If I thought that fighting in a skirt was bad, then dresses were hell. The one I had on actively constricted my knees. Preventing me from being able to separate them more than a foot or so. Nowhere near the amount of movement I was used to. Then we have the sections that actively constricted my chest.
It hugged my skin and helped force it into a shape I wished it wouldn’t. A shape that was fine until one tried to work out and needed to breathe. After nearly passing out from a lack of air, I found myself practically panting.
So, let us go over what this dress was doing to me. It was limiting my movement as well as preventing me from taking a single deep breath. Oh, and the skirt part kept fluttering in the wind. Threatening to tangle my legs or show off parts I would rather it didn’t. But hey, at least I was safer from the creatures and weapons in this place. Not sure it is worth it.
Not given how the guys keep shooting glances at me when they think I am not paying attention. Out of all of them, Lance’s looks are the most confusing. His look is a mix of pity, anger, and want. Not a combination I want looking at me.
“Ok,” Linda calls out to me from where she has been sitting. “Come put your stuff away so we can get going.” Unable to answer her through my panting, I nod as I put my sword away. Quickly making my way over to where all my stuff is neatly stacked on the table. All set, I look around to find that most of them are heading up to the top of the hill to join Lance. Only Linda is at the base of the hill still, watching and waiting for me to join them.
“Are you ready to try this again?” She asks as we start up the hill.
“I would have been ready with or without the dress,” I say while rolling my eyes. “It is the rest of you that refuse to let me do so without armor.”
“We already went over why that is. Anyway, switching topics, are you going with anyone to the spring festival?”
The sudden change in topic, as well as the topic itself, startled me a bit. “Not really, why?”
“Is there really no one that would be willing to go with you? Maybe a significant other or close friend?” Hearing the word friend had an image of Xander. While he wasn’t much of a people person, he understood that staying cooped up was bad for one's mental health. As such, he would have practically dragged me with him. She must have noticed something as she said, “Oh, who was that that you were thinking of?”
“Just a friend,” I replied as I started to wonder what the guy was doing right now.
She kept going, “A guy friend or girl friend?”
“A guy,” She wasn’t going to drop this unless I forced her to. “How about you?”
Her expression was enough to ask the question, ‘Are you really asking that?’ Yeah, probably not the best question to ask to force the conversation off me and onto her. Then she sighed, “While I will be going with the guys, it won't be until later.”
“Hmm.”
“My dad is making me join him in the morning. Something about father-daughter time. So annoying. It’s like he doesn’t want me to have a life. It would be one thing if he asked, but no, he demanded I join him.”
“Why didn’t you refuse?”
She groaned, “Did that once, it did not go over well.”
Before I could ask what she meant by that, Lance held up his hand. His ears likely finding our next targets. As quietly as I could, I hurried to the rest of the group where Michael was already giving his instructions. “Patric, you take out the one on the left. Kyren, you get the one in the middle. Linda and I will take the farthest two.”
Peaking around the rock we were hiding behind, I looked down the other side of the hill and found my target. It was the smallest boar of the group, likely the youngest, but that also meant it was probably more nimble than the rest. Michael held up his hand, counting down again. At two, I pulled out my sword. Taking as deep of a breath as I could and letting it out just as he signaled for us to move.
The group sprinted past me as we charged. Their strides making the trip easier and faster for them. As for me, I was pretty sure I looked like Charlie Brown as I made my way to my target. Just as I get close enough to slash, the beast charges me. Moving fast enough to catch me off guard but not fast enough to get out of the path of my sword.
Both of my sides are hit by the tusks as its head rams my stomach with enough force to pick me up off my feet. Luckily, I was already swinging. With the added momentum granted by the beast's powerful strike, my sword cut into its back. Managing to cut across its spine. Going deep enough to nearly bisect a few of the vertebrae.
The strike must have done quite a bit of damage because the creature roared as it collapsed. Our combined momentum caused it to drag its belly across the dirt for a good half dozen feet. As the creature had been holding me up as it tried to drive its tusks into my stomach, I found myself dropping to the ground. My feet scrambled to keep me standing as images of my body getting smeared under the creature's sliding bulk played through my mind.
Finally, we came to a halt and I managed to stand on my feet. Lying there in front of me, the creature groaned and whined. Likely in fear as it found itself unable to move and at my mercy. Not that I let it suffer. With a quick cut, I sliced its throat open. Letting the blood flow out and onto the ground while I took stock.
My middle hurt like a bitch. It felt like someone had decided to use my stomach and sides as punching bags. Though, at least this time I wasn’t bleeding. In fact, the dress seemed like it was just fine, even after taking a direct strike from the creature. Which confused me. If the dress was supposed to act as armor, why did I take damage while the dress seemed just fine?
Jeremiah, likely checking on me now that the fight was done, joined me. “Are you hurt?”
“Just a few bruises,” I said.
“Yeah,” he sighed, “It is one of the downsides of having flexible armor.”
“What do you mean?”
He shot me a look that questioned my intelligence as he answered. “No matter how strong a piece of fabric is, it will still bend when struck. It may stop a blade, or tusk,” he gestured at the creature, “But it will never stop all the damage from making it through. It is the downside to having armor that gives one freedom of motion.”
I felt stupid after he explained it. It made sense. Hell, now that I thought about it, every armor type only negated some of the damage. Rarely was there any sort of armor that prevented everything from even one type. Nodding in understanding and packing the beast away, I looked around to find the rest of the group ready to move on.
Five hours, and three more boars, later, we started back for the city. My stomach felt like it was twisted. If I didn’t know better, I would have thought that I had some sort of monster trying to torture me. As we walked, I kept one of my hands clenched in an effort to at least distract myself from the pain, if not dull it. Add to that the lack of talking coming from me, it was inevitable that one of the group would notice.
Linda, moving over to me asked, “How are you doing?”
“Just peachy,” I said while gritting my teeth. I know. I shouldn’t lie to the group's healer but I had come this far. Managing to pull my weight this time. I didn’t want to look weak and pitiful so close to the end.
“Tsk,” She shook her head as she grabbed my open hand. I felt it as a pulse of magic flowed up the arm and into me as she did something. “Ah, I see the issue.” Her hand let mine go as she pulled something out of her inventory. Offering it to me as she continued. “It looks to be from something you ate. While I don’t have the skills to heal it, this should hold you over until we get to town.”
Taking the proffered item, I looked at it. It was a round ball about an inch in diameter. “What is it?” I asked as I lifted it up to try and get a better look. The setting sun's light passing through made it glow red with gold striations.
“Just a family recipe for a healing potion.”
“But it's solid.”
“Nope, just the outer layer.” She gestured for me to eat it. I still hesitated. My hand squeezed it and found that the skin was firm, yet pliable. “Makes potions easier to use. No need to fumble with corks or glass bottles. Just pop it into your mouth, bite down, and swallow.” Finally, I gave in and did as she said. Popping the orb into my mouth. However, instead of biting down on it and letting the liquid go everywhere, I carefully nipped it with one of my canines.
I must have scored enough of the way through the skin because liquid oozed out. It was as thick as honey and nearly as sweet. Though there was a bit of heat that seemed to follow after it. Though I felt the liquid as it traveled down my throat, it did so without issue.
As soon as it reached my stomach, the pain ebbed as the muscles unclenched. For the first time in an hour, my middle didn’t hurt. Likely noticing my sudden relaxation, she spoke as she held out something that looked a lot like a piece of jerky. “Healing is good and all, but it tends to burn a ton of energy. I would recommend eating anytime you heal, no matter how minor the injury.”
Accepting and taking a bite of the jerky, I asked, “So what is the plan for tomorrow?”
She shrugged. “Depends on what your teachers want to do. It will likely be more combat training. Maybe with groups this time so that you can get used to working with someone and fighting multiple opponents.”
“How would that work?” I asked out of curiosity.
“The way I would do it is to have you going against a group of two. Both being limited in what they can do. One focused on support while the other is only allowed to focus on fighting.” That would be interesting and would represent the most basic team out there, other than solo people like me. “Then working our way to more and more complex team compositions until you are able to handle being dropped into a battle and have no issue adapting to the situation. No matter the composition on either side.”
Sounded like it would take quite a few people. “Do we have enough people or room to do all that?” I asked while imagining our entire group trying to fight in the circle Barti had drawn in the training room. While the thing was large, it couldn’t be large enough for such a fight.
“Nope,” She shook her head. “We will likely have to rent the guild arena or come outside of town for most of the larger fights.” Which meant that I wouldn’t have to worry about the ambient mana dropping for no reason. One less thing to worry about.
As they approached the gate, I noticed that people kept giving us odd looks. It wasn’t until we were crossing the gate that I realized why. I was still wearing the damn dress. Of all the things to forget, it had to be that. Maybe if I could find an empty alley or bathroom, I could get changed before any of those three saw me.
The moment I thought that, Mindi and Tindi walked out of what looked to be a sweets shop. I don’t know why, but their eyes snapped to look at our group, ignoring everyone around us. Not wanting to be seen, I put Michael and Jeremiah between us. While this worked, it also meant I couldn’t see where they were. “Hey, where is Kyren.” Tindi’s brusque tone came from the other side of the group.
The group as a whole turned to look at me. Not even giving me time to move away or say something, everyone moved to enough for the two of them to see me. “Huh?” came Mindi’s soft voice while Tindi asked, “Nice trick. Seriously though. Where is he?”
Linda shot me a look while Patric simply said, “That is Kyren. Turns out he can pass as one hell of a chick if he tries.”
“I didn’t try.” I countered on reflex only to instantly realize just what I said.
Both Mindi’s and Tindi’s mouths dropped open in shock. Patric, Jeremiah, and Victor all let out a soft chuckle. My face burned in embarrassment at their reaction. I wanted to run but my feet felt like they were locked in place somehow. As if that wasn’t enough, Barti strolled out of the shop. His eyes lifted as his eyes locked onto our group, and more importantly, onto me.
“Destroyed all your clothes already?” He asked.
“No,” I immediately defended myself. “They wouldn’t let me hunt with them without armor.”
“So, you put on a dress?” His eyes traveled up and down the dress.
“It was all I had.”
“Why do you own a dress?”
“Don’t ask.” I likely sounded like a petulant child.
“Well, seeing as you have it and it is strong enough to count as decent armor, you will be training in it from now on.” He spoke in a no-nonsense voice.
“But…”
“If you can learn to fight in a dress, you can handle fighting in almost any other form of clothing.”
Fuck, he wasn’t wrong but that didn’t mean I wanted to listen. Unfortunately for me, everyone around me, save Lance, were all looking at me and shaking their heads. It seemed like I was not going to be able to get out of this. Growling at the thought and idea of being forced to train in the stupid thing had me finally moving. Whatever had been holding my feet was gone, letting me get away from the group and to my room where I wouldn’t have to put up with anyone staring at me.
Unfortunately for me, the moment I passed through the guild door a familiar dwarven voice called out my name. “Kyren!” Turning, I found the person in question leaning on the far side of the counter. While the other attendants looked busy and had lines, she was on her own. “A merchant dropped off a few things for yah earlier.”
Seeing as there was only one merchant I had an outstanding order with, it wasn’t hard to guess what they had delivered. Figuring it was too little too late to hide the dress from her or anyone else here, I walked over to the desk. She wasted no time walking to the back and bringing me a few items.
This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.
“One leather sheath and three pairs of simple leather pants.” She said as she passed the items over. Seeing the sheath reminded me about Shizukana Arashi’s status and how a section was locked due to damage. This was the last item needed to repair the Chisa Katana, that section would now be open. With a bit of effort, I held off from doing so right now. After all, who knew what I would find in the skill tree? I would just have to wait until I got up to my room.
“I have a quest I would like to turn in,” I said as I held out the bag that contained the Effervescent Boar bodies.
She took a second to look each over. Going so far as to pull each out and check the wounds before finally nodding. “They look good. Give me a minute to get your reward.” The dwarf turned and vanished through the door. While she was gone, I pulled up my current stats and gawked at the numbers. Either I was seeing things or this quest was more than a payday.
Name:
Kyren Vulpier
Race:
Human
Level:
13
Class:
XP:
15801/16.9k
HP:
355/355
HP Regen:
13.5% (47.9) per hour*
MP:
280/280
MP Regen:
13% (36.4) per hour*
Current Ailments:
Current Buffs:
Last I checked, I was level 8. Going over the log, I found that those five boars were worth nearly seven thousand. Why? Because all but one was over level twenty. Seeing that had me nearly fainting. It was no wonder why I nearly died when fighting the first boar after only one attack. This dress had carried me through each fight more than I had realized. Well, it and the rest of the group taking care of all the rest of the boars so that I could fight one on one.
“Ok,” Ginny said as she returned. Quickly closing the windows, I gave her and the bag in her hand my full attention. “Here is your reward of fifteen gold. Is there anything else I can do to help you today?”
I shook my head as I took the bag. “No, thank you though.” As soon as I finished talking, she nodded and waved me off. Not willing to wait any longer, I hurried up the stairs and to my room. As soon as I entered, I pulled out my Chisa Katana and looked at its stats.
Weapon Name:
Shizukana Arashi
Type:
Single-Edged Blade
Specific Type:
Chisa Katana
Rank:
Uncommon
Range:
Melee
Material:
Folded Steel
Current Damage:
10 – 100 HP*
Level:
13
XP:
15215/16.9k
Skills:
None*
Durability:
148/150
Current Condition:
Sheath – Excellent
Handle – Excellent
Blade – Excellent
Requirements:
A blade-related skill LVL 2 or greater
Or
User named Kyren
Description:
This weapon excels at short-range combat. This blade’s previous wielder poured their heart and soul into practicing with this weapon. As this blade took the lives of their enemies, it absorbed the knowledge. Nudging its wielder in times of need. Kyren, take care of this weapon and it will take care of you. Also, you will find that this weapon is best used with both hands, though you can use one if necessary.
Sure enough, the skills section was no longer locked. In fact, a pair of windows popped up alongside the first. The first listed various skills I could purchase. It looked very similar to the one I could use to purchase player skills. Only this page included more information for each. Going so far as to include mana cost, cooldown, and activation time. All of which would make deciding what skills to purchase easier.
While this page was interesting, it was nothing compared to the last page. A page that included ways to upgrade the weapon. Something that, based on the fact that some of the options had the word used in the uses column, was already partially used.
Level Up Option:
Description:
Level:
Uses:
3 Points
Gain 3 Extra Points to spend on skills.
1
Unlimited
Material Upgrade (Iron to Steel)
Upgrade the Weapons Material Level.
5
Used
Material Upgrade (Steel to Folded Steel)
Upgrade the Weapons Material Level.
7
Used
Material Upgrade (Folded Steel to Magical Iron)
Upgrade the Weapons Material Level.
10
1
Mana Infused
Able to infuse your mana into the weapon to add elemental effects.
3
1
Blade Self Repair
Blade slowly repairs itself using mana.
10
1
Blade Self Sharpen
Blade slowly sharpens itself using mana.
7
1
Soul Bind
Binds the weapon to your soul. It will return to your inventory after being left for 5 minutes. PERMANENT!
13
1
Spine Strengthening
Strengthens the spine so that it can catch and deflect attacks. Counters Blue Spine.
1
Unlimited
Blue Spine
Makes the spine more flexible so that the blade can absorb damage. Counters Spine Strengthening.
1
Unlimited
…
…
…
…
Reset
Lose one point to remove all blade options and skills minus permanent and material upgrades.
10
Unlimited (Used 1 Time)
There were quite a few more options, but the last one caught my eye. It explained why the weapon had no skills and upgrades minus being materially upgraded to folded steel. Given that the weapon had been reset, I presumably had eleven level-up options to buy. The question was, what to spend them on. Soul Binding was an obvious one. As were self-repair, self-sharpening, and the material upgrade.
As I purchased the material upgrade, an orange-red color started to build inside it. The metal looked like it was being heated up in a forge. Almost as soon as the entire blade changed color, it darkened. Whereas the faux heating was gradual, this loss of color was instant and startling. As soon as I could see again, I noticed the change in the blade. The lines in the metal from the folding of it during the forging of the sword were all gone. An off-white metal that I had never seen before having replaced it.
That left me with six more options to pick. Unfortunately, it wasn’t as easy as choosing everything. While most of the ones at the top of the list were one-off purchases, the rest could be purchased an unlimited number of times. All of which could be useful at any time. Options to increase the weapon's sharpness or durability.
Then you had a few more complicated options. Mana Battery increased the amount of mana the sword could hold by a fixed, flat rate while Mana Battery+ increased it by a set percent. Given that I had no clue which way to go, I opted to leave the rest of my choices until at least after I gave the skills a closer look.
Skill:
Level:
Mana Cost:
Activation Time:
Time Limit:
Cooldown:
Point Cost:
Mana Slice
0
15 per cast
1 Swing
NA
5 Seconds
2
Mana Blade
0
1 per second
10 Seconds
1 Minute
1 Minute
2
Double Strike
0
20 per cast
5 Seconds
NA
5 Minutes
1
Crescent Moon Strike
0
10 per cast
5 Seconds
NA
2 Minutes
1
Vorpal Strike
0
20 per cast
10 Seconds
NA
5 Minutes
2
Cascading Strike
0
50 per cast
1 Second
10 Seconds
20 Minutes
5
Keen Edge
0
1 per 5 seconds
1 Second
1 Minute
2.5 Minutes
2
Meld
0
250 per cast
10 Seconds
25 Second
1 Day
5
While there were nowhere near as many skills as there were level-up options, they all looked pretty decent if used right. Well, all except for Meld. The description was ‘Mentally become one with your blade.’ Which made no sense. But then again, maybe I should ask Barti or someone about these skills before purchasing anything. Especially when you consider that I had only twenty-six points to spend on them.
The last thing I did before going to sleep was to check out my weapons updated page.
Weapon Name:
Shizukana Arashi
Type:
Single-Edged Blade
Specific Type:
Chisa Katana
Rank:
Uncommon
Range:
Melee
Material:
Magical Iron
Current Damage:
25 – 200 HP*
Level:
13
XP:
15215/16.9k
Skills:
None*
Durability:
250/250
Current Condition:
Sheath – Excellent
Handle – Excellent
Blade – Excellent
Requirements:
A blade-related skill LVL 2 or greater
Or
User named Kyren
Description:
This weapon excels at short-range combat. This blade’s previous wielder poured their heart and soul into practicing with this weapon. As this blade took the lives of their enemies, it absorbed the knowledge. Nudging its wielder in times of need. Kyren, take care of this weapon and it will take care of you. Also, you will find that this weapon is best used with both hands, though you can use one if necessary.
Weapon Upgrades:
Soul Bound – Kyren Vulpier
Auto Repair
Auto Sharpening