Ryou observes the 20 or more subclasses presented by the system and swipes the screen to postpone the decision. Choosing subclasses was hard, even for him—a reincarnator. He recognizes the importance of scrutinizing each option, be it strengthening, buffing, or utility-focused. Subclasses are not merely about gaining power; they pave the way for a player's future journey. He plans to meticulously examine and analyze each one later, in solitude.
For now, his immediate focus is on acquiring the loot dropped by the Goblin Chieftain and the contents of the Silver Treasure Chest. Within the confines of the Goblin Chieftain Lodge, sparsely adorned with decorations and furnishings, Ryou stands near the entrance. In front of him lies a rustic pallet, adorned with little hay and draped under wolf hides. Positioned above this pallet, the Silver Treasure Chest gleams with a lustrous silver sheen, radiating its allure throughout the room.
Ryou's gaze then shifted towards Namika in one corner, who knelt, gasping for breath, fully fatigued from the earlier battle. She abstained from drinking potions, maybe recognizing it as a waste in their current non-combative state. Ryou redirected his attention to the loot dropped by the Goblin Chieftain, walking toward the gleaming items that mirrored the sparkle in his eyes.
Among the spoils were nine items in total: a halberd, a dagger, a pair of golden braces, a red ruby ring, a pair of strapped slippers, and various materials, including goblin hides , eyes, a heart, and 32 Bronze coins.
He first appraise the halberd
[Savage Halberd] (Bronze-rank)
Level 15
Equipment Requirements: 20 Strength: Berserker, Guardian.
MP + 28
Strength + 17
Vitality + 5
Attack Speed + 11
Additional skill:
[Savage Slash]: A Crescent blade is unleashed when a slashing motion is executed. Dealing 40% damage according to Vitality or Aura of the user.
Then, the small dagger was next.
[Goblin fang dagger] (Iron-rank)
Level 15
Equipment Requirements: Agility 13: Assassin.
Agility +8
Defense +2
Intelligent +2
Physical attack damage + 16
Endurance + 16
Additional skill:
[Muscle Boost]: Raise the user strength by 10 for 3 seconds. Cooldown 3 minutes.
The pair of braces were next.
[Golden Wrist] (Iron-rank)
Level 13
Strength + 8
Additional skills:
[Giant Strength]: Raise the strength of the user by 9 for 5 seconds. Cooldown 3 minutes 30 seconds.
[Block shield]: A transparent shield is emitted from the Bracelets. Block damages with 50% of the user strength.
Next was the ring with a ruby embedded on it.
[Red Shine] (Iron-rank)
Level 12
Intelligent + 12
Additional skills:
[Flame Ball]: Shoot a ball of Burning Flame, the damage of the Flame Ball is according to 40% of Magical Attacks.
[Fire Resistance]: The wearer would have 7 resistance towards Fire Elemental damage.
The Rest of the Loots were not worth looking at, so he skipped their appraisal.
"I'll take the ring and the halberd," Namika, who had just appeared beside him, asserted her claims, her eyes fixated intensely on the red beautiful ring.
In their goblin raids, and even prior battles against crocodiles, Ryou had consistently allowed Namika to choose her items first from monster drops. This time, she didn't ask and instead, she simply stated her intention to claim her share of the spoils.
Ryou has a newfound urgency for money, especially after learning about his sister's impending irreversible sickness and the urgent need for funds in Sapporo, Ryou developed a heightened zeal for treasures with monetary value. Despite this, he maintained his tradition of sharing half of the spoils with Namika, even though her contributions were less significant. He did this assortment because he had his own plans.
Namika expressed her desire for the ring and the halberd, leaving Ryou with the three pieces of equipment, the pair of braces, the dagger and the pair of strapped slippers, he had gotten more 1 item more than her in this odd number of treasure.
"What about the crafting materials, what do you want?" Ryou inquired.
"I'll take the heart and the hide," Namika promptly responded.
Ryou remained silent, gathered his remaining crafting material, and walked to the silver treasure chest atop the pallet. Attempting to open the chest, he had to wait for 10 seconds due to the unlocking loading time. Once the countdown elapsed, the chest disappeared, leaving behind several high-quality items, unseen even by the prominent guild—except for Namika at this moment.
Among the treasure, Ryou found the cloak he had been hoping for.
[Camouflage Cloak] (Silver Rank)
Level 15
Agility + 11
Defense + 9
Additional skills:
[Upper Hide] (Passive skill): Hide the level and name of the user from any appraisal skill below intermediate rank.
[Camouflage]: Blend with the surroundings and deceive the eyes of anyone having no intermediate perception skill. Spend 1 mana every minute during the skill period.
The Camouflage Cloak exhibited a light olive hue adorned with darker, intricately woven patterns. The amalgamation of shades created a harmonious blend, mirroring the nuanced colors found in nature. Ryou could envision how the interwoven shapes and textures could enable a player to seamlessly merge with their surroundings.
In the realm of utility, equipment such as ornaments and cloaks could proved more valuable than weapons or armor, especially for survival against formidable Bosses or players. Despite his personal desire for the cloak, Ryou was determined to bestow it upon Elsa.
He looks at Namika and declares, “I am going to take this one.”
“I’m shocked,” Namika states, “it's the first time you laid claim to any items. I thought you don't hold any item in high regard. Glad to see you have some wants as well,” she says, astonished.
Ryou doesn't reply to her acerbic words. Instead, he calmly says, “I thought that after this last operation, after our adventure, I should be the one to get my pick first.” He placidly states and picks up three items laid above the wolf hides.
It was two 2nd-tier Agility Attribute gems, a gem the size of a berry, and 1 ingot of gold.
Namika gazes at the pair of 2nd-tier Agility Attribute Gems in Ryou's hand, a hint of envy crossing her expression. She smacks her lips audibly, the sound resonating through the small lodge.
Agility was a crucial attribute, as proven in her earlier battle with the higher-level Goblin Chieftain. If she had moved faster than the goblin, she could have dealt damage swiftly, dodged easily, and perhaps even won without his assistance. The fact that Ryou acquired the 2nd-tier Agility Gems might have stir a sense of vindication within Namika, especially considering their superior buffs compared to the previously obtained 1st-tier Agility Gems from earlier Goblin Camp raids.
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Pouting and resentful, Namika, while muttering under her breath, "Those gems are very pretty," picks the final four items: a hide armor, two silver ingots, and a large club.
Upon scrutinizing the attributes of the equipment, her scowl lessens somewhat. Turning to Ryou, she questions, "You mentioned this is our last operation. Does that mean we're heading back without me reaching level 10?"
Ryou responds nonchalantly, "Why state the obvious questions if you know the answer? We still have about 9 hours before midnight. Of course, we'll encounter monsters on our way back for you to defeat and level up. I might even guide you to a favorable spot with a low-defense Boss if you ask me sweetly," he teases.
"Hmph… I'd rather just acquire an intermediate subclass," Namika harumphs.
"Alright then, a pity. I was hoping for another request like when you asked to sell my potions," Ryou remarks, catching another resentful scoff in response. He continues, "It's truly a shame. I thought you might be interested in getting an advanced subclass like mine, called 'Powerhouse.'" With a rueful sigh, he exits the lodge.
He senses Namika's silent hesitation as she follows him. The silence doesn't linger for long before she inquires, "What is this subclass, 'Powerhouse'?”
Ryou inwardly smiled but he didn't showed it outside and placidly replied, “I got an option for the subclass ‘Powerhouse’, from killing bosses stronger than me,”
He paused and didn't continue which made Namika shouts, “Continue the explanation, dammit”
Ryou continued to taunt the arrogant teen girl by withholding explanations and stated, “Let's gather the loot from the goblins scattered around this camp. After that, I'll explain everything.”
“Asshole,” Namika muttered as she walked past him to collect the loot.
After gathering all the equipment, materials, and coins from the encampment, he explained the advanced subclasses he acquired and their buffs while they walked toward the forest's exit. Just before leaving Wood End, he took Namika to face a level 15 Forest Badger Boss. Namika predictably complained about its low level, but Ryou threatened not to lead her to any other boss unless she defeated it. Eventually, she killed the boss – one that a Guardian with lower defenses could handle solo.
“...”
After an arduous hour retracing their steps, Namika and Ryou finally emerged from Wood End, reaching the cliff's edge that offered a breathtaking view of the Shilian Grassland. Ryou, perched on a ridge, absorbed the mesmerizing expanse below, though his thoughts were currently consumed by the ongoing negotiations with Namika regarding potion supplies price.
In a frigid tone that sliced through the crisp air, Namika declared, "10,000 Goldits." She went on, her words laden with conviction, "I recognize the potent effects of stamina potions and grasp the necessity of those Mental Strength potions you speak of for spellcasters. However, for a bundle of 50 Stamina and Lesser Mental potions, my final and fair offer stands at 10,000 Goldits.
Namika added, her tone dry, "The price is already highly elevated as it is, only because you have been impartial towards me in distributing loot from your hard-fought monster battles,"
While Ryou's gaze remained fixed on the breathtaking expanse of the Shilian Grassland below, he could almost envision Namika wearing her customary discontented scowl.
"Koyoma-san," he started, his voice taking on a thoughtful tone, "you may have suspected that my even-handed loot distribution was a prelude to these negotiations." A feigned, sorrowful sigh punctuated his words. "I assure you, I'm not one to concoct schemes for trivial matters like this." In truth, Ryou had distributed equal loot earlier to garner some good impression and favour from her for a smooth negotiation process.
With a confident cadence, Ryou continued, "I genuinely believe that my Lesser Mental Strength potions would offer you greater advantages compared to Stamina potions. Even warriors and archers, with their use of elemental spells, face mental strain. Imagine the synergy of boundless stamina and heightened mental strength within your team— that combination would undoubtedly yield unimaginable benefits," his words flowed smoothly, he was speaking the truth this time, Mental Strength Potions were more valuable than stamina potions for a strong party, especially in a dungeon.
In the pregnant pause that followed, Namika appeared lost in thought. Seizing the moment, Ryou suggested, "How about a wager? If these lesser stamina and mental strength potions fail to meet your expectations for 15,000 Goldits, I pledge to double this amount." Ryou's audacity shone through, despite the fact that he currently lacked even a single Goldit to his name.
Goldits, was a digital currency, introduced by an American gaming company in 2081 for streamlined in-game transactions, and decade ago, it evolved into a universally recognized currency, and extended its reach into various business transactions, shopping payments, and even for vendor-stall bills. Ryou's bold proposition for 15,000 Goldits translated to a substantial sum, roughly equivalent to 8 million yen based on the year 2100 exchange rate of 500-600 yen per Goldit.
Goldit far surpassed the value of yen, for easy transactions worldwide and also because its price oscillated over weeks and months. In fact, just this week since the New World's had launch, the market had witnessed a 3% surge in the price of Goldits.
In the midst of Namika's uncharacteristic silence, she finally broke it with an unexpected proposition. "No wager, but I'd like to propose a New World contract," she declared.
Confused, Ryou rose from his seated position on the ridge, turning to face Namika with a puzzled expression, he asked. "How do we establish a World contract in this scenario? Are we pledging that if my potions don't meet your expectation, the Goldits should be refunded?" he quipped.
Namika, sporting a genuine smile which he rarely seen in both life, replied, "You must not be aware of how New World contracts differ from other virtual games. Perhaps this knowledge was eluded from beta-testers." She stretched her lips into her familiar condescending smile.
Ryou maintained his silence, allowing Namika to elaborate further. He was well aware of how different New World contracts were from other games, but he was keen on gauging the extent of awareness among current players.
Namika, seemingly content with Ryou's quiet demeanor, offered another smile as she explained, "Creating a New World contract is akin to making the fairy race within the game to oversee the clauses and ensure that both parties fulfill the terms."
'I see,' Ryou thought inwardly, realizing that prominent guild players were privy to this knowledge from the beginning of the game. Memories of his previous life flashed through his mind, where poor players, especially students, that faced harsh oppressive Black Company treatment, for meagre money due to the contract's agreements.
“I see, it's like that,” Ryou Replied, “I haven't heard about it, so what are the clauses that you want to add in this World contract for our bet?” He said, raising his hands.
Namika, exhibiting a hint of smugness, elevated her nose and emitted a satisfied snort, believing she possessed knowledge beyond Ryou's grasp.
Namika, after jeering at him, proceeded to said, "Ok, listen carefully, this would be the gist of the contracts. I, Koyoma Namika, will lead a 6-man party into the level 10 Fulkar Dungeon tomorrow before 6 am with strict punctuality. The team will engage in earnest combat within the dungeon until our stamina and mental strength are depleted. At that point, we shall consume the Lesser Stamina and Mental Strength potions. Here's the crucial part," Namika paused, emphasizing the importance of the next words, "If my 6-man party acquires at least 100 level 8 or above equipment pieces after depleting the potions provided by Rem, then Rem will not be obligated to reimburse the 10,000 Goldits loaned by Koyoma Namika today." Namika delivered the complex terms with unwavering precision.
Ryou, caught off guard by Namika's adept understanding of World Contract, pondered, 'Was she contemplating this during the moments of silence earlier?' He was genuinely surprised at her fast thinking of the stipulation rather than her fluent long speech.
The essence of a World Contract, as Namika had articulated earlier, involved an AI, fairy, or, from his knowledge, were Lesser Angels who oversaw the terms for a monetary price. After the contract was signed, these celestial beings would observe, from an undisclosed location through mysterious means, to ensure compliance with the stipulations and rules. Should the conditions go unmet or the agreement be breached, the contract would unleash its prescribed punishment.
Earlier, when Ryou wanted to formed a business partnership with Namika before heading to the Goblin camp, the idea of a World Contract crossed his mind as a means to ensure loyalty and prevent betrayal. However, at that moment, as Namika mistakenly assumed him as a man who fled from a large organization, a small part of him embraced the allure of remaining a mysterious figure with powerful background. Yet, the primary reason for not opting for a 'Trust contract' with Namika was the intricate nature of World Contracts. These agreements demanded meticulous and annoying detailing of tasks, prohibitions, and corresponding punishments – much like Namika had outlined earlier in her context of leading a team into the Fulkar Dungeon with specific objectives to fulfill the terms of the contract.
"Koyoma-san, did I hear correctly, did you say 10,000 Goldits? Are you going to purchase both sets of potions for that amount?" Ryou inquired, a furrow forming on his brow.
Namika, unwavering, responded, "Yes, 10,000 Goldits is the amount I can comfortably allocate for such a risky transaction without any qualms." Noticing Ryou's skeptical expression, she reassured him, "But fret not. I'll transfer 5 million yen along with the 10,000 Goldits for a total of 100 potions. Even if the potion effects fall short of delivering the specified equipment outcome in the contract, there's no need for you to return them. I have faith in the efficiency of your your potions."
While touched by Namika's belief in him, Ryou hesitated. Though tempted to proceed with the contract, he couldn't ignore the existence of potential loopholes in the hastily crafted terms.
Ryou, confident in Namika's prideful nature and commitment to fulfill her end of the deal regarding this World contract knew that she would try her best to get the 100 pieces of Equipments with all her means, which was not hard with the help of his potions. However, perhaps because it was about the large sum of 15,000 Goldits or due to a sense of unease about potential loopholes or a desire to administer a reality check to the smug second-generation girl, to tell her that she was not that smart, he introduced meticulous modifications to the contract.
These revisions included explicit terms stipulating the class, skills, and proficiency levels of designated players to ensure a formidable team. Ryou also inserted specific deadlines for potion consumption, aiming to expedite the contract's progress. Additionally, he detailed the precise actions required within the dungeon to prevent any fraudulent maneuvers and potion wastage. Finally, consequences for breaching stipulations were articulated, outlining the termination conditions for the contract and ramifications for both parties involved.
"Are you a fucking attorney by any chance?" Namika inquired with a hint of exasperation, a rueful smile gracing her lips after their thorough contract discussion.
Ryou responded with a knowing smile, stating, "I'm no attorney, but I've experienced countless contracts in my past, honing my understanding of potential loopholes.” His experiences were gained from his past life’s contract engagements during quests with fellow players or dealing with, or on behalf of NPCs.
Namika remarked irritably, "You must have engaged in quite a few business deals to amass such expertise."
With a nod, Ryou redirected the conversation, stating, "Let's go back to Blackwater Town," and he led the way towards the direction of Nondeor Hills once again.
"Rem,” Namika called, “could you provide some insights into Black Mountain Dungeon on Hell Mode? I understand that we agreed on receiving strategies after completing your quest, but for now, could you just share a rough overview—especially regarding how you and Elsa could even conquer it as a duo?" Her tone was laced with curiosity and genuine awe.
As they traversed the outskirts of Nondeor Hills, Ryou not only offered brief details but divulged his entire strategy for Black Mountain Dungeon, about the path he took to climb directly to the top of the Mountain, and avoiding any monsters-filled areas. Namika, fueled by a mix of frustration and realization that they might require Ryou for the dungeon run, expressed her anger. However, Ryou assuaged her concerns by subsequently telling a strategic approach for challenging Fulkar Dungeon on Hell Mode.
In New World, dungeons varied in their reward mechanism. Black Mountain Dungeon, specifically, prioritized generous EXP rewards and not rewards with loot. On the other hand, Fulkar Dungeon, conversely rewards less EXP but compensates with exponentially higher loot drops chances, but both conditions were only applied in Normal and Hard modes.
Hell mode was a universal feature across every type of dungeons that enhanced the overall rewards, providing increased EXP, superior drop rates, and accelerated skill proficiency. However, participants had to adhere to level restrictions, they must be the same or below the level of the Dungeon.
Ryou, well-acquainted with the nuances of Hell Mode Fulkar Dungeon, illuminated the intricacies of its cave structure, teeming with Kobolds. He shared insights on navigating pathways, exposing Kobold traps, and trapping them with their traps and he also emphasized the importance of a pungent oil to diminish the Kobolds' sense of smell. Ryou had a dual purpose in sharing this information: first, to ensure the fulfillment of their contract's ambitious demand for acquiring 100 equipment pieces, and second, as a reciprocal exchange for the insights she sought regarding Black Mountain Dungeon.
“...”
After a two-hour trek, they arrived at the level 5 area near Blackwater Town.
Namika, trailing behind Ryou in silence, broke the silent with a question, "Can you offer some suggestions on which subclass I should choose for my Ascension?"
Ryou suddenly reminisced about their initial encounter, when she practically demanded everything pompously, but now noted the shift in tone and approach. He recognized this inquiry, almost a request, as a positive stride towards a more collaborative and cooperative dynamic. It signified progress in fostering not only for their involvement in the demon hunting quest but also her potential inclusion in his future adventurer party that he would form in the future.