As Liam's hand rose before his eyes, he was struck by the surreal transformation unfolding before him. The once familiar and youthful fingers were rapidly contorting into those of a skinny, frail old man. Shock gripped him, and he stumbled back, collapsing onto the ground in disbelief. His mind raced, desperately seeking answers to the unthinkable change that had overtaken him.
"Wh-What's happening to me?" Liam stammered, his voice tinged with both fear and anger. He stared at the now elderly hand, his heart pounding in his chest.
From the depths of his confusion, a voice emerged, calming but matter-of-fact, as if the answer had been waiting all along. "Liam, you are aging," the voice echoed in his head, a clear but ethereal presence.
The shock on Liam's face turned to anger as he shouted, "Aging? What do you mean? This can't be real!"
His heart racing, Liam tried to reason with the system, "This can't be happening. I'm not that old! How could I age so rapidly?"
The voice, the embodiment of the merchant system, offered an explanation that only deepened Liam's distress. "You withdrew a substantial amount of Gold from your account – 10,000,000 Gold, to be precise. Such a withdrawal comes at a cost."
Liam's voice trembled as he demanded answers, "A cost? What kind of cost?"
The system's response was clinical, devoid of emotion, "Your lifespan, Liam. You exchanged a portion of your remaining years for that Gold."
Liam's eyes widened in sheer disbelief. "You're telling me I traded my years of life for money?" His voice shook with a mixture of incredulity and horror. The weight of his actions pressed heavily upon him, each moment of his life suddenly taking on a new and terrifying significance.
"Yes, Liam. In a way, you traded time for wealth," the voice confirmed, unfazed by Liam's emotional turmoil.
Liam's mind raced as he tried to wrap his head around the implications. "Can't you just reverse it? Put the Gold back into my account and restore my life?"
A note of regret tinged the voice as it responded, "I'm sorry, Liam, but I can't undo the transaction. Once the exchange has been made, it's beyond my capabilities to reverse it. The system cannot retrieve the Gold or reverse the transaction. It's a one-way process."
Desperation etched itself onto Liam's features as he sought some semblance of control. "So, what am I supposed to do? Just accept that I've traded my future for a pile of Gold?"
Liam's frustration boiled over into anger as he shouted at the system, "You have to do something! You can't just leave me like this!"
But the system's response was resolute, "I can't change the outcome, Liam. The choices you make come with consequences."
Desperation clawed at Liam's voice as he asked, "Then how can I get that Gold back?"
The system offered a glimmer of hope, "You can replenish your Gold by selling goods and earning profit in this dimension. Selling items will provide you with the means to regain some of your lost time."
Liam's anger began to fade away, replaced by a deep sense of realization. His dreams of financial stability had come at a price he hadn't fully comprehended. As he stared at his frail hand, he sighed, "Selling things... that's how I'll buy back my life?"
"Yes, Liam," the system confirmed. "It's the nature of this Merchant System. You must now navigate this path you've chosen."
As Liam absorbed this grim reality, he found himself at a crossroads. The exchange had been made, his fate irrevocably altered. The weight of his decisions hung heavy in the air, a stark reminder that the pursuit of riches came at a cost far greater than he could have ever imagined.
Liam's gaze hardened, determination resurfacing amidst the chaos of emotions. He might have lost years of his life, but he wasn't about to let those lost years define him. With a determined nod, he said, "Fine. I'll do whatever it takes to make this work."
***
With his old and battered body, Liam slowly made his way down the street towards the nearest shop. As Liam shuffled into the shop, the jingle of the door's bell announced his arrival. Unbeknownst to him, the cautious eyes of the shopkeeper followed his every move from the corner of the shop.
The shopkeeper, a middle-aged man with a sharp eye for detail, discreetly adjusted his stance behind the counter. He pretended to busy himself with rearranging a stack of items, all the while keeping a watchful gaze on Liam's every movement. Liam's elderly appearance, coupled with the visible bruises on his body, raised suspicions in the shopkeeper's mind. He couldn't help but wonder what sort of person this old man might be, muttering to himself like a drunken old geezer.
Lost in the labyrinth of his own thoughts, Liam's brow furrowed as he engaged in an unusual conversation with an unseen presence. His voice carried a mix of curiosity and exasperation, a symphony of uncertainty and determination.
"Alright, so let me get this straight," he muttered, his gaze locked on an invisible entity. "I've got this system thing, and I need to sell stuff to make gold so i can become younger again. But what on earth am I supposed to sell? I mean, I'm no merchant, and I've got no idea what people of other dimension would even want."
The system, a voiceless presence echoing within his mind, seemed to sense his uncertainty. "Mana crystals are the most popular items to sell within the system," it declared, its words a gentle whisper that resonated in the corners of Liam's thoughts.
Liam's brows furrowed even deeper, his confusion mounting. "Mana crystals? What on earth are those?" he muttered, his voice tinged with exasperation. He was caught between trying to make sense of the system's cryptic responses and grappling with the overwhelming knowledge gap that separated him from the world he had stumbled into.
The system's response only added to Liam's confusion, "Mana crystals are a form of magical essence. Mana crystals can be found inside dungeon or from monster. They hold significant value in many dimensions, often used for various magical purposes. Extremely valuable in many dimensions."
Liam's eyes widened, his mind trying to grasp the concept. "Magical essence? Dungeon? Monster? This is... so different from anything I know. This is all way beyond me." He shook his head, his hands running through his hair in exasperation.
"Indeed. It seems they are no dungeon and monster here," the system agreed, "but they're highly sought after in other dimension. A prime item for a budding merchant like yourself because how easy is to sell mana crystals."
Not willing to give up, Liam pressed on, his tone impatient, "Alright then, what's the most expensive thing you have for sale?"
The voice responded promptly, "Dragon hearts are among the most valuable items within the system. Extremely rare and potent, they're prized by adventurers and mages alike."
Liam's frustration boiled over, his voice tinged with annoyance, "Dragon heart? Seriously? I don't even know how I'd get my hands on one of those! You're not helping at all! I need something more concrete."
Growing impatient, Liam finally decided to cut through the ambiguity. "You know what? Just show me. Just display whatever it is you're selling. Maybe that will make more sense. I need a clearer picture here."
As if responding to his plea, a translucent window materialized in front of him. It was a window into a vast array of items, each represented by an image and a description. Liam's eyes widened as he scanned the items, his frustration momentarily forgotten.
He muttered to himself, half in disbelief and half in awe. "This... this is what you're selling? This is the stuff I can get?"
Frustration gnawed at Liam as he stared at the holographic display of the merchant system, bewildered by the array of unfamiliar items it showcased. Skill books, potions, monster parts — it was all Greek to him. Liam's brows furrowed deeper, his fingers twitching in agitation. His annoyance building, he muttered to himself, "This is ridiculous! I just need something simple, something I can understand." Letting out a sigh of frustration, Liam's impatience got the best of him. He decided to settle for something familiar, something that resonated with his mundane existence. Instant ramen and popular snacks, everyday items that seemed to hold a glimmer of normalcy amidst the otherworldly goods. Before his hand could even reach out to take items his choices, a sudden grip on his old hand startled him. Liam turned his head quickly, his aged eyes widening in surprise as they met the gaze of the shopkeeper. The grip was firm, almost restraining, and it belonged to a
As Liam returned to his humble abode, a newfound excitement bubbled within him. The mysterious merchant system's interface danced before his eyes, its otherworldlyrealm awaiting his touch. Determinedly, he navigated its virtual settings to set up his shop. To his mild astonishment, the system imposed a restriction - he could only sell a maximum of five of goods. With a furrowed brow, he contemplated his options. "I guess I'll start small," he muttered to himself. He listed five different types of snacks, each priced at a modest 10 gold. It was an experiment, a dip of his toes into the unpredictable waters of virtual commerce. With a deep breath and a click of confirmation, his products were on display to the potential buyers scattered across dimensions. His heart raced as he monitored the virtual marketplace. Minutes turned into seconds, and Liam's heart raced as he watched the notifications pour in. Sold out. Sold out. Sold out. Each snack vanished fro
The skinny man turned back to the young lady, his tone cold and business-like. "Now, are you going to settle up or do we have to escalate things? You've been dodging us for too long, sweetheart." The young lady's shoulders tensed, a mix of frustration and vulnerability evident in her eyes. Her voice wavered only slightly as she responded, "I'm working on it. Just give me a little more time." The bulky men exchanged knowing glances, their silence filled with unspoken communication. The leader's grin widened, revealing a row of sharp teeth like a predator ready to strike. "Time, huh? Well, sweetheart, time doesn't wait for anyone. And neither do we." His oily face casting a shadow over the counter. "You owe us, and you're gonna pay up." The young lady's eyes widened in fear as she stared at the skinny man, unsure of what to do. Panic gnawed at her, her mind racing to find a solution to the impossible situation she found herself in. Then, a glimmer of ho
As Liam walked along the bustling streets of the city, his thoughts churned with a mixture of anxiety and determination. The weight of his newfound wealth pressed on his shoulders, an immense responsibility that he felt both elated and burdened by. With each step, his mind played out scenarios of how he could use the money to change his family's life.Finally reaching the bank, he stepped inside and approached the teller's counter. "I'd like to transfer 5,000,000 dollar to my mother's account," he said, his voice steady despite the nerves that fluttered in his chest.The teller, a middle-aged woman with a no-nonsense demeanor, looked up from her paperwork, a hint of surprise crossing her features at the significant amount he mentioned. Her perfectly arched eyebrow quirked upward as she took in his appearance, dressed in his worn but tidy clothes. Nevertheless, she nodded, professionalism taking over as she began processing the transaction."Of course, sir. Could
As Liam neared his apartment building, a shiver of unease crawled up his spine. The dimly lit street seemed to stretch out menacingly before him. The shadows cast by the streetlights appeared to dance in sinister patterns, and the murmurs of the city seemed to fade into a distant hum. A knot of apprehension formed in his stomach, warning him that something was amiss. As he quickened his pace, Liam noticed a group of strangers assembling around him, forming a tight circle that closed in like a trap. Each face was unfamiliar, and their intent was far from clear. Anxiety gnawed at him as he attempted to move away, only to find his path consistently blocked by these menacing figures. "What do you want?" Liam's voice quivered slightly, a mix of fear and defiance underlying his words From the depths of the gathering, a familiar figure emerged. It was the skinny man he had encountered at the toy shop earlier. A smirk twisted across the man's lips as he spoke, his vo
As if suspended in time, the footsteps paused. Liam held his breath, his body frozen in place, his entire being focused on the sound. He could hear the gang's leader, a skinny man with an air of authority, uttering curses under his breath. The gravity of their situation hung in those words, a promise of harsh retribution."Where is he?" the leader's voice was tinged with a dangerous edge, the threat of violence lurking beneath the surface.As the tension escalated, Liam's senses were suddenly engulfed by a familiar sensation – a notification window popped into existence. His heart raced as the words unfolded before him, announcing that one of his game boys had been sold at a rapid pace. He clenched his fists, silently urging the system to let him purchase the concealment skill if he had enough money.Liam's breath caught as one of the group members, a silhouette framed by dim lamplight, approached. Every footfall seemed to reverberate through the air, each
Lost in contemplation, he whispered to himself, "What have I gotten myself into?"As if sensing his inner turmoil, the system chimed in, its digital voice resonating in his mind. "Curiosity and uncertainty often walk hand in hand, Liam. Your discovery of this new world comes with its share of complexities."Liam's eyebrows furrowed, his curiosity getting the better of him. "But what if my balance becomes zero? What then?"The system's response was immediate, devoid of emotion, yet weighty in its implications. "If your balance reaches zero, your existence in this realm will cease. Your life, as you know it here, will come to an end."Liam's heart skipped a beat, his mind racing to grasp the gravity of those words. The very essence of his being was tied to the gold he possessed. Each coin represented not just wealth, but the days, the moments that comprised his existence.He leaned back, the weight of this newfound knowledge pressing upon him. The allure of wealth now held a darker shad
There, lay his elderly landlady sprawled on the ground, her form twisted in an unsettling manner. Without hesitation, Liam rushed to her side, concern etching his features. "What happened?" he asked urgently, crouching down beside her. The landlady, wincing in discomfort, managed to explain, "I tripped over my dress and lost my balance." Liam's heart went out to her. Without a second thought, he helped her up and supported her. Gently, he slipped one arm beneath her shoulders, his other arm supporting her frail frame from the side. With careful strength, he helped her into a sitting position, his eyes never leaving her to gauge her comfort level. The delicate lines of her aged face were now drawn with discomfort, her hands gripping her ankle as if trying to alleviate the pain. Her breaths came in uneven, shallow gasps. Liam can see that the landlady's ankle had swelled, and Liam's brows furrowed with worry. "We need to get you to a hospital,"
Liam walked out of the bathroom with wet hair, a towel in hand as he began to dry it. Just then, his phone started ringing, and he noticed it was a call from Naomi. After the incident that had led to Naomi being grounded, Liam had made the decision to send both Naomi and Jun to stay with their older sister Shannan, who was taking care of their mother at a hospital in the city. As a result, it was just Liam left at home now. Liam picked up the phone and answered, his voice laced with concern. "Naomi, is everything all right? How's everything at there?" Naomi's voice trembled with panic as she spoke into the phone, "Um, I know it sounds crazy, and I'm not in my best condition for the past few days, but I saw a video about myself being bullied by Sarah. And I swear it's not me. I mean, I'm not even there." Liam remained calm as he responded, "Did you see your face in the video?" "No, I'm not. It's censored," Naomi replied. Liam continued in a reassuring tone, "Then you might just be
A sense of tension hung heavily in the air as Sarah's cruel intentions had taken an unexpected turn. With a swift, unsettling halt, Sarah froze her hand in mid-air, her fingers just inches away from Naomi's face. Her eyes, previously filled with malicious intent, now held a perplexed and uncertain expression. A flicker of confusion danced across Sarah's features as she observed Naomi's sudden change in demeanor. She couldn't help but wonder what had caused this sudden and unexpected change in demeanor. Naomi, on the other hand, gazed back at Sarah with an intense, almost eerie calmness, a faint smirk playing on her lips. "I got you," Naomi's lips moved, but there was no audible sound as she addressed Sarah. Intuitively, Sarah took a step back, a sudden and unsettling premonition seeping into her consciousness. The unfolding events had taken a disconcerting turn, and she felt an impending sense of dread. In the distance, the faint wails of police car sirens began to pierce the air
"Are you sure it's the right thing to do?" the worried teenager asked, glancing anxiously at Sarah, who stood in silence.Sarah's gaze remained locked on the lifeless body of a teenager, whose head was concealed within a bag. Her expression was a mix of confidence and a chilling determination that sent shivers down the spine of the onlooker. She didn't offer a response, leaving the teenager in a tense and ominous silence."Doesn't your parents know about this?" the teenager persisted, concern evident in their voice.Sarah's patience wore thin. She abruptly turned and delivered a sharp slap to the teenager's face, her anger flaring. "Just do what I told you to do," she snapped, her tone laced with frustration and impatience, leaving no room for further questions.The teenager, still nursing her stinging cheek, approached the lifeless body and gingerly unzipped the bag that concealed the victim's head. She stared at the sight, her face contorting with a mix
In an opulent and tastefully decorated office, Mrs. Bennett, a poised and beautiful middle-aged woman, held herself with an air of confidence and authority. Her office was adorned with elegant furnishings, and the soft glow of ambient lighting highlighted her impeccable taste. The room exuded a sense of success and accomplishment, mirroring the woman who occupied it.Mrs. Bennett's typically composed expression had transformed into a vivid tableau of emotions as she listened to the voice on the phone. At first, shock had seized her features, her eyes widening with disbelief. Her perfectly manicured fingers held the receiver, and her mouth fell slightly open, betraying her astonishment.But as the conversation continued, shock gave way to a burning rage. Her brows furrowed, and her jaw clenched as her once-graceful countenance became etched with anger. The elegant woman's posture remained regal, but a storm brewed in her eyes, and the room seemed to crackle with the intensity of her em
In lavishly decorated bedroom. The walls are adorned with rich, textured wallpaper, featuring intricate patterns and a soft, pastel color palette. Large windows drape the room in natural light during the day, allowing the sumptuous details to shine.A plush, king-sized bed with a tufted headboard takes center stage, dressed in high-quality linens that invite rest and relaxation. The room is furnished with elegant, antique pieces, such as a vanity with an ornate mirror and a vintage chaise lounge, adding a touch of timeless charm.The floor is adorned with a plush, thick carpet that your feet sink into with each step, providing a cozy underfoot sensation.Sarah's personal touches, from family photographs to personal mementos, add a sense of warmth and personality to this extravagant setting. The result is a bedroom that is not only a sanctuary of comfort but also a testament to her refined taste and style.Sarah paced back and forth, her typically confiden
As Naomi lay on the ground, pain throbbing through her body, she felt a mix of humiliation and fear. Sarah's friends circled her, their laughter ringing in her ears. They had been mercilessly mocking her, and she knew they were about to strike her face when she closed her eyes, bracing herself for the impact.Just as she anticipated the blow, a sudden gust of wind swept across the park. Naomi's eyes snapped open, and she felt the cool breeze against her face. She squinted at the sudden change, wondering if it was some strange stroke of luck.Before she could comprehend what was happening, a tall figure appeared, blocking the view of her tormentors. A sense of relief washed over Naomi, though she couldn't quite make out who the figure was.The tall figure, shrouded in an air of authority, reached out and deftly caught the hand of one of Sarah's friends, who had been moments away from delivering another painful kick. The momentum of the friend's attack was halted,
Naomi peered out of her bedroom window, her expression clouded with confusion. She wore rumpled pajamas, and her disheveled hair cascaded untamed over her shoulders. Her younger brother, Jun, had told her that her friend was looking for her and had her homework from the teacher. Grudgingly, Naomi decided to venture outside to meet her, even though she'd rather stay cocooned in her room.As she stepped out onto the porch, Naomi spotted one of her classmates standing in front of her house. The sight was both bewildering and concerning. The girl's hair was in disarray, her clothes tattered, and her face bore the painful, visible marks of recent injuries. Immediately, Naomi's heart sank, and her mind raced to piece together what had happened.The young girl looked at Naomi with teary eyes, her expression a mix of half apology and half fear. Her voice was barely above a whisper as she spoke, "Sarah is looking for you," she said, her voice trembling with a mixture of guilt a
Liam sat at his chair at home, staring intently at the document spread out before him. It was the report he'd been stolen, and he couldn't help but notice the glaring discrepancies. There were far too many holes in the information, nothing like what Mr. Redwood had assured him during their last conversation.Liam also think something about the man seemed off. The room was filled with polite conversation, but Liam's attention was fixed on the subtle signs that had set off alarm bells in his mind.He couldn't help but notice the peculiarities about Mr. Redwood. A scratch, faint but discernible, marred the skin of his hand. Liam wondered how one would get such a scratch.Liam also noticed to the corner of Mr. Redwood's mouth. There, he spotted a small, irregular patch, as though someone had bitten or scraped the skin. The oddity of the patch couldn't be ignored.Moreover, it wasn't just the physical signs. Mr. Redwood's mannerisms were unusual. The way he carried himself, his gaze that s
Liam stood in front of the luxurious private school, his gaze fixed on the imposing edifice before him. The grand gates, adorned with ornate ironwork, bore the name of the institution in gilded letters: "Harmony Elite Academy." The school's pristine, manicured grounds stretched out before him, a stark contrast to his own humble origins.The sprawling campus was adorned with lush green lawns, intricate architecture, and a sense of privilege that hung in the air. The school's towering, ivy-covered buildings exuded an air of tradition and excellence, and the well-manicured gardens spoke of a world far removed from his own.As he gazed at the massive wrought-iron gates, a couple of students, dressed in impeccable uniforms, strolled past him. They exchanged quick glances and hushed comments as they passed, their expressions a mix of curiosity and subtle condescension. It was clear that Liam's presence, in his less refined attire, had not gone unnoticed.Liam felt the weight of their judgme