Path to Prosperity - B1 Chapter 17

After fighting, running around, replenishing his mana, and experimenting with his Ego, Percy was hungry again.

He considered going to Leonhard first but stopped by Bertha’s diner when a waft of herbs and cooked meat splashed into his face. Percy spent half an hour – and a few copper coins – before leaving the Angel’s Brew Inn. He stayed at the Inn for another night, spending seven copper coins before he paved his way to Leonhard. 

The baker didn’t expect him today but was pleasantly surprised about Percy’s appearance. He teased Percy, who retrieved several coins to purchase some of his more expensive pastries. Since his mana replenished faster with a full stomach, Percy didn’t hesitate to fill his tummy with delicious food in the Angel’s Brew Inn and the bakery.

His stomach was full, his mana stirred vigorously, and he was in a great mood. The only issue was his coin pouch. He spent 11 copper coins in the Angel’s Brew Inn – including the room for the night – and six copper coins buying some of the more expensive cookies. It was the most costly food Percy had eaten since he could remember. The prices were outrageous, but the taste was heavenly, and his stomach was happy.

Last, Percy wasn’t the same as he used to be. His mindset was still poor and required more time to adjust, but his coin pouch and pockets were bound to be filled by the end of the day. Or maybe not.

Once he finished his purchases, Percy talked a little longer with Leonhard. The baker was the first to help Percy when he gained access to mana. He was most grateful to him.

“I know I’m not strong, and I don’t have much money to give you, but is there anything you need help with? I don’t know anything about baking or the baking business but I want to help you
” Percy declared as they chatted.

Even though Percy didn’t have much to talk about other than giving great detailed reports about his fights and the sensation of mana coursing through his veins, he was fairly good at listening.

“You want to help me? That’s not necessary. You’ve been buying lots of pastry and bread already,” Leonhard waved his hand dismissively but noticed Percy’s intense stare with a wry smile, “Are you sure?”

Percy nodded, the determination in his eyes burning fiercely.

Leonhard chuckled and patted Percy’s back, “If you want to help me, how about you grow stronger? Once you’re strong enough to search the forest for magical herbs. I’ve been experimenting with some recipes to add more nutrients and magical properties to them, but most products fail.”

“Imagine recuperating mana from eating a cookie or accelerating your natural regeneration by munching a cake!” 

“You want to mix alchemy with baking?” Percy asked curiously.

“Not exactly, but I noticed some herbs have a strong effect if treated in a specific way. I can combine these treatments into the cooking process to create fairly priced mana-infused baking products,” Leonhard exclaimed, his entire being filled with excitement, “The only issue is that most herbs and other products are quite expensive. They’re not uncommon, but too many monsters can be found near them. It’s difficult to reach and collect them without damaging their magical properties. Thus, the merchants and Guild are selling them for a disgustingly high price, and only in small quantities.”

Percy nodded, still smiling.

“You want me to find those herbs for you?” 

“That would be great. I will still pay you for putting your life in danger – I would go myself but had to give up my career as an Adventurer because of an injury – but I would appreciate your help. Of course, only once you’re strong enough to enter the forest freely,” Leonhard said, his voice filled with complex emotions when he mentioned his injury.

Percy didn’t ask anything but continued listening.

“If you could accept my request at the Guild, you can also gain some experience collecting the herbs and other plants I need.”

Suddenly, seeing the glimmer in Percy’s eyes, Leonhard hesitated.

“No. Forget about that. Don’t help me.” 

Seeing the fire in Percy’s eyes, he winced, “Ignore my request!”

“Why? I can do it! I want to help you!” 

“No! Leave
 I have work to do!” 

Leonhard’s attitude changed drastically. His kind smile was replaced by anger. However, the anger wasn’t directed at Percy. It was directed at himself.

“But I–...”

“Leave!!” Leonhard bellowed suddenly. Percy flinched and stepped back as a wave of mana erupted from Leonhard. He swallowed hard, his expression twisted beyond comparison.

What is wrong? Percy wanted to ask, but he didn’t dare to. He retreated further and reached the door to leave the bakery.

“I
will be back tomorrow
put some cookies aside for me
please
” Percy swallowed hard. He had no clue what was going on but decided to run. Maybe Leonhard would be in a better mood tomorrow.

He left in a hurry, leaving the baker alone in his little shop.

I can look for his request at the Guild and help him even if he says he doesn’t need my help right now. But why was he so angry? 

Percy walked through Raewood, still thinking about the baker’s behavior, until he reached the butcher’s shop. It was unlikely that Kevin would be done before afternoon, but Percy gave it a try. He entered the shop, hoping Kevin would distract him. The baker’s mood swings bothered him.

“You are early,” Kevin greeted him. Percy smiled, but his mind was still with Leonhard, “But I’m already done. The Berserk Rabbits were easier to dissect than the last batch.”

He smiled at Percy and ignored the youth’s somber expression, “I will keep the meat, organs, brain, and bones again. Here are 17 copper coins for the meat, excluding the discount for my pay, and the pelt, eyes, and paws.”

He earned as much as he’d spent in the last hour. 

And I have yet to battle with Erdwin.

Percy’s lips curled up in amusement. He studied the interfaces for every body part intently and licked his lips. It was time to get some money from Erdwin!

It didn’t take long to collect everything in his bag. Once everything was stored, he waved Butcher Kevin goodbye and left. His journey was short, and he ended up unpacking everything on Erdwin’s counter.

“You’re back already. Let me che–...” Erdwin couldn’t even finish the sentence when Percy intervened.

“120 copper coins for everything.” 

Erdwin raised an eyebrow. He grunted and complained about the younger generation's rudeness but continued inspecting the goods.

“I can give you 60 copper.”

“Nope. Yesterday, you said you would give me two copper coins for a Berserk Rabbit’s eyeball. Each eyeball! And there are two eyeballs of better quality than the rest, so I’m asking for 20 copper coins for all eyeballs. The quality of the other items is the same – if not better – than the goods I sold you yesterday. I made sure to avoid damaging the fur as much as possible,” Percy shook his head and lifted one finger, “One silver for everything, or I will pack up and go to the Guild.”

Erdwin scrutinized Percy for what felt like an eternity before he chuckled lightly.

“That’s fair,” He retrieved one silver from his pocket and slid it across the counter.

Percy pocketed the silver quickly before Erdwin could change his mind.

“You’re still a rookie, but it’s surprising how fast you’re improving,” The merchant noted as he packed the body parts.

“I’m not that strong yet. Berserk Rabbits are simple to hunt once you know how they move,” Percy shook his head, but Erdwin shook his head.

“I never talked about your hunting skills,” He smiled, “Your bartering skills are improving fast. Most wouldn’t be able to change this quickly. Your demeanor is nothing like it used to be, which is a little shocker. Nobody changes overnight. At least, that’s not how it is supposed to be possible.”

Erdwin shrugged, “But maybe you’ve always been confident, and your only issue was that everyone around you was either stronger or an ass. I don’t know about your past, and I’m not going to question you, but I’m curious about your future.” 

Percy didn’t expect that and stared blankly at Erdwin, who chuckled, “Maybe I was a little hasty with my assessment.”

“Do you want to purchase something, or will I see you again tomorrow?” Erdwin changed the subject.

Percy was about to unsheath the iron dagger and show it to Erdwin to appraise the weapon and maybe even sell it to purchase something of better quality, but he hesitated. 

Wouldn’t it be weird if my dagger changed suddenly? I was poor until a few days ago, and Erdwin knows that. He knows I shouldn’t have an iron dagger like that
 No. Don’t show it yet.

He smiled at the merchant and nodded, “I should be back tomorrow. My bartering skills won’t improve on their own, after all.”

Percy left Erdwin behind, ignoring the merchant’s hideous grin.

He retrieved the silver coin from his pouch in his room in the Angel’s Brew Inn. Putting aside that he earned a little fortune in half a day, Percy was more interested in the coin’s interface.

[Silver Coin – Ordinary – 105 Prosperity]

Percy rubbed his eyes, but nothing changed. The silver coin could be consumed for 105 Prosperity. That was
unexpected. 

One silver is worth 100 copper coins. But 100 copper is worth 100 Prosperity, yet the silver coin is worth 105 Prosperity


Percy tilted his head, his mind drifting farther than usual, “Does the same apply to gold?”

He chuckled lightly, “I’m getting ahead of myself again.”

At first, Percy considered going to another merchant to purchase cheap leather armor. Today’s battle showed Percy that he was still too weak and that his body needed additional protection. After upgrading his dagger, Percy felt more protected. However, he was not satisfied. His survivability was still not high enough. 

Therefore, instead of going down the same path as others – to purchase some leather armor – Percy decided to tread a different path.

Darkness shot out of his palm, swallowing the silver coin before he could have any second thoughts.

[Silver Coin has been consumed. 105 Prosperity has been added.]

Once the silver coin was consumed and the Prosperity added, Percy used [Consume] again. He applied [Consume] on Prosperity and summoned his interface.

[75 Prosperity has been deducted.]

[Your Tier increased by one rank]

I thought it would cost 100 Pros—

His thought was interrupted by an incoming stream of mana. There was so much of it, and everything was absorbed greedily.

Percy shuddered in excitement as the cooling sensation stirred inside him. The streams of mana entering his body swept through him and merged with the mana Percy had accumulated since this morning.

His body creaked and groaned, draining his nutrients to strengthen Percy rapidly.

It wasn’t a surprise to him when his stomach grumbled again. He got up, ready to return to Bertha and eat something.

Still, he sighed deeply.

“I just ate something
”

Unfortunately, his body didn’t care. It was in dire need of nutrients. As for Percy, he required a more muscular body. 

Eating, no matter how expensive it would be, was bound to help him achieve that.