Okay, I need to buy shoes, without haggling. Is that right? Haggling is a class skill? As I spotted the general store, I realized I was already standing next to a cobbler.
The cobbler’s shop was really just a cart with wheels that had sides that opened. The bottom halves opened down, while the top halves were propped up with wooden dowels. The insides of the door flaps had colorful signage. No wonder I missed it on my way into town; it wouldn’t have looked like much when shuttered.
The side facing away from the street had a little man with large floppy ears working away on something I couldn’t see; a shoe, I supposed. He had more hair coming out of those pointy ears than he had on his head. The side of the cart that I could see clearly had five boots, and a slipper. The cheapest was labeled ‘One gold.’
I walked right by that shop, and kept walking past the general store. I couldn’t even consider spending more than maybe a single silver at the moment. Maybe I can make a pair of shoes? Without gaining a level in… I don’t know; shoemaker?
Instead I spent the afternoon walking around town barefoot, not that that was an all afternoon task. Every time I came across something interesting, like the [Blacksmith], I had to remind myself that I could get a level just by observing. When I couldn’t explore any further, I found a comfortable spot to let the town go by.
I was glad when I eventually spotted someone I recognized. Elion was leaving the building I now realized was a town hall. He carried one of those lanterns I had seen him lighting last night, although this one was much more ornate. He hung it at one of the corners of the large building. Maybe they take the nicer ones in during the day?
“Evening, mayor,” I greeted him. I wasn’t a people person, but I had to get this game going before I ran out of resources. He looks like a quest-giver. “Thank you for lighting the lamps each night. They really give the town charm.”
“Of course, my boy. It’s been my honor to light these very same lamps for over 100 years. Back then, lamplighter was my only job,” he laughed.
“That’s incredible. Why does it take you so much longer to light these lamps than the candles?” I asked. I was excited to start learning magic, and it’s one of the few things not on Amaya’s No list.
“Excellent question my boy,” he said, face lighting up. “That was the Light spell; very flexible. You can use it to make an object to glow, create a floating light around yourself or others, for one minute. Or you can use it to light things like candles and lanterns. The magical flame lasts an hour, and is pure light, with no heat. Doesn’t use up the candle at all. I’m always happy to see youngsters taking up the [Holy] class.”
Danger lights started going off in my head. This is not [Arcana] magic. There is more than one magic class. Of course there is! I waited for the level up to appear, but it looked like I dodged a bullet.
“But these lanterns are different,” he went on ignorant of my panic. “The ruin for the Light miracle is built in. Anyone who can manipulate mana can charge it up, and it will last all night.”
I relaxed. “Actually sir, I wasn’t planning to take any levels in [Holy]. So I’ll probably need something like this lantern. But, maybe something less fancy. These look expensive.”
And with that, I was staring at my black orb again. This time the pillar that erupted from the opposite side said [Bard].
[You have learned Barter!]
[Level up!]
[You have achieved Bard Level 1!]
[You have achieved Mortal Level 2!]
What?! I’m not trying to Barter with him for the lamp; I just wondered how much it cost! Okay, I can see why determining an item’s cost is a part of Bartering. And Amaya did warn me…
If this is a synergy class, would it say something on my character sheet? Can I assume it isn’t because it doesn’t? Either way, I think Gorg and Amaya are right. It’s too easy to gain the first level in a class to make 100 in any one class a viable option. Seeing nothing else new, I closed the interface.
As I closed the character sheet, a new floating indicator under the lantern said:
[27 Gold, 3 Silver, 2 Copper]
“Everyone must choose their own path, my boy,” he said, heading back in for the next lantern. “Just choose wisely.”
“Bard?” A familiar voice broke my train of thought. I turned to see Amaya.
“Yeah,” I said, clearly disappointed. “How’d ya know?”
“Insight. It’s a cantrip spell from the [Divination] school. That’s my secondary spell school,” she answered. My blank look was enough to prompt her to elaborate. “All spells cost mana; some you pay for up front, and some you pay as long as you concentrate on the spell. Spells that drain mana at a rate slower than your mana refills are called cantrips. You can pretty much keep them up all the time.”
Then added, “This one doesn’t even take up a skill slot if you can merge it with Scry, and it’s way better.”
“Gorg mentioned Scry.”
“Everyone has Scry. It’s the first level gift of the [Shaman] class. Anyway, the council approved my request to study you.”
“Even if I can’t get to 100 in a single class?”
“That was never going to happen. Even if it did, it would take like 100 years. They think you’re interesting enough anyways, if you’re still willing.”
She thinks I’m interesting? Probably not for long if I can’t figure out how to feed myself. “Does the Mage Guild pay their test subjects?” I pressed my luck. I have to figure something out for cash in this world.
“I… can pay you in [Arcana] lessons. I’m level 18,” she answered. “And my room at the inn has a spare bed. You are staying at the inn, right?”
[Quest: Knowledge for Amaya]
Amaya needs to provide previously unknown knowledge to the Mage Guild in order to increase her rank
Help her learn something that she can report back
[Reward]:
- [Arcana] magic lessons
- Reputation with Amaya and the Mage Guild
- Temporary lodging
[Failure Cost]:
- Loss of Reputation with Amaya and the Mage Guild
[Accept:?]
Yes/No
Oh. There are quests. Time had stopped while the system waited for my answer.
Yes
“That is so much more than I deserve; thank you so much,” I told her gratefully after the System resumed. “Do you know about the quest interface?”
“A quest? Did you get a quest? The Celestial Court hands them out. It’s their way of letting people know the outcome of a bargain or request is important. It’s the reason why we always choose acolytes to be leaders. That way the gods can know what’s important to us when we go to them. What did the goddess offer you?”
“Reputation?”
“Really? Well, just the fact that there is a quest means Lirien is looking out for me,” she said, sounding disappointed.
“Is this Lirien?” I asked, pointing to the porcelain mask on her hip.
“Yes, Lirien is the Goddess of Whispers and Wonders. Everyone should find a god to venerate. I can help you find the one that aligns best with your ideals,” she explained.
“You’re not going to suggest I choose yours?” I asked in surprise.
“Why? People will seek her out if she’s right for them. Wait… Did I just gain some ‘piety’ for not trying to sell you on her?”
“Piety?”
“Acolytes get piety for raising their esteem in the eyes of others. If I got piety, then you must think more highly of her for me not trying to impose her on you.”
“I suppose that’s true. Gods are different here,” I replied. “Back home each one is very particular about making sure everyone worships them and only them.”
“There were gods like that here, but the Celestial Court removed them from power. We call them The Fallen. But let’s worry about religion later. Go move your stuff into our room before the innkeeper makes you pay for another night. He can tell you which one’s ours.”