Chapter 3: First Sale, Auto-Baker! Noah watched her with fascination, trying to keep his expression neutral while inwardly marvelling at what his bread could do. A health potion in bread form? That was definitely going to sell in this place. "It’s a family recipe," he improvised, leaning casually against the counter. "Good for recovery and energy." Valeria nodded. "I’ve been feeling tired and fatigued recently from all the fighting and training. But this bread made me feel better. It’s really worth the one golden coin." "It’s not worth a golden coin. I told you that it was a one-time special offer." Valeria ignored him before picking up the bread once more and continued eating. [Bread: Accelerates natural recovery by 30%] After finishing the loaf, Valeria reached for her pouch again and pulled out another gold coin, placing it firmly beside the first. "Give me another one." "Actually," Noah said, straightening his posture, "considering the healing properties you’ve just discovered, I think three gold coins would be more appropriate." His heart hammered in his chest—was he really haggling with a woman who had threatened him with a knife minutes ago? Valeria’s eyes narrowed, but there was respect in them now. "You drive a hard bargain for someone who appeared out of nowhere. But, it’s worth it." She placed one more golden coin on the counter with deliberate slowness. "Two gold coins. Take it or leave it." Noah’s momentary confidence wavered. He wasn’t just a shop owner—he was a foreigner in a world with different rules. ’System, what should I do?’ he thought. ’If I cave in now, it might make her continue this behaviour.’ [Host must balance immediate profit and long-term positioning. Reminder: You are immortal within shop boundaries.] The immortality reminder gave Noah a spark of courage. He straightened his shoulders and met Valeria’s gaze. "You know," he said, keeping his voice casual, "I’m not asking for a treasury, it’s merely three golden coins." "It’s a bargain, and we both know it." He leaned forward slightly, finding courage he didn’t know he had. "I could sell this same loaf to anyone for way more. And just like I appeared here overnight, I could disappear just as quickly. I’m not losing anything—you are." 𝒻𝑟ℯℯ𝑤𝑒𝑏𝑛𝘰𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝒸𝑜𝘮 Noah locked eyes with her, amazed at his own boldness. "Now decide. Do you want to pay the three gold coins or...?" Valeria’s expression remained neutral, but Noah caught the flicker of hesitation in her eyes. She hadn’t expected him to retaliate with a threat of his own. ’Come on. I know you can’t let it go...’ Noah thought, holding his ground. The guild captain’s jaw tightened. She reached into her pouch and slammed the third coin onto the counter with more force than necessary. "Fine! Don’t think I care whether you leave or not," she snapped. "I’m merely doing this because you’re new here, and we, the people of the Esta, are known to be good to our guests!" Noah smiled, careful not to look too victorious. "Of course. Of course. I came here because I know you are people of honour and generosity." He swept the coins into his palm. "And I promise you won’t regret it." Valeria narrowed her eyes. "Just remember who controls this district, Baker. Special bread or not, everyone needs friends in Esta." "I couldn’t agree more," Noah replied smoothly. Something that might have been respect flickered across Valeria’s face. "Clever. I’ll be back soon with others. Have more bread ready." "I’ll be here," Noah called after her. As the door swung shut, he collapsed against the counter, his heart pounding. He’d just faced down a medieval warrior and somehow won. The System’s immortality protection was one thing, but outside these walls? He’d need Valeria’s guild more than he cared to admit. [Transaction Complete! ] [Ding! First sale complete!] [Reward: Auto-baker level 1] [Idle Income: 3 Gold Coins ($300) established.] Noah’s eyes widened in excitement. ’System, does that mean that I will be getting $300, everyday?’ [No.] "What?" [Host. You will be getting paid 3 Gold Coins every day. However, you can set that amount to be exchanged to the equivalent price, which is $300 in the case of the bread.] "Ohh Okay." He nodded in understanding before pressing on the reward for his first sale. [Level 1 Auto-baker: Your shop produces 12 loaves of bread every day! Which you can sell to earn extra income.] Noah’s eyes brightened. "No way! This is amazing, even though it’s quite slow. Actually, it makes sense. This isn’t normal bread.] He didn’t complain too much because, first, he wasn’t the one doing the baking, and second, the baker seemed upgradable. "System, how do I upgrade the baker?" Noah asked the empty shop. [Host. The baker will upgrade to level 2 after you sell 60 loaves of bread. 0/60] Noah frowned. "Why is it 0 when I sold two?" [Host, you didn’t have the baker when you sold that bread.] "I see."