The rook puppet blocked a blow that was headed onto the puppeteer's way. Large, powerful with two abilities that make it a powerful tank.
The spell [Harden] and [Strengthen] worked in unison to help it push back the monster. Swinging his mace at the orc's jaw sending it a clear message that this is not going to be an easy fight.
The knight on the other hand drained a lot of mana from Matthew's small pool but managed to use its [Misty Step] ability to dash at one of the three orcs ending its life then and there with a single slash of his sword.
[-500]
[300/1800]
He didn't have much time left so he had to end things fast. He forced the Rook to keep up with its assault on the orc to his left while the Knight kept the uninjured orc at bay.
He focused most of his attention to the Rook so that he could eventually strike a decisive blow. With three swings of the mace to the head the orc finally got out down.
[211/1800]
The two advanced puppets drained his mana at an alarming rate. The two puppets worked together, they pushed back the orc and soon. Overwhelmed with with a series of blunt strikes and slashes.
The test ended just like that.
"Congratulations, just present this card anywhere and you will be recognized as part of our association. C - Class have benefits like free-use of the library and weapon maintenance. Have a great rest of the day sir!"
And so, with his new ID ready he decided to go find the nearest puppet store. He had roughly 50 silver coins to spend after all.
Tim Henson's Puppet Shop, a chain of a shop ran by a popular puppet maker.
Tim Henson is one of Geppeto's students. Which is why his stores contain not only Henson's own works but also the mass produced works that Geppeto pushed to the public.
He took out his card and presented it to the man.
"Ohh a C - Class already? Quite a talent aren't ya? Welcome to the shop. My name is Goran"
Goran is a short man, his left leg is a prosthetic. A blue mana thread can be seen on his left pointer finger which puppeteered his left leg to move like a normal one.
"At the first circle too, hahaha kids these days. What can I do for ya?"
"I was wondering if you had any backline puppets comparable to the bishop from the chess set"
"Ahh! You've come to the right place. What kind of puppets do you use?"
"I normally use these pawns and the Summer puppet from the seasons series"
"Hooo, so you use the summer puppet as a tool to give yourself space."
"Yes"
"Which is why you want to test out a spellcasting puppet that isn't part of the chess collection. You're a smart kid, the bishop and queen puppets from that collection cause a lot of mana exhaustion even if you have the mana to keep them active. Here we go."
The man took out two humanoid puppets.
"This one's a Mag design and the one the right is a Tim Henson Classic.
The Mag Design is called a "Firestarter" you can guess from the name but this thing has access to 3 spells and using it costs less mana. Though the durability can't be compared to the bishop.
This Tim Henson one has 2 spells but to makeup for the lack of a third spell the limbs are detachable and can be used individually as swords. He named it the Screecher.
Depends on what you need but if your set up is like that, then I think staying with that set up and reserving one of these would be better. At least until you reach the 2nd circle."
"I'll take it"
He bought the Tim Henson design.
"By the way shop-keep, do you have any more of these old school puppets with detachable limbs? I have read that there are ones that can act as some sort of armor"
"We have a few it'll cost you though. At least 30 silver, you already spent 15 on the Screecher puppet so I don't really suggest-"
He dropped all 30 coins then and there.
"Hahahaha all right calm down now, I'll get it for you. "
A puppet that acts as armor which can then be activated to summon some blades sort of like the limbs of a spider.
His first day at the city ended really well.
...
News of a young C - Class puppeteer spread across the association. Rumors about his skill caused those in the D - Class or lower to be struck with envy.
Thankfully they knew not to mess with him. The difference in power is too high after all.
But that's just the thing, he's a spellcaster so some of the D - Class garbage who have just started out on their journey decided to fuck around and find out.
"Oi it's the kid, been here for a few days and he's already acting like he owns the place."
"Yeah why don't you run up and teach him a lesson John? Give him the old welcome to the adventurer's association handshake"
John followed by 4 of his party members walked up behind him ready to pounce. The association doesn't really mind infighting as long as no one killed anyone in the premises of their building.
"Yoh kid, do you really deserve C - Class? Spoiled spellcasting bit-"
As the man tried to grab the boy a blade pierced his right hand. Spear-like protrusions flew out of the boy's cloaked figure as he turned around.
Blades of all kinds flew around the group.
"Mr Buford, I can fuck them up as much as I want, right?"
"As long as you don't kill them I don't mind. Greenhorns need to learn their lesson anyways"
Those that got to watch his display never tried to mess with him, because it is far too obvious that he doesn't care about what happens to his opponents.
"What was that about teaching someone a lesson? Please... do try"
D and C -Class might be close on paper but the gap is not something that anyone can just cross, if they are just starting out.
Matthew already had questionable morals, that was why he adapted to the world in such a smooth fashion in the first place.
He tore off the arm of one as he summoned summer to cauterize the wound.
In the adventurer's association and in the mercenary's den. The only rule is to finish your mission and show some respect to the workers.
The rule of the strong is always going to be in place.
So if a rat bothered a cat, it should expect to be rightfully eaten.
For the first time since Matthew entered the new world. He finally drew blood from his fellow man.