"So, I said- Hahaha!"
In a rather rowdy atmosphere, I'm sitting at the table with Walter as he's drinking like the end of the world was near. I wasn't too worried for him as we had a big dinner, but there is a limit to how much one can consume alcohol. At least... I think so, does this world work differently?
He was apparently going to unfold amusing tale, however he hasn't even gotten to the point as he laughs uncontrollably before ever mentioning it.
I look to him as I take a sip out of my own glass. With his face flushed, he continues to spout nonsense. He said he'd also speak about how he met Beatrice, but he hasn't gotten to that part either. I didn't take him for a person who'd drink so much.
Beatrice herself who was waiting for us by the entrance to Aisengard sits meekly at the end of the table; with a glass of juice in hand, it seems like she just wanted to retire for the day.
"Is he always like this?"
I scoot over to her to ask as she answers with a motion of her hand. Seems like it's every now and then.
"I see..."
She resumes taking sips of her juice and eating berries off the vine. The Beatrice before me really doesn't resemble her after all; they're like polar opposites. But something about her...-
A loud crash resonates from Walter's direction as he disappeared beside the table. Beatrice moves to his side in a hurry as she then slaps his cheeks a few times to check whether or not he's still conscious.
"He drinked himself out cold, huh?"
She nods just a slight before taking hold of his arm and dragging him towards and up the flight of stairs.
"Hmm..."
I should ask if she needs help, but she seems to be handling it fairly easily.
"I guess that's a wrap."
Finishing off the rest of my glass, I gesture to Keith that I'd be retiring for the night and head on upstairs. Before I could enter my room, I look to Rosebelle's as my thoughts were all about her.
"..."
Tomorrow, I'll ask her.
...
Descending the stairs leading to the diner of the Sleeping Ogre, Walter and Beatrice sit across from each other as they chat over breakfast. For some reason, I have a desire to eavesdrop over the fact that I haven't heard this Beatrice speak. Though, a tap on my shoulder prevents me as I turn back to see Rosebelle.
"It's not a good habit to listen in on people, Akira.~"
In a teasing mood, I hop down a step ready to retort. Though, seeing her up with her spirits makes me feel strange.
I wonder if she remembers how she got here yesterday.
"I-It's not like I wanted to... G-Good morning, Rosebelle."
"Hehe, same to you, Akira."
Showing a fair smile, Walter calls out to us as we join them by the table.
"Hey, uh... I didn't cause any trouble for you last night, did I? Ha-haha..."
Remembering the events of the night prior, I assume he's probably embarrassed with the way he handled himself. Though, it didn't cause any trouble, and it was a fun time that reminded me what it was like to be back in my world. Just people laughing it off over a couple drinks, sharing problems or just listening in.
"No, no harm done. It was actually interesting to see you like that."
"Yeah, well... I'm still sorry you had to see me like that," glancing over to Rosebelle, he smiles just a bit, "Glad to see you're all better now, it would've been great if you were there with us. Kinda want to hear some of the adventures you had."
"Sounds like I missed a good time, I haven't thanked you yet for helping us."
"Ah no no, the pleasure's mine. We made an agreement, right? So it's natural I lent a hand. It was tough, and I never want to go through that again. But it was an experience to fight along side you."
Offering his hand, he seems to hold Rosebelle in high regard; though not to the point of obsession, it's more like respect as she accepts his gesture and shake hands.
"I'm just glad we all made it out... But, I never did thank that one for their support."
Referring to the kunoichi, I look to Beatrice who's just enjoying her breakfast.
...
After joining them for breakfast, we part ways outside the Sleeping Ogre.
"Well, we got business to take care of so it's so long for now. We'll be staying a few in the city though, so look us up if you ever need anything and perhaps we can work something out."
He motions to Beatrice atop of their caravan as she then tosses a bag to me with considerable heft to it.
"Courtesy for assisting the Aurelia Caravan Company," with a grin, he also hands out a pouch with a familiar scent to it, "Not quite on what we arranged, but it'd be asking for trouble to head back."
Taking a small peek inside, it's the herbs Luel requested and some others. With whatever happened there, I feel guilty accepting compensation. I may have risked my life, but it's not because I wanted to get paid. I solely believe I did what I did in order to follow in her footsteps.
"Here's hoping no further misfortune goes your way," Rosebelle chimes in like it was business as usual as Walter hops onto the caravan.
"Well, we'll see. In the mean time, take care of yourselves," with a wave, Beatrice bows just a slight as I return the gesture.
"Yeah, you too, Beatrice, Walter; thanks for everything."
...
Attempting to split the funds proved to be more difficult that I anticipated as Rosebelle wouldn't accept a split fifty fifty. Of course, my first thought was to give her everything but she quickly denied that.
"----You need coin in order to survive, so buy yourself some equipment! You won't be so lucky the next time."
Is what she told me, so I left to see Master as Rosebelle took her own path towards the Adventurer's Hub to inform Iphis of yesterdays events.
"Still..."
With 20 lumin and a dozen seraphs to my name and what I have on me, I'm unsure of what to arm myself with as I gaze at the vast selection of equipment.
"How's the grind going, kiddo?"
The Master greets me as I explore the selection of swords against the wall and the several in individual cases.
"Ehh... It's been, well... a grind... Have you ever ran into an Orc Hero, Master?"
"An Orc Hero... Can't say I have in my ventures. There ain't many of them, and they're usually deep in goblin territory. Why ask?"
"Well... we kinda ran into one yesterday," I look directly at him to show my sincerity as it almost baffles him.
"...You sure have the devils luck, first an Arch Griffon and now an Orc Hero? Where abouts was this?"
I further explain the details leading to our meeting at deaths doorstep as I almost died if it weren't for the wandering kunoichi.
"Myria forest, huh... That's a fair distance from any goblin territory I know of. They must've been venturing for miles. But, glad you're still kicking. The next time you face one, you should be properly geared, you numb skull."
Firmly patting my shoulder, he then crosses his arms.
"So, anything caught your eye? With what you have there, you can purchase the necessities to keep you going."
"About that... I think I'd like a sword instead."
"Axe not your sort of thing?"
He leans in with a questionable look as I'm sure he may have realised I haven't been spending too much time in the other section of weapons. He's the one recommended to try it out initially, so I felt a bit guilty to tell him that so straight.
"She's made a big impression on you, huh? Or is it 'cause you set your sights on the Duskbringer?"
Like he's already figured it out one way or the other, he laughs just a bit.
"Well everyone has a preference, some weapons suit others better. It's a good idea to get familiar with one, and find one you're compatible with."
He walks away a few steps before coming to a stop, "So, any preference in your blade? There may be more to it than you think. Like clothing, you need one that fits you."
"Ehh, I'm not so sure. I was hoping you'd help me with that. Any recommendations? My STR parameter isn't high at all, and I don't have the basic mastery."
"Hm, well then," heading off, he takes a long sword off display; it has resemblance to the ones during medieval times, "Something basic, with a longer range and has some heft to it so you can get used to the weight."
Handing it to me, I take hold of the hilt and the sheathe.
"Hmm... It is certainly hefty."
It's not exactly heavy, it's balanced compared go the weight of the axe.
"While it doesn't hit as hard as an axe, you wouldn't need to accommodate for the delay in your attacks. Though, if you'd prefer a more damaging weapon," moving towards the other wall with larger weapons, he directs my attention to a large sword, "This here's a great sword, two handed for bigger damage and darn heavier. You can wield these with your regular ol' sword mastery, but to get the best experience, you'd want the Two Handed Mastery passive ability. That way, you can swing at an increased rate and not eat your stamina as fast."
"Two handed mastery, hmm..."
"Or any offensive mastery with the quicken attribute should work as well. Unlike an axe, she's just heavier to swing."
"I see... I'll go with this one, and..." taking off the shield against my back, I hand it over to the Master, " Rosebelle would like you to repair her shield."
"Hahh... again?" rubbing the back of his head, he takes it with a sigh before holding it out to inspect the damages, "Could've sworn I had 'im repaired a few days ago, and he's already battered up."
Unlike the simple axe I had; it possesses a unique name. The Dawnbringer has an impressive design that's unique but the shield isn't so much. It pales in comparison.
"Is there something special about the shield?"
The requirements to equip isn't high, so it makes me wonder why she uses it so.
"Special huh? Well, I guess you could say that," bringing up the item description window, he directs my attention towards the name, "This shield is a keepsake from someone she knew well."
He holds it over his shoulder and walks towards the counter, talking as he moves along as I follow his every step.
"I wouldn't say it in front of her, but she'd be a lot safer if she'd use a shield meant for someone of her caliber. She's handicapped; she knows it too, but she can't let it go. After all-"
Placing it against the counter, he looks me directly in the eyes.
"It's the only thing that was left behind from the man, from Jerach."
"The only thing left..? So, Jerach, he's-"
"Dead."
"..."
Unable to utter another word, the crushing reality of life dawns down on me again. Fortunately, I haven't experienced that feeling. But, I'm sure it hurts; something that eats away at you if you're not careful.
I'm sure my death impacted my parents in a way I'd never know. I still can't help but wonder what became of me in my world, and how it affected the ones around me.
A thud hits my shoulder as my quivering stops, I realise it was the Masters hand as he looks to me with a solemn gaze.
"So, don't die out there, all right? Rose suffered a lifetime of pain and guilt, more than some could ever bare."
...
"Guilt, huh? ...I wonder, what happened?
It'd be untactful to ask simply out of curiosity...
After purchasing a full set of basic adventuring armor that's both light and durable, I also got a long sword to go with it. Negotiation went better than I expected too as I managed to drop the price from 17 to 15 lumins without much effort, but I'm sure he just let me have it.
"Rosebelle, the Master said it'd take a day to repair your shield."
Entering the Adventurers hub, she's inspecting the bulletin board.
"Oh, thanks for that, I'd go myself but-"
Turning to me, she halts mid sentence as her gaze moves from top to bottom.
"Hehe, you look good, Akira. You're looking more like an Adventurer now.~"
"You mean I didn't look the part before?"
"Hmm..." placing her index finger against her lips, she thinks aloud, "You looked more of a... traveler? Hehe, but anyways, you look good.~"
"Well thanks... Any info on the Orc Hero?"
"Mm, about that... I told Mama what happened, she's now just informing the head about the events. I think Myria Forest will be on tight lock down until they figure it all out. Adventurers like us should be on the alert too."
"Yeah... Walter mentioned that they may have been from the ruins north of the forest."
"The same thing crossed my mind, but..." she arcs her hand against the side of her forehead before closing her eyes, "There isn't much in the area that'd cause their Hero to act; let alone the entire tribe to leave their territory. Under normal circumstances, you'd never see an Orc Hero above ground."
Knowing little background about goblins leaves me practically useless if we're discussing on the reason of their appearance.
"But anyways, we can leave that to the experts back at HQ; they'll most likely open up a request to experienced Candidates or send in a team on their own. So we don't need to worry about that. At least until they figured out what's going on."
"I suppose so..."
While I did think Rosebelle would look into things on her own, I guess there isn't much to do when there doesn't seem to be a related request. Though, she could do so regardless but perhaps this is a more grave situation than I initially thought.
"So, are you up for some questing? We can go drop off Luel's request after we pick up a new one."
"Mm, I was hoping to do a hunting quest and perhaps something else in around the same area if possible..."
"Oh, now you're thinking like a real Adventurer.~ Hmm, let's see... there's..."
Scanning the bulletin board, there's still various requests up with most the old no longer available as new ones take their place.
"Orchard... Oh, a request by Aunt Mally, and this... perfect."
She pulls two sheets off the board and hands them to me with a satisfied smile.
"You should think about doing this one, Aunt Mally always welcomed new comers and her orchard isn't far off. And you can also complete the other one while we're there."
"Hmm..." reading through the details, it doesn't seem too difficult; though I'm unsure how strong the foes are, "If you recommend it then sure."
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