Time: Night, 8th Era, Year 431, Fifth Month
Location: Calderra Village, Village Hospital.
Gabriel sat on the side of a hospital bed, his right arm being bandaged by a nurse.
"After this treatment, it's highly recommended you don't partake in any strenuous activities for about six to eight hours," the Village Doctor said.
After the nurse finished bandaging, the Village Doctor walked to a drawer and took out a small vial containing a light red liquid.
"This right here is a diluted healing potion, very effective for wounds like yours," the Village Doctor said. "I recommend not drinking it just yet. It's better to eat first before taking it so that the absorption can be more effective."
Gabriel nodded, took the diluted healing potion, and put it inside his bag. "So, how much do I owe for the treatment, Doctor?"
"Well, the price for the diluted healing potion is about one silver coin and fifty bronze coins, while the price for our services is about fifty bronze coins. All in all, it'll be two silver coins, young man."
Gabriel took out his wallet from his pockets with a worried expression.
("I only have four silver coins left? Note to self: try not to get injured on missions. Treatment is bloody expensive.")
The currency here in Alderran is similar to other Isekai worlds: Bronze Coins, Silver Coins, and Gold Coins. Bronze Coins are the lowest form of currency, while Gold Coins are the highest. The conversion is as follows: 100 Bronze Coins = 1 Silver Coin; 100 Silver Coins = 1 Gold Coin.
Gabriel took out the two silver coins and paid the Village Doctor before leaving the village hospital. "Now it's time to claim the reward for the mission."
Gabriel headed to the Adventurer's Guild building and spoke to Alina, the receptionist.
"Ummm... hello, I was the guy who took on the mission of hunting goblins in Elderwood Forest yesterday. I'm here to claim my reward."
"Ah, yes, I remember you," Alina said. "So... how many goblins did you kill?"
Gabriel opened his bag, took out the goblin ears he had collected from the goblin corpses, and placed them in front of Alina. "About twelve."
Alina carefully counted the goblin ears to ensure Gabriel wasn't lying. "Twelve pairs of goblin ears, meaning twelve goblins."
"You know, for a newbie adventurer, and a solo adventurer at that, that's very impressive."
Gabriel nodded in appreciation. "So... how much am I getting for this?"
Alina looked at Gabriel with a smile.
"Currently, due to the rising appearances of goblins and the increase in goblin invasions, the reward for killing goblins is at an all-time high: about twenty-one bronze coins per goblin."
Gabriel did some mental calculations and came to a conclusion.
("Two silver coins and fifty-two bronze coins for all twelve goblins... With the two-silver-coin treatment at the hospital, I only made about fifty-two bronze coins from the mission. F***, I really need to watch out to avoid spending money for treatment...")
Gabriel let out a silent sigh. "I'll take it."
Alina then collected the goblin ears and handed over two silver coins and fifty-two bronze coins to Gabriel.
Gabriel then headed back to his apartment complex, dropped off his equipment and bag, and went to a nearby eatery to eat his fill so he could drink the diluted healing potion to hasten his recovery.
After about thirty minutes, Gabriel went back to his apartment room and analyzed his items and equipment.
"Six and a half days' worth of rations... two sets of clothing..."
"My sword isn't really damaged due to killing them without having to clash weapons. My leather armor is still in good condition. That arrow hit me in the part where it's not covered by the leather armor... I guess it was both good and bad for me..."
"I only have four silver coins and fifty-two bronze coins left. Thankfully, I already paid the rent for this month, so I won't have to worry about that for now..."
"...Except for bandages for in-battle treating of wounds, I don't think I need to buy anything else for the meantime..."
"...That should be it for today. I need to get some rest so I can do more missions tomorrow..."
Gabriel organized his items and equipment before lying down on his bed and getting some good sleep.
The next day...
After taking a bath and wearing his equipment and bag, Gabriel headed to the Adventurer's Guild building to look for more easy missions.
"Find the cat of Mrs. Hobbs?... Nope, the reward is too low..."
"Slay a hobgoblin?... That one's still up there, huh? I'd still be very much dead if I were to try that one..."
"Investigate Blackwood Mountains for cult activities... Maybe when I'm more equipped and stronger, I'll accept that mission..."
"Hmmm... clearing out a mining tunnel from a Cave Spider nest... Spiders in a narrow space... Won't it just take a few Molotovs and they're all f***ed?! I'll take it!" Gabriel exclaimed with an excited expression as he took the mission notice and headed to Alina.
Gabriel handed over the mission notice to Alina. "I would like to take this mission."
Alina checked the mission notice and gave it back to Gabriel. "I'll note this mission as taken, then. The reward for this mission is fixed, so after completion, you will obtain seven silver coins and fifty bronze coins."
"Like always, if the mission isn't completed within the span of three days, the mission rewards will be either halved or even canceled. Do you understand?" Alina the receptionist asked.
"Yes, I understand," Gabriel said before leaving the Adventurer Guild's building.
"Before heading to that mining tunnel, I'm going to need a few materials to make some Molotovs..."
Gabriel headed to the Village General Store to buy a few glass bottles, then bought some alcohol at the Village Tavern.
Before leaving the village to go to the mining tunnel, he made a quick run to the Village Hospital and bought a few bandages, just in case of injuries.
"The next adventure begins...."
End of Chapter