“These bracelets are awesome!” said Rami to Grimmy as they made their way out of Ambar City. “I didn’t know you could use bracelets as magic conduits instead of wands.”

“Yes, a common misconception,” replied Grimmy. “Anything can be used as a magic conduit with the right enchantments.”

Rami’s bracelets looked like regular bracelets from a distance, but whenever Rami used them as conduits for his water spells, the bracelets would open in a cone shape around Rami’s hand.

Bracelets of the Deep – These bracelets were crafted deep in the depths of the ocean. As a result, the bracelets absorbed vast quantities of water essence making them react to water magic. When water magic passes through them, the bracelets will lightly increase the water magic’s potency.

“They are pretty awesome,” said Alice. “Bonetta, how about your gauntlets? Do you like them?”

Bonetta was wearing simple black leather gloves. The gloves had an enchantment on them that allowed the gloves to harden, turning them into a metal-like substance. The enchantment was activated by Bonetta’s buffs. Whenever Bonetta buffed herself, the gloves would react and transform.

“Yeah, whatever, they are nice,” said Bonetta, opening and closing her fist.

Forger Knuckles – Gloves crafted by Blacksmiths for Blacksmiths. Some Blacksmiths prefer the hammer; others prefer their own two hands. When the buffing magic passes through the gloves, the gloves will harden into a metal-like substance, allowing the user to hit harder.

“I mean, they were not meant to hit enemies, but I guess it helps.”

“Well now that everyone is properly equipped,” said Grimmy, “we should be able to take on that system quest that Alice was given. Alice, could you share the quest on the party interface please.”

Alice quickly thought about sharing the quest, and the system did its thing. The quest was now in the party interface for everyone to see.

“Bandits? I think I know where they are,” said Rami.

“Really? That was fast,” said Alice.

“Yeah, I overheard a few adventurers at the guild while I was bartending. They said something about hiking through the mountains looking for Xebiz when bandits ambushed them. One of them said one bandit mentioned being close to the headquarters before making their escape.”

“What is a Xebiz?” asked Alice.

“Goats,” said Grimmy.

“Goats haha, that’s a funny name for a Xebiz,” chuckled Rami.

You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

“Umm, Xebiz is a stupid name for a goat,” countered Alice.

Alice and Rami started going back and forth when Bonetta finally put a stop to it.

“No one cares what they’re called. Shut up the both of you,” Bonetta said in a scolding tone. “Grimmy, what’s the plan, mountains are about a 2-day trip right? Do we have enough supplies?”

“Yes, we should be good on supplies, and yes about a 2-day trip to the mountains. Once we get there, I will be able to easily find their headquarters.”

“You will?” asked Rami.

“Of course I will. I’m a guide familiar with Lvl Max Identify. I can spot fake walls, hidden passageways, hidden trapdoors, you name it.”

“Amazing!” said Alice and Rami in unison.

“Alright Grimmy, lead the way,” said Bonetta.

image [https://i.imgur.com/7THHRk0.png]

The day went by fast. The team barely stopped or went out of their way to kill any monsters. Bonetta occasionally got bored and started unnecessary fights with local wildlife. Rami complained about being hungry every hour since they started their hike to the mountain. Alice just enjoyed the scenery.

Alice loved to go on hikes back on Earth. She loved being around nature and getting lost admiring the views around her. She was probably the only one enjoying the 2-day hike so far.

“So, Bonetta, how come you decided to join Alice’s party? I pegged you as the loner type,” said Rami curiously.

“It’s not my party,” Alice quickly responded, “it’s our party.”

“Fine, our party?” Rami corrected himself.

“I don’t know,” said Bonetta honestly. “Alice seemed like a good and innocent person when I met her back at the guild.”

“Innocent! What do you mean innocent?” said Alice, a little offended.

“Not in a bad way. You just seem like the kind of person that would blindly trust someone. That is rare nowadays. You seemed like a genuinely good person. I liked that about you so when you asked me to join the party, I accepted.”

“Aww thank you, Bonetta. I like you too. Come here,” responded Alice, signaling Bonetta to give her a hug.

“Ahem… what about you, Rami, I didn’t even know you were an adventurer, and according to Grimmy, you seem to have a very good skill set. How come you weren’t adventuring before we recruited you?”

“Oh, I was adventuring back where I’m from. I had a party, and we went on a few adventures together.”

“Really? That sounds amazing, Rami, why did you leave them?” asked Alice.

“Well, something happened at one of our quests and we decided to part ways,” said Rami, avoiding eye contact. “Anyway, how did you get here, Alice? I mean you’re from another entire world. How does being teleported feel like?”

Alice clearly noticed Rami was trying to change the subject, so she went along with it.

“It was really weird. One second, I was in my car, then the next one I was on my knees vomiting all over my clothes. It felt like…”

“What is a car?” interrupted Rami.

The party chatted for a couple more hours until the sun was no longer shining. Grimmy spotted a nice nearby cavern where they could set up camp and everyone got settled in.

For dinner, the team decided to cook a pig-like creature that Bonetta had encountered on the way. They did what they could with what they had. Alice went off to gather some herbs and vegetables with Grimmy’s help. Bonetta took out a knife from her pack and started to butcher the pig-like creature. Rami pulled out some sort of cauldron, added water using his magic, and quickly started making a fire.

Not even Grimmy, with his infinite wisdom, knew exactly how to make a proper meal. Everyone voted and Rami drew the short straw. He did his best and came out with some sort of stew. It wasn’t terrible, but it was at least edible.

Alice missed Tim’s cooking. She missed his seasoning. She missed the way he would leave her steak just a little longer because she liked everything well-done, or as Tim would say, carbonized. She missed the way he would complain about her never cooking, but still enjoying being the one cooking dinner. She missed home. A single tear came out of Alice’s right eye.

“Oh, come on, it’s not that bad. I’m not that bad of a cook,” said Rami.

Alice wiped the tear and said, “Sorry, no it’s not the food. I was just thinking about my home.”

“Ah I see. You miss home huh,” said Rami, “I get it. I miss home too sometimes. It’s been years since I last went home. Maybe they already forgot about me. They probably already moved on. Do you think they already forgot you, Alice? Do you think they moved on? “

Alice started crying. Grimmy floated down to her lap and Alice grabbed him tight. Grimmy gave Rami a stare that made Rami grateful Grimmy wasn’t a fighting familiar since he was pretty sure that gaze was meant to kill.

“Rami, what’s wrong with you, man,” said Bonetta as she slapped the back of his head.

“What?! I didn’t mean to make her cry. I was trying to make conversation. Alice, I’m sorry!”

“No, it’s okay. I’m sorry. I just get emotional sometimes. Not your fault, Rami,” said Alice, regaining her composure.

“Well, it’s getting late,” said Bonetta. “Go to sleep, you three, I’ll keep first watch. Rami, I’ll wake you up when it’s your turn.”

Bonetta stepped outside the cave and the other three members of Team TIM proceeded to go to sleep.