The last time Xavier tried to save money, he died.

Forty dollars for a doctor had seemed excessive. Now he’s growing up in a world where magic is real, and he’s determined to make it pay. Learning from two retired mages should give him a head start. Getting either of them to pay him for anything is proving considerably harder.

Then he discovers the adventurers’ guild pays people to carry parcels.

Courier work could fund his spellbook and take him beyond the hometown he’s spent his second life inside. With wind at his back, he might even get someone else to pay for seeing the world.

Of course, accepting a delivery means taking responsibility for what arrives at the other end. Xavier tends to work out how much he’ll earn before considering what he’s agreed to do.

He’s very good at negotiating his way into a job.

Getting out of one takes practice.