Chapter XIV - Small Party

Marcus strolled through Vhul as many adventurer's were socializing in the village. It was almost too much for Vhul as many more players continued to explore and less were leaving.

Marcus approached the smithy as a long line of players were arguing with the blacksmith and armorer.

"Ge' Outta 'Ere boy!" The smith yelled throwing his hands up in frustration. As is tradition with every game Marcus had played in his life, the smiths were always Dwarves and The World was no different. The two dwarves were barely able to reach the top of the counter with the step-ladders custom made for them. Their beards reaching down past their belts that contained their larger-than-life pot bellies.

"It's a scam! How is such a weak weapon 10 copper? That's 5 quests here what do you take me for?!?" The angry patron shouted.

"A scam?!? 'Ave ya no shame laddie??? We be the Bragos Brothers and 'ave been craftin' tha finest weapons an armors aroun' these parts!" The armored yelled back.

The crowd started getting unruly yelling obscenities towards the cheapskate.

"If ya can't buy ****, then **** off! There are those of us who can!!" One yelled.

"Quit ya ****ing haggling and stop hassling them, buy or GTFO!!!" Another yelled.

The man turned around as he hadn't noticed the large line behind him and quickly put down the 10 coppers and took his weapon and ran off.

After taking his place in line, Marcus began chatting with his Flutter chat, explaining things here and there. He knew that most of these people would probably not buy his Ultimate Guide, so he was just providing small tips that would be in the free guide.

After waiting around it was finally his time to speak with the dwarves "Greetin's traveler, wot can we do fur ye?"

Marcus, who had returned to his basic equipment following the completion of his advancement requested the basic level 5 white chainmail set, sans the gloves, along with a tabard and a cloak. He then requested the basic white shield.

The dwarves were skeptical that the adventurer could afford everything before a large grin appeared across their faces, meanwhile the group of people behind him was looking shocked as the young man pulled out 25 copper coins and a silver coin and paid for the order in full and donned his new equipment

[Basic Chainmail Coif]

Rank: White

Level 5

Squire+

Durability: 100/100

[Basic Leather Cloak]

Rank: White

Level 5

No Class Restriction

Durability: 100/100

[Basic Chainmail Hauberk]

Rank: White

Level 5

Squire+

Durability: 100/100

[Basic Cotton Tabard]

Rank: White

Level 5

No Class Restriction

Durability: 100/100

[Basic Leather Belt]

Rank: White

Level 5

Squire+/Rogue+

Durability: 100/100

[Basic Cotton Trousers]

Rank: White

Level 5

No Class Restriction

Durability: 100/100

[Basic Chainmail Boots]

Rank: White

Level 5

Squire+

Durability: 100/100

"I'd also like to place an order" Marcus requested as he pulled out the 4 pristine golden shells and placed them on the counter. The dwarves lit up and began excitedly chatting between themselves as they fondled the beetle shells.

"These will make an amazing adornment young man!" The smith said.

"'Ave you lost ya min'? These beauties should be used 't enforce armor!" The armor said as they began arguing back and forth.

"As you can see I could use a pair of gloves…" Marcus replied.

The dwarves began discussing schematics quietly between the two of them before the smith returned to Marcus. "We can make ye a pair of gauntlets, but there is something more we will need for these beauties, some wolf pelts."

Marcus nodded "where can I find such prey?"

The dwarves explained north of the village was a wolves den and a marker appeared on his map.

The Bragos Brothers need Wolf Pelts in order to complete your order. Hunt them down and bring them to the brothers to complete the quest.

0/4 Pristine Wolf Pelt

Marcus bowed to the dwarves "I'll return as soon as I am able with the requested materials." He said as he turned and began to leave the village.

Marcus was making his preparations, stopping at the herbalist's hut and grabbing a few health potions before strolling out of the village heading to the North.

[Basic Health Potion]

Restores 50 HP to the user. Cannot be used on other players.

Marcus was walking through the fields heading north as he came across a group of two killing mobs out ahead of him. Their teamwork was impressive as they were pincer assaulting and whenever aggro (monster aggression or who it is targeting) swapped they would retreat and the other would begin their attack.

He stopped about 3m away to not unnecessary aggro from them. When they had finished off the wolf, one used the dismantle skill to butcher the creature, while the other approached Marcus "Hello, I'm Mawu, this is my sister Lisa."

Marcus raised his hand in a friendly gesture "I'm Nobody, how's the hunting going?"

Lisa walked up behind her brother and smiled sweetly as she said "Pleasure to meet you."

Marcus was shocked, what a fortunate turn of events, Mawu was one of the top rankers back in his day, becoming one of the most proficient Beast Masters in the game, while his sister Lisa was a top tier Druid. They completely were a nigh unstoppable duo in the Order of Balance.

Marcus bowed "The pleasure is all mine. I don't wish to pry but I am here to hunt wolves as part of a quest. Would you two mind teaming up with me and joining me in the dungeon?"

Mawu looked to his sister who returned the gaze. It was if they both could speak telepathy with one another. It was after a few moments that Lisa turned to Marcus and smiled and nodded "It would be our pleasure to help out."

"Great, I'll send you two a party invite" Marcus said. "When we're done, I can provide any information that you guys may need in order to help you along the way."

[Mawu joined the party: Level 8 Adventurer]

[Lisa joined the party: Level 8 Adventurer]

All three were surprised as Marcus was no longer the highest leveled person and, for the twins… Marcus was not an Adventurer!