On the way back to the guild, i received a lot of dirty looks when walking down the streets. With my body with blood and grim, i was desperate for a nice warm bath. Picking up speed, i soon reached the guild.
“Hi, i’ve completed the gold-ranked mission to subjugate the shadow panther. I’ll like to collect the reward.”
“That was quick sir, please put the body on the counter and i’ll confirm the job,” the were-rabbit took out a rounded spectacle and rolled up her sleeves.
Extracting the carcass from my ring, i laid it on the table. Immediately, i could hear hushed whispers and murmuring from behind me. The hunters were all looking at me and pointing at the shadow panther.
“How? He is just one man-“
“Just how strong is he?”
—
After examining it for five minutes, she removed her gloves and punched in a few things in the calculator. “That will be 15 gold, unfortunately i’ll have to lower the price as the head is not in one piece. The core is missing too, i’m assuming you took it?”
“Yup, oh and do you know where i can find the local weapons and armor shop?”
“It’s here and here. And please call me Sophia, we will be meeting often, i’ll be in your care.” Her long ears drooped down as she gave a little bow. “Oh! Mr Pendragon, there was a lady looking for you not long ago.”
“Did she state for what reason?”
“No sir, but she did say that she’ll be waiting for you”
‘Waiting for me huh, better than snooping around.’ I had a slight suspicion of who it was.
“Thank you Sophia, see you soon.”
Sophia lowered her head bashfully and nodded.
—
‘Making my way downtown, walking fast, faces pass, and i’m home-bound,’ i hummed as i made a beeline to the inn. Entering my room, i discovered someone standing by my bedside, with her figure covered in shadow.
“Come on man, at least let me take a bath first, shoo, shoo.” I pointed to the door. She looked like she had something to say, but in the end gave up and stomped towards the door. As she left i could see her vibrant red hair and her face flushed crimson like a boiling tomato.
I took my time in the bath and scrubbed myself down. After such a long day, i did not feel like dealing with her, but no matter how much i tried to prolong the bath, i knew it was inevitable. letting out a dragged sigh, i got out the bathtub and dressed myself.
I opened the door and found her standing outside. “Did you really stand outside my door for 20 minutes like a idiot?”
“Hmh,” she huffed and barged past me.
“So who are you and what do you want.”
“I am Lithana Bladeheart, from the noble house of assassin, we live and serve under the royal family of Erewhon. I am here you hire you to be in the service of our noble house. This will be an offer that will not come by again.”
“Why do you want me anyways, there are countless mages better than i am, you don’t even know who i am,” i narrowed my eyes.
“Good question, well first of all, i discovered that you are a dual elementalist, and second, you are unaffiliated with any of the noble houses, do you know how rare it is for any dual elementalist to not be taken in by any powerhouses?”
“No.”
“I’m sorry what, i don’t think i heard you clearly, do you not realize how great this opportunity-“
“No, i will not serve under anyone, not even if the King himself begs me, i will walk my own path and no one shall command me.”
“Who do you thi-“
Before she could utter another word, i shot out a flame bullet and hit the wall a few inches from her head. Her eyes widened from shock, unable to processed what just happened.
“Instantaneous spellcasting, impossible…” she muttered to herself.
“Get out, now.” i growled, letting out a hint of displeasure.
Ducking her head, she yeeted herself out of my abode.
‘Finally i have some peace to myself, i shall visit the shops tomorrow.”
—
“Breakfast is ready!” I heard a shout outside my room.
“Mmmm… Five minutes… ” I mumbled to no one.
.
.
“Lunch is ready!”
“F***.”
I got my lazy ass up and found some new clothing to put on. After having lunch, i visited the innkeeper and told her that i’ll be staying for an indefinite amount of time, since i mentioned that i would only be staying for one day the last time. I tried to pay more coins but she refused.
Making my way to the weapons shop, the first thing that caught my attention was the mithril armor. The full set of armor shone brightly on display, catching the gazes of all pedestrians who passes by the shop.
Ting ting~
The bells chimed as i entered the shop. Inside was dimly lit and feels very clamped with all the armors laying around. I heard a movement behind the counter and a wizened old man came out.
“Dear customer, welcome to Fodus Armory, what can i do for you?”
“Hello, i’m looking to get a custom made armor for me, and just for curiosity, how much is the armor on display?”
“Ho ho, that’s not for sale, only for display purposes, i gotta get me sum customers ya know. So what kind of armor are you looking for, light or heavy?”
“Light one, which one’s the most durable here that’s preferably not too expensive.”
The shopkeeper then went to the back area and rummaged through some things. After a while, he came back with a black and red piece of armor.
“Molten rock lizard set, one of the best light armor we have here. Provides great fire resistance, and an ability to become invulnerable for 1 second, after that it’ll be destroyed.”
‘I didn’t really care about what options it gave me, as long as it looks good and serves me well, i’m happy. Fashion is the most important aspect, am i right?’
“That sounds great, how much is it?”
“5 gold and 40 silver pieces.”
I cringed a little inside, that was around 1/3 of my money i got from the mission. ‘But oh well, it looks good.’
After taking my measurements, he told me to wait at the bench as he modifies the armor. After 30 minutes, he came back. A sheen of sweat coating his body, he had my finished armor on his hands.
I tried on the armor and it was surprising comfortable. It was a slick black and red armor hugging my body not hindering any of my movements. The armor covered all the vital parts on my body, there are cracks in the armor which is glowing red, like there’s molten lava hidden underneath (Author’s note: texture like Kylo Ren’s mask).
Feeling satisfied with the purchase, i thanked the shopkeeper and left.
Next destination, weapons store.
