The sun rose lazily over the sleepy town, its streets still quiet, unaware of the chaos that would soon sweep across the world.
Rayden adjusted the strap of his heavy cloth bag, wincing as it pressed against the bruises on his shoulder. His blue hair was a mess, and his clothes were stained with dirt and moss from the cavern.
He didn't care.
Because today, he was going to sell.
"So you're sure people will buy this stuff?" Rayden muttered under his breath as he walked down the cracked pavement.
"Not exactly buy, but they will test and evaluate it. It's your chance to establish connections before herbs and crystals flood the market after the Mana Apocalypse."
"Right. Early bird gets the cash."
The System pulsed softly, a faint glow only Rayden could see.
"Also, since potions do not exist yet, these herbs will be examined for medicinal properties under pharmaceutical standards."
"So they'll see it as medicine."
"Correct."
Rayden stopped in front of the Westborough University of Medicine and Sciences, its faded sign squeaking in the breeze. The building smelled of chemicals, damp papers, and old wood.
Taking a deep breath, Rayden walked in, clutching the bag like it was a chest of gold.
Inside, the air was cool, and a receptionist blinked at him as he approached the counter.
"Uh… can I help you?"
Rayden placed the bag on the counter with a thud.
"I'm here to sell… medicine."
The receptionist raised an eyebrow.
"You mean herbs?"
"Herbs that can cure diseases," Rayden said confidently.
The receptionist blinked again before letting out a tired sigh.
"Look, kid, we get all sorts of weirdos bringing grass they found in the park saying it's a miracle cure. Do you have an appointment?"
"No, but—"
"Use [Bargaining Aura]," the System whispered.
A faint warmth pulsed from Rayden's chest, and the receptionist's annoyed expression softened slightly, curiosity flashing across her eyes.
"What… exactly are these herbs supposed to do?"
Rayden opened the bag, carefully pulling out a Twilight Bloom, its petals shimmering faintly under the fluorescent lights.
"This one can reduce fevers almost instantly and boost recovery speed."
Next, he held up a Silverthorn Herb.
"This can clot wounds faster than any normal herb, and it has mild anti-infection properties."
Then, the Verdant Ashroot.
"This one can help detoxify certain poisons and heavy metals from the body."
The receptionist stared, her eyes narrowing.
"Where… did you get these?"
Rayden grinned.
"Family estate. Let's just say I have a reliable supplier."
She hesitated before picking up the phone.
"Professor Harlow? You might want to see this."
Ten minutes later, an older man in a lab coat approached, adjusting his glasses as he eyed Rayden and the herbs.
"You're the boy with the 'miracle herbs'?"
"They're real. You can test them."
The professor glanced at the shimmering petals of the Twilight Bloom, curiosity flickering in his eyes.
"Fine. We'll test them. But if you're lying, I'll have you removed."
"Go ahead."
Rayden sat in the waiting area, legs bouncing, the System pulsing calmly.
"Are you sure this is going to work?"
"These herbs possess genuine medicinal effects due to their mana affinity, even if the world has not awakened yet. They will show results."
Rayden let out a breath.
"Good."
After what felt like an eternity, the professor returned, holding the Twilight Bloom carefully.
"You. Follow me."
Rayden's heart raced as he was led into a small lab, where the herbs had been separated and labeled in trays. A small team of researchers hovered around test results, whispering to each other.
The professor turned to Rayden, his eyes serious.
"These… are real."
Rayden grinned.
"Told you."
The professor sighed, rubbing his temples.
"We need further testing, but if these herbs consistently produce these effects, they could revolutionize fever treatment, wound care, and detox medicine."
Rayden's eyes glinted.
"So, about the price…"
The professor held up a hand.
"We'll need to run these through the Apothecary Department for extended testing before we can purchase them officially. Leave a sample of each, and we'll contact you with results."
Rayden's grin slipped a little.
"You're testing it before buying, huh?"
"Calm. This is standard in your world," the System whispered.
Rayden sighed, pulling out small samples while keeping the bulk of the herbs in his bag.
As he left the lab, the System pulsed:
"Consider this your first business negotiation. Once the Mana Apocalypse begins, they will come begging for these herbs."
Rayden stepped out into the sunlight, clutching his bag tighter, a smirk creeping onto his tired face.
"Good. Let them test all they want. Once the world changes, I'll be the one setting the prices."
6 hours before the Mana Apocalypse.
Rayden was sprawled on his futon in the Grey Estate, an old oscillating fan creaking above him, his phone buzzing with news about strange weather patterns and global aurora sightings.
The System pulsed softly:
"Six hours remain until the Mana Apocalypse begins."
Rayden exhaled, staring at the ceiling.
"Six hours until the world goes crazy…"
Ding!
His phone screen lit up with a message from an unknown number:
[We have concluded the herb testing. Please return to Westborough University's Apothecary Department immediately.]
Rayden shot up so fast he nearly knocked over the fan.
"They're done?!"
"Move quickly. This is your last chance to sell at maximum value before herbs become accessible post-Awakening."
Rayden grabbed his bag, still stuffed with Twilight Bloom, Silverthorn, Verdant Ashroot, and other herbs he hadn't handed over for testing, and dashed out of the Grey Estate.
The town was unusually quiet, but an uneasy tension lingered in the air. People glanced at the sky, where faint streaks of aurora-like light flickered despite it being daytime.
Rayden ignored it, focusing on one thing:
"Sell before the world flips."
He burst through the doors of the Apothecary Department, startling the receptionist from yesterday.
"I'm here. The herbs. Testing's done, right?"
Before she could respond, Professor Harlow appeared from the hallway, lab coat flapping as he walked.
"You're fast."
"You said you'd contact me when it was done."
The professor adjusted his glasses, studying Rayden with tired but eager eyes.
"Those herbs of yours… they're genuine."
Rayden's heart skipped.
"So you're buying?"
The professor hesitated.
"The university board is debating budget approvals. We don't have the authority to purchase large quantities without going through procedures."
Rayden's jaw tightened.
"Procedures? I don't have time for procedures."
"Use [Bargaining Aura]," the System whispered.
Rayden exhaled, letting the faint warmth spread from his chest, letting it subtly fill the air as he locked eyes with the professor.
"Look, you know what's happening outside. The weird lights? The weather? Something's coming, and you don't know what it is, but I do."
The professor frowned but didn't look away.
"If you want these herbs to stock your emergency medical supplies before whatever happens hits, you'll buy them now."
The professor rubbed his temples, then glanced back at the researchers peering from the lab.
"How much do you have?"
Rayden pulled the bag onto the counter, opening it to show the neatly sorted herbs.
"All of this. Enough to supply your department for weeks, maybe months."
The professor closed his eyes, exhaling.
"Wait here."
He disappeared into the hallway, leaving Rayden tapping his foot, the System's soft glow pulsing calmly.
"You are negotiating well."
"I'd better be. This is our chance to get capital before the system chaos starts."
After what felt like an eternity, the professor returned, holding a sealed envelope.
"This is the best we can do right now. It's from our emergency research fund."
Rayden opened the envelope, eyes widening as he saw the figure.
It wasn't a fortune, but it was more money than he had seen in months of part-time jobs.
"Deal."
They shook hands, and Rayden began offloading the herbs, carefully packing them into sterilized boxes the researchers had brought out.
One of the researchers, a young woman with short black hair, looked at Rayden curiously.
"Where did you even find these herbs?"
Rayden smirked.
"Family business."
As he left the building, the System pulsed again:
"You have secured your first successful sale. Funds obtained: 1,200 units = 120,000 yen."
Rayden tucked the envelope into his inner pocket, gripping it tightly.
"This is it. The starting capital for our Dungeon Crawling Business."
He glanced up at the sky, where the auroras were growing brighter, swirling in greens and purples as the air felt heavier, tingling against his skin.
"So this is what the world looks like six hours before the end of normal."
"Prepare yourself, Rayden. The Mana Apocalypse is coming."
Rayden took a deep breath, stepping off the curb as he headed back toward the Grey Estate to prepare for the dawn of the new world.
"Let it come. I'm ready."
To be continued…