"Why do you say that? Isn't it promising? I mean, I can summon someone to fight for me," Leonard asked, his voice a mix of curiosity and anticipation. He crossed his arms, waiting for the guard's response.
The bulky guard shifted his weight and sighed deeply. His expression turned to one of concern, his eyes narrowing slightly as he considered Leonard's question.
"While the idea might seem promising," Yulaf began, his tone steady yet tinged with disappointment, "there are obvious drawbacks to that class. First off, low magic points—you can't keep your summon active for long because it depends on your magic points. Second, you can't be versatile with your stats because you're a Summoner. And to top it off, it's difficult to find summoning scrolls. The only way to get one is at the capital or on the fourth floor, where a monster called Black Tarantula drops one at a 30% chance."
Leonard's expression remained resolute, his eyes narrowing slightly as he weighed the guard's words. "That's not a problem for me," he replied confidently.
The guard's brow furrowed in disbelief. "What do you mean?" he asked, his voice tinged with concern. "It's unfair for Summoner classes because other classes like Warrior, Mage, Thief, Assassin, and others have higher magic points and smaller experience point thresholds to reach the next levels."
Leonard chuckled softly as if finding the moment amusing. "1000 isn't that much for me. Killing at least 100 Chanaks for 10 experience points each is doable." His voice was calm, but there was an underlying confidence that couldn't be ignored.
'I'm already level 2 and can reach level 3 tomorrow,' he thought to himself.
The guard's eyes widened slightly in worry, his tone growing more serious. "That's another problem. Chanaks give 50 experience points, and the threshold for level 1 is just 150 points. It only takes three chanaks to reach the next level."
Leonard blinked, his confidence wavering for a moment. "No way..." he muttered, the realization sinking in. "Where can I get some help as a beginner Summoner?" he asked, his voice now softer with uncertainty.
The guard sighed again, this time with a hint of resignation. "That's why I said you're in for a rough time—opportunities for Summoners aren't great. But you can try enrolling at the capital's Player Academy. They can teach you how to summon your first creature, but that's about it. Leveling up will be tough for you."
Leonard exhaled deeply, a sense of acceptance washing over him. "I guess I have to deal with this class," he said quietly. "Thanks… I forgot to ask your name."
The bulky guard straightened up slightly, a small smile crossing his rugged face. "I'm Yulaf," he replied, reaching into his pouch. He pulled out a small, glowing box and handed it to Leonard. "Here, take this. It's an Experience Box. Break it, and you'll earn at least 500 points."
Leonard hesitated, his eyes narrowing as he looked at the box. "You don't have to pity me," he said.
He glanced at his experience points, noting that he didn't really need it. He could easily earn that amount without much trouble, especially with Zeus on his side. Despite the unfairness of the experience point threshold, he couldn't complain about how overpowered his summon was.
[Experience: 890/15000]
Yulaf shook his head, his expression softening. "Just take it. No need to worry."
Leonard finally accepted the box, a small smile of gratitude crossing his lips. "Thank you for this, Yulaf," he said sincerely, pocketing the box and giving the guard a nod of appreciation.
As Leonard turned to leave, he headed straight to the shop across the street. He sold at least 60 chanak fangs, earning 36 Zack Currency per piece. With the remaining money he had from yesterday, plus today's income, he had about 2,560, which was two gold coins, five silver coins, and six copper coins.
Content, Leonard decided not to end the day without spending some of his earnings. He needed to replenish his food supply and buy gear for his safety. Reminding himself not to overdo it, he first visited a weapon and armor shop.
As he looked around, he couldn't contain his excitement. The shop was a scene straight out of a fantasy with various gears displayed. There were daggers, swords, shields, staffs, and simple armor sets in different shining colors and materials.
"Oi there, lad! What're ye lookin' to buy?"
Leonard was speechless when his eyes fell on the man who had just spoken. The man was obviously old and short, with braided orange beards and a small helmet that didn't quite fit his size.
"Quit yer gawkin' at me. Is this yer first time layin' eyes on a dwarf?"
Leonard still didn't reply. His thoughts were swirling.
'Right… This is a fantasy world, so it makes sense there are other humanoid species here.'
"Oi, lad."
Leonard snapped back to reality, looking blankly at the dwarf before recalling his purpose. He asked for an affordable light armor and a staff that could decrease his magic output.
"Ain't no such thing as a staff that lowers magic output. Staffs are meant to boost yer power, lad!" the dwarf lectured, his voice gruff. "So, what're ye plannin' with that light armor? Fer only 2,000 Zack, ye can get yerself a fine leather armor instead."
"Only leather?" Leonard asked in disbelief. "How expensive is a metal light armor? I mean, the lightest."
The dwarf shook his head, grumbling, "Ye must be from the countryside, lad. Light armors cost more than leathers. The cheapest'll run ye anywhere from 10,000 to 15,000."
Leonard was at a loss for words. He had hoped to buy something decent with the 2,560 money he had, but it seemed he would be disappointed.
"I won't be buying for now. Thank you for your time, sir." Leonard said, then left the shop and headed back to the inn where he was staying, feeling dejected.
'My expectations need to be lowered. It was so easy for the main characters in novels to buy weapons and gear. But it seems like life is tougher in reality,' Leonard reflected as he paid for two days' worth of stay.
PassingNote: Let's have a trade.
For every 50 power stones, I will provide a bonus chapter. After chapter 15, the novel will be updated twice a day.