A First Aid Book.
An Outdoors Cookbook.
Ki for Dummies.
Glyphs for Dummies.
A famous Adventurer's Autobiography.
A Book on Tying Knots.
All of these were worth a days pay. Guess he'll have to maintain the rate of 6 books a week so as not to drain his wallet.
15:00
Done with all the books.
Got a rope and practiced Knots.
Practiced drawing Glyphs on sand.
Break.
intense exercise.
Dinner.
20:00
Returning to his room, instead of going to sleep right away, Jason began to meditate inorder to train his Ki sense and by extension; his Ki control.
He lost his sense of time, and only regained himself after hearing a knock on the door. It was Sammy calling him down for breakfast. Jason had apparently meditated all night and into the morning.
Fortunately, he didn't feel like he pulled an all nighter, but actually felt well rested. Plus he made decent progress in his training. With that, the 8th day with the Clarksons began.
World: 13 days.
Clarksons: 8 days
The week was the same as any other with the exception of Intense Exercise, followed by an all-night meditation session. And just like that, the next day off arrived.
World: 19 days.
Clarksons: 14 days
"So, what about that date you promised me?" Sammy joked as he and Jason made their way to the Guild first thing in the morning.
"Don't fret, my dear. I'll have to see which Quest I can complete within a day, then I'll show you the time of your life." Replied Jason in jest.
"Bro, we're in a small town. What 'time of your life' can you show anybody?" Responded Sammy while cracking up, and Jason couldn't help but join in the laughter.
When they finally stood in front of the Quest Wall, they began perusing through their options.
"What about this 'Herb Foraging' Quest, Sam?"
"Hmm? Not bad. I think we can knock it out before dark. You do the picking, and I'll protect your rear."
"Protect me with what, you squishy muffin?"
"Dude, you're no less 'squishy' than I am. At least I know how to handle a Crossbow, half decent with a bow, and alright with a spear. You got nothing, mate!"
"You have all that?"
"We have a few at home. We've had them for many years. We'll borrow some and have the job taken care of."
"Cool! What are we waiting for?! We're burning daylight. Let's go getherdone!"
"Woah! Hold your houses, big guy. Don't you have books to return?"
"Oh crud! I almost forgot. C'mon let's go getherdone."
"Quit saying 'getherdone', you redneck wannabe."
Clink Ding-a-ling!!!
The door's bell sound as the two enter the bookstore and face the delicate bookworm behind the counter. Lowering the book he was just reading, he was about to greet the two out of habit before he paused in bewilderment as he tilted his head to the side while looking at the small bag of books.
His gaze went from the bag to Jason 's face and back a couple of times before finally asking. "Um... Return?"
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"You got that right." Replied Jason with a grin. He sure loved hearing his voice. "You can have these back while I go grab another six. Here." He continued while placing the bag of books on the counter.
After blinking a few times at said bag, DBW whispered a "fast." Before nodding and getting to work. At the same moment, Jason wasted no time grabbing the new 6 books he needed and brought them over.
There was a brief pause of silence as the two sets of books were being processed, so Jason decided to cut through the awkward atmosphere with some small talk.
"You know, I'm new to town and barely know anybody. I've met you twice already and don't even know your name yet. Let me introduce myself: my name is Jason . It's a pleasure to meet you."
Sammy could only cringe at the sloppy attempt at a conversation.
It took a short while for Mr Delicate to realize he was the one being spoken to before he turns his attention to Jason ; Nodding once while replying "Ah, Yes. I'm Quinn. It's also a pleasure... And welcome to Tatter Town." He responds before resuming his task.
"Quinn. Pleasant name fitting such a pleasant person. It seems we'll be seeing more of each other. Too bad it's just once a week; I would have loved to hang out more often, but guess that's life."
Blinking at the other's words, Quinn is temporarily unsure of how to respond. "Um... I... See?..." he responds bewildered.
"Are you hitting on him?" Jason and Quinn turn to face Sammy after he asked such an incredulous question. Quinn began blushing and seemed to be about to enter stuttering frenzy, but Jason came in clutch.
"Sam, buddy, I know you're itching for the Quest. Don't you worry, we'll knock it out good and still have time to kill for a little you-&-me fun. Didn't I promise to treat you good?"
It was Sammy's turn to blush. "Dude! Why the heck are you saying it like that?! Gross."
Quinn couldn't help but regard the two's antics for a moment more before letting out a short chuckle as his own embarrassment settled.
"Here you go." Quinn said as he pushed a bag of books towards Jason .
"Guess our time is up for now." Jason said as he went out of his way to place his hand over Quinn's as he collects he bag. The sensation of their hands touching returns the blush to Quinn's face and puts a smile on Jason 's. "Can't wait for next week. Will be seeing you, Quinn."
With that both Sammy and Jason exited the store, leaving the store keeper rubbing his hands absentmindedly. As the duo made some distance, Sammy couldn't help but say.
"So, you're making a move on him? I didn't know you leaned that way."
"Enough with your slander. I've always been loyal to the Straight Council and it's teachings. Pleasant, Delicate, Feminine: The core attributes a straight man seeks in a partner. I have made no compromise this day." Replied Jason overdramatically.
"Pfft! Hahaha! What the heck was all that?! Forget it, I'm not asking anymore. Let's get out of here... Oh my chest hurts."
"Let me rub it till it gets better."
"Woah woah woah! Keep your hands to yourself Mr Straight Council Man."
"Hahahaha!!"
And the playful bickering continued. Minutes later, they were both on the outskirts of the Clarkson property and we're approaching the outer edges of the nearby forest.
"Sam, buddy, I don't want to become somethings dinner, ok? So protect me good, ok?"
"Don't you worry, I've got your back."
Due to Jason 's knowledge of wild plants, he made quick work of the Quest and even had time to forage other plants for his own purposes.
The duo did encounter creatures, but they where only a couple giants rabbits and a wild boar which were all dispatched easily by Sammy.
It was a good haul and both were grateful they brought a small wagon with them otherwise moving everything would have been a pain.
They dropped off their Kills and Jason 's personal bundle of herbs at home, and took the remaining sacks of herbs back to the Guild and took their pay. It was worth more than 2x the pay he was getting per day even after splitting it evenly with Sammy.
"So, what do you say we get some ice cream before heading home? My treat."
"Oh sweet! I'm game. Let's go."
Enjoying their treats, the two returned home just in time to have Dinner with an extra serving of rabbit meat for their hard work.
After the meal, Samantha called Jason over and handed him something. It was a tiny sphere that resembled a marble and was half red half white.
While he examining it, Samantha spoke "That's a Life Core from one of the giant rabbit you two brought. Keep it in contact with your body and the red ki will be siphoned Into your body in about an hour. Once it's all gone and leaves only the white ki, it'll become a ki stone."
"Sweet! Thanks ma'am."
"Quit calling me 'ma'am'. It makes me feel old."
"Haha... Well, I'll be off then. Good night."
"Goodnight, Jason ."
The post dinner schedule was the same, except for a different collection of books:
A book on human anatomy.
A chemistry book.
A book on poisons and treatment.
A math book.
A commerce book
A book on pressure points.
The day ends with an all-nighter meditation session with the soon to be ki stone in hand.
The next six days are indistinguishable from one another.
Breakfast
Chores
Lunch
Chores
Dinner
Meditation till morning.
With his latest skill unlock, Jason has been finishing his tasks at a considerable rate. By the end of the week, he would finish all his chores for the day by lunchtime.
Now with more free time, he'd drop by the Book Store and lease a book as an excuse to hang out with Quinn. They really hit things off after he got caught up with the book Quinn was reading at the time which gave the two something in common to talk about.
The rest of his free time he used for target practice with the bow and crossbow he borrowed from the family after some training by Sammy; bolts and arrows not included.
And finally, some spearmanship training sprinkled here and there taught by Sammy Sensei. The blond was pretty decent with a standard spearmanship martial art open to the public.
Things Jason read during the week:
An Agriculture pest and diseases book.
A General Health Book.
A history book.
Another Adventurer's autobiography.
A book on Crossbow Maintenance.
A book on Weapon Maintenance.
World: 26 days.
Clarksons: 21 days.
Eventually, the second day off and 14th day on the Clarkson Residence arrived. It was a general culling quest that was always up and sponsored by the local butcher.
It ensured wildlife didn't encroach into human settlements (especially the farms), and was one of the town's main meat sources, outside farm animals.
Jason and Sammy armed themselves as they made their way to the edge of the forest; careful not to go too deep lest they encounter something too strong for their weapons to take down.
From what little Jason has read about the power system of this world, he has learned that its practically a less complicated as well as way less expensive cultivation power system.
Every living thing is born at the first stage of the Mortal Realm.
By absorbing Red Ki Life Core, the person can eventually breaks through into the next realm.
This breakthrough triggers a form of rebirth. All injuries are healed and all impurities are purged from the body, thereby bringing one to peak health for their age.
Additionally, the body undergoes a qualitative change: stronger immune system, more efficient and thorough digestive system, stronger bone structure, increased brainpower, improved healing factor, etc.
A breakthrough also raises the cap on one's stats, meaning if say the cap of the first stage of the mortal realm was 50, breaking through to the second stage would raise the cap to 60 or something.
The Mortal Realm has 4 Stages. When one breaks through into the next Realm, the 'Rebirth' one experiences is qualitatively different in so far as in addition to the usual changes which are more pronounced than usual, one's body will literally age in reverse for a short timr until they are at their prime; like a 70 year old turning 20 again.
After the Mortal Realm is the King Realm , followed by the Emperor Realm.
1st Stage of the Mortal Realm.
2nd Stage of the Mortal Realm.
3rd Stage of the Mortal Realm.
1st Stage of the King Realm.
2nd Stage of the King Realm.
3rd Stage of the King Realm.
1st Stage of the Emperor Realm.
2nd Stage of the Emperor Realm.
3rd Stage of the Emperor Realm.
There is believed to be a 4th realm, but nobody knows for sure.
Tatter Town, Dakota Dukedom.
World: 26 days.
Clarksons: 21 days.