The idea had taken root in Ji-woo's mind, a small seed of hope in the barren landscape of his grief. He had a way back to Aethel, a connection to a world of magic and wonder. And more importantly, he had a way to make a living, to carve out a place for himself in this strange new reality. He wouldn't be a warrior, a mage, or a hero. He would be a merchant.
He looked around his old house, his childhood home, now imbued with a strange, otherworldly significance. It was a mess. Boxes piled high in the corners, furniture draped in dust sheets, a testament to his apathy in the weeks since his parents' death. He had let the world fall apart around him, consumed by his sorrow. But now, a spark of purpose flickered within him. He had a task to do, a goal to achieve. He would go back to Aethel, and he would survive.
He started to rummage through the boxes, his mind buzzing with possibilities. What would the Aethelians want? What would they need? He thought of the simple tools he had seen in the village, the hand-crafted pottery, the homespun clothing. They were a people who lived close to the land, their lives dictated by the seasons and the rhythms of nature. They wouldn't have access to the modern conveniences he took for granted.
"That's it," he muttered to himself, grabbing a box labeled "Dad's Tools." He opened it, revealing an assortment of hammers, screwdrivers, wrenches, and pliers. Practical, durable, essential. These would be valuable in a world without mass production, without hardware stores on every corner.
He added the tools to a large duffel bag he found in the closet, a bag he had used for camping trips with his father. It was sturdy, reliable, capable of carrying a heavy load. It would be his merchant's pouch, his treasure chest.
He moved on to another box, this one filled with old camping gear. He found a flashlight, a compass, a first-aid kit, and a multi-tool. These would be invaluable in a world where magic and technology coexisted, where danger lurked in the shadows.
"Think, Ji-woo, think," he said to himself, pacing the room. What else would be useful? What else would be desirable? He thought of the simple clothing the villagers wore, the rough fabrics and the basic designs. He remembered seeing some shimmering jewelry, suggesting a taste for adornment.
He rummaged through his own clothes, finding a few items that were both practical and stylish. A waterproof jacket, a pair of sturdy hiking boots, a few t-shirts with interesting designs. He also found a box of old accessories: watches, necklaces, and a few colorful scarves. These might be trinkets, but they could be valuable trading items.
He thought of the food he had seen in the market, the strange fruits and vegetables. He realized that he would need a way to preserve food, to keep it fresh during his travels. He found a box of ziplock bags in the kitchen, a simple but effective way to store food and keep it from spoiling.
He also grabbed a few packets of instant noodles, a staple of his student days. They were lightweight, easy to prepare, and a taste of home. He wasn't sure if the Aethelians would appreciate them, but they might be a novelty, a curiosity.
As he packed his bag, his mind drifted back to his parents. They would have been proud of him, he thought. They had always encouraged him to be resourceful, to be independent. They had taught him the value of hard work and the importance of helping others. He was honoring their memory, he realized, by using the skills they had instilled in him.
He paused, a sudden thought striking him. He remembered seeing some children playing with a ball made of woven reeds. He found a deflated soccer ball in the garage, a relic of his high school days. He pumped it up, a smile spreading across his face. It was a simple thing, a mundane object from his world, but it could bring joy to the children of Aethel.
He added the soccer ball to his bag, along with a few other small toys he found scattered around the house. He also grabbed a notebook and a few pens, essential tools for a merchant. He would need to keep track of his trades, his profits, his inventory.
His bag was almost full now, a treasure trove of Earthly goods. He felt a sense of excitement, a thrill of anticipation. He was ready. He was going back to Aethel.
He slung the duffel bag over his shoulder, feeling the weight of it, the weight of his new purpose. He looked around the house one last time, a wave of nostalgia washing over him. This was his home, his connection to his past. But Aethel was calling him, beckoning him towards a new future.
He walked towards the portal, the shimmering gateway to another world. He took a deep breath, steeling his nerves. He was Ji-woo, the accidental traveler, the unlikely merchant. He was ready to begin his new life. He stepped through the portal, his heart pounding in his chest, his bag full of earthly treasures, his mind full of hope.