C33 Chapter 31 – The Mysterious Merchant (Part 2)
For the first time since arriving in this mysterious world...
He was about to trade with another intelligent being.
---
The floating trade window slowly expanded.
Rows of items appeared one after another.
Some were ordinary.
Others made Aiden's eyes widen.
---
Morris' Trade Shop
Blueprints
- Drying Rack Blueprint — 80 Coins
- Stone Storage Box Blueprint — 120 Coins
Skill Books
- Quick Step (Common) — 150 Coins
- Accurate Throw (Common) — 140 Coins
Seeds
- Healing Herb Seeds ×10 — 35 Coins
- Potato Seeds ×10 — 30 Coins
Materials
- Iron Ingot ×5 — 50 Coins
- Leather Rope ×10 — 25 Coins
Special
- Beginner Appraisal Scroll — 100 Coins
---
"So these use Coins..."
Aiden muttered.
"They're different from Survival Points."
Morris smiled.
"You noticed."
"The System rewards effort."
"We merchants reward business."
"Never confuse the two."
Aiden nodded.
He finally understood.
Survival Points belonged to the System.
Coins belonged to the world's economy.
Both were valuable.
But neither could replace the other.
---
"I'd like to sell a few things first."
Morris gestured toward the counter.
"Let's see what you've brought."
Aiden carefully placed his items down.
- Goat Horn ×2
- Sharp Fang ×6
- Rabbit Fur ×2
- Copper Ore ×10
- Dried Fish ×3
The old merchant inspected each item with surprising care.
He even tapped the Copper Ore with a tiny hammer before nodding.
"Not bad."
"Your hunting skills are improving."
After a few moments...
The System calculated the trade.
---
Trade Complete
Items Sold:
- Goat Horn ×2
- Sharp Fang ×6
- Rabbit Fur ×2
- Copper Ore ×10
- Dried Fish ×3
Received:
95 Coins
Current Coins:
145
---
Aiden smiled.
His hard work finally had another use besides survival.
He looked at the shop again.
The Quick Step Skill Book tempted him.
Being faster in battle could save his life.
But...
His eyes stopped on another item.
Drying Rack Blueprint.
Food had become one of his biggest concerns.
Fresh meat spoiled within days.
If he couldn't preserve food...
His hunting efforts would be wasted.
After thinking quietly, he made his decision.
"I'll buy the Drying Rack Blueprint."
Morris smiled.
"A practical choice."
"Many young Island Lords chase power."
"They forget that an empty stomach is stronger than any monster."
The Blueprint turned into a beam of light and entered Aiden's forehead.
---
Blueprint Learned
Drying Rack
Grade: Common
Materials Required:
- Wood ×15
- Plant Fiber ×10
- Stone ×6
Effect:
Preserves meat and fish.
Food spoilage reduced by 80%.
---
Aiden felt another piece of knowledge settle into his mind.
He now knew exactly how to build it.
---
Before closing the shop, Morris reached beneath the counter.
He placed a small wooden token on the table.
A simple tree was carved into its surface.
"This is a gift."
Aiden frowned.
"Why give me something for free?"
The old merchant laughed.
"Because you're one of the few who bought something useful instead of something flashy."
He pushed the token toward Aiden.
---
Item Obtained
Merchant Token
Grade: Common
Effect:
Future trades with Wandering Merchants receive a 5% discount.
---
"Thank you."
"Don't thank me yet."
Morris's expression suddenly became serious.
He looked toward the endless sea.
"The Blood Moon isn't the only danger."
"There are islands that have already fallen."
"There are Island Lords who lost everything."
"And there are people..."
"...who chose to become monsters instead of protecting humanity."
Aiden remained silent.
The words were difficult to understand.
"What happens when an Island Lord dies?"
Morris looked at him.
"The Island Core shatters."
"The island becomes ownerless."
"And everything built there slowly turns into ruins."
Aiden remembered the broken watchtower.
The collapsed walls.
The old skeletons.
"So..."
"This island once had an owner."
Morris nodded.
"Just like countless others."
A heavy silence filled the beach.
The sound of the waves was the only thing either of them could hear.
Finally, Morris smiled again.
"Enough gloomy talk."
"You're still alive."
"That means you still have a chance."
---
As Aiden prepared to leave, another System notification appeared.
---
Weekly Mission Progress
Build 3 New Structures
Current Progress:
2 / 3
---
"So the Drying Rack will count once I build it."
He waved goodbye.
"Thank you, Morris."
The old merchant waved back.
"We'll meet again."
"If fate allows it."
---
By late afternoon, Aiden returned to Hope Island.
Without resting, he gathered the required materials.
Wood.
Plant Fiber.
Stone.
Piece by piece, the new structure took shape beside the furnace.
Nearly an hour later...
The final wooden beam slid into place.
---
Structure Completed
Drying Rack
Grade: Common
Builder EXP +20
Trap Crafting EXP +5
Weekly Mission Updated.
Build 3 New Structures
Completed!
Rewards:
- Builder EXP +30
- Basic Furniture Blueprint Chest ×1
---
Another notification appeared immediately.
---
Builder Profession Level Up!
Builder Lv.3 → Lv.4
Profession Bonus:
Construction Speed +10%
Construction Material Waste -5%
New Blueprints Available.
---
Aiden let out a satisfied breath.
"Builder Level Four..."
"Now I can finally restore the Ruined Watchtower."
He hung fresh goat meat and fish on the drying rack.
Warm air from the nearby furnace slowly dried the food.
For the first time...
He had enough supplies to survive for many days.
As the sun disappeared below the horizon, Aiden looked toward the distant northern forest.
He felt more prepared than yesterday.
But...
The Shadow Wolf King wasn't standing still either.
---
Deep inside the northern forest...
The Wolf King slowly walked through a hidden cave.
Dozens of wolves lowered their heads as it passed.
At the very end of the cave...
A massive stone gate covered in ancient runes stood silently.
The Shadow Wolf King stopped before it.
Its crimson eyes glowed brightly.
Without warning...
One of the runes lit up.
A deep voice echoed from behind the ancient gate.
"Another..."
"...has awakened."
The Wolf King lowered its head.
As though greeting something far older...
And far more terrifying than itself.
