Preparing Before The Expedition
What?
Visibly confused, Jake tilted his head, wondering when he had ever booked a slot for exploring a ruin. Just as he was about to lodge an inquiry for this (he did not want to be sued, or worse, 'disappear'), the watch began to ring.
"Hello, hello? Is this damn thing on yet. Oh, yes it is. Anyways, boy, I believe that you may have received something that may have piqued your interest. Yes, no need to thank me. I have booked an exploration date for you, both as a source of training, and also for you - know - what. Anyways -" He is cut short by a sudden outburst from Jake, who panics. "Old man, I cannot do this, I will not do this, I should not so this. I only know how to fight one - to - one, and it's with - nevermind. All I will say is that I will not go."
"Boy, you should really stop interrupting people when they're talking, it's very rude. As I was saying, before I was rudely interrupted, this is very good for you. During our fight, although you were very good, you still lacked the know-how to fight against different styles, by which I mean being able to adapt to different environment. This should help you to some extent (provided you don't die)."
"Wait, what?"
"Nothing, just get your tools and equipment ready by day after tomorrow. Chop chop."
Still trying to adapt to the sudden news, Jake suddenly recalled that he had school tomorrow. "What about to school? I still have to go there tomorrow." Strados chortled over the phone, amused at Jake's pitiful attempt to shirk going to the ruin. "No need to worry. You do know that the school has programs for mystical practitioners. Although not heavily publicised, they do allow a maximum of one week to go in adventures. This is possible as, although not a lot, there are students who are martial artists or mages. So this has been taken care of. I will send you a list of things to take. Try to get as much as possible, the bill will be footed by us."
Jake blurted out, impulsively, "How, why?" Strados merely chuckled slightly " Boy, did you not know how many records you have broken that day? We give out rewards based on the importance of the records broken, with agility the highest."
"Why agility?" Jake wondered out loud. "Only a living adventurer is a successful Adventurer, and trust me, the number one thing to do is when fighting a stronger foe is not to defeat it like some glorious hero, but to run away like a coward, so you at least get to live, nevermind your reputation." Strados here grows quiet. Jake, sensing a sordid backstory, decided to keep quiet.
After the brief pause, Strados can be heard clapping his hands, "Well, let's finish this talk for now. You should start getting your tools, and me my job. Goodbye!" With a small click, the watch grows silent.
Still contemplating on what Strados meant, he decided to check the list. After a quaint five minutes, a solid thud was later heard.
The next day, Jake went back to the city, this time heading to Eckselsor Street, famous near the surrounding regions for its vast collection of tools and equipment for adventurers, ranging from the latest laser survival saber, to the rarer Vuronic steel knife, famed for its flaming edge, capablenof cooking anything it touches, whether it be chicken, or iron.
Wandering across the street, Jake strode around mouth agape, taking in the vast crowd shuttling to and fro across the various markets, each hustling around to get the best deals for themselves. After gazing through the various windows, only then did Jake come into realisation that all of the people shopping were adventurers.
Feeling even less confident, especially considering the state of his wallet and the outrageous prices presented at the windows, Jake wondered whether he would be able to even afford the gears.
Just as he was about to leave and maybe go to Grud's for a chance that he might be able to pity beg for some redundant tools from Grud, something caught his eye.