Arthur marveled at the city as they rolled up to one of the large gates that provided entrance past the large stone wall. There were a few guards stationed on either side of the open gate holding long spears. The bottom of the thick metal lattice was visible high above their heads in case it needed to be dropped in event of an attack on the city. An unloaded ballista was installed at the highest point of the wall. They slowed to a stop in front of the gate and a sleepy looking guard that seemed a bit small for his plate armor walked up and leaned on his spear. “Clearly you boys had a bad morning.” He had a pleasant demeanor, his gray beard and deep smile lines made him seem grandfatherly. “Tell me about it.” Filantriam mused, patting his bandaged side. The old guard casually questioned them about the bandit attack and asked for descriptions and names if they were lucky enough to catch them. Arthur answered honestly except when he asked about names. He had remembered Saanvi but his gut feeling was to keep that to himself for now.

They wrote about the attack on small notepads after talking to Mop and waved the cart down the road. Arthur felt like a tourist as he took in all the sights and noises of a new city. Almost every building on the main road was a shop of some kind. Arthur saw signs painted with arrows, a spool of thread with a needle, the rectangular knife of a butcher, a frothy mug that signified a tavern. The road started to curve and soon they were facing the immense castle that loomed from the center of the city. “The rulers of this city must really love their personal space.” The warlock beside him nodded. “Sooner or later the reason will be obvious. The king won this city by conquest only a few generations ago.”

Arthur looked at him. “Conquest? Meaning he took this city with an army?” Filantriam shrugged. “That and an assassin. But I’m not a historian.” Arthur looked back up at the castle. “I don’t know if the politics in this world are better or worse than in mine.” The ride was mostly quiet until they reached a particularly fancy-looking building. Constructed out of dark marble it almost had the structure of a Greek temple. People were filing in and out of the front doors either with handfuls of paperwork or purses filled with coins. Arthur could recognize a bank when he saw one. Filantraim slowly lowered himself off the cart and Arthur hopped off. Mop opened up the cart and waved them over. “I know it wasn’t really your intention. But you both guarded my shop today. I think that I ought to give you both a little parting gift.” He set four bottles down. Two were filled with a deep red liquid, one was a mana potion that Arthur recognized pretty easily. The last had a light green liquid that seemed to steadily lap at the sides of the bottle as if the contents were never truly still.

Health Potion

Standard Quality

Restores 250 health

This potion will lose potency

if left unused for over two years.

Stamina Potion

Standard Quality

Restores 300 Stamina

This potion will lose potency

if left unused for a year

They both thanked the dwarf and took the potions, Arthur taking the stamina potion while Filantraim claimed the mana potion. Mop then closed the shutters and rolled off in pursuit of more commerce. Filantriam nodded at Arthur and quickly walked into the bank, presumably to pay off the debt he was talking about as quickly as possible. Then it was just Arthur, feeling lonelier than he had ever felt before. For a few long moments he just stood in the street and watched people as they strode past him. He had to stop himself from reacting to each new species he saw. A pair of 7 foot tall orc guardsmen, tusk shaped bottom teeth and green skinned like they just stepped out of the imagination of a fantasy role-player.

A couple walking hand in hand who happened to both be dark elves with ash colored skin. A group of what Arthur first assumed to be a bunch of loud middle-schoolers before he saw the beards and drunken demeanor that signified a gnome pub crawl. He saw an elderly woman that was obviously in incredible shape for her age. She wore her graying hair short and had a long fancy rapier sheathed at her side. She wore leather armor that had metal guards that covered her joints. Her entire image screamed ‘Adventurer.’ Arthur sheepishly stepped into her path. “Excuse me miss?” She stopped and raised an eyebrow at him. “What do you want?” Her tone wasn’t very friendly. “I just wanted to ask where I can buy a nice set of armor like yours. New to town.” She seemed weirdly suspicious of him and Arthur noticed it. “Are you looking for a good set, or something affordable?” Arthur sighed internally. He looked like a bum and he knew it. “A good one.” She nodded. “Far up the street is a shop with a golden helm on the sign. It’s pricey but the armor is always dependable.” Arthur thanked her and turned to walk away as a notification appeared in his vision.

Bernice Dormer

Has used the ability

Analyze on you

That made Arthur flinch. He kept walking ahead but focused his hearing in case she ran up behind him with that scary sword. After he walked a few blocks without getting stabbed in the back he peeked over her shoulder and saw that she was nowhere in sight. He sighed in relief and chalked it up to a difference in culture. Arthur assumed that he just shouldn’t stop people in the street without good reason and looked pretty suspicious when he tried it.

After about half an hour he noticed the stylized golden helm on a sign hanging over a well-built shop that was brightly lit in the interior. He walked inside and was thankful to see that it wasn’t busy at the moment. There were displays of finely made casual wear and a few cases with outfits that looked particularly expensive and regal. What Arthur focused on were the stands that were fitted with several different kinds of armor. There were various kinds of plate and leather armor of different colors and designs. Near the end of the line, there was what Arthur could only describe as ‘battle robes’ that were clearly meant for mages. He was quickly greeted by a tan skinny man with a beautifully maintained handlebar mustache and no other distinctive features besides his well-fitted outfit.

“Hello sir! Is there anything I can help you with?” He held his hands together in front of him in a way that discomforted Arthur. “Uh, yes. I need a set of armor. If I can get fitted for one that would be fantastic.” The man nodded quickly. “Of course, of course. I have to say it is quite expensive, however.” Arthur just reached into his bag and withdrew a few grape-sized cuts of enchanted gold. “Do you mind getting paid with this?” The shopkeeper asked if he could take a closer look at the gold. When it was in his hands he seemed to focus on it, using an identification ability on it. His smile glowed as he confirmed its worth. “Of course sir!” Arthur was happy to learn that he was even willing to give him a discount since he was always looking for this quality material anyway. The tailor took his measurements and then his order.

The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

It took longer than Arthur would have expected since there were options he just didn’t have any information on and had to rely on the tailor's recommendations. He settled on a design that had a self repair enchantment and was mostly made out of lightweight materials. They exchanged names and he informed Arthur that it would be a few days to get his custom armor made which wasn’t so surprising. In the meantime, Arthur bought a dark set of leathers with metal kneecaps and a soft fur lining. He paid extra for a sturdy metal cup to protect his privates. He also splurged on a couple sets of silky tunics and pants. He put on the well made boots that he was happy to find were metal-toed. He bound his knuckles and wrists in soft black hand wraps that he was also very glad they had for sale. He stood up and looked into the shop’s standing mirror. “I look so badass.” Arthur mused. The tailor squinted a little. “Is that a good thing, sir?”

Arthur left the shop just a bit more confident in himself. The tailor seemed happy to give him directions when he asked. He followed the signs that marked the stores and streets and steadily drifted towards the center of the city. After an hour of walking he came upon a busy open space in the city. It was like a huge cul-de-sac and the buildings forming the circle were all clearly churches made distinct by their own unique designs. There were six in total. The largest was stark white like ivory and was like a mini-cathedral complete with multicolored stained glass windows. One reminded Arthur of a well maintained library in a city with a big education budget. One was clearly fashioned after a large tavern. It had fruiting grapevines climbing the cobblestone walls. Arthur could smell the good food being cooked inside. One of the structures was more like a closed monument.

It was made from simple gray stone that was fashioned like a large tomb. Arthur watched people enter and disappear down a steep set of stairs. The last two were painfully simple compared to the others. They were in the same general shape of a proper church but were better described as two sets of barracks. Men clad in armor filtered in and out of one set of doors, the other building was occupied by groups of hunters sharing tall tales or eating from plates stacked with freshly cooked cuts of meat. Arthur made his choice and started towards one of the buildings. Then he heard someone talking to him. “You shouldn’t step into that circle.” Arthur turned his head towards the kindly looking older man who was supporting himself on a cane. “What?” Arthur said as he was taking another step forward.

You have entered a Dueling Circle

Arthur looked down at his feet and noticed that he was now standing on a slightly raised platform a couple dozen yards wide. He looked around and noticed no one was standing in the circle with him. People started turning their heads in his direction. He looked back at the old man and tried to step out of the arena, but an invisible force repelled him back into the circle. “Damn it.” The old guy shrugged. “I tried to warn you.” And Arthur was pissed at himself for not realizing in time. He turned around and sure enough someone huge was stepping out of the war church and stepped into the circle with Arthur. He was about two feet taller than Arthur and had oddly colored grayish skin. He wore plate armor over his legs and chainmail was draped over his whole body. He carried a maul with a long handle. The iron head of the weapon was spiked like a meat tenderizer. Arthur noticed he had a couple of sharp teeth that jutted out from his bottom jaw.

Opathu Astrot

Level 41 Orc half-blood

Armor Breaker

HP: 4650/4650

Afflictions: none

“Which church do you fight for?!” The big guy shouted from across the arena. Arthur stammered, he had no idea how to answer. “Look, I’m not going to draw my weapons!”

You have added a condition to this duel

They were both startled as his bag of holding and the half-orcs' big hammer flew away from their owners and stayed suspended above the arena. Opathu growled and clenched his fists. “I don’t need it anyway.” Then he started to close the distance between him and his opponent. “Shit.” Arthur muttered and squared his fists and raised his arms to guard his head. Opathu got close and swung his huge fists at Arthur. The berserker ducked the first punch and sidestepped just in time to avoid the other. He saw an opening and sent out a fast jab that connected with the bigger man's jaw.

You have dealt 42 damage

to Opathu Astrot

Before Arthur could get annoyed at the low damage he was suddenly kicked in the side with Opathu’s armored leg. He flew across the stone circle and rolled for a second. He rose onto his hands and knees and felt the blood running from his nose. He seethed as he looked up at the half-orc as he smiled down at Arthur and soaked in the cheers from the surrounding crowd. Arthur’s vision turned red and another notification flashed in his vision. He pushed himself to his feet and rushed at Opathu who lifted his fist to meet him. Arthur ducked clean under it and pressed himself against the huge man. At this distance the significantly smaller Arthur could easily punch up into the half-blood’s mouth and chin. Damage notifications stacked up as he landed several solid punches.

You have inflicted Opathu Astrot

with minor concussion

-20% focus

-20% coordination

Opathu grabbed Arthur’s hair and pulled hard, yanking him away from his torso he was able to get a firm grip on his neck. He raised Arthur into the air and began punching him in the gut while choking him with one hand. Arthur flailed his legs and kicked at his chainmail. His punches were taking chunks off his health, and he felt himself start to lose consciousness due to the tight grip around his throat. He activated burning hands grabbed his wrist, the cloth hand wraps lit like a match and soon his flesh was searing around Arthur’s grip. The half-blood yelled as he was forced to drop Arthur onto his knees. He was coughing and spluttering as he looked up. Then Arthur firmly gripped the piece of metal that protected the warrior’s crotch. It was held in place with leather straps that quickly broke under the heat of his hands and he was able to yank it away. The warrior hesitated as he looked down at Arthur in surprise as he was exposed to a whole crowd of people. Before he acted Arthur punched his balls. The larger fighter folded in on himself and curled into the fetal position. It was hard to tell but Arthur could have sworn that Opathu was crying in pain.

You have inflicted Opathu Astrot

with bruised testicles

-45% focus

You have rendered your opponent

unable to continue this duel

You have won a duel against a higher

level opponent!

2000 exp. gained

You have performed a hidden talent

Skill: Pugilism Tier 1 gained

5000 skill exp. gained

The red haze slowly faded and rage was deactivated. Arthur stood up and deactivated burning hands. He started hearing the cheers and booing that were being thrown at him in equal measure. The maul and his bag of holding anticlimactically fell onto the dueling circle. He checked his status and noticed that almost half of his health had been beaten out of him. He pulled out his healing potion and was about to drink it before he looked back down at Opathu. His nose was just as bloody as Arthur’s now. His wrist was beginning to bleed and blister from the burns. And he was suffering badly from the low blow. Arthur crouched down and forced the half-orc to sit up straight so he could make him drink the potion.

The crowd quieted down as Opathu finished the bottle and was able to pull himself back together. He looked more than just pissed as he regained focus and looked up at Arthur. But that expression broke as Arthur held out his open hand. Opathu accepted the help and rose to his feet. Arthur turned back to the crowd and lifted both of their hands in the air together. Everyone went wild when they saw this, even the ones that hated Arthur for fighting dirty. They both left the dueling circle and walked towards the war church. Opathu leaned down and said quietly said “I’m still going to fucking murder you for taking off my codpiece.” Arthur just chuckled since a certain part of Opathu was still hanging out of his armor. “You should thank me. I bet after you heal up you’ll have plenty of girls lining up outside your door.” Arthur said, then promptly coughed some blood up.