After checking out in the morning, I headed to the Adventurers' Guild wearing the Slightly Good Leather Armor and Boots of Divine Speed from the gacha. The boots fit perfectly. Being SR-rank, they might have size adjustment.
The G-rank quests at the guild weren't great, so I decided to go with the standard herb gathering mission. I also asked about the Vitality Potion I got from yesterday's gacha. They told me about the raw material plant, which I'll call stamina grass. I'll try to collect some if I find any.
So, I left the guild and headed out to gather herbs. Once outside town, I tried out the boots' power by jogging lightly. My body accelerated smoothly. Even at an easy pace, I might be running as fast as a marathon runner. As expected of SR-rank gear.
Now I want to complete the divine series. I guess I'll have to use the gacha more.
I wanted to run faster, but the road wasn't good, and the mountain path had poor visibility, so it was dangerous. Still, I covered the two-hour journey in less than twenty minutes and arrived at the herb mountain.
From there, it was steady work, but I've become familiar with likely spots for herbs. After a few hours of work, I collected about twenty herbs and three stamina grass in my item slot, then took a break.
Come to think of it, this is where the goblins appeared yesterday. I decided to look around. I walked around with my bastard sword in hand.
After searching for a while, I finally found three goblins in the bushes. They hadn't noticed me. I positioned the bastard sword as I was taught yesterday...
With the first strike, I slashed from the neck to the upper body of a goblin facing away. The sword sank deep into the goblin. I added my left hand and pulled the sword through, then attacked the second goblin, which was frozen in place.
Taking advantage of the long reach, I swung the sword and cut about half of its torso, then kicked it away.
"Gyoe!"
The third goblin shrieked and swung its club. I couldn't avoid it completely and took a hit on my leg, between the leather armor and boots. Enduring the dull pain, I thrust the bastard sword with all my might.
The sword barely reached and sliced the goblin's belly. The goblin disappeared in smoke.
Searching the ground, I found three magic stones. I stored them in my item slot for now.
The spot where the goblin's club hit my leg was throbbing. I rolled up my pants to see internal bleeding.
I tried drinking the Healing Potion I got from the gacha. The internal bleeding and pain disappeared as if they were never there. It must be a magical item indeed.
Thank you, May. I should keep some of these in reserve.
A lot happened, so I decided to head back for the day.
==
Twenty herbs were exchanged for one gold coin. Finally, a decent income on the third day.
They were very grateful for the large delivery, and I felt like I'd been somewhat useful to people. Labor really is noble.
I asked about the stamina grass too, but they said three for one silver coin, so I held onto them. Apparently, they don't keep as long as herbs, so they don't stock much. I thought they could just make them into potions, but maybe it's difficult.
They said this grass can be eaten too, so I decided to try it myself.
It was still noon since the round trip took less time. I entered a restaurant and ordered bread, cheese, and soup. I took out the stamina grass and had them stir-fry it. It had a crisp texture and didn't taste bad.
Afterward, I practiced swordsmanship, but I wasn't nearly as tired as yesterday. It might be partly due to getting used to it, but I think the stamina grass helped too.
Actually, I've been noticing that I'm aroused since earlier.
The sword instructor praised my form, saying I had good potential, so I'll take the compliment. When asked where I was staying, I answered that I was staying at a brothel, which made him laugh heartily.
Oh right, I should ask about other brothels while I'm at it.
When asked what kind I prefer, I thought about it but didn't want anything scary like a haunted house, so I said, "Well, young and cute girls. The younger the better, I guess."
He recommended one place.
I decided to go check it out right away.
==
The location of the recommended establishment was slightly off the bustling area, but not quite in the outskirts - more like a residential area. The town isn't that big to begin with.
It felt a bit odd to be looking for a brothel in broad daylight, but the effects of the stamina grass had left me aroused and eager.
There was a man idly smoking a cigarette at the entrance of the building.
When I asked if there were any women available, he asked what kind of girl I wanted. I gave the same light answer as before, "The younger the better."
He grinned and told me to wait while he brought someone.
Apparently, when a customer arrives, they bring contracted girls from nearby houses. So it might be more like a call service than a traditional brothel.
When I asked about the price, he said three silver coins for a short time, so I agreed and waited.
It felt exciting, like a real adult entertainment district. Well, it is one.
After waiting for about ten minutes...
The man returned, leading a young girl by the hand.
She was a blonde girl with pigtails who looked even younger than May. Her skin was fair, and her eyes seemed blue. She must be of Western descent. She was even shorter than May and cute like a fairy.
Wait, what are they planning to do with such a young girl?
"Three silver coins," the man said.
Oh! Really?
Uh, I mean, that's not what I meant by young. I just didn't want an older woman, that's all.
The man looked at me with an expression that seemed to say, "You said you wanted someone young, didn't you?" as I stood there confused.
The girl who arrived also looked at me anxiously.
This is bad, I might have troubled them.
I hastily smiled at the girl, and she tiptoed over to me. It was cute, like a small animal.
She hugged me and nuzzled against me. I could feel the soft touch of her skin.
Once again, the man told me:
"Three silver coins."
Well, he did bring her here for me.
I guess I have to pay, right?