CHAPTER 19

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.

_______________________

"Surely this opportunity comes once in a lifetime!" Tyler exclaimed as he had not expected that the Lady of Rocca would give him and the other craftsmen the chance for them to do their craft without spending.

"Sir Tyler," Devan's urgent tone cut through the workshop's ambiance, drawing attention to a neglected chamber crucial for their upcoming bomb-making endeavors.

"This chamber must be addressed promptly to ensure it's primed for our tasks."

Understanding the significance of Devan's plea, Tyler wasted no time in assessing the situation. "Are all the necessary materials prepared?" he inquired, his voice carrying a sense of determination.

"Yes, indeed, Sir Tyler," Devan replied promptly, his confidence unwavering. "We've gathered the F-rank crystals, the exploding bean, the Mellow button, and the moon flower ashes. The only missing ingredient is salt, essential for purifying the crystals."

Nodding in acknowledgment, Tyler mentally inventoried their stockpile. Turning to Lady Rocca, he proposed a mutually beneficial arrangement for the acquisition of salt at a discounted rate.

After brief negotiations, an agreement was reached, securing the much-needed salt at three gold coins per kilogram, a price that garnered appreciation from the Count.

Grateful for Tyler's resourcefulness and cost-effective initiative, they extended their thanks for the discounted offer, as the market offers six gold coins per kilogram now in the Wadas City and even to other cities in the Rocca region.

"I still earn 2 gold coins for each kilogram of salt from Henry. This is not bad as I have the freedom to increase my proficiency in perfecting these liquid bombs!" Tyler exclaimed in thought.

Lady Rocca had given him five assistance to purely create F-rank bombs and this boosted his confidence to increase the production and efficiency.

"Let's move, so that we can start making these bombs!" Tyler instructed.

For comparisons sake, the F-rank bomb surpasses the strength and effectiveness of M67 hand grenade in the world of Henry by three times that is capable of eliminating a low rank E-rank beast or full pledge F-rank beasts upon direct contact, its potency is undeniable.

Thus, the synergy of the combat troops and the craftsmen led by Tyler made some improvement on how they dealt with the giant wolves that attacked Blackwood City.

____________

As Tyler becomes indirectly active from the war against the magical beast to clear out the Kailan Region, Henry too is attending to his own concern, just like what he is doing now with Ethan Sales, the son of the current Mayor of their City.

On this fourth consecutive day, the profound efficacy of the F-rank healing potion had become noticeable as with this, Ethan Sales now is conscious and free from coma.

"Thank you bro. I didn't realize Dad would use his influence as mayor to arrange this meeting with you. I just hope he doesn't pressure you into anything," Ethan expressed, his concern evident as he pondered his father's tendencies to prioritize family above all else.

Mayor Dante Sales swiped his sweat when he heard it from his son. He still remembers the power of the young man in front of them. 'You will never know, son.'

Henry noticed it too and, still focused on Ethan's discomfort, gently inquired about his well-being. "How are you holding up?" he asked, offering a supportive presence.

Ethan sighed, grappling with his uncertainty. "I'm not entirely sure. I'm hoping the doctor can shed some light on things. According to my mom, I was out cold for 25 days, only waking up recently."

"Stay positive, Ethan," Henry encouraged, his voice laced with reassurance.

"Yeah, I'm trying to stay optimistic. I've started feeling sensation in my legs again since this morning. But, do you think it's the medication causing that foul odor?" Ethan's tone betrayed his embarrassment as he broached the topic.

Realizing the uncomfortable situation, Henry suggested, "Perhaps we should ensure the room is well-ventilated. The smell from the medication's side effects is not only distressing for you but also for anyone who comes to visit."

"Ethan, Mayor, as much as I would like to stay, I have some business to take care of. I hope the mayor understands," Henry excuses.

He was called by Mister Alrik, the owner of the DnD warehouses he rented out. He said that the third batch of the salt is being delivered and might be completed this afternoon. He needed to pay the Manila Salt Trading Inc. in full after it.

"I know, Henry. I deeply regret my action recently, as I realize now that I unintentionally overstepped my boundary." Mayor Sales interjected.

"I understand your concern, sir," he began, his voice firmly said. "But revealing the nature of my concoction is not a decision I take lightly."

Mayor Sales leaned in, his tone earnest. "What I propose is to entrust it to honorable men who have dedicated their lives in service to our country, or any good man for that matter."

Ethan, sensing the tension, interjected, "Are you talking about Uncle Alfredo?"

His father nodded solemnly. "Yes, Ethan. Your uncle is in need, and I believe Henry's potion might offer some relief."

Henry's brow furrowed at the mention of a serious illness. "What sort of ailment does he have?" he inquired, his concern evident.

Mayor Sales explained, "It's a peculiar sickness he contracted during his assignment in the Visayas Region. He is a soldier, by the way."

The gravity of the situation weighed on Henry as he considered Mayor Sales's request. "So, you wish to test my potion's efficacy on this unique ailment?" he clarified.

"Yes, Henry. I'm asking for your assistance once more," the mayor implored.

After a moment of contemplation, Henry nodded solemnly. "Very well. Contact me when you're ready," he agreed, his resolve firm.

Henry stepped out of the private hospital, a sense of unease creeping over him like a shroud. It wasn't just a physical chill that prickled the hair on the back of his neck; it was an unsettling sensation that seemed to permeate his very being.

"This kind of sense, was it due to the training of Ezio's Breathing technique or something else?" Henry asked himself.

"Was this the meaning of Tyler when I reach a certain level of mastery of Ezio's Breathing technique?" He continues to think.

He feels surreal at having the feeling that someone is observing him in a distance but when he looks at the other side of the hospital's corridor, he finds nothing.

He couldn't shake the feeling of coldness that seemed to emanate from within, especially when he was inside the hospital. "What is going on?"

It was a chilling realization that something was amiss, something beyond the physical realm of his enhanced capabilities.

"I need to talk to Tyler about this," Henry decided as the origin of all of this is Tyler Pierce, his trading partner from another world.

After concluding his dealings with the mayor, Henry proceeded with his routine of supplying gold coins to Mister Fernandez, the PAL Jewelry Owner, who consistently accorded him preferential treatment by purchasing his gold coins at an advantageous rate of 3,000 pesos per gram.

He put that kind of feeling at the back of his mind as he was trying to make a deal with the rest of the people like Mister Fernandez, Mister Alrik, Mister Felix and the manager of the Manila Salt Trading Inc.

With 940 gold coins stashed away in his bedroom, he made plans to liquidate 20 pieces to cover the required payment for his recent purchase of salt from the Manila Salt Trading Inc.

The entirety of the afternoon was consumed by his myriad business engagements. He begins with a visit to the bank for a withdrawal, followed by a trek to the neighboring city to pay the salt to the said Trading Inc.

Eventually, he made his way to the warehouse to oversee the status of his salt consignment, ensuring everything was proceeding according to plan.

In the midst of his bustling schedule, he found a moment to engage in a conversation with Mister Alrik, who extended a generous discount in exchange for the rental of an additional warehouse space. However, Henry politely declined the offer, expressing satisfaction with the current capacity of the warehouse he had already rented.

_____________

"Finally, home sweet home," Henry exhaled heavily, not from physical exhaustion but from the mental toll of navigating through the day's complexities – the unsettling sensation, the relentless traffic, the throngs of people, and the whirlwind of business transactions.

Yet, as he approached the familiar threshold of his abode, he noticed the bustling activity in the greenhouse where his father and siblings, Dylan, Sheinna, and Amelia, were deeply engrossed.

"Hey, big brother's back!" Dylan's voice pierced through the greenhouse, drawing Henry's attention.

"Yep, made it back. Looks like you guys have been busy. Ready for harvest already?" Henry inquired, his gaze scanning the rows of lettuce, chives, Chinese cabbage, and pechay in their hydroponic setup.

"Hey there, champ. You should relax; we've got this covered," Jimmy, their father, chimed in, his tone tinged with paternal concern.

Sheinna and Amelia joined in with welcoming gestures, acknowledging Henry's return as they diligently harvested vegetables at the far end of the greenhouse.

"Dad, didn't we agree to harvest in 15 days? Why the rush? It's only been 6 days," Henry questioned, his curiosity piqued by the premature harvesting.

"I... um," his father stumbled, a sheepish expression crossing his face. "Well, you see, I may have miscalculated the fertilizer ratio for the Chinese cabbage. Got a bit too eager and forgot they needed a different mix. My bad son. Excitement got the best of me."

Henry couldn't help but chuckle at his father's admission,"We might get rid of the Chinese cabbage as it will unbalance our original plan."