Just then, another message blinked across Michael's vision.
[Don't worry, Host. Two humans are still here. They could be your potential customers. Give it a try.]
Michael's eyes shifted toward the two captives the bandits had tied up—a middle-aged man and a young woman. Their hands were bound tightly, fear and exhaustion etched across their faces. But when Michael stepped closer, they quickly bowed their heads and said,
—"Great Wizard… thank you endlessly for saving us. We don't know how we could ever repay your kindness."
They also think I'm a wizard. Hmph… no need to correct them. It might even work to my advantage.
Michael asked casually, "So, who exactly are you?"
The middle-aged man, frail and sweating, answered slowly,
"I am a physician, and this is my daughter. We were on our way to a neighboring village struck by an outbreak of disease, but these bandits ambushed us on the road."
Physicians. That's what medieval doctors were usually called in this world—though many used herbs, charms, and holy water more than real science.
Michael, however, had his mind focused only on completing his mission. He asked them,
"Would you perhaps be interested in buying this? With it, you can easily start a fire. You said you wanted to show your gratitude—so I'm asking, will you buy it?"
His words startled the two of them. They glanced at each other, then lowered their eyes, as if torn by inner conflict.
At last, the young woman spoke in a quiet voice,
"Forgive us, but we don't think we have enough money to buy such an item from a great wizard like you."
Michael replied,
"I'm not asking for much. Pay whatever you like. I'm in a generous mood today—I'll let it go cheap."
Then he noticed—both of them were still tied up.
He chuckled softly.
"Ah, almost forgot."
He picked up a knife lying on the ground, probably dropped by one of the bandits, and used it to cut their ropes.
Once freed, the two rubbed their sore wrists and stood shakily. Their faces were filled with relief, their eyes with gratitude as they looked at Michael.
The middle-aged man bowed deeply. Then, from within his clothes, he pulled out a few coins.
"I've never seen anything like this before. It's different from those magical stones people use to start fires. But I want you to accept this money. It isn't much—only twenty silver coins. I wish I could give more, but this is all I have now."
"No problem. That's more than enough."
Michael wasted no time. He accepted the coins and handed over the lighter.
The man held the lighter in his palm, staring at it with curious eyes, as if trying to understand how such a tiny thing could create fire.
Michael couldn't help but feel satisfied. His very first mission had been a success.
And then—
[Ding!]
A clear sound rang inside Michael's head, and glowing blue text appeared before his eyes.
[Congratulations! You have completed your first mission.] [Reward granted.]
[You gained +200 EXP]
[You gained +150 D-Coins with Bonus]
[Reputation +1 added]
[You have acquired the skill: Appraise (Basic)]
[Congratulations! You have leveled up!]
[Congratulations, Host. You have unlocked Pocket Warehouse. This is a storage space within a separate dimension where you can safely keep your belongings. Anything placed here will never decay, nor be affected by time or environment. It is protected by your soul's signature, making it immune to theft, tampering, or forced use. You may open and use it through mere thought or command. Since your Warehouse is Level 1, it currently grants you 5 cubic meters of space. Its capacity can expand as your level increases or by using special Upgrade items.]
What the, it's damn big, five cubic meters… at level one? If this grows with every level… what am I supposed to do, stockpile cars?
The thought was absurd, but the scale of it sank in. No more worrying about rot, weight, weather. Whatever he owned, he could carry anywhere easily.
It was, in its own way, worth more than gold.
More panels coming in front of him.
[HOST PROFILE]
Name: Michael Gutmann
Species: Human
Age: 22 (Earth Standard Years)
Origin: Earth (E-337)
Entity Level: Low 4D Dimension
Level: 2
Path: Wealth Path
Class: Novice Trader
EXP: 200 / 500
Title: None
Status: Stable
[ATTRIBUTES]
Wealth (Eldravia): 20 silver coins
Earth Currency: 24,000 Euros
Assets: None
D-Coins: 649
Luck: D
Influence: 1
Authority Rank: None
[STORAGE]
Pocket Warehouse: Level 1
[Special]
Dimensional Energy: 84.8%
[SKILLS]
Business Sense: F
Streetwise Instinct: F
Linguistic Comprehension: Basic
Combat Power: D
Appraise: Basic
[UNLOCKED WORLDS]
Earth (Primary World)
Eldravia (D-47X-AL) – Fantasy Medieval World
Other Worlds: 1 / ???
Panels kept flooding his vision like spam emails.
[A new mission has been activated: #2]
Mission: Sell 100 items within one week.
Time Limit: 6 days, 23 hours, 59 minutes, 50 seconds
Reward: +500 EXP | +100 D-Coins | Reputation +3 | Skill: Negotiation (Basic) – improves bargaining and persuasion in trade
Michael let out a low chuckle.
"A new mission, huh? But before that, I should gather some information first."
He turned back to the physician and his daughter.
"Looks like I'll be needing your help again."