Foundations of Fortune

*Year: 18900, Day: Monday, Location: Havenwood*

With each step, Ethan and Gaia were enveloped by the bustling sounds of the village. The clank of blacksmiths' hammers echoed through the streets, intermingling with the chatter of locals in the market. The sweet smell of freshly baked bread and spices filled their nostrils, adding to the lively atmosphere of Havenwood.

As they made their way inside a quaint inn, the gentle rustling of leaves and chirping of birds could be heard in the background. Occasionally, a crow's caw or the skittering of a small animal would break through the peaceful ambiance. Ethan scanned the bustling lobby with interest, taking note of the busy front desk where a beautiful woman sat with a book of booked rooms in front of her.

Her rich, chestnut hair cascaded down her shoulders in soft waves, framing her flawless complexion and warm brown eyes that seemed to sparkle with hospitality. As Ethan approached the desk, she greeted him with a kind smile and asked how she could assist them. A sense of comfort and welcome washed over him as he gazed upon this lovely innkeeper.

Ethan's request was polite yet assertive, conveying his authority effortlessly. "Could you please let us know if there are any available rooms for myself and my assistant? Two separate beds would be ideal. And also, could you provide an estimate for a week's stay?" Gaia quickly grabbed her book to calculate the cost, feeling Ethan's confident presence beside her.

As Ethan finished his question, the innkeeper flipped through her book with long, sharp nails that made a soft rustling sound against the pages. Her eyes scanned the entries with ease before announcing that there was one premium room available. "This room is usually reserved for our high-paying customers, so it may be expensive," she explained professionally. "The price for one night is 7.00 Gilla per day." As she detailed the amenities and prices for their stay, Ethan couldn't help but turn to Gaia with a look of disbelief on his face.

"Wait, how can this be so cheap? How is 7 Gilla considered expensive? I've paid more for a burger." Gaia simply smiled at Ethan's astonishment, jotting down notes on a small pad of paper while the innkeeper finished her explanation with practiced ease. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and warm pastries wafted through the air, adding to the cozy atmosphere of the lobby.

Ethan's eyes narrowed as he spoke, his voice demanding and confident. "I want to rent this room for a month, and I want the breakfast included for both myself and my assistant. Give me the total cost." The inn keeper's eyebrows raised in surprise at the sheer amount of money being discussed. She quickly began calculating, her fingers flying over an abacus as she muttered numbers under her breath. "The room itself will be 217 gilla for a month," she finally said, her tone tinged with awe. "And breakfast will be an additional 62 gilla, at a daily rate of 2 gilla per meal. Altogether, that comes to 279 gilla." Her gaze flicked up to Ethan's face, wondering if he truly intended to spend such a large sum of money on just one month's stay.

Ethan commanded Gaia with a nod, gesturing for her to take the room. As she approached, a holographic display appeared in front of her, visible only to her and Ethan.

*Hud Bar Open: Bank*

Balance: 1.341.000,00 Gilla

Witdrawing: -279 Gilla

Loading, Loading, Loading, Gilla has been witdrawed.

New Balance: 1.340.721,00

*Hud Bar Close*

Gaia confidently slid a wad of cash out from her pocket and placed it onto the wooden table with a satisfying thump. "Here is the money. Can you now show us to our room?" The inn keeper's eyes widened in surprise as she counted out the bills, and the people waiting in line whispered amongst themselves at the sight of such wealth. Jumping up from her seat, the inn keeper beckoned for her staff to assist Ethan and Gaia to their accommodations. She buzzed about, directing them down a narrow hallway lined with intricate tapestries and flickering lanterns until they reached their room, adorned with plush beds and carved wooden furniture. The scent of sweet incense wafted through the air, enveloping them in a sense of luxury and comfort. As they settled in, Gaia couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction at the success of their journey thus far.

Ethan surveyed the room with a critical eye, noting every detail from the thread count of the sheets to the craftsmanship of the furniture. He was impressed by the quality of the accommodations despite the modest price. Gaia, on the other hand, couldn't contain her excitement as she bounced on the edge of one of the beds, testing its softness with a delighted grin.

As they unpacked their belongings, Ethan's mind was already several steps ahead, strategizing their next moves in this unfamiliar territory. "Gaia, we need to gather information about this realm, its power structure, and any potential threats," he stated with authority.

Gaia nodded eagerly, her eyes shining with determination. "I'll start asking around the inn and nearby shops. People tend to gossip, and I might pick up some useful tidbits."

While Gaia set off on her fact-finding mission, Ethan settled at a small desk in the corner of the room. He activated his Global Bank interface, a holog

raphic display unfolding before him, showcasing a myriad of data and options. His fingers deftly navigated through the menus, pulling up maps of the region, economic trends, and even snippets of local news.

As he delved deeper into the information available to him, Ethan's keen analytical mind began to piece together a clearer picture of the world around him. He discovered hints of political unrest in the nearby city-state of Aventura, whispers of a mysterious figure amassing power in the shadows, and rumors of long-forgotten ruins holding untold treasures.

With each revelation, Ethan's determination only grew stronger. This new realm was a complex system waiting to be understood and mastered, and he was ready to unlock its secrets one by one. The thrill of the challenge coursed through his veins, setting his mind ablaze with possibilities.

Meanwhile, Gaia returned to the room with a trove of information she had gleaned from her interactions with the locals. Excitedly, she shared

After listening to Gaia's long and confusing explanation of her findings, Ethan couldn't help but feel a little lost. But with the help of the Global Banker and his own investigation, things were starting to become clearer.

"Wow," he exclaimed, scratching his head in awe. "This world is really something! I mean, I still don't fully understand it, but I think I have a general grasp of how things work now."

A mischievous glint appeared in his eye as an idea formed in his mind. "Hey, Gaia," he said, turning to his companion. "I have a brilliant plan. Let's start our own mercenary business in this world. Think about it - we have the skills, the knowledge, and now thanks to the Global Banker, we even have enough money to build a capital! And with some left over for partying, of course."

He grinned at Gaia, waiting eagerly for her response. "What do you say? Are you ready to be partners in crime and take on this crazy world together?"

Gaia glanced at Ethan, her lips curling into a forced smile. "I don't have a choice. I am bound to you and the global banker, seeing as I am the global banker." She chuckled lightly. "But hey, let's make the best of it." Ethan joined in with a laugh. "It's time to start planning for our future," he said, gazing out the window at the small village below.

*Year: 18900, Day: Monday, Location: Havenwood Inn*