The door swung open, revealing the bustling heart of Sofya. Blaft stepped out, taking in the sights and sounds of this town. It was smaller than he remembered from the game, but it was still vibrant, a melting pot of diverse races and cultures.
"Sofya really sunk a lot, huh?" he muttered to himself, gazing around the town.
Despite its smaller size, the town was bustling with activity, with people of all kinds going about their daily business. There were guards patrolling the streets, their presence a stark reminder of the dangers lurking just beyond the town walls.
"There's also a huge building just ahead of the road. I think, that's the administration building. I've seen Captain Tenert go there to meet up with the town's mayor," he mused, his eyes drawn to a imposing structure that dominated the skyline.
As he continued walking, Blaft passed by a shop near the entrance gate. "Maybe I could buy some potions." He checked his pockets, a small grin forming on his face. Libera had given him some spina, his reward for the grey wolf quest.
He was about to enter the shop when a woman with a bright smile stopped him, offering a basket of cupcakes. "Want to try my own baked cupcakes?" she asked, her voice warm and inviting.
Blaft peered into the basket, his stomach churning. They were a sight to behold, a collection of burnt and misshapen treats. He shuddered.
"I'm sorry, miss. But, I have something to do. I should go," he said, politely declining her offer.
Blaft took off running, his legs pumping, his heart pounding, desperate to escape the sight of those dreadful cupcakes.
He realized he had arrived at his destination – the Grocer Shop, a familiar sight from his time playing Iruna. But as he reached the counter, he was surprised to see a young woman fast asleep behind it.
"Good Morning, little miss," he said, his voice hesitant.
She didn't stir.
"GooD MoOrNiNnG! Little Miss!" he yelled, his voice rising an octave.
Startled awake, the merchant blinked in confusion. "GGGooodd Morning, Sir. How may I help you?", she asked politely, her voice a bit shaky.
"Ummm..." Blaft gazed around the store, overwhelmed by the sheer number of goods on display. Potions, weapons, armor… it was a veritable treasure trove. His eyes were drawn to the weapons, and he couldn't help but notice the sharp, well-made swords and the gleaming armor.
The merchant, noticing Blaft's worn armor and blunt sword, chuckled. "I know now what you need. We have plenty of equipment here. These were forged by our finest blacksmith in Iruna. This sword is worth of 1,000 spina. It is made up of the strong cannine tooth of silver grey wolf. This armor you see is made up of the hardest Shell of Boss Colon. This is worth a 2,500 spina."
Blaft was shocked by the prices. They were far higher than he expected.
"I'll buy this sword. And, how much for medicine?" he said, remembering his original intention.
"This large potion costs 20,000 spina," the merchant replied, her voice betraying a hint of surprise.
"Oh! What?! How comes it's so expensive?" Blaft exclaimed, his eyes widening in shock. Even with the full set of equipment, it wouldn't have cost as much as that potion.
"Well, it's because this is a highly refined potion that can heal all wounds and purify the body. It can also heal many types of diseases."
"Oh. That's why it's so expensive."
"Uhm," she nodded, seeming to understand his surprise.
"I just want some regular potions here. Is there any?"
"Oh! You want regular potions. Here is bitter medicine for you for 10 spina. It can heal minor wounds and energize yourself a bit. But, be careful with the taste. You might not like it."
"Bitter," Blaft mumbled, his face screwing up at the thought of the taste. "Anyways, 20 should be enough."
"I want to buy 30."
The merchant packed the potions into a small bucket and gave it to him. "Here you go." She then wrapped the sword he had purchased in a sheet of aluminum. "Here you go."
Blaft left the store, feeling a sense of satisfaction. He had acquired the necessities—a new sword and some potions. Now, he needed to repair his armor.
Just next door, he saw a blacksmith shop, its windows glowing with the heat of the forge. "I should get a repair for my armor."
Blaft was ready to face whatever challenges awaited him in this new world. His journey had just begun.