Capítulo 4: Sophie

The Herbalist's name was Arlo, and he was part of the Anti-Noble Organization. He dedicated his life to creating medicine and poisons for the organization. One day, his superior told him to make a deadly poison for the leader's plans. Hearing it was for the leader, Arlo agreed to it. His superior told him to hide out until he was not done creating the poison.

A week later, Arlo was seen in a cabin making his poison until he realized that he needed a test subject for his poison, or else how would he make a breakthrough?

That is where Han comes in. Arlo went looking for a test subject on the streets of the city since he needed a test subject who was loyal. He thought a beggar was a perfect tool to be used and thrown away in the future.

Present time. Arlo came back to his cabin while gripping his case in anger. 'You want me to wait to show you, my results? How ridiculous!' He thought as an idea struck him on how to ease his anger, and he broke into a smirk.

Arlo hurriedly entered the cabin. "I am here. My test subject. "How about I chop up your dead body parts for fun," with a face full of ecstasy he entered the storage room and was shocked to not find the dead body there.

Meanwhile, Han arrived at the village safely. He sat down on the street to catch his breath. 'Now, I think I should go to the merchant carriages right away. What if master comes behind me?' Han calmed down and walked towards the merchant guild. He was not planning to go into the merchant guild but at the back of the guild, there are several carriages lined up that would take you anywhere. Like a taxi. Those greedy merchants will make everything a business and capitalize on it just like how people did in the 21st century.

A Few Minutes Later. Han arrived in front of a 2-story building that had 'Merchant Guild' written on it. It seemed like an old building since it had a chapped exterior and broken windows. 'I thought the merchant guild would have a grand building but since it is in a village, it is ignorable. Anyways it is not like I am going inside', he thought observing the guild.

Han went around the 2-story building reaching the back. The back of the 2-story building was crowded. 6 carriages were lined up and the drivers were calling out prices and their destinations. There are only 6 carriages now but after they leave another 6 replace them. A commendable system indeed.

Han saw various kinds of people some were begging for money so they could get out of this hellhole. Some were happily sitting inside the carriage. 'If I did not have the money I stole, I would be like those guys,' he thought.

Sighing, Han looked towards the beggars and spotted a grandma and her granddaughter begging to a noble. Han knew the man was noble since he was wearing shining clothing and had a stuck-up attitude.

"Please have mercy and donate some money for my granddaughter's future," said the grandma as she pleaded before the noble person. The granddaughter also pleaded while imitating her grandma.

"Just leave me alone. They do not even let you get a ride peacefully these days," said the noble person as he shook the duo off.

The next moment, Han stood before them. 'I don't know if they are faking it or not.' Seeing the grandma's hand tremble, hearing her stutter, and seeing the granddaughter's concern for her grandma he concluded that she is not lying.

The granddaughter and grandma stared at Han blankly not knowing what this hooded man before them wanted. Han dropped a silver coin into their bucket.

The granddaughter's and grandma's eyes nearly popped out seeing the silver coin. "I-I do not need this. It is such a huge amount for this old lady," said the grandma.

"Take it but instead answer my question," said Han. 'I need some basic information, so I will just ask her. Anyways I do not have change for a silver coin.'

"I'll answer anything I can," said the grandma determined holding her granddaughter.

"Do you know which carriage goes to a city that's surrounded by oceans and forests," said Han. He was meticulous about deciding which city to go to since he will be opening his clinic there. He wanted everything to be peaceful as he treats his patients.

"Oh, I know Siron City, it is a city close to the coast. That is what I have heard at least. The driver in the black shirt and a scarf, his carriage goes to Siron, but most people are not able to get on the carriage since that greedy bastard charges a hefty price," said the grandma pointing towards the driver while cussing at him.

'Seems like they were denied sitting in the carriage,' Han thought as he processed the latest information. "Thank you for the information," he said before walking towards the driver.

"What a kind young man", said the grandma smiling. She had never seen a man, thank her, or be kind to her. She had gotten used to people's rough behavior since she went begging at various places.

"Excuse me," said Han grabbing the driver's attention.

"What brings you here young man?" asked the driver as his previous customer left.

"How much does it cost for Siron," Han asked.

"2 silver coins", said the driver with a greedy smile. "I know you can't afford it so go away and disturb someone else," he said with no interest in the latter.

Han almost choked to death. 'How is a carriage ride so expensive even in the 21st century, it was not this expensive. I think 2 silvers equal 126,530 won. This is a huge amount but since I am powerless against them it is best, I just hand the money over and get out of here,' he thought thinking how unfair the system was. It is worse for the homeless people around him.

Sighing Han carefully took out 2 silver coins from underneath his robe since he did not want anyone to see his thick pouch or else, he would be in trouble. 'I don't think I've sighed this much in my whole life,' he thought handing the 2 coins to the driver.

Seeing the coins, immediately the driver's greedy smile appeared back on his face. "Pleasure doing business with you. You may go sit in the carriage. The ride to Siron City is 25 hours if you do not already know. There are already 2 customers inside the carriage sitting and we will depart in 10 minutes", he said pointing at his carriage.

Han nodded. 'Nice timing,' he thought as he went to the carriage and opened its door. The driver was correct since a teenage girl and a boy were sitting there.

Han sat down in the carriage not making a noise. Since he had a hood on nobody wanted to socialize with him and he seemed unapproachable, which was perfect for Han.

The teenage boy and girl gave Han stares when he entered but they minded their own business. 'How about now, can you tell me about yourself,' thought Han.

[Affirmative. The Host is now safe. I am the Host's AI Companion, Sophie. I must support you to build a clinic in this world with the help of your gift].

'Ok, Sophie. What gift? I have not received anything, but I do remember the grey blob saying he would give me something. Is that what you are talking about?' questioned Han remembering the moment he met Mr. Blob.

[Affirmative. Do I have permission to activate your gift?]

'Yes,' thought Han excitedly. He was wondering what the grey blob had gifted him.

[Activating…]

[Clinic System Activated]