CHAPTER 33: NEW MISSION!

Leonard lay back on his bed. For the first time that day, he was able to rest and do nothing. His body felt heavy, and his muscles ached in a few places. However, even then, he still had something to do.

"Right..." With a slow breath, he pulled up his stats.

- - -

Name: Leonard Runesforth

Age: 19

Status: A Lowly Beggar

Wealth: 3 gold coins & 81 silver coins

Luck: 0

Mystery Box: 0

Skills:—

- - -

Leonard stared at the glowing text that was floating above him. His lips curled to a slight smile as he stared at it.

"3 gold and 81 silver..." he muttered under his breath as he read the numbers after his wealth. "I’m finally clawing my way back."

The memory of him losing a good chunk of money yesterday still left a bitter taste in his mouth. Fortunately, with his field of work, he knew he would be able to regain it quickly since they had another person to help them.

However, after thinking that, he realized something.

"That means I have another mouth to feed," Leonard sighed and rubbed his temple.

With Gareth now under him, he had to take care of another person again. Feeding himself was easy. But with Anika and Gareth under him, his expenses are growing heavier.

"I can’t keep relying on daily stalls forever... I need to already set up the shop." He exhaled slowly.

He wouldn’t be able to go to the city as soon as possible if he delayed it further.

"I wonder if there are some requirements here or what. I mean, they should have one, right?" Leonard raised his brow. He was still clueless about how some part of this world works.

Leonard tapped his fingers lightly on his chest as he thought of it for a few minutes. Then suddenly, a name popped into his mind.

"Anika..." he muttered.

He recalled what she had told him days ago when they had just met. Anika was a merchant’s daughter. That small piece of information had slipped his mind until now. If there was anyone close to him who might know how to set up a shop, then it was her.

"She might have a few ideas on how this works," Leonard whispered. "Guess I’ll ask her tomorrow."

Just as the thought crossed his mind, a familiar glowing text suddenly flickered into his view, replacing his stat window.

[Ding!]

[New Mission Generated.]

[Mission: Establish Your Shop.]

[Details: You have already acquired a place and found your first employee. However, that is not enough. Stop slacking, Host, and start growing your influence and stabilizing your earnings.]

[Time Limit: 7 Days.]

[Reward: +1 Luck, 1 Bronze Mystery Box, Gold Bundle (10 gold coins)]

"What the—?!" Leonard’s eyes widened almost immediately. He sat up straight on the bed, his fatigue was momentarily forgotten.

"A gold bundle?" he repeated in disbelief. "That’s ten gold coins right there! Whoa... that’s a nice amount!"

He laughed to himself as he stared at it further before shaking his head in amazement. The system wasn’t joking around this time!

"And a mystery bronze, too? Plus, an actual increase to my luck stat? Fucking finally!" His smile became wider as he punched the air in joy. The excitement he was feeling was bubbling up in his chest.

"This... this is perfect!"

He felt like a heavy weight had been lifted from his body as if all the ache in his muscles had suddenly disappeared. With that much reward, he was suddenly more determined than ever.

"Alright, let’s start soon." Leonard quickly flopped back down onto his bed. His lips turned into a one straight line as he reminded himself firmly.

"I need to sleep now," he quickly said to himself before tugging the blanket up to his chin. "The sooner I wake up, the sooner I can start working on this."

Leonard soon closed his eyes. However, the smile on his lips refused to disappear.

For the first time in a long while, Leonard was going to bed with pure excitement in his chest.

- - -

Even if it was still early in the morning, Leonard’s eyes opened widely. For a brief moment, he simply lay there, staring up at the wooden beams above. His body felt lighter, and the most important of it all?

He was still excited from yesterday’s thoughts!

With a low groan, he pushed himself upright and swung his legs over the side of the bed.

"Alright, boys, let’s get moving."

He wasn’t about to let laziness drag him down—not when he had only seven days to secure those rewards.

Standing up, Leonard stretched his arms wide. His joints made a sound because of his sudden movement. As if he were in the military, he suddenly dropped to the floor and began his routine.

He did the push-ups first. His palms were pressed against the wooden boards of his room. With a deep breath, he pushed himself down and back up.

"1..."

"2..."

"3..."

After that, he did the sit-ups. He sat on the ground and did curled his knees. Every movement of his made his core tighten and burn. He forced himself through the discomfort. Then after that came the squats. He stood up, bent his knees slightly and started doing the routine.

The weight of his body pressed into his thighs until they trembled.

Then, once he was done, he went out and ran 2 miles.

By the time he was finished, his shirt was already clinging lightly to his skin. He went back to his room, took a bath, and went down.

As soon as he arrived at the first floor of the inn, he saw Anika standing near the corner. Her arms were crossed over her chest as she spoke with Gareth. Anika looked composed and comfortable, a huge contrast to Gareth, who still looked uncomfortable at the sudden changes happening in his life.

The two of them were waiting for Leonard’s arrival.

"Hi guys, good morning," Leonard slowly walked toward them, his steps echoing agains the wooden floor. Both of them looked up as he approached.

"Anika. Gareth." He stopped in front of them and smiled widely.

"Good thing you’re early. I have an important task for the two of you."