The steady beep of the heart monitor had been Kaito's lullaby for as long as he could remember.
Twenty-three years. That's how long he had lived in that sterile hospital room, watching the world through a window he could never reach. The doctors called it a miracle he had survived this long with his condition—a degenerative disease that had stolen his strength before he'd even learned to walk. His parents called it a blessing from God. Kaito called it a prison sentence.
But now, as the beeping slowed and his vision blurred, he felt something unexpected.
Relief.
"At least... it's finally over," he whispered, his voice barely audible over the sudden rush of footsteps and panicked voices around him.
The world faded to black.
---
When consciousness returned, it came with a gasp.
Kaito's eyes snapped open, and he immediately knew something was wrong. The antiseptic smell was gone. The harsh fluorescent lights had vanished. Instead, he found himself staring up at a wooden ceiling, cracks running through weathered beams, with sunlight streaming through gaps in the planks.
He tried to sit up—and froze.
His body moved. It actually moved. No pain shooting through his limbs. No weakness forcing him back down. His muscles responded instantly, smoothly, as if they had never betrayed him at all.
"What the—" The voice that came out wasn't his own. It sounded deeper and healthier
Kaito threw off the threadbare blanket covering him and stared at his hands. They were calloused, tanned from sunlight, with fingers that flexed without trembling. These weren't the pale, skeletal hands he'd known his entire life.
He touched his face, his arms, his chest. Everything was different, they felt solid and real.
"I'm... not sick?" The words came out as a question, disbelief thick in his throat.
Before he could process what was happening, a translucent blue screen materialized in front of his face, floating in mid-air like something straight out of the RPGs he'd spent countless hours playing.
[SYSTEM INITIALIZATION COMPLETE]
[Welcome, Host, to the Merchant System]
[Congratulations on your transmigration!]
Kaito blinked once then twice but the holographic screen didn't disappear like he thought it would.
"A... system?" he breathed, his heart—his 'healthy' heart—pounding in his chest. "Like in those web novels?"
The screen flickered, text appearing line by line:
[Correct. You have died in your previous world and been granted a second life in the world of Erendath. As compensation for your suffering, you have been gifted the Merchant System.]
[Primary Function: Convert wealth into power.]
[The richer you become, the stronger you grow.]
[Current Status:]
- Level: 1
- Wealth: 0 copper coins
- Strength: 8
- Agility: 7
- Intelligence: 12
- Charisma: 6
- Merchant Rank: Beggar
Kaito stared at the stats, a laugh bubbling up from somewhere deep in his chest. It started as a chuckle but quickly grew into full-blown laughter that echoed through the small room.
He was alive. Actually alive. In a fantasy world. With a system that turned money into power.
"This is insane," he muttered, wiping tears from his eyes. "Absolutely insane."
[Would you like to view the Beginner's Guide?]
"Yes. Definitely yes."
A new window appeared, filled with information that Kaito devoured hungrily. According to the guide, every coin he earned would contribute to his growth. Small amounts would grant stat points. Larger sums would unlock skills, abilities, and even magical powers. The system had a shop where he could purchase everything from basic supplies to legendary items—as long as he had the coin for it.
There were quests, achievements, and even a feature called "Market Insight" that would help him identify profitable opportunities.
"So I just need to make money," Kaito said slowly, processing the information. "And I'll become stronger. No training. No life-or-death battles. Just... business."
[Correct. Though battles may find you regardless. This world is dangerous, Host.]
"I've spent my entire life unable to walk. I think I can handle a little danger." Kaito swung his legs off the bed—an actual bed, not a hospital cot—and stood up.
For the first time in twenty-three years, he stood on his own two feet.
The sensation was overwhelming. His legs held his weight without shaking and his back straightened without pain. He took one step, then another, then turned in a small circle, marveling at the simple act of movement.
"This is incredible," he whispered.
A knock on the door interrupted his moment.
"Kaito? You awake?" A gruff voice called from outside. "You've been sleeping for two days straight. The innkeeper's getting antsy about payment."
Kaito froze. Right. He was in someone else's body now. Someone named Kaito, apparently—which was convenient but also raised questions he didn't have answers to.
"Uh, yeah! Just a minute!" he called back, his mind racing.
[QEmergency Quest Available]
Quest: First Transaction
Objective: Acquire 10 copper coins within 24 hours to pay for your lodging.
Reward: +2 to all stats, Basic Appraisal skill unlocked
Failure: Forced eviction, -10 reputation with merchants in Bronwick Village
A timer appeared in the corner of his vision: 23:59:58
Kaito took a deep breath. His old life was gone. That sickly, bedridden existence had ended. This was his second chance—a chance to be strong, to be free, to actually live.
And it all started with earning his first ten copper coins.
He walked to the door, each step feeling like a small miracle, and pulled it open. A burly man with a greying beard stood outside, arms crossed and expression stern.
"About time. You gonna pay up, or do I need to toss you out?"
Kaito met his eyes and smiled—a real smile, the kind he'd never been strong enough to give before.
"I'll have your money by tomorrow," he said confidently. "You have my word."
The innkeeper snorted. "Your word don't buy bread, boy. But fine. Tomorrow it is, not a day later."
As the man stomped away, Kaito closed the door and leaned against it, his smile widening into a grin.
"Alright, Merchant System," he said to the floating interface. "Let's get rich."
[Excellent attitude, Host. Your journey begins now.]
[Welcome to Erendath. May your coffers overflow and your empire rise eternal.]