After my first night with the twins in the inn, the next morning I discussed our plans for the future. I was an adventurer by profession and so it would be either me leaving them at home and going alone or taking them with me on my quests. Though, I already knew the twins wanted to participate in my quests. Furthermore, they had actually delved into the dungeon of this town and had explored the upper and upper-middle floors, so I decided that we should start diving in the dungeon instead.
But for that to be possible, there was a need to get Maria and Mia geared up with armor and weapons.
Maria seemed to be mostly using staff and spear with magic for support. Mia was more oriented as a mage but she still preferred daggers and short shorts as her primary weapons. As for armor, both of them needed flexible armor which wouldn't hinder their dynamic battle styles, so I decided to buy them armor made from magical beasts. It'll have both extra protection and would be more flexible to move in. I was also planning to buy them magic weapons which suited their magic type. So for Maria, it was a battle staff capable of being used for both physical attacks and magical ones. As for Mia, I would have to see if there are daggers that would have magical capabilities in them.
Don't fantasy games usually depict girls in bikini armor with high exposure? I haven't seen any female adventurers here wearing such silly armor though. And even if they did, they would do so on top of their clothes so it is unreasonable to have expectations for such a male-fantasy thing to be real. I wonder how these girls will look in such armor.
I would have liked to at least see how the twins would look on those ero-armors. Maybe if I tried requesting them, they'd wear a set and pose for me.
No, they'll totally do it if I asked. I shouldn't be unreasonable. Maybe in the future. Yeah. Let's keep it at that.
Thus, our plans were decided. I also took a mental note of things other than armor that we had to buy for the house. There was still some time before I'll have my hands on the property so this was a good time to shop around and prepare to move in immediately once we get the opportunity. I still had to pay the rest of the payment so I had separated that amount aside from our shopping expenses. It'll be bad if I ended up spending everything and didn't have money to pay for my house. Well, in that case, I could take on a bunch of high-paying quick-to-complete quests and complete them for a day or two to earn money. It was easy to earn money as an adventurer.
I would say it was better paying than almost 90% of the jobs on Earth. I didn't know the exchange rates between the currency of this world and earth but if I had to guess, I was earning quite well considering one week of my savings was enough to buy a whole property in a posh residential area.
Of course, there was the risk factor but I had yet to encounter a very strong monster that could threaten me at my current level.
I left the inn with the twins and went to first buy the extra furniture and other daily necessity items for them, and then headed for the armor and weapon seller. He recognized me and enquired about the performance of the armor but I didn't have much to add. I guess it was a good fit? Due to my stats, I still hadn't taken damage from the fights, so I couldn't tell him about its defense capabilities. But if I went by the Appraisal results, it had a decent defense stat, not to mention all those resistances.
He seemed a little disappointed at that fact. I did understand his feeling but wasn't it rude to hope I receive damage in the future so he can know about its performance?! Nevertheless, he did his job and showed me the armor sets and weapons.
"Mm, Master if it's okay I would like to ask a few questions to the shopkeeper." (Maria)
"Yes, me as well, Master." (Mia)
"Yeah, sure."
The twins were very thorough in their research and bombarded the shopkeeper with all sorts of questions which I realized was quite important. It was important to understand one's armor and weapon since one's life relied on them in battle. In my case, I was fine with my steel sword and was very happy with my Black Viper Suit so I didn't ask that many questions.
After a while of QnA sessions, the twins finally showed me their choices.
Maria chose a beautiful blue and white armor made from a magical beast that boasted complete protection against physical attacks to a certain strength and also had some magical resistance which made it harder to receive damage from magic.
As for Mia, her armor reminded me of those Chinese dresses girls wear but it also had a short skirt and there was a clear cut for cleavage that would show part of her ample breasts. I tried my best to not overthink since its appraisal result was rather good.
Her armor also had magical enchants for speed and projectile protection added and it boasted the physical protection above that of a regular metal plate armor.
Both of their armor had holders on the waist to keep their weapons and things like pouches and potions.
Magical armors were truly great. I was honestly fascinated with how spells could be placed on the armor to give them certain characteristics. This aspect of this world was exactly like games. I tried asking a few things about its operation but most of what the shopkeeper told me went over my head.
As for weapons, the shopkeeper didn't have the kind of weapons we needed but he recommended a store that sold a wide range of magical weapons. Incidentally, this was run by his acquaintance with whom he had designed and developed my armor.
I took the address and paid for both the armors and kept them inside my Inventory.
The shop we headed to was said to be of a very big merchant in this town who had almost a kind of monopoly of magical weapons in this town. His product range was something to admire. With so many praises, I had my hopes high for this shop.
We entered a posh-looking shop and entered what I could only call a showroom for weapons. It resembled those museums that had weapons stored under glass, except these weapons were all new and shiny. There were a wide variety of weapons of all types decorated on the shelves and the walls. Some were kept in containers and appeared somewhat better than normal-grade weapons such as my steel sword.
I went to one of the counters and told them our requirements. The store employee then started showing us different kinds of Battle Staves and magic-infused daggers. Each of them had their charms and I was honestly confused as to which would be suitable. Luckily, they were weapons for the twins so I had given complete freedom to decide on their own accord and then later just show me. I was also not sitting still as I was appraising the weapons to check their stats and to see if any of them had any special skills and such.
One weapon that caught my attention was a staff that had this blue gem embedded on its head. It had great attack and defense but what intrigued me was the skill it had.
The Appraisal showed the following result.
[Name: Staff of Banishing
Type: Magic Staff
Condition: Perfect
Attack: +470
Description: A staff made from the branch of an ancient magical tree's stem and coated with Mithril. It has a magical gem that enhances the user's mana and gives a permanent shielding effect from projectile and negative effect attacks.
Perks: Bombardment, 2X ATK effect on Undead type monsters]
***
It had pretty good stats compared to the rest and even had a perk. The 'perk' probably meant 'skill'.
I asked the employee for its price and after a serious negotiation battle between Maria and the employee, we got the staff for 2/3rd of its original price at 15 Large Silvers.
Now all that was left was Mia's weapon. We checked out a whole bunch of daggers but nothing came that had great appraisal results like the Staff of Banishing.
As we were checking out daggers, the store employees all bowed in unison towards the door. Looking back, I saw a man who had just entered the store. From what I could tell he was in his 40s with a decent build. His light brown hair was perfectly set and his face was clean with no beard or mustache. He was followed by a few attendants close behind him.
He glanced around the shop and found among a few other customers, us. Our eyes met and he looked like he was trying to remember something but couldn't.
Have I seen him before?
Strangely, even I felt like I had seen this person before.
He then asked one of the attendants, a young blonde man in his early 20s. The attendant said something in his ears and the man finally went "Ah!" and came towards us.
"Excuse me, customer. May I have a bit of your time?"
"Um, sure. Is there something wrong?"
"No, no. There's nothing wrong. I just wanted to have a little chat in private if you don't mind."
Coincidentally, he said the same things those thug adventurers from before said when they took me to an alley. The only difference was he was polite and I didn't feel too uncomfortable from it.
I followed him along with the twins. I couldn't leave them and he didn't mind.
"Once again, my apologies for disrupting your shopping. If you're looking for anything in particular, please feel free to tell me and I'll personally see to it that you find it. Ah, where are my manners? My name is Thomas Andre. I own this humble joint." (Mr. Andre)
He then offered a handshake which I took. I also introduced myself.
"I'm Rio, a beginner adventurer who started adventuring in this town. These two are my companions— slaves, Maria and Mia."
I wanted to introduce them as my companions first but something told me I shouldn't. I didn't care but the twins were, in fact, not my companions, but rather slaves.
"We're looking for magic weapons for these two."
"I see. Please come with me then. We can discuss the details there." (Mr. Andre)
He took me to a guest room— or perhaps, it was his office. I couldn't tell.
The room inside was well decorated and furnished. It was pleasant to look at, but I was confused as to why would the owner of such a huge store asked to have a private talk with me, a supposedly nobody.
I sat on the big sofa and told the twins to sit as well as they were just standing behind my back. They both took seats beside me, albeit hesitatingly.
Now I was sitting in close contact with two twin beauties.
I was offered black tea, but they didn't offer anything to the twins. Perhaps they noticed the slave collars and thought it was okay not to offer the slaves tea. I was offended by that but I couldn't say anything. I looked at the twins' reaction to it but they didn't show any signs of embarrassment or sadness.
I wanted them to treat these two as my equals and not as slaves but since it was the common sense of his world, I couldn't do much but sigh.
"I'm sure you're confused as to why I asked for this private meeting out of the blue." (Mr. Andre)
"Yeah."
I don't suppose I have ever been to this store, so this should be our first meeting.
"I see you don't remember me, but you once helped my men defeat the bandits on our way to the town. Does that ring any bell?" (Mr. Andre)
Ah! That time. Yeah, I remember him now.
"Yes, I remember now. You're the merchant from that time. What happened to those bandits?"
I was wondering how they treated criminals here. I knew for one they turned them into crime slaves, but was that same for all criminals, no matter their offense?
"Currently they have been turned into crime slaves and being sent to the mines. A fitting punishment. The guards did enquire them and found out they had some connections with my carriage driver, from where they got to know of my route and schedule." (Mr. Andre)
It was the driver that magically appeared out of nowhere after it was all over. I was surprised to see him. I was unsure how I missed him before. He was found guilty and was sent to prison.
"Since they had intel, they aimed for the perfect time and attacked. The forest path near the town was a great spot to loot someone and then run away. It could have been problematic if you didn't help defeat those archers hidden in the trees. I heard they were using poison arrows, though we never found anything on them." (Mr. Andre)
Yeah, I think I still have those inside my Inventory. Should I tell him? Um, let's not. The problem seems to have been solved.
"I was in a hurry at that time so I couldn't properly say my thanks but a few days after reaching the town I did enquire about you and found out you were a new and promising adventurer. I've now heard a few of your exploits as a newbie who suddenly came one day and started completing quests at a phenomenal rate and ranked up to C-rank in just a week." (Mr. Andre)
"Thank you, but I'm nothing special."
"No, no. That in itself makes you special enough." (Mr. Andre)
"I see…" (Mr. Andre)
I wanted to refute but I had done some eye-catching things here so I had no right to keep trying to hide them all.
"Now then, my intention for having you here was so that I could get acquainted with you." (Mr. Andre)
"Acquainted with me?"
Why did this person want to get acquainted with me?
"Yes, indeed. You see, I am a merchant based in the capital. But since I have a branch here, I frequently travel here. We merchants have to travel a lot to have our products shipped to various regions and the road is filled with risks and dangers. Thus having trustworthy guards is an important part of that. So, we hire promising adventurers to prevent the luggage and people. If I can form connections with good adventurers like you, I would be able to ask for special requests from the guild asking them to assign them to you and be worry-free." (Mr. Andre)
Plus, it was a great way for adventurers to improve their brand. By having ties to huge companies, they won't have to worry about finding quests. All the popular adventurers have such connections. That's what he said.
"I see. That certainly makes sense I guess."
Forming connections. It was an important part of any business. Even for adventurers it would increase their job prospects and get better rewards if they have bonds from merchants and such. This could also work as a means to get information as merchants were one of the best choices if one wanted to know of current events and trends.
I was somewhat interested in that, but I didn't know just what kind of expectations Mr. Thomas Andre had from me.
"Is there anything I would have to do for you, then? I am interested in forming connections as well so it helps my cause."
"No, no. Nothing in particular. It's just that if I ever had to travel outside to deliver goods, I would appreciate it if you took on my protection request. They are for C-rank or above quests so you, a C-ranker, can take them. We would be placing a personal request through guild to you about which you'll be informed. I won't trouble you too much and the travel schedules aren't that frequent." (Mr. Andre)
As an incentive, he'll see to it that I receive a special customer card from his shop redeemable at any branches he owns. There were quite a few in this kingdom. It would give me special discounts on all purchases from his shops. Furthermore, since I'll be using weapons from his shop, my popularity will also increase his customers as they'll also want to buy weapons from the same place as famous adventurers such as me. That was what he explained.
Honestly, it sounded like a great deal. He didn't really make me sign any suspicious contracts even. So, he wanted it to be built on trust. I wasn't sure how much I would be able to deliver on it but I did think I would do honest work for him if he's going that far.
"To a great future for both of us." (Mr. Andre)
We shook hands and I was then asked about the weapon I needed. I told him my requirements and he asked his attendant to bring something out.
It was packed in a wooden casing that had a fancy design made out of silver. The size seemed enough to have maybe a sword inside. He opened the case for me.
Inside, on the red soft casing cover, were two very beautiful sheathed daggers. At the very first glance, I could feel magical power coming out from them. They were without a doubt magical daggers.
My Appraisal showed the following results.
[Name: Twin Fire Dragon Fangs
Type: Magic Dagger (Pair)
Condition: Perfect
Attack: +350
Description: A dagger set made from the fangs of an adult fire dragon and enhanced with mithril. Boasts greats firepower and
Perks: Fire Magic boost, Fire magic Immunity]
***
"These pairs are the prized pieces of this shop. Both of them are made from the tooth of an adult fire dragon and boast great attack power and sharpness. The sheaths designed to hold them have to be enchanted with strengthening magic to prevent the blades from tearing them apart. That's how much sharpness these two have." (Mr. Andre)
"Beautiful..." (Mia)
"Truly marvelous…" (Maria)
Maria and Mia's hushed voices came from my side. Mia seemed to like the daggers. I could see in her eyes a bright glint. And I liked them as well. I held one in my hand and the white blades that the sheaths were hiding started vibrating with vigor as I poured a tiny bit of magical power into it, that it readily accepted. The grip on the daggers felt great and their weights weren't that much.
"Technically I guess they are daggers made from bone huh."
I remarked as I observed the sharp white blade.
"Indeed. The blade themselves are made from the bones while the grip and hilt are made from pure Mithril to allow for efficient magical conductivity." (Mr. Andre)
"I see. Mia, do you like them? After all, you'll be the one using them."
"Um, Master, is it really okay for me to have such expensive items? I noticed that Master doesn't own a magical sword himself, and it would be blasphemous for u slaves to then receive weapons of superior quality than the Master." (Mia)
"Ah, don't worry about my weapon. I actually use the steel sword as a secondary weapon. My main weapon is probably something one of a kind. So, feel free to buy these daggers. After all, it'll help us in the quests and dungeon exploration if we have good and reliable weapons and armors. Right?"
"Yes, Master. Then, thank you very much for your continued kindness." (Mia)
She carefully assessed the daggers and asked a few questions regarding maintenance and usage. She seemed satisfied with the product. I decided to buy the dagger set and together with the Staff of Banishing, with discount added, the matter settled with 40 Large Silvers.
I left the store after receiving a card from Mr. Andre and we enjoyed our meals in the same popular restaurant and then went to the inn to rest for the day.
Back at the inn, I had them wear their armor for one final check. Of course, I had my back turned to another side. I wasn't a perv who would look at young maidens change. This time I didn't even peek… I mean, I never peeked! Not once! Both looked great in their respective armors. Seeing them reminded me of those heroines from fantasy anime who would be beside the protagonist. I wasn't a protagonist but I sure as hell felt like one at that moment.
I also showed them my Black Viper Suit and both of them were enchanted by the beautiful black suit which made me look like a cool protagonist from an action fantasy anime. I also showed them my Katana and both of them gasped at the beautiful black luster of my Katana.
"I have never seen such a weapon before. Such a beautiful blade. They seem so sharp that I am terrified of even touching them. I am now convinced Master has a truly superior weapon." (Maria)
"Doesn't it seem more than a magic weapon? It is as if it has a will of its own. I get this feeling I'm unworthy of using it." (Mia)
"Ah, I as well! Truly, a one-of-a-kind weapon it is. To think Master can wield such a weapon. I am awed. I am blessed to be able to serve such a great Master." (Maria)
"Indeed." (Mia)
Both of them showered me with praises. I felt elated but also embarrassed at the same time. With proper attire and weapon, even an ordinary guy such as I could be somewhat cool-looking.
"Stop flattering me so much. You two look really great in your armors as well. I can look at you all day long and not get tired."
They blushed and then smiled cutely at my response.
"We're glad it's to Master's liking." (Maria)
These twins had some serious attack power in their smiles. It would make my virgin heart flutter whenever they would smile like that in the future.
I couldn't explain how much I just wanted to hug the two of them and do this and that to them. The demon inside my head would have battles with the angel. Luckily, the demon was kept at bay and my desires were kept sealed within a dark corner of my mind.
I wanted to register them as adventurers and form a party. It would be asking too much to also take on a quest and do it together but I could at least do their registration.
So, while wearing our armor and weapons, and replacing my Katana with the steel sword, we headed to the Adventurer's Guild.
***