Now that he knew hunting wolves wasn’t out of the question, thats all he did for the next two days. He managed to level up to 16, but then died shortly after. Most of the wolves he found were in the later teens. The one that had managed to kill him was level 20. Baron was helpless against the wolf. It was too quick for him to block, and too strong for him to withstand. In the end Baron fell after only two hits.

He respawned in the same place 5 minutes later. The wolf that had killed him was still in the vicinity. For once Baron had the chance to get revenge. The wolf that had killed him was right there. Baron went for an all out charge on the beast. The wolf was taken off guard. It wasn't expecting him to come back to life. Still, it reacted like any wild animal would. Baron died for the second time in 10 minutes as the wolf ripped at his throat. He spawned again 5 minutes later. The wolf had decided to play it safe and left the area. ‘Fuck!’

Baron received a whisper from Avrice shortly after. She had managed to get her taming skill to Beginner Level 3 and now wanted to try to tame a wolf. They went into the city to sell off the pelts Baron got and buy more treats. He had gotten 6 low quality wolf pelts. They were much more valuable than fox or rabbit fur. He managed to sell them to another player for 21 coppers a piece. He had a local butcher turn the wolf meat into treats. It was a lot cheaper then buying anything else. Still, Avrice demanded they buy other treats. She just didn’t have the heart to use wolf meat to tame a wolf. They bought some rabbit jerky and a few chicken legs before returning to the forest.

Once they got close to the forest, Baron and Avrice were greeted by two foxes. She had managed to tame them while leveling up the skill.

“It’s better experience if I train them to tier 2 before selling. Plus, I can sell them for more than double the price. Fox 2, Fox 3, this is Baron. Play nice please.”

The foxes had an oblivious look as Avrice gestured to Baron. ‘I understand she is just going to be selling them, but couldn’t she use somewhat natural names?’ Baron couldn’t help but wonder over Avrice’s poor naming sense.

It didn’t take long before they came across a wolf. Avrice had already instructed him on what to do, so he sprung into action. The wolf looked emaciated, and didn’t hesitate to attack them. Baron used the flat part of his sword to block. Avrice followed up by snapping her whip inches from the its face. The attack didn’t do any damage, but it had a psychological effect. Before the wolf could reassess the situation, Avrice threw a treat at its feet. The peice of rabbit jerky made the wolf flinch.

Both Baron and Avrice stopped attacking and waited for the wolf. It was more than apprehensive about taking the treat. Since wolves are smart, it makes them harder to tame, but easier to train. The wolf was smarter than to just take random food thrown at it. However, once it was caught it would take to the training much faster than other mobs.

Avrice threw another treat, but the wolf took the opportunity to attack. It lunged at her; only to receive a heavy slash from Baron. It quickly tried to counter attack. Before it could even move Avrice’s whip cracked in its face. The loud snap sent the wolf recoiling. Another treat was thrown at it. This time the treat was a more savory smelling chicken leg. The wolf was almost tempted, but it kept up its guard.

It went in for another attack. This time Baron was the target. Before the wolf could reach him Avrice snapped her whip. The crack was several feet away, but it still made the wolf flinch.The flat end of Barons sword smacked the wolf’s nose for good measure. Since his attacks were always accompanied by Avrice’s whip, the wolf had begun to relate the two. All it took now is for Avrice to crack her whip and the wolf would curl into submission.

She threw another chicken leg at the wolf. It just stood there for awhile growling and leering at the two. Every now and then it would look at the chicken leg, or lean forward and smell it. Eventually the wolf decided to eat the food. When it finished the small leg, it turned its attention to another a little closer to Avrice. After cautiously sniffing it, the wolf grabbed it and darted away.

“Hey!” Avrice screamed and cracked her whip at the fleeing beast. It started to run a little faster after hearing the whip. Baron couldn’t help himself and burst into laughter. Avrice seemed slightly pissed, but she refrained from saying anything to him.

They continued to hunt for the next two days until Baron had to leave. Avrice tried to tame more than 10 wolves to no avail.  Baron was forced to kill 3 of them after they kept attacking.

It wasn’t the most efficient task. Avrice’s taming didn’t gain much experience and Baron only managed to make it back to level 15. With only beginner level 3 taming, the wolf was too hard for her.

Since Baron had to leave Avrice decided on a new plan. She still had 50 days before the quest was over. It would be enough time for her to increase her skills a level or two and then tame a wolf. If Baron wasn’t going to be there it just meant she needed to train her combat abilities some more. After parting ways with Baron she decided to start the grind that would consume her next 50 days. The wolves were left alone for a while as she switched her attention back to the foxes in the area.

Baron had 3 hours before he had to meet Barry. Since he didn’t know what to expect he decided to prepare as much as possible. With the 1400 coppers he still had left he went into the city to shop. The murderers mark had disappeared, so he could now walk around without its restrictions on familiarity.

He first stopped at a food stand in the market. The vendor had hundreds of strips of dried meat hanging on display. In exchange for half of the mans stock Baron had to give him 230 coppers. It would have been 250, but the vendor dropped the price since he was buying in bulk. With at least 3 weeks of food he was set. There wasn’t any worry about water either. The starter canteen Baron got would suffice since it could be filled wherever water was available.

His next stop wasn’t a street vendor, but an actually shop. Baron was happy with the swords he had now, but he started to notice them wearing down lately. He had been oblivious at first, but he eventually noticed the durability stat decreasing. Since he had bought the best swords possible for his level, they had extremely high durability. It was the only reason they hadn’t shattered already. If he didn’t replace them soon they would shatter.

The shop wasn’t the biggest in the area, but it was a step above the stalls lining the streets. When Baron walked in all he could see was row after row of equipment. It was all unorganized and strewn about everywhere. After navigating the maze of sword and armor racks, he finally found the store keeper. He was an older dwarf with a short grey beard and angry looking eyes. There was another man there as well. He was human, although he could pass for a barbarian. He was the tallest human Baron had ever seen. Despite their racial differences the man still came up to Baron’s chin. He was also very well muscled and had exceptionally broad shoulders. The thick armor covering his body looked heavy, but it didn’t show in the man's posture.

“Oy! I don’t got time for ya. Come back when ya can afford my stuff. I don’t sell to no broke beginners here!” The dwarf stopped his conversation to address Baron. His assumptions of Barron weren’t unfounded though. Baron never bother to buy new clothes. He was still wearing what he had spawned in with. They were also torn and blood-stained from wearing them the past six weeks.

“I’ve got money.”

“Oh! Ye got money do ya? Well a couple coppers ain’t gunna buy ya a thing here. Now scram ‘fore I get this guy here ta throw ya out!” The dwarf gestured to the large gentleman standing next to him. The man seemed to be chuckling as he watched the angry dwarf.

“How much money did you bring?” This time it was the man who spoke. Baron took a step forward and grabbed his coin purse from his inventory. He untied the string and let the two see its contents.

“1170 coppers. I was looking to get a replacement for my swords.”

The man started chuckling a little harder, while the dwarf seemed to be agitated. He must have had to suck up his pride a little, but he decided to oblige for the sake of business.

“Fine, lemme see those swords you got there.” At the dwarfs words Baron handed them over hilt first. The dwarf’s small arms looked miniscule compared to the two swords. The entire dwarf looked miniature compared to the barbarian standing in front of him.

The Dwarf thoroughly checked the swords over. He inspected every chip and scratch, and he made several comments about how Baron should take better care of his blades.

“It’s a disgrace ta the smith ta keep ya blades lookin’ like this.” He handed the swords back to Baron before continuing, “I’ll see what I can get ya. Gimme’ a moment.”

As the dwarf disappeared behind one of the armor racks the man commented to Baron.

Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

“Leather Hand may be an angry, old dwarf, but he’s an excellent smith.”

Baron was confused about the Dwarfs name. He had overheard players talking about how dwarves had names similar to their professions. It didn’t make sense that a smith would have a name related to tailoring.

“They call me Sir Redrick, and you?”

“Baron” The knight extended his hand for Baron to shake. ‘I doubt an NPC knight would betray me. Still...”

“What a noble name.” Sir Redrick took a second to laugh at his own whit before continuing. “I had assumed you were a new adventurer, but that is a lot of money for someone with such low value attire.

Baron was offended by what the man said, but he decided to hold his tongue. It was obvious he would be no match for the knight, and although what he said was disrespectful, Baron never gave him a reason for respect.

“I am a new adventurer. I just happened to come across some money.” It was a lie, but better than telling a knight he got his money from pickpocketing.

“I see. Have you thought about taking the path to knighthood? Someone of your size would fit right in.”

“I haven’t thought about what path I want to take. For now just getting stronger is good enough.” As Baron finished talking Leather Hand came back with 2 swords in hand.

“This is the best I have for ya.” He placed the weapons on the counter along with their sheaths.

Iron ShortSwordDamage:19Durability:92 /92Restriction:Level 15A master smith made this sword while focusing on speed rather than quality. The damage, durability, and restriction lower than they should be. The sword is made from 97% pure Iron making the durability higher than average.

Iron LongSwordAttack:24Durability:111 / 111Restriction:Level 15This sword was made by a master smith who focused on speed rather than quality. The damage, durability, and restriction are lower than they should be. The sword is made from 98% pure iron making the durability higher than average.

The longsword was the same length as the old one but a half inch wider. The hilt was longer and resembled a broadswords. The guard was smaller and barely stuck out an inch from the hilt. There was nothing artistic about the weapon. It was your average Iron longsword. Rather than a normal sheath, the sword had one that didn’t cover the blade. It was similar to a sling that held the swords tip and guard with a strip of leather connecting the two. It was designed to go over the shoulder with the sword resting on his back.

The shortsword looked almost identical to his old one. The blade was much thinner than the long sword, but looked much sharper. The hilt was slightly smaller and looked too small for Baron’s large, barbarian hands.

Leather hand grabbed a small whetstone nearby and placed it on the counter.

“If ya don’t buy the whetstone too, I ain’t gunna’ sell ya anything. Ya need ta take care of yer blades. The longsword is 375. The short sword is 250, and the whetstone is 75. Since ya got the money, buy some armor for a couple extra coppers.” Baron nodded his head at the dwarf’s insistence. Leather hand left and came back with full set of armor.

Iron and leather Armor SetDefense:79Durability:167 / 167Restrictions:Level 20, Barbarian raceThis set of iron and leather armor was made by a skilled smith and tailor. Because the craftsman focused on speed rather than quality the defense, durability, and restriction are lower. The Iron used is 97% pure making the durability higher than average.

The armor was made with heavy iron plates suited for the barbarian race. The joints are connected by leather to increase mobility and eliminate speed penalties.

“I don’t have much armor suited to a guy of yer size, but you’ll be able to use it eventually. 475 coppers.”

“I’ll take it all, but I can only pay 470 for the armor.”

“Fine but I’m gunna’ add that on ta yer bill next time.”

He was still a couple levels away from using the armor, but it didn’t matter. Level 20 wouldn’t take too long to reach. The armor itself looked sparse. Aside from a few thick pieces of iron the rest was just leather. It wouldn’t provide any defense at the joints, but the iron plates looked impenetrable.

“Why don’t you come outside and humor me a little.” Sir Redrick motioned for Baron to follow as he started walking outside.

They found a small area to the side of Leather Hand’s shop where they wouldn’t be in the way. The knight had Baron draw his old swords and instructed him to take his stance.

“Thats not a stance. Your legs need to be farther apart. Your guard is too low, and both elbows need to be raised.” Baron was caught off guard but went along with it. “Good now bend your knees a little… Thats it. You need a true fighters stance if you want to succeed in combat. Now let our duel begin!”

‘What the hell? It’s obvious I’m outclassed, but to just attack him?’ He hesitated, but decided to indulge in battle. ‘I wonder if it’ll feel the same as fighting players.’

Baron decided to use Unexpected Reach as his first attack. It was the only combat skill he had, and it had become his crutch. His first swing was blocked. The second followed shortly, but the knight didn’t hesitate to shift his stance and block. Baron’s long sword hit Sir Redrick’s guard full force. ‘Did I just hit a wall?’

When the swords met, neither budged.  He was caught off guard and left wide open. The knight saw every opening but refrained capitalizing on them.

“Good! Now add a step in between the strikes. Try to get around my guard, if you can.”

Baron tried again and added the extra step. Before he went in for his second attack, he sidestepped to get into the knights blindspot. when he went to slash, his sword was met once again by a wall.

“Much better. Speed it up a little and you may be able to hit me.”

‘Is this bastard taunting me? And why the hell isn’t he fighting back! There’s no enjoyment in fighting someone like this.’

Baron was starting to get irritated and decided to keep up the assault. He went in for unexpected reach again, but by now it was expected. He didn’t manage to even get close to the knight. He tried several more times all in vain.

“It’s no good if you don’t attack with your head. Randomly flailing will get you nowhere.”

‘Fucking die!’

Baron put every muscle he had into attacking. As his shortsword made contact with Sir Redrick’s guard, it snapped. Without noticing his sword broke, Baron began to hack at his opponent with his remaining weapon. He swung the sword like an ax until it landed full force onto the knights perfect guard. The swords durability dropped to zero leaving Baron without a weapon. His opponent took the opportunity to glide his blade across Baron’s chest. It wasn’t much of a slash. The blade barely went deep enough to pierce the skin.

Health has dropped to duel limit of 10%

Duel Lost

-50 Fame

Although it barely grazed him, the attack was enough to drop his health to 10%. If the dueling system didn’t stop his health from dropping, he likely would have died. Sir Redrick’s attack was too fast for Baron to see. Even if he had a sword there wouldn’t have been any chance to block.

“If you ever decide to take the path of knighthood. You must first learn to fight with your head. Using your emotions to fight is a trait of the weak and cowardly.”

Baron just thought to himself, ‘Pathetic.’