Changing My Life with the Otherworld Exchange System

Business As Usual (Part 2)

Ethan walked through the capital's bustling streets, the familiar weight of his pack slung over his shoulder. Although it was night, the city buzzed with life around him. Merchants shouted their wares, children weaved through the crowds, and the occasional patrol of soldiers kept a watchful eye on the people. Yet, despite the noise and activity, Ethan felt oddly detached from it all. His mind was preoccupied with the task at hand, and the chilling words of Wei Zhang echoed in his thoughts. 'Trust no one.'

He knew better than to take the scarred man's warning lightly. His interactions with the DIA had already shown him that their world was one of shadows and half-truths. But Ethan had his own agenda. He wasn't just a pawn in their game; he was determined to come out as one of its winners.

His fingers brushed against the cool metal of the enchanted ring. The subtle warmth of the enchantment flowed through him, enhancing his senses and keeping his mind sharp.

The DIA had been clear about his mission: sell the rare herbs discreetly and gain the trust of their contact. It sounded simple enough, but Ethan knew better than to underestimate the complexity of this world. Every move he made would be watched, and every word he spoke weighed and measured. 'At least I get to keep the payment.'

As he neared the meeting point, a narrow alley just off the main market square, Ethan took a deep breath to steady himself. The air was thick with the scent of spices and grilled meats, but he was sure that underneath it, the belly of the beast was rotten.

Ethan's eyes scanned the alley, his sharpened senses picking up every detail. There, near the end, stood a figure cloaked in a deep green robe, the hood pulled low over their face. Ethan approached cautiously, his hand resting on his cudgel. He wasn't expecting trouble, but it never hurt to be prepared.

The figure turned as he neared, and Ethan caught a glimpse of a pale, angular face beneath the hood. "You're late," the contact said, their voice low.

Ethan forced a smile before replying smoothly. "You have the payment?"

The robed figure gave a curt nod, producing a small pouch from within their robes. They handed it to Ethan, who weighed it in his hand, the clinking of coins reassuring him.

"All in gold, as requested," the contact added, their tone still impassive.

Ethan opened his pack and carefully handed over the parcel containing the rare herbs. The contact took it without further comment, tucking it securely into their robes. They stood silently for a moment, the weight of unspoken words hanging between them.

"Be careful with that," Ethan said, breaking the silence. "It's potent stuff. Too much, and the results can be… unpredictable."

The contact's lips curled into a thin smile. "Don't worry. We know exactly what to do with it." They turned to leave but then paused, glancing back at Ethan. "You're new at this, aren't you?"

Ethan stiffened but kept his voice steady. "Why do you ask?"

The contact shrugged. "Just a feeling. A word of advice. Don't get too familiar with your customers. In this line of work, familiarity is a luxury you can't afford."

Ethan nodded, watching as the figure disappeared into the alley's shadows. The encounter had been brief, but it left him with a lingering unease. The contact's words echoed in his mind, mingling with Wei Zhang's warning. 'Trust no one.'

Ethan's thoughts churned as he pocketed the payment and began to make his way back through the market. This was just the beginning, a small taste of what would come. The DIA had bigger plans for him, and he needed to be ready for whatever they threw his way. After all, he had his own plans, his own ambitions.

His route back took him through the winding streets of the merchant quarter, where the more affluent vendors displayed their goods. The shops here were lined with polished wood and stone, their windows showcasing everything from delicate silks to rare jewels. Ethan's eyes lingered on the trinkets and artifacts, his mind already calculating their potential worth if he bought them with the Otherworld Exchange System.

'I could make a tidy profit if I find some things like these in the Otherworld Free Market.' The DIA had tasked him with being a merchant, a role that would be his cover for the DIA's shady dealings. He needed to think bigger and find items that would give him real leverage.

His musings were interrupted as he approached his temporary lodging, The Gateway, a modest inn on a quiet side street. The innkeeper barely glanced up as Ethan entered, too engrossed in counting coins to bother with pleasantries. Ethan headed straight for his room, eager to distance himself from the day's events.

Inside, he carefully locked the door behind him before pulling out the pouch of gold. He counted the coins quickly, noting that the amount was exactly what the DIA had promised. At least they were reliable in that regard. But as he stared at the gleaming coins, he couldn't shake the feeling that he was walking a tightrope, one misstep away from disaster.

He placed the coins aside and rubbed the metal band on his finger. The ring's subtle warmth pulsed through him, a reminder of the power it granted. But power came with a price, and Ethan knew he needed to be careful how he used it. The DIA's eyes were everywhere, and he was confident they weren't the only ones watching.

Ethan lay back on the bed, his mind racing with plans and contingencies. The game had only just begun, and already, the stakes were higher than he'd imagined. But he was determined to play it to the end, no matter the cost. After all, he had something the DIA didn't. A system that could change everything if he played his cards right.

As exhaustion finally began to creep in, Ethan allowed himself one last thought before sleep claimed him. 'Trust no one… but trust in yourself.' The words became his mantra as he drifted off to sleep.