"9 gold coins and 102 silver left…' Leonard let out a sigh as he counted the coins laid out on his bed.
It was the coins that he had accumulated so far for the last few days.
'I didn't know I actually have this much…'
The words sounded strange even to him. A few days ago, he was just a beggar on the streets, picking up scraps and earning a gold coin for a whole day of work. But now? There was a pile of coins sitting right in front of him.
Leonard sighed for another time.
"System show me your offer again."
[Ding!]
[System Offer: Perfect location spot for your business and identification of individuals perfect to work under you.]
[System Fee: 50 Silver Coins.]
"I really didn't want to do this…" Leonard ran a hand through his hair and let out a dry laugh.
His gaze moved to the pile of silver. Fifty. That was nearly half of what he had. Just the thought made his gut twist.
"That's too damn expensive…" he muttered, leaning back against the wall. He rubbed his temples with both hands, his shoulder slumping.
"Fine… but listen here, system." His voice grew sharper, almost threatening. "Make sure this damn fee is worth it."
[Are you ready to accept the offer, Host?]
[Yes] [No]
'As if I have a choice,' he shook his head and pressed the [Yes] button floating before his eyes.
[Ding!]
[Confirmation Received.]
[50 Silver Coins deducted.]
[Balance: 9 Gold Coins, 52 Silver Coins.]
The coins on the bed made a small sound as if an invisible person were moving them. Then suddenly, the coins glowed and vanished from the pile.
'Damn,' Leonard froze at the event he had just witnessed. "Fifty silvers gone… just like that," he muttered, his lips pulling into a grimace. "You better not screw me over."
[Don't worry, Host!]
[Finding Perfect Location…]
Leonard sat still on the bed, his eyes glued to the floating words in front of him.
[20%…]
[36%…]
[61%…]
His room became silent for a few minutes. Then, after a while, another notification popped up.
[Ding!]
[Perfect Location Found!]
[Street Name: Alder Street.]
Leonard's brow lifted as more details appeared before his eyes.
[Description: Located in the outer part of the market. The street is surrounded by inns, small food stalls, and a few restaurants. It is lively during the day. There's a good flow of people passing through.]
"That's not bad…" Leonard muttered under his breath. Inns and food meant people, and people meant money.
Before he could think more, the system chimed again.
[Searching for individuals suitable to work under Host…]
[Finding…]
[Ding!]
[3 Potential Candidates Found.]
Three profiles appeared before his eyes all of a sudden. Leonard leaned forward and read each profile carefully.
- - -
[Candidate 1]
Name: Gareth Smith
Appearance: A large man in his late thirties. Broad shoulders, unshaven beard, a noticeable limp on his right leg.
Background: Once a knight of the kingdom, but forced into retirement after a leg injury made him unfit for active duty. Over time, got depressed and was thrown out of the city. Despite this, his strength and discipline remain. Currently doing odd jobs near the outskirts to survive. Loyal by nature, but bitter about his dismissal.
- - -
[Candidate 2]
Name: Maren Everti
Appearance: A slim woman in her mid-twenties. Sharp brown eyes, dark hair, and often seen with a satchel of herbs.
Background: A daughter of a traveling healer that got killed by bandits. Grew up assisting her mother and learned basic medicine in the outskirts of town. Known in the area for being quick with numbers and having a sharp tongue. Currently working part-time at a food stall.
- - -
[Candidate 3]
Name: Theo Misamih
Appearance: A boy around seventeen. He has thin frame, messy brown hair, and clothes that look one size too big on him.
Background: An orphan who grew up on the streets. Survives by running errands and occasionally pickpocketing. Agile and quick on his feet, though often underestimated because of his age. He's loyal, but just poor.
- - -
Leonard's eyes swept over the names and details again and again, his lips curving into a smirk.
"A knight, a healer, and a street rat… huh." He leaned back against the wall, crossing his arms. "Not a bad hand to play with." Leonard let out a deep breath.
"Thanks, system… this is actually very helpful," he muttered under his breath. He was half thankful and half sarcastic about it.
However, when he thought about it. He guessed that he wouldn't find any person in the outskirts with a good and proper background that was not laced with poverty.
'Alright, I guess it's done.' Leonard watched as the screen disappeared. After that, he gathered his remaining coins carefully and placed everything back into the pouch. The clinking sound echoed in his room before he tied it tightly.
Of course, he didn't just leave it lying around. Instead, he crouched down and slid the pouch under his bed.
"Tomorrow… I'll immediately look into this. Alder Street, and those three people…" A smirk tugged at his lips again. "Let's see if paying the system actually pays off."