Volume 2 Chapter 4: Demon Blacksmith Revelations_Seeker of Myths

Chapter 4: Demon Blacksmith Revelations

It was the afternoon in the game of Royal Road and a lot of the players who were hunting rabbits and deer had stopped and watched a certain player who had a group of animals around him.

“Look it's the demon blacksmith with his group of animals. Does he have a beast tamer subclass?”

“Why is he talking to them like they understand him?”

“Beast tamers could talk to animals. My friend in another city got the class and he can talk to his wolf telepathically.”

“But he's actually talking to them.”

“Look at those three foxes. Those are rare. I wonder what we get if we attack it?”

“Apparently once under a beast tamer they don't drop anything anymore.”

“Why did he not just kill them as they seem rare?”

“If you were a beast tamer would you kill a rare animal?”

Goliath was also in the western gates. He was searching for his love. The one girl that he couldn't get out of his mind.

'Eun Mi... Will I ever see you again?'

He saw the gathering of other players and saw what they were talking about.

'If I'm not mistaken. Isn't that aunt Juhee's son?'

While the experienced player was thinking a small party who returned from hunting in the forest was walking by. There was a level 50 archer named RobbingHood, TinyJohn24 a level 45 thief, and a level 51 warrior named WillofWays.

“Hmm we did a lot today. I even got a new rare bow. It will be good to sell after I find a stronger one later on. Too bad I have nothing to test it on.”

RobbingHood was having a conversation with his other members.

“What are those players looking at?”

TinyJohn24 asked when spotting a group of beginner players discussing and observing Akaro.

“Looks like there's a beast tamer who kind of looks like a ninja over there. He has a big group of animals so he must have searched everywhere to get that many animals.”

“This is perfect Will. I have a chance to use my bow after all. Time to show that player the risks of having low level animals.”

“Are you sure RobbingHood? He doesn't look that weak.”

“I'm not attacking him, I'm attacking his pets. I'll just pass it off as an accident.”

RobbingHood had already taken out his new elven bow that he obtained from one of the dungeons that many players can farm in. Taking aim he use the skill penetrate to increase the damage dealt. He was sure that he could kill the snake that he was targeting.

“Watch that snake closely. My aiming has been so good that I can probably snipe him from here.”

“1 gold you miss!”

“I'm in John.”

“Prepare to lose your gold. Penetrate!”

The arrow was launched using the aiming guidance of the game. As his proficiency as an archer was quite high he was pretty sure he was going to hit the snake. As it flew to a mere centimetre from the snakes face the red head grabbed it while it was in the air.

“Are you okay Seiryuu?”

“Thank you Massster!”

Ding

[box border=1 cellpadding=0 cellspacing=3 width=80% bordercolor=#202020 bgcolor=#f5f5f5][col colspan=4 valign=top width=100% bordercolor=#202020 bgcolor=#f5f5f5]Seiryuu loyalty up to 40%[/col][/box]

Seiryuu had just had a close brush with death. He could smell the metal of the bow tip before his owner caught it. He looked up at his master as he was thankful to be saved. He then shuddered. The cold glare coming from his master showed that he was very angry.

“Weapon Break.”

Akaro used his only combat skill with the new bladesmith class he obtained. Since arrows had really low durability it shattered before disappearing in a grey flash. He then saw the instigator who had two other companions.

[box border=1 cellpadding=0 cellspacing=3 width=80% bordercolor=#202020 bgcolor=#f5f5f5][col colspan=4 valign=top width=100% bordercolor=#202020 bgcolor=#f5f5f5]Weapon Break (Beginner Lv 2. 10%)

Durability loss increased by 2[/col][/box]

“Did he just catch your arrow?”

“The stupid animal must have told him. No one has reflexes like that.”

“I think you pissed him off.”

TinyJohn24 watched the eyes of the red headed player. It was if instinct told him that they did something they were going to regret.

“I'm sorry. I thought your animals were things I can hunt. If you want I can duel you.”

Ding

[box border=1 cellpadding=0 cellspacing=3 width=80% bordercolor=#202020 bgcolor=#f5f5f5][col colspan=4 valign=middle width=100% bordercolor=#202020 bgcolor=#f5f5f5][pc]Robbinghood has challenged you to a duel. Do you accept?[/pc][/col][col colspan=2 valign=middle width=50% bordercolor=#202020 bgcolor=#f5f5f5][pc]Yes[/pc][/col][col colspan=2 valign=middle width=50% bordercolor=#202020 bgcolor=#f5f5f5][pc]No[/pc][/col][/box]

“Yes.”

[box border=1 cellpadding=0 cellspacing=3 width=80% bordercolor=#202020 bgcolor=#f5f5f5][col colspan=4 valign=top width=100% bordercolor=#202020 bgcolor=#f5f5f5]You have accepted the duel.[/col][/box]

The timer to indicate the beginning of the duel started to count down. Robbing hood prepared his skills and was watching Akaro from a distance.

“The fool is facing an archer from over 20 meters away. This won't take long. He's only level 18.”

Watching the archer Akaro saw that he was ready to fire the first shot. The red head didn't want to take out his swords as it would have ended too quickly. Another pet peeve he had was anyone trying to harm his family or cause them pain. He wanted to make the person pay and beating him would not teach him a lesson. He needed to take something away from him.

What Robbinghood did not know about his opponent he was facing is that he trained to avoid arrows. His grandfather would shoot arrows at Akaro as part of his training. Although the arrows were blunt and didn't pierce well, it still would cause welts or bruises as the speed of them still applied. It was as if being shot by a BB gun. Akaro would gradually get use to the speed and now is able to dodge a speeding arrow within five feet from him.

The countdown hit zero and the fight began. Robbinghood shot another penetrate skill enhanced arrow this time aiming at the red head. It was then caught once more and it flashed grey.

'Hmm so he does have some skill. But how about this.'

“Multi Shot!”

Robbinghood's level of mastery with the skill has been improved to beginner level 5. This allowed him to shoot five arrows at once. He watched as all five arrows were heading towards the walking red head. He noticed that Akaro did not run or try to dodge the arrows. Robbinghood watched Akaro take his right hand and swiped at the arrows. Four of the arrows were instantly destroyed from the initial swipe and the last manage to hit the shoulder. Although he saw one of the arrows hit the target he was feeling anxious as cold sweat started to go down his neck. Looking at the glare he was getting felt like he was the one being hunted.

[box border=1 cellpadding=0 cellspacing=3 width=80% bordercolor=#202020 bgcolor=#f5f5f5][col colspan=4 valign=top width=100% bordercolor=#202020 bgcolor=#f5f5f5]You have taken 300 damage.[/col][/box]

Akaro took out the remaining steel needles he had made. With three in between his fingers, he threw all of them at the player. His throwing proficiency was not that high at only a beginner level of 4 but his agility stats were probably on par of the archer if not a bit more. Plus he had the dexterity which also increased his accuracy. The three needles flew but it hit the bow instead of the player.

“He cannot even aim. He hit my weapon by mistake. What a fool.”

Robbinghood said aloud to help with his nerves. He fired another multi shot and this time two arrows hit it's mark. But the red head continued to walk closer, which caused him to start to panic. He got ready to fire another five arrows. After he released the skill and as the arrows flew it went through a puff of red smoke.

“Huh?”

He voiced out his confusion but before he can regain his senses he heard his companion shout.

“Look out!”

Underneath the archer was Akaro who had made a knuckle with the middle finger slightly further then the others. He then took the knuckle and struck hard at the archers solar plexus. The result was the archer buckled in pain as the wind was literally knocked out of him.

“You attacked my family and for that you need to be punished. You like this bow right?”

The archer felt the anger in this young man's voice. He meekly nodded his head as he was still in pain and confused at how Akaro appeared in front of him. With the red head holding it, Robbinghood could not prepare another shot.

Akaro had grabbed the bow which was the life blood of an archer. Robbinghood was sure to have knives for close combat but the combination of the surprise attack and fear, the archer stood there frozen.

“Weapon Break. Weapon Break. Weapon Break...”

Akaro whispered at first but soon it became louder. He watched as Robbinghood started to get even more anxious.

'He must have noticed what I'm doing about now. This is for trying to kill a member of my team.'

Constant messages kept popping up in Robbinghood's screen.

“Please I'm sorry! Don't break my bow!”

Akaro just stared coldly at the archer. This was a heavy blow to any dark gamer. This item not only boosted the strength at a player's current level but would make them money by selling it in auctions after he was done using it. Akaro however did not care about that. His goal was to make sure this idiot paid for his actions.

The archer could not help but watch as his weapon's durability dropped quickly. Being a level 50 item it had a durability in the 200's but the first three hits from the needles had damaged it for about forty-five of the durability and now with the constant use of the Weapon Break skill the bow was already nearing the zero mark.

The bow in Akaro's hand disappeared in a flash.

[box border=1 cellpadding=0 cellspacing=3 width=80% bordercolor=#202020 bgcolor=#f5f5f5][col colspan=4 valign=top width=100% bordercolor=#202020 bgcolor=#f5f5f5]Weapon Break (Beginner Lv. 6 10%)

Decreases Durability by 14[/col][/box]

Due to his already high mana he was able to use the skill about twenty times before the weapon finally broke. Akaro made sure to continue to glare at the archer while doing so.

“Aim for my family again and I will hunt you down wherever you go and break any weapon you come across. This is my only warning. Do you concede?”

The two other party members of the archer froze in place. They had just spent the past week in the dungeon to farm and finally get the rare drops. They themselves also had gotten rare weapons but fighting against this player puts those very weapons in danger.

“I concede....”

Robbinghood was depressed. His cocky attitude was overtaken by a sense of dread.

“Did you see that!”

“You don't mess with the demon blacksmith!”

“He just broke his weapon like it was glass.”

“He just went poof. You tried to kill my family... like some sort of ninja. It was epic.”

“He's a danger to all dark gamers.”

“That was so cool. He didn't even need to take out his weapon.”

“I'm in love.”

“If the duel queen and the demon blacksmith meet who do you think will win?”

“Duel queen!”

“Demon blacksmith hands down!”

Players who were watching the duel couldn't help but be amazed at the achievement. Goliath who also witnessed the duel was surprised that Akaro had the ability to destroy weapons.

'All that money gone in an instant. He really is the bane of dark gamers like me. I better be friends with him instead. I'll ask aunt Juhee to introduce me later. I don't think he wants to talk to any players right now. Can't risk me losing my weapons.'

Like the other players they all avoided trying to approach him and his pets. Akaro started walking back to his animal companions.

Ding

All your companions agreed on the earlier contract given.

INT up by 1

WIS up by 1

Leadership up by 20

Charisma up by 10

Speech up by 20

Contract proficiency increased.[/col][/box]

'All their loyalty increased?'

The animals who were watching the duel could not help but be in awe as they saw their master broke the archer's spirit and won the duel without actually attacking.

'The way he dominated the fight made my heart flutter.The look at that archers face... I can't get enough.'

'Akaro-sama sugoi! I'm so lucky to have him as my master. Too bad he isn't a fox.'

'As expected of Sir Akaro. He is worthy of being my benefactor. I have never seen such a display of power.'

'Serves you right you stupid archer. Sensei, who is an ally of justice, wouldn't lose to such flimsy arrows.'

'He promised to protect me and he showed that he can. He promised me fireflies. He will give them to me.'

'I want to learn that poofing skill too. It would be great to scare the senpais.'

'Eeep. Ssso ssstrong! He sssaved me asss well. At leassst I know he'll keep hisss promisssesss.'

'Soo cool. I'll never doubt him again if I'm used for bait. Wait what am I saying? Never again!'

'That's my hyung!'

'Master too strong.'

“The greatest folly that practitioner of the bow has done was to wake a sleeping lion. Aiming at ones family and loved ones will unlock an unforgiving rage that no man nor beast should ever experience.”

The other animals looked at the owl with shocked expressions.

“Who are you lot? You guys look surprised? Did something happen?”

All the animals sweat dropped at the owl who had said something philosophical then had returned to his absentminded self. He seemed similar to an old man who had gone senile.

“Alright guys. We have attracted too much attention. Let's go in the city for now. I'll treat you guys to some food.”

Their party walked towards the Hunter's Delight and went to the familiar back alley. Akaro noticed a purple haired young woman washing dishes outside in a tub and the water pump.

“Who are you?”

“Isn't it proper to introduce oneself before giving out your own name.”

Anko obstinately replied to the red head. She eyed him up and down and saw he was dressed in ninja like garb.

'He seems strong.'

'That's fine. I'll just go ask eomma.'

He didn't really care about her as this was their first meeting. He unlocked the back door but was stopped by her.

“How do you have keys to oba-san's restaurant?”

“I'm her son.”

“Ah! I'm sorry for being rude.”

Anko bowed immediately.

“My name is Anko. Your mother helped me a lot and she makes delicious food.”

Smiling beneath his mask he nodded.

“Anyone who can praise my eomma's cooking is not a bad person. My name is Akaro.”

'AKARO! It can't be can it? Well it's a game so I don't think he would be playing it. But just maybe... but his mother is Korean. The Akaro that I know was definitely Japanese.'

Anko pondered before replying politely.

“Nice to meet you Akaro-san.”

“Nice to meet you Anko-san. Can you watch my animals while I get something for them to eat?”

“I have no objections to that.”

“Who is this home wrecker?”

“She's pretty for a human. If she was a fox I would still be prettier.”

The two older sisters voiced out their dismay but all Anko heard was meows and yips. She had to hold herself back as she thought they were all cute. She put out her hand to see if they will come closer.

“Come now ladies. It is only natural a strong knight like Sir Akaro to attract exquisite ladies like her.”

“Hmph!”

The cat and fox turned their backs to the woman who was confused as she didn't believe she did anything to deserve such a reaction. However Rai was a lot more proactive. He smelled her extended hand and licked it.

Anko smiled as she started to pet the dog. She could never have pets in her household due to her mothers allergic reactions to all type of animals. She brought home various cute animals and try to hide them in her room. But her mother would always know as she would sneeze and told her to give it away without even looking for the animal.

After Rai's response, Byakko and the twin foxes walked closer too. Genbu unfortunately was slow to arrive as it took him some time after Rai put him down earlier.

“Oh yeah. She knows where to pet like Master!”

“Don't hog. My turn Rai-hyung.”

“Senpais let's take turns.”

“Doe she have fireflies?”

“Enough with the fireflies! I'll tell Akaro-nii not to get you them.”

“Don't do that. Fine little brother. I'll keep quiet about them for now.”

She couldn't help herself now. The pleasing sounds of their yips, panting, and purrs made her quite elated and she knelt down to hug them.

“Soo cuuute!”

“Oh my. She has already started to like your pets younger brother.”

Anko hearing the remarks of one of the young chefs stood up immediately. She forgot she was actually working to pay for the red bean paste desserts she wanted for after training. She blushed as she had embarrassed herself.

“Alright. I have food for everyone.”

Akaro started to lay down barbequed meat the he made using the facilities. Cooking Queen was happy that her son showed a bit of interest in cooking and allowed him to use some of the seasoning when making his barbequed meat. He also had some cabbage leaves for Genbu and a carrot salad for Tsukino that had various fruit and lettuce mixed in.

All the carnivores devoured their barbeque meat quickly. In regards to Seiryuu a little too quickly as he swallowed it whole. A big bump could be found between his head and tail.

“Look he has a bump to play around on.”

The twin foxes started to jump over the hump of the snake.

“Ssstop you two. It will wreck my indegessstion. “

He was too full to normally react. It was the first time he was fed something so delicious.

Cooking queen looked at Akaro.

“Akaro, did you properly introduce yourself to Anko.”

“Yes eomma. She praised your food.”

“Younger brother, you should show her around the city. She just got to the city today.”

A clear conniving smile was plastered on his face. Cooking Queen glared at Gasper and he just shrugged it off.

'A handsome boy like him should make a lot of memories. Hufufu!'

His lecherous smirk caused him to get a smack from Juhee who knew what he was thinking.

'Don't corrupt my boy!'

She didn't voice it out as both the girl and boy would be embarrassed. Well she knew the girl would be but her son still worried her as his level of social interaction with the opposite sex was almost futile.

“I don't see a problem with showing her around the places I know. As long as she's fine with it.”

“It would help me a lot. Your mother taught me a lot but I don't know my way around yet. If you do not mind Akaro-san.”

'That and maybe I can get more information about you.'

She has yet to see his face thanks to his scarf. Everyone could only see his eyes and red hair as his other physical attributes are blocked by the gear he is wearing. This lessened the attraction of females who only looked at his face. Red hair itself is pretty common in a game after all. People who did recognize him kept a safe distance as approaching him could lead to unknown consequences thanks to his demon blacksmith reputation.

After the animals ate, the pair Anko and Akaro started going around the city. Kuroneko and Kogane made sure there was a significant gap between the two, the other four legged animals were following behind them. Genbu on Rai walked beside Akaro and the two raptors roosted themselves on Akaro's shoulders. Anko was holding onto Tsukino while Seiryuu had wrapped himself around Akaro's left arm.

“Look it's the weapon breaking demon blacksmith and his minions.”

“Wow she's pretty. Hey isn't that the queen of duels earlier today?”

“So she likes the mysterious bad boy types.”

“Well you don't stand a chance then.”

"The strongest combo!"

"Nah she and him are probably going to duel later."

"Let's just keep watching them and wait for it to happen."

The two did not hear any of the comments of the other players as they walked towards their first destination. It was the closest and Akaro had a very important request to ask. They reached the Alchemist Haven.

“Poison-ssi, you around?”

“Akaro... in lab room...”

“What is that smell?”

“Akaro-nii, the smell hurts my nose.”

The youngest fox had said while the other four legged animals had the same thought.

The animals with the stronger sense of smell left the building first. Leaving only Genbu, Seiryuu, and Tsukino. Genbu did not really care, Seiryuu has a toxic poison that smelled about the same, and Tsukino had experience with herbs so it didn't bother her. The two raptors felt cramped and wanted to fly around for a while, and left with the other animals.

Anko who was also not use to foul smelling scent couldn't help but cover nose with her hand.

“That's just the herbs and potions she makes. This place is a good place to buy potions to restore health and mana.”

The purple haired young lady nodded her head. Still holding her hand on her face.

“Akaro... bring date?..”

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“I didn't bring fruit unfortunately. Do women like fruits?”

He was looking at Anko as this was the second time it was brought up. As she was as clueless as he was when it come to dating she responded in a similar manner.

“I've never eaten dates before so I don't know how it tastes.”

Then it clicked almost immediately what the black haired alchemist was implying.

'She means when going out with a boy! Wait this isn't a date right? He's just showing me around... Plus I'm not attracted to him anyway. A man should never need to hide their face.'

“No this isn't what it looks like Poison-san.”

Akaro was left in the dark completely as he lacked the social interactions that the young woman had. She actually went to a school and had friends who dated. Akaro didn't have any real life friends his age growing up. The closest was an annoying boy who kept bugging him to spar.

“Okay... Akaro attractive.... without scarf... be careful...”

“I will.”

Anko just responded normally.

“Akaro you... brought animals... ingredients?”

The three animals shivered at the thought and looked at their owner.

“No not ingredients. My pets.”

“Akaro... you come... to learn... Alchemy?..”

“Well no... I wanted to find out about poisons against mice...”

“I... help... only if you.... become alchemist...”

Akaro had to think about the arrangement. He only had two class slots left. One was his grandmaster slot which he would leave for a combat related class. Still hoping to unlock the shinobi one, he was holding out on any combat class. The other was a master. He didn't have anything else he wanted to have so he shrugged.

“I can become an alchemist.”

“You accept... me... as teacher?”

“Yes Poison-sensei.”

'Sensei is a Japanese honorific...'

The ebony haired woman smiled her gentle smile. She never had an actual apprentice to pass down her skills to. She was going to make sure he learned everything she knew. She started to look through a chest filled with dusty old books that kept her older recipes.

Akaro and Anko watched as she shuffled around. Anko was now use to the smell so she did not need to block her nose.

“Where... is... skill... book...found it...”

She came out of the chest with a scarlet book. She then handed it over to Akaro.

Ding

“Yes.”

[box border=1 cellpadding=0 cellspacing=3 width=80% bordercolor=#202020 bgcolor=#f5f5f5][col colspan=4 valign=top width=100% bordercolor=#202020 bgcolor=#f5f5f5]You have unlocked the Hermit Alchemist

Do you want to save it under Grandmaster?[/col][/box]

“No.”

[box border=1 cellpadding=0 cellspacing=3 width=80% bordercolor=#202020 bgcolor=#f5f5f5][col colspan=4 valign=top width=100% bordercolor=#202020 bgcolor=#f5f5f5]Hermit Alchemist

Learned Acute Tongue (Beginner Lv. 1 0%): Enables you to accurately discover the properties of the ingredient you'll be using after consuming it.

2.5% Success rate

Learned Poison Craft (Beginner Lv. 1 0%): Enables you to make poisons.

Potency increased by 2.5%

Learned Medicine Craft (Beginner Lv. 1 0%): Enables you to make curative items that restore certain conditions

Potency increased by 2.5%

Learned Pill Producer (Beginner Lv. 1 0%): Enables you to make pill forms of potions you have created. Amount is affected by the amount of the concoction and by the level of the skill.

10 pills/1 litre of potion

Consumes 500 mana

Learned Innovator (Beginner Lv. 1 0%): Enables the user to increase the success rate of combining acquired ingredients to form a new concoction. This may lead to new alchemy skills.

Success rate increased by 2.5%

Learned Recipe Book (Beginner Lv. 1 0%): Enables the user to record recipes that have been learned or created in a book that bound to the player. Level corresponds on learning new recipes. Once user hits the max recipes the skill will level up and add pages accordingly.

Current number of recipes that can be recorded is 5.[/col][/box]

[box border=1 cellpadding=0 cellspacing=3 width=80% bordercolor=#202020 bgcolor=#f5f5f5][col colspan=4 valign=top width=100% bordercolor=#202020 bgcolor=#f5f5f5]INT up by 30

WIS up by 30

DEX up by 30

STA up by 30

Health up by 300

Mana up by 300

You have acquired new title.

Poison's First Apprentice[/col][/box]

“You are... first apprentice...”

“I won't disappoint you Poison-sensei. But can I ask to take the lessons after my quest. Mice are eating my books right now.”

“Mice are small... any poison can kill... I need time to prepare... come back tomorrow...”

“Maybe Seiryuu and Tsukino may be able to help you.”

The two looked at him as he was crazy to leave them with the person who wanted them to be ingredients earlier.

'He named them with Japanese names for certain folktales... Seiryuu the blue dragon and Tsukino which means moon, so rabbit of the moon. Maybe he is the one I'm looking for...I need to see his face.'

Akaro was unaware he was being investigated in regards to his origin. He looked at the rabbit and the snake.

“Tsukino has the ability to make better properties for healing herbs and Seiryuu has a potent poison.”

“Rabbit skill.... show me...”

Giving Tsukino some herbs, she began to chew on it and spat it out. Poison like her apprentice took it and shoved it into her mouth.

“Increased healing... by twenty-five... percent... Good rabbit for alchemy... Now snake...”

“Seiryuu. Spit on this glass dish.”

“Don't want to.”

“Do you like flying?”

“No massster I'll lisssten.”

Seiryuu afraid of the threat spat out poison in the petri dish. Then all of them watched as Poison took the dish and drank it.

“Sensei!”

“Poison-san!”

“Don't worry... I'm immune... tasted too much... poison and survived... when still apprentice...”

They were both shocked to find out she was immune to poison. Akaro being her new apprentice thought of what she said.

'So if I can survive being poisoned I can get an immunity like sensei. I wonder how many poisons she tasted then...'

“Very potent... can kill small to mid range bodies... take about... 2 hours to kill human...Snake also useful...”

“Then I leave them in your hands. I still have a few places to show Anko-san. Thank you for your help sensei.”

“Remember... after quest... come here to learn...Nice meeting... Anko...”

Although she was still getting use to her speech Anko replied.

“Nice meeting you also Poison-san.”

The two left and was once again joined by Akaro's pack of animals. This time they started to walk towards the centre of the city. They entered a building called the Spool and Thread.

“Akaro-ssi!”

Serenity had got up from her desk to say hello to her crush. Then she saw the other woman beside him. She immediately went into battle mode.

“Hi there my name is Serenity. What is yours?”

“Anko.”

“What is your relation to Akaro?”

“He's showing me around.”

Sighing slightly out of relief she then heard her teacher.

“Oh my... Akaro you have brought me a new model, yes?”

'What is that?'

Anko eyes bulged slightly as she watched the half-human half-dwarf scope her out.

“She's a perfect replacement for that female model you won't introduce me to again.”

This earned Orchid an icy glare from the red-head in which she just returned with a wink.

'Another girl! So many rivals!'

'Model... is she talking about me?'

“So do you sell clothing here?”

Anko tried to change the direction of the conversation.

Madame Orchid looked at the young woman and said, “Of course. Only the best.”

“Ah then it would be too expensive for a newcomer like me. I just started today.”

Anko didn't even have money as she didn't even start any quests yet. She just started at the Hunter's Delight after all.

“You have a man right beside you. He could pick up the bill.”

Akaro looked at the muscular women with a questioning stare.

'You want me to pay? You money grubber. Just like master alright.'

“Alright I'll buy a set of beginner clothes for her. Use these wolf pelts that I got earlier as per our agreement.”

“Tsk. You caught on too quick.”

Orchid said under her breath. She did remember to offer him quite a bit of discount and selling the pelts pretty much covered all the costs for clothing a level 1 can wear.

“Give me a day and I'll have clothes ready for her.”

“I cannot ask you to do that. I do not know how to pay you back.”

The purple haired female protested as she did not want to be indebted to another player.

'That and if I owe you a favour and you are that Akaro then I would have to hold off on our duel until I repaid the debt.'

Akaro thought about it. He had his animal army to combat the mice but it may not be enough. Having more people would help him and being a low level who was stuck in the city for four weeks put her in a position of just training and work anyways.

“You can accompany on a special quest I have to complete. Any japtem or loot that drops we split seventy – thirty. I get the most of it. Is that agreeable?”

Before she can even agree Serenity spoke up as she was being nudged by Orchid.

“Can I come too Akaro-ssi? I'm level 25 and I want to help out.”

“That would be perfect. I can give Serenity your friends clothing when you two meet up for the quest.”

The hulk of the woman had a very suspicious smile on her face but he ignored it as it only made sense to increase their battle power.

“Then we split the loot three ways. I get forty and both of you get thirty is that fair?”

'I wouldn't mind giving you my share as long as I can be with you.'

Serenity nodded immediately.

“I agree. Thank you for helping out a player like me Akaro-san.”

Anko was really in his debt now and so she can only accept the generosity.

“That's fine. Eomma would have told me to do this anyway. My hyungs wouldn't leave me alone if I didn't at least do this much.”

He knew the young chefs already expect him to be polite.

“Now why did you bring animals to a clothing shop.”

The glare coming from Orchid showed her animosity to the situation Akaro has brought to the store various animals that shed and molted fur and feathers. It was the worst thing to do in a place that sold clothing.

“Well I'll be heading out now.”

Akaro tried to make his escape but was soon dragged by Orchid. Giving him a dustpan and broom he was forced to clean up after his animals and have them wait outside.

After cleaning Akaro looked at Anko who was having a conversation with Serenity.

“Just a few more places to go now.”

“Alright. Nice meeting you two.”

“Wait Akaro-ssi. I'll go with you as well. I need to know where the library is and you also don't know that many places.”

Serenity was not going to let the two of them have anymore alone time. When they exit the shop the black feline and red vixen were glaring at the other woman.

“Another one! Master is too popular.”

“That pretty lady gave master his clothes yesterday.”

“Rai. Was she close to master?”

“Kuroneko-nuna. She asked him for a fruit also.”

“She asked him for a date. What did master say?”

“He said yes.”

They were all whispering out of Akaro's earshot and he was busy talking to the other ladies. The party now went towards the training grounds. With the cat and the fox on both sides of him and the girls who were walking by each side. Kogane had to nip a bit at Serenity to force her to keep her distance.

“Akaro-ssi. You have a lot of animals.”

“Yeah. They are my army.”

“Against what?”

“Mice and spiders.”

Serenity had to stop as she feeling squeamish after hearing what they were going to be fighting in the quest.

'I'm scared of mice!'

“Doesn't sound like a challenge.”

Anko couldn't believe the quest was against small rodents and spiders. She was thinking of what they were in real life after all. Unlike most women she was not really afraid of creatures smaller than her. She thought most of them were cute even some of the more stranger looking ones.

“The mice range from level 5 – 10. You just started so they are a lot more formidable for a level 1.”

Akaro explained what was informed to him by his aunt.

“So the more levels they have the stronger they are. Even small mice can kill you. Serenity-san why aren't you saying anything?”

“I...I'm scared of mice...”

“Don't worry I'll protect you.”

Anko said with full confidence but Serenity didn't feel relieved. The two people in front of her were definitely lower level than her. Akaro seemed like he can handle himself but she couldn't figure out how Anko was so confident.

They continued to walk towards the training grounds.

“Akaro-nim! You can't sneak in if I spot you so quickly.”

“Hello instructor-nim. I'm not training today. Need to take care of a pest problem at the library.”

“Isn't Joshua-nim taking care of that?”

“I'm the owner. So it's now my responsibility.”

“That's good for a man to understand his responsibilities. You have also met Anko-ssi.”

Akaro looked at Anko then back at the instructor.

“So she has been here already. This was the next place I was going to show her but that's good she has already been here. That will shorten the tour.”

“Akaro-nim is showing Anko-ssi around. Also this young lady as well?”

The instructor looked at Serenity who bowed out of respect. She went straight to find tailoring master first and left outside to train and level up when she first started. She has not visited the training grounds once as she thought it would be boring to attack still targets with swords.

“She is helping me show Anko-san around. She is also going to give Anko-san her new gear.”

“I thought as you were a good looking young man you have enticed both of them. You know what they say about a flower in each hand.”

Anko shook her head saying no but Serenity just stood their blushing as his looks did attract her initially.

“I've read books using that expression but never really understood how two flowers in each hands would mean anything. It just means your hands are full.”

The instructor and two young women looked at Akaro with a sweat drop appearing on their heads.

'Is he really good looking?'

Anko thought about it but she did not really have a good reference as the men around her wore more gruff appearances. She didn't have a set preference for men but they had to be strong like her father. Thinking about it more clearly she believed unless they can beat her father than they wouldn't be worthy to have her hand in marriage. After all strong children would be necessary to grow a strong clan.

“Well I will head back here after I take care of the library. I also have to replace any of the books that have been damaged.”

“Then Akaro-nim. Please take care and I am sure you will finish your basic training as soon as you get back. Show those pests not to mess with swordsmen.”

“Don't worry I'll show no mercy to those who decide to destroy my books.”

He said that with a fire in his eyes. He really hated the situation at the library and he had to make proper preparations so their won't be a repeat like last time. He was unhappy but he wasn't going to risk the lives of his companions.

The animals who were watching the interactions between the humans continued to listen.

“Sir Akaro's passion could be felt with that statement. We must make those vile vermin pay for upsetting our benefactor.”

“Hyung was really scary when he opened the doors and saw all the books wrecked. We only had to leave because Rai-hyung and I were weak.”

“Do not worry young turtle. I will train you and your two brethren to be proper strong gentleman. “

The group left towards the library. Since Akaro held the key not anyone can enter the special dungeon unless he let them in.

“This is where we are going to meet tomorrow evening. I have a lot of preparation to do before we go in. Please prepare as well. I will explain more tomorrow.”

Akaro looked at his two new player teammates.

“Anko. To make it easier to contact me. Do you want to add me as a friend?”

Anko received the friend window and she responded with yes. She needed to stick close with her target after all. She still had a few doubts that need to be clarified before she can say this was the rival she had been so upset on hearing that he left Japan.

“Serenity.”

Serenity looked at the red head immediately when her name was called.

“Being the highest level here as I'm only level 18. You will be important in this fight but since you are afraid of them are you a range class by any chance?”

“The first weapon I picked up was the bow. I am still a tailor but some of my class skills work with it. So I primarily fight behind people.”

“That will work well. Anko how about you.”

“A true warrior fights in the front lines. I am close to mid range fighter. I use the naginata.”

She was proud of her skills so Anko had no reason to feel she couldn't fight in the front.

“Then do you have a naginata?”

Anko was about to say yes but she just remembered they were in a game and she just started.

“I do not...”

“That's alright I'll make you one. You can pay me back later. Will 50 copper be alright with you?”

'He can make weapons?'

“I can get that once I get more work at the restaurant. They said they would pay me as well once I help them with serving food. Cooking Queen-obasan said that she will help me learn. I have never worked before.”

“I can understand that. I've been training all my life and never really worked as well. Maybe I should work there to pay back the hyungs...”

Serenity watch the two have the strangest conversation. It was as if she was the only one who had ever had to work in her life. Sure she was famous now but she only got there with hard work when she was younger.

“Did you two grow up in the mountains?”

Serenity said as a joke as she thought they were joking with her.

“Yes.”

Akaro answered honestly. He didn't really need to lie to a friend after all.

“No. I lived close to one but I did go to school. Just never had to work I guess.”

Her eyes bulged at both of their answers.

'She's the daughter of some important politician or CEO or something like that! But what Akaro replied. He must be joking. No he's not joking... he never really joked before...'

Changing the topic Akaro wanted to finish his duty so he can continue preparing for the upcoming battle.

“Alright I'll be going to the forge now to work on your weapon. Serenity can you follow me as I'll need your assistance as well.”

“May I come with you. It will be important for me where I can obtained more weapons as well.”

Anko asked Akaro as she really wanted to see where the blacksmith location was. As she didn't know how to make weapons she would need to know someone who can make and maintain them.

Serenity frowned that Anko was going to butt in again as she really thought she'll get some alone time with him.

'He bought her armour. I'll make him buy stuff on our date. He didn't say when though. I'll ask him again after this quest.'

The trio and the party of animals started walking towards the western gates where the Iron Turtle was located. They were immediately greeted by a cranky old man.

“You bring to me more animals! At least you brought women with you this time. You had me worried for a while. I know this one... but who is the purple haired one?”

“Her name is Anko-san. She just started today. I'm going to make her a weapon as she is helping me with a quest.”

“Nice to meet you.”

“I'm Melchior this punk brat's blacksmith master.”

The two greeted each other while Akaro went to have a conversation with his pets.

“Alright. You already know how you will all be training, support team stick with the attack team. The exit is that way. We will meet here in the morning. Suzaku, Kogane, and Kuroneko please keep everyone safe. I'll have presents ready for when all of you return.”

The three leaders of each team nodded. The support team lead by Kogane had lost two members for now but they were being used for supplies so it was fine. The stealth team left first as they needed to prepare for their hunt. The last team was the attack team and they also headed out with the support team right behind them.

They all seemed to be smiling as if they did well with their training their master was going to give them presents.

Serenity then asked Akaro as she wasn't sure what she would be doing.

“Akaro-ssi. What did you need me to do?”

“Well I got this from one of the pack leaders of the wolves.”

He took out the pelt that he picked up from the wolf leader from earlier on that morning.

“Can you make this into leather and make leather strips so I can attach metal tags on them? I want to make collars for my companions so they won't be mistaken as wild animals.”

The earlier confrontation had upset him quite a bit so having collars on his pets will make it easier for other players know that they belonged to someone.

“I can do that. But all my tools are back at the shop. I'll make it and come back here is that okay?”

She didn't want to leave but in order for her to make it she needed her tools. Serenity looked at the redhead who nodded back at her saying that's fine.

"What level is your bow?"

"Level 10 requirements why?"

"Leave it with me. I'll make some adjustments to it."

Akaro took the bow that Serenity took out of her inventory. She already knew how good he was so she trusted him completely.

He then watched as Serenity took the pelt and started running towards the Spool and Thread.

“Melchior-dono. Is that a katana behind you?”

On display was the katana that Akaro had made as a gift. Melchior grabbed it and gave it to Anko to inspect.

“This is a really beautiful sword. I did not know you can make a sword like this Melchior-dono. I'm sure as Akaro-san is your apprentice he will make me a good starting naginata.”

“I didn't make it. He did.”

Anko stared at the red head who was watching Serenity leave.

'He made such a beautiful blade. The hamon alone is beyond rare. It looks like the one that my naginata blade has at home... and my father's own long katana... but that was a gift from Miyamoto Hanzou-sama. Is he really that Akaro?'

She was trying to piece things together and she was getting a headache. The young man in front of her was respectful and generous. Nothing like the smug attitude of the Akaro she had faced when they were younger. She couldn't comprehend that this was more his personality then the one she had interpreted when they were children.

Akaro had walked back and he saw a scowl on Anko's face.

“Anko-san is there anything wrong? Feeling sick?”

Shaking her head no she sighed a bit.

“You are a pretty amazing sword smith to have made this katana for your master. Isn't 50 copper for a naginata a little too cheap if the quality you make is this good?”

“Only 50 copper. Seems like my apprentice needs another lesson in proper pricing.”

Melchior frowned after hearing how much he was charging the young lady.

“50 copper and she is assisting me on my quest. She needs to be equipped properly in order for her to fight properly.”

“Oh then you are getting other services then out of it. Well go ahead. I get 40% anyway.”

Akaro took off his armor and put on a blacksmith apron. The moment his scarf was taken off Anko gave a scream.

“IT IS YOU!”

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Volume 2 Chapter 4: Demon Blacksmith Revelations

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