I couldn’t control my body; it felt like being trapped in a dream. Oh, I must have fallen asleep.
“See? No one’s around! Relax, Charlie,” Lucas called in a soft, reassuring voice right next to my ear. His large hand patted my long hair, his smile easing my nerves. I looked up at him, biting my lip; the knot of fear in my stomach began to unravel, and I reached for his hand.
“I’ll protect you, so don’t be afraid.” He had to yell over the roar of the plane’s engines, and even then, I could barely make out his words. I just smiled as he gently caressed my cheek and lips. A loud siren blared, and the ramp began to lower. My heart shot into my throat as I looked down and saw just how high we were. We moved toward the edge together, but with each step, my fear slowed me until I was almost crawling.
“You can do it! I believe in you, Charlie!” His warm breath brushed my ear, sending a tingle down my spine. A pleasant warmth spread through me, and although I knew the reason, I didn’t want to admit it. Despite my hesitation, his confidence gave me the push I needed to take that last step—and jump.
Back in my apartment, I woke up sprawled on the floor, massaging my temples. What happened? What was that? It felt too real to be a dream. Was I imagining things? Crap, gaming for hours in these old… I mean, these “brand-new-but-still-crappy” capsules must’ve messed with my head.
I reached for a spare bra lying next to the sofa and put it on. “Tin-can. How long was I out?” I asked.
“Twenty-six minutes.”
Great. I really passed out. “Call Lucas.” I could feel the cold, metallic surface of the capsule pressing against my back as I crawled over to it. It still had that sterile, “brand-new” smell—like something straight out of a hospital. Lovely.
The connection didn’t take long, and soon his face appeared on the TV screen. “Hi, Lucas,” I waved. “Took me longer than I expected. The old creep wanted to grope me…” I half-joked.
I hit a nerve—his face twitched before he sighed. “Charlie… do you still want to go to Patrick’s?”
“Yep, we could,” I nodded. “But first… I passed out and had this weird dream. Do you remember if we ever tried to jump out of a plane? And I was terrified of heights, but you helped me calm down and jump?”
“What? Hold on!” he said, sounding genuinely surprised, then abruptly ended the call. What the hell?
I shrugged, realizing I should at least tidy up before Lucas arrived. To his credit, he showed up in record time—just ten minutes—right as I was stepping out of the shower, wrapped in only a towel.
“Charlie!” He pulled me into a hug, his voice shaking. “Your stupid computer let me in! What were you thinking? We need to crush it! You can’t trust anyone! We have to talk—about all of this, your memory, the future, everything. Do you hear me?”
I nodded, but stayed quiet. His sense of urgency seemed over the top; why was it so critical to talk? Was it just because I’d passed out after leaving my experimental capsule?
I sent him to the kitchen to grab us some beers while I slipped into a shirt and my old black—oversized now—hoodie. He returned with the last beers from my fridge, and we settled on the couch. I pulled my legs to my chest, resting my chin on my knees—my new favorite position.
“Lucas, you were in the military, right? An operative?” I asked quietly. He nodded, so I continued with a slight smile. “That’s the difference between us. When I try to solve problems, kingdoms fall. When you try to solve problems, you create empires.”
Lucas fell silent, lost in thought, then gripped my shoulders and said, “Charlie. Let’s make a plan. I need to know what you’re planning.”
“Alright,” I murmured, mostly to myself, tugging the loose hoodie closer. “The big picture is to make money, obviously.” He nodded in understanding. “Maybe even get my old body back someday, but that’s more of a long-term goal.” He didn’t react, so I let out a sigh.
“To get stronger, I signed up for a main quest. It should only take a few days, and I’ll get to meet Queen Irwen. She’s planning to attack the empire and start a civil war.”
“Wait!” Lucas cut in, eyes wide. “She’s going to attack us? Our fortress?” I nodded, confirming his suspicion. “I’ve actually been upgrading it instead of leveling myself! Charlie, you should’ve told me!” His face flushed with frustration.
“Wait,” I echoed, leaning over to hug him, which thankfully stopped his outburst. “I was counting on that, silly Lucas. The Emperor is giving out compensation, you know?” I murmured, resting my cheek against his chest.
He hugged me back, then said, “Compensation? We’re… oh, I get it now!” Realization dawned on his face. “Okay, that’s a smart plan. So you meet Irwen, and then?”
Slowly pulling out of the hug, I grinned. “I know of a place that can boost our defenses, but we’ll need allies for it. You, me, and Ian aren’t enough on our own. So I’ll try recruiting a streamer I know—or maybe Lisa. Not sure yet.” I avoided the fact that I liked her. Well, both of them. Great. “Anyway, other issues? Who needs them when you’ve got whiskey?”
“Charlie, you can’t just ignore problems. That’ll eat you up inside.” His hand gently brushed my shoulder. I forced a smile, but the way he touched me left me uneasy. It showed how much he cared, but not quite like a brother. It was… different, but similar in a way.
I hope my body won’t change me; I prefer girls. Beauties like Katherine.
“I’ve been like this forever; you know that. I’ve always been a coward. Whenever I faced bigger problems, I’d run off to the pub, and just like that, the problems disappeared.” After a pause, I lowered my head and rested it against his shoulder. It felt oddly natural.
Hormones, maybe? Or something rewriting my brain? We lived in a simulation, after all. “I trust you, Lucas. I know you’ll do what’s best for both of us. And now, I need to do what I do best—play the game. Just keep doing what you’re doing.”
He didn’t respond, so I finished my beer and offered him a small smile. “We’re stronger together than we are alone. Don’t worry—if you tell me to jump, I’ll make sure to give you a kick.” Like Lisa had taught me, I hugged him, adding, “I have a main quest coming up, and I need to get ready, so I need some sleep. And please… don’t destroy Tin-can. I still need him if I’m ever going to get my body back.”
At last, he seemed to snap out of his thoughts. Clenching his fist, he said firmly, “I understand. I’ll help you. Together, we can do this.” With that, a calm settled over me, easing the tightness in my chest. The fact I changed gender and quite like it? Living in simulation? Problems to ignore.
No, you’re not taking over, mister fear, or whatever you are!
With a loud ringing, Tin-can jolted me awake after just six hours. That damn idiot! I almost stormed into the living room to smash him to pieces before remembering I’d set the alarm myself. That memory came just in time to stop me from knocking over an empty beer bottle. With an improved sense of smell now, I realized how badly I reeked. Great—another shower. Since turning into a girl I shower like twice a day instead twice a week. Annoying.
After logging in, I headed straight for the village armory. My pathetic stick wouldn’t cut it, so I needed a real weapon.
The flickering torches cast warm light across the shields, swords, and spears lining the walls. The owner had decorated the wooden beams with little touches—horseshoes, nails, odds and ends. Neat.
At the back of the armory was a long counter spanning wall to wall. A nervous-looking village soldier stood in front of it. “I’m running low on everything! You can’t just barge in here with nonsense. Scram!” yelled a burly man behind the counter, gesturing even for me to leave.
The young soldier shook his head, sidestepping to make way for me but not leaving. The merchant’s sharp stare hit my pride as a veteran gamer. I wasn’t some clueless village punk, but I kept calm and said, “Sir, I’m here to buy, not beg. I’m—”
“A paying customer?! Why didn’t you say so sooner? What does your heart desire?” His abrupt shift to a friendly merchant was almost alarming.
“As a priest, I could use your advice,” I said, keeping my voice low as the soldier cast me a strange look. “I have skills that require a melee weapon, ideally something with a long reach. But I’m not sure which type would be best.” One day the imperial general taught me, glance at your enemies when they least expect it. Thus, out of the corner of my eye, I noticed the soldier checking out my backside. Oh, I see… okay, no problem.
Wait—every problem!
“A long-range melee weapon, you say? Well, for your level, I only have a rare whip, but it’s pricey. Most folks stick with swords, lances, the classics. Not whips.”
He pulled a whip from an old, dusty chest, and it gleamed in the dim light. The handle was wrapped in black leather, with a blue crystal embedded at the base. Its long body was made from braided strips of deep blue leather. Damn. The whip held me spellbound, and he caught the hungry gleam in my eyes.
<table style="background-image: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(0, 75, 122, 0.93); margin: 10px auto; border: none; border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 2px; padding: 5px 15px">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center; margin: 3px; padding: 5px; color: rgba(218, 213, 206, 1) !important; border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25) !important; background-image: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1)">
<table style="margin: auto">
<tbody>
<tr>
<th style="text-align: center; padding-bottom: 5px" colspan="2"><strong style="color: rgba(173, 216, 230, 1)">[Whip]</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center; margin: 3px; padding: 5px; color: rgba(218, 213, 206, 1) !important; border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25) !important; background-image: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1)">Quality: </td>
<td style="text-align: center; margin: 3px; padding: 5px; color: rgba(218, 213, 206, 1) !important; border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25) !important; background-image: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1)">3-rare</td>
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<tr>
<td style="text-align: center; margin: 3px; padding: 5px; color: rgba(218, 213, 206, 1) !important; border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25) !important; background-image: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1)">ATK:</td>
<td style="text-align: center; margin: 3px; padding: 5px; color: rgba(218, 213, 206, 1) !important; border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25) !important; background-image: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1)">5-6</td>
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<tr>
<td style="text-align: center; margin: 3px; padding: 5px; color: rgba(218, 213, 206, 1) !important; border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25) !important; background-image: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1)">Restriction:</td>
<td style="text-align: center; margin: 3px; padding: 5px; color: rgba(218, 213, 206, 1) !important; border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25) !important; background-image: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1)">Level 5</td>
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<tr>
<td style="text-align: center; margin: 3px; padding: 5px; color: rgba(218, 213, 206, 1) !important; border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25) !important; background-image: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1)">Armor-pierce:</td>
<td style="text-align: center; margin: 3px; padding: 5px; color: rgba(218, 213, 206, 1) !important; border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25) !important; background-image: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1)">3</td>
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<tr>
<td style="text-align: center; margin: 3px; padding: 5px; color: rgba(218, 213, 206, 1) !important; border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25) !important; background-image: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1)">Effects:</td>
<td style="text-align: center; margin: 3px; padding: 5px; color: rgba(218, 213, 206, 1) !important; border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25) !important; background-image: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1)">twice the damage if the target’s armor is pierced, otherwise damage is halved</td>
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<tr>
<td style="text-align: center; margin: 3px; padding: 5px; color: rgba(218, 213, 206, 1) !important; border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25) !important; background-image: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1)">Price:</td>
<td style="text-align: center; margin: 3px; padding: 5px; color: rgba(218, 213, 206, 1) !important; border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25) !important; background-image: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1)">10g</td>
</tr>
<tr></tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
“That’s fine, I’ll take it.” Without a second thought, I handed him ten gold. He blinked a few times, clearly surprised. Did I overpay? Great. I’m rich for a day, and this is what happens.
Terrific.
Before I could second-guess myself, he quickly scooped up the coins and added, “Young Priestess, the whip is a one-handed weapon. You could pick up something for your other hand.” Good point. I almost walked out without maximizing my setup. What is wrong with me today?
“I’d love a shield, but I can’t—I’m a priest. Maybe a dagger?” I mused aloud, glancing over at the display cases behind him.
“I’ve got just the thing for you!” The merchant dashed to the storage room and dragged out another old, nearly broken chest. It creaked as he pulled it across the floor, releasing a cloud of dust as he opened it. After muttering a few choice words about the dirt, he handed me a silver bracelet—large enough to sit comfortably mid-way up my forearm.
<table style="background-image: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(0, 75, 122, 0.93); margin: 10px auto; border: none; border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 2px; padding: 5px 15px">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center; margin: 3px; padding: 5px; color: rgba(218, 213, 206, 1) !important; border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25) !important; background-image: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1)">
<table style="margin: auto">
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<tr>
<th style="text-align: center; padding-bottom: 5px" colspan="2"><strong style="color: rgba(255, 117, 186, 1)">[Magic shield]</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center; margin: 3px; padding: 5px; color: rgba(218, 213, 206, 1) !important; border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25) !important; background-image: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1)">Quality: </td>
<td style="text-align: center; margin: 3px; padding: 5px; color: rgba(218, 213, 206, 1) !important; border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25) !important; background-image: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1)">4-exceptional</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center; margin: 3px; padding: 5px; color: rgba(218, 213, 206, 1) !important; border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25) !important; background-image: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1)">DEF:</td>
<td style="text-align: center; margin: 3px; padding: 5px; color: rgba(218, 213, 206, 1) !important; border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25) !important; background-image: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1)">3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center; margin: 3px; padding: 5px; color: rgba(218, 213, 206, 1) !important; border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25) !important; background-image: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1)">Restriction:</td>
<td style="text-align: center; margin: 3px; padding: 5px; color: rgba(218, 213, 206, 1) !important; border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25) !important; background-image: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1)">Level 5, 20 INT</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center; margin: 3px; padding: 5px; color: rgba(218, 213, 206, 1) !important; border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25) !important; background-image: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1)">Activation cost:</td>
<td style="text-align: center; margin: 3px; padding: 5px; color: rgba(218, 213, 206, 1) !important; border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25) !important; background-image: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1)">reserve 20 mana while the shield is active</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center; margin: 3px; padding: 5px; color: rgba(218, 213, 206, 1) !important; border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25) !important; background-image: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1)">Price:</td>
<td style="text-align: center; margin: 3px; padding: 5px; color: rgba(218, 213, 206, 1) !important; border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25) !important; background-image: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1)">100g</td>
</tr>
<tr></tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
What?! I’d always thought magic shields were exclusive to magic swordsmen! I bit my lip, holding back my excitement and forcing myself to shake my head. No more overpaying!If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.
“How long have you been holding onto this junk? Someone must’ve pulled a fast one on you,” I said as calmly as I could manage. Hide the excitement, that’s the key here.
“I thought a fine priestess like you would find it useful. Clearly, I was mistaken.” He started to put the shield back, and my eyes followed it, a little too eagerly.
“Alright, it’s better than nothing. I’ll give you fifty.”
“Fifty? I paid seventy gold for this heirloom! I can’t go lower than eighty.” He hesitated, his expression somewhere between bargaining and genuine offense.
“Oh, so you got ripped off?” I sighed dramatically, offering him a sweet smile. “Look, I’ll cover your loss and even throw in a little extra. Seventy-five, and we’re done.”
He narrowed his eyes, then muttered, “You cheeky… Fine, it’s yours.”
I happily strode out of the Armory and headed to my next stop - the Enchantment-Alchemy shop. As a nouveau riche, my thoughts were about how to spent the fortune, so I browsed the most expensive things.
<table style="background-image: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(0, 75, 122, 0.93); margin: 10px auto; border: none; border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 2px; padding: 5px 15px">
<tbody>
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<td style="text-align: center; margin: 3px; padding: 5px; color: rgba(218, 213, 206, 1) !important; border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25) !important; background-image: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1)">
<table style="margin: auto">
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<th style="text-align: center; padding-bottom: 5px" colspan="2"><strong style="color: rgba(233, 87, 235, 1)">[Ring of mini Alchemy]</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center; margin: 3px; padding: 5px; color: rgba(218, 213, 206, 1) !important; border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25) !important; background-image: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1)">Quality: </td>
<td style="text-align: center; margin: 3px; padding: 5px; color: rgba(218, 213, 206, 1) !important; border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25) !important; background-image: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1)">5-epic</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center; margin: 3px; padding: 5px; color: rgba(218, 213, 206, 1) !important; border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25) !important; background-image: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1)">DEF:</td>
<td style="text-align: center; margin: 3px; padding: 5px; color: rgba(218, 213, 206, 1) !important; border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25) !important; background-image: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1)">3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center; margin: 3px; padding: 5px; color: rgba(218, 213, 206, 1) !important; border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25) !important; background-image: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1)">Restriction:</td>
<td style="text-align: center; margin: 3px; padding: 5px; color: rgba(218, 213, 206, 1) !important; border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25) !important; background-image: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1)">Level 5, 20 INT</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center; margin: 3px; padding: 5px; color: rgba(218, 213, 206, 1) !important; border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25) !important; background-image: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1)">Effect:</td>
<td style="text-align: center; margin: 3px; padding: 5px; color: rgba(218, 213, 206, 1) !important; border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25) !important; background-image: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1)">shrinks normal potion to small size</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center; margin: 3px; padding: 5px; color: rgba(218, 213, 206, 1) !important; border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25) !important; background-image: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1)">Price:</td>
<td style="text-align: center; margin: 3px; padding: 5px; color: rgba(218, 213, 206, 1) !important; border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25) !important; background-image: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1)">800g</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center; margin: 3px; padding: 5px; color: rgba(218, 213, 206, 1) !important; border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25) !important; background-image: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1)" colspan="2"><em style="color: rgba(204, 221, 255, 1) !important">* use the ring maximum of 10 second after creating the potion</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
The ring was stunning, with intricate red runes etched around its band and twinkling ruby stones. The price was high, but that was exactly why I, The Exploiter, could justify it—assuming this exploit worked. Even though the shop was empty, I grabbed the ring before anyone else could “snatch” it and brought it to the lady at the counter.
“Welcome back, dear! You’ve picked a lovely ring, but you’re just beginning your enchanting journey. You should at least be a beginner at enchanting before you delve into alchemy,” she cautioned.
“Actually, lady, I’m an Expert Enchantress now,” I replied with a broad smile, clutching the ring tightly. My precious.
With a warm laugh, she offered me a quest. “The ring is yours, and I’ll even throw in two bags of supplies for free—but only if you’re truly an Expert Enchantress.”
Ouch. That pricked my pride as an exploiter. “Watch me work my magic,” I said confidently, and made my way to the center of the shop, where she had enough open space to enchant freely.
Carefully, I removed my tiara and anointed it with essence, making sure to coat every inch. Then I focused on the rune, tracing each contour slowly and deliberately. Maybe I’m more talented at this than I thought.
As the old pervert had taught me, I took my time, channeling my mana gradually, not rushing. It was tough to keep my focus, but I felt more in control, steadying the flow of mana. The rune began to glow, drawing dust from the tiara. Surprised, I quickly replenished the dust, feeling a spark of satisfaction as the enchantment took shape.
When I presented the tiara to the lady, a soft red light illuminated the crimson hue of the snowflake I’d etched on it.
<table style="background-image: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(0, 75, 122, 0.93); margin: 10px auto; width: 90%; border: none; border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 2px; padding: 0">
<tbody>
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<td style="text-align: center; margin: 3px; padding: 5px; color: rgba(218, 213, 206, 1) !important; border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25) !important; background-image: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1)">[You enchanted the Wreath Tiara. Rating: 83%]</td>
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</table>
<table style="background-image: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(0, 75, 122, 0.93); margin: 10px auto; border: none; border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 2px; padding: 5px 15px">
<tbody>
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<td style="text-align: center; margin: 3px; padding: 5px; color: rgba(218, 213, 206, 1) !important; border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25) !important; background-image: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1)">
<table style="margin: auto">
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<th style="text-align: center; padding-bottom: 5px" colspan="2">[Wreath Tiara]</th>
</tr>
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<td style="text-align: center; margin: 3px; padding: 5px; color: rgba(218, 213, 206, 1) !important; border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25) !important; background-image: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1)">Quality: </td>
<td style="text-align: center; margin: 3px; padding: 5px; color: rgba(218, 213, 206, 1) !important; border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25) !important; background-image: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1)">1-common</td>
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<tr>
<td style="text-align: center; margin: 3px; padding: 5px; color: rgba(218, 213, 206, 1) !important; border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25) !important; background-image: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1)">Effect:</td>
<td style="text-align: center; margin: 3px; padding: 5px; color: rgba(218, 213, 206, 1) !important; border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25) !important; background-image: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1)">+1 INT</td>
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<td style="text-align: center; margin: 3px; padding: 5px; color: rgba(218, 213, 206, 1) !important; border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25) !important; background-image: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1)">Enchanting:</td>
<td style="text-align: center; margin: 3px; padding: 5px; color: rgba(218, 213, 206, 1) !important; border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25) !important; background-image: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1)">+6% fire resistance</td>
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<td style="text-align: center; margin: 3px; padding: 5px; color: rgba(218, 213, 206, 1) !important; border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25) !important; background-image: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1)" colspan="2"><em style="color: rgba(204, 221, 255, 1) !important">* use the ring maximum of 10 second after creating the potion</td>
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</td>
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</table>
Her eyes widened as she carefully handled the item. “I’ve never seen such talent! To reach Expert level in a single day—amazing! Though your enchanting speed is still slow, even slower than most novices, you’ll improve. Speed isn’t everything, but you’ll need to work on it.”
I shrugged. Even exploiting has its drawbacks.
As a reward for the quest, she handed me two bags of supplies, one for each profession. These bags were a lifesaver, able to hold up to eighty different item stacks, making enchanting so much easier.
Finally, some decent gear.
Then, I added a stack of recipes to the counter. She chuckled. “Dear, have you forgotten? You can only learn three recipes per stage. Yes, you’re allowed twelve runes as an Enchantress, but just three for Alchemy.”
Damn, she was right—I’d forgotten. I’d already had a rough time as a blacksmith for learning recipes for three swords instead of small daggers like I should have. The memories of all that time wasted in mines flooded back, and I let out a heavy sigh as I put most of the recipes aside.
<table style="background-image: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(0, 75, 122, 0.93); margin: 10px auto; border: none; border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 2px; padding: 5px 15px">
<tbody>
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<td style="text-align: center; margin: 3px; padding: 5px; color: rgba(218, 213, 206, 1) !important; border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25) !important; background-image: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1)">
<table style="margin: auto">
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<th style="text-align: center; padding-bottom: 5px" colspan="2">[Rune of Agility]</th>
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<td style="text-align: center; margin: 3px; padding: 5px; color: rgba(218, 213, 206, 1) !important; border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25) !important; background-image: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1)">Quality: </td>
<td style="text-align: center; margin: 3px; padding: 5px; color: rgba(218, 213, 206, 1) !important; border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25) !important; background-image: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1)">1-common</td>
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<tr>
<td style="text-align: center; margin: 3px; padding: 5px; color: rgba(218, 213, 206, 1) !important; border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25) !important; background-image: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1)">Effect:</td>
<td style="text-align: center; margin: 3px; padding: 5px; color: rgba(218, 213, 206, 1) !important; border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25) !important; background-image: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1)">Adds Agility to equipment</td>
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<tr>
<td style="text-align: center; margin: 3px; padding: 5px; color: rgba(218, 213, 206, 1) !important; border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25) !important; background-image: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1)">Ingredients:</td>
<td style="text-align: center; margin: 3px; padding: 5px; color: rgba(218, 213, 206, 1) !important; border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25) !important; background-image: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1)">1x Enchanting powder</td>
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<td style="text-align: center; margin: 3px; padding: 5px; color: rgba(218, 213, 206, 1) !important; border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25) !important; background-image: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1)">Price:</td>
<td style="text-align: center; margin: 3px; padding: 5px; color: rgba(218, 213, 206, 1) !important; border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25) !important; background-image: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1)">20c</td>
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<tr>
<td style="text-align: center; margin: 3px; padding: 5px; color: rgba(218, 213, 206, 1) !important; border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25) !important; background-image: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1)" colspan="2"><em style="color: rgba(204, 221, 255, 1) !important">* use the ring maximum of 10 second after creating the potion</td>
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</tbody>
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</td>
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</tbody>
</table>
<table style="background-image: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(0, 75, 122, 0.93); margin: 10px auto; border: none; border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 2px; padding: 5px 15px">
<tbody>
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<td style="text-align: center; margin: 3px; padding: 5px; color: rgba(218, 213, 206, 1) !important; border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25) !important; background-image: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1)">
<table style="margin: auto">
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<th style="text-align: center; padding-bottom: 5px" colspan="2">[Agility Potion Recipe]</th>
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<td style="text-align: center; margin: 3px; padding: 5px; color: rgba(218, 213, 206, 1) !important; border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25) !important; background-image: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1)">Quality: </td>
<td style="text-align: center; margin: 3px; padding: 5px; color: rgba(218, 213, 206, 1) !important; border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25) !important; background-image: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1)">1-common</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center; margin: 3px; padding: 5px; color: rgba(218, 213, 206, 1) !important; border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25) !important; background-image: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1)">Effect:</td>
<td style="text-align: center; margin: 3px; padding: 5px; color: rgba(218, 213, 206, 1) !important; border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25) !important; background-image: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1)">+5 Agility for 10 minutes</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center; margin: 3px; padding: 5px; color: rgba(218, 213, 206, 1) !important; border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25) !important; background-image: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1)">Ingredients:</td>
<td style="text-align: center; margin: 3px; padding: 5px; color: rgba(218, 213, 206, 1) !important; border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25) !important; background-image: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1)">1x Alchemy Reagent, 1x Rodumbine</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center; margin: 3px; padding: 5px; color: rgba(218, 213, 206, 1) !important; border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25) !important; background-image: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1)">Price:</td>
<td style="text-align: center; margin: 3px; padding: 5px; color: rgba(218, 213, 206, 1) !important; border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25) !important; background-image: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1)">10c</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center; margin: 3px; padding: 5px; color: rgba(218, 213, 206, 1) !important; border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25) !important; background-image: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1)" colspan="2"><em style="color: rgba(204, 221, 255, 1) !important">* use the ring maximum of 10 second after creating the potion</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="background-image: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(0, 75, 122, 0.93); margin: 10px auto; width: 90%; border: none; border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 2px; padding: 0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center; margin: 3px; padding: 5px; color: rgba(218, 213, 206, 1) !important; border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25) !important; background-image: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1)">[You have learned the secondary job: Alchemy]
[You bought cauldrons x10]
[You lost 825 gold]</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
The last thing I needed was ten cauldrons. Each cauldron was about the size of a small pot—at least, the iron-black one was—and small enough to handle with one hand. I smiled politely as the lady cautioned me that I’d only need one. Little did she know, my plan required all ten, and no amount of persuasion could sway me. A newly discovered exploit was waiting.