To my own luck "The Free City of Thargun" was a amusement city and most to all shops had still open although the sun was done for about an hour already.
´I don't know why I didn't think about it before.´
I was currently standing before a magically light shop window. In it was a collection of different swords.
Steel SwordTypeNormal EquipmentDurability100 / 100Physical Damage100Magical Damage0Physical ScalingEMagical ScalingGLevel Requirement12UseOne or Two Handed Sword
The Price tag under the sword showed a measly price of just 4 Silver. This was about the same price as a Novice Skill Book. And the difference in damage I would do was insane. The Problem here was that this was out of my price range. I just had close over 1 Silver. But nevertheless I stepped into the Shop.
The reason was that there weren't just swords in the showcase. There were also different kinds of Flasks in it. And as soon as I stepped into the shop I saw even more of them. The Shop was filled with low to middle class items judging from the price tags and the looks of the different pieces.
???: "Welcome to Shagys all in one Shop. I am the owner Shagy."
I looked left and saw a smiling Man with brown shaggy hair who was in his mid thirties sitting behind a wooden counter. I set up my own business smile and walked straight to the counter.
Taru: "My name is Chiame. I am an Adventurer and I would like to ask you something."
Shagy: "Absolutely. How may I help you?"
I pulled out the Glass Flask I had collected of that Bogar Creature and put it onto the counter.
Taru: "Can you maybe tell me what this potion is?"
Shagy: "Ahhh. Sorry. I am no specialties. The only one that could possibly tell you is Marek from the Pharmacy down the road on the left side."
Taru: "Thank´s for the information. Well. Then. I wish you a good night."
I turned around and wanted to leave the shop but was stopped just before the door.
Shagy: "Wait. Are you sure you don't want to purchase anything. We have some good armory in clearance."
I turned around again which induced another smile from the Shop Owner.
Taru: "If you ask me like this I would like a map from the surrounding area. Do you have something like that?"
Shagy: "Of course. Just a second."
He scrambled to a door behind the counter and after about a minute came back with a Piece of paper in his hands.
Shagy: "This is a map of the Surrounding Areas with landmarks and other orientation points. Its the newest model and reaches all the way to the border of the "Road Black Mountains". I can give it to you for half a silver or if you make a purchase over 1 Gold I throw it in for free."
I thought about the price for a while but in the end shook my head.
Taru: "Sorry. That's to expensive. Good Night."
Sahgy: "Wait......... 30 Cooper. That's the lowest I can go."
I grinned. I had expected that those NPCs would sooner or later try to pull me over the table. And I had it rather happen now then later.
Taru: "Remember that price. I will come back in a few minutes. Maybe then we can talk about me purchasing something here."
I stepped out of the Shop quickly not giving the Shop Keeper another chance to say anything.
I had planned to first find out what this flask was and If I could sell it before I purchased anything. But if I left him tangling a bit maybe he went even lower with the price which would work just into my hands.
I walked down the road looking around for the Pharmacy. And I found it rather easily. Not just that it was named "Marek Pharmacy" but also that there was quite the ruckus inside right now. People looked towards it but barely gave it a second glance so I assumed this was quite the common occurrence.
Maybe this was why I was so surprised as I trough the window saw a girl getting slapped by a grown man. Without thinking I started to run and burst trough the door hands on my sword. The Girl was sitting on the ground and held her cheek in what I could tell was confusion. The Man that had slapped her didn't look like a violent type at all but one could never know.
He was evidently surprised as I had rushed trough the door and tried to set up a business smile. But before he could even utter a word I cut in.
Taru: "The Fuck are you doing?!?"
I don't know if it was my loud and angry tone or my threatening stance but he raised his hands to show that he was unarmed a gesture that was kind of moronic in this situation. It pissed me off.
Taru: "Answer the Question!"
He gulped and with sweat on his forehead answered.
???: "Ähhmm. Why don't we all calm down and don...."
Taru: "Answer the Question. Why did you attack that Girl?"
He looked at the Girl then Back at me then looked me up and down before breathing a sigh of relieve. He lowered his hands.
???: "My name is Marek. I am the owner of this pharmacy. I assume you are an Adventurer right?"
That he seemed so calm made me even angrier. I had seen enough Girls getting hurt and abused today. I had my fill.
I stepped forward and pointed the edge of my sword at his throat cutting in just a little bit.
Taru: "So What. Do you think I am joking. Tell me. Why. Did. You. Attack. That. Girl!"
His calm demeanor was lost in a flash and he stepped back against the counter. He raised his hands again in a defensive gesture.
Marek: "Wait. Don't do anything stupid. I can explain it to you."
I stepped after him and put the sword against his throat a mad grin on my face.
Taru: "Go ahead tell me."
Marek: "She... She...... She is my Apprentice. And... and well she threw over that Glass. It was very expensive and she was to ignorant to apologize so I.... slapped her. I wouldn't have really hurt her. I swear."
I turned towards the Girl which had watched the whole scene unravel while sitting on the ground rubbing her red cheek.
Taru: "Is that True?"
She nodded In confusion before something clicked inside her and she jumped up.
Girl: "Wait. Don't hurt him."
I looked back at the Pharmacist glared at him dangerously but stepped back sheathing my sword.
Taru: "Fine I believe you. But never to that again."
Marek: "Yes. I promise."
He dropped on his knees holding his throat breathing in deeply. The Girl quickly was besides him and helped him stand up again. They both looked at me in Fear.
Taru: "So... Is that how the Great Marek Treats a Customer?"
Marek: "Customer???"
They looked at each other for a few seconds before the Girl stepped away from him and he brushed of the dust on his Clothes.
Marek: "Excuse me. How may I help you?"
I grinned.
Taru: "Better. Ok. Tell me whats inside this Flask is."
I pulled out the Flask again putting it onto the wooden counter. Marek Stepped behind the wooden counter and with a bit shaky hands took the flask. He eyed me suspiciously while holding the flask a good distance away from himself.
Taru: "Relax. For now I am not different then any other customer. Just tell me What´s inside this Flask and its market Price."
He took up the Flask and this time his eyes started to glow in a weird purple light. I guessed it was some Magic appraisal Skill that let him figure out what was inside.
For a few seconds he looked at it concentrated not saying anything. The Girl stood behind him eyeing me suspiciously. I didn't really care.
Marek: "Could it be that you took this Flask of a Bogar?"
I looked at him in surprise.
´How did he figure that out. Is it something special?´
Taru: "Yeah. What about it?"
He feel into deep thought before answering.
Marek: "What I hold here is a very rare Item. Its a liquid mixed out of tree saps and blood of various races. Professionals call it "Gods Base"."
Taru: "Gods Base?"
Marek: "Yes. You see. Bogar´s aren't known for there alchemy skills but when they do it nonetheless most often they create this.
We call it "Gods Base" because its a good base for any Potion to brew. Even high class Potions such as Ogre Strength can Easily be mixed if you have this as base."
It seemed that I had gotten my hands on something awesome. If what he said was true then it should play in quite a bit of money if I sold it.
Taru: "Ok. How much would you say is the market price?"
He looked at me as if I was insane.
Marek: "Are you crazy? Selling this is like selling a Star Fragment. If I were you i would rather keep it and use it to make potions. Didn't you listen to me. You can craft Potions like Dragon Scales with this easily."
Taru: "Yeah. No I understood you perfectly well but I am no Potion Brewer or Alchemist. I don't know how to work with this."
He dropped his head blushing a bit.
Marek: "Of course. Sometimes I forget that not everyone is interested in Becoming a Alchemist."
Taru: "You misunderstood yet again. I am interested but from what you said I couldn't waste it on some weak potion and how I am I supposed to craft some high Class Potions if I am just a beginner."
Marek: "Of course. Of course. Well. If you wanted I could make one for you. Anything is in the range of possible with this as Base. If you brought me the right materials I could even make Potions like Iron Flesh."
Taru: "You don't understand. I am not just a beginner in alchemy. I am a beginner in everything. I doubt I can get you those Materials you talk about nor could I pay you right now."
Marek: "Most true. I am sorry for my ignorance. Alright. Then I would make you a offer."
Taru: "An Offer?"
´Now he would ask me if I was willing to sell it and of course he will make up lies to trick me into selling it for a portion of its true price.´
Marek: "I would say the current market Price is somewhere around 1 Gold. Of course you could reel in a higher price if you were to seek up a Alchemist. And since you know about this I will offer you 2 Gold for it."
I almost swallowed my tongue as I heard the offered price. I coughed loudly waving him off.
´This was insane. If he was bluffing with this price what would be the real Price?´
I breathed in deeply and calmed down.
Taru: "Tell me? Do you sell healing potions here?"
Marek: "Hmm? Isn´t that besides the current subject? If you aren't willing to accept my offer you should just say so."
Taru: "Just tell me how much a healing potion would cost."
Marek: "Are you trying to distract me from..... Fine whatever. If you buy them here I would sell one for 1 Silver. And if you buy more then 10 at once I give them to you for 90 Cooper each."
I grinned. This was perfect. I could reel in a lot of money and at the same time would get my hands on some Potions.
Taru: "Ok. Then Give me 30 Healing Potions. 30 Mana Potions. And I give it to you for 1 Gold and 10 Silver."
He looked at me first surprised and then confused.
Marek: "With Mana Potions do you mean Energy Potions? You Adventurers sure have a weird way to talk."
Taru: "Yes. That's what I meant. So. What do you say do we have a deal?"
It seemed not all was the same for the NPCs. Apparently they had no such thing as Mana or he lied to me but what would he gain out of that.
If they had no Mana they used up Energy to cast Spells. Which would explain why he was sweating while he just appraised that Flask.
This was a interesting piece of Information. That would mean if I were to fight a NPC they would tire out quickly when using skills.
´Interesting. Very Interesting.´
Marek: "Are you serious?"
I looked up and extended my hand towards him.
Taru: "I am always serious. Do we have a deal or not?"
He grabbed my hand without hesitation and shook it enthusiastically.
Marek: "Hell yeah. You can count on having a deal with me. Sakura-chan quickly grab 30 Healing and Energy Potions from the Storage Room and bring them here."
He scrambled to get the register open and started to count Silver Coins. While he counted he started to talk to me again.
Marek: "Sorry. At first I had thought you were some crazy Person. Well.... I still think that. Crazily nice that is. I mean you sell it to me not even for half of what you could get by other Alchemists."
Taru: "Well. You see this is just a lucky coincidence. I have to leave this town as soon as possible and finding and haggling with another Alchemist would consume a lot of time. Time that I don't ha...."
`Crash`
I was interrupted as we heard a crash from behind the counter. We both turned towards it and i saw that the Girl from before was laying face first on the floor. She had tripped over a book that laid on the floor and had lost everything that she carried. From the Amount of Flask Heads that were unbroken I could deduce that she had dropped at least 5 Potions.
It seemed Marek came to the same conclusion as he suddenly screamed.
Marek: "No! What have you done?!?"
Rae shoot up and immediately covered her head in fear. And with right so to. Because the seconds she had stood up that Asshole Pharmacists tried to hit her with his flat hand. Luckily I reacted quickly and grabbed his hand tightly. Although he was just some Pharmacist he had incredible strength and I was almost pulled over the counter. If he had hit her with that much force it could have caused a serious trauma.
He turned to look at me before jumping up and backing away.
Marek: "Wait. I didn't mean it. I just... lost my cool that's all."
Taru: "Whatever that was I don't wanna see you do this again. Besides there is no reason for you to get violent. Those were my Flasks and I can do whatever the fuck I want with them even if that means soaking your Floor with them. Right?"
It were just 5 Healing Potions so that meant that there were still 25 left. And besides I didn't want to be dependable on this Potions anyway.
My Base idea of not getting hit in a fight if possible hasn't changed. Those Flasks were just a Back up Plan.
Taru: "Just bring the rest over more carefully. Then its fine."
The Girl nodded her head strongly before rushing of again. Marek looked at me with some weird expression.
Marek: "You are a really good Person."
I raised an eyebrow.
Taru: "Maybe so. What does it concern you?"
Marek: "I just wanted to warn you. Being nice is good and all but don't be fooled. If you go outside of the city there will be situations were your naivety could cost your life."
Taru: "Don't you worry about me."
After that last sentence a calm silence laid over the room just broken by the continuous opening and closings of the Door behind the counter. After a few minutes Sakura was done bringing forth the Potions. I picked up one of the healing Potions.
The Flask was roughly 5 Inches long and at its thickest point it had a diameter of 1 Inch. Since they were so small and handy I decided that I could store some of them on my belt. Sure they would run danger of breaking in a heated clash or when I fall down but they were still easier to reach then if I stored them in my Magical Purse.
While I am on that topic I can also explain how the Magical Purse actually worked. I had first thought it would give me a Inventory like in other games but that wasn't the case. I had to keep track of everything I had stored in there. And if I wanted to bring out something from it I had to think its name and then reach into the Purse. You see how this could be distracting in a fight.
So to make things easier for myself I bound two Healing and two Energy/Mana Potions to my belt before storing the rest of them away. I stored my Money away as well after roughly counting it. I looked up at the weird Pharmacy duo and before turning around said my goodbyes.
Taru: "Goodbye. And remember if I ever see something like what I saw today I wont go easy on you."
For empathy I laid my hand on my sword while I opened the door.
Marek: "Of course. I will better myself I swear."
I grinned and closed the door behind me. I turned back from where I came from and started to walk slowly looking trough the shop window. But as if they had known I would do that they still stood there, there faces still upholding there Goodbye business smiles.
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I didn't really have time to look after that girl but I hoped he had learned his lesson. With quick steps I made my way back to the Store from before opening the Shop door again.
Shagy: "Welcome to Shagys all in one Shop. I am the owner Shag.. Ohh its you."
Taru: "What´s with that disappointed tone?"
He looked dejected for a second before setting up his business smile.
Shagy: "Sorry. How may I help you?"
Taru: "Ok. So I said I wanted that map remember?"
Shagy: "Ahh. Sure. We said 30 Cooper right?"
Taru: "Forget that. I want you to show me those Armor Pieces you said you had on clearance."
He smiled much more brightly after my sentence. I planed to give out exactly 1 Gold for some better equipment for two reasons. First because he would add the map for free if he held his promise from before and secondly because I had realized that my equipment right now was pretty much just crap I had on so that I wouldn't run around naked.
Shagy: "Surely. Right over here."
He gestured me to follow him which I did until we came to the far end of the shop were different caskets were standing around filled with all kind of armor Pieces.
Shagy: "Those were all the armor pieces that never sold well. To be true its because they either were crap to expensive or just straight up ridiculous. But hey maybe you can find some treasures in there."
I wanted to say something about the lack of customer service or something about the way he stored things but decided to shut up and instead start to search.
~~~~~
Edge Iron gauntletsTypeRare EquipmentDurability60 / 60Level Requirement9UseGauntletsPhysical Protection25Magical Protection12 Against Darkness
The First thing I had gotten my hands on after sorting for about half an hour were those cool looking Gauntlets. Not just that there Stats seemed to be good in compassion to the other Gauntlets I had looked at but they had a feature I had seen before. On the Backside and on both sides of the gauntlet were small barbs. They stood about half and inch away from the Gauntlet and wouldn't make interacting with things difficult but instead could greatly help me in fights.
They were made to catch swords or other bladed weapons. I knew that only because I saw them on ninja gloves as well back when I visited a museum with my class once.
Light Chainmail ShirtTypeNormal EquipmentDurability150 / 150Level Requirement9UseChestPhysical Protection33Magical Protection6 Against Fire and Wind
This long sleeved Chainmail Shirt was lighter then I had expected and it even gave some Elemental Protection. Maybe it was a wink of fate but it had the exact measurements for me too so I took it as well.
Traveling PantsTypeNormal EquipmentDurability100 / 100Level Requirement0UseTrousersPhysical Protection10Magical Protection2 Against Wind and Water
While the Pants were relatively weak in comparison to the Chainmail or Gauntlets it was the only Pair that I found that wasn't completely out of style. It was Black in color and made out of a smooth fabric and like the Chainmail fit me perfectly. I wouldn't even need my belt anymore. But of course I kept him anyway.
Unbreakable Mountain BootsTypeRare EquipmentDurability400 / 400Level Requirement10UseBootsPhysical Protection5Magical Protection5 Against Wind and Water
There looks didn't belittle there name. It was a pair of Sturdy Looking Brown Leather Boots with some kind of fluffy filling. Walking in them surely would feel Godly in Comparison to my now worn boots. And while the ones I wore now still had more durability the sole was already very thin and uncomfortable from all the walking
This game took the whole Virtual Reality thing to a really high level. If I wasn't aware of it being just a game I would totally fill like I was shopping for some great adventurer. Well in a sense I was.
´Eh. Whatever. Next is.´
Extravaganza ShirtTypeVery Rare EquipmentDurability50 / 50Level Requirement10UseShirtPhysical Protection0Magical Protection0Special EffectCharm: This shirt makes conversing with Woman much easier. It is unknown if it affects Female Monsters as well.
The Shirt was a normal Long Sleeved White Shirt that you could get anywhere else but apparently had those weird effects. Maybe it was some kind of joke from the game or from the maker but again it had my size and perfectly covered my Chainmail shirt. Maybe giving me a surprise factor in a fight.
Besides the effect wasn't all that stupid. Of course it would only work on NPCs. But considering that this NPCs acted so realistic it would be quite the difficult to ask them for favors. This shirt could at least help me with Relationships with Female NPCs.
´But enough of this. Now the last thing.´
Croc TalonTypeRare EquipmentDurability225 / 225Physical Damage200Magical Damage0Physical ScalingEMagical ScalingFLevel Requirement13UseOne or Two Handed
Sword
I picked this weapon not just because it looked cool but also because it was the only sword inside the Chests that was not bent in a weird shape or straight up rubbish.
The problem was its well... Compared to the sword I had before it was bigger.
The Blade alone was about 3,6 Feet Long and was made of some Black Material. The Hilt was made of Brown Wood and had a smooth surface with a length of about 9 Inches not including the Pommel which was also 3 Inches Long and 2 inches wide. It had a spikey end and I could use it as weapon unlike on my previous sword.
But like my previous sword it had a double edge like a medieval European sword and was thicker the closer it got to the hilt.
The sword even considering the lower durability looked way sturdier. Or better said it was more of a slicing and crushing weapon then my previous sword. Its weight difference to my previous sword was also immense. Even if my strength had doubled since the beginning this sword was hard to hold still with one hand. I doubted that I could swing it like my previous sword. But it also had a longer reach making fighting much easier.
´Guess any weapon has its up and downsides. And with those Scaling its impossible that I wouldn't take it.´
Taru: "Ok. Then I will take all of this Stuff."
The Shop owner had long taken back his place behind the counter and was currently reading some books but he immediately smiled towards me as I said that.
Shagy: "Surely."
He came over and looked at the Pieces I had taken out of the chest. He studied them for a few seconds and then sighed.
Taru: "How much are they?"
Shagy: "Well.... The Gauntlets had a rather nasty design and never sold so I am glad you are willing to take them. But they are made with high quality so I would sell them to for 17 Silver. If that's fine?"
Taru: "Sure. What about the Rest."
Shagy: "I can sell that Chainmail Shirt and the Trousers as a set reducing there overall price to... lets say.... 20 Silver and 50 Cooper."
Taru: "Alright."
Shagy: "Then I reduce the Price of the Boots to 15 Silver since they were only sitting around anyway. But Sadly I cannot reduce the Price of that Shirt and the Sword."
´Adding up I already paid about half a Gold so if the Sword and Shirt were to expensive I had to cut back on one of them.´
Taru: "So. What´s the Price on those two?"
Shagy: "I will sell the Croc Talon to you for 25 Silver and the Shirt for another 25."
I but my hand to my chin acting as if I would consider the price but as I had said before I had aimed to get to one Gold or a bit higher so this was perfect.
He was fidgeting a bit while I scratched my chin but in the end I looked up at him smiling. He breathed in relieve.
Taru: "Alright. I take them all."
Shagy: "Then as promised I add the map and a little Traveling Bag as extra."
The Bag was unheard of but I guessed it wouldn't to any harm if I were to take it. Even if I had my Magical Purse.
Taru: "Alright. Then here is your Money."
I pulled forward the 1 Gold 1 Silver and 50 Cooper that I would cost out of my Magical Purse and put it on the wooden counter. He took them and bowed before me thanking me for the purchase.
Shagy: "Oh yeah. If you want you can use the room in the back to change. For Free."
He added the "For Free" in a weird way but I thanked him and took my Stuff with me to the back. I undressed until I only had on my cotton underwear that the game had blessed me with. There was a body mirror in the small room so I looked myself over.
My Figure was pretty much the same as the one in RL and now that I saw my face I noticed that it actually was pretty much the same to. It didn't feel any different then looking into a real mirror.
I wondered how much People would experience the same thing as I just did while looking in the mirror in this game.
I shrugged my shoulder over my own thoughts and put on my new equipment. I started with the trousers and as I had guessed the Fabric felt similar to silk. It Held Perfectly but I put my belt on next anyway.
After that followed the Chainmail Shirt which was somewhat tight at the elbows but else it fitted perfectly. Of course it was a bit rough on my skin but it was well made and had a soft filling as well so it was ok.
After that I put on the Gauntlets and practiced moving my fingers. Like old European Gauntlets the palm of the hand wasn't armored as to give one more movability. So I was only slightly discomforted.
But as I put on my shoes I noticed it was still impossible with the gauntlets on. So I took them off again put on my Boots and then put them back on.
Only to realize that I still had to get on my shirt and I didn't want to hurt the fabric with the little barbs. So off again then I put the Shirt on and then I put them on again securing them with the leather straps one last time.
After that I picked up the sword and its unceremonious looking Black Sheath. I put it on the loop of my belt were my previous sword was hanging as well.
But the Sheath only Went down a bit more then 2,5 Feet. The Rest of the sword was above my hip and only then I realized that drawing this sword could become a problem. My Arm wasn't nearly long enough to draw that sword in the same method as I did with my previous sword.
I tried to draw it in a straight Fashion but not only was my arm to short but also the room to tiny. I sheathed it back and stepped outside of the room.
Taru: "Hey. I have a question. How those one carry or draw such a big sword?"
Shagy: "Looks like you realized one of the Big Flaws of Long swords. Well.... Normally People would Carry them on there shoulders in there unsheathed form as to be able to react quickly. Of course this would only be efficient if you knew you would use it.
So in times of not using it or traveling People most often took some Slave as carrier or if you could afford it a Horse. There are other ways bu..."
He couldn't finish what he said as I stopped him with a hand gesture. I couldn't believe what I had heard.
Taru: "Did you just say a SLAVE?!?"
Shagy: "Well yeah. Its a common thing with the Nobles or other well off People. There actually is a shop down the road were you can buy or rent slaves if you go on a long journey with that thing I would actually advise you to get yourself one. They are pretty Cheap but you have to feed them yourself while traveling."
I didn't like the way he talked about another humanoid being as if it was some kind of animal. I never had liked the whole slave idea and even despised it when one used it in Fiction. I would never ever consider having a slave neither did the idea others had them sit well with me.
But even I realized that right now I wouldn't be able to change jack-shit if I were to burst out in a fit of anger. I clenched my fist tightly to suppress my anger.
Taru: "I wont. But that's not the Point. You said something about other Methods."
Shagy: "Well. Yeah. Built into the Sheath is a specialty. If you look carefully at the downside of it you will notice a slit. If you grip the hilt tightly and press down a bit that slit will give in and open a 1 Feet Long slit that allows you to draw the sword more easily."
I nodded while he explained this awesome Feature and tried it out the second he had finished. And just like he had explained upon pressing the sword down a bit while drawing it the slit opened giving free the end of the sword. With this as help I was able to smoothly draw it and but it in front of my body in one motion.
Shagy: "That's also the Reason why the Sheath wont fit into the Loop of your belt any further. So that this function wouldn't get blocked. And just so you know the slit is open until you sheath the sword again."
Taru: "Good to know. Thank you."
I sheathed my sword again and after I heard a really silent click I realized this was the point were the slit closed again. This must be quite the fine tuned contraption. And all of this for just drawing a sword. The Makers of this game really had thought about everything.
I stepped to the Door of the Shop and turned around bowing slightly.
Taru: "Thank you very much. Good night."
Shagy: "Good Night to you too good sir. Please do come by here again."
I left the store and noticed it had become deep night while I was shopping. Ilya probably was already awake asking the old Lady were I am.
´I guess I need to go now.´
I had actually stored the Bag and the Map into my Magical Purse for now and with that turned to the North Gate.
With quick steps I made my way there and past the Tired looking Guard after I had stated that I was an Adventurer.
I looked across the Plains and focused the Mountains in the Distance. I stepped forward. Straight into another Adventure.
---
Hello Everyone. Today there will be a little surprise.
And of course I hope you enjoy the chapter.
And by the way I am sure you noticed but I changed the thing were time passes in the Story from this (---) to this (~~~~~) hope it doesn't bother you.