[Huh. I didn't expect this kind of request from you, little cub. Are you sure about this one?]
I nodded to Mellie. "Yeah. I know you're already working on the one Fenrir requested after the full moon. But I want to keep myself out of the spotlight for a while and my new clothes might get some unwanted attention if you know what I mean."
[Hmmm... I think I understand what you're planning. But it will cost you more materials if you want this commission.]
I raise my eyebrow. "What do you mean? I mean, I'm only asking something simple."
[True. But there are two types of clothes I can do for you. I can't say the first one, but if you let me do the normal commission, the payment will be the same as with other clothing commissions and you can get it one day after Fenrir's. Is that okay?]
I see. I don't know the second method, but it's a decent deal. Even if I got a lot of [Lapi] from yesterday's hunt, it's not enough even for an NPC commission. "Alright. I'll take the normal one then. Besides, it's only for non-combat use. There's no way I can wear them during the full moon."
[A solid argument there, little cub. But I'll accept your commission. If you're planning to hunt before tomorrow night, I'll take about 25% of your payment. Is that okay?]
I nod with a smile before I offer a handshake. "Then it's a deal."
[You have put a special commission with the [Lycan] seamstress NPC
That's one problem taken care of. I guess all that's left is to go out for a while to hunt for materials and [Lapi].
[By the way, Lowry. You look more like a wolf than I thought you're going to be tomorrow, cub.]
I tilt my head. "Uh... Excuse me? I don't look like a wolf."
Besides, I mostly based my appearance here on my real life. I don't mostly look like a wolf even with my brunette hair.
[Don't tell me you haven't looked in the mirror lately?]
Now that she mentions it, I haven't seen myself since I arrived in the village. Thankfully, Mellie provides me with a mirror for me to see my current appearance. When I saw my reflection, my jaw dropped at what I saw. My hair seems to be a bit longer and unruly enough to reach my shoulders and the bluish-white color of it seems to grow grayish as it looks like more silver than white. My blue eyes also seem to change as I have yellow faded tints with my pupils slightly shrinking. While it's only a small change, I was shocked to see how I barely recognized myself from my previous appearance. I look more like a hobo fighter than an [Insignis] mage.
"I... I have some mixed feelings about this," I muttered as I tried to process the physical changes in my character. "Then again, this seems like a sign that I need to stop fearing the changes. I should expect the unexpected after the full moon. But I may need to do something about my hair..."
[If you're worried about your hair, I recommend waiting then. If you get a haircut before the full moon, you will only waste time and money on it.]
Well, I can simply change my appearance with a few items and services. But I'll keep that in mind. If it's true, then bye-bye hard-earned [Lapi].
"Alright. Thanks for your advice, Mellie. I'm looking forward to the finished products."
[Sure thing! Be careful on your hunt, little cub!]
I waved goodbye to her before leaving the shop. Honestly, I could have asked more about the smithing side of it. But her wife hasn't come back yet and I doubt I have enough time with the full moon currently on the horizon. I have to make some last-minute preparations before I have to succumb to my transformation.
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[Hunting Mastery]
[To hunt the hunter, you must think and act like them.
That's one of the philosophies some adventurers follow. Adapted from the [Beast Folk's] credo, they rely on their six senses to track down their targets using their knowledge of monsters that well-known hunters and adventurers hunted in the past. Along with their senses is their affinity with nature itself. By blending in with their natural surroundings and manipulating their senses, they can use their stealth to take down their prey in quick succession.]
I'm still surprised that I got this [Mastery] without using my [Mastery Points] and all I had to do was to become a [Lycanthrope]. Honestly, the only reason I didn't get this [Mastery] from the get-go was that I had a choice between grabbing a [Scribe Mastery] and this one. Of course, I chose the former and that's a choice I regret afterward. I know it won't make sense for a mage-type character in a high-fantasy setting, but it would have been useful for my support-type build. Besides, I read some stories about a mage who was an expert on monsters, but I don't know which one (I read too many LitRPGs from my research and inspiration), so I'm not weirded out at that possibility.
What's more surprising is the number of [Racial Skills] I gained from the past few days. Unlike the ones from my [Insignis] race, I can only gain them through my slow transformation in each passing day. While it is not that many, I'm surprised at the benefits of these skills.
[Inner Wolf] Hidden
[Many believed [Lycanthropes] are cursed to lose their humanity and become a mindless beast. However, some who accepted their curse, saw the "beasts" many feared were nothing more than the extensions of themselves. By connecting with their inner beast, they gain a full understanding of their newfound abilities and build better communications between them and the host. Possessing this hidden skill allows the user to remain conscious while in their lupine form and communicate with their inner beast through unique means.]
I didn't expect this one to be an actual [Racial Skill] and a hidden type to be exact. I don't know if it applies to my first transformation, but keeping my consciousness in my wolf form might be a blessing in disguise in some situations. However, I'm a bit confused by the last few words. I get with the communication part, but the words "unique means" escapes me. Then again, I might not know the full effects until the full moon events are finished.
Next up is...
[Track Scent]
[Possessing a sensitive nose similar to the [Beast Folk] and [Feles] races, [Lycanthropes] can track any kind of scent to aid them with their hunts or scouting, By sniffing any possession belonging to their target, they can track them down through scent at around 35 ft.]
If I recall, [Beast Folks] and [Feles] possess a similar [Racial Skill]. But according to the official wiki, they can increase the area they can track based on their [Total Mastery Level] at the maximum of 80 ft. As of right now, I can use this skill around 35 feet. But the mystery is how different it is compared to the main races themselves. I guess I'll find out soon.
And last up is...
[Healing Factor]
[Granted by the moonlight of the gods, [Lycanthropes] have a surprisingly rapid physical recovery, allowing them to survive any mortal wounds and recover for a few days instead of months. In the user's human form, they gained +30% [HP Recovery] and in their lupine form, they gained +65% [HP Recovery]. However, they cannot be revived upon death.]
As with any werewolf power trope, I get the standard ability to recover quickly from any injuries. However...
[You cannot use this [Racial Skill] at this time.]
I guess I can't access it until my transformation is complete. Considering I had to endure my [Weakness Sickness] for the first week and a lot of exhaustion from my [Martial Arts] training, I guess I have to take the pain to gain it.
The author's content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.
Even so, getting this [Mastery] along with new [Racial Skills] changes everything about my current set. My initial idea for my [Mastery] build is to support everyone with my buffs while defending myself from monsters who managed to avoid any aggro from the tanks. Looking back, it sounds stupid considering I'm using a [Weapon Mastery] that I tend to drop in real life. Still, I'm starting to understand what Lawrence said about "recreating" my character through this [Hidden Quest]. If I fully transform tomorrow, then there's a chance I might get more rare [Masteries] or skills afterward.
In the meantime, I should focus on the present. I need to test out my new skills and see how many monsters I can take down for today. Well, I don't need to rush things. I do need to restock on [Alchemy] materials. I did use about half of my materials to finish some small [Quests] during my stay in the village. I don't know if this forest has an abundance of herbs here. But that's where one of my [Hunting] skills comes in handy.
"[Eagle Eye]."
I blinked my eyes and just like that, my vision became monochromic. Just witnessing gives me a bit of a sensory overload. Despite this name, I feel like I'm seeing through a wolf's eyes. I heard from encyclopedias and biology lectures that wolves see more grey than humans and are color-blind with shades of reds and greens. If it applies to [Isekai's] gameplay, then the blue spots I'm seeing on the ground right now might be the ones I'm looking for. That's a lot more than I imagined, so I may need to speed it up if I want to use my remaining time to hunt.
I take a deep breath and crack my knuckles as I start collecting the herbs I found from my [Eagle Eye].
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[At the same time in real life...]
"I got the job just like you asked me to."
David grinned as his eyes were glued to a webtoon on his phone while Eric stood right in front of him in his dorm. "See? With the right money and persuasion, you can get in without any experience," David sneered. "But I'm surprised the manager of that mid-rate convenience store is too greedy to accept a little favor from mwah. I was wondering why that wallflower kept complaining about his part-time job. He would have made millions if he couldn't stop whining like a dumbass."
"Right... But what's the point of me getting the same job as that dumbass, Dave?" Eric asked. "I tried making his life a living hell, but he's too stubborn to give up and quit."
"Oh, we're not letting him quit from all of that." David put down his phone and turned his eyes to his friend. "I want to make him feel the same humiliation I felt after that [Death Penalty] ban in [Isekai]. And to do that, we're gonna make sure he won't get any kind of work during or after graduation. Put up a scandal and label him as a p**o. Enough for social media to cancel him and never let him work ever again."
"Uh... Isn't that a bit too much? I thought [Isekai] is only a..."
But David smacked the table before Eric could finish his sentence. "A what, dummy? That it's only a video game that I can only laugh away." He then grabbed the young man's collar and lifted him with it. "You have no idea what kind of impact
Eric has no idea what to say about this. Sure, he was also pissed at Lucas for ruining their chances for greatness. On the other hand, he sees his "boss" obsessing over ruining a young man's life over a small incident in a video game. He would have stopped him for the sake of his sanity. However, he knew that the young man in question was the same one who irritated him for calling him a "dumb sycophant to an airheaded heir". So for him, taking this job was worth the risk over David's mental wellbeing.
"Right... So how are we going to ruin that wallflower anyway? He wouldn't even budge even if we accuse him of those stuff you've mentioned."
"Do you know who you're talking to?" The heir of a CEO grinned as he picked up his phone again. "Just leave all of the bribes to your good ol' David here. I'll make sure every worker Lowell knew will turn him away in the blink of an eye."
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"ACHOOO!"
Huh. It's only an hour of herb picking and I'm starting to sneeze in the game. Is this a random event or just a reflex from my unconscious body back home? Either way, it's somehow impossible for me to sneeze in [ADVR], so maybe it might be a bug or something. Oh well, it doesn't matter since I have other things to worry about anyway. Namely, the fact of how large the pile of herbs is right in front of me.
Along with the recovery herbs for my standard [HP Potions] and [Mana Potions], I got some rare ones such as [Shrouded Lilies] and [Fortitudo Herbs]. Still, I can see why this [Mastery] is sought out by many players. With the right combination of skills, you can get a lot of useful items with [Eagle Eye] alone. But a single skill does not determine a player's strength alone. I heard there is another [Hunting] skill I can use immediately along with [Eagle Eye]. Since I got enough herbs for more potions for the villagers, I think this is a good time to hunt. I stored every herb I had in my inventory and stretched my limbs to prepare for it.
Of course, if I want to hunt, I need to find some monsters first. But I know [Eagle Eye] can only find items. How can I attract or find them in this narrow forest without any items to do those jobs? Unless...
Without any hesitation, I quickly take out one of the materials I got from the last hunt yesterday.
[Wild Pelt]
[A fur pelt from a [Wild Boar]. The thickness of both the pelt and skin creates a durable leather material for armor and accessories.]
I was hoping I could give this to Mellie for the material payment in my future commissions. But this might work out for this hunt. Besides, this might not be enough and I may need more [Wild Boar Meat].
"[Track Scent]," I muttered while I took a quick sniff at the pelt.
[You have caught the scent of a [Wild Boar].]
As I saw the notice, I started to notice a pungent smell around me. It's like there's a dumpster truck filled with leather and rotten pork rolling by. Ugh... If that's what a [Wild Boar] smells like, then I don't know what does! As much as I want to turn off my smell sensor and follow the tracker in my mini-map, I feel like it might impede the true power of this skill. Besides, I smelt worse things than this simulated stinky smell courtesy of those many trash duties that I'm not in charge of, so I might as well get used to it.
So I follow the scent of the boar while trying not to throw up from that repulsive smell. It took a few minutes of enduring the smell, but after a while, I finally found one eating truffles at a tree nearby.
[Wild Boar]
[A boar that lives in the dense forest hunting for truffles. Despite its stubby legs, its horns are sturdy enough to pierce its target through a powerful tackle.]
[HP: 200/200]
This is amazing. Not only does it give me some details about the monster you can only find in an official wiki, but I can also see the flavor text of it. I heard you can gain more info if I evolve [Investigate] at a certain level, but it's good enough for me. So far, it hadn't noticed me since I quickly hid behind the bushes. I quickly cast [Gift of Strength] on myself and prepared for my ambush.
"Spirits of flames, show yourselves! Bring the fire from my heart and help me gather it into my hand! [Fire Ball]!" I quickly toss the spell behind the [Wild Boar] and while it's busy screeching in pain, I jump out from my hiding spot and charge onto it. "[Double Jab]!"
I punch the boar in the back before twisting my body to the front and punching again on its snout. As soon as I land, the boar quickly retaliate by tackling me in the gut before I can get away. It's not enough to fling me away due to the close distance of its tackle, but it hurts like hell. Well, I feel the pain fading for a while and my [HP] quickly goes up after taking about 60 damage. I guess that's my [Healing Factor] in action. Well, it only healed about 15 damage after about 30 seconds, but I'm surprised by its effects.
In fact, I was starting to feel that same burst of confidence within me the moment I realized this. Honestly, I have a feeling this would happen after yesterday's hunt. But with the full moon coming out tomorrow, I have no reason to hold back (well, I may need to hold back regarding the number of monsters). So I might as well enjoy myself and release all of the stress I'm bottling up from earlier.
So come on, you stupid pig. Come and get me!
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[Lowry's Masteries]
[Martial Arts] Level 8
[Fire] Level 6
[Life] Level 7
[Physical Enhancement] Level 4
[Magical Affinity] Level 6
[Hunting] Level 2
[Alchemy] Level 9
[Scribe] Level 7
[Magecrafting] Level 1