Kennith meandered through the lively town square, hands in his pockets, eyes scanning for any sign of Jabarri, who, as usual, hadn’t spawned yet. His stomach grumbled loud enough to startle a passing dog, reminding him he hadn’t eaten since yesterday. Vibrant banners fluttered above as he paused, rubbing his belly, hunger sharpening his focus on every food stall lining the avenue.
Kennith approached, curiosity overtaking his hunger for a moment. "Hey, what are those called?" The owner, wiping his hands on his apron, replied, "They are Onigiri—rice balls, very filling." "How much?" "Ten Elarics," the owner said, holding up both hands to emphasize the price. Confused, Kennith dug through his pockets, producing two golden Aurns from Aurelithia, and offered them with hope. The owner examined the coins, shook his head, and said, "No. Not our money." "Can I have them back, at least?" "No. You get them back when you pay." With a heavy sigh, Kennith shuffled away, now both hungry and broke.
Kennith drifted over, drawn by the rhythmic gasp of the audience. He watched as coins tumbled into a hat at the juggler’s feet, the metallic clinking almost as mesmerizing as the performance itself. Inspiration struck; he slipped away, his mind already spinning with possibilities.
Kennith[/@ch_1] finds an empty mug left on a stoop. The area is dappled with golden light, the perfect stage for a bit of magic.]
Kennith cupped his hands, focusing until three glowing spheres of solar energy shimmered into existence, warm and radiant. He began to juggle, the balls casting shifting patterns of light across the walls and drawing the attention of passersby. Within moments, a crowd gathered, murmuring in awe as he spun and tossed the solar balls through the air. After ten minutes, he ended with a flourish, bowing and collecting the cup—now brimming with assorted coins. A grin broke across his face as he headed back toward the onigiri stand.
Kennith[/@ch_1] pushes to the front, cup in hand. The owner glances at the coins, frowning, the morning sun glinting off the silver and bronze as he sorts through the pile.]
"Here, is this enough for one onigiri?" The owner sighed, counting the coins with deliberate care. "This is only two point sixty-seven Elarics. I need ten silver Elarics." "How does this money system work, anyway?" The owner shrugged, exasperated. "Not mine—the kingdom’s. Bronze is one cent, silver is an Elaric, gold is ten, platinum is one hundred." Kennith groaned, rubbing his forehead in disbelief at his own confusion. "Come back when you have exactly ten Elarics," the owner called as Kennith trudged away, still hungry and now even more frustrated.
Kennith watched from the sidelines, eyes wide as the larger wrestler heaved his opponent out of the ring to thunderous applause. "Bigman Biggie wins ten platinum Elarics!" the announcer bellowed, holding up a pouch heavy with coins. Kennith did a quick calculation—one thousand Elarics, just for pushing a guy. His lips curled into a sly smile as a new idea began to take shape, hope flickering in his hungry eyes.
