Chapter 2: 1. Ruins of Genesis – 1

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Where did my career as a travelling merchant started? Like every blank protagonists, it all began in a peaceful and humble village.

 

"Wake up! Hey, kid!"

 

I was sleepy at the time and his slap is so painful my cheeks got reddish.

 

"Sorry, I was waking you all this time but you're still asleep. Anyways, I want to ask you simple questions."

In front of me is a simple looking guard. He's deeply staring into my eyes. I'm terrified.

"... Who are you?"

"It's okay, then. Do you have friends?"

"... No."

"Eh, parents?"

"None either."

"Good. I needed a character who has no relations to the material world. Last question, are you a fast learner?"

"Ah, why would-"

"It's a yes, then. Listen NPC, you have unusually higher intelligence stats compared to an average person and a blank background. You are perfect."

The stranger then closed his eyes, fixed his posture, and deepened his tone.

"Are you interested in becoming a travelling merchant?"

"Travelling merchant?"

"Yes. They are mysterious existences in video games that sells better items compared to ordinary merchants. However, they appear and disappear randomly, giving players a sense of surprise mechanics."

I thought deeply as to whether to accept his proposal or not.

"About this-"

"Great, you agreed to be a travelling merchant. You won't regret this. First, I'll give you admin privileges."

He then tapped the air multiple times...

"Do you feel anything?"

"... No."

"Hmm, okay. You should no longer age. This way, you'll be forever 19 years old! Do you have questions?"

"I didn't tell you my age-"

"Nothing? Nice! Next, I'll grant you admin access to [Item Creation]... You know what? I think you'll be overwhelmed by it. Wait."

He then tapped into the air multiple times. Unlike before, it took him 5 minutes. I tried talking to him but ended with no results.

"Here. I made an entire panel just for you. To activate it, simply utter [Item Supply]"

"Item Supply!"

Before I knew it, a flashy item fell into my hands.

"Great! Leave it there for now. Check the panel by saying [Status]."

I did as he told me. As he said, texts and lines suddenly appeared. He called it panel or whatever it is.

"Here listed the items you obtained from [Item Supply]. Apparently, it also listed the minimum price, the name and stats of said item, and when did you obtained that. You also have unique ability [Recall Item]. Go ahead, try it! Simply say it while thinking about the unique items."

I simply followed his instructions. Before I knew it, the flashy item from before teleported from the ground into my hands again.

"See! You're a fast learner. Remember, you need to have a mystique background. You are now a survivor of a great war from the past. You were adopted by an interdimensional mage, granting you access to unique items... Ah, you know what? Go make it up. Ah right, here, 10 gold. This is already a lot so you should have a great start. I'm leaving now!"

He quickly turn around and ran away, leaving me without letting me digest what he said earlier. However, he stopped quickly and turn around, this time, his eyes are tearing up.

You are reading story Travelling Merchant NPC at novel35.com

He suddenly teleported in front of me and gripped my shoulders tightly. He appears to be hesitating.

"Enjoy your new life."

He then hugged me closely for a few minutes. I wish to ask him questions but I can't breathe with his affectionate hug. Before I knew it, he disappeared.

I'm dazed as to what should I do. I have so many questions to ask I wished he didn't interrupt me every single time.

Where should I start? I stood there for a full hour, understanding what just happened. The entire thing is so fast, it felt like he's rushing it.

Anyways, I have a new start and I need to make good use of it. He gave me eternal life but I still need to eat. I'm hungry after all.

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"The world server is now launched."

"It's stable. Our QA reported no bugs for now. However, this game uses higher and more stable mbps. We're afraid only first world countries can play it."

"We're trying to minimize needed mbps. How about our VR consoles?"

"It's overheating. We don't know why but we're pretty sure it worked last time."

"Unlike before, it's the world server. At least, we didn't jump into beta-testing. We assured our customers 3 months maximum for game launch. Double time, team!"

"We have bad news, sir! The legal department immediately rejected our VR console. They said that our console risks the health of the players."

"What did they mean by endangering their lives?"

"They said that our console connecting 110 Watts of Electricity right into the player's brain runs the risk of electrocution. They also said that the radiowaves we direct into the brain might damage it within the process."

"... We will compromise. Tell our hardware department to create a smaller version of VR console that runs on battery. Lessen the radiowaves directed into the brain."

"Right now? We designed the former console for 3 years and you're asking us to make it in 3 months?"

"I know. Tell our playerbase we'll delay it for another 3 months."

"Hopefully, now that it's reduced, the overheating will be solved as well."

"Boss, huge problem! Some internet influencers got wind of our legal problem and is exaggerating them!"

"Marketing team, control the situation! Hunt down those wretched attention seekers and don't hesitate to report them!"

"On it!"

"Lastly, shut down the world server for now. We will reopen it sooner or later. Luckily, with our kickstarter campaign, we have enough budget to last for few more months."

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I woke up. I was greeted with a lonely feeling this morning. I checked myself and found nothing of interest.

What a funny dream. A random stranger giving me abilities?

My hunger conquered my mind and as I decided to set off, I stepped into something small.

It's a small bag of coins.

I have a bad feeling about this. I picked it up and found 10 gold coins which is the exact number from my dream. What if... No! The entire thing is so weird! Let's try it.

"Item supply!"

A pill in a bottle dropped into my hands. No! Hold on! Ahh...

"Recall item!"

I decided to recall a certain flashy item. It was a crossbow. It worked! I think I'm still inside a dream. I slapped myself hard. It's painful.

"Status!"

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