For the second time since I died, I woke up under an unfamiliar ceiling, after sparks of light started flooding my room. I realized that the curtains weren't drawn, since I forgot to do that last night due to how tired I was.
Back on Earth I didn't really get the chance to see many sunrises since I was either playing games until 4-5 AM, or working until similar hours. That's why, sluggishly, I got out of bed in the white yukata I bought yesterday and looked out the window.
I was on the second floor yet with the city being somewhat downhill, I could clearly see the port engulfed by orange morning sun, creating a beautiful painting to wake up to.
I wonder what time is it...
I undressed and equipped this world's fashionless clothes (well I kind of like the boots and the cloak to be honest) and descended to the first floor.
[Quite early aren't you? Didn't you manage to sleep well?] (Caitlin)
"Good morning Ms. Faye. On the contrary, I've slept like a log and since I have too much energy, I decided to explore the city a bit. At what time do the stores usually open?"
[Stores? Well around 7 I guess. Is 6:30 right now, so after some breakfast you can go and do just that.] (Caitlin)
"Wow...6:30AM? This must be a new record for me..."
"Ms. Faye, I wanted to ask..."
[Please, just call me Caitlin like everyone else. It makes me feel old when you call me that...] (Caitlin)
"Understood. Then, Caitlin, how do you tell the time? Do you have watches?"
[Yes... Like the one on the wall. There are also pocket watches, but are kind of expensive and you can only buy those from specialized stores, since they are custom-made. Is also a symbol of nobility of sorts since they cost as much as a good horse. That reminds me, you don't have your daily necessities bought out yet, do you?] (Caitlin)
"I was thinking of buying them as time went by, when I need them. Right now I can't really think what I will require later on, therefore I'll get myself some weapons and armor to start with."
[Do you plan on taking requests from the guild?] (Caitlin)
"Yes. Since is also a good chance to gather information, I might as well do that. Before doing so though, you mentioned breakfast right?"
After indulging in some cow milk and eggs with bacon, I got up and left the inn. I asked for directions and it seems that stores that sell both weapons and armor are close by.
"I guess I should start with a weapon shop. This sword is both rusty and dull, but since it did its part, I can't really complain..."
The first shop I ended up in was the weapons shop. It was a two story building, that doubled as the owner's home. A spear crossed with a sword were drawn as symbol on the signboard so it was rather hard to miss.
Truth to be told, I had no idea about weapons and such and after thinking things through, I realized that my game knowledge was not as vast as I originally thought...or helpful for that matter. I had the Identify skill that might be of some help, but beside the materials, I'm not going to get much information.
Ugh...let's just hope that the clerk is not going to take advantage to much of me.
"Good morning. I was sent here by Ms. Caitlin Faye as a recommendation for buying good weapons."
[Good morning lad. Caitlin did? I see... Do you have an occupation?] (Clerk)
" I do. It's 'Scout'."
[Agility based, isn't it? Can you handle two swords at once?] (Clerk)
"Swords might be a bit too much..."
In my mind, the cool image of me handling two big swords appeared. However, the reality wouldn't allow such a feat with my meager Strength stat and lack of body muscles. Remember that I used to play games, not go to the gym...
[No, sorry. I was referring to daggers. The blades are around 40 centimeters only and the materials are light. I was asking about being able to use both hands.] (Clerk)
"Oh, I understand! It wouldn't be a problem. Do you have something like that?"
[Agility based professions, like thief, scout, hunter or assassin usually use dual daggers as their main weapons and hold onto a sub weapon as well. Usually is either a bow, crossbow, or throwing knifes.] (Clerk)
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"I think the throwing knifes might be the best choice, although I don't have very much confidence in my aim with them. Can I see choices for both?"
I was stupidly hyped to be honest when I imagined myself in a thief's attire, holding two daggers at my waist, or throwing knifes at monsters. With the overcoat I bought yesterday I might look the part as well. What the hell!? That self-serving game God... is really not that bad, is he?
[Come this way.] (Clerk)
I followed the clerk in a back room and I was in awe. In a room with only a table in the middle, the surrounding walls were filled with weapons of all sorts, just like decorative paintings.
He then took multiple dual daggers that came as a set with a belt to place them in and showed them to me. On the table there were around six pairs of daggers, some simpler and some more 'decorated'. I used my skill to analyze them and I found something that might be good:
Steel dagger
A blade with short reach made from an alloy that allows the flow of mana.
This blade has high resistance to skill damage inflicted by the user.
Estimated cost: 60 Copper coins
Slow steel dagger
A blade with short reach made from an alloy that allows the flow of mana.
This blade has been infused with mana, so it inflicts a decrease in movement speed to the targeted enemy.
Estimated cost : 80 Copper coins
I realized then, that the sword I had probably ended up like this because of the Soldier Goblin using skills repeatedly with it. I should confirm it.
"I also have this short sword, can you look at it please?"
[Hmm? Let's see... The hilt is in good condition and is worked rather well, however the blade almost reached its end. You must be careful with the mana use since most blades show resistance to it and the material composition weaken. When that happens, the blade becomes dull.] (Clerk)
"Well, can I sell it to you?"
[To be honest, I can melt the blade and re-purpose the hilt. I'll give you 10 cooper coins for it.](Clerk)
"I'll take it. How about the throwing knives?"
[They come as a set of ten and they all look like this. Feel free to pick ten or more that you want.] (Clerk)
Since they come as a set of ten I will probably not need more than that, nor could I exactly strap myself with more. I'm sure even in this world they would see me as a maniac if I do such a stupid thing.
The clerk calmly explained that usually, the belts holding them is one wrapped around the waist and the other around the right leg. One holds six and the other four. I then analyzed the knives and found something strange.
Steel knife
A knife with short reach made from steel, well ballanced.
Imbued with mana absorption quality.
Estimated cost: 7 Copper coins
One empty slot available.
Mana absorption
By imbuing it into any liquid, it can replicate its properties and grant them to the object.
The object can hold as many properties, as slots available on it.
That was interesting...
I wondered if they are made that way, or is just because of the materials that they randomly got such a propriety. I should probably ask in order to confirm.
"About the knives. Can they be imbued with poison?"
[Yes. The materials used to forge them grants mana absorption and you can use up to one type of liquid per knife. Each knife is 10 coppers by the way and each dagger set is 3 silver coins.] (Clerk)
"So is 5 silver total? Do they come with the hilt and the strapping belts included?"
[That's why I won't pay you the 10 copper coins for your sword and hilt lad. So, have you decided?] (Clerk)
"I'll take these two daggers and a set of 10 throwing knives. Is that alright?"
[Yes, is fine. Here ya' go! Come by again] (Clerk)
I equipped the daggers around my waist and four knives around my leg. The rest I put in my item bag and left the shop. Not even ten meters away, I found the armor shop. To my surprise, the items were not very fantasy like and they had no real options or extra skills. They were simple protector garments. I took a chest armor made from wolf leather which was quite light but still had high defense capabilities from its description and a pair of black gloves made from the same material. Why the gloves, if no skill on them or anything? Because they looked kind of cool... They were no-fingers and everything... I'm still weak to that kind of thing okay!?
"I guess around an hour, an hour and a half passed. The streets are already bustling with people, merchants and adventurers. Either way, is unexpectedly silent. It might be a fantasy world, but is not like there is no ill will or crime. I wonder why does the city looks so peaceful?"
[That might be because of the guards patrolling every inch of the city. They do it all night as well, you know...]
"Good morning Ronald! You surprised me talking like that all of sudden. What are you doing here?"
[I was headed towards the Adventurer's Guild to report for duty and then towards the wall. My shift starts soon. You?] (Ronald)
"To be honest, I was thinking of going to the guild myself and get some requests. I might be able to see more of the city and its people like that. What do you think?"
[Well, is not a bad idea. And with your level and skills it should be easy to complete the even harder ones. I see that you also got some new clothes and equipment. Looking good!](Ronald)
"Thank you! To be honest I already burned through the money I found from the Goblins, so I plan on recovering some of it."
With the armor that costed 1 silver and 30 copper coins, including the night spent at the inn, the food and the bath, plus the clothes and weapons...I spent a total of 12 silvers and 20 copper coins out of the 32 I had originally. It might've been required, but it still feels off...
I need to get some work done for my peace of mind and good night sleep, otherwise I might just turn into a lazy bum. I could sell recipes and offer military advice for a cost though...
"Oh shit...I'm already turning!"
[Are you alright Michael?](Ronald)