Silverhaven.

After completing the currency exchange and paying two Miyolorian Copper Coins each, Shin and Aqua handed their payment over to Lord Silverhaven.

There were a lot differences between the currencies of both continents.

Myrridia had a lot of currencies, but mostly used:

Myrridian Gold (MG): The primary currency, represented by shimmering gold coins. They were used for most transactions.

Mystic Shards (MS): Rare and magical gemstones that served as a form of high-value currency. They came in various colors, each with unique properties, and could be be used in enchanting and crafting.

The exchange rates were,

- 1 MG = 100 Silver Coins (SC)

- 1 SC = 10 Copper Coins (CC)

- 1 MS = 1,000 MG

As for Miyoloris,

Miyolorian Drachma (MD): The primary currency of Miyoloris Continent, represented by ornate platinum coins with intricate motifs.

Luminary Crystals (LC): Rare and luminescent crystals with mystical properties, serving as high-value currency. They came in various colors, each associated with a different element and could be used in spellcasting and magical trade.

Copper Coins (CC): Used for small change.

Exchange rates were,

- 1 MD = 100 Copper Coins (CC)

- 1 LC = 1,000 MD

Exchange Rates from Miyoloris Continent (MD) to Myrridia (MG),

- 1 MD = 1 MG

- 1 LC = 1,000 MG

- 1 CC = 0.01 MG (1% of 1 MG)

So,

Shin and Aqua paid 0.02 Miyolorian Drachma which was the equivalent 2 silver coins.

He graciously accepted the coins and slipped them into his pocket, a broad grin spreading across his face. "You may now enter Silverhaven," he announced, giving them a nod of approval.

Stepping over the border into Silverhaven, Shin and Aqua were at the beginning of the Mystic Continent. The town of Silverhaven itself had a diverse beauty. It didn't have the usual rustic or medieval feel that Eses did. It made sense because Dwarves didn't live in Myrridia. As such, the towns and cities in Myrridia had more of a fantasy setting than others.

Aqua was excited. She took in the sight before them. Grabbing Shin's hand that was lazily resting in his pocket, she tugged him along.

"Come on, Shin!" she exclaimed, her voice bubbling with glee. "Let's check it out together!"

They reached a more bustling part of the town.

Aqua couldn't help but gush.

"It's even more beautiful than Eses, right?"

She looked at him, her eyes wide and expectant, waiting for his agreement.

Shin carefully surveyed the surroundings. "More or less the same thing in the end," he replied calmly.

Aqua pouted, her cheeks puffing up in a childish display of displeasure. "Can't you be positive for once?" she huffed, crossing her arms over her chest.

"But... I am being positive," he responded.

"Whatever." She held her head in her hand.

Shin and Aqua strolled through the streets of Silverhaven, their eyes were greeted by a myriad of sights and sounds. The town was a bustling hub of activity, with the harmonious blend of human hybrids and high magical species creating an atmosphere that spoke of diversity.

There was an incredible array of beings around them, some gracefully soaring through the sky while others strolled leisurely on the ground.

But amidst the vibrant crowd, Aqua noticed the occasional curious glances directed their way. Sensing her unease, she instinctively took a step back, tugging on Shin's sleeve discreetly.

"Shin?" she called.

"Hm?" he answered.

Leaning in, she whispered, "Whyʼre all these people staring at us like that?"

She felt it was more than them just being a human and an elf.

A quizzical expression crossed Shin's face as he arched an eyebrow. He glanced around, observing the peculiar gazes fixed on Aqua. He murmured back, "They're not looking at me though... They're looking at you."

Perplexed, Aqua furrowed her brow. "Eh? Why would they be looking at me?" she asked.

"Hmm," Shin rubbed his chin pretending to think. "Well, if I was covered in a tattered, blood-stained cloak. I'd probably find myself quite intriguing too."

Her eyes widening in realization, Aqua looked down at her own robe, noticing the stains and wear. Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment, she quickly exclaimed, "Crap, I forgot...! I need to change my attire."

"Hm? I thought 'crap' wasn't a lady-like thing to say...?" Shin asked her.

Aqua rolled her eyes. "Don't give me that..."

Curiosity getting the better of her, Aqua turned to Shin. "By the way, how much money do you have on you?" she inquired.

Shin pondered for a moment before responding, "About two Luminary Crystals and 300 Miyolorian Drachma."

With a heavy gasp, Aquaʼs eyes bulged out, "How on earth did you get that much money?"

He told her that he had recently brought some in-game currency before the Double-Tier Leveling Event.

While it was common for players to use real money for such purchases, it was recommended only for those who were financially secure. Otherwise, theyʼd have to rely on quests, stealing, or receiving gifts from other players to earn money. Fortunately, Shin came from a wealthy background, so he had no issues with buying in-game currency.

Aqua raised an eyebrow, folding her hands and giving him a sidelong glance. "Wait, really?" she asked in a skeptical tone.

Shin, his eyebrows raised in response, calmly questioned her doubt. "You don't believe me?" he answered a question with a question.

Aqua shrugged nonchalantly, observing Shin's current gear. "I just don't see you as the type to spend money on in-game currency if it wasn't at an opportune moment," she explained. "And judging by your gear, it doesn't seem like you did."

Unruffled, Shin clarified the situation. "Actually, Hiro was the one who needed the money. He was planning to use it to purchase higher-level equipment once he leveled up."

The blue-haired elf accepted his explanation with a casual shrug. "If you say so," she replied.

"So, let's search for a place where you can get some new gear," Shin proposed as he looked around some more. "I have enough money to get you suitable items for your current level."

An eyebrow raised, Aqua kept her stare on him. "Hm? Aren't you going to get anything for yourself?" she asked.

Shin remained calm and contemplated the question. "Why though?" he responded.

Aqua, with some worry in her voice, expressed her concern. "Because if you don't make any effort to protect yourself, you'll die," she explained.

Unaffected by her words, he asked her, "So?"

Aqua paused for a moment, her gaze turned to the side, and finally muttered, "Nevermind."

Shin then revealed a surprising perspective on the matter. "I'm not really scared of dying," he confessed. "Why would I be? It's just death, after all."

With that statement, they continued their search for the Market Square, their conversation hanging in the air.

'I can never tell what's really on your mind...' Aqua thought.

5 minutes later,

Shin and Aqua arrived at the bustling Silverhaven Market Square, they were immediately greeted by a vibrant scene of adventurers and merchants. The square was teeming with individuals purchasing various items, preparing for quests, or simply perusing the vast array of shops.

Armories, weaponry shops, potion vendors, enchanting establishments, and scroll emporiums beckoned from every corner of the square.

Silverhaven was a thriving hub of trade, attracting merchants from all corners of Myrridia. The marketplace at its center buzzed with activity as traders bartered and forged connections. Exotic herbs and plants from the Misty Quagmire, precious crystals and gems from the Frostwater Peaks, and enchanted artifacts from the Elysian Numa were among the sought-after goods that found their way to Silverhaven.

"Alright, let's start by visiting an armory."

Aqua was eager for some new gear. She strolled forward confidently, but Shin remained still, his gaze fixed on something in the distance.

Curiosity piqued, Aqua turned to Shin. "What is it?" she asked.

Shin's eyes lackadaisically surveyed the crowd, and he pointed out something that caught Aqua off guard. "Look," he said. "Some of these people have player icons above their heads.

"They're fellow players!" Aqua's face lit up with a smile.

"Looks like we got lucky," Shin remarked.

Aqua playfully nudged him and teased, "Hmm, for some reason I feel like you knew they'd be here."

Shin shook his head, dismissing her playful accusation. "I'm not that clever," he insisted. "But let's take advantage of the situation. We can interact with them and maybe find out where other groups of players are meeting up."

He was sure the players would have meeting about their current situation of being stuck in the game. A day hadn't passed yet, so he surmised they'd likely have the meeting late into the night or early tomorrow morning. It was so that all the players near Myrridia would have the opportunity to gather in Silverhaven before then.

"Alright, let's go..." Shin said.

"W... What about my new gear?" Aqua asked.

"Hm?" Shin suddenly remembered it. "Oh yeah, we could always buy it after. There's enough time after all."

Aqua nodded in agreement. However, she couldn't ignore her current attire, which drew a few curious glances from the surrounding crowd. She let out a heavy sigh, barely audible under her breath. "I don't exactly feel comfortable in these clothes," she admitted.

Meanwhile,

Shin had already started walking ahead. His steps carried him further into the square.

Aware that she needed to catch up, Aqua hurried after him, "Hey! Wait up!"