infinite dominion

Chapter 7: The Value of Wealth

Liam stood at the gates of Ironshade, gazing at the towering city walls. The streets buzzed with activity, players and NPCs alike moving with purpose. The notifications from earlier still lingered in his mind, especially one that had caught his attention:

[System Announcement: Currency Exchange Now Open!]

• Players can now convert real-world currency into in-game currency (and vice versa).

• Exchange Rate: 1 Bronze = 1 USD.

It was a monumental change. With the opening of the Currency Exchange, the economy of Eternal Dominion would shift dramatically. For some, this was an opportunity to climb the ranks by investing real-world money. For others, it was a way to turn their in-game success into tangible wealth.

For Liam, it was both a blessing and a challenge.

He navigated through the crowded streets of Ironshade, eventually arriving at a grand building with an emblem of intertwined coins etched above the entrance. This was the Exchange Hall, where players could access the new feature.

Inside, the hall was lavishly decorated with gold-trimmed columns and a vaulted ceiling. A row of counters stretched across the room, each manned by NPC tellers in immaculate uniforms. Above them, holographic screens displayed real-time exchange rates and transaction statistics.

Liam approached one of the counters, where a cheerful NPC greeted him.

"Welcome to the Currency Exchange! How can I assist you today?"

"I'd like to check the exchange rates," Liam replied.

The NPC tapped on a crystalline tablet, and a screen appeared before Liam.

[Currency Exchange Rates]

• Convert Real Money to Game Currency:

• 1 USD = 1 Bronze Coin.

• 1,000 USD = 1 Silver Coin.

• Convert Game Currency to Real Money:

• 1 Bronze Coin = 0.95 USD.

• 1 Silver Coin = 950 USD.

Transaction Fees:

• 5% on all conversions.

Liam frowned slightly at the fees but understood their necessity. The developers had implemented the system carefully, ensuring a balance between accessibility and regulation.

He hesitated for a moment, then checked his current wealth.

Inventory:

• Silver Coins: 1

• Bronze Coins: 35

With just over 1 Silver, Liam realized he had enough to convert a small amount into real-world money. It wasn't much, but it could be a game-changer for someone in his position.

"I'd like to exchange 20 Bronze for cash," he said, testing the system.

The NPC nodded and processed the transaction. A moment later, a confirmation screen appeared.

[Transaction Complete!]

• Bronze Coins Deducted: 20

• Amount Credited to Real-World Account: 19 USD (after fees).

Liam stared at the notification, a mix of disbelief and excitement washing over him. He had just made real money by playing a game. For someone who had struggled to make ends meet in real life, this was a revelation.

A New Avenue for Growth

Leaving the Exchange Hall, Liam pondered the implications of this new system. The ability to convert in-game currency to real-world money meant that Eternal Dominion was more than just a game—it was an economic ecosystem.

But it also meant increased competition. Players with deep pockets could now buy their way to the top, purchasing gold, equipment, and other resources to gain an edge.

"Money will give them a head start," Liam muttered, "but skill and strategy still matter."

He opened his Rankings Tab and scanned the Gold Rankings.

Gold Rankings

1. GoldenWolf - 11 Gold, 300 Silver.

2. TraderKing - 10 Gold, 750 Silver.

3. LadyLuxe - 9 Gold, 400 Silver.

…

4. IronSword - 2 Gold, 50 Silver.

His own wealth didn't even come close to making the list, but that didn't deter him. With his Primordial Sovereign class and its x1000 drop multiplier, Liam knew he had the potential to amass vast amounts of gold.

Exploring the Market

Deciding to capitalize on the newly opened systems, Liam made his way to the Marketplace. The vibrant bazaar was filled with stalls and holographic displays showcasing items for sale. Players haggled over prices, while NPC merchants advertised their wares.

He browsed the listings, looking for bargains. Among the sea of potions, materials, and low-tier equipment, one item caught his eye:

[Enchanted Leather Boots]

• Rank: B

• Stats: +15 Agility, +5 Movement Speed.

• Price: 80 Bronze Coins.

It was a steep price, but Liam recognized the value of the boots. Agility was a crucial stat for his class, and the movement speed bonus would give him an edge in both combat and exploration.

He hesitated for a moment before making the purchase.

[Purchase Complete!]

• Bronze Coins Deducted: 80

The boots appeared in his inventory, and Liam equipped them immediately. The moment he did, he felt lighter, his movements more fluid.

[Equipment Stats Updated!]

• Agility: +15

• Movement Speed: +5%

Satisfied with his purchase, Liam turned his attention to the Auction House.

[Auction House Interface]

• Current Listings:

1. Rare Gemstone - Starting Bid: 10 Silver.

2. Skill Book: Fireball (Rank A) - Current Bid: 3 Gold.

3. Mystic Ore (Crafting Material) - Starting Bid: 50 Silver.

Liam noted the high prices on most items and decided against bidding for now. Instead, he listed a few crafting materials he had collected, setting reasonable starting bids to attract buyers.

[Items Listed for Auction:]

• Wolf Fang (Rare Material): Starting Bid: 5 Silver.

• Enchanted Bark (Rare Material): Starting Bid: 7 Silver.

As he exited the Auction House, Liam felt a sense of accomplishment. The marketplace and currency exchange had opened up new possibilities, both for in-game progress and real-world benefits.

A Message from the Past

Just as Liam was about to head back to his inn, his game panel buzzed with a new notification.

[Message Received from NPC: Elder Hamil]

• Subject: A Favor to Ask

• Message: "Adventurer, your prowess has caught my attention. I have a task of great importance, should you choose to accept it. Meet me at the Elder's Hall at dawn."

Intrigued, Liam marked the Elder's Hall on his map. The message suggested a unique quest, possibly tied to his Primordial Sovereign class.

As he made his way to the inn, Liam's mind raced with possibilities. The world of Eternal Dominion was opening up, its layers of complexity revealing themselves with each passing day.

For now, though, he needed rest. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, and Liam intended to face them head-on.