The morning air was cool, and the smell of soil and fresh crops filled Sylas's lungs. He stood at the edge of his field, hands on his hips. Neat rows of carrots and onions glistened with dew under the rising sun. No snaproot this time—just two crops, but both looked healthy and ripe.
He crouched down, tugged gently, and a thick orange carrot popped free. "Perfect," he muttered, brushing off the dirt. "Time to sell."
It didn't take long to gather everything. Twenty carrots and fifteen onions filled two large sacks, strapped across his back. He made sure the field was tidy, then set off toward the village trading post.
As he walked, he passed a few villagers on the road. Some gave him friendly nods. Others glanced curiously at his sacks but said nothing.
The trading post was a simple wooden building near the village center. A wide wooden counter stretched across the front, and behind it stood a man with sharp eyes and a tight ponytail. Sylas had met him once—Jaren, the trade clerk.
"Morning," Sylas greeted.
"Morning," Jaren replied, glancing at the sacks. "Got something to trade?"
"Fresh carrots and onions," Sylas said, placing the produce on the counter. "All harvested today."
Jaren leaned over, inspected the crops, then grunted in approval. "Quality's good. Fair size. I'll take the whole batch."
A soft chime echoed in Sylas's head.
> Crops Sold
20 Carrots + 15 Onions
+Base Gold Earned: 40
High Roller Activated → Gold Doubled
+Total Gold: 80
He kept his face neutral, but inside, he was pleased. The High Roller skill was already paying off.
Jaren handed him a pouch of coins. "Come back anytime. We don't get many steady suppliers."
"I will," Sylas replied, pocketing the gold.
As he left the post, his mind was already spinning with ideas. Selling crops worked. It was simple, and the rewards were good. But if he wanted to grow faster—if he wanted real influence—he needed to think bigger.
He paused near the edge of the market, eyes sweeping across the other stalls. Handmade goods. Baked bread. Woven baskets. Nothing industrial. No brand names. No logos.
That's when the idea hit him.
"A company…" he whispered.
It felt obvious now. Why keep selling crops one sack at a time when he could build something larger? An official name, hired workers, multiple fields, even processed goods later on. With his system support and skills, he could grow faster than any ordinary farmer.
He returned to the house and pulled out a rough sheet of paper. Mira had given him a few scraps to practice reading and writing. He wasn't fluent in the local script yet, but he'd made enough progress to sketch out ideas.
At the top of the page, he scribbled the name: Hollow Harvests.
It felt right. This land had become his second life. And now, it would carry his brand.
> New Goal Created: Found a Business
Business Name: Hollow Harvests
Step 1: Register the name with the village council
Step 2: Sell goods under the new brand
Step 3: Hire one worker
Reward: 300 XP | Skill: Merchant's Instinct
Sylas smiled. The system was listening. It always responded when he acted with purpose.
He folded the paper and tucked it into his coat.
Later that afternoon, he made his way to the village council house—a stone building with simple decor. Inside, three elders sat behind a carved table. Mira had mentioned them before, though Sylas hadn't interacted much.
He stepped forward, confident but polite. "I'd like to register a trading name."
The middle elder, a woman with short gray hair, raised an eyebrow. "You're starting a business?"
"Yes," Sylas said. "It's called Hollow Harvests. I'll be trading crops and goods under that name. Possibly expanding later."
The elder jotted something down, then nodded. "There's a one-time registration fee. Five gold coins."
Sylas paid without hesitation.
> Business Registered: Hollow Harvests
Your trade under this name will now be recognized.
Future sales may increase reputation.
+Quest Progress: Step 1 Complete
"Welcome to the trade register," the elder said, sliding him a small stamped paper seal. "You'll need that if anyone questions you."
He thanked them and left, heart pounding with excitement. It felt official now. Real.
Back at the house, he laid the seal on his table and began writing simple plans. Weekly harvest goals. Crop rotation. Storage ideas. One thing became clear—he needed help.
The next morning, Sylas approached Mira, who was tending to a small herb garden.
"Mira, do you know anyone looking for work?" he asked.
She glanced up. "What kind of work?"
"Helping in the fields. I'm starting something new—an actual business."
Mira smiled, proud and curious. "Good for you. There's a boy named Lio. He's quick and eager, just turned sixteen. No real skills yet, but he's strong."
"Perfect. Can you send him my way?"
"Gladly."
By noon, Lio arrived. Short brown hair, wiry frame, a little nervous. Sylas handed him a shovel and gestured to the field.
"You'll help plant, harvest, and keep the tools clean. I'll pay you fair. And if we grow, you grow with us."
Lio nodded, excited. "Yes, sir!"
> Quest Progress: Step 3 Complete
+300 XP
Skill Unlocked: Merchant's Instinct
Effect: Small chance to spot better trade deals. Slightly improved negotiation skills.
The moment the skill activated, Sylas felt a subtle shift in his awareness. His eyes lingered longer on signs, coin pouches, vendor weights. As if he could sense value more clearly.
That night, he stood outside, looking over his modest field, the newly placed sprinkler softly watering the soil. One helper. A name. A system that believed in him.
And this was just the beginning.