― Sena ― What do you mean you're back this late!?
While Selene started explaining everything that had happened during the night, I slipped away to the kitchen to grab something to snack on. I hadn't been there even five minutes when I heard heavy footsteps in the hallway.
― Hemer ― Who's there!? If you're trying to steal something, just know I've got a dagger and I can use lightning!
■― Wait, wait! It's me!
― Hemer ― Mr. Hunt? Oh… how was your date with Selene?
I let out a sigh and told him everything that had happened at the bar, from beginning to end. Just as I finished, Selene and Sena appeared at the door.
― Sena ― I don't know if it's possible… but I want to see that too.
― Selene ― I don't think we can. The door is in Astrid's house.
■― Actually, I can open one too. Watch this.
I walked over to one of the dining room walls and knocked on it like I was calling for a door. On the final knock, a simple white wooden door appeared. I grabbed the knob and slowly opened it.
― Hemer ― What the hell is that!?
He shouted with eyes wide open, making far more noise than he should have.
― Lisa ― Why are you yelling in the middle of the night?
She asked calmly, rubbing her eyes, though when she saw the door, her tone changed.
― Lisa ― What the hell is that door!? She shouted as well.
■― Are you ready?
I invited them in. Inside, it was still midday.
As we stepped through, we found Neo and Dalia sitting on the couch, chatting peacefully. Dalia was sprawled out, her legs resting across Neo's lap.
●― What a life you've got, bastard. How's it going?
■― Dalia already told you everything, didn't she?
●― Yeah, we've talked. And I think you did the right thing… showing them all this. Explaining.
■― Well, now I have to explain it to these three as well.
I said, pointing to Sena, Hemer, and Lisa, who still hadn't closed their mouths.
●― I'm freezing. I'm off to bed. You handle the rest, okay?
Oh, and you'll tell me later what you were doing with all that gold.
Also, get ready… in a few days we have to go to the marquis's son's birthday party.
Apparently, they accepted our invitation. Durman sent it this morning, and they replied just before your accident.
■― Good thing you made the suits…
He didn't say anything, just waved a hand at me as he headed to the door.
I assume he was going to Dalia's room at Durman's house. I spent the next hour explaining everything to Sena, Hemer, and Lisa again—this time with less detail. Just the essentials.
(🙄 How many times do I have to tell our story and explain that I don't want anyone treating us like gods or anything like that?)
I gave them a quick tour of the house, the workshop, and the inventory, making sure not to go too deep into anything. My head still hurt a bit, and honestly, I didn't want another avalanche of questions. When we finished, I sent Neo a short message:
(#■― We're all having dinner tonight at Selene and Sena's place. Get ready. No excuses—we need to figure things out. ―#)
After that, all I wanted was sleep. Selene and I went to bed together, as was becoming our usual routine. Though that night, weighed down by exhaustion and a thousand swirling thoughts, I couldn't help but whisper:
■― Selene… would you mind sleeping on the other side tonight? It's just… you're kinda hurting me.
― Selene ― Huh? Oh, sorry! You're so calm, I didn't even notice. I'm sorry, honey.
When I woke up, the soft morning light was slipping through the window, and the first thing I saw was Hemer standing in the hallway, looking uncertain. He still seemed a bit awkward around me. I approached him calmly.
■― Don't worry, really. I'm just a normal guy. I mean, sure, I'm an engineer… but still normal.
― Hemer ― Would you really teach me how to use that thing you call a "washing machine"? It's just… it blows my mind.
I laughed as we walked to the kitchen. I decided to improvise breakfast, so I made some wheat tortillas with meat inside—sort of like Mexican flautas, but without sauce or extras, since I didn't have much on hand. When Selene and Sena showed up, still half-asleep and dragging their feet, they sat down in front of the plate, curious.
― Sena ― What is this? It looks delicious…
― Selene ― And it smells even better.
They chewed and spoke with their mouths full, and I could barely hold back my laughter. By the second bite, they were already begging me to teach them how to make them.
― Sena ― You have to tell me how to make this! It's amazing.
― Selene ― I'll pay you whatever you want for the recipe.
■― (Sighing) You don't have to pay for everything, you know? Sometimes you can just share something without making it a transaction.
(Though knowing how stubborn they are about that, they'll probably end up leaving coins under my pillow when I'm not looking.)
After breakfast, we headed to the guild. We were taking it easy, chatting about silly things, when we ran into Orlan. He froze when he saw me, his face first showing fear… then looking down, visibly nervous.
― Orlan ― Mr. Hunt, I… I want to apologize for everything. For my words, my actions… my ignorance. I didn't know…
I cut him off before he could keep humiliating himself.
■― It's fine. No worries. But… you should be careful about the people you do know.
What shocked him more than my answer was the fact that I could walk so naturally, like nothing had happened. We greeted him and left him there, scratching his head, while Selene gave me a look that was part proud, part "you're getting way too used to being the center of attention."
As we resumed our way to the guild, Orlan stopped us again, visibly shaken. His expression was a mix of anger, guilt… and a little fear.
― Orlan ― Hunt, I'm so sorry. That man… that bastard will never see the light of day again. If you want, we can go to the guard headquarters right now and demand his execution.
■― That won't be necessary.
― Orlan ― I've got my man, Nerut, guarding all your gold. I haven't touched a single coin, I swear. I also already paid for the healing…
I cut him off before he could go further into his web of apologies and hollow promises.
■― I don't want your gold, and I'm not driven by revenge either. Orlan, remember this: those who feed hatred die from within. But those who can forgive… they're the ones who move forward.
― Orlan ― So…
■― We're on our way to the merchant guild. And look at that… here I have Selene and Sena with me. How about we meet there in an hour and talk about the future of your company?
Later, at the guild, after talking to a few members about organizing math lessons for the apprentices, Neo showed up, looking like he'd just gotten out of bed. Not long after, Orlan arrived, stepping down from a wagon pulled by one of those lizard-beasts they use instead of horses—massive, four-legged things.
With him came a young man, according to the scan, his son, named Pudiente, and Nerut, his right-hand man, who was carrying a well-sealed wooden box. Outside, five burly men waited silently—clearly security.
One of the guild girls guided us to a private room. Once everyone was seated, Orlan spoke.
― Orlan ― My name is Orlan. I'm here with my only son, Pudiente, and this man is Nerut, my right hand.
■― I'm Hunt, and this one here is like a brother to me: Neo, my best friend.
― Orlan ― Good, now that we've all introduced ourselves, these are the docu—
At that moment, the door opened and Selene and Sena walked in. Instantly, every man stood up at once.
― Nerut, Pudiente, Orlan ― Good morning, Lady Sena. Miss Selene. ―
●― Hi.
He raised his hand in greeting.
― Sena ― Well, surprise surprise, you're here too, Neo? How are you?
― Neo ― Using that much mana wore me out more than I thought… And I haven't fully recovered it all in just one night.
― Selene ― That's normal.
― Pudiente ― Excuse us, ladies, but we're in the middle of something. If you want to talk about your chores, maybe you should leave us to it.
Orlan didn't waste even half a second before smacking him on the back of the head.
― Orlan ― Don't interrupt the guild administrator, idiot!
Pudiente blushed and looked down, mumbling an apology.
― Orlan ― As I was saying, these are the ownership documents of my company. A promise is a promise. Here are my son and Nerut as witnesses. And also present are the two queens of trade in Anita. I think that's more than enough. Hunt, I hereby hand over the Mastor Trading Company to you.
We signed the papers one by one, along with all the necessary ownership records. The required taxes were paid, and Sena and Selene reviewed every document with the sharp eyes of people who've seen more than their share of scams. When everything was sealed, Orlan made another request.
― Orlan ― Could everyone please step out for a moment? I'd like to speak to Hunt… and Neo. Alone.
― Orlan ― Mr. Hunt, Mr. Neo — he took a sip of tea before starting — I want to tell you a story. Two young men arrived in this city just a few days ago. It's not common for a merchant to exchange large amounts of gold with strangers, but these two did. No one knows how, but after their visit to the temple… the statue of our great lord Tolmas turned into gold.
I swallowed hard, trying not to show it. Neo crossed his arms, as if that little detail had piqued his curiosity.
― Orlan ― To be honest — he continued, leaning back in his chair — I personally questioned the girls from Dores, the inn where you spent your first night. They were all thrilled. Talked about your kindness, your generosity… and even mentioned something odd: "those boys smell really nice." And not just that. I happen to have a copy of one of the merchant exams taken by one of you. One of you solved every problem like it was child's play. And the other… the first disciple of the great Durman. The future son-in-law of the master himself.
He looked at us, tilting his head with a half-smile. Maybe it's just the ramblings of a sixty-year-old man… but when you line up all these coincidences… maybe those boys are…
■― I don't know what kind of theories you're building in your head, but that story doesn't ring any bells to me — I cut him off, looking him dead serious. Then I turned to Neo. — Neo… does that story ring any bells to you?
He said nothing. But his eyes… yeah, his eyes gave him away. And I felt like an idiot immediately.
— Orlan — I suppose you're right, — he added with a soft chuckle. — I don't think you two would be that... careless. So, do we have a deal? As of today, the company is yours. I can finally retire and live in peace in the capital. —
■— Hey, what if I offer you another deal? — I leaned my elbows on the table. — Wouldn't you like to be part of that story you just made up? One of the merchants who helped change the world. —
Orlan sighed, gazing out the window as if searching for an answer in the air.
— Orlan — I'm too old for that kind of thing — he finally said. — But my eldest son, Pudiente, might be useful to you. —
And just like that, without realizing it, we gained more than a bet. We gained an ally — one with vision, ambition, and no fear of risk. In the future, people would know him as the man with the largest store in the world.
When the meeting ended, Nerut asked what we'd do with the gold. Orlan took a single bar and tucked it into his belt. The rest, he said, was for the company.
— Pudiente — Father, why don't you keep it all? —
— Orlan — Money isn't meant to be stored, son. It's meant to be used. Stored, it's just trash. You can't eat it or wear it. But used well… it can taste every wonder in the world and dress you in the finest clothes. —
— Pudiente — But father… you deserve a better reward. —
— Orlan — I don't need one. These boys are going to change the world, I'm sure of it. Just listen to them, help them, teach them what they don't know… and they'll do the same for you. —
— Pudiente — I've been hearing those promises since I was a kid… —
— Orlan — And you won't believe in them until you see with your own eyes what they'll accomplish — He turned to us with a warm smile. — Hunt, Neo… I bid you farewell. I leave you the company. And my son, as your aide. —
■— Don't say that. — I corrected him. — Pudiente, from today on, you'll be the public face of the company. The one employees see, the one who talks to them. Neo and I will be the real owners… but in secret. What do you say? You get the glory, and a cut of the gold. We get the rest. —
— Pudiente — Sounds like a fair deal. —
Orlan left with Nerut. The three of us stayed in the room. Neo pulled out a paper from the subdimension and Pudiente didn't even blink.
■— You're not surprised Neo has that power? — I asked.
— Pudiente — No, I can do it too. Look. — He pulled out a long sword from thin air.
And so, surrounded by papers, we spent the next hours organizing the birth of our new revolution: the printing press. Pudiente turned out to be a genius for paperwork. He explained how to get permits from the carpenters' guild, how to file formal requests with two other guilds, and even gave us the names of the best ink and paper merchants.
By midday, we already had a solid plan. We knew where to start.
And then... Neo, being Neo, said:
●— What if we also make a linotype machine? —
I looked at him like he'd lost his mind.
■— Neo… that's a thousand times more complex than a press with a hundred characters per letter. —
(■— And no using anything from the subdimension, I know you…—)
(●— Ughhh, so I spent years crafting tool after tool for nothing, huh. —)
(■— You've done it once, haven't you? Then do it again — I know you can. —)
But he kept pushing. And in the end, since he wouldn't let it go, I made him a deal: if he managed to build a hundred printing presses… he could make as many linotypes as he wanted. And the worst part… is that he'll probably pull it off.
Of course, if we were going to change the world, we couldn't stop there. The press would just be the beginning. On the table, we also had designs for wooden-and-iron bicycles, toothbrushes with natural bristles, spring-loaded clothespins, precision-molded combs, animal-fat soap with floral scent, glass jars with metal lids, and a unified metric system that we were already starting to impose on our blueprints.
To that, we added early prototypes of simple thermostats to control ovens and forges, rechargeable magical tools for woodworking, wagons with airless wheels like exploration bots, and public lamps using glowing moss grown in glass orbs. We were even developing a functional alternative to traditional milk: a white, thick drink made from almonds — perfect for cooking and drinking. Toys? Of course. We defined chess and dominoes. We talked about spinning tops and yo-yos for the kids. I could barely keep up with him. He dreamed of a new city — cleaner, more efficient, more dignified. And for the first time, I was the one who had to rein in his imagination. If he kept going, he'd probably figure out how to build a rocket to the moon.
But it was Pudiente who stopped Neo. He kept reviewing all the papers Neo left on the table.
— Pudiente — Are you two insane? That's too much! We won't be able to make bicycles, or printing presses, or almond milk… not even half of this! —
●— Just wait and see. You'll be speechless over and over. —
■— And this is just the beginning. We're going to build a city where no one goes to bed hungry, where even the poorest can have a job, learn something new… and feel like they're part of something greater. —
Neo fell silent. For the first time, even he had nothing to add. Pudiente looked at us… and for the first time, he didn't see an abyss — he saw a future.
— Pudiente — Alright. If we're really going to do all this… then I want to be there. Not in the back. At the front. If this works… it won't just change my life. We're going to change everyone's. —
And in that moment, all three of us knew: the new world had just begun. Step by step, it was on paper. Now we just had to make it real.
That afternoon, Neo went to the blacksmiths' guild to continue his duties as Durman's apprentice. He knew his time there wouldn't last much longer — his future lay elsewhere, in invention. Meanwhile, I went with Pudiente.
When we arrived at the company building, the neighborhood surprised me. Even though we were in the middle ring of the city, near the walls, it was a somewhat dangerous area. I suppose that's how this world works. At least there was a construction site right next to the building, which gave off a sense of "progress," even if it wasn't the safest place.
Upon arrival, Nerut led us to the center of the courtyard, where all the men and women of the company were gathered. Pudiente, who knew everyone, looked slightly uncomfortable. He didn't like others taking the lead, but out of loyalty to his father, he said nothing.
— Pudiente — As of today, I am the owner of this company, with Mr. Hunt and Neo as collaborators. That means Neo, Hunt, and I are the ones giving the orders from now on. But before we get back to work, Mr. Hunt has asked me for a favor, so he and I will be conducting an assessment of all of you. —
A young man raised his voice, defiant.
— Young man — And since when do you have a say here? Where's Mr. Orlan? —
— Nerut — Marcos, shut up and let Mr. Pudiente speak. —
The boy was stunned to hear his name. He looked shocked, as if that were impossible. I had to hold back a smile at Pudiente's attitude. He had always been the merchant's son, and now he was forced to give orders. On the other hand, I was surprised the workers still questioned his authority. But that would change.
■— As Pudiente said, I'm now a collaborator. Pudiente and I are going to ask you a few questions, and I want honest answers. This is just a first step to get to know you all better. —
We separated the men from the women and interviewed them one by one. The questions were simple: Do you know how to read and write? Have you ever stolen anything from the company? If another company offered you a better salary, would you leave? Do you have a family, and how many members? What is your current position? And finally, the hardest question: If I ordered you to kill, would you?
The answers were the usual: "No, I've never stolen," "No, I wouldn't leave," "Yes, I have a family." But it was the last question that surprised me, because one of them said yes — that if necessary, they would kill for me.
In private, Pudiente and I analyzed each of the workers. I asked him to act as their defender while I tried to fire them. He defended each of them, explaining their strengths from his point of view. Then we switched roles. In the end, we talked about each one, and our conclusions were the same. We went back to the courtyard, where everyone was waiting, anxious to hear our decision.
■— Onar, you're fired. If you're willing to kill for money and would leave for a better salary, then go. We don't need you here. —
— Onar — But sir, I have nowhere to go. You know I have a family… —
■— If you have a family, how can you say you'd kill? You're the only one who told me you'd kill on my orders. Would you like me to kill your family? Imagine I ordered you to kill your children. Would you do it? Of course not. If you want to keep your job, don't say you'd do something unless you're truly prepared to follow through. —
I looked at the others, and their silence told me they understood my message.
■— And I don't believe none of you have ever taken something from the company. I've worked too — and sometimes, I've accidentally taken things, like a pencil. But I always return them. Because stealing from me is stealing from the future. Yours and your children's. So from now on, I don't want any more lies. —
The workers, who had seemed nervous at first, began to take me more seriously. Even if some didn't fully understand my intentions, they could see I wasn't just there to give orders — I was there to change something in this world.
■— From now on, if any of you need something, come to me. And if it's within my power, I'll give it to you or lend it. But don't you dare steal from me. —
I did the same with the women. I asked the same questions, and the responses were similar — a mix of nerves and resignation. Some even said they'd be willing to prostitute themselves if necessary. That left a bitter taste… not because they lied, but because it showed what they'd been through and how little they expected from their employers.
Once the interviews were over, I had a short chat with Pudiente about wages. I explained a different method where the worker earns more and works less, trying to improve the company's working conditions. After the meeting, I called everyone back to the courtyard for another talk, this time more structured.
■— I want you all organized by function. I need to know exactly who I have and what each of you specializes in. —
The groups formed, one by one, under Pudiente's watchful eye. He seemed uneasy. Maybe he thought I was reorganizing too fast, but he said nothing. Some workers glanced at him, thinking, "At least he's here to keep things in check." But Pudiente said nothing.
The division went like this:
Security: 5 men
General services: 10 people (5 women, 5 men) — multifunctional: cleaning, street vending, light transport
Traveling merchants: 20 total (3 women, 10 men; 7 currently away in other cities)
Shop attendants: 3 women in the downtown store
Artisans: 10 (5 blacksmiths, 5 carpenters)
Management and finance: 3 men
Secretaries: 2 women — accounting and document handling
Transport and logistics: 2 men — materials and supply restocking
Total: 55 workers.
I looked at everyone, then at Pudiente, and finally took a deep breath.
■— From now on, this company will run in a slightly unusual way. I want to know what you're good at, what you're not, and what you need to improve. No one is here just to take orders. We're here to build something bigger than ourselves. —
I promised that from today, everyone would have a hot meal at noon — them and their families. Many were happy, others looked at me oddly, and someone asked if that meant a pay cut. Some even said they didn't need it.
■— It's not optional. Even if only one of you wants to eat here, I'll make sure they have a meal. And I'm not talking about scraps. I mean a proper meal: bread, vegetables, meat — something hot and nourishing. Your family will eat too. Every day. —
Gradually, the murmurs shifted. From doubt, to surprise… and then to smiles — especially among those with children.
While reviewing the employee records with Pudiente, I found something that really bothered me. The current wages were pathetic. People working from dawn till dusk, barely any days off, earning just enough to survive.
Guards earned 5 silver coins a month.
Service women, shop attendants, and transporters: 2 silver coins.
Artisans earned between 2 and 4, depending on output.
Finance officers: 6 coins
Secretaries: 4 coins
Logistics and warehouse: 2 coins
Considering a family needs at least 4 coins to survive, this wasn't a salary — it was charity in disguise.
So I made it clear:
■— I'm going to double your wages. All of you. But not this month. Starting next month, we'll sign new contracts. With new conditions. —
(As Dalia explained, the months here are 25 days long. Today is the 24th of the first month of spring. So tomorrow is the last day of the month and a rest day — no work.)
There was silence. Then, the reactions:
— Guard — But sir… doubling our wages is a lot. —
— Shop attendant — That's too much, we can't accept that… —
I nodded. I understood. It made sense, if all your life you've been treated like you were replaceable.
■— It's not just about money. It's about respect. About making you feel part of something worthwhile. You'll work between 13 and 17 hours a day (that's 8 to 10 of ours). You choose how to organize yourselves — as long as your duties are done.
— Artisan — With 17 hours, I still don't finish the big orders. I usually work until they're done… —
■— And the guards — you need to organize shifts so the building is never left unguarded. —
Most looked at me. But some also looked at Pudiente, silently asking: Does he agree with all this?
He did. He had no choice. The company wasn't just his anymore, and Neo had given me his vote on everything while he was away. Though Pudiente didn't say a word, his firm stance at my side, not frowning or shaking his head, was enough. For those who had known him forever, that said more than a thousand speeches. He wasn't one for grand gestures — but his silence was a resounding yes. And that was all we needed.
By the end of the day, I had the new contract more or less ready, new company functions, and a new management model. I also began the process of purchasing the plots adjacent to the company building. Pudiente helped me write everything down — even if he didn't fully like it. Still, he did it. And he didn't complain.
■— Before I go, just one thing — the day after tomorrow, I won't be able to work. I have to attend the marquis's son's banquet. —
— Pudiente — Wait, what? How do you know Amisair? —
■— I don't. I was told I have to go with Selene. And by the way, don't call me "sir." —
— Pudiente — Wait a minute… you've won the frozen heart of Selene Gaveil, the merchant guild administrator? —
■— Yep. —
We kept talking about how many had tried and failed to win Selene's heart. But it was getting late, so we said our goodbyes. Just as I got home, detailed blueprints of the printing press I had asked Neo for were waiting for me.
But that wasn't the worst part…
He also included a sketch — a draft of something that honestly left me speechless: a typewriter.
(#■— Are you insane or what?! —#)
(#●— Well, we need to make it anyway, right? And by the way… we're all already at Selene's place. You? When are you showing up? —#)
I didn't think twice. I left as fast as I could — without running, the wound still hurt — but I had no other choice. The bastard was just waiting for me to open the subdimension door.
The slap I gave him afterward was unforgettable.