taken notice of it, the Large Dendro Slime hastily burrow itself into the ground and pretend that it was just an ordinary flower. How suspicious.
"How adorable." And resume continuing with my item research.
I was immediately greeted with a large shadow falling over me. It felt like a massive durable water balloon was dropped on me as the Large Dendro Slime came crashing down onto my frame and bounced off. No damage. The Large Dendro Slime redoubled its effort, ramming its body against me and letting loose spores that created a Poison Field around us.
No damage. No effect.
I'm immune to all forms of damage because that's how things work somehow.
"Do you… Ah… Achoo!" I sneezed away the Poison Field. Damn it. I really hate how I'm still susceptible to very minor irritations. "Gah… Do you mind?"
The Large Dendro Slime merely stared at me with its white eyes, then shook its body, as if it was saying no, and let loose three Toxic Seeds that shot towards me that released a poisonous mist upon impact.
"Achoo! Achoo! Gah! Why you little!"
/-/
After chasing off that accursed Large Dendro Slime, I begin stocking up my inventory; from common commodities to rarer goods.
Purchased Qty: 2 [5-Star Capricious Visage]
Purchased Qty: 2 [5-Star Hopeful Heart]
[Inventory 4 is at full capacity]
"There we go. Inventories are fully stock."
I purchased a few high-quality items from the system with the hopes of selling them at a good price. I said a few because I'll probably be dealing with ordinary to moderately exceptional people. It's not like you'll encounter someone in need of a powerful 5-star weapon in the middle of the wild most of the time. Just a side note, 5-star weapons can only be obtained through Wishes, and knowing how gacha works, that's going to take time or money. Likely both.
Anyway, the next step is setting up my shop. My store needs to be mobile since I'm a traveling interdimensional merchant. I snap my finger to bring up a small list of my personal assets.
'Let's see what I have within my personal assets. What isn't too out of place, but conspicuous enough? Ah, this will do.'
[Selected: Lordran Merchant Prince Wagon {From Gwyndolin}]
[Standby]
A large fancy merchant wagon should do nicely here in Teyvat. A cherished gift I got from Gwyndolin back when I was in the city of Anor Londo in Dark Souls. It has served me well throughout my travels. The question is what do I use to pull the wagon? A draft animal? Mechanical construct? Self-propelled by some form of energy?
My train of thought was interrupted by something rubbery hitting my head, much like a rubber dodgeball striking my cranium.
That damn Large Dendro Slime is back and had produced six Dendro Slimes to throw at me. I narrowed my eyes at the Large Dendro Slime, and in turn, the large slime stares blankly at me from afar. Watching… Waiting… Maybe scheming.
"Game ending that slime is very tempting now."
[Please note you will receive a 10% bonus revenue if you do NOT eliminate this particular Large Dendro Slime]
"What?! Why?! This better be a joke!"
[This is not a joke]
"You sadistic piece of digital interdimensional sh-!"
My curse was muffled by a Dendro Slime hitting me in the face.
/-/
Bennett was down on his luck.
In fact, he was always down on his luck. Cursed with extraordinarily bad luck, the young boy has no shortage of hardships that would put even the most experienced and battle-hardened adventurer to shame. Despite this, he remains optimistic and passionate about adventuring; even in his battered state after a run-in with a Stonehide Lawachurl that was not even mentioned in his Guild quest.
Before that, he'd encounter a group of Cryo Slimes near a body of water and moved to eliminate them, only for it to rain, letting the Cryo Slimes freeze and pummel him. Nearly drowned in the river due to being frozen and trapped beneath the frozen surface due to the slimes; managed to break free and kill all the slime; got struck by lightning and was nearly buried in a mudslide. All of it was before he even reached his destination.
Oh, and he fell off a cliff when he fled from the Stonehide Lawachurl and broke his sword. Snapped in two when he tried to slow his fall by digging the blade into the cliff.
"Aw, man…" Bennett sighs. He examined his broken sword. "Oh well. At least I completed my quest before it broke."
He begins to trudge back in the direction of Mondstadt to report the completion of his quest and alert the Adventurers' Guild about the Stonehide Lawachurl he'd encountered. Traversing through the uneven terrain, he happened upon the largest fancy wagon he'd ever seen, resting in the open before a ruined stone arched gateway.
'What's that?'
Hesitantly, Bennett approached the massive wagon with caution.
The wagon itself lacks a draft animal to pull it and is surprisingly a lowrider for its size. A single open window counter was on the right that's covered in thick curtains. Mounted at the top of the window counter is a sign that read:
[Here and There]
A Store From out of Nowhere
"Oooh. It's a store." Bennett thought out loud. "What's it doing in the middle of…? Of nowhere! Ah! I see! That's pretty smart."
"Why, thank you. It took me years to find a store name to stick with." A male's voice answered from within the wagon. The window counter curtains smoothly slide to the side to reveal a teen around Bennett's age. "Ah. I was wondering who my first customer will be. If it isn't the Leader of Benny's Adventure Team. A pleasure to meet you, Bennett."
The teen is well-built, a bit thin; possessed amber blond hair tied back and brown eyes that glimmers in the sun. His clothes made him stand out, something of a mix between formal and informal clothes tailored in an unfamiliar style that alludes him to being a foreigner.
"You heard of me?"
Then again, Bennett is rather infamous within Mondstadt's Adventurers' Guild for being unlucky. Words about him being a magnet for misfortune spread rapidly whenever he sticks around in an area for too long. Perhaps he shouldn't be too surprised that someone outside would know about him.
"You're rather a noteworthy individual in Mondstadt." The teen answered with a smile. "And it seems like you've been through the works."
"Yeah. I had a crazy adventure today. It started raining as always whenever I started going out on an adventure, got froze by a few Cryo Slimes and nearly drowned, got struck by lightning, then got caught in a mudslide…"
The teenage boy listened intently and nods every now and then as Bennett summarized his common bizarre misadventure. When Bennett finished, the amber blond teen taps his chin, pondering about something.
"Here, take this." He tossed a small cloth bag to Bennett. Inside the bag are several rectangular adhesive bandages and a shiny medallion with symbols carved into it. "A few medical bandages and a good luck charm as a token of my goodwill. I think the good luck charm will fit well with your accessories along with your Vision."
"Oh, wow! You shouldn't have." Although he doubts a good luck charm would help him, Bennett felt it would be rude to turn down the gift. He inspects the medallion before attaching it to his belt, next to his Vision. "Thank you. I… Didn't catch your name."
"Where are my manners? Call me Seth, owner of Here and There."
"Name's Bennett! Though you already knew that." He bashfully rubs the back of his neck. "So, what are you doing all the way out here?"
They weren't far from civilization. On the contrary, they're much closer than one would expect it. Not far from their location is the Dawn Winery, Mondstadt's chief winery that's built not far from their current location. The current owner is a former Knight of Favonius and is a very formable fighter.
"I am but a traveling merchant from distant lands seeking to explore and conduct businesses wherever I go." Seth's eyes glint in the light. "And speaking of business, shall we get down to business?"
"Oh, um… I don't have that much Mora on me."
There's no reason to bring a lot of Mora with him on adventures since there's hardly anyone out in the wilderness selling things. Not to mention that doing so is tempting fate in losing all the Mora he brought with him. Plus, he's short on time as he had promised to meet up with his friend, Razor, in Wolvendom after reporting back to the Adventurers' Guild.
"That is not a problem. Since you're my first customer and it's a grand opening, it would be very rude to keep my selection at full price for this occasion anyway. Come. Take a look at what I have in store. Weapons, armors, healing salves, food, drinks… My selections are nearly endless."
Seth gestured at the plaque above the window counter.
Supplies
Medical, stationery supplies, utility equipment, materials, you name it!
Smithy
Buy, upgrade, or design your own weapon and armor!
Clothes & Accessories
Spare wear while being functionally fashionable!
Food & Drinks
A wide selection of ingredients, meals, and drinks to choose from!
Specialties
From flowers to rare minerals, take a look at the Local and Exotic Specialties!
Sell
'What are ya selling?' Because everything has a price!
Thinking back to his broken sword, Bennett wondered if he'll find a lasting and reliable replacement. He'd already blown through several swords he obtained from opening chests found throughout the land. Forging weapons is another venture due to his luck and unable to find or secure the right materials.
"Weapons, huh? Well, I do need a new sword." He showed Seth his broken weapon. "Mine kinda… Snapped. Really not sure I can afford a new sword right now."
The light-blue gem embedded into the plaque reading Smithy lit up and produced a holographic screen in front of Bennett, making him jump.
[Smithy]
Search: Enter here to search for a specific item
Filter
Armor
Weapons
Upgrade
Design
"Haha. I hope that didn't give you too much of a scare. And you can sell me materials if you're light on Mora, though I can assure you that my price will be greatly slashed for your first purchase." Seth leans on the counter and draws the holographic screen back. "Anyway, what you see before you is a convenient tool to find what you need. I can give you a tutorial on how it works if you're feeling lost. Alternatively, I can personally assist you in narrowing down my selections."
"Sure." He is in a bit of a rush after all. "Ah, jeez. What exactly do I want? I guess any sword that's durable enough would work for me."
"If you're uncertain, you can always try them out. Don't worry about breaking them. I have ways of repairing things should they break. Now then, let's find a sword suitable for you."
The holographic screen flickers with a snap of his finger, changing the display to a selection of high-quality-looking swords for Bennett to marvel at. All of his items were pictured and labeled, including the price, all of which were literally slashed with a red line and replaced with its discounted price.
"It's like looking through a miniature display! Whoa, you can even move the entire thing with a touch…"
Seth grins and leans on the edge of the window counter, watching Bennett become engrossed with the selection. "I've sorted out my selection to something that would suit your combat style and Vision. You're free to try them out and get a feel for them."
Bennett silently nods and pressed on a listing containing a creepy straight sword called [Festering Desire].
[Festering Desire]
5999 Mora
"Ah, Festering Desire! A perfect weapon for those who utilize their Vision often. One would find this sword resonating with their Vision to produce a more potent effect. Care to give it a try?"
Bennett's eyes sparkled. "Can I really?"
"Of course. Here." Seth produced Festering Desire and handed it to Bennett. "Wouldn't do without a few targets to use on." With a simple wave of his hand, two unremarkable wooden dummies sprouted from the grassy ground. "There we go. Have fun."
FWOOSH!
Bennett didn't hesitate and let loose fiery slash, a paler flame than usual, that cut and incinerated the two wooden dummies. What's left is a smoldering heap of ashes and a scorched grassy field that emitted smoke and the scent of burnt grass.
"N-nice! You really weren't kidding, I've never felt this much heat before."
The adventurer flourishes the sword. Tiny embers flicker on the blade, quickly growing into a pale fiery blade. He then extinguished the fire and regards Festering Desire before returning it to Seth. Bennett curiously continues to browse through the listings and found a more elegant sword. A ceremonial-looking sword.
[Sacrificial Sword]
4999 Mora
"A lovely sword, isn't it? This ceremonial sword is known as the Sacrificial Sword. Despite its supposed ceremonial status, it's very much capable of outperforming just about any sword one could get their hands on. They say that wielding this sword is quite… Refreshing on some occasion whenever they use their Visions." A more durable wooden dummy emerged from the ground and Seth hands Bennett the sword to try it on the dummy. "Give it a try."
Bennett took hold of the sword and ignited it. The blade blazed through the wooden dummy, setting it alight, but didn't feel it. The trinkets on Sacrificial Sword flashed blue, and Bennett struck again, destroying the wooden dummy in a blistering fire.
"Where do you find these kinds of weapons?"
Bennett asked the teenage merchant. He's seen some interesting and powerful weapons crafted by expert blacksmiths, but these weapons are of an entirely different quality.
"I'm afraid that's trade secrets," Seth answered with a sly smile.
"That's fair." Bennett returns the sword to Seth and made his decision on which sword to buy. "I think I'll go with the previous one."
Seth nods approvingly. "An excellent choice."
He materialized Festering Desire on the window counter along with a red cloth and presents it to Bennett. The boy inspects the sword and then hands Seth his Mora. The moment he accepted the currency, it vanished in a pale blue light, replaced with a slip of paper that read:
Transaction:
1x Festering Desire (Sword) – 5999 Mora
Total: 5999 Mora
"What's this?"
"A receipt. It details your purchase. Useful for keeping a record of the things you buy. It's yours to do as you please."
"Oh, cool." Bennett pocketed the slip of paper and did a few practice swings with his newly purchased sword. He nods, satisfied, and puts it away. "Well, I gotta go. Need to report to the Adventurers' Guild and meet up with a friend… Bye!"
"Farewell, and please. Stay safe."
/-/
I was thinking about paying the Dawn Winery a visit, but decided against it since it makes me feel like a door-to-door salesman. I don't think Diluc would appreciate my presence. He'll likely find me suspicious with my personality hence why I relocated not long after I sold Bennett the sword. Maybe next time.
'I wonder what the conversion rate is here. Give me the conversion amount.'
[Not End-of-Day Sales Totals Report]
1x Festering Desire (Sword) – 5999 Mora
Sales Total: 5999 Mora
Conversion Amount: 3240
'Nice. About a 54% conversion with Mora. I'm certainly going to enjoy my stay in this world.'
I can already think of the connections, businesses, and fun I'll be having in Teyvat. I'll probably stick around in Mondstadt first since the environment is much laxer and I like the scenery here. I can connect with the locals here with my wine selections and most importantly, befriend Venti. Why? Because I have a brilliant scheme to get over a billion Mora.
'Since Venti is going to lose his Gnosis, maybe I can convince him to sell me his Gnosis for endless exotic wines.' I cracked a grin at the thought of that. 'Yes… Buy his Gnosis and sell it to the Fatui for an extraordinarily high price. Genius!'
Probably easier said than done, and I don't know how far I am in the timeline. Did the Traveler and Paimon even arrive in Mondstadt? Let's not get started about the mystery surrounding Visions and the Archons' Gnosis.
The only hindrance is the complications I can cause if the gods in Celestia take notice of me. It's going to be a hassle dealing with them just like the Chaos Gods in Warhammer 40k. Those guys really didn't like me since they thought I was a rivaling Chaos God looking to usurp their positions since I was dealing with all sides. Thankfully, Celestia should be a breeze compared to those guys, but it's still a roadblock I hate going over.
"You there! Identify yourself!" A figure swoops down and lands gracefully.
I immediately recognized the person who dropped in on me. A person with a troublesome personality and an icy appearance that suits her Vision, Eula Lawrence. Her elegant appearance and external cold demeanor matched her high-class background and Cryo Vision pinned to her blue cape.
"Pale complexation, multicolored heterochromatic eyes, light blue hair, and a Cryo Vision… You must be the Spindrift Knight, Eula Lawrence."
"Do not refer to me in such an aberrant manner, nor address me so familiarly." Eula coldly shoots back. "Identify yourself! How dare you make me repeat myself; vengeance will be mine!"
I merely chuckle at her attempt to intimidate me. Troublesome personality and attitude aside, this might work to my advantage. Knowing Eula's background and Mondstadt's overall dislike towards the Lawrence Clan, I can establish favorable connections with Eula and hopefully befriend her. After all, some stores wouldn't take Eula's 'darn money' and the young lady has to head out into the wild to hunt for her own food.
Now, since I often travel in the wild and just so happen to own a shop with many items in stock, doesn't that make a good business opportunity?
"My sincerest apologies, Miss Lawrence." I put a hand over my heart and bow. "Please, call me Seth. I am but a free-spirited traveling merchant and owner of my own store, Here and There."
I gesture to my large wagon and store sign.
[Here and There]
A Store From out of Nowhere
"Yet your etiquette and mannerism hints you are more than a mere merchant." She strolls forward with a condescending and suspicious look. "I advise you not to test my patience, least my vengeance will be swifter than ever!"
I begin tapping into the professional mannerism that I've gained from experience in other dimensions.
"I mean not to belittle you, Miss Lawrence." I coolly replied, "Please allow me to explain myself. As a traveling merchant, I've interacted with countless individuals and cultures. It is of absolute importance for me to conduct myself in a proper manner to interact and form connections with my clients." My eyes twinkled in amusement. "If I may ask, what leads to Miss Lawrence to be so strident in confronting me?"
A look of annoyance crossed over Eula's face.
"What are you insinuating?"
I might have taken this fancy talk a bit too far. I know she doesn't like the etiquette thing I'm doing since it reminded her very much of her family whom she doesn't get along. If I keep this up, it'll only worsen the situation and that's bad for business and personal connections.
"Ah, I did not mean it like that. My apologies." I bowed slightly, which further irritated her. "It seems that my manner of speech is discomforting. Shall I exchange it for a more… Casual mannerism?"
Eula walks up directly to me and looks at me with piercing cold eyes. "Yes, please do."
"Very well. Let's start over from the beginning. Call me Seth, owner of Here and There and a traveling merchant from distant lands."
"Be it as it may, it does not explain how you know of me unless you have prior knowledge." She circles around me like a shark trapping its prey. "For a traveling merchant who claims to be from distant lands, you've acted very familiarly to me."
"Your name and title are well known within Mondstadt. Both by the citizens and Knights of Favonius." I point out, "Favorably by your peers. Not so much for the citizenry. I am bound to hear such things in my travels every so often."
"… How dare they gossip behind my back. I will have my vengeance!" Eula fixed me a glare. "Enough of that. You must have considerable wealth to afford such a lavish carriage."
"That's a merchant wagon, actually. A gift from a friend."
"Are you belittling me? I will have my vengeance."
"I am merely speaking the truth."
"Hmph! Tell me, what is it that your store sells?"
'Finally! I was worried this might drag on.' I put on my professional smile. "I buy and sell many things, Miss Lawrence. Do you wish to take a look at what I have in store? By the way, you wouldn't happen to encounter a Large Dendro Slime?"
There's bound to be some misspelling or grammar mistakes. Please point them out so I can correct them.
It was supposed to be Eula, Bennett, and then Amber in the mess of the snippets I have. They have their own respective chapter, but putting it together didn't fuse well.