4 Of Shopping and Drinks
" Zeift~tyr !" Karl called as he saw me walked towards him.
"Hey Karl…" I answered back and smiled at the lively young man. "Need to go out for a while."
"Where to?" He asked curiously.
"To a shop somewhere because I need to buy some equipment and other items."
"Really" He said as he leaned from the counter. "Then I can help you with that!"
"Oh?"
"Yup, I and my friends usually don't have enough money so instead of going to the commerce area we go to the Back Alley. Back Alley has a lot of item and sell it with a lower price."
"Back Alley eh…"
"Yup, since I can't go with you I'll make you a map." He said enthusiastically and started to rampage on the cabinet found bellow the counter. Later he pulled out a pen and a paper and started to draw a map. When he finished he handed over a paper and as I took it a window popped up.
You received <Back Alley Map>
Description: A map made by Karl which leads to Black Alley.
I smiled at him and with a good bye I left the inn.
Outside, I was about to follow the map when another window appeared.
You were added as a Friend by <Flare>
A Friend Request was sent to you. Would you like to add him to your friend list?
<Yes> <No>
I looked at the massage and made a frown. I really don't know what Flare was planning but Flare was a beta test player. Meaning he knows a lot of things about the game. I also know that joining a party can be advantageous in the long run. Not to mention he might have a wide circle of friends who are also gamers.
Weighting the pros and cons I decided that it was best to add him just in case. I selected <Yes> and another menu appeared it was the <Relations> menu. Under this menu were a number of sub-menu and one of them was Friends List. As I checked <Friends List>, I saw Flare's name and besides the name was his status which was currently 'Online'.
I clicked the name and another window appeared besides the name.
Name: Flare
Level: 6
Race: Dragoon
Draconic Ancestry: Rosth
I can see basic information about Flare. It seems like he's already at level 6. Reaching that level in a short time since the game started it certainly shows that being a beta test player might have helped him to level up or maybe I was just naturally slow.
I shake my head as I tried to focus in my own priority. Since I have no plan of leaving the city to increase my level yet I decided to think about him later.
20 minuets later…
I can't believe how big this damn city is! I got lost multiple times as I tried to follow the map that Karl made. Whether it was me, Karl's hand made map or the big city that has the problem; it still took me 20 minuets to finally arrive at Back Alley.
The Back Alley was different from the commerce area that I saw earlier today. While the commerce area was wide, lively and crowded, Back Alley was the total opposite. The area is deserted and gloomy.
It is also located at a very secluded place at the southern part of the city which was near the South Gate where I entered. The commerce area was also at this area however Back Alley was definitely a place you won't be able to go if you did not know the right way.
I looked around the place before spotting a shop which might be selling armors since I can see from the shop window some items that were on display. I looked at the shop sign which read <Rusty> before entering the door leading inside the shop.
As I pushed the door open a bell like sound chimed. Entering the place I saw many items piled around the shop.
"Well what do we have here?" A voice caught my attention from the piles of items disorderly arrange at the shop. "It seems like you lost your way from the commerce area."
The man was old with an impressive beard however he was tall and heavy muscled which gave off an intimidating air. His eyes were sharp and he seems like a warrior than a shop keeper.
"Actually a friend recommended me to come to this part of the city."
"Ohh… Really, then welcome to Rusty's Rusty Items. I am the shop owner, the names Rusty." He said with a wide grin and with pride looked around the place.
"Nice meeting you Rusty, I'm Zeift and I'm looking for some equipment."
"Then Look around if you can find any items you like to buy and just carry the item here then will see how much it will cost."
"I'll look around then."
As I look around the shop, whenever I touch or pick-up an item a pop-up window opens and I can see the item details. I have been looking around for god knows how long since the shop was really big. The place also has a second floor, aside from being large; it was also full of pilled items which were not sorted. It was like someone collected these items and dumped it everywhere.
Despite this, I had a feeling that I will find something good. It was like looking for a treasure hidden somewhere under the pile of disposable items.
I continued to look for items as time seemed to fly by fast. I check each one that caught my eye so before I knew it, an hour already passed by. Thinking about it I was just like any woman, always meticulous and hard to decide when buying things.
For one hour I only took 3 items but I still need a few more. I smiled with humor as I imagined what it would be like if I have a male companion with me. I bet their ass will be itching to run away from the store because of boredom waiting.
I suddenly remembered when I was in collage, my friends before talk about how their boys didn't like coming with them when they are invited to go shopping. They usually have excuses.
A window suddenly popped-up as I continue to look for items.
Congratulations! Unlocked Talent Section
Info: Talents are abilities that can be acquired in different ways and affect skills and activities in certain degrees. Some skills can be developed from talents and talents can be developed by using skills regularly.
Congratulations! Acquired a new talent: Critical Inspection
Critical Inspection LV1
Description: The ability to inspect abilities and attributes of item with detailed care.
Huh? This is really getting complicated as time went. So aside from the skills there is also Talent?
Scratching my head I opened menu and check <Character Info> menu to find another sub-menu added. The new sub-menu was Talent. Under this was Critical Inspection. Checking the talent, it did not provide any Stats.
Excited I was for acquiring a talent but the fact that I have little information on how Skills and Talents operate here in this game remains a fact. Nevertheless this is a challenge that I am willing to overcome.
Focusing back on the matter at hand I continued to look around the shop for items to buy. Thought deep inside I was disappointed that I did not feel any changes after acquiring the talent. What is it for anyway?
Another hour passed before I was satisfied at the items I selected. Well, there goes another goal achieved. Now, the only problem will be the prices of the items I took. In total I have 6 items.
I was thinking of adding other items but decided to stop myself. For now I will get the most necessary equipments I need. I'll just add the others later.
Heh, For 2 hours of looking I only got 6 items. Maybe I am just too paranoid in making sure I will spend the money wisely, Can't blame me thought since I only have enough money to spend.
To be sure I examined the items I selected.
The first one was for the <head>,
< Tribal Protector> (Sellable & Tradable)
Description: a head protector made with leather which goes around the forehead. It is design with tribal adornment.
Type: Ordinary
Class: Common
Rank: C
Durability: 100/100
Effect: + 5 to Defense
Requirement: None
The second item was for the <body>,
<Tyr's Leather Tunic> (Sellable & Tradable)
Description: A Tunic made by Tyr from leather taken from a B rank monster. This leather is stronger that normal leather.
Type: Ordinary
Class: Common
Rank: C
Durability: 150/150
Effect: + 10 to Defense
Requirement: None
Then the third was for <waist>,
<Ancient Belt> (Sellable & Tradable)
Description: A belt made from an ancient metal imbued with magic.
Type: Ordinary
Class: Common
Rank: C
Durability: 100/100
Effect: + 5 to Intellect, + 10% in magic power
Requirement: None
After that was fourth <hands>,
<Manna Gloves > (Sellable & Tradable)
Description: A fingerless gloves that draws mana around to increase magic power.
Type: Ordinary
Class: Common
Rank: B
Durability: 150/150
Effect: + 5 to Dexterity, + 5 to Agility, + 20% to magic power
Bonus: Increase mana recovery by 10%
Requirement: None
Second to the last was for <feet>,
<Elves Boots > (Sellable & Tradable)
Description: A boots made my nimble elves, received blessing from elemental spirit.
Type: Ordinary
Class: Common
Rank: B
Durability: 150/150
Effect: + 5 to Accuracy, + 10% resist to wind and fire magic, increase evasion probability by 15%
Requirement: None
Finally, the last item was for <accessory 1>,
<Rabbit's Foot> (Sellable & Tradable)
Description: Made by Vermin, An accessory made by Vermin from a white Rabbit
Type: Ordinary
Class: Common
Rank: D
Durability: 100/100
Effect: + 5 to Luck
Requirements: None
These are all the items I selected. I did not buy anything for weapon since <Short Sword> was already equipped. This set will be enough for me to go out of the city to hunt low level monsters. Luckily all the items I found have high effects but have no requirements. This was also the reason I chose these items.
Most of all the items I have bought were equipment bordering to magicians. I decided to select this because of my hunch. Seeing my attributes and stats made me already think that this basic build up was suited for magicians.
Though I have no concrete proof that my race has something to do about magic but I decided to gamble. It is a gamble since I invested on equipment which increases magic proficiency instead of power even though I have no magic skills yet.
After checking all the items one more time I went down the first floor and called Rusty.
Putting the items on the counter, I was thinking on how to haggle so the price will lower enough for me to buy all six items.
"I thought you already left but looks like you took your time looking around." He said with a smile. "It amazing that you found these items… I see you really putted effort in finding these." He said as he examined all the items.
"Of course, have to make sure that I can budget the money I have but not to the extent that the items are inferior."
"Heh, seeing all this items you have a good sight."
"Two hours of looking is really an effort not anyone will do. So… how about you lower the price?"
"Hoh… you are a tough buyer. Well since you did put effort to look for these items I'll give all six items for 200 gold nuts."
200 hundred gold nuts! That's way off my budget.
From what Karl told me, there were copper, silver, gold and mythril nuts which were used as currency here. The cheapest was copper nuts and the most expensive was mythril.
The equivalent was like this:
100 Copper Nuts = 1 Silver Nuts
100 Silver Nuts = 1 Gold Nuts
100 Gold Nuts = 1 Mythril Nuts
During the fight with the monster, I got 50 copper nuts. So that means for a level 1 monster one can get 50 coppers. In conclusion, 1 gold nut is already very expensive.
Coughing I looked at him suspiciously. "Hey, isn't that way too expensive? Those items have been buried deep under those other junks."
"Hump, they are not junks!" he said with an irritated look. After being silent for a while he finally said,
"Fine, 150 gold nut!"
"No. It's still too high. 80 "
"What! That's too low! 100 gold nuts."
"50 gold nuts"
"Wha… are you swindling me?"
"No, so how about 20 gold nuts?"
"You are swindling me! Why do you always go lower?"
"Well… see here, these items would have been hidden for a long time and no one will find it if it was not the kind of person to thoroughly dig in this place. Do you think that someone else have the patience to look around here? "
"Uhhnn…"
"Ok… so it's 20 or no deal… If you wont sell this items to me I'll bring these items back to where I found then." I said as I crossed my arms in front of me. "Good luck finding it again."
"Uraaa!!!! Ok 20 gold nuts!"
"Deal!" I said with a grin and I gave him exactly 20 gold nuts. "You made the right decision!"
As the deal was decided another pup-up window appeared.
Congratulations! Acquired a new talent: Persuasion
Persuasion
Description: The ability to be persuasive during Negotiation.
Huh… a new talent… It made me smile inside. Not only did I get quality items for a low price I also got a new talent.
"You're really something… I can't believe I really sold those items for only 20 gold nuts." Rusty's comment drew me out of my thoughts.
"Don't dwell on it old man." I said as I took the item in my inventory. However looking at the expression of the man I can't help feel guilty. "You're good in making someone feel guilty old man. So here, In exchange if you have request that is in my capacity I'll do it for you."
Rusty's eyes gleamed with a sly glow that disappeared as soon as it appeared. Suddenly I was regretting giving him a concession. Even if I have a bad feeling about this I already gave my word.
This new life was a gift that can not be wasted. Even though it is a game I consider it a second chance in life. So when I started this game I made a promise to myself. One among the many promises I made was that when I make a promise I will definitely fulfill it.
In this situation, I already gave my word that I will assist him so assist him I will.
"I see, I see… You are one of those kinds of people." He mumbled. "Then I appreciate your compromise. I'll make sure to call you if I ever need help."
"Sure. I'll be staying in the city for quite a while so there is no need to hurry."
"I understand but how will I find you?"
"Oh, I am currently staying in an inn at the west area of the city. The name of the name of the inn is Blank Card Inn and Restaurant."
"I know that place… then I'll be dropping by sometime in the future."
"Sure."
With that the conversation ended. I said my goodbye as I thought of my next destination.
* ~ * ~ *
My head is aching and I want to vomit.
Loud voices were ringing in my ears. Laughter, shouts and loud chattering was making my head pound.
Where am I? What is happening? Everything is blurry and swirling around.
I hear someone speaking besides me. Was the person speaking to me or someone else? Since I am so dizzy squished my eyes together tighter.
A moment after staying immobile, the feeling of motion and the pounding headache was finally starting to settle.
"Hey is he alright?" A voice besides me spoke. Uhhh… I don't recognize that voice.
"Leave him there. He'll wake up later." Finally a very familiar voice I thought as I heard someone answer the question.
"I didn't know he had a very low tolerance for alcohol."
Alcohol… Ah! I remember now. I'm in the Bar at the central district.
Why I am here? Why am in this state? Well let's go back an hour before…
One Hour Earlier
Fufufu… I secretly laugh happily as I equipped all the items that I just bought from Rusty. Seeing my attributes increase so much was something enjoyable to look. I really want to try hunting monster now however even if I want to go out of the city to try this new strength that I had acquired I stopped myself.
I have to stick to the plan and on my priority list is to gather information.
Information… Hmmm… where can I get the information that I need.
Information gathering is hardest thing to do when you have limited resources. So in order for me to get information I should evaluate my resource.
Usually the main resources of information are people, in case of games it is either another player or an NPC. Regarding the first option, the only other player that I know is Flare. As much as I know I can get a lot of useful information from him I want to think of him as the last resort. Removing him as an option means that the latter is the resource that is left for me to exploit.
In games the NPC's job is to give information and quests to players however after the conversation I had from the people at the city entrance I have a vague idea of the relationship of the people here and the so called 'Dythrs' by the people.
So with this in mind I can roughly conclude that the NPC's here will not give out information easily. With this fact I can not just approach anyone for information. Thinking carefully, the NPC's that I can talk to are limited.
So far since arriving here in this world I have encountered a lot of NPC's but those I spoke to with more that 5 sentences can be counted in my hand. Those I can say I have enough familiarity with was Astard, Roy, Jack, Kite, Karl and Rusty. All in all, there are 6 people.
Astard was really helpful so I am positive that it is possible to get information from him. Add the fact that he seem very knowledgeable the information he will give will surely be valuable. However the problem is that he is still not here in the city so for now I'll cross him out.
Next are Roy and Jack. During the short time I interacted with Roy I believe I made a good impression since he did ask Jack to accompany me even though he can just give direction to the settlement. On the other hand, Jack was really accommodating and friendly when we where walking around the city towards the settlement. There is a high possibility that they can share information.
Kite… She definitely will help. Since her job is to assist Dythrs she will definitely assist if asked so that also makes her a candidate.
Karl… well, I do believe he will help as well but he is just a child. Though there are times children may know things adult doesn't know his knowledge of the things I want to know is without a doubt limited or none at all which removes him in my candidate list.
The last but not the least is Rusty. Being a merchant means he must have information worth buying however I have a feeling that he will ask compensation for the information he will provide, which I want to avoid at all cost. I don't want to needlessly waste money.
Reviewing all of this, the best candidate I have is Roy, Jack and Kite. Since I am now here in Back Alley which is nearer to Roy and Jack's place I decided to go there first after which if I can not get any information from them I'll go to Kite.
I was about to walk straight to the city entrance when I noticed the time in-game it was already near 4 in the afternoon. Around 4'oclock my set timer will warn me about the log out. Since I did not want any distraction if ever I start my talk with Roy and Jack I decided to adjust the timer 2 more hours' in-game or 1 hour in real life.
When a timer is set in Parax it was possible to adjust it by 1 real-time hour. However this is the only adjustment available when inside the game. After adjusting it once you cannot adjust it anymore and if you do not log out during the set timer that you in-putted in Parax, you will be forced log out. If you want to adjust it longer you have to log out and adjust it in Parax.
Well I believe one hour real-time was enough for my plan so with a satisfied nod I walked towards the city entrance. I just hope that they are still there.
I was already at the central square when I suddenly spotted Roy and Jack with the other soldiers a while ago. It seems like their shift was already over. Thinking about this, I have to hurry before they leave and go somewhere.
As I neared them Roy spotted me as I approach. I waved at him to show that I also saw him in which he also returned.
"Hey", I said as I stopped near him, the other soldiers with them already went ahead leaving Roy and Jack with me.
"Hey!" He answered back with a short nod. "Finish with the registration?"
"Yeah, done and over with." I answered. "Hey…" I said to Jack as he walked towards me.
"Hey… did the registration proceed without any problem?"
"Yes, no problem at all and thanks for guiding me towards the settlement if it weren't for that I would have been roaming in the city longer."
"Don't think about it… Actually you have to thank captain for that." He said as he patted the shoulders of Roy.
"Of course…" I said to Jack and look at Roy who was frowning at Jack. "Thanks for the assist captain."
"Roy… you don't have to call me captain."
"Sure… Roy then."
"So?" Roy said as he looked at me expectantly. Roy sure was sharp, he knew that I have something to say.
"Actually I want to ask ----"
"Roy!!!" I was unable to finish when a loud voice which made me internally winced because of the volume came from behind me. I was about to look behind when a beefy arms swung around my shoulders and a heavy body leaned behind me.
"Ohhh… Who's this guy Roy…?" The man said with a loud voice. It was louder because he was just behind me. "New friend of yours?" as he said this arms made a locking position around my neck. Though it was not really painful it was uncomfortable.
"Let him go Darts… He'll die of suffocation" Roy said as he rubbed the bridge of his nose.
"Yeah… He'll die and you will be locked up in jail." Jack added with a playful tone.
"Hump" The man huffed and he removed his arms. I took that time to move away from the man. Now I was besides Roy and facing the man who was holding me in lock just seconds ago.
Looking at the man, the man is big… No scratch that, he was huge! In my current height in this body I though I was tall but against this man I only reach his shoulder.
Suddenly I imagined my original body standing beside this giant and I was assaulted by shivers of fear. Well good thing my height was not the same.
"He wants to ask me something." Roy said as he crossed his arms in front of him. "How about you… What are you guys doing here."
"Well…I was about to go to the usual hangout. I want to grab some booze since the day was really stressful."
"Huh… Really? That's grand coming from you." Jack said.
"Well can't be helped, the number of Dythrs arriving in waves have given us piles of problem." Another man besides the big guy said. "Oh excuse my manners…" He said as he walked towards me. "The name is Alex. Darts and I are in charge of peace and order inside the city."
The man who introduced himself as Alex was also very masculine as the big guy besides him yet he was not that huge and muscled as his friend. He had an air of a serious and polite policeman.
"And I am Darts." Darts said as if Alex cued him. "Sorry about a while ago… Just that I was kind of curious about you. I didn't want you running away before I talk to you."
Well, with his big and brawny image I would have run too if I saw him coming. However it seems like he was really a good guy.
"Ahem" Alex coughed to draw my attention back to him. "Have you finished talking with Roy"
"Actually he was about to speak before that muscle and no brain interrupted." Roy retorted with sarcasm.
"Well, that can be helped since he is really like this. At least he is more honest and straightforward…" Alex said with a wide smile towards Roy. He was smiling and yet it sent shivers down my spine.
Roy gave a frown at the smile that Alex was giving him. Was it me or is it that the atmosphere between the two suddenly droped down. With this unexpected development I couldn't help but gulp at the feeling.
"So what's your name?" Darts said not giving attention towards the tension between the two. Was he ignoring the tension or was he really just oblivious about it.
"Since I already introduced myself, you should too." Darts demanded as he looked at me.
My eyes went back at the two who was still glaring each other down. If this was a manga or anime the sparks like visual effect would have been drawn between them as they fight each other with their eyes.
Bringing back my eyes at Darts, I got a strong feeling that he was really oblivious about the tense atmosphere between Alex and Roy.
I was about to point out about Alex and Roy when a hand fell over my shoulder.
"Don't worry about those two." Jack said as he deliberately ignores the two. With a forced smile I looked at Darts who was still patiently waiting for my answer.
"My name is Zeift."
"Well Zeift, Roy said you were about to ask something to Roy." Alex said. It seems like the staring contest was already finished.
"Actually I----" He stopped me in speaking as he raised his hands
"Since we interrupted you how about Darts and I treat you to drinks then we can speak better about your question, of course that is if you have free time to come with us."
"That's a good idea!" Jack said as he looked excited. Looking at Darts, he also seem to like the idea since he was grinning while Roy still had his frown but did not voice any objection. "We were also about to go to the usual place." Jack continued.
"So would you like to go?" Alex asked. Somehow I automatically looked at Roy who seeing that I was looking at him shrugs his shoulder in response.
"Sure" I said. Well this was better. By going with them I will create rapport which will increase the chance of them answering some of my question.
Roy, Jack, Alex, Dart and I walked together further down the central plaza."So where are we going?" I can't help but ask.
"Were else? Of course we are going to a bar!" Dart answered as if it was the most natural answer in the world.
Bar! I have never been in a bar before. Who would have known that I will experience it in this world? Furthermore, I am going there together with a group of man. What a strange turn of events.
A couple of minutes away from the central plaza we finally stopped in front of a big building with double wooden door. As we entered I was greeted by the warmer temperature inside. It was already near dusk so it was cold outside. The warmer temperature was better however aside from the warm temperature of the place I was also greeted by the level of noise.
The whole floor was very wide and there were numerous tables which were all occupied.
The sheer number of people who were all speaking so loud and the laughter ringing was enough to make my ear painful. From observation, most of the people were soldiers since the have the same uniform.
I have never been inside a bar but have you ever been inside a bar full of soldiers who just finished another stressful day?
Well now I have. The place was lively, too lively in fact, which made the place so chaotic.
As we move further inside, a number of soldiers have already stopped one of the four companions I have in more than one occasion. It turned out that most of the people here knew each other. This place was like their usual hangout after work.
Further inside the bar we finally saw a vacant table enough for the five of us. As we took our sit a sexy as in a 'S-E-X-Y' all in capital letters waiter waited on us.
"So what would you like to order?" The sexy waitress said. I was unable to stop myself from examining the woman. She was certainly sexy. She had well proportioned body which I really envy. These kinds of woman were usually what man run after for.
Ughh… Somehow I am starting to feel jealous to this woman. As I continued to study her, I noticed that she was all over Alex. Well it can't be helped, looking closely he was also a handsome man… err… ok all four of them are handsome. Even though Dart was big and heavily muscled he have his own charm.
Hey… wait a minute… I can also be considered handsome. With this thought I was somehow comforted. Well anyway let's forget that line of thought first.
After the waitress got our order she left. Since I had no idea about the drinks here my order was the same as them.
We continued to talk after the waitress left us to get our order.
"Man… I am really tired today…" Darts started as he leaned on his chair.
"You did mention that a while ago." Jack said as he looked at the bigger man skeptically. "I never thought the day will come that you will say that."
"Well, don't tell me you did not encounter any trouble regarding the Dythrs during your duty?" Alex said as he looked at Roy whose eyes were closed as he leaned against his chair.
"Errr…" It seems like Jack can't answer since he was looking at me instead.
"It's alright Jack…" I said which seems to catch the attention of Alex and Darts. Facing the all four of them I bowed my head and said, "To the troubles that my fellow Dythrs caused I want to apologize."
I raised my head in time to see the reaction of each of them. Darts was had the astonished look in his face while Alex was examining me as if he was trying to read me. Jack seemed to be thoughtful while Roy was expressionless.
I don't know if I was sincere as I want to be but I felt the urge to say those words. I can't say I understand them since I don't but the least I can do is to empathize.
For them this world was not a game and they are living here but to me and the other players this is a game world. Even though I have thought this chance in playing in this world a second chance, the reality that I have my real body and life outside this was real.
Shaking his head, "You should not be the one apologizing. It can't be helped that some Dythr causes trouble." Roy said as he broke the silence that settled.
"I never expected you were a Dythr." Darts said as he looked at me like it was the first time he saw me.
"Right?" Jack said enthusiastically.
"He is different alright." Alex agreed as he continued to look at me.
"I might be different but not all Dythrs are that bad. Give them time to adjust." I said as I tried to defend the others. I believe we will co-exist… somehow.
"When did you arrive?" Darts said as he took one mug of booze he ordered from the sexy waitress that arrived with our orders.
"I arrived this morning and was really helped by Roy~tyr and Jack~tyr."
"Hmmm…" Alex hummed skeptically as he looked at Roy who just raised an eyebrow as if challenging the other to say something.
"So you were thanking them when I saw you a while ago?" Darts continued as he took a big gulp of booze.
Looking at the mug before me I answered, "Yes and I was about to ask his help."
Sniffing the booze secretly I was contemplating if I should drink this. Just a sniff and I have an inkling of how strong the alcohol was. Though I was 25 years old and legal to drink, I have never been one to go out and drink with friends.
This was a virtual reality game however I was pondering on how far the realism of the game goes. Though I hope it was not too far enough to really make me drunk and experience hung over after drinking alcohol.
"Help?" Jack asked. "Was there any problem when you went to the registration building?"
"No… Not really any trouble but I lack information about this world and how things go around here."
"I see." Alex murmured as he heard my answer. " Information gathering."
"Yeah, exactly that." I agreed as I saw Alex seemed to see what I was trying to do. "I have next to none regarding information here in this place. Instead of going out and start hunting I prefer to be ready first. For that to happen I need to gather as much information I can."
"Well that's a good plan you have there."
"Tsk… why are you all being so serious?" Darts said with displeasure showing in his face.
"Indeed, serious topics should not be talked about in this place." Jack said as he agreed with Darts which made the other man happy and nod his agreement to what he said.
"Since you just arrived here, let this be your welcoming party! Hahaha" Darts said happily as he found a reason to celebrate.
"More booze here!" He shouted at one of the waitress near us as he raised his mug high in the air.
"For Zeift that arrive today!" Darts said louder as he encouraged us to have a toast. "Welcome to Althiem!"
I was forced to drink down the alcohol just like everyone. The burning feeling at my throat was so unexpected that nearly made me choke. However I was thanking the gods that I was able to hide it from them.
After that everything passed by as a blur as I continued to drink the mug of booze that Darts continued to give me. I even forgot what I my goal speaking with Roy.
* ~ * ~ *
That last hour or so of drinking lead to my current situation.
"Ughhh…" I moaned miserably as I sat straighter from the awkward sitting position I was in awhile ago. Somehow I passed out during the drinking session.
"What a miserable guy you are… can't even handle a few mugs of booze?" Darts said with a grin. He seemed to enjoy my current predicament.
"Since I lost my memories because of the trans-seal problem, I also forgot I have low tolerance in regards to alcohol." I can't help sarcastically retorting as I rubbed my temple.
Too occupied by my headache I did not notice a soft pat on my left shoulder. It took me a few moments to realize it and when I did I was taken aback when a soft voice so very near my ears reached my mind.
"Here handsome… this will help you remove the effects of the liquor." The woman I dubbed as 'S-E-X-Y waitress' said as she handed a vial which was blue in color.
"Thanks --- um…."
"Ruth. The name's Ruth." She said as she winked at me and left.
"Hump." I heard Darts huffed as he imitated what Ruth said as she walked away.
Despite the headache I could not help but smile because of this. With a shake of my head I looked at the pop-up menu that appeared about the item she gave.
"For her to give you her home made mix… You really made an impression on her" Roy said as he looked at the item in my hands.
"Really…" I cannot help but say. I have not talked to her since we arrived here so when did I impress her I thought.
You Received < Detox Mix >
<Detox Mix> (Unsellable & Untradeable)
Description: A specially made by Ruth by mixing herbs. It alleviates intoxicated status due to alcohol.
Type: Ordinary
Class: Common
Rank: D
After checking the item I decided to give it a try. With one swallow I was able to drink the whole contents of the vial.
The taste was completely different from what I imagined. Usually in this case I though the item would be really bitter or unpleasant however it was like drinking syrup without any taste.
After drinking the effect was not really instant but my headache and the uncomfortable feeling was slowly lifting like how a mist gradually disappears.
Heh… If this kind of item exists in the real world it will surely sell like hot cakes.
Minutes later after drinking the item I started to gain my bearings. I became more aware of my surroundings enough to realize that everyone on the table was not in anyway same as the situation I was minutes ago. It seems like I was the only one who
passed out while drinking. On the other hand, the others were talking like they had not been drinking.
Another thing I noticed was that the table we were using was different. It was bigger and was not at the corner where we started.
Did we move while I was unconscious?
After that realization I also started to notice other people sitting together with us which I do not recognize. There were a total of 5 people, all which seems to be friends or acquaintance of my four companions.
"It seems like you really have low tolerance for alcohol." One of the five said. It was another handsome man with a shockingly bright red hair.
"Yeah, didn't expect him to suddenly doze. He was really energetic and was such a story teller when suddenly he became quite… only to find out he fell asleep." Another male with blond hair sitting besides Darts said.
"Hehehe… Seeing you do that was funny." Darts agreed with a snicker that made the man beside the red head smirk.
"You are indeed an interesting person Zeift…" The fourth man who had a scar in his face said as he drunk is booze.
Ok… seems like I'm pretty lost. They act as if I know them… do I? Err… Damn liquor.
"I believe he is confused." The last man said. "Do you remember what happened during the past hour and a half?"
With a thud my forehead hit the surface of the table as I tried to recall what happened however the last thing I remember was drinking the fourth mug of booze Darts literally shoved to me.
"Sorry… err…" I said as I finally lifted my head. "I don't remember anything after drinking my fourth mug…" If I can see myself now I have no doubt that I was smiling like an idiot.
"Well that's too bad… you not have any recollection on how you suddenly became famous." He said as he shakes his head.
"Before we tell you about your heroic act let me introduce ourselves first." He continued.
In ten minutes the five introduced themselves to me again. I somehow feel guilty for forgetting them.
The summary is as follows, the man with red hair was Lance and the man with Scar was Thriz. Both of them were personal guards of the Vithar.
Tager was the man who was blond hair and Rohyr was the man that smirked as Darts snickered. Reijir was the man who noticed my current situation. Reijir was the head security of the city castle while Tager and Rohyr were both working his subordinate.
Somehow I did not know if I was luck or unlucky to befriend these kinds of people. Just hearing them explain their job was enough to make me know how high their position was in the military structure within the city.
Through out the conversation I also learned that Roy, Jack, Darts and Alex were also quite popular and well respected in the hierarchy.
As they continued I also found out that they already know a lot of information about me since I was babbling about it during my drunken stupor. However it seems like what I told them was my problem about the lack of information and my quest to look for it.
After the brief introduction, the conversation turned towards the 'exciting' event, as Darts called it, that I forgot.
It took more than 10 minutes for them to tell the whole story with detailed description, much to my frustration. Putting everything they said together, this was the short version which I omitted the details of what I said and how I acted.
So the short version was that a fight broke out between two groups while we were drinking. As the fight escalated, everyone thought a large scale fight was about to break out when I stepped in.
Pulling the two guys who started the fight, I forced them to sit down on the chair besides each other. After that I started lecturing them about nonsense that I prefer not to repeat.
Hearing them say what I was talking about during that time made me wish a hole will appear and swallow me whole. How embarrassing.
Anyway towards the end, the fight had an abrupt end because of it. The two guys that received my lecturing ended up leaving the bar and the companions of the two which were Reijir and co. decided to join us so we had to move to a bigger table.
However crazy it may sound, the people who were in the bar was thoroughly impressed with my speeches. Well hearing them repeat what I said made me realized that most of the words I used were scripts from books I read.
Thanks to this event many people learned my name. Weather this was good or bad was yet to be determined. For now I'll count it as a blessing.
According to them I became known to quite a number of people who saw the show because of this I became curious and decided to see if I gained some fame.
Checking my fame, I indeed got 5 points increase in fame. This somehow made me laugh. Well at least I got fame now.
A soft chime made me perk up and soon after I realized my time was up as a window appeared with a warning that I have five more minutes before Log out.
Disappointed that I was unable to get information from Roy I decided to excuse myself from the group so I can log out outside.
"Hey, I need to go somewhere." I said as I looked at the other guys.
"Why? Come on lets continue drinking." Darts said with a surprise expression. I have inkling that he was thinking what could have been too important to leave a good booze and company.
"Sorry I have already planned it." I said again and look at Roy. "Maybe we could talk next time if you have a free time."
"Hey… If you have no plan later tonight would you like to join hunting monsters later?" Reijir said which startled me.
"Hunting?"
"Yeah… I and Rohyr will lead the new recruits at the fields tonight for training. We usually let them defeat monsters during the night because the numbers of monster increases."
"Yeah, and the experience is also double…" Rohyr said.
"Since I heard that your level is 2 I believe it is possible for you to join." Reijir added.
"Really? Isn't a military organized event?" I said skeptically. It was indeed good to join but I was not in the military so why will they allow me to come. "Wouldn't the other be distracted especially I am a Dythrs?"
"Don't worry, not everyone who joins are all from the military." Tager interjected.
"You should gladly accept…" Alex said as he looked at me. "This is a privilege that comes rarely."
"It is indeed a privilege" Lance said which Thriz agreed with a nod.
"Hmnn… Ok then" I said as I knew what Alex said was right.
"Good, we'll start to hunt at 12 in the midnight. The meeting place would be the north entrance."
Ding!
Quest Alert!
A Friends Generosity I
Description: A new friend, Reijir, had recognized and invited you to the New Recruits Hunting Event. Make sure to arrive on time at the designated location for the quest to succeed.
Quest Type: Unique
Quest Rank: E
Quest Parameter:
- Have fame not lower than 5 points.
- Acknowledged by Reijir as a friend.
Quest Reward:
- Increase familiarity with Reijir
- Quest <A Friends Generosity II> will be unlocked
Finally! My very first quest! The day really keeps getting better and better!
"So see you at the north entrance at 12 midnight." I said as I stood up. With a round of goodbyes and a few more parting words I left the bar.
Exiting the bar I was welcomed by the cool night air. It was already dark and according to my in-game time it was already 6 PM.
The cold seems to penetrate the equipment I was wearing as I walked down the dark and empty street towards the central plaza.
Even this small detail did not escape the creator's sight. Well I won't be surprised anymore since even the state of being drunk was not spared.
Well all in all the first half of the day gone smoothly than I expected. I was humming when a window appeared.
Time Alert!
You have 1 minute before force log out.
Would you like to log out?
<Yes> <No>
<Yes>
~ 0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0 ~
