After sipping down all that soup my mother left me, I came back to the game as fast as I could. I couldn't waste time, since my summer vacation was coming to an end soon, and I'll end up going to school again...money will be a necessity for my tuition fees.
...so, when I logged back in, I immediately felt like I really couldn't make money from just fighting monsters today.
Why? Because there was a damned event in the city!
It might be far away from the capital of this city, but there's one near the outskirts!
How do I know? Just look at those banners and balloons! It might look small since I'm far away from it, but there's definitely one!
From what I've heard, festivals, events, and the like are a big boost to your wealth and influence in this game. In total, there were only 7 recorded main events that have ever been celebrated in the timeframe of a year...and for minor events, just around the 30s and 40s. So you see, it's quite a rarity.
Well obviously, because that's the case, I would be a fool not to participate.
I want to celebrate the festivities too...maybe even join some of the contests and activities that were put up for display. Besides, I also want to check the currencies and trade rates for different items or services...I figured that would be helpful for me later on.
I mean...it's not like I'm plainly doing it so that I can enjoy...
Like come on, I miss going to happy events like the festival...
So, I traveled to the farthest parts of the city and strolled down the stalls that were put up on every corner of the street. It was bustling, with players and NPCs crowding in areas that would have normally been empty and tidy.
From this view, I can clearly see that this event only applied to this part of the city...thus, I would categorize this as a minor event. Specifically, a minor event that was directed to a deity that the townsfolk believed in. There was even a small statue of the said deity in the center, adorned with flowers and gifts alike.
So, to offer my own respects to this deity, I was hoping I could get a flower...but I don't have money. I only have my spear and the egg inside my bag. If you're asking about the dagger...I just left it up in Mount Lianthan.
Thus, to make up for my lack of gifts, I might as well earn money from the duel competition at the center.
I do hope I don't get recked...I'm still an amateur. A good one, but an amateur nonetheless.
Of course, one thing to remember in this duel competition...was the fact that you could duel others without the limitation of '2 players' a month! This was something that most players take advantage of!
If you're strong, you earn a lot from events like these!
I walk to the registration area and see a woman giving out a pen and paper while she sits down carelessly. "You came to spectate or bet?" She says in a monotone voice, looking at me with a smile.
"No, I came here to join...if there's still room," I answer back, half-expectant that she'll allow me to do so.
"Hmm..." She looks up at me up and down, and only sighs, clearly not expressed. "I don't know if such a skinny man could be good at battling, but height is an advantage..." She nods her eyes glowing blue, scrutinizing me. It almost felt like I was being watched naked.
After seconds of scrutiny, she gives me a bronze badge with the number 136. "Anyways, feel free to battle anyone you like. I've assigned you to the bronze league after analyzing your skill level...You can fight with anyone with a badge like this, feel free to bet with each other."
I frown inwardly, and it's not because of the league I've been assigned to...it's more about what she said earlier.
"So I'm really that skinny huh? I think I need to exercise from time to time..." I tell myself, but I should really get going and not stand up in front of her like a dense weirdo. I have to give her a response or walk away.
I give her a thumbs up and move away, listening to her talk to herself. "Men are really into battle," She whispers, resting her head on the back of the chair.
Nonetheless, my first course of action was just to stay in the area where other players were looking for opponents. It's better if I don't necessarily engage in battle right away.
But damn was I wrong...
As soon as I went there, I got myself three competitors already!
They rushed to my side as soon as they saw me!
One of them even went ahead of the other three, pushed them to the side, and requested a duel. He was really desperate and wanted to bet 5 copper pieces, and in turn, I told him I was betting on my spear.
He looked ecstatic...after all, a weapon is hard to get. And...judging from his and the other two's expression, everyone here must have been desperate to get as much money as they could.
A festival equals more players willing to spend their money. Go big, or go home.
Thus, as soon as I accepted his duel, I quickly hid the bag away from his attention and pointed the spear at him. In turn, he brings out his sword and unsheathes it.
I smirk to myself inwardly, but I can't show an ounce of arrogance outside. Especially so when I'm nothing more than a 'noob who is good'.
But like come on, the range between the spear far outweighs that of the sword! It's a good advantage to get!
The guy then shouts, coming to close the distance between us by running in my direction. In turn, I backed away with my sloppy footwork and thrust my spear into the guy's shoulder.
He winces in pain, looking at me with disbelief...and just as I thought he was going to continue with his attacks, he just gives up entirely. "F*ck this, I'm not fighting anymore! This whole competition is a scam!" He complains, leaving the 5 copper pieces on the ground.
Wow. What a rage quit.
But money is money...and I have to earn as much as I can while I'm at it.
The other two players then backed out from fighting me as soon as they saw the first guy rage quitting...but it's not a big deal. There should be other players here who would be willing to fight me.
It's all a matter of finding them.
...so, for the past hour, I've been doing nothing but fighting other players like me.
Luckily, the fights were relatively easy and have been nothing more than accuracy practice for me. Nonetheless, I've enjoyed my time fighting some of these people and even learned more about my own way of fighting!
I gotta take a break though. Maybe I'll come back later.
But...come to think of it, don't festivals have arcade games to play? I think...it would be nice if I won a plush for Rosalina.
Who knows? People said girls love plushies.