đ If you enjoy my work, consider supporting me on Patreon. I'm offering advanced chapters there as a thank-you to readers.
--------------------
Check out advanced chapters on : patreon.com/DragonOP
--------------------
The chime of the shop door rang out, but this time it was accompanied by the sound of someone tripping over the threshold and stumbling into a display rack.
"Ouch... that's my luck again," a voice groaned.
A young man with ash-colored hair and a series of bandages across his arms scrambled to his feet. It was Bennett, the leader of "Benny's Adventure Team," though he was currently a team of one. Behind him, looking slightly concerned, stood a tall girl with an eye patch and a purple raven perched on her shoulder.
"The threads of fate have woven a path to this sanctuary of forbidden scrolls!" Fischl announced, striking a dramatic pose. "I, the Prinzessin der Verurteilung, seek to gaze upon the chronicles of other worlds!"
"She means we heard from Amber that you have books that make people stronger," Oz the raven translated dryly. "And Bennett here was hoping for a bit of good fortune."
Han Feng looked at the pair. Bennett was perhaps the most unique customer he could ask for. With his legendary bad luck, would the system even grant him a reward?
"Welcome," Han Feng said. "The price is 100,000 Mora per person. For you, Bennett, I have just the thing. It's a story about a boy who starts with nothing but a pure heart and grows into the strongest warrior in the universe."
He pulled down Dragon Ball - Volume 1. "And for the Prinzessin, perhaps a tale of ninjas and hidden destinies?" He offered Naruto to Fischl.
Bennett's eyes widened at the price. "100,000?! That's my entire savings from the last ten commissions! But... if it can help me protect my dads and the team..." He slammed his pouch onto the counter. "I'll do it!"
Fischl followed suit, her curiosity getting the better of her royal persona. The two settled into the sofas. While Fischl was quickly absorbed in the world of Hidden Leaf ninjas, Bennett found himself mesmerized by Son Goku. He saw a boy who lived in the mountains, faced monsters, and never let a single setback keep him down.
"He's so strong... and he never gives up, even when things go wrong!" Bennett whispered, his eyes sparkling. For once, he didn't notice the tea he accidentally knocked over; he was too busy watching Goku's first adventure for the Dragon Balls.
Three hours later, the shop hummed with anticipation.
[Customer Bennett has finished reading Dragon Ball - Vol 1. Generating reward...]
Han Feng held his breath. Would Bennett get a rock? A banana peel?
A blindingly bright light filled the room. When it cleared, seven smooth, orange crystal spheres decorated with red stars were sitting in a circle on the floor around Bennett.
"Are these... the Dragon Balls?" Bennett gasped.
"Not exactly the ones that summon a dragon," Han Feng said, checking the system. "These are 'Training Weights of the Turtle School.' As long as you carry them, they will increase your physical strength and stamina at an accelerated rate. And, as a special bonus for your luck... they act as 'Good Luck Charms.' They won't stop your bad luck, but they will ensure that you always survive it."
Bennett picked one up and nearly hit the floor. "Woah! It's so heavy! But... I feel like I can handle it!"
Fischl, meanwhile, had finished her volume.
[Customer Fischl has finished reading Naruto - Vol 1. Generating reward...]
[Reward: Summoning Contract - 'Giant Crow.']
A scroll appeared in Fischl's hand. "A pact! A new servant for the dark realm!"
"It's a summoning scroll," Han Feng explained. "It allows you to summon a giant crow to ride into battle. It should get along well with Oz."
"Indeed," Oz remarked, looking at the scroll. "A most fitting addition to the Prinzessin's retinue."
As the two leftâBennett surprisingly managing to walk out without trippingâHan Feng received his final notification of the day.
[Milestone 10/10 reached. Shop Level 2 Unlocked.]
[Portal Door Active: Destination - Liyue Harbor.]
Han Feng stood up and looked at the back of the shop, where a new, ornate wooden door had appeared. He walked over and grasped the handle. "Time to see if the Geo Archon's people appreciate a good comic."
He opened the door, and the crisp, salty air of the Liyue docks rushed in to meet him.