Chapter 15: More Money, More Problems

Chapter 15: More Money, More Problems

It was already dark when William returned, so visiting the Guild would have to wait until tomorrow. His mother was waiting for him with dinner, and seemed slightly worried since he didn't come home for lunch.

"How was your day honey? Did you make any progress with your Magic?" Misha asked.

"You could say that. I'm starving, what's for dinner?"

"You really like making jokes don't you? Potatoes." Misha was not enthused. She picked up a wooden spoon and dumped a few potatoes onto William's plate. "Here you go. I already used the vegetables you bought on our meals this afternoon, but it warms my heart to know you're thinking of me." she showed a soft smile.

When she said "me" it made William think about the father he hadn't met. It was probably common knowledge between William and his mother on where his "father" was, so asking might ruin the atmosphere or seem suspicious.

"We have money for better food now. I completed a Quest today and will be able to sell materials to the Guild." he said.

He pulled out 3 Gold Coins and gave it to Misha, "Do you think this is enough for us for now?"

Misha widened her eyes at seeing the Gold Coins. This was the most money their family ever had, and little Will pulled it out like it wasn't much. "Oh honey did you rob someone today? This is too much for me."

"I have more, don't worry. I'm saving for a Cultivation Technique and will have to go when I earn enough money. This is for us."

William ate his potatoes while Misha asked questions about the last few days. He recounted everything that happened so far but left out the larger details like the System and the Life Veins. He was worried someone would find out about it and get to the last 3 Life Veins before him, or that they would cause Misha problems to get information.

With a full stomach and a productive day, William had no trouble falling asleep. He slept until almost noon and found that Misha had already stocked the house with fresh vegetables, grains, and even some meat. William was happy to lower those food reserves a bit before heading out for the day.

He stopped at the Guild as usual and greeted Jenny. She gave him a cold look but appeared less angry than before. He emptied the contents of his backpack on the counter and organized the 190 Lifeshrooms he collected. Sitting in the bag for an entire night didn't seem to affect the quality of the Lifeshrooms much, so there were no issues.

-Completed a Quest: +1 Potential Point

-Completed a Quest: +1 Potential Point

-Completed a Quest: +1 Potential Point

(+16 More)

-Completed a total of 25 Quests: +50 Potential Points

He knew what Jenny was trying to say, but had no intention to go out with the group right now anyway.

William shook his head, then turned back to face the group. "There's no point in trying to hunt a Wind Wolf now, how about we try in 5 days?"

"Ahaha! I like your style! No problem bud, take as much time as you need."

William took this moment as a chance to leave the awkward situation. The last two trips to the Livingwood Forest showed that he had a dire need for mana regeneration items.

He traveled through the village and stopped at a building next to the General Store. On the sign was a potion bottle and served as the Alchemy Hall.

The inside didn't have the same aesthetics as the Guild Hall, but there were still a number of people present. Most were older men and women who threw William an inquisitive look. They weren't used to customers as young as the lad, which immediately piqued their interest.

Will walked to the front counter where an old fellow was waiting quietly. The elder smiled much like an ancient turtle and asked, "What brings you here today young man?"

"I'm here to see if you have any mana regeneration potions or the like available, I've never been here before." William responded.

"Well you've come to the right place son, we have a few of those in stock, but recently quite a few were purchased so we only have 3 left."

"No problem, how much are they?"

"Each potion is worth 8 Silver lad, I'm curious if you are able to pay this?" The elder raised an eyebrow.

"Sure, I'll take all three." William responded quickly.

"What's your name son?"

"William."

"Oh...are you by chance the one who was providing all the Lifeshrooms to the Guild?"

"That would be me, is something the matter?"

"Well, since you picked all the Lifeshrooms and didn't leave any roots for other herbs to grow it has been much harder for us Alchemists to gather materials.

If you're the one responsible, I'm sorry to say but the Alchemist in charge of this shop demanded you be charged double the original price of anything you buy."

William was appalled, "D-Double?!?"