Adrian stepped through the Academy’s towering gates, the pass in his [Inventory] granting him passage into the city.
The world beyond was a vibrant contrast to the Academy’s stone walls.
Sunlight spilled across cobblestone streets, glinting off the polished surfaces of dignified carriages rolling past.
The air carried the scent of blooming jasmine from nearby gardens, mingling with the faint tallic tang of enchanted goods sold in distant stalls.
Colorful banners fluttered from poles, advertising festivals and rchant wares, while the chatter of passersby wove a lively tapestry of sound.
The capital city pulsed with life, its grandeur a testant to its status as a hub of comrce.
Adrian flagged down a carriage, which demanded five gold coins for a ride.
The price was ridiculously expensive for the distance, but he had more than enough to spare so he was able to pay it without much complaining.
The carriage soon reached its destination, and Adrian stepped out, his eyes widening at the sight before him.
The Adventurer’s Association headquarters was a marvel, dwarfing the modest branch in Eldergrove.
Arched windows frad in mythril glead under the midday sun, and twin statues of armored knights flanked the entrance, their stone eyes seeming to track every passerby.
The plaza itself bustled with activity — adventurers in gleaming armor or flowing robes moved purposefully, so clutching mission parchnts, others hauling sacks of loot.
The air thrumd with mana, thicker here than anywhere Adrian had been, a testant to the Association’s role as the heart of Thanad’s adventuring world.
Adrian squared his shoulders and walked inside, blending into the stream of adventurers. The interior was just as grand, with vaulted ceilings adorned with murals of legendary battles.
Mission boards lined one wall, their surfaces cluttered with parchnts detailing bounties, hunts, and escorts.
So adventurers pored over them, muttering about rewards, while others bartered with clerks or lounged in clusters, swapping stories.
Adrian’s gaze settled on the receptionist’s counter, where a young woman with neatly braided hair stood beside it, her smile warm but professional.
He approached the counter, hoping she would be friendlier than the one he was used to in Eldergrove.
"I’m Adrian," he said, clearing his throat. "I would like to et the Director for important business."
The receptionist glanced at a parchnt on her desk and her brow furrowed.
"Wait, are you sure you are Adrian?"
Before he could respond, she reached under the counter and pulled out a Communicator. Adrian’s chest swelled with quiet joy seeing his invention in use.
She activated it, speaking clearly. "Director, he’s here. A boy claiming to be Adrian wants to et you."
A voice crackled through, loud and enthusiastic. "What? He’s here? What are you waiting for? Bring him to my office!"
The receptionist flushed, offering an apologetic smile.
"Right away, Master Adrian. Follow ."
She stepped out from behind the counter, leading him through a side corridor lined with paintings of high officials.
She knocked on a heavy oak door, and a voice called, "Co in!"
Adrian stepped inside, his breath catching at the office’s grandeur. The room was vast, its walls lined with shelves of ancient tos and glowing artifacts.
A massive desk of polished ebony dominated the center.
Every detail scread wealth and power, yet the air felt welcoming.
"Adrian, you’re here!" a cheerful voice broke his reverie. The Director, a broad-shouldered man with a neatly trimd beard and twinkling eyes, rose from behind the desk.
"Co, take a seat!"
Adrian noted the man’s infectious enthusiasm which was surprising as this was their first ti eting, but he crossed the room and settled into a cushioned chair opposite the desk.
The Director’s warmth put him at ease, though he remained alert and kept his expression neutral, ready to negotiate.
"I’m so glad you made it," the Director began, leaning forward.
"Thank you for coming. We received ten sets of your Communicators from Eldergrove, and they’re a sensation. Everyone wants them — adventurers, rchants, even the guard. We need more, Adrian. Tell you’ve got them."
Adrian leaned back, making himself comfortable. "Yes, I have more. I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t."
The Director’s smile widened. "What quantity are you ready to provide?"
"For a start, I can supply 140 Communicators," Adrian said with a steady voice. "I’ll do so at the base price of 1,400 2-Star Magic Crystals."
The Director’s grin remained on, but before he could respond, Adrian raised a hand. "There’s more. I need sothing from you in return."
The Director coughed, his enthusiasm tempered by curiosity. "Go on. I’m listening."
Adrian pretended to reach into his pocket, but reached into his [Inventory] instead, retrieving a ticulously crafted list he’d prepared for this mont.
He handed it over, watching the Director’s eyes scan the parchnt. The list was extensive with rare tals, herbs, and even minerals he had only heard about with his knowledge, most demanded in tons.
So he had no imdiate use for, but he had included them for future projects. The estimated cost of everything should be nearly a million gold coins.
The Director’s brows furrowed as he read. "Adrian, this is... excessive."
Adrian yawned, feigning nonchalance. "I wasn’t done. You’re not just buying materials; you’re paying for our partnership. I’ll be giving you exclusive rights to market my products. You’ll spread the brand and act as a middleman for any alliances you form. I retain control over my own alliances, of course."
He had thought this through carefully. The deal was a calculated move to fuel his ambitions. The Tech Core’s [System Factory] needed upgrades, which required TP earned through spreading his inventions.
Upgrading the [System Factory] would boost his productivity, letting him churn out Communicators, mana bulbs, mana fans, and detectors at scale.
More TP also ant unlocking advanced knowledge from the [System Store].
This partnership was a win-win, mostly for him. The Association gained a revolutionary product line, and Adrian got the resources and exposure to skyrocket his growth.
The Director’s expression shifted from skepticism to delight. "This is brilliant," he said, slapping the desk.
"We’ve been exploring this idea since Eldergrove’s reports, but I wasn’t sure you’d agree. We’ll arrange a eting with the King to discuss your products. If you deliver, this could change everything."
"Don’t worry about my end," Adrian said confidently. "More products are coming — mana bulbs, mana fans, mana detectors, Communicators, basic and advanced. I’ll flood the market soon, but I need ti. Start sourcing those materials now."
The Director nodded, then hesitated. "Where will we deliver tons of materials to? Do you have a place?"
Adrian froze. He couldn’t reveal that he had a pocket dinsion with infinite storage defying logic in the form of his [Inventory].
After a mont’s thought, he said, "I’ll book rooms at an inn. When they’re ready, I’ll let you know where to deliver."
The Director’s brow furrowed, clearly doubting the practicality, but he relented.
"Fine. And the Communicators, you don’t have them now, do you?"
Adrian shook his head. "They’ll be delivered when I pick up the materials."
Standing, the Director extended a hand. "It was a pleasure, Adrian. Eldergrove’s reports didn’t exaggerate. It’s hard to believe you’re so young."
Adrian nodded, ignoring the backhanded complint. "I’d prefer the materials by Saturday. Possible?"
"Yes, yes," the Director said eagerly. "We’ll start imdiately."
Adrian left the office, his mind buzzing with plans. As he reentered the main hall, his eyes lingered on the mission board.
He still had to test his Power Suit’s upgrades. But that could wait.
His [Inventory] pinged with notifications; the Communicator he’d left active was buzzing with incoming calls.
"They must have been waiting," Adrian muttered. "Let’s get this over with."
Adrian stepped out of the Adventurer’s Association, the city’s vibrant energy enveloping him once more.
The sun hung high, casting golden rays across the bustling plaza, where rchants hawked enchanted trinkets and adventurers bartered loudly.
[11:24 AM]
His Communicator had been buzzing insistently in his [Inventory], demanding attention.
He retrieved it, its sleek design a familiar weight in his hand, and activated the connection. A voice crackled through, urgent but respectful.
"Master Adrian, are you still coming?"
"Yes, I’m on my way," Adrian replied, keeping his tone even. "Where are we eting?"
"The Gilded Tankard," the voice answered promptly. "Private room, second floor."
"Okay, I’ll be there soon," Adrian said before disconnecting.
The Gilded Tankard was a well-known inn in the capital city. He flagged down another carriage, handing over three gold coins this ti.
The carriage rattled through the city’s winding streets, passing vibrant market stalls and towering spires, arriving at the inn in no ti.
Adrian stepped inside, the scent of ale and roasted at greeting him. He climbed the stairs to the second floor, quickly spotting the private room’s door.
Pushing it open, he found a small group seated around a polished table, their faces lighting up as he entered.
They rose, offering greetings, and Adrian nodded, settling into a chair to begin the discussion.
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