Chapter 13: Magic world

As I sat in my small apartment, the weight of the cash I had secured from selling the gold coins felt both reassuring and daunting. I knew I had made the right decision for my family, but I also couldn't shake the feeling that there was more I could do to improve our situation.

Suddenly, an idea struck me. I remembered the Multiversal Merchant System that had connected me with Kaldor, and the potential it held for expanding our trading opportunities. With a deep breath, I focused on the system, willing it to activate.

This time a misty forest materialized around me, something felt different. The air crackled with an energy I couldn't quite place, and the trees seemed to shimmer with an otherworldly light.

As I scanned the forest, I noticed a figure approaching through the mist. It was unlike anything I had ever seen before—a tall, slender being with delicate features and pointed ears. Their eyes glowed with an inner light, and they moved with a grace that seemed almost supernatural.

**"Greetings, traveler,"** the being said, their voice soft and melodic. **"I am Aeldrin, a mage from the Realm of Magic. What brings you to our world?"**

I felt a surge of excitement and nervousness. **"I'm Evan, and I'm a merchant from another world,"** I explained, trying to keep my voice steady. **"I was hoping to explore trading opportunities with your people."**

Aeldrin's eyes widened with interest. **"A merchant from another world? This is most intriguing. What kind of goods do you have to offer?"**

I pulled out my notebook, flipping through the pages. **"Well, I have a few ideas that I think might be valuable in your world."**

I showed them a sketch of a small device with a glowing screen. **"This is called a flashlight. It produces light without fire or magic, and it can last for hours on a single charge."**

Aeldrin examined the drawing, their expression shifting from curiosity to amazement. **"Fascinating. And you say this device can create light without magic?"**

I nodded enthusiastically. **"Absolutely. Imagine how useful it could be for mages who need to see in dark caves or during power outages."**

I turned the page, revealing a sketch of a small, rectangular object. **"And this is a multitool. It has various blades and tools built into a compact frame, perfect for camping, hunting, or survival situations."**

Aeldrin's eyes sparkled with intrigue. **"These are indeed intriguing items, Evan. I can see how they might be valuable in our world. What kind of deal did you have in mind?"**

I felt a surge of excitement at their interest. **"Well, I was thinking we could split the profits 50/50. I'll provide the goods, and you'll sell them in your world. Whatever we make, we split evenly."**

Aeldrin considered my proposal, their expression thoughtful. **"That seems fair. And how much would you need to invest to get started?"**

I pulled out a small pouch, weighing it in my hand. **"I have about $500 to start with. I can use that to acquire a few dozen flashlights and multitools. What do you think?"**

Aeldrin's expression shifted to one of determination. **"I think it's a deal. Let's do it."**

We shook hands, sealing our agreement. I could feel the excitement building within me. This was the start of a new chapter, a chance to expand my trading ventures and potentially improve both our worlds.

**"Alright, then,"** I said, a smile spreading across my face. **"I'll get to work on acquiring the goods. When can you be back here to pick them up?"**

Aeldrin considered the question for a moment. **"Give me a few days. I need to make some preparations on my end. I'll be back as soon as I can."**

I nodded, already mentally calculating the potential profits. **"Sounds good. I'll be ready."**

As we parted ways, I felt a sense of purpose filling me. This was my chance to make a real difference, not just for my family but for the people of the World of Magic as well. I was determined to make the most of it.

Over the next few days, I worked tirelessly to acquire the goods we had discussed. I scoured the city for flashlights and multitools, haggling with vendors and scouring online marketplaces. It wasn't easy, but I was driven by the potential of our partnership.

Finally, I had amassed a small stockpile of the items, carefully packed and ready for transport. I could hardly contain my excitement as I focused on the Multiversal Merchant System, willing it to activate once more.

The familiar forest materialized around me, and I scanned the clearing, searching for Aeldrin. It wasn't long before I spotted them, their expression one of anticipation.

**"Evan!"** they called out, striding towards me. **"You have the goods?"**

I nodded, a grin spreading across my face. **"I do. And I think you're going to be impressed."**

I opened my inventory, revealing the carefully packed boxes containing the flashlights and multitools. Aeldrin's eyes widened in amazement as they examined the items, their fingers tracing the intricate designs.

**"This is incredible,"** they breathed, their voice filled with wonder. **"I can't wait to see how they sell."**

As we finalized the details of our deal, I could feel the excitement building within me. This was the start of something big, a chance to make a real difference in both our worlds.

**"Alright, then,"** I said, clapping my hands together. **"Let's do this. I'll be back in a few days to check on your progress. Good luck!"**

Aeldrin nodded, their expression one of determination. **"I won't let you down, Evan. This is going to be a game-changer."**

As I watched them disappear into the forest, I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment. We had taken a big step forward, and I knew that with hard work and a bit of luck, our partnership could lead to great things.

As I returned to my apartment, I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. What would Aeldrin discover about the flashlights and multitools? How would they be received in the Realm of Magic? The possibilities were endless, and I was eager to find out.

I spent the next few days in a state of nervous excitement, checking the Multiversal Merchant System constantly for any sign of Aeldrin's return. I knew I needed to be patient, but it wasn't easy.

Finally, on the third day, the familiar misty forest materialized before me, and I felt my heart skip a beat. Aeldrin was back, and they had news to share.

**"Evan!"** Aeldrin called out, their voice filled with excitement. **"You were right! These goods are a hit!"**

I felt a surge of relief and joy as they approached, a wide grin plastered across their face. **"Really?"** I asked, hardly daring to believe it.

Aeldrin nodded enthusiastically. **"Absolutely! The flashlights are flying off the shelves, and the multitools are in high demand. I've already made a good amount of gold from the sales."**

I let out a whoop of joy, punching the air triumphantly. **"Yes! I knew it would work!"**

Aeldrin chuckled, their eyes sparkling with excitement. **"You were right, Evan. This partnership is going to be a game-changer for both of us."**

As we discussed the details of our sales and the potential for future deals, I felt a sense of optimism and hope filling me. This was just the beginning, and I knew that with Aeldrin's help, we could achieve great things.

**"So, what's next?"** I asked, eager to keep the momentum going.

Aeldrin considered the question for a moment. **"Well, I think we should focus on expanding our product line. What other goods do you think might be valuable in the Realm of Magic?"**

I pulled out my notebook, flipping through the pages. **"I have a few ideas. What do you think about..."**

As we delved into the details of our future plans, I knew that this was just the start of a long and fruitful partnership. We were two worlds colliding, each bringing something unique to the table. And together, we were going to change the game.