22. Shopping Spree

Returning from the World Congress to Jake’s valley lodge, Jake, Lillian, Miranda, and Neil decompress. Jake reflects on Kim Eunseo’s report about William, recognizing his apathy toward the metal mage and viewing him as a symbol of tutorial failure. He resolves not to seek William out, leaving any reckoning to Casper.

Focusing on preparation for the Treasure Hunt, Jake opens the temporary System Store. He reviews rules such as Credit-only purchases, three-day restocks, dynamic appraisals, and instant deliveries. He immediately buys large quantities of common-rarity lavenders and Evergreen grass, then uncommon toxins and scarce mushrooms, spending millions in Credits.

Testing sales, Jake learns his common health potions fetch strong appraisals but also sell instantly at a marked-up list price, revealing extreme demand. He offloads nearly all stock for public sale, then faces a bottle shortage until Lillian “snipes” a bulk bottle posting she arranged in advance, solving his supply bottleneck.

Jake continues targeted shopping for necrotic-aligned poisons, potential Lifevine and Lifecore synergies, and experiments for time-banana blends, while noting suitable complements are rare. He keeps prices reasonable, wary of gouging life-saving goods. Villy reopens their link, and Jake defers details until he’s alone.

Miranda and Lillian depart to brief Haven’s council and plan a D-grade push before the Treasure Hunt; Neil returns to train with his party. Jake declines further meetings, remains in the valley to craft, wait for his hawks, and consult Villy, transitioning from diplomacy to intensive preparation.