Daryl and Cindy walked into the new town heads held high. Thanks to the safety that the road seemed to magically supply, which Daryl that might be the case. The new town came onto the horizon. A much larger wall encompassed the village with guards standing on it walking around on patrol. Still it seemed to be made of monster parts and he guessed that since monsters dropped items and it was harder to harvest supplies it would make sense to make things out of monster parts.
Wondering what equipment you would have to wear in order for it to be possible to build such a magnificent place obviously pointed out that there were some sort of castes that unlocked different gear. Perhaps Daryl could sit down and talk to people besides Cindy who seemed driven to accomplish a goal now. She must have shown extreme patience so far to stop and grind for equipment.
Approaching the walls the guards seemed to pay them no mind. The great doors opened as they got close and some people in regular garb ushered them inside. A scan of the horizon showed a new type of small monster infesting the hilly plains. They appeared to be medium sized birds. Like mini Emus. No doubt they were whatever dropped raw meat around here. That seemed to be the main drop of the elizards. The ecosystem slowly making more sense to Daryl.
People were mulling about town talking animatedly with one another. Glowing orbs exchanging between people. A few fellows were in eccentric gear carrying oversized weapons on their backs and hips. One person carried only a massive shield that covered his entire back. Head pieces of flamboyant feathers and spikes. None of which looked remotely useful. One guy even looked like he had mariachi style armor made of monster leathers. They must be fellow monster hunters.
Two buildings stood out amongst it all. One seemed big enough for Daryl to stand up in fully without being uncomfortable. Another couple of giants stood nearby, each of them wearing plain clothes. A surge of excitement filled him about sleeping in an actual bed. Though the ground wasn’t as uncomfortable as the real world there was an appeal to any sort of bedding. The other seemed to be an open air area filled with several counters and quest boards. All of which were being perused by the other hunters.
Other places of interest were some gardens and more than one smith. All of which had lines of people turning in items and getting supplies and equipment. It was amazing the colors and movements of everyone else in town. The feeling of a thriving city filled to the brim with living people permeated the air.
“Well kiddo, where do we go first?” Daryl asked.
A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.
“It is getting kinda late to do any quests today but we can go and find out what kind of monsters we can go hunt for more equipment. I could see some bird monsters but I don’t think I’m going to get much of a benefit from slaying small monsters and I have plenty of raw meat to last.” Cindy hopped down using her levitation spell to glide easily to the ground. Without the giant’s eye view though she suddenly couldn’t remember where to go. “Want to lead our way to that open building with all the boards?”
Daryl took his time gently going through the town. No one seemed as amazed by the fact that a giant was standing amongst them. Cindy kept on his heels easily enough not having to worry about her dad’s ponderous and careful gait. The smells of a restaurant pumping out actual meals to adventurers hit her nose. She wasn’t hungry but having subsisted on the same meals for a month was getting tiresome.
Soon enough they were at the pavilion, a big sign hanging above them both. “HUNTING GUILD” Glad that at least they could understand what was written the two walked under it. It was a bustling hub of people talking to one another about various monsters and how best to hunt them. Some people were sitting and celebrating with foaming mugs the size of their heads. Some had their heads hung low, a feeling of somber acceptance in their eyes.
A few women with a rather ornate set of sailor uniforms stood behind several of the desks. Immediately they drew Cindy’s attention and she sprinted up to the nearest one.
“Hello, I’m a hunter from the nearby village. I was wondering if I needed to register or something?”
“Oh darling, there is no sign up or anything. We have several boards involving the nearby areas. Guarding gathering expeditions, gathering quests, hunting quests, capturing quests, all sorts of things. You just need to tell us which one you’re taking so that we can coordinate and make sure no other hunters are going on the same ones.” She had a thick western accent as she spoke and was all smiles and warmth.
“Ok, well Dad and I are going to come back and start doing quests tomorrow. I’m so excited to be in a new place. Oh, was that a Giant’s Inn I saw out there?”
“Why yes it is sugar. They have reasonable rates and a lot of adventuring parties just share one bed for the whole part for a discount. Though it appears that you have someone that would need the whole bed.” The woman looked Daryl up and down, “Strong fella too. I’m sure you two will be just fine hunting as a pair. Though some monsters you may want to team up with a couple more people. Less rewards but better safety. Think about it.”
“Well Dad, let’s go get some food and head to this inn. I’m so excited to see how big their beds are!” Cindy ran off towards the nearest food place that even had one chair for a giant. Daryl scooped her up and set her down on the table with ease. A tiny round pig person with a warm smile hopped on the table. The sheer shock of a non-human left the two speechless as they smiled at the pair.
With a feminine voice they spoke, “Welcome to the Curly Queue, we have a special today. Horned Turkey Stew! Gives you a stamina buff of 30 for a whole day! We have other meals to raise attack, health, and all sorts of stats. What’ll it be?”
“I’ll take anything that boosts mana,” Cindy’s eyes were as big as saucers while she stared at the pig woman.
“I’ll uhhhh take the special.” Daryl was flabbergasted as he looked at the strange person.
“Well you two, it’s time for some grub! Hey Harry! We need a special, and a witch’s wastebasket!”
“Wastebasket?” Squeaked Cindy.