Two weeks had passed since Eric's harrowing encounter with the hobgoblins. Broken bones, bleeding wounds, and the poison he endured had finally healed, and he felt a renewed sense of determination. As he entered the guild to claim his reward, 62.5 bronze coins, he couldn't help but feel a mix of pride and relief. The quest had been perilous, and it was only halfway done, but he had come out alive, and that was an accomplishment worth celebrating.
With his hard-earned coins in hand, Eric decided to visit the nearest shop to replenish his equipment. A few kilometres away, he stumbled upon a quaint and mystical establishment named "Aldric's Mystical Wares."" Intrigued by the shop's name, he entered to find himself surrounded by an array of enchanted items.
His eyes were immediately drawn to a magnificent, enchanted sword that hung on the wall. It was larger than most swords, with striking red marks adorned with ancient scriptures and thorns along its sides. Its price tag of 25,000 gold left Eric disheartened, knowing he couldn't afford such a treasure.
As he pondered his financial limitations, an old man with an unknown aura approached him. The old man introduced himself as the owner of the shop and humorously remarked that the sword was called "Thrungler," given to him by an old friend.
Curiosity mixed with caution as Eric observed the old man. His mysterious presence was evident, dressed in simple and unremarkable clothes, and yet there was something about him that seemed far from ordinary. The old man's slit eyes gave nothing away, and his hands were hidden behind his back, adding an air of enigma to his character.
Embarrassed by his limited funds, Eric hesitated but confessed that he came to the shop in search of equipment. The old man chuckled, dismissing Eric's concern, stating that they welcomed all customers, regardless of their financial situation.
As they walked through the shop, the old man's thoughts wandered. He couldn't help but sense something peculiar about Eric—a unique aura that spoke of someone who had experienced death and returned. Still, he kept his observations to himself, choosing to learn more about the young adventurer.
Noticing Eric's sturdy build, the old man praised his physique and playfully guessed that he trained by lifting weights. Eric explained that he couldn't afford weights and improvised with whatever was available.
Finally, they arrived at the section suited for Eric's physique. The old man presented a list of equipment that would fit him perfectly:
- Lightweight Chainmail Shirt
- Fingerless Leather Gloves
- Slim-fit Chainmail Coif
- Tassets with Articulated Plates
- Flexible Knee and Elbow Caps
- Lightweight Leather Boots
- Greaves with Metal Plates
- Tassets with Articulated Plates and Maille Chausses
- Fingerless Leather Gloves with Maille Mittens
- Chainmail Coif with Maille Aventail
- Segmented Plate Pauldrons
Reinforced Leather Bracers
Leather Gambeson
- Lightweight Chainmail Hauberk
- Helmet: Visored Sallet
Sword: Arming Sword
Eric:(How the is this old man talking non stop without taking a breath?)
Old man:With the total cost amounting to 100 bronze coins
Eric carefully memorized each item, surprised by the variety and quality. His heart sank as he admitted that he didn't have enough money to afford all the equipment.
The old man, undeterred, proposed a solution. He offered Eric a loan, allowing him to pay half of the price (50 bronze) now and the rest later.
Grateful for the opportunity, Eric agreed to the arrangement. He also expressed his need for two smoke bombs, which the old man conjured effortlessly, adding a touch of mystique to the transaction.
Amazed by the seamless exchange, Eric handed over 60 bronze coins for the equipment and smoke bombs. The old man bid him farewell, cautioning him about the grim journey that every adventurer always has been destined to lay ahead.
As Eric stepped out of Aldric's Mystical Wares, he felt a mix of excitement and trepidation. Equipped with new gear and a sense of purpose, he knew his adventure was far from over.
To be continued...