8 First Quest
"Hello, and welcome to my shop."
"Do you buy herbs here?"
"I do, depending on the quality. May see what you have?"
I pull out the herbs I have and set them on the counter. The man delicately inspects each plant giving either a nod or a 'hmmm.' I have done some gardening in the past, so I knew how to handle plants a little.
"You are quite skilled at gathering herbs, but you could do better. I have been thinking of retiring for a while. My only regret is I have never passed my skills on to anybody. You appear to be a kind person and quite capable. Would you like to be my apprentice?"
New Quest: The Budding Student
Quest Type: Unique
Difficulty: E-S
Old Man Atarum is in need of an apprentice. Complete his lessons to learn the way of the alchemist.
Rewards:
Title
50,000 XP
Property
I look at the quest window that popped up in front of me, and from what I know, the rewards seem good.
"Uh, yes. I would like to learn from you."
"Excellent. My name is Atarum, but I prefer it if you just call me Old Man. For your first lesson, we need to travel to my garden. There I will teach you how to properly harvest plants. Come follow me."
I follow Atarum to the back of his shop, where he had a small garden outside.
"This a basic harvesting kit. It comes with some basic tools to help in harvesting. Now, remember the first thing you need to know is…"
I spent the remainder of the day, learning how to properly harvest plants. It was enjoyable and relaxing, and the best part was Atarum said that once I learn how to make potions and medicines, I can make money with them.
You learned a new skill!
Harvesting: [Rank E] (Passive) 60% success rate harvesting plants of the same rank. 20% success rate harvesting plants of a higher rank.
A skill has ranked up!
I made my way back to the inn I stayed and had dinner to refill my hunger. I then debated on whether I wanted to go to the bath. I realized I was still covered in blood from the boar, so I decided to go.
Inside I looked around to make sure that girl wasn't in here at this time. I quickly washed and didn't soak in the hot bath.
I asked the woman on the first floor if I could have a bucket of water and if they had some soap. I wanted to wash my clothes to get some of the blood out of them.
Back in my room, I undressed and used the bucket to wash the clothes and scrub some of the leather pieces. I hung them up by the window and then laid down in bed. Once I was in bed, I was then able to rank up my harvesting skill.
Harvesting: [Rank D] (Passive) 65% success rate harvesting plants of the same rank. 25% success rate harvesting plants of a higher rank.
INT has increased by 1
Once I was done, I then looked at my stats to see where I was sitting at and try and plan my activities for tomorrow.
Name: Gwyndolyn
Level: 1
Total Level: 1
Race: Elf
Gender: Futa
Title: Friend of Eri
HP: 10/10
MP: 15/15
DEF: 5
Attributes Points: 0
STR: 12
DEX: 16
CON: 9
INT: 14
WIS: 14
CHA: 10
Skills:
Analyze: [Rank E] (Active)
Endurance: [Rank D] (Passive)
First Aid: [Rank E] (Active)
Friend of Eri: [Rank E] (Passive)
Harvesting: [Rank D] (Passive)
Martial Arts Mastery: [Rank E] (Passive)
Mercantile: [Rank E] (Passive)
Power Swing: [Rank E] (Active) (30 STM)
Sneak: [Rank E] (Passive)
Sprint: [Rank D] (Active) (20 STM/Sec)
Survival: [Rank E] (Passive)
Sword Mastery: [Rank E] (Passive)
(I am still level 1, so I need to level up some more. Then tomorrow I will learn how to use my bow and maybe hunt some monsters as I heard that's the best way to get XP.)
With my plans set, I roll over on my side and fall asleep.
----
The next morning, I go to the training yard to meet up with Urlgan.
"Morning, Urlgan. I was wondering if you could teach me how to use a bow. I wanted to go hunting."
"I suppose now is an as good time as any. Come, I will teach you how to use that bow."
I spent the next three and a half hours learning how to shoot various targets as well as moving while shooting. The game only helps a little when it comes to accuracy, but I have to actually aim to hit something.
You have learned a new skill!
Bow Mastery: [Rank E] (Passive) Increases bow skill XP gain by x1 and increases bow damage by x1.
Snipe: [Rank E] (Active) Increases accuracy by 20% but decreases attack speed by 90% for the next attack.
Quick Shot: [Rank E] (Active) Increases attack speed by 20% but reduces accuracy by 90% for the next 5 attacks.
I had finally got a grasp on how to use a bow now I just need to practice with it to get better. I sat on the ground, drinking some water, trying to catch my breath. Urlgan was relentless with his training. A few moments later, he had walked up to give me a hand up.
"The way you learn skills…you wouldn't happen to be an ascended, would you?"
"I think that was what Eri called me."
"You spoke with Eri! Then it is true, you really are. In that case, then I have one last task for you, and I will consider you graduated. There have been reports that monster activity has picked up in the Darkwood Forest just west of here. You can find it next to Crystal Lake."
New Quest: Omens in the Dark
Quest Type: Faction
Difficulty: D-C
Urlgan wants you to investigate Darkwood Forest to find out why monster activity there has increased.
Rewards:
Hunter School Graduation
5000 XP
600 Gold
"I will do it. I'll see what is going on there."
"Good. Also, here is a basic tent kit. No telling how long you will be in the forest. It would be good to have a place to put your head at night."
"Thanks. I'll be back as soon as I can."
"Take your time, but most importantly, be safe."
I head over to Old Man's store to tell him I will be out for a few days.
"Hey, Old Man!"
"Gwyn! Good to see you today. Here to train?"
"No, not for the moment. I got a task to investigate the Darkwood Forest, so I may be gone for a few days."
"That's fine. Just be sure to practice what I taught you yesterday and bring back lots of herbs."
"I will. See ya."
I walk around town collecting things I may need for my journey, such as some dried foods in case I can't find anything to hunt. I also buy some extra arrows as I am still not the best shot yet. With my preparations complete, I set out towards the forest.
