Elize hadn’t changed since Alex had last been through the village. It was a bit bigger than his starter village being so close to Gavros and as a result, would have almost everything Alex needed.

Returning to the Tower meant his Tower gear had automatically reequipped itself. The adventurers around him avoided him and didn’t stare for long. While his armor had been cleaned up it still bore the obvious signs of battle and constant wear.

With determined strides, Alex made his way to the nearest armorer's shop. A bell chimed as he pushed open the heavy wooden door, drawing the attention of the man behind the counter.

"Ah, I see why you've sought me out," the armorer said, eyeing Alex's battered armor with a trained eye. His voice echoed in the quiet shop, a rich baritone that spoke of years of hard work and experience. "Your armor's on its last legs. What kind of hell did you march through to get it in such a state?"

Alex handed the broken armor over to the man. The armorer, a gruff man with weathered hands leaned in, scrutinizing the battered armor with a discerning gaze. His fingers traced the dents and scratches, each telling its tale of battle and survival.

"Three or four days in the mines of Gavros, you say? You're lucky to have made it back in one piece," he commented, his voice a deep rumble. He shook his head, making the long strands of his silver beard sway. “Most people don't last more than a day in those forsaken pits,” he commented. “I've seen men go mad with the darkness and the creatures that lurk within."

He paused, his focus returning to the mangled metal. "This has seen some serious action," he muttered. "It's a testament to your skill as a warrior that you're standing here right now."

Alex nodded, his hand absentmindedly brushing against the roughened surface of his breastplate. "I've had my fair share of close calls. But I need to be ready for what comes next."

The armorer grunted, straightening up and turning to rummage through the racks of gleaming armor behind him. "Let's see what we can do then," he said, his tone brusque but not unkind.

Moments later, he returned with a set of armor that gleamed like moonlight under the shop's dim light. It was crafted with a precision that spoke of countless hours of toiling over the anvil and forge, each piece fitting seamlessly into the next. The breastplate was simple and had a small layer of metal with some monster leather underneath.

"Made this one myself," the armorer said, a note of pride entering his voice. "It's light, flexible, and tough. It should be able to take whatever those beasts in the mines can throw at you."

He handed Alex the armor, who accepted it with a nod of appreciation. He immediately felt the difference; the weight was perfectly balanced, and the metal cool and smooth against his skin. He could move with ease, each piece of armor working in harmony with his body.

"And this," the armorer added, reaching under the counter, and bringing out a simple, white shirt. "For when the armor gets too heavy, or when you need a reminder of why you fight."

Alex took the shirt, the fabric soft and comforting against his battle-hardened hands. A faint smile crossed his lips as he nodded at the armorer.

"Thank you," he said. Alex transferred the money immediately and began to put on the new set of armor and get used to how it all strapped together.

“Come back anytime and preferably before your armor gets this bad again,” said the armorer with a hand on the scrapped armor set.

“I’ll try.”

Alex stepped out of the shop his points a little less than before. He next turned toward the general goods store. He would need a few more things before going out to hunt.

In the heart of the bustling village of Elize, the general goods store stood as an indispensable hub of commerce. It was bigger than most due to its proximity to the mines of Gavros, and as such, it catered to the diverse needs of the many adventurers who passed through. Alex now donned his new armor, made his way to the store.

Upon entering, he was greeted by the tinkling of a bell and the warm, inviting scent of parchment and polished wood. He noticed a birdman behind the counter who was busily arranging various goods on the shelves. His feathers were graying and losing some of their colors, and his eyes held a sharp, focused look as he worked.

You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

"Good day, adventurer," The man asked, turning his attention towards Alex. He studied him for a moment, his gaze lingering on the new armor. "What brings you to my humble shop?"

"Yes, I'm looking for a few things," Alex replied, moving towards the counter. "A travel bag for my gear, some extra clothes, and I'd like to check out any magical items you might have in stock."

The store owner gave a nod of understanding and began to gather the requested items. He moved with an efficient grace around the store, pulling out durable-looking travel bags, neatly folded clothes, and a box filled with assorted magical trinkets. Alex inspected each item carefully, appreciating the quality and craftsmanship.

"This travel bag here is made from the hide of a Bulwark Beast, known for its toughness. It'll withstand any harsh conditions the mines of Gavros can throw at it. And these clothes," said the owner, gesturing towards the neatly folded garments, "they are woven with thread from the Gavros Silkspider thread. Breathable, light, and surprisingly durable."

Alex listened, his attention divided between the shopkeeper's words and the items in front of him. The magical items were interesting, but none particularly caught Alex's attention. There were enchanted bracelets that promised increased strength, amulets that claimed to ward off dark magic, and even a few magical scrolls with varying levels of utility in case of emergencies. But none seemed particularly useful for his upcoming journey up the mountain.

The shopkeeper, sensing his hesitation, quickly added, "I see the magical items don't quite meet your needs. But how about this?" He pulled out a simple, unadorned flask from under the counter. "This is an Elixir of Restoration. It's a bit pricey but worth every coin. It heals wounds and restores vitality. Could be a lifesaver in the mines."

Alex considered it for a moment but ultimately decided against it. He might need such an item on the second floor but not right now when the monsters he planned to face range between level ten to thirteen. The potion was also a bit out of his price range for now. Alex planned to start living in the Tower and that meant saving some Tower Points for living expenses.

Alex made his selection: a sturdy leather travel bag, a set of clothes made from breathable fabric perfect for long days in the mines, and a couple of pieces of camping and outdoor equipment.

"Will this be all for you?" The store owner asked as he began to pack Alex's purchases.

"Yes, that's all for today," Alex replied, transferring the funds. The store owner gave a nod of approval as the transaction went through.

"Thanks for your patronage, and good luck on your journey," the store owner said, handing Alex the neatly packed bag of goods. Alex nodded in acknowledgment, feeling the weight of his new purchases in his hand.

As Alex looked around, contemplating his next move, his stomach grumbled. “I guess getting food now is as good a thing to do now as anything else,” he thought to himself.

He had seen signs for a few restaurants during his walk between the previous to shops. Alex turned back and started to retrace his steps.

As Alex walked back down the cobblestone streets, he took in the sights and sounds of the village. The aroma of freshly baked bread wafted from a bakery, while laughter and lively conversation filled the air from a nearby tavern. The village was full of life, and it filled Alex with a sense of excitement and anticipation for the journey ahead. Alex took note of the diverse range of eateries. Humble taverns were serving traditional hearty meals, small food stands peddling an array of delectable street food, and even a couple of fancy establishments that looked like they catered to the more affluent crowd.

After a short walk, he soon found himself standing outside a quaint eatery named 'The Hungry Wyvern’. The sign outside depicted a whimsical, plump wyvern clutching a fork and knife in its talons, its tongue hanging out in a comical expression of hunger. The establishment seemed like a perfect place for a hearty meal before setting out on his adventure.

As he entered the restaurant, the cozy atmosphere enveloped him. Warm, golden light spilled from flickering candles on the tables, casting a welcoming glow on the wooden walls and floors. A friendly waitress with a warm smile greeted him and led him to a table near the window.

"What can I get you today?" she asked, handing him a menu.

Alex scanned the options, noting the variety of hearty, home-cooked meals that were offered. He settled on a plate of roast beef, accompanied by a generous helping of mashed potatoes, and steamed vegetables. To quench his thirst, he ordered a tall glass of cold, refreshing water, brought in from the mountain's rivers.

As Alex waited for his meal, he couldn't help but overhear the chatter of other patrons. It seemed that many of them were fellow adventurers, discussing their latest exploits, sharing tips and tricks, and trading tales of the treasures they had discovered within the mines of Gavros and on the mountain itself.

Soon, the waitress returned with Alex's meal, the delicious aroma wafting up from the plate. He thanked her and dug in, savoring each bite of the tender, flavorful roast beef, and perfectly seasoned vegetables. The food was just as good as it had smelled, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment as he enjoyed his meal.

As he ate, Alex took the opportunity to gather some useful information. He casually chatted with the waitress, asking her about the best routes to take up the mountain, as well as any advice she might have for a first-time adventurer hunting in the area. She happily obliged, providing him with a wealth of valuable knowledge and even a few insider tips.

With his stomach full and his spirits high, Alex paid for his meal and thanked the staff for their hospitality. He then stepped back out into the bustling village, the warm sunlight bathing his face as he made his way toward the edge of town. With his belly full he started his trek out of the city. He passed other adventurer groups also preparing or coming back from a hunt. He gave them a nod and moved passed them with his location in mind.

Finally, Alex reached the outskirts of Elize, his eyes fixed on the towering mountain in the distance. Taking a deep breath, he tightened the straps of his travel bag and set off to kill some monsters.