Chapter 18: Dolly

Thanks to the cash I raked in from those Copper Necklaces, my bankroll got a nice boost. I won't be rolling in dough, but it's enough to stroll through this bazaar with a sense of decent shopping power.

Nighttime is when things really heat up in the game. That's when all sorts of funky shops pop up that you can't find during the day. Not to mention, if you're a foodie in the game, you're in for a treat. Food joints come alive at night, and it's like a food lover's paradise. It's the prime time for lovebirds too, with so many food stalls around – just like how it happens in the real world.

Right now, it's all NPCs doing the vending, but as some players level up and unlock the Merchant EX Job, they can start their own businesses. It's all about making that extra moolah without going on monster-slaying sprees. You get to play the game your way.

I wasn't a part of the OG player crew, so it blew my mind to see all these players turning into merchants with the Merchant EX Job. Back in the day, they were the economy's puppet masters. Sometimes, they even teamed up with NPCs, raking in more cash. And every now and then, they'd hit the big leagues and become famous if their business took off like a rocket.

Based on your style and the need for a serious yet casual tone, here's an improved and more engaging version of your text:

As far as I've observed, most players in the [Merchant] category who prefer to run their own shops aren't exactly the adventurer types. Combat skills don't seem to be their forte. Instead, they opt for the simpler route to making in-game currency. But just like in real life, getting rich in this virtual world doesn't happen overnight. It takes a good head for business. Unfortunately, I'm no business tycoon myself, so that path isn't for me.

For those who might be scratching their heads, let me clarify what Extra Jobs, or as we commonly call them, EX Jobs, are all about. They're like the side gigs of the gaming world, and they're not tied to your class. If I remember correctly, in MMORPGs, they call these Life Skills. But since they act like a job rather than a skill, they are called Extra Jobs or EX Jobs. In fact, you can juggle multiple EX Jobs if you want. They offer more than just a break from the usual adventure, quests, and monster-slaying routine. Some of them can actually come in handy during your adventures, so grabbing one early on is a smart move.

Now, here's the exciting part – there are some unique EX Jobs that you can score by completing special tasks or helping out NPCs. So, it's worth exploring the game world to unearth these hidden gems.

EX Jobs also offers an interesting way to level up for players who aren't big on combat. You've got two options: you can either grind your way through [Ex Job Experience], which not only boosts your EX Job skills but also levels up your character and lets you beef up your stats. But here's the catch – if you decide to pick fights with monsters, you'll earn experience at a slower rate to keep things fair.

As for combat enthusiasts like me, our XP is all about the battles. Once you've made your choice, there's no turning back. So, it's essential to think it through – whether you want to gain experience by tackling tasks in your EX Jobs or by going head-to-head with monsters. The choice is yours, and it's a decision that'll shape your in-game journey.

I combed through every nook and cranny of both NPC and player stalls, hunting for that perfect piece of loot. I was on the lookout for rare finds and beginner essentials that could come in handy down the line. Who knew what hidden gems might be lurking among the wares?

As I strolled from one stall to the next, my attention was snagged by a spirited dispute between a player and an NPC stall owner. There was no mistaking the voice, even though the girl had her back to me. I'd recognize her anywhere.

"Why can't I snag this deal? It's listed at 200 copper, but when I handed over 2 silver, you turned up your nose at it. Isn't the exchange rate 100:1? 100 copper equals 1 silver, right? So, what's the holdup?" The girl, with her violet hair swaying and pointy elf-like ears, argued while clutching a bracelet. Judging by the bracelet's appearance, it was the [Shiny Copper Bracelet], a budget-friendly must-have for budding magicians. No wonder she was locked in a heated debate with the stall owner. This particular stall only dealt in specific currencies.

"Even if they're equivalent, I don't do business with silver in this stall. So, when I say copper, it's 100 copper or nothing, not 2 silver," the stubborn old man asserted.

The girl seemed poised to keep arguing, but my sudden arrival cut her off mid-rant. I couldn't stand idly by watching this foolhardy squabble escalate. Knowing her personality, it could go on till kingdom come if left unchecked, with or without the morning sun in the sky.

"Hey, old man, here's the 200 copper. Pass it on to her. Let's cut the bickering; it's scaring off the customers."

She had her back turned, so my approach caught her by surprise. I watched as she turned around, her eyes widening as I handed over the copper coins.

"Huh, you could've just borrowed some change from your buddy and saved us all the drama. Anyway, it's yours now."

The store owner handed her the bracelet, and she finally turned her attention towards me. Her genuine astonishment was clear as day.

"Man with a Mission?"

My expression twitched. While my style might resemble that band, my pure white wolf mask was a far cry from their gray wolf-inspired ones. Though she didn't recognize me yet, I knew her both in the game and in real life. She was one of the few friends I had outside the virtual realm.

Riko Akusabe.

In the past timeline, she met a tragic end in a car crash just a year later. She was a skilled player, a Magician class, dependable in battles. She was more than just a fellow player; she was a friend, a trusty buddy, along with another guy. The only thing that marred her life was her untimely death, a result of a bitter argument with her parents over marriage. If not for that fateful clash, she might still be with us today.

Now, here I am, facing her in-game avatar, Dolly. Her expression holds a mix of anger and curiosity as she looks at me.

We both move to the side of a virtual stall, and our conversation begins. I can almost predict her reaction to my offer of help, but I say it anyway, as I've anticipated.

"Hey, are you trying to make a move on me? Sorry, but I'm not looking for a partner in the game. I'm here to enjoy life and escape reality, not get tangled up in that stuff."

"Uh... you might be mistaken. I don't have any intention of asking you out, and frankly, you guys were being annoying. That's why I stepped in. So don't get the wrong idea about me hitting on you. I'm not in the market for a partner at the moment either."

"But it was the store owner who started it all, not me. I didn't make a mess," she pouts.

"Listen, in the Bazaar, some stalls have those kinds of policies. You either pay up or move on. Arguing with them isn't worth it."

"Ugh, who came up with this annoying rule? It's totally unnecessary."

"Don't look at me, I'm just a player, not a game developer. If you want answers, you'll have to ask the game's author," I shrug.

With that, I step back into the bustling virtual street.

"W-wait! What about the payment?" Dolly asks.

I wave my hand and offer a casual smile.

"Don't sweat it. Just enjoy the new equipment."

And with that, I vanish into the crowd. It's not just about helping a friend; it's about changing her fate. I don't want her to meet the same tragic end as before, and if I succeed, I'll be saving two lives.

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