Pot Of Gold

Curiosity piqued his interest, Devin decided to identify the rough coating shell that surrounded the magic crystals. To his surprise, he discovered that this coating was a valuable find in itself. The Rough Stone Shell coating possessed the unique ability to enhance and amplify the energy contained within an object, effectively isolating and focusing it for more precise manipulation and control. This attribute will make it highly sought after by practitioners of magic, who could use the coating to intensify the effects of spells or rituals, ensuring greater precision and potency.

But the usefulness of the Rough Stone Shell coating extended beyond the realm of magic. In domains where energy conservation and containment were vital, such as engineering and infrastructure, it would be highly valued. The coating can be utilized in the construction of energy storage devices and power conduits, facilitating energy flow and maximizing efficiency. Its applications spanned both magical and technological systems, making it an invaluable resource for advancement in various fields.

Realizing the immense potential and value of this material in the real world, Devin's excitement grew. It had the potential to advance research and development in multiple disciplines by miles.

As Devin continued to study the rough stone pile, the stall owner, noticing his fascination, initiated a conversation. "Do you have anything you've taken a fancy to? These stones are a product of our Stone Island Village," the owner shared.

Hearing the name of the village, Devin furrowed his brow, trying to recall where he had heard it before. Suddenly, a memory from his previous life surfaced. He remembered that before he had entered the game, people on the forum lamented the destruction of Stone Village, which subsequently led to the scarcity of magic crystals.

Devin looked at the man who stood before him, a smile on his face, and realized that the people of the Stone Village were simple folk. It was likely that someone had discovered the high purity magic crystals or the utility of the rough stone shell and had destroyed this humble village for their own gains. Saddened by this revelation, Devin let out a sigh, recognizing that there was still time—the event was three years away—in which he could potentially alter the village's fate.

Although the allure of profit tugged at him, Devin made the decision not to see the Stone Village destroyed for mere gain. But he knew that the time for action had not yet come.

"How much do you sell this rough stone for?" Devin inquired, his voice tinged with genuine interest.

"These stones are not for sale. They belong to the children of the village, who use them for play," the man explained, revealing the genuine innocence and simplicity of the village's inhabitants. "My son must have kept his pile here."

As he continued to explore the stall, he noticed various other colored pearls. There were rare blue pearls in shades ranging from pretty pastel blue to light aquamarine or even deep, dark blue. Blue pearls were unique as they were not usually round and rarely had a perfect shape. There were also pink, white, and golden pearls, all possessing similar beneficial effects on the body. These pearls came in various sizes, ranging from small to medium to large.

Eager to acquire all these valuable pearls, Devin inquired about their worth. The stall owner, astonished and surprised that someone was interested in their entire stock, asked, "You want everything?"

Devin nodded confidently and said, "Deal if you add the rough piles to it."

"500 silver coins," The man stared at Devin strangely, but knowing that nobles often engaged in peculiar transactions, he agreed. He began packing the stones into different sacks, carefully wrapping the pearls in soft hay before placing them inside. Devin paid the man, and as he took the sack, the man quickly pocketed the money, thinking Devin might change his mind.

As Devin walked away with his newly acquired haul, the stall owner let out a sigh of relief, a big grin appearing on his face. This unexpected sale had brought them tremendous luck. Overjoyed, the stall owner, named Aidan, could hardly contain himself. He shared the news with the village chief, a burly man who shared a similar physique with him.

The village chief stared at Aidan in disbelief, hardly able to comprehend the turn of events. Given the abundance of villages selling pearls in the area, the market value had diminished, except for pearls of exceptional size and rare colors, their expectations were low.

As setting up stalls at the trade fair was free,that's the only reason they could keep setting up a stall.

"You did well this time, Aidan. This sale will greatly benefit the village," the village chief chuckled happily. "Let's close up the stall and go get some food to take back to the village."

With a sense of triumph and relief, the village chief and Aidan closed down their stall, filled with the hope of brighter days ahead for their humble village.

Due to the constraints of the Stone Village's geographical location, they depend on seafood for sustenance as they were unable to engage in large-scale farming.

Devin became aware of the financial strain caused by his recent purchases. Nearly becoming a pauper, he found himself left with only two gold coins and the silver the village chief had given him.

Realizing the need to exercise restraint due to his limited funds, Devin made the decision to stop shopping. He bid farewell to Ethan and Harrington, whom he had met at the trade fair, and agreed to meet them later before heading back to Sun Haven village.