CHAPTER II

Ruvyn Sarhorn, one of the five Elf lords of this city, was riding in his carriage reminiscing on his life. Eight hundred years ago he had been a simple captain in the Imperial Elven Army, the humans were practically slaves, until they began being able to cultivate and use magic. This emboldened them and so they rebelled, unfortunately for them the Elves have been using magic for nearly a hundred thousand years. The rebellion a decade before being snuffed out, afterwards the humans were given more right allowing for peace between the two races. However the majority of political and military leaders are still Elves, he himself had been awarded a lordship for his actions during the rebellion. Making him one of the five Elf lords of this city, usually a city will have between three to seven lords depending on it size.

There is always a political battle happening between the lords, each is always trying to gain more power over the others. The easiest way to gain power is through metals. Metal is scarce one their world, only the wealthy and powerful have metal jewelry and appliances. Even Region Lords, which are above city lords on the political ladder, only have small amounts of metals in their homes. Currently he told his carriage driver to look for any shops that may be selling metals, however unlikely it is to find one. But new shops are popping up all the time so there is still a chance, even if it's simply a metal spoon or fork.

Ruvyn was shaken from his thoughts when the carriage stopped suddenly, the driver hopped down and opened the door before saying.

"My lord perhaps you will want to check this new pawn shop."

Pawn shops are not common, usually only found in region capital cities. Interesting that one would open in his city. Leaving the carriage and looking up at the sign which read, Jack's Pawn. Even the sign was hanging from a metal bar, this was looking very good. Walking inside he saw a young human man sitting behind the glass cases, which also had metal on the edges. Looking around the first thing that drew his eyes was a long metal sword, which seemed to be made of iron of some sort. However what he saw next nearly made him cry out in shock, he didn't care about the two small pieces of jewelry. Compared to the huge gold bar they are nothing, this is more gold then he has ever seen in one place. If he could acquire it he could gain more political power then the other lords, maybe he could become a regional lord if he gave it to the continental lord.

Shaking himself he walked to the glass case with the gold bar before asking the human.

"How much are you selling this gold bar for?"

Jack hearing the man's question stood up and approached the Elf. He has attempted to inspect the man but the system told him living items can not be inspected unless the skill is upgraded.

"Make an offer good sir." Jack spoke in English but it came out in the native language.

Ruvyn was observing the young man as he spoke. He couldn't feel any magic and his body didn't show signs of cultivation, which is strange since even the lowest of lowborn can use magic or cultivate to a small degree. Looking at the gold bar, he decided to offer a decent price but still try saving some. Besides the amount the human would make would be more then the other three items could bring him, even combined.

"Six million Imperial Rubber Coins." He offered. While metal is scarce rubber trees are not. So coins and many other items are made from it.

[System has finished analyzing the most common currency of this world, the Imperial Rubber Coin. Exchange Rate 1 PT : 8 IRC.]

Hearing this Jack said, "Eight million coins."

"Seven million."

"Seven million five hundred thousand."

"Seven million two hundred thousand."

"Seven million three hundred fifty thousand."

"Deal." Ruvyn finally said. "I will return shortly with the coins."

Jack watched the man leave with a small smile. His first deal and he made millions. Perhaps gold is extremely rare in this world, prompting the man to get it no matter what.

Soon the man returned with several carriages and more men, who look like servants, as well as armed guards. The guards seemed to be carrying wood bats with rubber melted and dried on half the length, protecting the wood from splintering and causing more blunt damage. Odd though not carrying metal weapons, he would need to purchase some books on the history of this world. He hates not being informed.

The servants started unloading large wooden chests, this caused a small crowd of onlookers to form. Jack heard the words "city lord" several times, something else he would need to look into. Using his observe skill on the chests allowed him to know all the coins are indeed there. They are also magically expanded, allowing the chests to hold more then normal. After having the servants place the ten or so chests inside the center of the store, Jack went behind the glass case and pulled out the large gold bar.

Handing it to the Elf Jack said, "Here you go sir. Do come back in the future, I may have more gold."

The man's eyes widened when he heard that Jack may be able to get more.

"Perhaps I will. Good day to you." The man put the gold into a smaller chest before carrying it out. It seemed he didn't trust his servant with it.

Jack then locked the shop and began transferring all chests of coins to his inventory. He didn't have a storage room for the chests currently, but the coins would stay in his inventory at all times, people are greedy after all so he wouldn't risk anyone knowing how much he has.

Now time to find a book store and figure out just where the hell he is.