Morning light spilled through the small window and brushed across Sogen's face.
He opened his eyes with a start.
"Oh no—I'm late for the workshop!"
His body protested as he sat up. Every muscle ached from the techniques he had used yesterday.
Those moves are powerful… but they really don't care about the user.
He rolled out of bed. "First wash up. Then straight to the forge."
By the time Sogen reached the workshop, the streets were already lively. He pushed open the familiar wooden door to find Mr. Rudriger standing behind the counter, calmly inspecting a blade.
"Sir, I'm sorry for being late," Sogen said.
Rudriger glanced at him and shook his head.
"I didn't wake you on purpose. You were exhausted last night. Rest is also part of cultivation."
Relieved, Sogen moved toward the furnace, but the old man stopped him.
"Boy, there isn't much work today. Go into town and look around."
"I can still help with chores—"
Rudriger gave him a long, knowing stare.
Sogen immediately understood. The old man wanted him outside the workshop for a reason.
"…Alright, sir."
As Sogen left, Rudriger watched his back and sighed softly.
This boy is diligent and clever. If I had met him years earlier, I would have taken him as my disciple without hesitation. But now… I'm only an old man with too many regrets.
In Hamar Town
The town streets buzzed with merchants and travelers. Sogen walked aimlessly while speaking in his mind.
"System, I absorbed all those innate talents from the corpses, but they're ridiculous.
Cooking, washing, tea serving… even a plant encyclopedia. Am I supposed to open a maid academy?"
"Host, do not underestimate humble abilities. Even dust can become gold in the right hands."
"Sure. Maybe my destiny is to become the strongest servant in history."
"Host, sarcasm level rising."
Sogen chuckled. "Fine. Let's test one. Activate—Innate Talent: Plant Encyclopedia."
In an instant, the world changed. Every tree, weed, and flower revealed its name and properties as if labels floated above them.
"…Not useless after all."
His gaze wandered across the stalls—and suddenly froze.
"Wait. Cocoa fruits?"
A vendor was selling them casually, while the precious seeds were tossed aside like trash.
"System… I think I just found a business empire."
"Congratulations, Host. Planning to make chocolates?"
Sogen blinked. "How do you know about chocolates?"
"I possess records of your previous world."
"Even if I ask who created you, you won't answer, right?"
"Correct."
"Annoyingly honest as always."
He approached the stall.
A girl around his age was arranging the fruits.
"Hey, how much for one?" Sogen asked.
"Brother, six silver coins each," she replied timidly.
"Isn't that a bit expensive?"
"They're hard to grow. One tree gives only thirty or forty a year, and they taste very good."
Sogen calculated quickly.
"You have nineteen fruits. I'll buy all for one hundred silver coins."
Her eyes widened. Many of her fruits usually rotted before selling.
"Brother, I agree!"
Sogen tossed a gold coin into her palm. She hurried to pack everything.
"By the way, what's your name?"
"Airo," she answered with a shy smile.
Before he could ask more, a group of rough men approached.
"Girl, when are you paying your debt?" one sneered.
He snatched the gold coin from her hand.
"This covers a part. Don't forget the rest."
Airo grabbed his sleeve desperately. "Sir, please—at least leave something for my father and brother to eat."
"Not my problem," the man said, eyes sliding over her with filthy intent. "But there is another way you could earn—"
His hand reached toward her.
Airo trembled and shut her eyes.
Suddenly—
Another hand seized the man's wrist.
Sogen.
For an instant his gaze was cold enough to freeze blood—then it melted into a flattering smile.
"Sir, a great person like you shouldn't waste time on a little girl. How much does she owe?"
The group burst into laughter.
"We thought a wolf appeared—turns out it's a puppy," one mocked.
The leader sneered. "Five gold coins. Can you pay that, boy?"
Sogen immediately took out five coins.
The man stared, surprised, then accepted them. But greed soon lit his eyes. He grabbed Sogen's bag and peeked inside—finding five more coins deliberately placed there.
"Compensation for grabbing my hand," he said. "Any objections?"
"None, sir. Take them all," Sogen replied meekly.
Satisfied, the group left.
Airo stood trembling, tears rolling down her cheeks.
"Brother… I'll repay you slowly."
Sogen patted her head.
"No need. I'm starting a business—and your fruits are the key. Think of yourself as my partner."
He paused.
"Who were those people?"
Airo lowered her gaze.
"They were… the Dima Loan Sharks."