Back in their small room, the initial excitement of completing their first system quest had settled into a quiet determination. Aureon and Elleaner surveyed their modest collection of bags. They had sold most of their initial batch, but they knew they couldn't rely on selling a few hand-stitched bags in the market forever if they truly wanted to build a better future.
"We need more fabric," Elleaner said thoughtfully, examining the remaining scraps. "And maybe different kinds? Some people asked if we had bigger bags, or bags with pockets."
Aureon nodded, his mind already working on solutions. He accessed the "Basic Business Acumen Module" again, recalling information about supply chains and customer demand. He realized they needed to secure a more consistent and perhaps better source of materials. The discarded scraps from the textile merchant had been a good starting point, but they were limited in quantity and variety.
"Maybe I can talk to the merchant again," Aureon mused. "Perhaps I can buy larger pieces of fabric at a wholesale price if we promise to buy regularly." The concept of "wholesale price" was new to him, a direct result of the business module, but it made logical sense. Buying in bulk should be cheaper per unit.
As he contemplated their next steps, a new notification pinged in his system interface. A new quest had become available: [Quest: Secure a Stable Supply Chain]
* Objective: Establish a reliable source for raw materials (fabric) for your minor production business. This source should be able to provide a consistent supply of materials at a reasonable cost.
* Reward: 50 Galactic Credits, Blueprint: Basic Sewing Machine (Requires appropriate resources to construct).
Aureon's eyes lit up. This was exactly what they needed! And the reward – a blueprint for a sewing machine! That would significantly speed up their production.
"Elleaner, look!" he exclaimed, showing her the holographic quest description. "The system wants us to find a better way to get fabric. And if we do, it will give us the plans for a sewing machine!"
Elleaner's eyes widened. A sewing machine! That sounded incredibly advanced and would make their work so much easier. "How do we do that, Aureon?"
Aureon thought for a moment, drawing on the information from the business acumen module. "I think my idea of talking to the textile merchant again is a good start. Maybe he has a warehouse or knows other suppliers."
As he considered their options, another less prominent notification in the system interface caught his attention. It was in a section he hadn't explored much yet: [World Information - Local Sector]. Curiosity piqued, he focused on it.
A new window opened, displaying some basic information about their current location, the city they were in, and something labeled "Local Governance: Provisional Authority." It mentioned something about "orbital trade routes" and "standardized galactic currency adoption in designated zones." Aureon frowned. Orbital trade routes? Standardized galactic currency? It hinted at a world far larger and more complex than the streets he had always known. It seemed their city was perhaps in a transitional phase, not fully integrated into this wider galactic framework. This might explain why the Galactic Credits hadn't been immediately recognizable to everyone.
This glimpse into a larger world, a world that included galactic empires and advanced technology, sparked a sense of wonder and ambition in Aureon. Their small bag-making venture was just the beginning. If there were orbital trade routes and standardized galactic currency in some zones, then the possibilities were truly endless.
"Elleaner," he said, his voice filled with a newfound excitement, "I think there's a whole universe out there, far beyond this city! The system… it's connected to something much bigger."
Elleaner looked at him, her trust unwavering. "Then we'll figure it out, Aureon. Together. We'll find a way to get the fabric, build that sewing machine, and see what else this 'system' has in store for us."
With their immediate goal set on securing a stable supply of fabric and the tantalizing glimpse of a wider universe fueling their ambition, Aureon and Elleaner knew their journey had just begun. The minor production of bags was just the first step on a path that could lead them to unimaginable heights.