Blackwater Town's dwellings and structures echo the similar medieval simplicity, striking to Blue Burn Town. Rows upon rows of billet and town houses, crafted from rustic woods, are the abodes of the middle class. In stark contrast, towering edifices for the affluent rich class are hewn from majestic stone slabs of different color. This architectural paradigm diverges markedly from the opulent residences in the real-world, where the wealthy dwell in houses adorned with precious, rare forest woods, leaving the cemented or tin houses for the hapless or less privileged, like Ryou.
The clock was still at 20:45, but the townscape was enveloped in a subtle mist, emanating from the Black River that winded its way from the Black Mountain to the city's heart. This mist, carried with it a dank aroma of cold streams.
The mist acted as a natural filter, thinning the bustling crowds of players strolling through Blackwater's streets. This fortuitous circumstance facilitated Ryou and Namika's unimpeded passage over the bridge, allowing them to fastly enter the inner wall of the town.
And Namika, diverged from Ryou's path, temporarily parted ways with words that they'll meet later at the Keg and Meat tavern. She explained to him that she needed to relay information to her team in preparation for the upcoming 6 am Dungeon run.
Ryou made his way toward the Alchemy Association Building, the designated meeting point with Elsa. Having earlier communicated with her, he found that she was there not for brewing potions, rather, she was immersed in the exploration of potion-crafting literature in the association's library. A shortage of raw materials left her with no potions to craft, and Ryou realized he had neglected to provide instructions before leaving the inn in the morning, likely leaving Elsa bored.
Ryou had entrusted the stamina and mental strength potions to Elsa, and now, he sought to retrieve them, essential for his upcoming business transaction with Namika. With a sense of urgency and excitement, he quickened his pace through the medieval thoroughfares of Blackwater Town.
Ryou's elation was palpable, to say the least, at the prospect of receiving 10,000 Goldits and 5 million yen from Namika for the 100 potions, which was more than enough. This substantial sum would have been unattainable through conventional methods like selling through stalls or auctioning to random individuals. This deal had been consummated for Ryou, as only those familiar with the potions' true value and possessing substantial wealth could offer the right and maximum price.
When Ryou initially encountered Namika and Hirosaki in Galemaker Alley, his intention was merely seeking Namika's assistance for his Demon hunting quest and possibly fostering a budding friendship. The idea of selling a significant batch of potions emerged only when Namika expressed genuine interest in purchasing the stamina potions, turning an unexpected journey into a lucrative business opportunity.
Initially, on their earlier journey, his intention was to generously offer stamina potions without charge, allowing her to experience their efficacy before she might express interest in acquiring more. However, her initial reaction, where she almost derided him for pricing each potion at a 1 silver, deterred him from proceeding.
Only after she inquired again following the skirmish with the wolves did he broach the idea of a partnership. Despite differing perceptions at the onset of negotiations, the collaboration flourished smoothly.
Gratitude welled up in his heart for Elsa's potion-making prowess, which prompted him to belatedly realize he hadn't settled the NPC's player contract fees with the system—a crucial task for Elsa's life. Halting his progress, he summoned the NPC's player contract from his body, and a shock coursed through him, again, as the fees revealed themselves – a staggering 75 silver.
Intrigued by the high value attached to Elsa, he decided to inspect her stats, seeking to unravel the mystery behind her considerable worth.
___________
Name: Elsa Granloe
Race: Half-nymph
Class: Druid
Rank: Beginner
Level: 0 (Next level +194 Exp)
Title: (Dark Magician)
HP: 230/230
MP: 528/528
Strength 2
Agility 7
Defense 5
Intelligence 15
Vitality 3
Physical Attack: 4
Magical Attack: 42
Attack Speed: 14
Movement Speed: 17
Endurance: 6
Physical Resistance: 13
Magical Resistance: 10
Free Attribute Points: 0
Weapon Mastery:
Staff Mastery: 7
Staff Damage by 7%
Sub job:
Beginner Alchemist 5 Star. (Proficiency 49%)
Recipe learned (Lesser Potion) (Lesser Stamina potion) (Lesser Mental Strength Potion)
This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.
Sub class: None
Skills:
[Sweet-Scent] (Rank 1 Basic Spell)
Level: 2 (Proficiency 10 %)
[Razor Wind] (Rank 3 Basic Spell)
Level: 5 (Proficiency Max)
[Vine Marsh] (Rank 2 Basic Spell)
Level: 5 (Proficiency Max)
[Leave Cutter] (Rank 2 Basic Spell)
Level: 5 (Proficiency Max)
[Lesser Endow Agility] (Rank 1 Basic Spell)
Level: 3 (Proficiency 57% )
[Lesser Endow Strength] (Rank 1 Basic Spell)
Level: 3 (Proficiency 65% )
[Lesser Endow Vitality] (Rank 1 Basic Spell)
Level: 3 (Proficiency 51%)
[Lesser Nature Heal] (Rank 1 Basic Spell)
Level: 2 (Proficiency 89%)
[Lesser Stamina Regeneration] (Rank 1 Basic Spell)
Level: 3 (Proficiency 12%)
[Shadow Doppelganger] (Rank 6 Intermediate Skill]
Level: 1 (Proficiency 0%)
Equipment:
Mage Cotehardie robe: lvl 8
Rabbit shoes: lvl 5
Blue Maple Staff: lvl 5
Bear Hide Leggings: lvl 6
Beginner's Blouse: lvl 1
________________
Elsa's elevated stats were owed much to her equipped gear, and the system disregarded external, temporary enhancements in determining an NPC player's value. It was her formidable skills and spells levels, the amazing Dark Magician titles, and an impressive, unexplainable 5-star rank as a Beginner Alchemist that solidified her calculated worth in the system's eyes. Ryou, after seeing her profile, understood.
Nevertheless, the recollection of the NPC player contract fees yesterday, being at 40 silvers sparked his surprise and raise eyebrows when now, it tallied up to 75 silvers. This sum surpassed what even prominent guilds might hesitate to allocate. However, fortunately, Ryou, a non-guild player, despite dividing half of his coins with Namika, still possessed 2.3 gold in his space bag. These coins were the fruits of a strenuous day spent farming, hunting, and exploring Wood End. Some of the loot comes from Monster drops while most of the loot came from treasure chests in the forest.
After thinking about the places where there was some treasure left in some Area in Wood End, he contemplated returning for more adventures tomorrow.
Having settled the 65 silver coin payment, Ryou strolled until he arrived at a fountain near the Alchemy Association Building. To his surprise, a ravishing woman adorned in a green robe awaited him with a radiant smile – none other than Elsa.
Even though he wore a mask, there would be always a tether and bond between master and their aide, so she recognize him instantly.
Approaching her, Ryou found himself at a loss for words as Elsa preemptively spoke, "Young Master, I have missed your presence," her honeyed voice tinged with subtle sniffles.
Not easily swayed, Ryou mused, "Miss Elsa, I have also... um... missed you," however, attempting to mimic her sniffing voice, only to end up with an unintended frog-croaking sound, prompted a hasty abandonment of his attempt.
"Young master is lying, perhaps this humble servant doesn't even warrant a thought from her master," she said, raising her hand to wipe away a fake tear that surprisingly glistened.
His heart raced, feeling flustered, and just as he was about to panic and reach out his hand to her, Elsa lifted her head, revealing a warm smile. The earlier pitiful expression vanished, replaced by confidence. "Young master, I am fine. I know you truly care about me. So, what treasures have you brought from your journey?"
A sigh of relief escaped Ryou's lips. Contemplating his actions moments ago, he couldn't fathom what he was about to do just now. Was he just about to hug her? Although he was flustered, he prided himself on emotional control, and such an action wasn't in line with his usual demeanor.
He shelved those notions aside and redirected his focus to the matter at hand, Ryou remembered the Camouflage cloak he intended to give Elsa. Yet, a realization struck him at that moment – it was a level 15 item, and Elsa, currently at level 0, couldn't equip it. Disappointment tinged his mood as he grappled that Elsa would need to attain level 10 before donning the cloak. Due to his excitement, he hadn't considered it, it was a newbie mistake.
"Young master, did you not bring anything?" Elsa inquired, sadness reflecting in her expression again.
Suppressing the thought, Ryou assured her, "No, I have brought you a perfect gift. Let's walk to Keg and Meat; we have a friend there waiting for us. I'll explain the utility of the item on our way."
Elsa's smile returned as she agreed, "Okay, young master. I am truly grateful that you are my young master," her murmur left Ryou questioning if he had heard anything.
The pair set off towards Keg and Meat.
_ _ _ _ _
Namika carefully selected a seat positioned distantly from the entrance, settling into the plush tavern chair. She promptly summoned the waiter, articulating her preferences with refined precision—a Ham steak adorned with luscious cheese and a comforting Fine Herring Soup for warmth. As the waiter conveyed her sophisticated order to the culinary place, Namika seamlessly activated her system panel, initiating communication with Hirosaki, her childhood friend.
After three poised rings, Hirosaki's voice, tinged with concern, resonated from the communicative window. "Greetings, Namika-san. Pray, disclose your current whereabouts. Have you returned to a town's embrace, or are you still farming in the Wood End? And… can he truly elevate you to level 10?"
This marked the same, repetitive inquiry, in different packages that characterized Hirosaki's communication during her adventures in the Wood End.
However, this time Namika was going to give an altered, different response.
Namika asserted, "Indeed, he has successfully elevated me to level 10. I've returned to Blackwater Town. Before you interject, kindly lend your ear to what I'm about to convey."
Despite her strategic choice of a secluded corner within the tavern, a few nearby players had inadvertently overheard her dialogue. Their widened eyes bore witness to her bold assertion of being a level 10 player, emitting an air of skepticism as they started to Appraise her. Unfazed, Namika surreptitiously utilized her concealment skill, warding herself from lower-level appraisal attempts, leaving the eavesdroppers oblivious to her true level.
As she glanced around, detecting the subtle disapproval from those nearby, Hirosaki, too, appeared on the verge of expressing surprise. However, he withheld his words, opting to maintain a composed silence, ready to absorb the forthcoming revelation.
With an authoritative tone, Namika instructed, "Reach out to King Card, Blue Sky, Other Guy, and Flame. Stress the urgency for a dungeon run at 5 am in-game time. Arrange for everyone, including yourself and me, to clear schedules. If needed, find a suitable substitute for yourself and me. Our presence is mandatory." Her authoritative voice resonated through the silent Keg and Meat tavern.
Hirosaki's measured response came after a moment of contemplation, "Understood. I'll confirm the details. Just to clarify, you're summoning King Card, Blue Sky, Other Guy, Flame, and myself for a dungeon run at 5 am in-game time. Any additional instructions?" Hirosaki, perceptive as ever, refrained from delving further, sensing the need for discretion in the matter.
“Namika responded succinctly, "No, nothing else."
"Ok then, I'll log out first and I'll call them," Hirosaki declared before ending the call.
In New World, time flows at a deliberate pace, where each second stretches 2 times slower. Added with this temporal deceleration, was the opposite day and night synchronization between the gaming world and reality, while the in-game clock at the moment was marked at 21:02 (9:02 pm), the real world clock was at 9:02 am.
While this hour marked the prime time for gaming among teenagers during the holidays, those with familial responsibilities, like the elite members of her guild's teams, were, might be engaged in moments with their loved ones or seeking relaxation through various means. Hirosaki, knowing this, had to log out from the virtual realm to the real world, reaching out to the others outside the game.
Namika, too, feeling both physically and mentally fatigued from her long day, acknowledged that her weariness surpassed the healing capacities of any in-game potions. Only a real hot, bubbling bath might be the only remedy for her well-earned repose.
As Namika entertained thoughts of indulgence, the waiter delivered the anticipated Ham Steak and Herring Soup. Shortly thereafter, Ryou, with his blue mask entered the tavern, accompanied by the beautiful Elsa, which, her presence makes a small commotion with the crowd, from the palpable allure emanating from Elsa that captured the attention of everyone present, especially the men.
Namika had seen Elsa thrice, and everytime, she could feel an ethereal seduction from Elsa. She herself even as a woman, couldn't escape a magnetic pull that she couldn't explain, but perhaps, because she had just returned from Wood End, she felt a familiar charm from her, like the temptation of the soothing wild forest.
Each steps Elsa make were like the grace of a meadow, each movement akin to a gentle breeze caressing delicate flowers and rustling trees.
Before Namika could fully comprehend Elsa's unique enchantment, Ryou and Elsa stood before her.
"Koyoma-san, can we walk to a more private room?" Ryou requested with his customary calm demeanor.