Chapter 6: Harder than Steel
The morning air was crisp. The sweet aroma of freshly baked bread and a hearty stew filled the air. Stretching out under his new bed sheets, Marcus's body began to stir. Opening his eyes, he sees a Goddess in a frilly white apron walking over with two trays of food.
“Morning Marcus” (Misty33)
“Morning Misty” (Marcus)
After finishing the meal, Marcus walked outside. It was finally time for him to mourn the loss of his beloved farm.
-Flashback-
“Hey sonny, how’d it go?” (Jeremy)
“... Looks like I can’t get any pesticides...” (Marcus)
“... Sorry lad, if I knew you were going to be out for more than a week, I would have told you to get a land blessing from the church” (Jeremy)
“... It’s... okay Jeremy... things happen” (Marcus)
“Well, for the time being, we need to stop the spread of pest... I know this is gonna sound cruel but we need to destroy your farm” (Jeremy)
“D-destroy?!” (Marcus)
“Aye, otherwise this is going to be a nuisance to the other farmers” (Jeremy)
“... How are we going to do that?” (Marcus)
“Leave it me boy, I’ll hire some mages for you. Go get some rest, you had a long day” (Jeremy)
-End Flashback-
Marcus was standing over his farm; what was once a vast field of paradise, was now a barren land of scorched dirt and rubble. Marcus land was deemed a plague, anything he would grow would become bug food overnight. He needed to find a caravan heading towards Hansbridge then create the minor pesticide to cleanse his land....
Lost in thought, Misty sneaked up behind Marcus and gave him a hug.
“I know it’s hard Marcus but don’t let it get you down” (Misty33)
“I know... I need to travel east, it’s going to be a while...” (Marcus)
“Here, take this with you” (Misty33)
Reaching into her bag, Misty pulled out a set of clean clothing and gave it to Marcus.
You received traveler's garb set!
traveler shirt x 1
traveler vest x 1
traveler pants x 1
traveler shoes x 1
traveler robe x 1
traveler pouch x 1
traveler gloves x 1
“I thought it was time for your to have change of clothes, so I learned some tailoring while you were gone” (Misty33)
Though his heart was heavy, Marcus was truly thankful for such a fine gift. He's been wearing the same clothes for several weeks now. While thanking Misty for her kindness, he equipped his new outfit.
The tones ranged from a dark green to light brown, it was a total transformation from a noob to an actual adventurer. Excited, Marcus struck several pose while Misty gave him an applause.
“I’m glad you like it!” (Misty33)
“Thanks again Misty, I’m off to the plaza now!” (Marcus)
***
-Foxy Merchant's POV-
It was another busy day in Rohan, dozens of merchants lined the street as they called out their various japtem and equipment for sale. In the middle of the hustle and bustle, there was pretty lady sitting idly on her cart. She recently sold all her japtem and potions to various adventurers, with her sly tongue and foxy appearance, she was the definition of the perfect merchant. While gleefully counting her cash, a young lad approached her. The instance she noticed the boy, she became irritated...
Ugh, look at his face, he’s so annoying...
Walking up closer, the boy stood there with a sheepish smile.
“Hello, would you happen to be-” (???)
“Sorry, Closed.” (Merchant)
“I’m not looking for stuff to buy, I-” (???)
“Then why are you here?! Go away! You’re so annoying!” (Merchant)
“Ah-but-” (???)
Giving him the boot to the face, the boy fell on his bottom.
“Go away!” (Merchant)
Getting up, the boy disappeared into the crowd. As the girl watched, she suddenly became confused.
Huh, why was I so worked up for? Oh well!
The merchant continued her gleeful smile as she continue to count her earnings....
***
-Marcus's POV-
“Ughhh” (Marcus)
Pushing his way through the crowd, Marcus was looking for a merchant to give him a ride to Hansbridge. Hiring a horse at the stables was an expensive proposition, and considering his recent lost in assets, he was in no position to seek out a rancher. Looking into his new traveler sac, he counts his dwindling pile of gold.
12 gold, 55 silver
Farming wasn't the best profession when it came to earning a profit. Unless you’re as experience as Jeremy, and willing to dedicate your entire life to farming, there was little gold in it.
While rubbing his sore face, Marcus spots a huge caravan of merchants just outside the gate. He decides to give it a chance, what more could he lose?
“Hello!” (Marcus)
“Hah! What happened to your face!?” (???)
With both furry hands holding in his plump belly, the merchant was laughing his socks off! This merchant was part of the Feral Race. He was similar to a giant grey bunny made humanoid. His belly may look rather big but most of the volume was due to the fur. As the merchant wiped away the tears from his eyes, he began to speak to Marcus.
“Greeting customer! My name is Rushop, sorry about that!" (Rushop5)
Taking no offence to that sudden burst of laughter, Marcus began his request...
“Don’t worry about it, anyways, are you guys a group of merchants?” (Marcus)
“Hm? I’m the only merchant here, the rest are hired bodyguards” (Rushop5)
“So Rushop... I’m here for a request” (Marcus)
Raising his eyebrow, Rushop was curious of the request.
“Sure, as long as there’s gold involved, I’m willing to help” (Rushop5)
“I need to travel to Hansbridge, are you heading in that direction?” (Marcus)
Making a short pause, Rushop was contemplating how to answer the boy. In real life, Rushop was a businessman, he ran a small shop selling various goods and toys. He strongly believed that 'nothing in life was free' and if you needed something, 'you should pay a fair price'.
“Tell me, what’s your name” (Rushop5)
“I’m Marcus” (Marcus)
“Okay Marcus, tell me why you need to go to Hansbridge” (Rushop5)
“Well, I’m a farmer. My farm recently got destroyed by bugs and I need to make my way to Hansbridge to find ingredients to make a pesticide” (Marcus)
“Interesting, I have some pesticides in the back, I can sell to you for a good price” (Rushop5)
“Really!? I have 12 g, is that enough?” (Marcus)
Rushop smacked his face in disbelief! He didn't know if Marcus was clever or just plain stupid.
“If you want a vial of minor pesticide, it cost at least 200g!” (Rushop5)
“Gah! 200g! I don’t have that much!” (Marcus)
Rushop was now annoyed but felt sorry for the lad.
“If you want a ride to Hansbridge, we’ll depart in two weeks. I need to unload my caravan in the meantime” (Rushop5)
“Really!? Thank you so much!” (Marcus)
“It’s not free though! One way trip is 30 gold!” (Rushop5)
Grinning for ear to ear, Marcus accepted the deal and sped off.
“Hey Marcus, you need to add me! Hey!” (Rushop5)
[ping]
Rushop5 has invited you to his friend list, do you accept?
After accepting, Marcus decided he need to earn some gold in the meantime. He definitely had enough pride as a ‘man’ to not borrow money from Misty33. However, he had no clue what to do besides farming.
***
“Welcome home~” (Misty33)
Sitting next to the fireplace, Misty33 was knitting a blanket. Marcus sat down next to her with a perplexed expression.
“Hey Akiko, I need another job” (Marcus)
“Huh? You don’t like farming?” (Misty33)
“No, it’s not like that, I need some gold to travel to Hansbridge” (Marcus)
This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.
“Well, if you want, why not learn a craft? Besides cooking, I can also do some tailoring, it earns pretty well” (Misty33)
“Good idea, do you think I can also do tailoring?” (Marcus)
“You can try asking the head seamstress at the ‘Wooden Spindle’, it’s located at the 5th district” (Misty33)
“Thanks Aki!” (Marcus)
Making his way to his next destination, Marcus was a little worried. Throughout his whole life, he always had trouble dealing with women. At first he didn't think much of it, but as time passed slowly, he began to grow in inferiority complex about his appearance. He assume he must be ugly, it was the only conclusion he could think of. When he first notice the ‘Curse of Freya’, he thought it was the game’s cruel way of telling him how ugly he was. He regretted not purchasing the beautification module but that was something off the table before he even started the game.
[jingle]
“...Hello Customer, how can I help you?” (???)
“Hello, my name is Marcus, I’m looking for the head seamstress” (Marcus)
“Sorry but she’s busy right now, YOU can’t see her” (???)
“But I need to learn how to do some sewing!” (Marcus)
“Why?” (???)
“I need some gold! My friend told me I can make some gold making some clothes!” (Marcus)
The girl sitting at the counter suddenly threw a tantrum.
“HAH!? You think we became tailors to make gold! You’re looking down on us!” (???)
“Wait, I didn't mean it that way!” (Marcus)
“Get out! Get out!” (???)
Pushing Marcus out, she gave him the final boot. While yelling profanities in anger, she slammed the door shut with all her might! Marcus was back on the streets. He decided to look for a craft that was owned by a male; while contemplating his next move, he heard the sound of a hammer banging on metal. Just down the street, a billow of grey smoke was rising in the air. Without hesitation, Marcus knew this was the job for him. Scurrying through the crowd of people, he made his way inside. Hammering away at an anvil was 3 blacksmiths. One of the three was much larger and older, he looked like the head blacksmith. After spotting Marcus, the old man shouted...
“HEY KID, BACK TO THE LINE!” (oldman???)
The crowd around Marcus began to grumble while shooting him dirty looks.
“You heard the man! Move!” (crowd?)
“Wait your turn!” (crowd?)
Marcus, full of embarrassment, dashed to the back of the line. He didn't want to cause trouble for his potential new master. After 15 minutes passed, it was finally Marcus turn to go up.
“Alrite lad, what can I do for you?” (oldman???)
Determined not to mess up, Marcus looked the old man straight in the eye.
“I’m here to learn to black smith!” (Marcus)
“Hm, feisty one, you think you got what it takes to become a blacksmith?” (oldman???)
“I know I do!” (Marcus)
While turning his head to the side, he called out to one of the younger blacksmiths.
“Hey Franky! Give this boy the anvil test! See what he’s made of!” (oldman???)
FrankYellow was another adventurer, he’s been learning the trade for over 2 months now. Besides another apprentice, it was rather lonely in the forge. He liked the idea of having another junior but he wasn't going to start going easy on him. Putting his work aside, Frank got up and gave Marcus a hand.
“Hi, my name is FrankYellow, you can call me Frank” (FrankYellow)
“Hi, my name is Marcus, please to meet you” (Marcus)
After a quick greeting, Frank took Marcus to the back. Giving him a hammer and an iron ingot, he instructed Marcus what to do.
[ping]
Quest: Becoming Garat’s Apprentice (Part 1)!
Rank: D
Description: You have been given a task by Garat’s first apprentice. Break the iron ingot before time runs out!
Reward: Become Garat’s Student
Failure: Decrease affection with Garat the Blacksmith
Marcus accepted the quest, he knew he had no choice but to succeed. Before starting Frank asked Marcus…
“Hey, what level are you?” (FrankYellow)
“Hm, let me check...” (Marcus)
[ping]
Status WindowMarcusFarmerLevel8 (42.7%)TitleN/AHealth1000/1000Mana168/168Stamina321/321Charm-100Strength102Intelligence10Agility65Dexterity79Wisdom10Vitality36Nature88
Status: Curse of the Goddess Freya (-100 Charm, decrease affinity towards the opposite sex)
Fire resistance: 8.8%Water resistance: 8.8%Air resistance: 8.8%Earth resistance: 8.8%
“I’m level 8” (Marcus)
“Level 8!” (FrankYellow)
Frank was a little shocked but mostly disappointed. To pass this test, he had to become level 15 before he had enough strength to break the ingot. He had little hope for a new comrade in arms, reluctantly he decided to go ahead with the test.
“Okay, you got 10 minutes” (FrankYellow)
Flipping over a funny looking hourglass, the sand began trickling down the spout.
It’s now or never
[clang clang]
One hand holding the thong while the other swung down with the hammer, Marcus was completely focused.
[clang clang]
Frank stood there completely dumbfounded. Mouth opened like a guppy fish, he watched as Marcus shattered the ingot.
[scatter iron]
“...wha-...” (FrankYellow)
“Did I pass?” (Macus)
Looking over to the hourglass, it took Marcus less than 2 minutes to complete the quest.
“You know, you didn't need to lie...” (FrankYellow)
Confused, Marcus tilted his head.
“Anyways you passed, welcome aboard!” (FrankYellow)
[Ping]
Quest: Becoming Garat’s Apprentice (Part 1)! (Complete)
Title gain: Garat Student
+50 affection from Garat
+1 Strength
Would you like to equip title: Garat's Student?
"Yes!" (Marcus)
[ping]
Titled equipped!
Bonus: + 5% exp for blacksmith related skills
“Awesome! When do I start?” (Marcus)
“Hah... Well for now, lets ask Garat, he’s the owner of this forge” (FrankYellow)
Walking back to the front, Garat and his other disciple continue to work diligently. After calling out to Garat several times, the old man stopped his work.
“What? Done already?” (Blacksmith Garat)
“Yeah this kid has potential” (FrankYellow)
Getting up from his stool, Garat wobbles over placing his hand over Marcus's head. He pulls back his hair and tilts Marcus's head up while examining his eyes. Marcus didn't know what was happening but his determination was harder than steel, he didn't want to fail after all the hard work he’s done. After a few seconds, Garat slapped Marcus on the back.
“Hah! I like you kid! Starting tomorrow, come by the forge, we’ll start your training” (Blacksmith Garat)
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