I need money.
Things weren't easy around here, especially when it came to finding a job.
I can't live off that wolf forever, and I didn't bring the rabbit with me.
'Still, that priest might help.' Rejected three times already, a sigh escaped my mouth without much resistance.
[Yes, he could... But I don't know if it's right to keep relying on a priest's goodwill, monsieur.]
The high-pitched voice echoed through my mind, reluctant as ever.
'Blah, you could at least help me get a job then.'
I couldn't help but scowl and click my tongue. Probably looked even weirder to the villagers. Not that I cared.
[I can't! That's not really within my mission parameters, so forget it!]
The guide shot back, sounding like I was the one being unreasonable.
'Useless guide.'
Things would be a lot easier if he wasn't such a hardass about everything.
---
'I wonder how that fellow is doing...'
Priest Uriah smiled faintly as he swept the temple's floor. 'Heard Erne's daughter was quite annoyed yesterday because of a rude guest at the inn...' The thought brought a nostalgic chuckle to his lips. Ah, to be young again...
His reflection was cut short by the sound of the temple gates creaking open.
That same tall silhouette.
"Yo, old man. Thanks for yesterday again, I owe you one," said the beast-man, waving as he approached.
"Yes, indeed. Seems you rested well. Is there something else bringing you here today?"
There was a certain curiosity in the old priest's tone—was the demi-human here to repay yesterday's kindness?
'Hah. Not that I'd accept anything.' Uriah smiled kindly.
"Well, you see... I kinda need your help again."
Rex scratched the back of his head, clearly a bit embarrassed.
"Oh? You need help once more? Please, be my guest. Helping others is why I'm here, after all."
Direct, wasn't he? But the priest's smile didn't waver.
"Know anyone who needs an extra hand? I could really use some work—at least until I figure out what I'm doing."
"A job, huh? Fair enough. If you plan to stay, you'll need income."
Uriah paused, thoughtful. "Why don't you visit Amar's stockhouse? It's on the other edge of the city. He always needs extra hands."
Of course, with how things are, a demi-human like Rex wouldn't find opportunities easily. But still—this one felt... different. More in control.
"That little stockhouse? Got it. Thanks again, priest!"
Rex turned to leave before Uriah called out again.
"Wait a moment! Hah... no time to waste, eh? What's your name, young man?"
The priest stepped forward, eyes looking up at the towering demi-human.
"My name is Uriah, priest of this Temple of Karma. And you are? I didn't catch it yesterday."
Rex looked over his shoulder and grinned, slightly sharp teeth on display.
"Rex. Not hard to get~"
With that, he turned and made his way toward the stockhouse on the village's far west side.
"Indeed, not hard to grasp... Hm. I hope Karma follows you to a good life, young Rex."
And with that said, Uriah returned to the temple, closing the gates behind him.
---
I spotted the house from afar—it was easily the largest in the village. Even had animals wandering nearby.
"Stockhouse, huh? I get what he meant now."
---
While entering the building and approaching a middle-aged man—who I assumed was Amar.
Looking up to me with a raised eyebrow, noticing the lion tail waving on my back. "Welcome, may i help you?"
"Hey, name is Rex and i need a job." Rex said, looking at amar. Determined to not be denied a fourth time.
"What can you offer?" Amar asked, entering his busnisess man mind now.
"Strenght that can carry three times any of your man can and double the stamina." Rex said back with confidence, keeping eye contact.
Amar looked back at Rex, when he finally spoke. "Then work as my delivery man, work is heavy but i will pay you enough."
"Sounds like deal." Rex smilled, as he called onto his mind while amar explained the route he would use around the village.
'Hey, system.'
{Yes, Master Rex.}
{Why did you call me?}
'How do I gain spins?'
So far, the system was straightforward—but it never explained that part. I can't use it without spins.
{By doing missions, Master Rex. Missions that will be unlocked in a few hours.}
Monotone as ever. Lifeless, cold.
'Missions, huh? Will they vary—like daily, weekly, monthly?'
While chatting with Amar (who thankfully had a job available), I let my mind keep going.
{No. There will only be daily missions and special missions.}
{And sometimes you may receive spins as blessings from the gods themselves—but that is far rarer. Is that all, Master Rex?}
'Yeah, yeah. You can go back to the depths of my mind now.'
Not that I knew whether the AI was truly annoyed—but it wasn't the friendliest either.
"Hm? You remember something?"
Amar raised an eyebrow at me as I drifted off into thought.
"Ah—yes, sorry. Just something personal. The job is just what we discussed, right?"
"Indeed it is. It's not much, but it'll pay."
"Thanks. I owe you."
The task was simple—deliver the milk Amar collected from his cows to several homes around the village.
Simple. Menial. But it gave me a foot in the door with the locals.
---
The day was more tiring than expected. Almost four liters per house—carrying that much made things awkward fast. My arms are a bit sore, but it worked out in the end.
Now! Time for clothes.
While finishing the last delivery, I asked around and found out where the general goods shop was—third one I'd seen today.
An old lady ran the place.
Didn't waste any time. Bought a basic set of clothes: a plain white shirt and dark pants, both cheap.
Surprisingly, she had a size that fit me.
Now heading back to the inn, I asked in my mind again:
'Yo, cube. What exactly should I be training for? I saw mana in my system bio, but I don't know where to start or what to do.'
[Ah yes! A fine question for my providence, monsieur.]
[There are choices, of course—but for now, even the same physical training you did in your old world will yield great results.]
[If we head north, we may reach the regional capital. There, you can purchase a mana formula—it won't be too difficult.]
'Got it. Training and getting more money. I can build up some goodwill in the village while I'm at it.'
With my goals set in place and fresh clothes on my back, I was ready to keep pushing forward.