The jeweler’s eyes sparkled as he examined the small glass bead, growing increasingly fond of it.
Currently, there is nothing like it on the market, and rarity itself is a form of value.
After all, gemstones are just rare stones. It’s their rarity that gives them value and meaning.
The only concern is that this bead is man-made.
If the price of this little thing is driven up, and then suddenly someone can mass-produce it, its rarity will disappear, and the price will plummet, leaving him with nothing.
As if reading the jeweler’s mind, Yang Yu straightened up and politely asked for paper and pen, writing down his current address and pushing the paper forward.
“I’ll be staying in this town for a while, and I’ve already found an inn. If you buy this glass bead and regret it, you can find me anytime within a month, and I guarantee to buy it back at the high price you paid.”
Is there really such a good deal in the world where someone would voluntarily reduce my risk?
The jeweler was somewhat skeptical, but Yang Yu continued to ease his doubts.
“Conversely, if I regret it, I will buy it back at the original price plus an additional 500G. You have plenty of time to find a buyer, and even if you can’t, you won’t suffer any loss. For you, this is a win-win deal.”
There was a charm in Yang Yu’s words that the jeweler found hard to resist. After much consideration, the jeweler wiped his chubby face.
“Name your price! If it sounds reasonable, I’ll buy it.”
“How about ten million?” Yang Yu smiled.
The jeweler almost dropped both his eyes and the glass bead.
“Ten million?! Are you kidding me!”
Yang Yu took a sip of tea, enjoying the jeweler’s stunned expression. “Ten million is a fair price. It would cost more than that to hire a sage who can make such a thing.”
The jeweler hesitated. It wasn’t that he couldn’t come up with ten million, but spending that much on a stone with no known market was daunting.
“Don’t worry, I’m just joking.” Yang Yu laughed. “Besides, having such a large sum in my hands would be counterproductive.”
The jeweler’s expression softened. “So, what do you really want?”
Yang Yu didn’t answer immediately, instead teasing, “I believe with your skills, you could sell this for ten million.”
To be honest, I want to sell it for a higher price myself. But as you can see, I’m currently a bit inconvenienced and lack the channels to sell it to high society. So, I have to rely on you.”
The jeweler didn’t deny it. As a jeweler, he had deep connections with the nobility. Most of those who played with jewelry were prominent figures, not just any passerby.
However, ten million was too high. Even the wealthy would feel the pinch, and selling at that price would require extensive packaging.
Wait, he mentioned wanting to sell it for a higher price but lacking channels. There’s a possibility…
A thought crossed the jeweler’s mind. Carefully observing Yang Yu, he realized that the young man’s demeanor and knowledge didn’t match that of a commoner, nor did they fit his age.
Such intelligence and calmness suggested he was likely a nobleman experiencing rural life.
“I’ll make a new offer, cheaper this time, as a gesture of friendship. How about one hundred thousand?” Yang Yu smiled. “You won’t lose out. You can take this inconspicuous stone to potential buyers. If you can’t sell it, come find me, and I’ll refund the full amount.”
One hundred thousand was a large sum for ordinary people but merely the cost of a slightly expensive carriage for the nobility. Many in high society had jewelry worth more than a couple of houses, so they wouldn’t mind a slightly pricey carriage.
Moreover, investing a hundred thousand in the future was a bargain.
Having made up his mind, the jeweler didn’t hesitate this time and agreed heartily.
“Deal!”
…
Leaving the jewelry store, Yang Yu was quite pleased with himself.
The jeweler wouldn’t have accepted the hundred thousand price initially, but Yang Yu had set an outrageous price first, raising the jeweler’s expectations, making the hundred thousand more acceptable.
His strategy was similar to those shops that write an exorbitant price on the tag, then cross it out and write a lower price like 998.
To be safe, he couldn’t spend the money just yet, but in a few days, it would be his.
Trash is relative. With some effort, you can persuade… no, convince others of its value, and they’ll willingly bite.
If all goes well, once the jeweler raises the price of that glass bead to the sky, Yang Yu can sell the other two beads and make a fortune.
Then, he wouldn’t have to worry about consumables and equipment and could focus on leveling up and gaining skills.
Pocketing the coins, Yang Yu didn’t linger on the street and headed to the adventurer’s guild to register.
The adventurer’s guild resembled a large tavern, bustling even during the day with adventurers drinking. The noise was audible from outside.
Agents and knights came and went, adding new tasks to the board, while well-dressed guild managers maintained order.
“Sir, please place your hand on this crystal ball. It will display your energy level. Based on the evaluation, we’ll determine if you qualify as an adventurer and issue your credentials.”
Following the instructions of the cute receptionist, Yang Yu underwent a simple ability test.
“Strength D, Defense D, Intelligence D, Special Defense E, Agility D. Overall rating D. Congratulations, sir, you have the potential to become a D-rank adventurer. By paying a 100G deposit and signing the agreement, you can join our guild.”
The crystal ball showed five values, marked with broad SABCDEF ranges. An overall D rating was the minimum standard to become an adventurer.
Yang Yu’s current attributes were:
[LV 10 Experience 23/500
Race: Human (Commoner) HP: 210/210 MP: 80/80 Stamina: 98/100
Main Profession: None
Secondary Profession: Apprentice Herbalist (LV 1)
Personal Attributes: Strength 45, Defense 38, Intelligence 21, Special Defense 19, Agility 28, Charisma 8, Endurance 30, Luck 1 (non-allocable)
Free Attribute Points: 50
Resistance: None
Evaluation: Slightly stronger than the average person.]
Though he had leveled up five times by beating slimes, his stats were still unimpressive.
As a commoner, his attributes couldn’t improve significantly. Each level up added only one or two points, and consistent improvement relied on precious free attribute points.
He hadn’t decided on a direction yet, so he kept his free attribute points.
In a permadeath game, every attribute point had to be carefully calculated and used effectively.
As for allocating all free attribute points to one aspect to become the world’s strongest in that area, that could wait for the second playthrough.
After paying the fee and completing the registration to become an adventurer, the long-awaited system voice sounded in his ear:
[You are now a formal adventurer. Only through your hard work can you make a living.
On this long journey, dangers are constant. Having a partner to trust with your back increases your chances of survival.
They can also ease your loneliness and become your emotional support, even warming your bed at night.
How do you plan to recruit your first partner now?
1. Only my defeated enemies can become my teammates. Challenge an adventurer above your rank.
2. Show off your skills by performing a rap while juggling a slime in the guild.
3. True heroes need no friends, becoming a lone wolf.
Time limit: one minute.]