Fantasy Realm [One Piece] [Harry Potter] [Naruto] - [Progression] [LitRPG]

Chapter 27: Gaining Wealth, Losing Integrity

After a few hours, Alex is startled by a loud buzzing sound and lunges forward.

"Damn, a message. Looks like Roja finally replied. Let's see."

[Roja: Do not sell the soul crystal, and better yet, don't even mention that you own one. Certain worlds aren't peaceful, and in some, players can kill each other to steal items. Some worlds even force players to join opposing factions. From what I know, small soul crystals are worth around 10,000 FC, and they're essential for upgrading any high-ranking skill up to level 5, and even used as a resource for special abilities. They also have many other uses, from what I'm told. Even high-level players need them when they unlock additional skill slots. The demand for soul crystals will never disappear.

If you've still got some of that cheap jerky left, sell it! You might actually get a few FC for it. Recovery items are in high demand, and prices are outrageous. The generic healing potion only restores 20 HP and costs a whopping 1,000 FC. Those jerkys heal half of that over 10 minutes. It's slower, but still decent. I wish I had known this earlier and stocked up. Don't sell them for less than 100 FC, and keep a few for yourself.]

Alex nods, thinking, "Looks like I made the right call about the soul crystal..." Then he remembers the jerkys—he's got 14 left. He received some from side quests on the second and third days and even bought a few. He always thought they were pretty bad, but now he realizes he should've bought more. Jerkys only cost 10 contribution points... "If I'd spent 10,000 contribution points on 1,000 jerkys, I could've earned... 100,000 FC??? Nah, there must've been a limit on buying them."

Still, he's annoyed he missed out on that extra profit. His mindset wasn't right after the fight with Mr. 5. "Next time, I'll be more alert for good deals and investments," he thinks, starting to learn the economy of the Fantasy Realm.

Alex decides to keep 4 jerkys for himself and offers the other 10 for 300 FC each. With weeks before the next mission, he figures he can aim for a high price. Smirking, he renames his stall: "Bow & Arrows V2 + Cheap Healing Items."

[Smoked Wolf Jerky] x10
World: One Piece
Quality: Gray (Inferior)
Effect: Slowly restores 10 HP over 10 minutes

After a while, an average-looking man approaches his stall and tries to bargain.
"I'll give you 100 FC for the jerky," the man says.

Alex, seeing the desperation in his face, just smugly refuses. "Sorry, I'm not negotiating."

"200 FC, please! I don't want to die in the next world. Have some compassion." The man continues pleading, but Alex has a gut feeling it's just an act. Angry that the guy is trying to use his emotions to get a better deal, Alex turns away, ignoring him.

He's startled when he suddenly hears a system sound:
[[Smoked Wolf Jerky x3] has been sold. Player receives 900 FC.]

Instead of celebrating his sale, Alex gets angry. "That bastard did all that emotional manipulation and begging, then ended up buying three at full price. He had the money from the start! Cheap bastard." He mutters to himself, "Thankfully, maybe thanks to my new basic skills and stats, I knew from the start that guy wasn't honest. I should trust my instincts and not let people manipulate me with sob stories."

After another four hours, Alex cheers inwardly. He actually managed to sell the bow and arrows for 2,800 FC, and despite multiple people begging him to lower his prices, he sold the jerkys at full price as well. Thankful for Roja's advice, Alex messages her back—not outright thanking her, but relaying some information. "Fair is fair, I don't want to owe that two faced snake anything."