Tradesman Chapter 2

James awoke abruptly, his heart pounding in his chest as echoes of his children's cries from the nightmare still haunted him. He found himself lying on a bed of straw, surrounded by unfamiliar objects and strange trinkets. He remembered that he was in the back of the wagon with the Dawn Guard.

His hands trembled uncontrollably, memories of the recent battle with orcs still vivid in his mind. Thartis had thanked “I hope we work together sometime with a less stressful situation” James for his help and then hopped out of the wagon, leaving James to be escorted by Mila to the town of Stonehaven.

"Welcome to Stonehaven," Mila said, her voice soft but steady. As they entered the town, James couldn't help but notice the squat, square buildings made of sandstone. On top of each building, there seemed to be a garden or additional living space, some even had kitchens on the roof. The architecture appeared crude, yet strangely functional and efficient.

"Here's where you'll be staying," Mila informed him, guiding him into a modest one room cottage. "The Duke will send someone for you in a week's time. I want to personally thank you for helping during the battle, even though no one would have blamed you if you'd just hid."

James took a deep breath, trying to steady his shaking hands. "I've never been good at not helping people in trouble." He managed a small smile before his attention returned to the strangeness of this new world.

"Let's take a walk," Mila suggested, sensing his confusion. "We can trade knowledge along the way."

As they walked, James couldn't help but feel bewildered by the odd creatures that roamed the streets. They seemed to be combinations of animals he knew from Earth - something like a mix of dog, cat, and fox. It was both fascinating and disorienting.

A blue screen suddenly appeared before him, displaying his talents: Strength 5, Agility 5, Foresight 5, Intelligence 5, Willpower 15, and Luck 5. Special Abilities included Crafting, Resource Management, and Affinity N/A.

"Can I see your stats?" he asked Mila hesitantly.

"Sure," she replied, revealing her own: Strength 5, Agility 7, Intelligence 5, Willpower 6, and Luck 5. Her special skills were voice projection, sword skill 2, shield skill 2, and Air affinity.

"There are five normal elements," she explained, "but there may be more than that. When the local Duke arrives, one of his mages or scholars can help you with more questions."

James nodded, doing his best to absorb all this new information. His confusion was slowly being replaced by a burning curiosity, a desire to understand this new world and find his place within it. And as he walked beside Mila, he began to feel a growing sense of camaraderie and trust, the first steps towards finding a home in this strange land.

James stood in the small workshop attached to the cottage Mila had provided him, examining the various tools and materials scattered about. As he ran his fingers over a piece of wood, [Elmwood plank armor 10 fire resistance, 10 water resistance] he felt an odd sensation. His knowledge from Earth seemed to merge with this new world's magical energies, allowing him to understand the properties of the materials before him.

"Interesting," he mused, picking up a small chunk of metal. It was lighter than anything he'd encountered on Earth, yet incredibly strong. He began to experiment and design with the different woods and metals, combining their unique attributes to create weapons and armor that were superior to any mundane creations.

Mila stood in the doorway, watching James work with fascination. "You truly have a gift, James. The weapons you craft are not magical, but they possess qualities that surpass any ordinary items."

James nodded, focused on his work. "I suppose my knowledge and skills from Earth have been transformed into this specialized talent for crafting here. But there's still so much I don't understand."

"Like the elemental affinities?" Mila suggested, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

"Exactly," he replied, setting down his hammer. "A person has to have an affinity for an element to use an item's special ability, right? That's something completely foreign to me."

Mila smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry, James. You'll get the hang of it. And who knows? Maybe your unique perspective will allow you to create items no one here has ever seen before."

As the days passed, James continued to hone his newfound skills, experimenting with new combinations of materials and techniques. He discovered that by imbuing a sword with an air elemental ore, it became lighter and swifter, while adding fire elemental ore to a shield made it nearly impervious to flames. James mumbled to himself “So to create the best weapon I have to know who is using the weapon and their affinities. There is no one best answer for a group of people.”

"Your resourcefulness is impressive, James," Mila praised him one day as she observed his latest creation, a sturdy bow made from a combination of strong wood and a flexible metal alloy using wood with wind and the metal with no aspect. "You're adapting to this world far better than most would."

"Thank you," he replied modestly, a hint of pride in his eyes. "I've always been good at problem-solving, but I never imagined my skills would be put to use like this.”

As James continued to learn about the materials and magical properties of this new world, he became more confident in his abilities. His creations began to gain recognition among the local adventurers, who marveled at the quality and unique attributes of the weapons and armor he crafted.

"Your work is truly extraordinary, James," one young warrior said as he admired a pair of gauntlets James had made for him. "I've never seen anything like it!"

"Thank you," James replied with a smile,”No listen to me do to the elements mixed into this sword never hand it to an earth affinity user as it can blow off there hand. The sheath is made of leather and wood that will keep anyone safe from bumping into it.” pleased that his hard work was making a difference in this strange new world. With Mila's guidance and support, James felt a growing sense of purpose and belonging, his confusion and bewilderment slowly fading away. And as he continued to adapt and grow, he couldn't help but wonder what other surprises this new world had in store for him.

James sat alone in the small workshop, his hands trembling as he stared at the hammer before him. The dried blood from the orc still clung to the metal, a stark reminder of the events that had transpired. Despite his newfound abilities and the praise he'd received for his work, he couldn't shake the homesickness that gnawed at him.

"Damn it," he muttered under his breath, running a hand through his short brown hair. He missed his children more than anything, their laughter echoing in his dreams, only to wake up to the unfamiliar surroundings of this new world. He wondered if they were safe, if they missed him just as much.

"James?" Mila's voice cut through his thoughts as she entered the workshop. Her piercing green eyes studied him with concern. "You're not looking too well."

"I'm fine," he replied, forcing a smile. "Just... a bit overwhelmed, I guess."

Mila nodded sympathetically. "I can only imagine what you must be going through." She paused, her gaze falling on the bloodstained hammer. "Perhaps we should talk about something else? I wanted to show you some elemental ores I found. They might help you unlock even more potential in your crafting."

"Alright," James agreed, eager for the distraction. As they examined the ores together, he struggled to find the right balance between fire and water elements, his frustration mounting.

"Take it easy, James," Mila advised gently. "We all have our learning curves."

"Back on Earth, I was used to doing a lot with very little resources," he confessed. "But this... This is something else entirely."

"Then let me help you," Mila said, her determination evident. "Together, we'll figure out how to harness these elements properly."

As they worked tirelessly, James soon discovered that after creating an item fifteen times, the stats would increase by 3 to 5%. Intrigued by this revelation, he began to ponder the possibilities of mass production in this world.

"James," Mila said one evening as they sat by the fire in the small cottage she had offered him. "You mentioned earlier that you have trouble spilling blood directly. We call it 'the fatigue' here. Many warriors experience it after years of service."

"Never thought I'd be one of them," James admitted, his eyes distant. "But when I saw that orc's blood on my hammer... It just hit me all at once."

"Trust me, I understand," Mila said softly. "But you're not alone. I'm here for you, and so are the people of this village. We appreciate everything you've done for us."

"Thank you, Mila," James replied, with genuine gratitude in his voice. "I don't think I could've made it this far without your support."

"Anytime, James," she smiled. "We're a team now, and there's nothing we can't handle together."

As James continued to adapt to his new surroundings, he found solace in the bond he shared with Mila and the growing sense of purpose that came from using his skills to help others. And though he still longed for the life he'd left behind, he knew that he was becoming an invaluable part of this strange new world.

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The sun cast warm, golden rays through the trees surrounding the small cottage as James stepped outside, his eyes scanning the village. The laughter of children at play filled the air, and the smell of freshly baked bread drifted from a nearby home.

"Ah, there you are," Mila called out, approaching him with a determined stride. Her raven black hair was pulled back into a tight ponytail, and her piercing green eyes seemed to sparkle in the sunlight. "I wanted to introduce you to some of the other members of the Dawn Guard. They're eager to meet the man who helped us during the battle."

James followed her through the village, where they were soon greeted by a group of young warriors, swords and shields in hand. One of them, a tall, muscular youth with a mop of unruly brown hair, stepped forward and challenged James to a friendly spar.

"Alright," James agreed, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "But don't say I didn't warn you."

Before the young warrior could react, James swiftly threw water from a nearby bucket in his face and landed a solid punch in his gut. The young man doubled over, gasping for breath, before looking up at James with a mixture of shock and admiration.

"Hey, that wasn't fair!" he protested, although there was no malice in his voice.

"Fair fights are for those who don't care about winning," James replied, offering a hand to help him up. As their hands met, James noticed the young warrior's grin, which mirrored his own. It was clear that there was no ill will between them, only a newfound respect.

As they continued through the village, Mila shared her own story with James, detailing her past as an adventurer before she became Captain of the Dawn Guard. "Many of our guards are former adventurers or young fighters looking to improve before setting out on their own. We're a tight-knit group, and we look out for one another. You'll fit right in." James inquired “Should they all be wearing something to a standard uniform rather than just wearing a piece of cloth on their arm.” Mila laughed “Like we have the ability to be as grand as the formal army or the royal guards.” James smiled but the gears inside his mind started to turn.

As the day passed, James found himself growing more comfortable in his new surroundings, thanks largely to Mila's guidance and support. He began to learn about the magic that permeated this world, intrigued by both its power and the fact that he seemed to have no affinity for any of the elements.

"Otherworlders are usually known as great warriors or mages," Mila explained while eating an apple, as they sat in the wood working shop attached to the cottage. "But it seems you have your own unique set of skills, which could prove invaluable in the long run."

"Perhaps," James mused, running his fingers over the smooth surface of a wooden plank. "I just wish I understood this place better. There's so much to learn, and it all feels so... overwhelming."

"Give it time," Mila advised, her voice gentle but firm. "You've already made an impact here, and I have no doubt you'll continue to do so. Just remember that you don't have to face everything alone. We're here for you."

James looked at her, gratitude shining in his eyes, and nodded. With Mila and the village behind him, he felt ready to tackle whatever challenges lay ahead in this strange new world.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting an orange glow across the village, James and Mila stood in the small workshop, examining a variety of materials that lined the walls. From metals and woods to curious magical ores, the array of choices was dizzying for someone who had only ever known Earth.

"Remember," Mila advised, her green eyes sharp as she studied James' face for understanding. "In this world, we often combine both magical and non-magical materials in crafting items. It's important to know the properties of each and how they interact with one another."

James nodded, his brow furrowed in concentration as he tried to absorb the wealth of information Mila was sharing. "And you mentioned this region is near the savage lands, where orcs are a constant threat." He glanced up at Mila, seeking confirmation.

"Indeed," she replied seriously. "The battles have become more frequent and intense in recent years. There's a new Orc chief, according to rumors, and their tactics have improved dramatically. In fact, if it wasn't for the traps you made during our last skirmish, the Dawn Guard's weaknesses would have been discovered by their scouts."

James couldn't help but feel a twinge of pride at her words, though the weight of responsibility also settled heavily on his shoulders. He picked up a piece of wood, running his fingers over its surface, feeling the potential within it. As he worked, experimenting with various materials and techniques, he began to understand the importance of his role in this world.

The next day, as James walked through the village, he noticed a farmer struggling with a broken plow. Recalling Mila's teachings, he approached the man and offered his assistance. With his newfound understanding of magical materials, James imbued the repaired plow with increased rust resistance by combining water and earth aspects. The grateful farmer spread word of James' talents, and soon, others approached him with requests for assistance.

James soon discovered that the villagers could only use the special abilities of an item if they shared the same elemental affinity but he could cheat a little if there were 3 layers. Layer 1 would stay inert but it could interact with layer 2 to activate layer 3. This realization sparked a flurry of new ideas, driving James to experiment with a variety of combinations and techniques.

"Look at this," he said excitedly one afternoon, presenting Mila with a wagon wheel coated in black powder. "This should make the wheel move more smoothly, easing the burden on both the wagon and its owner."

Mila studied the wheel, her eyes widening in surprise. "Impressive, James. You're adapting remarkably well to our world and its materials.How did you activate it? Wait there are 3 different aspects with what appears mostly material of no magic throughout"

James enthusiastically “Well when elements are not aligned they put out a charge and can be dangerous but using small amounts it can activate an element the non aligned material acts as a safety so no one can bump into and cause damage. That does remind me I need to fix the roof really quickly and kind of blew a hole in it.”

As the day passed, James found a sense of purpose in his work, crafting items that not only aided the warriors of the Dawn Guard but also improved the lives of everyday villagers. With each success, his confidence grew, and he felt increasingly connected to this strange new world and the people within it.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting warm hues of orange and red across the sky, James climbed onto the roof of Mila's small cottage. Although he had been in this strange new world for only a short time, he felt a growing sense of gratitude towards her. She had not only taken him in but had also guided him as he adjusted to his new life.

"Careful up there," Mila called from the ground below, her green eyes filled with concern.

James smiled down at her. "Don't worry, I've done this plenty of times back on Earth."

As he worked on fixing the leaky roof, James thought about their conversations over the past few days. They had shared stories of loss and displacement, finding solace in each other's experiences. Mila had confided in him about her daughter, who had never known her father due to his untimely death before she was born.

"Thank you, James," Mila said softly as he finished securing the last shingle. "Your kindness means more to me than you know."

He climbed down and stood beside her, looking at the completed repair job with satisfaction. "It's the least I can do for everything you've done for me, and I kind of did cause it." he replied.

Word of his abilities spread throughout Stonehaven, and that night, a young warrior approached him with an unusual request.

"Can you make a sword that will always find its mark?" the young man asked, his eyes filled with determination.

James hesitated, considering the request. He knew he couldn't guarantee such a thing, but he could make the best sword possible for the warrior. "A sword finding its mark is up to your skill, not the sword itself," he explained gently. "But I can craft a sword that will stay sharp and balanced, giving you the best chance to succeed."

"Deal," the young warrior agreed, nodding appreciatively. "I trust your craftsmanship."

As James laid out materials to craft the sword in the morning, he found himself feeling more confident in his abilities. The satisfaction of creating something useful for others fueled him, pushing him to constantly improve.

Mila noticed this change in him and offered her encouragement. "You're growing but remember to enjoy your days as you need to be physically and mentally ready for emergencies."

"Thanks, Mila," he said, smiling warmly at her. "I couldn't have done it without your help."

Together they continued their work, both in crafting items for heroes and strengthening their bond. In this new world where James had once felt lost and alone, he now found purpose, belonging, and friendship.

The moon peeked over the horizon, casting a warm blue glow over the town of Stonehaven. James stood outside the workshop, admiring the newly crafted sign that hung above the door. Intricate letters spelled out "Patterson's Craft" in bold relief, and he couldn't help but feel a swell of pride at seeing his name displayed so prominently.

"Looks great, doesn't it?" Mila said, joining him on the workshop's doorstep. Her green eyes sparkled with approval as she surveyed the sign.

"Thanks to your guidance, I've come a long way," James admitted, scratching his beard thoughtfully. "I never thought I'd make a life for myself here, but you and the people of this town have welcomed me with open arms."

"Stonehaven is lucky to have you, James." Mila smiled warmly. "You've become a valued member of our community."

As they continued their conversation, the sound of approaching hooves caught their attention. A small entourage of soldiers entered the town, led by a man adorned with rich, ornate clothing – the Duke. His eyes narrowed as he spotted Mila, and he dismounted his horse with an air of authority.

"Captain Harrow," the Duke called out, striding towards her. "I'm afraid you're under arrest for stealing state secrets."

James' heart pounded in his chest as he watched the scene unfold. How could they accuse Mila of such a thing? She had been nothing but dedicated to the safety of the town.

"Wait!" James yelled, stepping forward. "Mila has done nothing wrong! She has only protected this town and its people!"

"Silence, craftsman!" The Duke barked at him, turning his steely gaze upon James. "This matter does not concern you."

"Actually, it does," James insisted, clenching his fists. "Mila has been instrumental in helping me find my place here. She's not only a great leader but a loyal friend. There must be some kind of mistake."

"Your words are noble," the Duke replied, his expression softening for a brief moment. "But the evidence against her is substantial."

"Then allow me to investigate and prove her innocence," James pleaded, desperation creeping into his voice. He couldn't stand idly by as they took away one of the few people who had made him feel welcome in this strange new world.

The Duke hesitated for a moment, studying James with an appraising eye. "Very well," he finally conceded. "You have one day to gather evidence and present your case. But know that if you fail, Captain Harrow's punishment will be swift and severe."

"Thank you, Your Grace," James said, nodding solemnly. He watched as the soldiers placed Mila in handcuffs and led her away, her head held high despite the circumstances. A fierce determination burned within him to exonerate his friend and mentor.

As the sun set on Stonehaven, James knew that his newfound confidence and purpose would now be tested more than ever before. But with Mila's teachings and the support of the community behind him, he felt ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.