Hacking the Game Didn't Go as Intended

CHAPTER 29: The Path to Entrepreneurship

Daisuke fell on his back in bed, eyelids growing heavy as the sensation of a full belly after seven years and a long day prompted a wave of exhaustion.

He adjusted his newly acquired attire, feeling the fabric stretch against his satisfied stomach. Zephyr, now clean and nestled on his chest, yawned and curled into a tight ball.

Daisuke's fingers traced the soft fur of the pup's head, admiring the silver and light gray pattern of his coat. On Zephyr's forehead and beneath the eyes, a symmetrical design in red caught Daisuke's eye, a captivating contrast against his fur and piercing blue eyes.

It's been a long day, and tomorrow is more or less going to be the same. I need to set up a small stall and head back into the mountains to uproot another Mana Crystal to sell.

After spending the next few minutes in futility trying to call the game's menu screen, Daisuke eventually drifted off to sleep.

***

The following day, Daisuke sat down to the promised breakfast, skillfully dodging Gretchen's inviting glances before embarking on a quest to find a logging mill in town.

Wanting to refrain hiring a lumberjack and spending more on labor costs, he simply ordered the tools and supplies he needed for his stall—a hammer, nails, and most importantly, plywood.

In hindsight, the notion of saving a few gold coins seemed brilliant, but as Daisuke began hauling the materials to the designated spot one by one, he couldn't help but regret his decision. And the broiling sun beat down on his body as if mocking his efforts.

"Hey, Big Brother~"

While shuffling back to the carpenter's stop like a zombie, Daisuke heard a melodic voice calling out to him from the distance. It was the same little girl from yesterday.

***

GULP-GULP-GULP!

Daisuke sighed with contentment after helping himself to some water. "Thanks. I really needed that."

Disgruntled, the little girl pouted as she accepted the leather pouch from him. "You may not look like a bum anymore, but you sure are dumb."

Daisuke's face crumpled, then he allowed a rickety smile. "I see you're still as brutally honest as ever, and you're even rhyming now."

Before the girl could let loose with a snappy comeback, Zephyr freed himself and the two began playing.

"I'm so sorry about Reeza," the girl's mother apologized on her behalf. "She takes from her father."

Daisuke scratched his cheek awkwardly. "That's okay; she's a good girl."

"She is," the woman agreed, her eyes softening. "By the way, may I ask why you've been back and forth in the sun all day?"

"Oh, that," Daisuke tousled his hair embarrassingly, unable to hold her gaze. "I'm trying to set up my very own stall, but I want to keep the expenses to a minimum."

"Oh."

"Kyuu~"

"It's terribly hot today," said Reeza as she poured water from the pouch in a steady stream. "Drink up, you must be thirsty."

Zephyr didn't hesitate.

"Why don't you borrow our trolley?" the woman offered Daisuke sincerely.

"What? No, I couldn't impose any further; you even gave me something to eat yesterday."

"I haven't seen Reeza so happy in a while," the woman explained with a warm smile, watching as the canine lapped at the stream of water. "Please accept this favor as a token of my gratitude."