Before we returned to the inn, we were provided with some kind of mask. It was said to be enchanted with low-level anti-magic. It's not strong, but it's able to resist the kind of mana used in this mist.
I've also been given a little more background. Seems this mist had been cast 2 months ago. About 50 people died due to this mist and it wasn't just the mist too. There have been cases when the town was infested with skeletons and zombies. So judging by that information, this witch must be a necromancer.
That makes this even more exciting. I could gain the skills of a necromancer. However, since I'm human, I'll have to be wary, especially the zombies.
Most zombies in movies are dictated as slow flesh and/or brain-eating reanimated corpses but in this world it's different. Their strength is double that of a normal human, they can run and catch up to a human if they have a leg intact, that is, and that is pretty much it. They are still the same, just a bit more fearful. One bite from them and you'll be infected.
Luckily, no plagues have been reported so this necromancer must be controlling them. I haven't heard much about these skeletons but I'm assuming they are the same as zombies.
Now then, I'm going to need some arrow refills because I'm already running out.
But I was worn out from shopping for supplies earlier. My item box was empty and I needed to get more food to fill it up.
Thus I was tired. So I managed to get a goodnight's sleep. Cuddling with Kiyomi made it even better.
***
The next morning came and I woke up early to go get a new sword. It was completely worn out and I don't think there was any hope for it. It lasted a week.
The mission doesn't start in 3 hours so I had plenty of time.
After walking around town for ten minutes, I eventually stopped in front of a blacksmith shop.
Hmm, I should just buy a dagger while I'm at it as well. I should also dispose of my longbow since the strings look faulty. My recurve bow was surprisingly still in perfect condition even though I use it more than the longbow.
I walked into the shop and there was a loud noise coming from the back like something being struck.
Ignoring that, I walked over to a wall of arrows and picked out the sharpest one. There are many kinds of arrows in this world specifically designed for different bows and situations. My favorite arrows are the swift and sharp arrows.
Now that I have the arrows I wanted, it's time for me to pick a dagger. I should get one that's light, cheap, has tough durability, and easy to draw.
After inspecting the wall for about 10 minutes, I couldn't find a single one I wanted. Maybe I should just stick to my sword.
"Having trouble there?"
A voice spoke and I turned around. Walking up to me was Tyid who had multiple black marks all over his face. So this is where he works? How convenient...
"Oh, it's you! What are you doing here? Buying arrows?" He asked as he cleaned off the black marks on his face with a cloth.
"Well, I came to get a dagger too, but I don't know which one to pick," I responded.
"What kind of dagger do you want?"
"One that is sharp, light, durable, and has a good grip."
Tyid crossed his arms and thought for a moment. Then his face lightened up.
"Ahh, I think I have one in the back. Stay here, I'll be back."
"Oh, can you get me these arrows while you're at it?"
"Sure."
After a while, he returned with the arrows I requested and a dagger. I picked the dagger up and brandished it. Light, just how I wanted it. The grip was also perfect, and there was absolutely no inconvenience. I rubbed the tip of the dagger and it was sharp that I almost cut my finger with it. The durability I haven't found out yet but once Tyid told me it was made out of Mythril, I knew exactly just how durable it was.
Mythril is considered one of the best materials to craft a weapon with, and I must say I can't disagree.
After I paid for what I wanted, I headed towards the exit.
"Hey, Nero."
I stopped and looked over my shoulder. Tyid lit a cigarette and spoke.
"Good luck out there. You should be lucky you weren't one of his victims."
"Who?"
"Oh, we have a serial killer in this town. Though they've been inactive for two months now, but so far a few dozen lives have passed away because of them. One of them being my... sis..."
Tyid's expression would then darken. Judging by that, it must've been a major loss.
"I see..."
"Oh, and I also need to warn you, try staying away from Simon."
"Who?"
"You won't know who he is until you've met him. He's a green rank adventurer, and that man is dangerous."
"How so?"
"Well, one time he went on a quest with a few others to defeat a mountain dragon. They managed to defeat it but when they came back, it was only him."
"And how does that make him dangerous?"
"That's not all. He went on a quest to defeat a sea serpent with a few others as well. And again, only he came back. What I'm saying is, that man is a renegade. He backstabs his fellow teammates to claim all the glory for himself, and I bet that is what he will do for this task. Not to mention that there is a special offer to Maroon."
"Is that so... Wait, Maroon?"
"Hmm? Maybe you don't know, well I'll tell you. Maroon city is one of the many places where adventurers want to be. You can get high-tier quests and you can even be personally hired by aristocrats. You can become rich, well-known, or even both! Basically, it's a gold mine for adventurers. Only a few adventurers have been sent there but trust me, you'll definitely want to be transferred there."
Then he sighed and turned.
"Man, maybe I should've volunteered."
Hmm, he seems to be daydreaming now. So this Maroon city, a place for chosen adventurers to take on high-tier quests and even get hired by nobles huh?
That is not a bad proposition. But that's only going to be a distant dream for now if I continue to idle around.
"Well then, farewell," I said before I left the shop.
As I walked back towards the inn, I bumped into a mean-looking guy with two giant swords on his back.
"Oh, apologi-"
"What the hell?! You dirtied my shirt! You're gonna have to pay!"
...what?
He was wearing armor so I don't know what shirt he was talking about.
"You're overreacting a bit. Now excuse me, I'll be on my way."
I went to walk past him but he grabbed onto my shoulder.
"Not so fast."
I turned and looked him in the eyes.
"Hands off, I have no time to play around with a fool."
"You-!"
He threw his fist at me which I easily dodged. He continued to throw his hands at me but his movements were slow, making it easy for me to see when and where he would strike next.
As he struggled to hit me, I used Analysis and inspected his stats.
[Level 246; Class: Berserker]
{Abilities}
Passive Skills: Bloodlust, Invincibility, Great Sword Proficiency, Extreme Might, Berserker Arts, Hammerhead
Active Skills: Rage
Skills: Wolf's Blood(Lvl.4), Fallen Descent(Lvl.4), Beastly Warcry(Lvl.6), Tornado Slash(Lvl.8), Inertia Fist(Lvl.2)
------------------
Yeah, I got tired of seeing people's level cap so I just decided to leave it out. Anyway, inspecting his stats, he was pretty much near my level, just not that much. But his performance is terrible for someone his level.
I shook my head in disappointment and stopped. His fist approached my face but I caught it. However, upon contact, it was as if I was hit by a truck.
Doom~!
From his attack alone made me slide across the floor and I almost got knocked off balance.
When I regained my composure, I quickly turned my attention back to the man.
He is slow, but he is definitely strong. Guess I'll have to fight this guy cause he is definitely not backing down.
I Flash Stepped and appeared in front of him. When he noticed, I had performed Soaring Dragon Fist and he was instantly blown away.
Wham!
"GAAAAAH!"
Crash!
That should teach him to not go messing around with strangers. However...
I clutched my left cheek, the spot that he had struck. I don't know what he did but whatever it was made my mouth sore.
I got up and walked towards the man. There were a few people watching us but no crowd, yet.
"He really just punched him just like that."
"That's what he gets for leaving his team."
"Why is he even still allowed to stay in this town?"
Hmm, looks like most people don't like this guy. Leaving his team? The only guy I know who would leave his team based on Tyid information is... Simon.
So that's who this guy is. Hmph, he is exactly how I imagined him to be.
"Whoa, what's going on here?" Tyid asked who just approached us.
"Nothing, just taking out the trash."
"Tch, you!"
Simon got up and attempted to tackle me, but he was intercepted by Tyid who tackled him back and he stumbled.
"You-!"
"Is that all you say?" I asked since he just kept on saying "You."
"Tch, better watch your back."
Simon couldn't make a comeback, so instead, he just walked away. A cowardly but smart move to make. Guess he has some intelligence in him after all.
When he walked away, there was a familiar eerie feeling emanating from him. That feeling... it was definitely no surprise because that feeling was definitely bloodlust.
.
.
.