After weeks of meticulous crafting and tireless effort, the moment for Adrian to share his inventions had finally arrived.
It wasn't as simple as just selling them outright; each item required careful planning and presentation to truly showcase their value.
First and foremost, Adrian knew he had to properly gauge the economic landscape of their village. He had already familiarized himself with the currency through his frequent trips around town.
The financial system was quite expected, metal coins formed the basis of exchange. One hundred bronze coins made up a single silver coin, and one hundred silver coins equaled one gold coin.
Gold coins were rare, primarily earned and used by merchants, successful craftsmen, or adventurers returning victorious from dangerous expeditions.
Eli, despite being one of the most respected blacksmiths in the village, earned roughly one gold coin per month, a wage considered comfortably above average.
Most villagers rarely even saw gold coins, often dealing in silver or bronze for everyday transactions. Thus, Adrian understood clearly that his prices had to be set carefully, justified by the revolutionary utility his inventions offered.
His mind first drifted toward the pumping machine. The village well, located in the square, served as the primary water source.
Every morning, villagers crowded around it to draw water manually. The pumping machine Adrian had painstakingly designed would automate this, pumping water efficiently and saving hours of daily labor.
Given its massive practical value, Adrian knew he couldn't simply sell it to a single person. The villagers would need to collectively contribute to purchase it, making it a communal asset.
He deliberated carefully on its price, ultimately settling on a bold yet justifiable figure. Fifty gold coins.
"It's expensive," Adrian said to himself, considering the figure that would make him rich carefully, "But the entire village benefits. Every family saves hours daily, so it's more of an investment than a purchase."
His conviction strengthened. He believed deeply in the value of his invention. Still, he knew convincing the villagers required more than his personal belief.
He'd need the support of influential figures, and Eli and Mara had already agreed to help him rally the community leaders.
Next were the sewing machines. Adrian vividly remembered the countless sleepless nights he'd spent perfecting them.
In his opinion, they were the most revolutionary of his products; what normally took hours by hand could be accomplished swiftly and precisely by the machine.
He'd made two, and Mara had suggested auctioning them to tailors who could afford such a beneficial investment.
The day went quickly with Eli and Mara organizing the auctions for the products.
The sewing machine auction was vibrant with anticipation. Word had spread quickly through Mara's shop and contacts, gathering every tailor within and even beyond the village borders.
As the auction began, Adrian watched as bids steadily climbed from an initial three gold coins, eventually reaching an astonishing ten gold coins each.
Adrian felt a lot of excitement when the hammer finally struck down at the ten-gold-coin mark. The amount was staggering for villagers, yet the bidders had not hesitated, fully aware of the profit and efficiency the machines offered.
The mechanical drills followed a similar path. Craftsmen, builders, and carpenters gathered eagerly, having seen Eli demonstrate the drill's astonishing speed and precision.
Bids quickly rose from two gold coins, ultimately ending at five gold coins each.
The remaining inventions were priced with careful consideration. The battery-powered fans, designed specifically for comfort and utility, were priced at two gold coins each along with a battery.
The light bulbs, remarkable yet simpler devices to Adrian, still held significant appeal, especially to the more affluent villagers seeking modern comforts.
Priced at 10 silver coins each, the ten bulbs found eager buyers among merchants and village leaders who immediately appreciated their nighttime convenience.
The villagers agreed on 50 gold coins for the pumping machine and he procceded to install it, adding pipes for the water channeling too.
By the end of his sales campaign, Adrian was left stunned by the villagers' enthusiastic responses.
***
The atmosphere at home that night was one of joy. Mara had cooked a feast fit for a small celebration, her face glowing with pride each time she glanced at Adrian.
Eli was talkative as usual, recounting excitedly every auction and describing the villagers' reactions to Adrian's inventions in vivid detail.
"I've never seen old Gareth smile so broadly," Eli chuckled heartily, scooping another helping of stew onto his plate. "That drill is going to change his workshop forever."
"And did you see the tailors?" Mara added with a laugh. "They nearly fainted when they realized what Adrian's sewing machines were capable of."
Adrian smiled modestly, quietly eating as warmth spread through him. Yet beneath his happiness, his thoughts constantly drifted back to the astounding amount he'd earned: 130 gold coins.
And to his surprise, Eli and Mara hadn't mentioned the money even once, not even hinting at it, despite having every right to do so. This quiet gesture deeply touched Adrian, reinforcing how genuinely kind-hearted they were.
'How could I possibly keep all this for myself?' Adrian thought. 'They've done everything for me. Took me in, cared for me, supported all my ideas without a single question. Without them, I'd be lost or even worse.'
He set down his spoon, determination settling firmly within him. The decision was clear for him to take, though he really wanted all the coins. Eventually, after careful deliberation, Adrian concluded on a generous sum of 100 gold coins.
'It might seem too much for them, but there's no such thing as too much,' he thought decisively.
Adrian stood up suddenly, drawing curious glances from Eli and Mara.
"I'm coming back in a moment," he said gently, walking quickly to his room. Inside, he took a deep breath and reached into the sturdy leather pouch, counting out exactly one hundred gold coins, leaving behind thirty.
Clutching the heavy pouch in his hand, Adrian returned to the dining room. Eli and Mara looked at him in confusion as he set the pouch gently on the table before them.
"What's this?" Mara asked softly, puzzled.
Adrian smiled warmly. "This is for you both. A token of appreciation for everything you've done. You gave me shelter, taught me so much, and cared for me. You've truly saved my life in every way imaginable. Please accept it."
Eli immediately shook his head. "Adrian, lad, we can't take your money. It's yours. You've earned it."
"Yes, dear. You don't owe us anything. Having you here has been reward enough."
But Adrian gently pushed the pouch toward them again. "Please, I insist. You deserve far more than this. Let me at least do this much."
Tears began streaming down Mara's cheeks as Eli looked away. Finally, Eli reached out, placing his hand on Adrian's shoulder. "You're a blessing to us, Adrian"
Mara stood quickly, pulling Adrian into a warm embrace. "Thank you."
After the emotional exchange, Adrian returned to his room. He was very exhausted and planned on sleeping. But before sleep could claim him, the Tech Core chimed softly, and a notification appeared:
[Your products have been widely utilized!]
[You've gained 20 EXP!]
Immediately following, another notification popped up:
[Congratulations! You've leveled up!]