Reborn: Earth Online

After his stomach was full, Kaden teased the little girl for a minute before stepping out. Niera immediately walked over to him and from the way she looked, he could tell she had a lot to discuss with him.

"Stop right there." He shook his head. "Let's meet later if you want to discuss. I have been up for 3 days straight and I need some rest right now."

"O-okay," Niera stammered.

"There's a hut," she spoke up again. "T-the northern side of the settlement. No one's claimed it yet. I—I thought you'd want a space to yourself."

"That is perfect. Thanks." Awkwardly waving at her, Kaden turned around and walked toward the northern end of the settlement. He found the hut soon enough. It was located in a nice spot next to a cluster of trees, offering a bit of shade and seclusion.

The structure itself was simple, made of wood and reinforced with stone at the base, but it was sturdy enough. Good enough for now.

Kaden pushed the door open, stepping inside. The space was pretty much empty, save for a rough cot in the corner, a crude wooden table, and a few scattered supplies. It wasn't much, but Kaden appreciated the effort.

With a heavy sigh, he dropped onto the cot, feeling the exhaustion settle deep into his bones. Every inch of him ached and every inch of him was exhausted. Maybe if he used the body-tempering tonic he would get some relief but he couldn't afford to waste something precious like that without being in the right mental state.

Within a matter of seconds, he fell into a deep sleep. By the time he woke up, it was already the next day.

"Fuck! I am late!" Kaden cursed under his breath as he shot up from the cot, his mind immediately kicking into overdrive. His body still ached from days of relentless fighting, his muscles stiff from exhaustion, but he ignored it.

He had only planned to rest for a few hours—just enough to regain some strength before the system shop finished its upgrade. Instead, he had slept through the entire night like a damn corpse.

His gaze darted to the small window, sunlight flooding inside. Morning. Maybe even late morning. He ran a hand through his hair, exhaling sharply. "Damn it."

Pushing off the cot, Kaden rolled his shoulders, trying to shake off the stiffness. It was finally time to check out the system shop. He rushed outside when he suddenly stopped abruptly, catching a glimpse of the frail woman sleeping soundly.

"Was she waiting here all night?" Kaden smiled as he continued his run to the settlement core. "Damn, I could have asked her to wake me up."

The woman was scared of him—he could see it in the way she fidgeted around him, in the way her words stumbled whenever she spoke. Yet, despite all that, she had chosen to stay outside his hut, ensuring he was not disturbed. Not bad for a person whom he had randomly stumbled into.

But then again, it was still very early. Right now he was useful for her and hence, she was just trying to make sure that she was on his good side. The real question was where would her loyalty be when things got difficult?

Kaden had seen a lot in his life to allow himself to be moved by these little things. When things got ugly, it was inevitable that human nature reared its ugly head too. Brushing these thoughts aside,

Kaden refocused as the settlement core came into view.

And right next to it stood something that definitely hadn't been there before.

The system shop.

It wasn't some flimsy wooden shack thrown together overnight. No, this thing looked like it belonged in a damn fortress. Dark metal reinforcements lined the corners of its structure. The door was large, solid, and adorned with runes.

Kaden came to a stop, eyeing it carefully. This was beyond what he had expected. Everyone else thought so too because a crowd had formed around the building. They stood at a cautious distance, whispering among themselves, their eyes flickering between the strange new building and

Kaden. Some looked awed, others wary, but none dared to approach.

"It's not open yet." Someone spoke up to inform him.

Kaden gave the person a nod and stepped closer. Immediately, a system prompt flashed in front of him.

[Ding! System Shop Upgrade Completed!]

[Shop Type: Advanced Merchant Hub] [New Features Unlocked!]

Physical System Shop Established

Merchant Assigned

Rare Goods Rotation Activated

System Auction Unlocked

Settlement Taxation Benefits Introduced

***

Kaden eyebrows shot up in amazement. He hadn't expected a merchant to have already been assigned but then again he had tossed a dragon bait after all. Many people were bound to take the bait.

He placed his hand on the heavy door. The moment his fingers touched the cool metal, a deep chime rang through the air.

[Ding! System Shop Activation Confirmed!]

The runes flared, and with a low, mechanical hiss, the doors swung open on their own.

Gasps rippled through the crowd.

Kaden stepped inside.

The interior was nothing like the rugged, makeshift buildings of the settlement. It was sleek, almost futuristic. The walls were lined with glowing display cases, some filled with weapons and armor, others showcasing potions, scrolls, and rare materials. A shimmering interface hovered over each item, listing its price and description.

And behind the obsidian counter stood someone Kaden hadn't expected. An elf!

The elven woman had the classic pointed ears, high cheekbones, and the ethereal beauty that most elves were known for. She was tall, her posture flawless, radiating an aura of cold professionalism. Long, silver hair cascaded down her back, and piercing emerald eyes locked onto Kaden the moment he stepped in.

Unlike the nervous settlement folk outside, she showed no sign of hesitation or uncertainty.

The elf dipped her head slightly in greeting, her voice smooth and even. "Welcome, Lord Kaden. I am Vaelaria, your designated System Merchant and Auction Overseer. The System has assigned me to facilitate trade, manage rare goods, and oversee all marketplace transactions within your settlement."