Elena Virelle stood hunched over a steaming pot, the alchemy lab's stone windows fogged from the mixture's rising heat. The scent was familiar now—starleaf, ground bitterroot, and the subtle metallic tang of catalyzed mistwater.
"Steady," Liora murmured from across the room, her tone neutral but alert.
"I know," Elena replied, her tongue poking the corner of her mouth in concentration. "Three seconds more..."
The liquid shifted hue—from sickly green to a soft golden glow.
"Done!" Elena capped the vial and set it on the cooling rack. She gave Liora a hopeful glance.
The older woman walked over, picked up the vial, and held it up to the skylight. "Healing Tonic—Grade D. Serviceable. No impurities. Ratio is even." She set it down. "It will sell."
Elena grinned. "How much does a vial like that go for, anyway?"
Liora crossed her arms. "That depends. In Glasmint's local market? A Grade D healing tonic sells for around 6 to 8 copper crowns. Higher in the city."
Elena blinked. "And we earn how much per vial?"
"You'll earn 3 copper crowns per batch, for now. Half the sale price, minus materials."
It wasn't much, but considering she was still learning, Elena accepted it with a nod. "How many batches can I do in a day?"
"Two or three, without supervision. Five if I'm watching over. That's a solid 15 copper crowns per day if you pace well."
"So, if ten copper makes a silver…" Elena did a quick mental calculation. "A silver crown every two days?"
"If you're efficient," Liora said, "and don't blow up the bench."
Elena smirked. "No promises."
After work, Elena walked to the market square. With her daily earnings of 15 copper crowns clinking softly in her pouch, she browsed stalls under the shade of hanging lanterns.
She stopped at a food vendor selling vegetable pies. "How much?"
"Four copper each, miss," the vendor said. "Or a silver for three."
She bought one pie and a cup of honeyed tea (1 copper crown), leaving her with 10 copper crowns.
Her next stop was a small bookstand tucked beside the herbalist. There, amidst worn covers and fading titles, she found a weathered book titled: Basic Guild Structure and Magical Professions.
"Two silver crowns," the shopkeeper grunted.
"Too steep," Elena muttered. "Do you rent books?"
The old man raised a brow. "I do. Five copper per week."
"I'll take it."
She walked away cradling the book in her arms like a treasure.
Back at the inn, Elena curled up by the firelight and opened to the first page. The book listed various magical and guild-aligned professions:
Mage (Combat) – Requires Guild certification and elemental aptitude test. Paid per quest; rates range from 1 silver to 3 gold crowns, depending on the danger.
Alchemist – Potion crafting, enchantment support. Paid per batch or commission.
Enchanter – Rare profession. Inscribes magic into objects. Materials costly.
Herbalist – Gathers and identifies plants. Often earns 5–10 copper crowns per collection set.
Scout / Ranger – Mapping, delivery, low-risk combat. Entry-level jobs at 10 copper per task.
Elena took notes.
So far, her own job as an alchemist's assistant placed her income solidly at the lower end. But it was stable. And it was a start.
She flipped to a section labeled Monetary System of Astraea:
10 Copper Crowns = 1 Silver Crown
10 Silver Crowns = 1 Gold Crown
100 Gold Crowns = 1 Platinum Sun (reserved for noble transactions and estate purchases)
She whistled under her breath. Platinum Suns were definitely out of her league for now.
A side note mentioned something useful:
"A modest room at a rural inn: 6–8 copper crowns per night. Basic meal: 3–5 copper. Tools and apprentice gear: 1–3 silver crowns."
She set the book down, mind humming with possibilities.
The next day at the alchemist shop, Elena asked, "Do you know any mages in Glasmint?"
Liora paused mid-shelving. "Only one. Retired. Professor Henver. Used to teach at the Sapphire Hall in Calveston."
Elena's curiosity lit up. "Would he talk to me?"
"Doubtful," Liora said. "Unless you bribe him with pear brandy."
"I'll keep that in mind."
That afternoon, she headed to the Adventurer's Registry. The same orange-haired receptionist blinked when Elena walked in again.
"Need something?"
"I want to look at the job board."
The woman gestured with a quill.
The board was cluttered with notes:
"Herb collection needed in Mistvale Glen. 10 copper crowns. No fighting."
"Escort caravan to Riverbridge. 3 silver crowns. Danger level: Medium."
"Rat extermination in bakery cellar. 7 copper. Smells included."
She copied down a few listings. Some were too risky. Others weren't worth the travel. Still, it was clear: even small jobs could add up.
A familiar voice interrupted her thoughts.
"You're back."
She turned. Liora stood in the doorway, arms crossed.
Elena blinked. "How did you—?"
"You weren't at the lab. I figured you were either lost or planning something idiotic."
"I prefer the term 'curious initiative.'"
Liora shook her head. "Fine. Just don't take any jobs involving rats. You don't have the boots for it."
Elena smiled. "Yes, ma'am."
That evening, Elena sat at her desk with a single candle burning low. She wrote her expenses and income for the day:
Earnings:
Healing batch – 3 copper
Second batch – 3 copper
Sorting duty – 2 copper
Total: 8 copper
Expenses:
Pie and tea – 5 copper
Book rental – 5 copper
Balance: -2 copper
She sighed. "I need to stop being intellectually hungry and actually hungry at the same time."
Still, her spirits weren't low.
Because today, she'd learned how coins flowed in this world.
And tomorrow, she'd learn how power flowed too.
---
[End of Chapter 7]