Dave pushed open the door, a bell above it rang out, announcing their arrival. He glanced around the antique shop, taking in the shelves and display cases. Lily's eyes widened as she scanned the room, her gaze darting from one curious object to the next.
It is said that the owner of this shop was an old woman with the talent of magic.
A young man with a friendly smile approached them. "Welcome to our shop! I'm Max. How can I help you today?"
Dave smiled back. "Just browsing, thanks. We're looking for something interesting."
Max nodded enthusiastically. "Well, you've come to the right place. Let me show you some of our unique pieces."
As Max led them through the shop, Lily asked, "What's that?" pointing to an old jade pendant.
"It is created by high mage Elare, it belived to have shield ability to block a full out attack of a grade 5 monster. But it can only be used once," Max explained.
"How much is it?" Dave asked interested.
"That the only one we have in stock. It is worth 700 silver coins," Max said.
"Okay, we would take it," Dave said.
"Brother, how did you have this much money?" Lily asked seeing Dave reckless spending.
"Don't worry yourself about that and enjoy yourself," Dave replied.
"Is that all, or would you like to see other stuffs," Max asked with a smile on pasted on his face.
"Show us more," Dave replied as he followed Max.
They continued, but none of the products caught Dave's interest.
Then, Max revealed a small, leather-bound box. "This one's special," he said, opening the box to reveal two blue necklaces. "They're a pair, and they have an... unusual property."
Dave raised an eyebrow. "What kind of property?"
Max's grin grew wider. "They're said to glow when the other person wearing the matching necklace is in danger. Some people call them 'safety necklaces' or 'lover's charms'."
Dave's eyes lit up. "That's cool! I'll take them."
Lily clapped her hands. "Ooh, can I wear one, Dave?"
Dave smiled and handed her one of the necklaces. "Of course, Lil."
As they prepared to leave, Max asked, "Would you like to see more items? We have some rare books and curious trinkets."
Dave nodded, and Max showed them a selection of strange and fascinating objects. Lily giggled at a silly-looking puppet, and Dave chuckled at a vintage poster.
As they left the shop, Lily turned to Dave and asked, "Do you think the necklaces really work?"
Dave smiled and ruffled her hair. "Maybe we'll find out someday, Lilly. But even if they don't, they're still pretty on you," Dave said with a slight smile.
They left heading back home when they are stopped by a guard.
"Are you Dave?" The guard asked.
"Yes, is there a problem?" Dave asked shielding Lily with his back.
"The chief request your presence," The guard said.
"The chief?" Dave said with a thoughtful gaze.
He turned to face Lily.
"Lily, go home now I would come back to you," Dave said.
"Brother are you going to be alright?" Lily asked.
"Don't worry about me, make sure you always wear the items for protection," Dave said as he patted her head.
"Okay we can leave now," Dave said as he followed the guard.
They arrived at the Chief resident.
"Your highness," Dave said with a slight bow.
"Hmm," The chief said with a nod.
"Why have you summoned me," Dave asked with his head still bowed.
"Everyone leave," The chief said and everyone left leaving only Dave and him alone.
"I have a mission for you," Chief Damien said as soon as everyone left.
A frown settled on Dave's face. He had expected a mission would come from the chief but he didn't expect it to be this soon.
"If you accept the mission you are risking your life. Would you accept the mission or should I just kill you right now," Chief Damien said with a cold voice.
"I accept," Dave agreed.
"Right now I am no match for him, I should just bear it till I get stronger," Dave said to himself.
"What is the mission about," Dave asked.
"As you know, villages are under the rule of kingdom. There would be a once in five year tournament which would be happening in Kingdom Valerie," Chief Damien said as Dave listened attentively.
"The result of the match determined the future of our village. A increased in rank would bring up better resources even a chance to become a kingdom. For years we have been sticked at a forth tier village. This time I want our ranked increased. But by doing so, we have to be among the top twenty contestants,"
"There would be other contestants coming from other villages and kingdom so you have to be prepared and careful or else you might end up dying," Cheif Damien said.
"So what do you want me to do exactly," Dave asked.
"You would join the match together with your team mates. But first I noticed something about you people. You lack mutual understanding. As the commander, you are to create your stance. So first, you all would prepare for the mission by fighting in more dungeons and gaining battle experience," Chief Damien said.
"So I am not the only one going," Dave asked.
"Correct, one of the requirements for entering the competition is 20 contestants who would represent their kingdom or village. Since your team are five, I would add extra 15 to join your troupes," Chief Damien said.
"Okay, I will begin the preparation now is there anything I should know?" Dave asked.
"You wood be leaving to Valerie kingdom next week," Chief Damien said.
"Noted," Dave said.
"One last warning. If you dissapoint me, I will kill you myself," Chief Damien voice said.
"Ding! System notice Murderous intent coming from him. It is rated at 65 percent," The system's notification rang in his ears.
"You are excused now," Chief Damien said.
"God, having your life at someone's hands is scary," Dave said as he wiped the beads of sweat forking at his forehead.
"System, what is my current chance of succeeding ?" Dave asked as he heads home.
"You have 35% chance," The system's emotionless voice said almost causing Dave to choke on his saliva.
"35 percent? That so low," Dave thought as he massage his chin while staring at the blue screen in front of him.
"I guess the only way to increase it is by leveling up," Dave thought.