CHAPTER 9

Title: My First Trading Partner is An Awaken

Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. Unless otherwise indicated, all the names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents in this book are either the product of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

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[Year 223 DE, Wadas City, Rocca Region, Galan Kingdom, Segia Continent]

"Have you all seen this peculiar request on the board? Someone's offering 20 silver coins for 100 liters of wastewater. What's he playing at?" inquired a curious merchant, his brow furrowed in confusion.

"Wastewater of any kind? That's quite an unconventional trade, isn't it?" remarked an intrigued adventurer, glancing over the notice with interest.

"Ah, but there's more to it than meets the eye. Wastewater holds potential as a fertilizer for crops, despite the weeds it brings," chimed in a knowledgeable voice from the back of the room.

"Indeed, if that, what's his name? Ah Tyler."

"If Tyler is willing to pay for it, he likely has a method to extract the nutrients while minimizing the weed growth," nodded another merchant, tapping his chin thoughtfully.

"Whatever his scheme, it's certainly piqued the curiosity of the guild," agreed a seasoned member, casting a glance around the bustling hall.

"Well, whatever his intentions, I'm tempted to seize this opportunity. My master has been looking for ways to turn those stagnant stocks in the backyard into gold coins!" exclaimed an aide of an awakened member, his eyes alight with the prospect of profit.

The culprit, far from idle, dedicated himself to honing his Ezio Breathing technique, finding solace and focus in the rhythm of his breath.

However, he swiftly ceased trading salt upon learning of the watchful eye of an underground organization on one of the vendors he had dealt with last week in Wadas City.

He would deal with the vendor when the time comes, even to deal with the Ivory Bone when he holds some power.

Turning his attention to more discreet ventures, Tyler resolved to trade exclusively in F-rank crystals and wastewater to Henry, as the latter will trade salt to him.

Though he can still trade salt from time to time, it's not more than 10 kilograms, since he finds that most of the people in the shops and even the merchant guild, trading such quantity is normal range.

Despite the seemingly limited scope of his new trade, Tyler recognized the potential for profit, especially considering Henry's willingness to purchase these unconventional goods.

Their agreed-upon trade saw 20 liters of wastewater exchanged for 1 kilogram of salt, a transaction yielding a substantial return on his initial investment of 20 silver coins.

Considering that the worth of gold coins against silver and copper, where 1 gold coin is worth 60 silver coins; 1 silver coin is worth 30 copper coins, his profit is off the chart.

It was off the chart since to trade 100L of wastewater for 20 silver coins and with the value of the silver coins against gold coins, it would mean that he can acculumate 15kg of salt from it.

If he trade that salt to the merchant guild, it would definitely be around 90 gold coins. His net profit would still be 76 gold coins and 10 silver coins when tax and capital is deducted.

"Also, the Crystal powder is even more profitable and easily stored as compared to the wastewater," Tyler thought.

He offered the same price as that of wastewater which made the aides, merchants and even the servants of each rich family indulged in selling them. This maneuver allowed him to quietly advance his position and training.

Furthermore, while Henry requested salt or gold coins, Tyler capitalized on the opportunity by selling F-rank healing potions to the Merchant Guild, fetching a handsome sum of 30 gold coins per potion.

This shrewd approach enabled Tyler to orchestrate his ascent through the ranks, all while maintaining a low profile and avoiding unwanted attention.

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"Eighty percent," he murmured to himself, his voice a whisper in the stillness of the room. "Eighty percent towards E-rank peak, and just a small push to break through to D-rank awakened."

As he contemplated his achievements, Tyler's thoughts turned to the remarkable turn of events that had led him to this moment. It had been mere days since he had acquired the substation platform, a gateway to another world, courtesy of his connection with Henry. Through this portal, opportunities had unfolded before him.

He become too dependent to this platform and he didn't know if this would last a lifetime. Although he ru explains to him that the substation platform will be disconnected along with the host, he still not sure of it.

"Ah, Henry," Tyler mused, a fond smile playing at the corners of his lips. "That salt trade has helped me a lot, I am able to cultivate my B-rank breathing technique with more ease and time."

"With only the F-rank crystals only disposal and a small amount of gold, I can never imagine that my strength would propel to this level!" Tyler thought.

With a sense of gratitude, Tyler surveyed his storage ring and found that it was still filled with sacks of salt, F-rank healing potion and powdered form of F-rank crystal.

"Without trading salt, I can never achieve this height of my power. Well maybe yes but it will take me months to do it and not just a week!" Tyler continued mulling over it. "Well, I can't even imagine myself to have a place of my own!"

One of his talks with Henry, his trading partner, he watches an episode where one of the superhumans in Henry's world has comparable strength and speed that of an A-rank awakened or maybe even more like S-rank awakened.

He was shocked at that point as such a superhuman according to Henry is just one of the superhumans that exist in their world.

"The only thing that I can think of to manage those superhumans in Henry's world would be the great quantity of salt and the 'government' he speaks about that controls these individuals." Tyler recalled.

He ended his training of the Ezio's Breathing technique from his newly purchased courthouse, his servant, Emil, told him that there were many who wanted to inquire about the purchase of wastewater.

"Are they?" Tyler said.

As Tyler stood in the courtyard of his new courthouse, his gaze fell upon Emil, who brought news of seven individuals outside willing to sell wastewater and crystal powders accumulated by their clans.

"Yes, master. There are actually seven people outside the courtyard willing to sell the wastewater and powdered crystals," Emil reported dutifully.

Tyler nodded thoughtfully. He had chosen Emil, along with Astrid and Dorathy, as his aides for their simplicity and innocence, qualities he deemed essential for his need and the courthouse, purchasing them in the slave market.

"Alright, invite them in," Tyler instructed Emil, his voice firm yet welcoming.

As the group entered the courtyard, Tyler greeted them warmly, his eyes assessing each individual with keen interest. Among them was Drew, the aide of Lady Rocca, representing one of the prominent clans in the city.

"Greetings, everyone. I heard that you come from the Merchant Guild and wanted to sell me what I had posted in the merchant guild," Tyler addressed the group, his tone friendly yet businesslike.

"Indeed, we are, Sir. I am Drew, from the house of the Lady of Rocca." Drew introduces.

"I am Merchant Crispin in Dimas City," one of the merchant said. The other also introduced themselves as a proper gesture for the trade to start.

"Tyler Pierce here, an E-rank awaken," Tyler casually said.

"We are indeed here to inquire if what you had posted there is true. If it is, you are our life saver!" One of the people present there in the courtyard asked.

"Of course, the merchant guild had reputation to protect so they will not tolerate someone who decieve their customers," Tyler remainded them.

"Is it really 100 liters for 20 silver coins, and 1 kilogram for 20 silver coins too?" Drew inquired, his demeanor respectful yet eager to strike a deal.

Tyler confirmed, nodding in agreement.

"I didn't know that Lady Rocca of Wadas City had caught such news. I hope to close a deal with your representation," Tyler added, acknowledging Drew's affiliation with Lady Rocca.

"We have a lot of trouble with the wastewater of the F-rank crystals, and it would take a significant amount to dispose of it outside the city," Drew explained, highlighting the challenges faced by their clan.

"So did I," another servant chimed in, echoing Drew's sentiment.

"Sir Tyler, I am a merchant from Dimas City. Would it be possible to also trade it with you?" another merchant interjected, eager to seize the opportunity presented by Tyler's offer.

"I don't mind. Anyone can exchange it with me," Tyler replied graciously, his eyes flickering with anticipation as he surveyed the group assembled before him.

"I can ask my servants here to go to the other city too but as you can see, the turmoil in the Kailan Region is still in progress, so I must say that I can only trade my goods here in this courtyard," Henry explains.

"No problem for me, Sir Tyler." The merchant said.

So the transactions were handled by his three new servants. He had given them enough gold coins to trade with wastewater and powdered crystals.

In recent days, Tyler had been discreetly trading salt from his reserves, conducting transactions in small quantities to avoid drawing attention. Despite this cautious approach, his efforts had amassed an impressive sum of 2,800 gold coins.

Of this wealth, Tyler allocated 200 gold coins towards acquiring a courthouse, a strategic investment that would secure his standing within the city.

Another 600 gold coins were earmarked for the purchase of F-rank crystals to make healing potions. With the remaining funds, Tyler found himself in possession of 133 F-rank crystals, a valuable asset for crafting potions and elixirs.

Tyler began producing F-rank healing potions in earnest, selling them through the merchant guild for a handsome sum of 30 gold coins each.

Although his proficiency in making potion is pretty low of about 75 percent, he still persisted as he can never imagine himself to increase such proficiency without Henry's help.

He also told this to Henry, but the young man is also stubborn enough to get started.

Unbeknownst to him, Henry had the backing of modern technology. Under the guidance of the booklet that Tyler had provided along with his verbal instructions, he finds his younger brother, Dylan, to help him concoct the said F-rank healing potion.

Tyler was not aware that it only took two days for Dylan and even Henry to master the making of F-rank healing potion along with their purchase of more sophisticated measuring tools.

Unlike Tyler who needs to measure it by heart since the measuring tools is not properly improved yet. In the future, he will know this.

He was actually sampled by the substation platform and rather confused at first as the measuring parameters of the same is quite confusing.

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In the dimly lit confines of his office, Mayor Dante Sales sat brooding over recent events, his mind plagued by worry and uncertainty that seemed to hang heavy in the air.

The news of Dylan Ramirez's miraculous recovery had reached his ears, stirring a mixture of curiosity and desperation within him.

With a heavy heart, he contemplated the fate of his own son, Ethan, who lay in a coma, his condition unchanged despite the passing days and nights.

Summoning his resolve, Mayor Sales reached a decision. He would seek answers, no matter what the cost is. He made his way to the office of Dr. Fajardo, the same doctor who attended Dylan Ramirez.

"Dr. Fajardo," Mayor Sales greeted, his tone weighted with concern as he entered the room, wearing a serious face.

The doctor looked up from her desk, her expression a mix of surprise and apprehension at the mayor's unexpected visit.

"Mayor Sales, to what do I owe the pleasure?" she inquired, gesturing for him to take a seat, her professional demeanor masking any hint of curiousity in his end.

Mayor Sales wasted no time in addressing the matter at hand.

"I've heard rumors about Dylan Ramirez's remarkable recovery," he began, his voice barely above a whisper. "Is there any truth to them?"

Dr. Fajardo hesitated, his gaze flickering with uncertainty before he spoke, his mind racing with the implications of the conversation that was about to unfold.

"Mayor, as a friend and a physician, I can confirm that the rumors are indeed true," He admitted.

He tone tinged with awe and a hint of caution. "Dylan's recovery has defied all expectations. Yet, keep this secret between us as I had already violated the confidentiality of my former patient."

A flicker of hope ignited within Mayor Sales, tempered by a sense of urgency that pulsed through his veins.

"And do you know the secret behind his recovery?" he pressed, his eyes searching hers for answers, his heart pounding with a mixture of anticipation and fear.

Dr. Fajardo's expression softened with empathy as he regarded the mayor, his own heart heavy with the weight of the truth she was about to impart.

"I'm afraid not, Mayor," he confessed, his voice tinged with regret. "I, too, was flabbergasted by the extent of his recovery. It's unprecedented, and I can't help but wonder..."

Mayor Sales nodded, still not smiling like his usual.

"Thank you, Dr. Fajardo," he said, his voice filled with seriousness. "Your word alone confirms what I suspected."

"I'm sorry, Mayor. That is the only thing that I can give you." Doctor Fajardo gently rebuffed.

"I understand, Doctor, and I apologize for putting you in this uncomfortable position," Mayor Sales replied, his voice heavy with desperation and a hint of resignation. "You've seen Ethan's condition yourself..."

"Yes, I have," He acknowledged softly, he knew Ethan and also knew the young man's situation right now.

"But my hands are tied in this matter. Perhaps seeking assistance from the Ramirez family would be more fruitful, although I advise caution given their history with the Morante Family."

The mayor nodded grimly, acknowledging the doctor's warning and the complexities of the city's political landscape that lurked beneath the surface. "Yes, I'm well aware of their past encounters. Dealing with that family has become increasingly..."

"I understand," Doctor Fajardo interjected, sparing him from delving further into the intricacies of the city's power struggles.

Despite his focus on his medical career, he was not oblivious to the underlying tensions that simmered beneath the surface, thanks to his family's long standing connections within the community.

"It's a good thing you're not entangled in our line of work," the mayor remarked with a hint of wistfulness.