As Twig approached the city, he could finally make out the reddish stone of the castle and the great fortress walls standing on the edge of two converging rivers.
"Damn… if I had just followed the river, I'd have gotten here much sooner," he muttered.
He scanned the area until he spotted a cobbled road leading to a bridge — and beyond it, the main gate.
At the entrance, guards checked everyone coming and going. They were decently equipped for a local defense force, their armor and helmets marked with symbols resembling fish. They inspected belongings, wagons, and, occasionally some identities.
"Let's see if this is going to be a problem," Twig thought.
He straightened his posture, adjusted his cloak, and joined the short line of travelers waiting to enter. A few poorly dressed wanderers stepped aside, giving him room to pass. Maybe they thought he was a noble or a merchant with coin to spare — someone worth flattering.
Twig didn't bother to correct them. He just walked forward.
One of the guards, finished with the previous traveler, turned his attention toward him.
"Hold there! You, step forward!" the guard commanded in a firm voice.
Twig advanced calmly, confidence in each step. "Greetings, guard. My name is Robert."
"Robert, huh?" The man's eyes swept him from head to toe. "And what's your purpose in Riverrun?"
"I'm a merchant," Twig replied evenly. "Here to do business, and then I'll be on my way."
The guard frowned. "A merchant? Where's your cargo? Your guards? You came alone?"
"I'm not with a caravan," Twig said smoothly. "I work as a scout, checking routes before the caravan travels them. I'm here to see if Riverrun has good trading prospects. I brought only a few samples."
He opened his satchel, revealing a small lump of ore — something like iron — and a glass bottle. The glass shimmered faintly in the sunlight.
The guard leaned closer. "That's Myrish glass… and the ore — is it iron?"
"Yes, just a few pieces," Twig said. "I intend to show them to local traders, test the market, maybe open a future trade route. That's my goal here. Satisfied?"
The guard studied him closely. He was well-dressed, polite — yet something about him was off. Too composed. Too sharp.
He couldn't quite guess the boy's age: fifteen? Eighteen? Maybe twenty? He was tall for a youngster. What the guard didn't know was that the "merchant" before him was only twelve.
The guard hesitated. Twig could see it — that flicker of unease.
"What else do you need to let me through?" Twig asked, his tone firm but calm.
The guard blinked, snapping back to attention. "Entry toll. Five copper coins to enter, ten to leave for merchants."
"Five coppers, huh?" Twig said, fishing into his pouch. "That's a problem. I've only got silver."
He pulled out a single coin and held it out. "This should cover it. Keep the change."
The guard froze for a moment. A silver coin was far more than necessary. Between the stranger's sharp eyes and casual generosity, unease crept into the man's gut.
To buy time, he asked, "You said you're a merchant scout. But where's your horse? You didn't walk here, did you?"
Twig thought fast. "My horse died on the way."
"Died?"
"Old age," Twig said with a faint sigh. "The road was long, and I ran out of feed near the end. Poor beast didn't make it. Since I was already close, I came on foot to survey the city. Pure coincidence."
The guard said nothing, weighing the coin in his palm.
"I'll be buying a new horse — maybe two or three," Twig added. "You never know when one might drop dead again."
The guard shrugged, pocketing the coin. "You've paid. Go on in."
Twig nodded once and crossed through the gate.
The guard watched him go, waited until the next traveler stepped forward — then turned and knocked on a nearby door.
"Come in," a voice said from inside.
He entered. Another man sat behind a desk — older, sharper, clearly the captain.
"Captain, I think we might have a problem."
"A problem?" the captain asked, looking up from his papers.
"Yes. Some strange merchant just entered the city. I questioned him, but he was evasive. Paid more than the toll — tried to end the conversation fast. And his eyes…"
"His eyes?"
The guard hesitated. "Sharp, sir. Like yours."
The captain frowned. "Like mine, huh? Did he give a name?"
"Yes, sir. Robert. Claimed to be a scout for a caravan. Said his horse died and that he came to buy new ones — maybe assess Riverrun as a trade route."
The captain rubbed his chin. "Strange story indeed. Gather two or three men. Keep an eye on him, but don't get too close. Could be a spy from another house. Better safe than sorry."
"Yes, captain."
The guard saluted and left.
Twig, unaware of the quiet stir he'd caused, wandered through the lower district. The streets near the gate were mostly military — barracks, armories, stables. Not the kind of place to trade.
"Guess the marketplace is deeper inside," he thought.
He spotted a young man with brown hair and plain clothes. "Hey, you there."
The boy turned. "Yes, sir?"
"I'm looking for the merchants' quarter. Can you take me there?"
The youth's eyes brightened. "Sure. If you pay me."
"Pay you?" Twig arched an eyebrow.
"Well… you don't expect me to work for free, do you?"
Twig smirked. "Fair enough. Lead the way. I'll pay you a coin."
They cut through narrow alleys between stone walls and low houses until they reached a more bustling area — stalls, makeshift shops, the faint smell of ale and livestock.
With a coin in hand, Twig asked, "Do you know where I can buy good horses?"
The boy pointed toward a building at the far end of the lane. "That one back there, near the corner. I think they sell horses. At least, they used to. I've never had the coin to buy one myself."
"Perfect. Here's your payment. Thanks, kid."
The boy froze. He'd expected copper. But in his hand gleamed silver. His jaw dropped.
By the time he looked up to speak — maybe to tell Twig he'd overpaid — the stranger was gone. Vanished into the crowd.
Twig wasted no time. He headed straight for the building the boy had pointed to. Inside, an old man sat behind a counter on a rocking chair.
"Good evening," Twig said, stepping inside.
The old man looked up and brightened at the sight of a well-dressed visitor. He rose slowly, joints creaking. "Evening, young master. Looking to buy a horse?"
"Yes," Twig replied. "Three, actually. Do you have that many for sale?"
The old man blinked. "Three horses? At once? Traveling alone, are you?"
"Just me. But I'd like to see all three."
"Well then, follow me."
He led Twig through a small door into the stable. There were five horses total — three tied, two roaming freely.
"Not much of a herd," the man admitted. "That one there's the oldest." He pointed to a brown one. "These two are younger. And that dark one's my best — strong, healthy, just needs discipline. He'll take you anywhere."
Twig looked over the rest — piebalds, mixed coats of white and brown, black and chestnut. Ordinary stock.
"I'll take the old one, the young strong one, and one of the piebalds," Twig decided. "Three in total. What's your price?"
"Horses aren't cheap, sir," the man warned. "Thirty silver for the old one, fifty for the young, forty for the piebald. One hundred and twenty silver altogether."
Twig's eye twitched. "That's… steep."
He exhaled softly. "That's a generous price, my friend, but I don't have that much coin on me. Perhaps we can deal with something else of value."
The old man frowned inwardly. Great, another wanderer without money. But he stayed polite.
Twig reached into his bag. "I have this. Maybe it'll serve for the exchange."
He held up an emerald — large, flawless, shimmering green light across the stable.
The old man's breath caught.
"You'd trade this for three horses? Are you certain?"
"If I weren't, I wouldn't offer," Twig said coolly. "So… do we have a deal?"
The man examined the gem closely, turning it under the lamplight. It was perfect — pure color, sharp cut, not a single crack.
He swallowed hard. "Fine cut… deep color… no blemishes."
Finally, he looked up, smiling nervously. "I suppose we can include saddles, reins, and feed, can't we?"
"Of course," Twig replied. "Since the deal's done, I'll take everything that goes with them. The day's almost over — I won't leave tonight. Have them ready by morning, and we'll call it square. I trust that emerald covers all costs?"
"Y-yes," the old man stammered. "They'll be ready at dawn, I promise."
"Good." Twig's voice turned calm but firm. "I'm trusting you with this gem. The horses are mine. Do your part right, and I'll do mine. Understood?"
The man felt a chill down his spine. "Understood, young master. No problems, I swear it. They'll be ready for travel tomorrow."
"Excellent. One last favor — could you recommend an inn nearby? A decent one."
"There's a good one near the start of the merchants' quarter," the man said quickly. "Follow the road back; you'll see it easily."
"Much appreciated," Twig said with a small nod.
He left the stable and stepped back into the dim streets.
[Ding!]
Congratulations, Host! Quest objective complete. Transaction successful. Three horses acquired.
[Ding!] Class unlocked: Merchant.
Twig smiled faintly. "That's it. Mission complete."
He followed the street toward the inn, entered quietly, and looked for a table in the corner. Before he could call anyone, a young woman approached with a tray.
"Welcome, young master. We have wine and bread. What else would you like?"
"What's on the menu?"
"Chicken broth, hearty soup, and roasted boar."
"I'll have some of each," Twig said, placing a silver coin on the tray. "This should cover it."
The girl's eyes widened. "Thank you so much!"
She hurried off, and Twig leaned back, exhaling slowly. The inn smelled of stew and wood smoke — warm, inviting.
His gaze drifted across the room.
Yeah… there they are. The guards. Do they really think I wouldn't notice them tailing me? he thought, amused. Well, I'm just doing exactly what I told them I'd do — nothing suspicious at all. They'll lose interest soon enough.
He folded his arms and smirked.
"Alright then. Time to see what this Merchant class can actually do. System — open skill list: Merchant."
⚖️ [Enlarge Weight Limit] (Passive)
Increases maximum carrying capacity.
Level 1: Weight capacity +25%
Level 2: Weight capacity +50%
Level 3: Weight capacity +75%
Level 4: Weight capacity +100%
Level 5: Weight capacity +150%
🪙 [Discount] (Passive)
Allows the user to obtain reduced prices from Kafra shops and services.
Also reduces the cost of skills that consume financial resources by 50% (1/2) of the discount percentage provided by the skill's level.
In addition, it reduces SP consumption of other skills by 25% (1/4) of that same discount percentage.
Level 1: Prices reduced by 4%
Level 2: Prices reduced by 8%
Level 3: Prices reduced by 12%
Level 4: Prices reduced by 16%
Level 5: Prices reduced by 20%
Level 6: Prices reduced by 24%
Level 7: Prices reduced by 28%
Level 8: Prices reduced by 32%
Level 9: Prices reduced by 36%
Level 10: Prices reduced by 40%
💹 [Overcharge] (Passive)
Increases profits when selling loot to Kafra shops.
Also boosts the damage of skills that consume Zeny by 50%, and increases the damage of other skills by 25% of that same increased amount.
Level 1: Sell price +4%
Level 2: Sell price +8%
Level 3: Sell price +12%
Level 4: Sell price +16%
Level 5: Sell price +20%
Level 6: Sell price +24%
Level 7: Sell price +28%
Level 8: Sell price +32%
Level 9: Sell price +36%
Level 10: Sell price +40%
🛒 [Pushcart] (Passive)
Grants the ability to equip and use a Pushcart.
Movement speed while carrying a Pushcart increases with level, along with weight capacity and the number of distinct items that can be transported.
Pushcarts must be purchased from a Kafra Employee.
Level 1: +0% Movement Speed, +150% Weight Capacity, and 25 item types.
Level 2: +10% Movement Speed, +250% Weight Capacity, and 50 item types.
Level 3: +15% Movement Speed, +350% Weight Capacity, and 75 item types.
Level 4: +20% Movement Speed, +450% Weight Capacity, and 100 item types.
Level 5: +25% Movement Speed, +600% Weight Capacity, and 150 item types.
💥 [Mammonite] (Active)
Consumes a set amount of Zeny to empower the next melee physical attack.
The effect and cost increase with level.
Level 1: Attack Power +1.5×, 100 Zeny spent
Level 2: Attack Power +2.25×, 200 Zeny spent
Level 3: Attack Power +3.0×, 300 Zeny spent
Level 4: Attack Power +3.75×, 400 Zeny spent
Level 5: Attack Power +5.0×, 500 Zeny spent
Level 6: Attack Power +5.75×, 600 Zeny spent
Level 7: Attack Power +6.5×, 700 Zeny spent
Level 8: Attack Power +7.5×, 800 Zeny spent
Level 9: Attack Power +8.5×, 900 Zeny spent
Level 10: Attack Power +10.0×, 1000 Zeny spent
🪤 [Greed Hands] (Active)
Cost:10 SP
Quickly gathers all items dropped on the ground within range, pulling them toward the user.
Level 1: Collects all items within a 5-meter radius.
Level 2: Collects all items within a 10-meter radius.
Level 3: Collects all items within a 15-meter radius.
Level 4: Collects all items within a 20-meter radius.
Level 5: Collects all items within a 30-meter radius.
🛞 [Cart Revolution] (Active)
Cost:12 SP
Flips the Pushcart forward with a sharp spin, dealing 1.5× your power as area damage.
The total weight loaded in the cart increases the damage by +0.2× for every 40 kg of carried weight.
📣 [Loud Exclamation] (Active)
Cost:8 SP
Lets out a powerful battle cry, inspiring nearby allies and boosting their strength.
Effect: Increases STR by +4 and boosts Attack Power by +10% for all allies in range.
🧾 [Store] (Active)
Cost:25 SP
Enables the ability to open a magical stall at a designated location to sell or buy various kinds of items.
Items for sale must be inside the Pushcart, and the Pushcart must be equipped.
💼 [Successful Merchant] (Passive / Active)
Cost:50 SP
Passively increases experience gain based on the amount of Zeny the user possesses.
When activated, generates an aura of wealth, granting bonus EXP to nearby allies for one hour.
Passive: Grants +1% EXP gain per 100,000 Zeny currently held.
Active: Creates a 1-hour aura that grants +10% EXP gain for every 10,000 Zeny invested.
"Oh, oh, oh… System? What's this? These skills— they're totally different from the game!"
[Ding!]
User, the skills have been adapted to function within this world. Many Merchant abilities from the original game were system-dependent and would be useless here. Adjustments were required. Make good use of what you've acquired.
"Hmm… interesting," Twig murmured, scrolling through the list. "These are actually really useful. And this last one— oh, that's nice. The more money I have, the higher my experience bonuses. Perfect. Getting rich literally means leveling faster. I like that."
He leaned forward, studying each new icon and glowing line of text as it appeared in his interface.
"Wait— I can open my own shop now? Awesome. And a party buff too? That's actually incredible."
He laughed quietly to himself. "The pushcart skill! Classic Merchant stuff. Heh, those guys were always the funniest class in the game."
Then his eyes caught another familiar name. "Mammonite… yeah, that one hits hard— but it eats gold like crazy. Still, that pushcart skill is just like the Knight's Peco-Peco. You can't live without it."
He swiped down again. "Huh. The discount and overcharge skills were reworked… makes sense. They wouldn't really function the same way here."
His grin widened. "Honestly, these Merchant abilities are ridiculously good. Way more versatile than I expected. This is going to help me so much."
Then his gaze stopped on a skill he didn't recognize. "Hold on… 'Greed Hands'? That one wasn't in the original game."
"Oh, now that's convenient!" Twig said, chuckling. "No more crawling around picking up loot piece by piece. This'll save so much time."
He leaned back in the chair, satisfied, folding his arms behind his head. The quiet hum of the inn mixed with the faint glimmer of his new skill window.
"Alright," he said softly, eyes half-closed, "Merchant class… I think we're going to get along just fine."