Merchant Crab
4.51 · 58 chapters · updated Nov 2, 2026
AdventureComedyFantasySatire Attractive LeadCozyGameLitHigh FantasyLitRPGLocal ProtagonistMagicMale LeadMonster EvolutionNon-Human LeadNon-Humanoid LeadPortal Fantasy / IsekaiProgressionSlice of LifeStrong Lead
Why read this story?
- One of the highest rated stories in the catalogue.
- Actively updating: the last chapter was posted 0 days ago.
- A shorter read at 58 chapters, easier to finish than a long series.
- A good fit if you enjoy Attractive Lead, Cozy and GameLit.
About this story
Book 1 is on Kindle and Audible!
Book 2 is on Kindle and Audible too!
Book 3 is on Kindle as well!
Balthazar was just a random giant crab enjoying his life in a fantasy world full of bothersome human adventurers, but then he had to go and accidentally discover the secret of attributes and levels. And also pie. With baked goods and coin as his new life goals, he turns to the competitive business of trading the random junk adventurers loot every day.
Follow Balthazar as he does everything to find a baker... except leave his pond, because exploring the dangerous world out there is for suckers. Witness how adventurers just can't seem to stop dying around his home. And cheer for a crab who makes great new friends by simply buying them.
Book 4 is out now, with new chapters fresh off the bakery!
What to expect from this story:
- No harems, not unless they're a harem of gold coins.
- Silliness, lots of it. The story doesn't take itself too seriously, so you shouldn't either.
- The only kind of OP here is how "overpriced" the crab's deals are.
- A system simple enough for a crab to use, but still conveniently complex when necessary, for some odd reason.
- Proper realistic adventurers: they're not very bright, and they make very poor decisions.
- Did I mention there will be pastries?
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Merchant Crab is published on Royal Road. FicGems only lists the story's details and links to it; the chapters stay on the original site.