As the first rays of dawn cast a golden hue over the town, Eddie, in his doppelganger form, emerged cautiously from a nearby pond where he had hidden the lifeless, inanimate idol. Having disconnected for a few hours to replenish his mana, he was now ready to explore the human settlement. The town, nestled in a gentle valley, was waking up to a new day, its streets beginning to bustle with early morning activity.
Eddie, now fully merged with the doppelganger and disguised as a rugged, graying man, strode into the town. The cobblestone streets were alive with the clatter of carts and the chatter of townspeople. He kept his pace casual, his senses alert, absorbing every sight and sound.
His doppelganger's plastic-like skin was concealed beneath a cloak and mask, a precaution to hide its unnatural appearance. His many bags and satchels meant to make him appear more merchant like weighed him down a bit, Eddie now thinking it may actually cause him to stand out more than he thought.
The town was a tapestry of daily life, painted with vibrant colors and lively sounds. As he walked, Eddie’s ears caught the melody of a bard's song, a lilting tune that filled the air with the tale of a recent heroic feat:
“In darkest woods, where shadows dwell,
A lich arose, with power to quell.
Brave hearts did fight, their spirits bold,
To vanquish dark, in stories told.”
Eddie couldn’t help but smirk beneath his mask. The song was about the Crimson Overlord's defeat, a battle he knew all too well. He didn’t linger on the irony for long, instead focusing on blending into the morning throng.
The scent of seared meats wafted through the air, drawing Eddie's attention to a nearby food vendor. The stall was adorned with an array of mouth-watering delicacies, from sizzling sausages to skewered meats, each cooked to perfection. Around the vendor, people gathered, their laughter and conversations creating a lively atmosphere.
As Eddie passed by different stalls, he noted the variety of goods being peddled – from handcrafted jewelry and woven fabrics to fresh produce and exotic spices. Each vendor hawked their wares with enthusiastic shouts, vying for the attention of passersby. The doppelganger's senses were overwhelmed by the myriad of smells, sounds, and sights, providing Eddie with a rich tapestry of human life to observe and learn from.
Despite the sensory overload, Eddie maintained a facade of calm. He observed the interactions between townsfolk, noting the subtle nuances of their conversations and gestures.
As he walked, Eddie's gaze fell on the sturdy structure of the Adventurers' Guild. It stood prominently, its doors open to those seeking fortune and glory. He made a mental note of its location and the types of individuals entering and leaving the building.
Further exploration led Eddie to the heart of the marketplace, where the energy was palpable. Here, the town's heartbeat was most evident – a place where commerce and culture intertwined seamlessly. Eddie paused for a moment, taking in the scene.
As Eddie, in his doppelganger form, navigated the bustling streets of the town, his sharp eyes surveyed the interactions among the townspeople. He blended into the crowd, all the while analyzing the social hierarchies and key figures that made up the fabric of the community.
Eddie's attention was particularly drawn to a few adventurers, their demeanor and gear setting them apart from the rest. Utilizing his innate ability as a dungeon master, he focused on them, subtly accessing their status screens:
[Darion]
Rank: F
Class: Fighter
[Anna]
Rank: D
Class: Ice Mage
Eddie thought to himself, "Argenti mentioned that most people can't see others' status screens. This could be a unique advantage." This insight into the adventurers' capabilities offered him a deeper understanding of the potential threats and allies within the town.
He couldn't help but compare the dynamics of the human world to his own dungeon. “Both realms have their own hierarchies and power structures, yet here in the town, relationships and reputations play a much larger role,” he reflected.
As Eddie continued his observation, he grew more intrigued by the potential knowledge and opportunities that lay hidden within these interactions. He noted the influential figures, those who were respected or feared, and the undercurrents of power that flowed through the streets.
The town, vibrant and lively, was a maze of opportunities and hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Eddie’s keen eyes scanned the landscape, identifying key locations that could prove vital in his quest for information and resources.
As he sauntered down the main thoroughfare, the Adventurers' Guild caught his attention once again. Its robust structure and the steady stream of adventurers entering and exiting spoke volumes about its significance in the town. Eddie made a mental note of the guild’s layout and the various types of individuals it attracted.
His quest then led him to seek out the apothecary he had heard about. Winding through side streets and alleyways, Eddie finally stumbled upon a quaint shop nestled between a bakery and a blacksmith. The sign hanging above the door depicted a mortar and pestle, and through the windows, rows of jars and bottles filled with unknown substances were visible. "This is it," Eddie thought, a sense of accomplishment washing over him. "The apothecary will be crucial for acquiring potion ingredients and rare herbs."
As the day progressed, Eddie mapped out other establishments that could be of use. He noted several inns that offered rooms for travelers, contemplating renting a room to leave the doppelganger in town, sparing him the daily commute. Local dining establishments, bustling with patrons, were marked in his mental map as potential spots for eavesdropping on town gossip. He also took note of the town's forge, its fires burning hot and steady, a hub for local craftsmen and warriors.
Each location Eddie identified added to his growing understanding of the town's layout and dynamics. He mentally cataloged the faces and routines of those he encountered, building a comprehensive picture of daily life in this human settlement.
Eddie decided it was time to go inside one of the buildings, and he made his way toward the Adventurers' Guild with a mixture of curiosity and caution. The building stood tall and proud, its open doors welcoming those seeking adventure and fortune. As he crossed the threshold, he was immediately struck by the vibrant energy within.
The guild's interior was bustling with activity. Adventurers of various ranks and classes congregated around tables, sharing tales of their exploits and planning their next quests. The walls were adorned with maps of distant lands and notice boards teeming with quests and bounties.
Eddie moved through the guild discreetly, his attention drawn to the interactions and conversations around him. He overheard groups discussing strategies for tackling dungeons, the merits of different magical artifacts, and recounts of close encounters with fearsome creatures.
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At the heart of many conversations was the recent defeat of a feared lich, whom the townspeople had dreaded for weeks. Eddie realized with a mix of pride and amusement that they were referring to his recent encounter with the Crimson Overlord. The name 'Koga' was mentioned repeatedly, hailed as a hero who fought alongside a mysterious fire mage to vanquish the lich. Eddie, although inwardly amused since they were unknowingly speaking of him, remained outwardly composed as his doppelganger form couldn't express his true reactions.
Navigating the guild, Eddie took note of its layout and the key figures who commanded respect and authority. He observed the quest boards, noting the types of missions offered and the adventurers who accepted them. These boards were a trove of information, offering insights into local dungeons, monster sightings, and unexplored territories.
As he continued to absorb the scene, Eddie considered the potential benefits of infiltrating this guild. The connections and information he could gather here would be invaluable for his strategic planning and understanding of the broader world outside his dungeon.
He meandered towards the quest board, a focal point of the guild. The board was laden with various requests and missions, each detailing different adventures and tasks. Eddie scanned them, intrigued by the variety and nature of the quests. Finding one he considered to be roughly middle of the pack in terms of difficulty:
Boar Hunting | Requirement: Rank D | Location: Windale Outskirts
Description: Pesky boars have continuously been trampling my garden!
Reward: 8 Copper per boar.
"A Boar Hunt, huh? Sounds like basic work for adventurers. Could be a good start for the doppelganger," Eddie mused internally, contemplating the practicalities of undertaking such a quest.
As he contemplated, Eddie’s curiosity about becoming an adventurer himself grew. He strolled over to the counter, where a guild worker was organizing some paperwork. She looked up as he approached, offering a polite smile.
"Hi there! How can I help you?" she asked cheerfully.
Eddie, still in his rugged disguise, cleared his throat. "Ah, yes, I was wondering how one might go about becoming an adventurer here?"
The guild worker's smile broadened, and she responded, "Oh, that's wonderful! To become an adventurer, you'll need to pass both a physical and a written test. It's not too hard, but it helps if you're prepared."
Eddie nodded, his mind already spinning with ideas. "And, uh, is there like a... practice book or something I can take with me?"
"Absolutely!" she replied, reaching under the counter and pulling out a small booklet. "Here, this has everything you need to know for the tests. It's pretty straightforward, but don't underestimate it!"
Eddie took the booklet, flipping through its pages. "Thanks. I'll give it a read. I’m more of a hands-on guy, but how hard can a written test be, right?" he said with a chuckle, trying to sound casual.
The worker laughed, "You'd be surprised! Some folks are great with a sword but can't tell the difference between a goblin and a hobgoblin on paper. Just give it a good study!"
Eddie, amused by the interaction, thanked her and tucked the booklet into one of his many bags. As he left, he couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement.
Eddie's next destination was the quaint apothacary he had noted earlier. The doppelganger's form, still convincingly human under the guise of the rugged, graying man, moved with purpose towards the shop.
Before entering, Eddie checked the remaining time on his doppelganger link:
[Doppelganger Link]
Status: Active
Mana Drain: Minimal
Duration Limit: 1 hour(s), 32 minute(s)
Satisfied he had enough time, he pushed open the door to the apothecary. The shop was a cozy haven of scents and sights. Shelves lined with jars and bottles of various sizes and colors held an array of herbs, roots, and powders. The air was heavy with the mingled aromas of dried plants and earthy potions.
The shop owner, a kindly middle-aged man wearing a tidy apron, greeted him warmly. "Good day, sir! How can I assist you today?" he asked with a friendly smile.
Eddie, blending into his role, began to peruse the shelves with a seemingly casual interest. "Just having a look around, thank you," he replied. His eyes, however, were meticulously scanning the ingredients, gauging their potential uses.
Picking up a vial containing a vibrant green liquid, Eddie queried, "This healing potion, does it use waterwheat in its preparation?" His tone was casual but keenly interested.
The shop owner nodded, impressed. "Yes, indeed. Waterwheat is a key ingredient. It's quite effective for minor wounds and bruises."
Eddie placed the vial back and picked up another, his curiosity piqued. "And what about Mistblooms? Do any of your potions use those? Are they common around these parts?"
The owner's interest seemed to grow with Eddie's questions. "Mistblooms, eh? They're quite rare and not easy to come by. I do have a few special concoctions that require them. They don't grow locally, though, have to be imported."
As Eddie continued his questioning, the shop owner tilted his head, studying Eddie with a curious gaze. "You seem to have a good grasp on potion ingredients. Are you, by any chance, a potion maker yourself?"
Eddie paused, then nodded slightly. "Yes, I've dabbled in potion-making a bit. It's more of a hobby," he said nonchalantly, not wanting to reveal too much however that wasn’t something he was trying to hide.
The shop owner's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Ah, a fellow enthusiast! I'm always on the lookout for new talent. If you're willing, perhaps you could show me some of your work. If it meets my standards, maybe you could even sell your potions here in my shop."
Eddie considered the proposition. It was an unexpected opportunity that could provide valuable cover for his activities and a source of resources. "I appreciate the offer. I might bring in a sample of my work next time I'm around," he replied with a hint of intrigue in his voice.
Continuing his exploration of the shop, Eddie took note of the various tools and ingredients. Though the equipment was of lower quality than what he had in his dungeon, the diversity of ingredients was impressive. He decided against making any purchases, opting to save his 26 gold coins for more critical needs.
Before leaving he gave the owner of the shop a sincere thanks for answering a few of his questions while saying he would definitely come by again, trying not to knock any of the glass objects over with his many bags as he left the apothecary.
Eddie decided it was prudent to secure a place to rest and store the idol. He had just under an hour left on the doppelganger link, and he didn't want to risk running out of mana in an exposed situation. With this in mind, he made his way to a local tavern known for its accommodations.
Upon entering the tavern, he was greeted by the warm ambiance of a typical inn. The air was filled with the scent of hearty meals and the soft murmur of patrons. Approaching the innkeeper, Eddie, maintaining his guise as the grizzled traveler, requested a room.
"I'm looking for a room, how much for a few nights?" Eddie asked, his voice gruff but friendly.
"That'll be two silver pieces a night, sir," the innkeeper replied, sizing Eddie up.
Recalling the haggling he'd seen in the marketplace earlier, Eddie decided to blend in with the locals' customs. "Two silver pieces? How about one and a half? I plan to stay for a while, and I'm sure I'll be bringing more business your way," he said with a sly grin.
The innkeeper, after a moment's consideration, nodded. "Alright, one and a half it is. But I'll be holding you to that promise of more business," he replied with a chuckle.
Satisfied with the negotiation, Eddie handed over the coins and received the key to room eight. The room was simple but adequate, providing a bed, a table, and a window with a view of the street below.
Once inside the room, Eddie locked the door and sat down at the table. He took a moment to reflect on the day's experiences. The apothecary visit had been particularly fruitful, opening possibilities for acquiring valuable potion ingredients and establishing a cover for his activities.
Eddie also pondered the adventurer's exam he had learned about at the guild. The practice book he had obtained would be an essential resource. He planned to send Argenti to fetch it from the inn the following day, giving him time to study and prepare for the exam.
These reflections led Eddie to an important conclusion: maintaining a consistent presence in town was crucial for building trust and gathering intelligence. He realized the importance of blending in, understanding the town's dynamics, and establishing himself as a regular figure.
As the doppelganger's mana continued to drain, Eddie decided it was time to disconnect. He left the idol in a lifeless state, securely locked in the room. Back in his dungeon, Eddie felt a sense of accomplishment. The day had provided him with valuable insights and connections that he could leverage for his dungeon's growth and his own strategic plans.
In the comfort of his dungeon, Eddie felt a renewed sense of excitement. The game he was playing in the human world was filled with risks but also held great promise. As he settled into his skeletal form, he called for Argenti before giving a few orders to him and the skeletons.