Chapter 23
Kraaa!
"[Flame Burst]!"
Boom!
Swoosh
Graaa!
"..... I think that's everyone of them"
Elizabeth stated, as she burned the last one of the {Hobgoblins} who were nesting one of the abandoned mine.
Shhhkkkkk
"Yup, that's the last of them"
Kanade replied, as her familiar then came back as it survey the inside of the nest, confirming the complete eradication of the monsters inside. Kanade then ordered its familiar to bring all their corpses outside.
Shhkkkk!
Exiting the mine, what greeted them was a pile of corpses, lying on the ground, with the {Stone Golems} roaming around.
"..... Nasty boogers, they really got this many for a couple of weeks only"
"That's a {Goblin} for you"
As Sarah replied to Tsubaki's remark. Looking around, Elizabeth then sigh as she scrunch down, and started cutting off each of the {Goblins} left ear, and gouging their eyes, which she really hate.
After they got back just in time before twilight, which is thanks to Kanade's familiar, they then took their rest right after reporting the completion of the Quest. Though still bothered about the village circumstances, they tried to ease themselves as they took their rest. When morning came, they tried asking the receptionist in the ground floor for assistance, to find any place where they can ride, or buy an Airship.
Heading to the west of the town, just an hour or 2 ride, they then reached a harbor
"... Amazing"
Where Airships lands, fixed, or made is found, the [Dockyards]. It's a large place dedicated only for Airships, with a 10 docking areas where Airships land, with 2 of them used as a testing area for the new build Airships, equipped with heavy machinery that helps loading or unloading any cargo to the ship, or repairs any damage to it. At the front of the dock is the Hangar, where Airships are made from scratch, either customized from the customers request, or built from its respective designs.
There are 5 large Hangars in the place, fitting 4 to 5 large Airships inside, and some stalls and vendors around the place, the [Vivacity's Dockyard], the once uprising city's central economy.
"This place is full of life and business"
Kanade stated as they tour around the place. Some stalls sells freshly picked [*Mandrakes] and [Mandragora], while some displays some imported goods from different lands, and others sells their local prize delicacy and products, the whole place is teeming with liveliness.
As they got further, they then reached the 1st docking area where they meet this huge man, who is ordering some folks to check for repairs in the ship, or loading and unloading the cargo it was carrying. It has bulky frame with 2 small tusks, and a menacing aura of being bossy and in rage, a {Half-giant}, a race that is much taller than Humans, but smaller than {Giants}.
"!"
He then noticed the party walking towards him, so he ordered some of his men to supervise the work while he entertain some folks.
"Oi, you lot! This place is off limit. Better scurry your butt of the way, or I will shove you out"
The co. was surprised when they heard this man's intimidating words, but even more as he get near them, they felt like a cornered rat staring at the cat, it was menacing.
Ahem!
Clearing her throat, Elizabeth then spoke
"We apologize, we are just here to ask if there's a place where we can buy, rent, or maybe ride an Airship"
Crossing his arm, he then stated as he turned around
"That's a [Dockyard], and this here's a [Dockyard]."
And signal them to follow him, though a bit annoyed and offended, they then followed him.
"Pristine or Vintage?"
He asked, which puzzled everyone as they are still quite ignorant when it comes to such things
"We're still getting acquainted with airships and stuff, so could you explain the distinction between the two?"
"Ya lass are quite distinguishable, aren't ya?"
"Apologize" (eliz)
Sigh
'Fancy cakes yet good upbringing - quite a catch for any lad to take'
He whisper with a grin before he then started explaining
"Vintage Airships, they're like those old hand-me-downs that your grandpa insists are still top-notch. They're still usable, in decent shape, patched up and fully functional, armed with cannons and made from solid stuff, yet they're not exactly the latest trend, not your seasonal delicacy.
Now, pristine Airships, on the other hand, they're the real deal, armed to the teeth with the best gear and weapons money can buy, decked out in rare materials from the edge of its butt or at the end of its tip. They're like a one-of-a-kind trophy, a status symbol. You could use them for business, impress the high rollers, or just take on a ride, and feel like you own the sky"
"Their price?"
"Vintage airships are priced at 10 gold coins for the smaller model, accommodating at least 30 passengers, and 10 platinum coins for the larger one. Pristine small ships are available for 30 gold coins, while the larger ones go for 25 platinum coins. Additionally, we also take custom-made ships that are offered at 55 gold coins for the smaller size, and 1 golden platinum coin for the larger ones.
The choices are yours to take. Do you settle for the old reliable vintage model, or do you go all out and soar with the pristine, cutting-edge beauty? Your call"
They then passed through a [Pushcart] that is crowded, as they sell this product that aren't that common in this area, a [Grilled Mycomorph with Milk-Honey], a very exotic delicacy.
Deeply lost in thought, Sarah then asked
"... How long does it take to complete a custom-built ship?"
"Size?"
"Just enough for 10 people, plus extra room for cargo."
"Budget?"
She then glance at the others, which they then nodded, understanding her worries
"... At least 70 gold coins, possibly even more."
"Design?"
"Perhaps something simple, like those old sailing ships or those used solely for transportation and practical purposes, I think."
"I believe it would be better if you could design it yourself since we aren't particularly knowledgeable about this matter to begin with."
Tsubaki muttered her suggestion
If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
"That would cost ya a few more"
"That's fine"
"Then I'll have my men tweak your fancy carriage. Ya lass adventurers?"
"Yes, still at silver rank though" (Sara)
"Hmm... 2 months minimum, 4 months maxed"
"... That long ha"
"It's ready when you pay, down-payment gets half of the ship, and you receive the ship's woods and nails for penny. Meet me at the guild just north of here when you've got the money."
"Then much is it if we ride one then?"
"Public transport range from 20 silver coins to 1 gold coins, while 5 big silver coins and 10 gold coins for the private one. Renting aren't that cheap also, start up from 2 big silver coins to 6 gold coins for the small ones, with 20 gold coins to 2 platinum coins for the bigger ones.
If business isn't your deal when taking it, I suggest you to drop it, unless money's no object for you, feel free to throw it around. We'll gladly let you use our ships, but break it your neck will be next"
After that, they then left the harbor and went back to the town.
...
After returning to the town, they then went directly to the inn, grab the loots that they left there in a bag - safely hidden of course - then asked the receptionist for directions to where to sell materials and such.
"The [Merchant's Guild] is located just upfront of the [Adventurer's Guild], take a right turn then head straight, then left and just continue on"
After thanking her, they then left. They then arrived to a 3 storey building, built from a sturdy walls with a balance scale symbol and a gold coin at each side. Entering, they were then greeted by a lavish place, with 2 chandeliers lightning the area. The floor was polished with a gold and red carpet laid, a reception desk upfront made from a beautiful wood, and carve to a stunning furniture, and 2 staircase at each side, painted in an ivory coat.
"Expensive"
Was the 1st thought Kanade came to mind. Though carrying such sacks over their shoulder, many were still captivated with their beauty, even though they are like Santa who accidentally barge in to the wrong house. Making their way to the reception desk, they were then greeted. After showing them the loots they are carrying, the receptionist lady then stood and spoke
"Please enter the room at your left, and wait. Someone will come and inspect the materials you are selling, there will be questions during the inspection, so be advised to answer them thoroughly, and knowingly. Afterwards, you may wait until someone will call you out"
Thanking her, they then went towards the screening room, which is written at the top of the door. The room is wide with a 4 chairs and a single table, coated in gray and black, and a single light chandelier. Waiting for awhile, 4 people then entered - 2 men, and 2 women - and greeted them. Sarah and Kanade then spill all the materials they have in the floor. 3 of the personnel then took care of the loot, while the other one then questioned them.
"Do you have any [Storage Ring]? Or any places, or equipment you can store your funds?"
"Sadly, we don't"
"No worries. Our guild offers a set of [Storage Ring] for our new members, or customers, who doesn't have any in hand, with a [Business Card] for free"
Puzzled about this business card they didn't heard off until now, Elizabeth then asked
"[Business Card]?"
"It's a small printed card where your name is written along with your funds, which only you can see. You can use it to access the vault where your funds is stored, or simply for dealing business transactions with us, or any of our branch. Possessing one can give you some benefits, like getting 10% discount for any products or goods that our branch sells, or receiving additional 5% in the loot that you have sold to us, and another one is getting your hands on some of our finest products that we only sell within a limited time, to a limited people"
Thinking through it, Sarah then asked
"How much does a [Storage Ring] cost?"
"For a small one, which can fit 20 items in, can fetch upto 4 gold coins, and the larger one is sold for 1 platinum coin. We also sells some rings with additional feature, like increase in strength, or additional damage on your magic spells"
".... Anything about familiars and stuff like that?"
"Not only for tamers, we also have for other classes, like [Warrior], [Knight], mage, and even for [Spirit Callers] too"
"... I see"
Sensing they aren't that eagerly biting, the female clerk then glance at the loot that the co brought, and added
"..... [Beastiary Codex] and [Adventurers Almanac], does anyone of you own one?"
Hearing it, everyone, including the clerk's companion, were slightly taken aback. Curious, the co simply shook their head, while her companion grins.
"[Beastiary Codex] is a guide book about monsters, though limited, it can show you the different types of monster race, and their species. It provides insights into the anatomy of these creatures, highlighting valuable and usable parts. On the other hand, [Adventurers Almanac], is written by a famous sailor and Emerald rank adventurer, who ventured different islands during his youth. He documented all the islands great treasures, hunting spot, and also the most notable area for rare material and monster.
For limited offer, our guild sells them with 15- 20% discount if you buy 1 [Storage Ring] from us, and a free [Business Card] to seal the deal"
Hooked by the enticing offer from the clerk, though realizing she was trying to hooked them up, made the 4 of them deeply contemplative, as the offer weren't that bad also. A monster manual and a journey guide aren't your run in a mill goods that can be casually dismissed. Looking at each other, they then decided
"We will take your offer then" (Sarah)
Which brought a brimming delight to the clerk, though she easily composed herself as she muttered
"Before we conclude, does our dear adventurers wanted to register as our new official members, or simply as a peripheral members?"
"Whats the difference between the two?"
"Official members enjoy full benefits from our guild, while peripheral ones only receive a half of it"
"... Just peripheral one then"
"Gladly"
She then offers them her right hand and spoke
"Once again, welcome to our guild"
Afterwards, when the clerk already finished counting their loot and told them to wait inside the room for a while, they then came back while carrying a black rectangular box with a red interior coat. The 2 books that they brought was properly organized in the left, with the ring and card at the right.
"You have garnered a total amount of 2 big gold, 85 gold, 15 big silver, and 9 silver coins in total"
After storing everything in the [Storage Ring], they proceeded directly to the harbor to finalize payment for their requested Airship. After seeing the design of their ships and agreeing to it, they then paid the full amount and left, and went back to the guild and started taking Quest after Quest, to kill some time while waiting for thier Airship. Owning an Airship is a valuable investment for adventurers, you can either used it for shipping, traveling, or transportation, the choices are yours to take.
So before twilight, they already finished 4 Quests:
[Quest about gathering of 15 [**Swamp Lilies] = completed > 25 silver coins
Quest about {***Bandicota} extermination = completed > 15 silver coins
Quest about gathering {Black Wolves} fangs and claws = completed > 80 silver coins
And Quest about {Goblin} extermination = completed > 80 silver coins]
After collecting their loots, they then went back to the guild.
"How much does 1 eye of a {Goblin} cost by the way?" (eliz)
"I think it fetch for 3 silver coins, and 5 silver coins for {Hobgoblins}" (kana)
"... With 27 of them there, multiply by 2, we have 54 eyes in total... That's 54 silver coins for {Goblins}, and 45 silver coins for the {Hobgoblins}... How about the ears?"
"We can garner 2 ears for less than 2 silver coins, both for {Goblin} and {Hobgoblin}"
"That's cheap"
"Well, eyes has more usage than ears"
".... How much money do we have now?"
"Well...."
Tsubaki then checked the inventory in the [Storage Ring] and stated
"We have..... *started scribbling in a piece of paper* 2 big gold, 5 gold, 15 big silver, and 9 silver coins in total. After selling these loots, we will have... Additional 153 silver coins, which will bring us... to .... 2 big gold, 5 gold, 21 big silver, and 22 silver coins in total"
"I think we're practically rich now"
"You bet" (Sara)
They then giggled as they returned to the town, to take their rest.
<>><×[<|{Monster/ Race/ Equipment Manual}|>]×><<>
<> {Half Giant} is a race born from a union of a human and a {Giant} - which is quite brave for taking such 'giant' love. They have incredible physique, large structure, and tough skin. They also have the trait from their human parents which made them adpet to magic, but mostly in fire and earth elements. Hot tempered in nature
> Short {Half Giant} is 3.5 meters in length, while the tallest {Half Giant} is 5 meters.
<> [Pushcart] were invented 130 years ago when summoning circle worked, and the Humans was able to summon a lot of being from it, or [Heroes] to be referred. It's a type of stalls which you can just push around. Sizes depends on the variety of the goods you are selling.
<> {Mycomorph}, or was also referred by many as "Mushroom People". They lived in dense forest, or in a large island with a huge basin of water surrounding it, and sometimes in high mountains. Their intellect is merely at a child level, and can't talk. Suggested to grill or roast for much flavor.
> Though they are edible monster, some people still can't handle eating them so they are very exotic delicacy.
<> {Bandicota} is a species of Rats that are large in frame and more aggressive. They typically lives underground, in sewers, or in abandoned mine and hate daylight, fire, or anything that gives light. [Silver Tier] monster.
<>><×[<|{××××××××××l}|>]×><<>
...
<<×><<>{¦]>[Loot Exchange for Currency]<[¦}<>><×>>
[Black Wolves Loot]
> claws = 2 silver coins for 3
> fangs = 2 silver coins for pair
> fur = 1 silver coin
Hunted = 13
[Bandicota Loot]
> tail = 50 coppers coins
> monster food/ bait = 60 copper coins (small), 80 copper coins (large)
Hunted = 20
[Shittake Mushroom]
> 1 mushroom = 1 silver coin
Gathered = 15
Funds: 2 big gold, 5 gold, 23 big silver, and 32 silver coins (Adding the Quest reward: 80 silver coins)
<<×><<>{¦]>[×××××>×<×××××]<[¦}<>><×>>
<><><><><>
*I know both are the same and it's up to the author to pick which one is much better, but in here, I made the other one much better in quality than the other, just to be different.
**Turk's cap lily, scientifically known as Lilium martagon, is a species of lily native to Europe and Asia. It is characterized by its distinctive flower shape, which resembles a turban or a cap, hence the name "Turk's cap." The flowers have recurved petals that are often deep red, but they can also range in color from pink to purple or yellowish-orange. Turk's cap lilies typically grow in moist, shady woodlands or meadows and bloom during the summer months. They are prized ornamental plants in gardens due to their unique and attractive flowers. (chatgpt)
***Bandicota rat, refers to several species of rodents belonging to the genus Bandicota in the subfamily Murinae. These rats are native to South Asia and Southeast Asia, where they are found in various habitats ranging from fields and forests to human settlements. They typically have a robust body with a blunt snout, small ears, and a tail that is usually shorter than their body length.