Chapter 2: First trade

Evan sat at his desk, the warrior's sword resting beside him. He opened the glowing status screen, eager to explore the system's capabilities.

**[Status Screen]**

- **Name:** Evan Blackwood

- **Level:** 1

- **Inventory:** Empty

- **Abilities:** None

**"Alright, let's do this,"** he muttered, focusing intently on the empty inventory slot. Suddenly, a translucent window appeared before him, revealing a vast, black expanse.

**"This is your personal storage space,"** the system's voice echoed. **"Any items you acquire through trades will be stored here."**

Evan nodded, excitement bubbling within him. He scanned the empty space, wondering what treasures he might uncover.

Meanwhile, in a distant realm, a lone warrior named **Kaldor** stumbled through the dense forest, his armor caked with mud and his sword hanging limply at his side. He had been fighting in a brutal war for weeks, with little time to rest or replenish his supplies. Now, as he neared the brink of starvation, he found himself lost and alone.

**"Curse this wretched war,"** he growled, his voice hoarse from lack of water. He sank to his knees, his strength fading. As he closed his eyes, accepting his fate, a voice echoed in his mind.

**"Kaldor of the Ironforge Clan,"** it said, calm and reassuring. **"I sense your desperation. You are on the verge of death, but I can offer you a chance at survival."**

Kaldor's eyes snapped open, and he found himself in a strange, ethereal realm. Before him stood a glowing figure, its features indistinct.

**"Who are you?"** he demanded, his hand gripping the hilt of his sword.

**"I am the Multiversal Merchant System,"** the figure replied. **"I have chosen you to participate in a unique opportunity. You can trade items with others like yourself, acquiring resources to aid your survival."**

Kaldor listened, his skepticism fading as the system explained the rules and mechanics of the trade system. He realized that this might be his only chance to escape the war and find food.

**"Very well,"** he said, his voice barely above a whisper. **"I accept your offer."**

Back in his room, Evan focused intently on the system, willing it to connect him with a character in need. Suddenly, the black expanse before him shifted, and an image materialized—a warrior, kneeling in a dense forest, his armor tattered and his face gaunt with hunger.

**"I am Kaldor of the Ironforge Clan,"** the warrior said, his voice weak but resolute. **"I seek food. In exchange, I offer my sword."**

Evan's heart raced. *This is it!* He quickly scanned his surroundings, spotting a small pouch filled with dried meat. He placed it in the black expanse, watching as it vanished.

**"I accept your trade,"** Evan replied, his voice steady despite his excitement. **"The food is yours."**

Kaldor's eyes widened as the pouch appeared before him, and he tore it open, devouring the contents hungrily. **"Bless you, stranger,"** he said between mouthfuls. **"You have saved my life."**

As Kaldor ate, Evan focused on the warrior's sword, willing it to appear in his inventory. With a flash of light, the magnificent blade materialized, its surface etched with intricate runes.

**[Trade Successful]**

- **Evan Blackwood** has acquired: **Kaldor's Sword**

- **Inventory Updated:** Kaldor's Sword

Evan marveled at the sword, feeling its power coursing through him. He could sense the warrior's story etched into the blade, a tale of bravery and sacrifice.

**"Thank you, Kaldor,"** Evan said, his voice filled with gratitude. **"This sword will serve me well."**

Kaldor nodded, his eyes filled with a mix of relief and sorrow. **"Take care of it, stranger. That sword has seen me through many battles. It is all I have left of my fallen comrades."**

As the connection faded, Evan sat back, his mind reeling from the experience. He had successfully completed his first trade, but the weight of Kaldor's story weighed heavily on him. He realized that the items he acquired through the system had histories and meanings beyond their practical uses.

**"I will honor your sword, Kaldor,"** he whispered, running his fingers along the blade's edge. **"I promise."**

He opened his inventory, examining the sword more closely. Its stats were impressive, but Evan knew that its true value lay in the stories it held.

**[Inventory]**

- **Kaldor's Sword**: A powerful blade forged by the dwarves of Ironforge. Imbued with the strength and resilience of its wielder. (Damage: 20-25)

Evan felt a surge of determination. With this sword, he could protect his mother and forge a new path for them both. But he also knew that the system would present him with difficult choices, and he vowed to use its power responsibly.

As he prepared for bed, Evan couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement for what the future held. The multiverse was vast, and he had only scratched the surface of its potential. He knew that his journey would be filled with challenges, but he was ready to face them head-on.

**"I'm coming, Mom,"** he whispered, clutching the sword tightly. **"I'm going to make things right."**

With that, he closed his eyes, his mind already racing with ideas for his next trade. The Multiversal Merchant System had opened up a world of possibilities, and Evan was determined to make the most of them.

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