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Chapter 16 The Paradise Lost Arc

You know after Nephele decided to tag along I didn’t really have the chance to question her or deny her the chance to come. I’ve honestly got no clue what she can do. My money is on just bitch and nothing else.

I just had dinner after that once sided conversation in silence with her, but I didn't see Jocasta and the others and now I’m awake at the crack of dawn. It amazes me that people can keep busy from this early to late night. Maybe technology was a slight mistake. A good one though don't get me wrong.

I don’t think I got that archer woman’s name last night, but she seemed to know her way around the place. She can probably find me. I should start getting ready to find Damia as well.

Damia…

I didn’t expect to run into a Pure Amazonian. Especially one with a massive dong. Devs didn’t hold back with creative liberties I tell you.

I wonder if that thing I heard about ancient Greeks happens here. Maybe not on this island, but on the main lands of Olympia.

The whole grabbing each others balls as a greeting thing.

Guess I’m lucky I don’t have any nuts right now. I can now understand why some guys would get insecure around a woman, especially her. She definitely had a bigger dick than me I’m not even going to try and deny that.

Before I continue my mulling and pop a lady boner I should probably think about the spending I’ll be needing to do. I can just Nephele to point me to places to get some robes and a map.

I have to think about food and water as well. Almost every vendor sold basic adventuring equipment.

Sitting on the edge of this bed I was rubbing my chin thinking. A map, a compass maybe not that I know how to use one. Rope in case of anything. I do want another notebook for notes and such. Oh! Rations, can’t forget those. Damia did look the well travelled type so I can ask her for advice.

The archer woman should hopefully be good with hunting. I wonder if any of them know how to cook. I still can’t see my own stats till the next level so I shouldn’t even try unless I want to fuck up bad.

Getting up from the bed I’d start putting on some clothes, different from yesterday, this was more akin to what Nephele wore yesterday. It’s a bit tight around the chest I'll admit. I don’t know if boob sizes were a thing back in these times. God, getting clothes that fit my tits is going to be a pain isn’t it?

Should I cut my hair for this? It could get grabbed, but if I get a hooded robe then it should be fine I think.

Maybe not though..

Hmm...

I need space for my ears to poke through and being a Saint Elf my ears a bit longer than the typical Elf. I won’t be able to afford armor for the robes, not that I could wear most.

But getting boots isn’t a bad idea.

Probably some bracers would come in handy, shoulder pads can be left to Damia and the archer girl. Light and heavy. I can probably wear light armor, but superlight armor and mage armor is best for me currently.

I’ll just pass on even mentioning heavy armor for myself.

Spells are going to be hard to buy since vendors have a limited stock that have a steep price unless you’re in a magical area then they’d be cheap.

I’ve got to think about the enchantment on the robes as well. Since I’m aiming for a novice set basically I should have a boost in Mana and Mana Regeneration rate. I’m looking at a ten percent faster regen, maybe twenty percent if I’m lucky and five percent if I’m unlucky.

The extra Mana should be about twenty points probably. Early game is always ass for magic users. I’m a bit lucky because of my race so I don’t need to completely rely on armor enchantments, just the protection.

But like I said before I don’t think I’ll be able to afford some mage armor, I’ll just need to stay around Damia if there's a small horde or so.

I can probably plan later as well. I should head out to find that inn where she said she’d be. Question is should I bring along Nephele? The archer girl will probably stalk me there, I should say follow instead. I like her, she’s got that quiet voice like me. One of my people.

Grabbing an apple from the nearby table I’d head downstairs. All in all the early morning was quiet, I am a bit disappointed that I can’t take showers anyone or morning baths but I’ll survive.

That is good point now that I bring it up. Going out adventuring is probably sweaty work. God, we’re going to smell so bad now that I think about it. I’d lightly shiver.

Reaching the ground floor I’d start heading for the main doors, to get outside. I’m thinking Nephele should be outside at a time like this or maybe just appear somewhere around me and tag along.

Man do I have to work on my speaking confidence. But that won’t happen overnight. Practice makes perfect is the saying, I think.

Opening the doors I’d step outside, touching the ground with my sandals. The air felt nice. I’d take a few more steps forward and looked around to see if I could spot Nephele, but I soon realized my error. I’m a short person looking for an even shorter person. I probably won’t have much luck.

“Companion.” Ah, there’s her voice

Also, companion? I think I might have preferred guest a bit more, but I suppose this can work as well. I’d turn around to see her, wearing the same type of clothing as yesterday.

“I-I’m…heading…out to..meet the….others” I’d tell her

“Conducting business early? I shall follow your lead then.” She said

No comment? No sass? Wait, is she secretly excited for this and doesn’t want to irk me or something? She’s got to be an actress or something. Theater is big here right?

I’d just nod and started heading towards the village.

And look at that. Pretty crowded in the early morning. Kind of perplexing.

Am I that out of touch with society? I’d rub my face for a second.

I don’t think zits exists in this world so, I should be fine. I’ve got a lot of racial bonuses now that I think about it. Poison immunity is one, my skin doesn’t really wrinkle. So, when faced with two identical Elves good luck in trying to guess the ages. One could be sixty like me presumably and the other could be nine thousand or so.

Fun stuff fantasy races are.

Before we did enter the town I’d turn around to Nephele since I forgot something quite important.

“Do..you….know…where…the…inn is?” I’d ask her

“Is that where this meeting shall occur?” she replied with a question of her own

I’d nod. She’d huff and moved past me without saying a word. Guessing she knows, just doesn’t like the place? I’m just going to follow her for now.

Nephele led me through the crowded village that I should probably just call a city or settlement since there’s a bit more people here than I expected.

It didn't take long until we reached a three story building which she just entered without hesitation. She’s going to be even more trouble if she just wanders into places. Traps and such exist…

I’d sigh right before following her inside.

Now, once both of us were in the inn she looked at me with a less annoyed huffing face than before.

“I trust that you can lead us from here?” she asked me

I nodded. It shouldn’t be that hard to find a woman that’s about seven feet and has more muscle mass than my entire body weight probably.

Looking around this place isn’t that packed, maybe people are still sleeping or something. But, I can see my new party member in one of the corner tables with the archer girl nevertheless. I guess that makes things easier.

I’d make my way towards the table, noticing me Damia gave me a wave of the hand. The archer girl would look over and shyly waved as well. Well, this is getting off to a pleasant start if you ask me.

Once I reached the table I’d take a seat and Nephele sat next to me. Right right I should introduce her.

Right as I went to speak.

“I am Nephele and I look forward to working with you all.” She introduced herself, alright, I’m not planning to play any leader role

I’d lightly sigh before looking at Damia.

“Artemis tells me that you two met last night.” She said

Artemis? I glance over to the archer girl. So that’s her name. And she’s an archer. Smells like a reincarnated avatar situation if you ask me. But I’m going to keep that to myself for now or until it becomes relevant.

“G-Greetings..” Artemis looked to me and Nephele

I’d just nod to her. I’m going to make the educated guess that Damia told her my name before we arrived. I wonder how long they’ve been talking. Questions for later I guess. I could probably practice my small talk with Damia, she seems unusually talkative for a Barbarian.

“Ynnessa, have you been out raiding before?” Damia asked me

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I just shook my head, if I wanted to lie about being a complete badass then I’d need the level to prove it at least. No one would believe a level two Elf heh.

“I’ll just explain it to all of you if that’s fine. Unless someone else has been out raiding or fighting on the main lands in the past?” she looked between Nephele and Artemis

“I can hunt pretty well…” Artemis’s quiet voice says

“I am part of the Heralds of Hermes.” Nephele says, crossing her arms with a big smirk

All three of us just look at her for a very long time in amazement and shock, but more shock. She’s got to be kidding right? This is just another act right? There’s no way this uptight midget can be part of Olympia’s Thieves Guild can she?

Is that entire family part of it? Were they trying to rob me or something when I washed ashore? So, is this the Heralds of Hermes all female branch or something? I know they have a base in Athens, but no one can find it.

There must have a hideout here on the island, perhaps near the capital of it. Maybe under it? Fuck, this is weird..

Like so fucking weird. But the guild’s or cult’s or GAH! Whatever the fuck it’s classified as is all secretive. Why would she just reveal something like that out of the blue?

Unless she’s planning something? Or looking for something? Or planning to steal something? There’s a lot more options that I just can’t think of right now.

“Is there a problem?” Nephele then asked us

The Rogue that’s part of a nation wide thieving cult is asking if there’s a problem right now? Is she just tone deaf or something?

“It’s just…unexpected to see a member of the Heralds out in the open like this.” Damia says

She can handle basic questions, that’s perfect for me.

“Should I have fabricated a lie that I am an innocent country girl?” she says smugly

“No, I appreciate the honesty.” Damia replies

“Are you good with locks..?” Artemis asks

“I wouldn’t be a member if I wasn’t.” she says proudly

And Artemis is just looking at her with amazement. Wow.

“Back to what I was saying then.” Damia clears her throat “We’re going to need supplies and some equipment. I have my own, but you three are going to need to get your own. First raid is always a test for the future.” She says

I guess that makes sense. You don’t want to buy stuff for people who might get killed during their first time. Good thing I got my coin with me that I will now only ever take out when I need to buy anything.

I’m not exactly gaining any trust towards Nephele, especially now that she’s revealed what she’s part of.

“If it’s equipment and supplies we need then we can use the shop on the edge of the village. I know the owner, we may get better things at a slight discount.” She said

So it is a village.

“How soon would you be able to get everything?” Damia asks

“How soon do you want to leave?” Nephele asks

This was my idea by the way…

I’ll just keep quiet and let them talk…

“Sooner the better. Tombs may wait around, but looters, raiders and adventurers don’t.” Damia fired back

“Before Helios reaches the midpoint of the day with his chariot if need be.” She said

Is this what they call a battle of wits? Or just two people who don’t like each other? Maybe the second one.

“That works fine.” Damia said “I can meet you three by the main road once your ready in an hour’s time.” She sated and stood “I hope all of you show up.” She’d say before heading off

I’m guessing getting stood up has happened to her before. Or that a party or two has met its end rather quick. Damia did sound a bit annoyed.

I look to Nephele.

“Wouldn’t…Jocasta…be worried?” I’d ask her

“Who? Oh, those three. They aren’t my family. I simply paid them to put up a front. They work the property whenever I am gone.” She said

Jesus Christ. That’s just something else man. That’s a bit dark if you ask me. But why go through all the fuss and effort to trick me?

I look over to Artemis who is still looking at Nephele with amazement and wow. I guess she’s a fan of her style? It’s a little weird if you ask me.

“Let us be off then. The shop isn’t far.” Nephele stood and just started walking off

I’d look to Artemis then back to Nephele. I’d get up and hurry to Nephele, Artemis following right behind me.

We’d exit the inn and then take a different route than what I expected. Artemis stuck close to me as we followed our newfound Rogue. Riveting. So, Mage, Ranger, Barbarian, Rogue. Not that bad to be honest. Could be worse. It could be much much worse.

Nephele led us between a few smaller buildings until we reached the outside of the village. No walls which I don’t know why I expected. Maybe I’m just used to European stuff.

Walking along the outskirts of town we’d stop in front of a place that was much less pleasing than the other buildings. It looked a bit run down. Or however you can describe a drab ancient Greek shop.

Once again without hesitation, Nephele entered the shady shop. She really needs to stop that. But alas, both me and Artemis followed right behind her.

So, what would you expect a place like this to be? Because I’m guessing based on the outside this place doesn’t get a lot of visitors unless you know what’s inside because holy fuck what am I looking at?

Weapons, armor, staffs, scrolls. It’s a fucking buffet of equipment. Jesus. Short swords, javelins, shields of varying sizes. Heavy armor. Light armor. Everything.

At the counter sat an old woman. And I mean old. Wrinkly ass old. I wouldn’t be surprised if this woman would turn to dust if someone bumped into her. And Nephele being herself walked right up to her.

“This messenger requires its delivery.” She spoke, then opening her hand and motioning to me and Artemis “And these two need to not perish in the coming journey.” She added

Classy…

The old woman looked at Nephele for a long moment before tossing her a key and pointing to the back. Nephele smirked and made her way there, out of my view. I’m surprised the old woman can still bend and move properly.

Do I sound ageist? I hope not. I really wouldn’t want to tarnish my character in this second life.

Slowly she’d make her way over to me and Artemis. The old woman was a bit shorter than us, but that didn’t seem to bother her I think.

She started with Artemis, looking her over. Poking at the fabric of her current clothes.

“Padded leather for you.” Her raspy voice called out “Two hundred drachma for a set.” She added

Moving to me she’d do the same look over, but didn't poke at my clothes. She did step back to the counter and took out what seemed like glasses and took a look at me through them.

“Adept robes. Hundred and fifty drachma.” She said

Adept? Was expecting novice, but I’m not going to complain.

“Supplies?!” the old woman suddenly shouted behind her

“Supplies!” Nephele voice boomed back

Looking back to us, she licked her lips and spoke. Creepy.

“Fifty drachma for total for the both of you.” She said

Four hundred drachma, I’m a bit short of that. I hope she has some.

I’d look to Artemis.

“I’ve…almost..four hundred.” I told her

“Thirty…” she said, hanging her head lightly

Well, I don’t want her to die, and I know this isn’t something I should do for a first party but I may as well.

“I..can pay…I…just need…seven more.” I’d tell her

Her eyes sparkled for a second and she’d dig around in her pockets before pulling out the exact amount needed. I’d open my inventory and took out all my coin and added it to the pile.

And these are discounted prices. Tough economy this is.

I’d step forward and placed a big pouch of drachma onto the counter in front of the old woman who’d nod.

“Come.” She said, starting to move

She’d head the same way Nephele did just a moment ago and both of us followed right behind. The backroom wasn’t all that packed like the main shop which I guess makes sense.

I wonder where Nephele went to?

“Sit.” The old woman would point to two seats

Not really in the mood to be rebellious I took a seat and Artemis followed my lead. The old woman would disappear into another room and about a minute later Nephele returned looking vastly different.

I’m talking good different.

She was wearing a full set of her guild’s armor which was made of a mix of reinforced and padded leather. Don’t question how, just think about magical smithing. Hephaestus is a popular guy and god. The pantheon here might shun and hate him, but boy do the mortals love him.

On another note, her armor did have slight gaps in it, but it seemed like she had some thin layer underneath it. Probably something akin to a cat suit, just not really noticeable. And like before, she’s flat like a wall in front.

A short bow hung from her back, a few daggers around her belt. She was ready to travel. The color of her armor was also a lighter brown. Black looks cool, but you’re going to die from the heat if you do wear it for a long time. Brown is the perfect color for this weather I think.

She opened and closed her fists as she came back into view. She probably hasn’t worn it in a while. Getting used to it again must be slightly annoying.

“Have you come to an agreement with her?” she asked us

In unison me and Artemis gave her a nod.

“Pleasing. I shall wait beside you.” She’d find herself a place to sit and relaxed

This is a new look to her, attitude wise, unless its another act. The untrustable Rogue stereotype is strong here.

The old woman returned carrying varying amount of things. Now that I think about it she didn’t bring up weapons. Artemis has her own so it makes sense not to offer any to her at the moment. I’m guessing the glasses gave her a peak at my aura. I wonder how Artemis detected it then. My theory grows more right the more I spend time with her.

The woman handed Artemis her armor set and then handed me my robes.

“Have they been fitted for them?” Nephele asked while looking over her gloves

The old woman glanced back to her and replied with an annoyed grunt.

“Ever the reliable one.” Nephele chuckled

I think that translates to a yes.

The woman raised her hand to point to two rooms in the back.

“Change.” She’d say

Changing rooms, convenient.

Artemis took the lead this time, I’m guessing she was excited to try her new digs on. I guess I should go to.

Moving forward a few steps behind Artemis I’d turn the opposite way she did and stepped into a circular room which had a mirror facing me.

I wonder if she realizes that if she fixes up the outside she might get more customers. Unless this is a hot spot for certain characters. I mean, those prices might scare a lot of people.

Took all my coin. I’d sigh. Goodbye hard earned money. I’d chuckle for a second.

Alright, alright. Let’s change. Supposedly should fit me. And that's a big deal thanks my two big personality traits if you get me.

Well, goodbye normal clothes.

Taking off the stola I’d stare at my body a bit. I’ve never gotten such a good look before. I’d just poke one of my boobs making it jiggly lightly. It takes that little to make it jiggle? That’s annoying. I’ve got bring pink nipples as well.

I wonder if these are normal sized, the nipples I mean, because these boobs definitely aren’t.

Reaching to my waist I’d run my hand around my crotch area. Smooth. I don’t why that feels kind of neat.

I never did know whether having pubes was good or bad. Not like I got any bitches you know? I’d turn around, pull my hair over to my front and took a look at my back and ass. I’d stand on my toes slowly which promptly made my booty jiggle lightly. Even that? Come on…

I’d slowly squat. You know this is kind of fun. Standing back up I’d turn back around, throwing my hair behind myself. I might do some more exploring later, but I should probably say goodbye to privacy for a while since I’m in a party and I doubt we’re going to have personal tents. One day. One day hopefully.

The odd thoughts of getting off to myself are turning out to be more true as I get more comfortable with my new self oddly. Is that normal? I'm going to go with a no for now.

I’d reach over to the robes I was given and unfolded it. It doesn’t really have my shape like this in my hands. It has a hood as well which is nice and are those? Oh my god, ear holes, but like proper ones, that’s awesome! Four hundred drachma spent well already ha!

But let’s put this thing on. It’s going to be a skirt below the waist basically, but that kind of lines up with typical attire for my architype. I’m going to running around commando forever I just realize.

Pulling the robes over my head I’d take a minute to get myself familiar with it, it’s surprisingly hard to put on. I’ll probably be able to insta equip it later. But for now that should be it.

Popping my head out from the top I’d extend my arms to see whether everything was fine and it does look like we have a winner. And that winner is me. I feel really good right now.

So, color palette. We’ve got dark blue for the primary color and a lighter shade of burgundy for the secondary color. White for tertiary, but those are minor stuff.

The sleeves, from my fingers start off as opera gloves with a rhombus shape on the lower and upper side of my forearm, my upper arms have no design on them, just covered normally with the dark blue sleeves.

The waist area fits perfectly for me, at the same time it does and doesn’t show off my curves. Standing normal like this and walking probably wouldn’t reveal anything, but if I bend over slightly it does show off the bakery I’m carrying with me.

The chest area is the most revealing. I’ve got a boob window, the upper side of my boobs are presented to the world instead of the front which isn’t terrible. I’ve got the white laces in front which means I can probably loosen or tighten it. Oh, and it’s a pocket, boob pocket I mean. So, this pocket can be tightened or loosened. Consideration is nice I guess.

Now, the hood. Burgundy all the way expect the edges which do have a simple design using all three colors. I pull up my hood, my ears going through the holes, my hair piling up in the back of the hood. Hmmm. Not uncomfortable at all which I wasn’t expecting. So this is cool.

I’d do a swirl in front of the mirror. I look pretty good for a level two adventurer.

Oh right! The statistics! I should check those.

Opening up my inventory I go straight to my apparel section and select the robes named “Follower of Hecate Robes” which makes since she deals with magic and stuff. Now, let’s look at those stats. Alright, alright, not terrible. Fifty percent mana regen and seventy five additional mana.

Closing out my inventory I’d take another look at myself in the mirror and would flash myself a smile.

I feel ready.