C8 Being Caught!

"Four wolves, weighing in at a total of 837 pounds. That converts to 25,110 copper coins in value."

After weighing the catch, Cork hauled the goods into his butcher shop and emerged with a sizable money pouch.

The pouch was large, but it seemed impossible for it to contain over 25,000 copper coins.

"Mr. Cork, isn't it supposed to be 25,000 copper coins?"

Rinn held back from taking the pouch, looking puzzled.

"Fool, did you really think I'd pay you entirely in copper? And could you even carry 25,000 copper coins?"

Cork, with a hint of irritation, tossed the money pouch onto the counter. "Inside, you'll find a total of 25 silver coins and 110 copper coins. Count them yourself!"

Rinn eagerly grabbed the pouch and upon opening it, was dazzled by the sight of the copper and silver coins.

"Silver coins, no less!"

His eyes sparkled with excitement. Such currency was a luxury, rarely seen even among players during the beta phase—usually only the wealthiest had them!

Aware of the risks in this place, Rinn quickly verified the count and, finding no errors, he nodded with joy. "Thank you, Mr. Cork!"

"Thank me? Even though I offered a fair price, isn't it John who made the profit? What's in it for an apprentice blacksmith like you?"

Cork watched Rinn scamper off, then cast a disdainful look at the abandoned cart outside his shop. He spat on the ground contemptuously. "Leaving the cart behind? They say the old drunk's son is a fool, and it seems they're right!"

...

"I'm rich! I'm truly rich!"

Tucked away in a shadowed corner not far from the butcher's, Rinn stood panting with excitement.

Back when his father was alive, without a job, there was no income—just the occasional pocket money from his dad, a mere 1 to 2 copper coins at a time.

Now, as John's apprentice, his monthly wage was a paltry 300 copper coins, barely amounting to 0.3 silver coins!

Yet the earnings from this single wolf sale soared to over 25 silver coins!

That was the equivalent of seven years' worth of wages!

Or to put it in gaming terms, seven years' worth of in-game currency!

In the initial stages, any form of currency was incredibly valuable.

Moreover, due to the immense popularity of "Divine Kingdom," the wealthy players' frenzy to get in caused the exchange rate between copper coins and real-world money to skyrocket to 1:1!

This meant that the contents of the money pouch were worth over twenty-five thousand real-world dollars!

Considering Rinn used to make just two to three thousand dollars as a salesman, the sudden windfall of twenty-five thousand was enough to send his excitement through the roof.

"Cough, cough, keep it together. I'm destined to be a hero of the continent, to make those rich players rue the day they crossed me. How can I let a little cash cloud my vision?" he told himself.

Rinn blew on his whistle leisurely and mumbled, "I rushed off earlier; I might have miscounted the money. Better count it again."

He pulled the purse from his pocket, opened it, and was stunned.

"Where's the money? Why is it gone?"

Rinn's face went ghostly white. Turning the purse upside down, not a single coin dropped out—it was completely empty.

"What's happening here!"

It felt like the world was crashing down around him, and he nearly collapsed.

"Beep. Host, please do not be alarmed. Your funds have merely been absorbed by the system."

In that critical moment, the system's mechanical voice chimed in. Rinn, taken aback, inquired in his mind, "Absorbed?"

The system instructed, "Access your personal panel for details."

Without hesitation, Rinn instinctively commanded, "Open personal panel!"

Name: Rinn

Level: 1

Title: None

Profession: Blacksmith Apprentice

Attributes: Strength 2.8, Dexterity 1.3, Intelligence 1.5

Profession Skill: Beginner Forging Technique (60/100)

Combat Skill: None

Skill Points: 2

Attribute Points: 0

Experience Points: 95/100

Currency: 25 silver coins, 110 copper coins.

...

Upon reviewing his panel, Rinn's anxiety dissipated.

"There's a currency section? Why didn't you mention that sooner?"

"Beep!"

The system's response was as indifferent as ever, leaving Rinn at a loss for words. He pondered over his experience points and exclaimed in astonishment, "Hold on! I started with 20 experience points and earned 25 from defeating five snow wolves—that should only total 45 points. How did it jump to 95? Where did those extra 50 points come from?"

The system prompted, "Host, please review the system notifications."

With a thought, Rinn was surrounded by a flurry of tiny characters, all system alerts.

He focused on the most recent one: "Host has successfully rescued the Snow Wolf pup. Experience +50, and favorability from the young Devil Beast has been gained..."

"I missed the notification because I was too caught up in selling Snow Wolves..."

A lightbulb went off in Rinn's head, and he queried the System, "System Boss, I thought experience points were only awarded for completed missions? I did rescue young Levan, but that doesn't count as a mission, does it? Why the reward?"

The System explained, "Missions aren't solely issued by the system. Acts of kindness from the host can also trigger random missions..."

"Got it."

Rinn nodded, an idea sparking in his eyes, "So, by helping out the townsfolk, I could potentially farm for missions?"

The System responded, "Your astuteness is remarkable, Host. However, triggering a random mission is quite challenging, and only those who are genuinely grateful and trusting may trigger one..."

"Gotcha, System Boss. Are you suggesting I shouldn't get my hopes up about farming missions?"

Rinn rubbed his nose sheepishly and glanced at his experience meter with a wry smile. "Just five points shy of a level up! Where can I find another Snow Wolf to hunt?"

Pausing briefly, Rinn remembered the gold coins and extended his hand, willing them to appear.

Huala!

Several silver coins materialized in his palm.

"So that's the trick! I can use my thoughts to freely access gold coins? How convenient!"

With another thought, the silver coins vanished, leaving Rinn elated with his newfound ability.

The system chimed in, "Upon reaching level 10, the host will be awarded a personal equipment slot. Then, not only will you be able to withdraw gold coins at will, but you'll also be able to store items..."

"Item storage... With that feature, I could stash those Snow Wolves in my backpack instead of having to borrow a cart..."

Rinn's anticipation was ablaze; he was eager to hit level 10.

Before he could utter any bold proclamations, the realization of the forgotten pushcart struck him, and he smacked his forehead in annoyance. "Oh no! I left my pushcart behind! If it's lost, wouldn't that betray Aunt Judy's trust?"

Judy was the sole beacon of warmth in this malicious world for him.

Disappointing her was the last thing Rinn wanted. He hurried back to the butcher's shop.

Truth be told, Rinn had been anxious about borrowing the cart initially, but Judy's warm demeanor quickly eased his worries.

Rinn had managed to borrow the cart and transport the wolf carcass from the outskirts back to the shop.

Though his plan to sell the wolf had been a success, losing Judy's cart was unthinkable. He could never forgive himself for such carelessness.

Luckily, the cart was right where he left it, outside the meat shop.

The shop was closed, but inside, Cork was presumably processing the wolf carcass, the sound of knives chopping through bone faintly audible.

Rinn gripped the handle with care, making as little noise as possible as he departed from the butcher's.

Before long, Rinn was back at the grocery store with the cart.

Goddess Judy was swamped with work and had no time to spare for Rinn. Not wanting to intrude, he silently returned the cart to its spot and left ten copper coins under the blanket to express his thanks.

Generous by nature, Rinn had initially intended to leave a silver coin.

But on second thought, he realized that a blacksmith apprentice suddenly offering a silver coin might raise more questions than joy from Aunt Judy.

That could lead to complications Rinn preferred to avoid.

Having returned the cart, Rinn walked out of the grocery store and meandered through the town without purpose.

"Is John still on the lookout for me? I have no idea how to confront him, and going to the blacksmith shop is out of the question. Maybe I should just head home and sleep?"

The idea surfaced in his mind, but Rinn quickly dismissed it. "No, John's no fool. He might have Quinn staking out my place. If I go back now, I'd be walking straight into a trap."

Snap!

As Rinn wavered in indecision, something unexpectedly landed on his shoulder.

He instinctively turned his head to find a thick, strong hand resting there. His body tensed, and his face was etched with terror.

Could it really be such a coincidence?

Compelled to investigate, he turned stiffly and was met with the sight of John standing before him.

John's towering figure eclipsed the moonlight, yet Rinn could clearly make out the lack of expression on his face.

"John... Master..."

In a flash, Rinn's heart threatened to leap from his chest, his teeth chattering uncontrollably.

He cast an exploration spell in desperation.

"John, unknown, unknown, unknown..."

The string of unknowns sapped Rinn of any will to resist.

Damn it, this John isn't just any blacksmith—he's a system boss!

What's the point in resisting?

"Hmm? There you are. I've wasted enough time searching for you. Come on, let's head home."

There was neither anger nor malice on John's face as he gave Rinn's head a gentle pat and strolled back toward the forge, hands clasped behind him.

"This..." Rinn stood dumbfounded. "John the Drunkard found me but didn't punish me? Isn't this where I usually end up with a swollen face?"

His head ached, but Rinn had no time to tend to it. Watching John's retreating figure, he was consumed by confusion.

"You little fool! What are you spacing out for? Hurry up and come along! I've been looking for you all day! Can't you just let me have a peaceful dinner?"

John's voice, tinged with exasperated warmth, reached Rinn, snapping him out of his stupor. He hurried after his master, heart pounding with dread.

"Master John, I'm sorry... I'm on my way!"