A once monochromatic dull life suddenly got colored. Pleasure painted it red, as anger glossed it green. Yet, just a thought can make it yellow. When sorrow and worry collides, whiteness dominates the panorama. On the other hand, blackness spreads due to fright and fear.
-Seven Emotions
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Lex is so excited as he exited his father's study room.
He knows that it's not because his spirit elevated on its own, but due to other reason.
We went back to his room and took out the Lunar fang. Unlike last night, the fang felt cold to the touch this morning.
Additionally, he did not feel the increase in his strength and other boosts.
He immediately attributed it to the moon. Since it came from a Grizzly Lunar Bear with Moon's Blessing as a racial trait, its mutated part must also have the same prerequisite to activate.
He stop thinking about it and put it back on the pouch around his neck.
Lex went down to take his breakfast before going to the training grounds.
Arriving in the training grounds, Lex found that Atroth is already there.
"Atroth, are you aware of the current situation?" Lex asked him as he arrived.
"The others are currently discussing it. There are even rumors we might face a beast tide. hahaha!" Atroth answered superficially.
Suddenly, Niles, who was not here a moment ago, spoke beside them, giving them a fright, "Actully, there will be an important announcement that will be made by the instructor. We will know later."
"Don't just randomly pop up Niles. haha. You scared us to death," Atroth said to him.
"But I am here just when Lex arrived," Niles said.
"Anyway guys, I my Father said there might be an expedition today," Lex interjected.
"An expedition??" both Atroth and Niles simultaneously asked.
Just as they want to press for more answers, the rigid instructor arrived.
All the youths assembled and stand in attention.
"Kids. Today, we will not be having your practice here but out in the wild. That's right. We're going on an expediton to clear monsters in the vicinity," the rigid instructor said to the youths.
"Go and prepare for the expedition. We will be staying in the wild for three days to hone your skills. Convene here by 0800," he further commanded.
They have about two hours to prepare before returning here.
The youths got excited for the expedition. They all talked lively while going out.
Lex, Atroth, and Niles also started moving out.
"This is great. We can have extensive real training. hahaha," Atroth seems more cheerful than usual.
"What a battle maniac. Let's go first and prepare our things for the expedition. Let's start with the equipment," Niles advised.
"I have no objections, Let's go," Lex supported.
The trio walks down the street, which is more busy than usual, and arrived at the 'Smithy' five minutes later.
The smithy is the only one in this small village. The blacksmith's work station is at the back of the store where heating, shaping and making equipment are done.
The front is a store where finished equipment are sold.
Since an expedition will take three days, the others are also here to buy equipment and other consumables such as arrows, flying daggers, and others.
As the trio entered the store, the find it a little crowded.
"What equipment do you guys need? I'm going to buy more arrows for our expedition," asked Niles to Lex and Atroth.
"I need to buy a leather armor for protection. My greatsword is enough for my attacks. hahaha," Atroth immediately answered.
"I also need a leather armor and some arrows. My sword is still good," Lex replied.
The trio quickly took what they needed from the shelves. Lex advised Niles that he might need a short sword if he will be an archer for this expedition for protection.
Moreover, it will be handy since he also cultivates the Sword Path.
Just as they are paying for the set of equipment, Lex remembered his Lunar fang.
He felt insecure with just a pouch tied around his neck so he decided to have it forged into a necklace.
"Guys, I have a commission to ask the blacksmith. I will first go there, you can both wait for me outside," Lex told them.
"Alright," Atroth answered.
After paying, he went to ask the blacksmith at the back of the store.
The room is hotter here due to the forge. The walls are filled with soot, with equipment and unfinished tools lying around.
The blacksmith is sitting in a chair, drinking hot coffee since it's still early morning.
He is a dark man in his mid-thirties with fine lines on his face yet his body is muscular due to forging.
Lex is familiar with him since he was the one who made his current sword.
"Hello Mr. Raths, I have a small commission to ask you," Lex said and told him if he can turn it into a necklace without damaging the fang.
He definitely does not want it damaged since he is scared the effects might change and he still need further analysis to its other effects.
The blacksmith named Mr. Raths answered, "That's easy. Are you going witb the Expedition team?"
"Yes. We have to depart by 8," Lex answered.
"I see. Take care and stay vigilant. Come back here after an hour. If you find a good material in your expedition, don't forget to sell it to me. I can make you better equipment," Mr, Raths said.
"Alright. Thanks Mr.Raths," Lex bowed and exited the Smithy to meet with his friends outside.
"Are you done?" Atroth asked.
"Yup. We should now head to the Apothecary's Shop," Lex replied.
The Apothecary's Shop sells various herbs, potions, pills and other miscellaneous items.
More people are in here than in the Smithy since potions are fast consumables.
The trio have to wait for half an hour to have their turn to enter the shop.
Luckily, the shop have enough potions for the expedition team. Clearly, they had been informed much earlier to prepare for the demands.
Most common items sold here are Qi Potion, Mana potion, Antidote Potion, and Vitality Potion.
The wild is a dangerous place so preparation for all eventualities is a must.
They bought enough potions to last them for three days.
Of course, they only needed to buy lower grade potions since these are most effective for their rank.
Higher grades of potions will only waste more money and it is only suitable for higher rank cultivators.
After buying what they needed in the Apothecary's store, they went to buy other necessities for fighting and camping.
Then, the trio separated to get some change of clothes at home and pack their equipment.
Lex did not forget to pass by the Smithy first.
"Great work again Mr. Raths. I can't praise you enough for this," Lex said contentedly as he look at his new Lunar fang necklace.
It was held by a silver chain necklace and the Lunar fang is wrapped in a spiral of silver.
It has a simple design but still artistic that matched the crescent moon shape of the fang.
If you added the silvery blue radiance it emits when the moon is shining, it will be perfect.
"Thank you Mr Raths. How much is it?" Lex happily asked.
"I'm glad you liked it. It's nothing. Treat it as my gift to you. You just have to come back safely, ok?" Mr. Raths said.
"I will Mr. Raths. Thank you again," Lex respectfully replied.
He immediately wore the necklace and went back home to pack his stuffs.
His father must be at the Elder's Hall since he is not here. He decided to go back to the training grounds since it is almost time.
By eight o'clock, everyone is here all prepped.
The rigid instructor look at everyone present and said, "Form seven lines. We will convene with the others at the village entrance before setting off."
Everyone lifted their stuffs and started moving. Excitement, determination, fear and anticipation are in the eyes of the youths.