It has been 2 weeks since Matthew arrived.
While his Mana and Ki have not increased his mastery over the three base puppets of Geppeto's chess set has been growing.
While he still hasn't bought the Bishop and Queen puppets, the Rook and Knight puppets have been a great alternative.
[Rook]
Well armored, wields a Mace and a Large Shield. Stands at 6 foot 5.
Spells: Harden, Strengthen
[Knight]
Steel-plated, wields a longsword and a Kite shield. Stands at 6 foot flat.
Spells: Hasten, Misty Step.
They cost a lot more than the pawns to maintain but the difference in quality can be seen. The built-in spells help a lot in combat.
They were perfect tools if not for the fact that using them costs a lot of mana, not to mention the large drain for when he uses their built in spells.
He only brings out one of them at a time for when the pawns lack firepower.
What he lacks is the mana, he needs to reach the 2nd - Circle but to safely go for a second circle a person must have already had the First circle for at least 3 months.
This is why he has opted to simply give up on buying the whole chess set, at least for now.
If he had to wait for a few months then diversifying his arsenal was necessary. So he decided to save up and buy the other beginner sets of puppets that the store had available.
The Seasonal Collection or simply the Seasons.
Four puppets that each have one built in spell. Favored by puppeteers who have reached the novice or experienced level. Because the spells they hold are useful for most situations. If a puppeteer wants to emulate a sorcerer then this collection is for them. It actually suited "Francis" a lot. While Matthew preferred the Chess set.
The whole zodiac set costs a fortune so he decided to leave that out of the picture for now.
After acquiring his new set of puppets he decided to finally leave for the town of Pablosini, with enough money and supplies to last him the journey. He wanted to look for a puppet maker's shop in the main City of Gramm.
"2 weeks huh? You've grown a lot kid."
"Thanks."
"Hahaha all right then, A talent like you is meant for the big city. That's for sure. Here take this card."
His mercenary card had the words "Veteran" on the side. Proving that he has reached a level above the average joe.
"Ohh and if you go by the Guild just ask for a man named Buford, looks a bit like me. We're twins you see. He'll take care of ya for sure lad."
"Thank you for everything Clerk, I'll be off then."
"Godspeed puppeteer, Godspeed."
To say that he is prepared is an understatement. He had 2 extra Pawns, an extra Rook and a Knight. He also bought all sorts of supplies, rations that can last him weeks.
Everything he would need if he wanted to go on the week-long journey alone. The best part is he isn't even going alone.
A small mission, Matthew along with 5 other veteran mercenaries were hired by a small caravan to guard them. The pay is 15 silver each. They got 5 at the start and will get 10 at the end of the 5-day long journey.
He could earn more through hunting but moving with a caravan where they provide food for you, along with the safety in numbers made this an effortless decision to make.
The other mercenaries were in their late 20s or early 30s. All of which seemed gruff and experienced.
At a glance, his scrawny self with only a short sword seemed out of place.
By virtue of him showing the mana threads created at his fingertips, the others realized that he's a spellcaster. Not an uncommon sight, but it was enough proof to show the others that he's not a joke in comparison to them.
They headed out at around noon.
The caravan had 3 merchants that headed it each with at least 1 personal guard. But even with the guards, survival in the 5 day journey to the main city will be hard.
This is due to the presence of bandits and the occasional group of monsters that can impede their journey.
A mercenary carrying a bow. The man proceeded to blow on his whistle.
"Halt! We got Orcs, get in the carts if you want to live!"
He shot a glowing blue arrow at the head of the first one that they saw as the mercenaries brandished their weapons to fight.
Efficient and resolute.
A strike would cut a limb while another slashed the head. An axe flew right at the head of an orc as distinct glows emanated from each of the mercenary's weapons.
These people reached the veteran status for a reason. So long as no idiots among the people they protected did anything stupid. Then they should be fine.
They were capable fighters in their own respective professions.
The puppeteer showed his worth as the merchants watched his puppetry at work.
The twin pawns worked in unison, taking out 2 orcs within a span of seconds.
Without skipping a beat, they moved around the battlefield slicing throats and dodging attacks from the orcs.
The level of his control over them has increased.
They were efficient but as the group of orcs called on more of their kin, it became apparent that with just the two of them a few orcs could slip past him and go for the carts behind him.
His old limit with controlled puppets is 2. He has become so used to it that the tax on his mana has lowered. Making his new limit, 3.
He brought the pawn on his right hand right next to him before unstringing the threads. He pulled out a peculiar looking object from his inventory and placed it on his back.
The second pawn began to move once more as his right ring and pinkie fingers summoned threads that connected to the puppet on his back.
[Ray of Fire]
A skill placed onto the Summer puppet of the seasons collection. Modeled after the Salamander, giving it the ability to "Breathe" fire.
The orcs who covered ground during his little maneuver were burned. Giving the pawns enough of a distraction to attack from the back. Fatal blow after fatal blow, the orcs on his side fell.
Within two weeks, he had reached a higher level. The influence of the ego Francis was far too effective in hastening Matthew's overall growth.