Archibald, a new member of the Tempest Fall Guild, was in need of new gear for his upcoming jobs.
The guild only admitted individuals through recommendations or special invitations due to its size.
Fortunately, the guild provided free lodging services for its Adventurers, so Archibald didn't have to worry about spending money in that area.
However, his current clothes and equipment were inadequate for his needs.
It was imperative that he acquired new gear before taking on any jobs.
Therefore, he and Rumia were currently shopping for the necessary equipment.
In the Dalvet Market.
The market was a popular destination for Adventurers seeking to purchase magic items or weapons.
Rumia strongly recommended they visited this market for his magical needs.
The market offered a wide variety of items, including enchanted weapons and powerful spell scrolls.
"So how much do you have on you?" said Rumia.
"Not much, my father gave me seventy silver pieces.."
"I mean, it's not much, but it'll get you clothes suited for adventure, but for a sword, not so much."
"I see, my weaponʼs a Jade-ranked one, won't that be enough?"
"It's okay, but better weapon determines efficiency in job completion.."
"Well that sucks."
"I can add some money to help you get some goods."
"Wait?! You'd do that? You're so swe—"
Before he could say it, she pegged his lips with her fingers.
It was indeed painful, much obvious from the way Archibald tried to roar a scream.
Still, she was ambivalent.
"Don't call me sweet, and I'm not doing it because I like you or anything. You helped me so I don't want to be indebted to you... Besides, you killed the ogre which means you indirectly completed the job for me. It wouldn't feel right to take a settlement I didn't earn."
She was a woman who religiously followed her code of conduct.
Removing her fingers off his lips, they felt a bit swollen. At least, he could breathe.
("I'll keep saying it, she's no delicate flower! Are those fingers made of iron?!")
The coins within the pouch Rumia handed to Archibald rattled. This sound caught his attention.
Lowering her head she raised the pouch to him.
"So here, have it.."
The playful face he once wore dissipated, a subtly astonished face came forth as he said:
"Wow Rumia, thanks..."
There were 200 silver pieces in the pouch.
"Just have it already, it's getting a bit embarrassing..."
On her words, he took the pouch.
In the Eses continent, the currency hierarchy was as follows: copper, silver, gold, and platinum.
Copper was considered the lowest form of currency, while platinum was the highest. Despite its low standing, 10 copper coins a day was enough to provide sustenance for an individual.
However, copper lost its value when it came to the market prices of magical items.
100 Copper = 1 Silver
100 Silver = 1 Gold
100 Gold = 1 Platinum
Currently, Archibald had 2 gold and 70 silver pieces.
"Alright, I know a great weapon shop, we'll be done in no time at all!"
It was the first time she'd genuinely smiled at Archibald. Grabbing his arm, she ran forward.
Being pulled by her, he ran.
("You know what... I should really treat Rumia with more respect. She's great, no more perverted antics around her Archie-dono!")
During the two hours that passed, Archibald and Rumia were able to negotiate lower prices for their adventure clothes and equipment.
Archibald spent a total of 112 silver pieces, which significantly depleted his funds, but he still had enough money to sustain himself until he could earn more through job opportunities.
Rumia's expertise in purchasing goods allowed him to save a considerable amount of money.
Archibaldʼs current money: 158 silver pieces. |
[ Expenses.
Coat = 20 silver pieces
Boots = 10 silver pieces
Gloves = 1 silver piece
<
Haircut = 1 silver piece ]
He wore a long, sleeveless coat in a dull red color adorned with golden trims on the coat and high collar. The coat was complemented with dark red pants and matching colored boots with golden plates to protect his shin. His hands were covered with a pair of dark red fingerless gloves. Additionally, he had recently cut his medium length hair to a short one with a fringe that parted to both sides and one long bang in-between the two.
"Ah! Now you look presentable!"
Rumia was the one who picked out everything. She proposed his hair could be a disadvantage in melee combat, as such he cut it.
"Yeah, I guess I do, but still..." he sighed.
"What's wrong?"
"I miss my ponytail dammit!"
"Oh please, it looked like business at the front and dungeon raid at the back... It was terrible."
"Gee don't stop on my account.."
"Whatever... But still, you got a second Velgrynd?"
Indeed he did, Archibald bought the <
A simple definition would be that it was a purely black blade.
The weapon was still in his grasp, wrapped in a brown cloth. He said:
"Yeah, it's also Jade-ranked so I'd have two to compensate for not having a higher ranking artifact.."
"That's a good idea, but how high is your [Object Control] though?"
"It's pretty good, I think forty-three or so.."
"You're kidding! That's high for a Swordman your age!"
"I'm ranked Advanced in the Black Moon Arts, so dexterity isn't a problem for me really..."
"You're talented I'll give you that.."
"Ohhhh, three compliments in one day? I think I'm warming up to you Rumi.."
He chuckled after.
It didn't last long, thanks to a weighty slap to the head by Rumia.
"Don't call me Rumi..."
The only person "known" to call her that was Mary, the guild's receptionist.
Right after, she walked forward leaving him there.
("She's definitely into you Archie-dono... If she keeps hitting me this way I'm definitely gonna be a masochist dammit!")
He rubbed his head gently, to soothe the pain. That was two hits in one day. If this went on any longer, Archibald would definitely start enjoying it.
"Hey! Where are you going?!"
Seeing Rumia walk so briskly leaving him, he had to ask.
After she turned, she said:
"To get you a job, unless you plan to stay a broke rank F Adventurer forever..."
"Not a chance."
It was still the same day and yet Archibald was eager to rank up.
Thanks to Rumia, everything was smooth so far.
He rushed forward to meet up with the elven girl.
------
At the Tempest Fall Guild.
Archibald and Rumia were upstairs to the left checking out the notice board.
The only jobs he could take were either F or E ranked.
They were mediocre jobs like ----Finding lost pets, guarding food transportation from outer to inner-city, aiding crop plantation and whatnot.
The jobs were as cheap as they were simple.
("What are these? Side quests for newbies?! I can't these!")
With a frustrated look, he crumpled the paper.
"Damage any job description and you're paying three silver pieces."
Rumia indifferently spoke without looking at Archibald. Her eyes were on different papers, looking for an average rank E job he could take.
"Um, you could've have said that Miss Rumia.."
Wearing an angelic face, he straightened the paper and gently placed it back on the board.
"Okay what about this, it has to deal with bri—"
As the large door of the guild was violently swung open, it made a loud bang that drew the attention of every person inside.
It was a rare occurrence for someone to enter the guild with such disrespect.
However, upon closer inspection, it was believed to be the wind. No one dared to enter the guild so carelessly.
Suddenly, an old woman emerged from the entrance, crying on her knees.
The reason for her tears was not immediately apparent, but it was clear that she was in great distress.
"Please! I need your help!"
She screamed loudly enough that you'd think her lungs were made of steel.
What does this entail? Something to overlook? Or look into?
Find out.