Chapter 24 - Chapter 24 - Coins, Stones, and New Beginnings

The starting village was louder than any of them expected. Players rushed in every direction — yelling about prices, waving weapons, showing off spirits like proud parents. Vendors shouted deals. Newbies screamed when their spirits wandered. A few players even chased a runaway chicken spirit that darted between legs like a feathered lightning bolt. Aria inhaled dramatically. "Ahhh. The smell of capitalism." Sofia giggled behind her.Echo trotted along her heels, tail wagging.Dot perched like a warlord on Aria's shoulder. Riley kept a calm pace as they entered the square, taking everything in.The vendors.The deals.The chaotic energy. And most importantly? The economy was still fresh.Uneven.Unpredictable. Perfect. Hayes adjusted his shield as he scanned the stalls. "Where do we start?" "Selling junk," Riley replied simply. "Then we buy gear that won't become useless in an hour." Aria threw her fist up. "Gear first! Punching upgrades! Aria improvements!" "Junk first," Riley repeated firmly. Aria groaned, defeated. They moved toward a stout merchant NPC wearing a patched vest and a hat that looked like a collapsed tent. A sign overhead read: GENERAL VENDOR — WE BUY ANYTHING.No refunds. Aria dumped torn scraps into the window.Sofia added cracked spirit shells.Hayley tossed in rusted daggers.Hayes included a pile of moss that smelled like disappointment. Riley finished with his stack of vendor trash. The NPC gave them a pitying look once the scan completed. "Hard times, eh? I'll give you a deal." The system window pinged:You have sold: Miscellaneous Junk Items+124 coins added to party funds. Aria gasped. "Yes. YES. Shower us in money!" Riley brought up the shared coin display: > Party Coins: 1,076 Sofia blinked. "Is… that a lot?" "Yes," Aria answered. "No," Riley corrected. "Yes," Aria tried again. "No," Riley repeated. "Gear gets more expensive fast. We need essentials first." Aria pouted. Dot patted her cheek with one tiny leg, as if saying be patient. They approached the weapon stall next — a wide table covered in blades, bows, staffs, knuckles, and gauntlets. The blacksmith NPC behind it looked like he'd been carved out of mountain stone and brought to life out of pure stubbornness. His nameplate glowed overhead: GARRUN — ARMSMITH OF THE VALLEY He leaned forward. "What'll it be?" Aria proudly lifted her cracked starter gauntlets. He winced. "…Oof. You punch rocks with those?" "Sometimes intentionally," Aria said. "God preserve us," Garrun muttered. Riley stepped beside her and pointed at three options: Scrapper Knuckles — 90 coinsSimple. Cheap. Weak. Reinforced Trap Gauntlets — 230 coinsStrong, but too expensive early on. Arcshock Grips — 180 coinsUncommon grade.Synergized with Aria's Shockwire.Perfect early-game utility. Riley tapped the Arcshock Grips UI. "Get these." Aria tilted her head. "But those ones are shinier—" "These boost shock chance," Riley interrupted. "Better synergy. Better early scaling. Better for your build." Aria blinked. "This is the first time you've ever sounded like a responsible adult." Riley sighed. "Just buy them." She purchased them immediately. SYSTEM:You have bought: Arcshock Grips – 180 coins deducted. Coins remaining: > Party Coins: 896 Aria put the gauntlets on with flair. Electric sparks crackled along the metal plates. "Ohhhh yes. I feel the violence calling to me." Dot clicked in approval.Hayley coughed. "Not worrying at all." Riley guided them across the square to a calmer stall decorated with hanging charms and tiny floating lights. An elderly NPC with bracelets up to her elbows greeted them warmly. "Looking for companions?" she asked in a grandmotherly tone. She gestured to a cloth displaying smooth grey stones etched with faint runes. Bind Stones — 50 coins eachUsed to capture weakened Spirits. Riley didn't hesitate. "We'll take nine." Sofia blinked. "Nine? That's… a lot." Aria grinned. "Or is it exactly the right amount for future chaos?" Hayes folded his arms. "Three each. Makes sense." Hayley nodded. "Smart investment." The NPC bundled the stones gently. "Treat your new friends kindly," she said. "Spirits remember kindness." Riley handed her the coins. SYSTEM:Purchased: Bind Stone ×9 — 450 coins deducted. Party coins updated: > Party Coins: 446 Aria juggled her three Bind Stones dangerously. "I'm gonna catch something ridiculous." "Please don't," Sofia whispered. "No promises!" Dot vibrated with excitement. "Okay," Riley said, stepping back from the stall. "Time to divide personal spending." He tapped the shared panel. Party Coins: 446 He typed quickly. SYSTEM:You have transferred 40 coins → Aria.You have transferred 40 coins → Sofia.You have transferred 40 coins → Riley. Party balance dropped to: > Party Coins: 326 Aria stretched her arms like she'd just been given superpowers. "Yes. YES. I have money. Time to buy things I don't need!" Sofia giggled. "Maybe something practical?" "No." Aria bolted to a clothing stall before anyone could blink. "Ooooh! Leather chestpieces! Gloves! Masks! RED scarves!" She purchased: A light leather chestpiece (+3 defense) A red scarf Fingerless gloves A little cosmetic flame decal for Dot Dot clicked in pure pride. Sofia Sofia lingered longer, shyly touching fabrics and accessories. She found a pale Lightweave Mantle: > +2 Magic Defense+2 Spirit ResistanceA soft golden shimmer She stroked the fabric, mesmerized. "It's beautiful…" "Get it," Riley said from behind her. Sofia jumped — she hadn't expected him to still be near. "It's… 28 coins…" "And you have 40," Riley replied simply. "Buy it." She swallowed… and bought it. A soft ripple of light caressed her shoulders as the mantle equipped itself. Echo barked happily.Hayley smiled warmly.Aria gasped. "You look like a baby archmage!" Sofia's face flushed pink. As Aria tried on her third scarf in a row, Hayes leaned closer to Riley. "You plan all that out in your head?" Riley shrugged. "More or less." "Not complaining," Hayes said. "Smart leadership." Hayley nodded. "We were planning to wander aimlessly. You saved us hours." Riley blinked — not used to the compliment. "Thanks," he said awkwardly. Aria shouted from across the stall:"STOP FLIRTING, WE HAVE SHOPPING TO DO!" Everyone choked.Riley physically recoiled. Hayley laughed so hard she doubled over.Hayes muttered, "I hate everything." Sofia giggled uncontrollably. Once the twins settled their purchases and Hayes & Hayley grabbed minor supplies, Riley checked the time. The sun was dipping lower — early evening approaching. He adjusted Lumi on his shoulder.The whelp chirped softly, somehow sensing Riley's focus. "Alright," Riley said. "I'm going to check a few things." Aria squinted suspiciously. "Suspicious things?" "No." "Are you sure?" "Yes." "Suuuuure?" Riley sighed. "Just… things." Sofia gave him a gentle smile. "Be careful, okay?" "I will." Hayley smirked. "Don't get mugged." Hayes saluted mock-seriously. Aria pointed two fingers at her eyes then at Riley. "I'm watching you, Bow Boy." "Please stop." "No." Riley rolled his eyes and stepped backward. "I'll message you all later." He turned toward the crafting hall. As he walked away, Lumi looked back at the group with a tiny chirp, then settled contentedly against Riley's neck. Aria waved exaggeratedly. Sofia smiled, quietly proud of him.Hayes and Hayley exchanged amused looks. Riley stepped into the quieter streets leading to the northern district…toward storage, the market, and the beginning of a plan none of them were ready for yet.