Before they entered Dilchak’s store, Billy pulled Lorna aside.
“Look I understand partly why you left but it cannot happen again. Not like that.”
Lorna looked away from him. “I did what I felt I had to.”
“You were selfish and you didn’t think about the effect on the others. The girls in particular were devastated. It is difficult enough trying to survive.”
“I said I am sorry.”
“Did you? Because I don’t remember hearing that part.”
Lorna looked at him. “I am sorry, Billy! And yes, you are right. I was selfish, and stupid and lots of other shit things. But I am not a great role model.”
Billy sighed. “We have all been somewhat stupid but that is changing. The girls are growing as is Trevor. You don’t have to be perfect – just be honest.”
Lorna nodded and they returned to the others.
They entered Dilchak’s store to find that little had changed. The demon looked like he had not moved from his slouched position at the counter. The shelved were still half empty.
“So, you fewkin did it!” Dilchak exclaimed. He gave out a loud laugh. “Those squirrels had it coming to them.”
“Quest completed,” Billy said. “We have come for our reward.
“Of course, you fewkin have. Two silver pieces and a piece of armour each. Don’t expect any legendary stuff mind. Most of the kit here is common. You might find one or two uncommon pieces if you are lucky”
“Well show us what you have, good demon,” Yuki said.
Her manner was easy but her smile was forced. They were all bone-tired.
The range of armour was nothing spectacular and Billy worried over the practicality of the choices. While it might feel a good idea to go for a leather jacket – how long would it last? They had no way to repair it at the moment and given what had happened in the forest he could imagine it would end up shredded after one battle.
No, what interested him was a pair of green leather boots. They were simply made but he was tired of wearing the thin shoes from the induction centre and he knew a good pair of boots could last hm a while.
He allowed the others to choose first, curious as to what they would go for.
Trevor was the one with the [analyse item] skill and this meant he was the first to choose. He went for a black scale leather breastplate which he declared to be uncommon. The leather looked rigid and with his shield he would be well protected. According to Dilchak it had a durability enchantment on it which is why it was classified as uncommon.
Lorna chose next and she selected a softer common leather jerkin that would protect her whilst not restricting her movement. The leather was a dark brown and it looked very supple. Being common grade it had no enchantment but Billy thought it was perfect for her build.
Su Li and Yuki took longer over their choices.
Su Li was torn between an uncommon pair of leather shoes with a [soft step] enchantment] and a pair of common leather gloves. In the end she chose the gloves as it would make it easier for her to use the chain part of her weapon.
Yuki’s choice was between a similar pair of gloves and leather graves. In the end she settled for the greaves. There were plenty of ankle-biters out there.
Then it was Billy’s turn. He felt relief wash over him as he picked up the green leather boots. He was tired of walking around in soft slippers The pair of uncommon supple calf-high leather boots were a godsend. Protection and comfort. If only there were socks to go with them. The only downside were the colour – lime-green. Still, Billy had never cared much for fashion. And he was old enough to know the value of a good pair of boots. The enchantment on the boots enhanced stamina which was a nice bonus.
If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.
Mia said.
It was a sensible suggestion. Billy knew that good leather needed looking after. And there would be plenty of opportunity for the person to level up their skill and even make their own armour.
“Hey guys,” Billy said. “My AI thing suggested that one of us gets the leatherworking skill.”
“Mine too,” Trevor said.
The others are said the same.
“Great minds think alike and all that jazz,” Billy said. “Hey Dilchak how much would the leatherworking skill be?”
“Well just purchasing the skill book would require 2 gold. You are well fewkin’ short of that. It would be cheaper to acquire it from a trainer of a manual.”
“Where would we find a trainer?”
“Ah well, there’s the fewkin’ problem. The trainers are expected to arrive in three months’ time when we were fewkin’ supposed to open up. For now, you are buggered in that respect. However, there manual should be available. Let me check.”
The demon returned not long after. “a basic manual is available in two days time – after the tutorial ends. It will cost only 10 silver. Now, don’t fewkin get your knickers in a twist. Learning from the manual can be slow but it contains everything you need to know to level up your skill to journeyman. That fewkin’ means you have the prerequisite to take the leatherworking profession.”
“An then there’s the cost of tools,” Lorna said.
“Ah, yes…” Dilchak replied. “Tools can be a significant cost too but not bad for basic stuff.”
Billy was left wondering exactly how the professions worked. Hopefully Mia would be able to tell him some of the details when he had a spare moment. There were probably some very useful professions that would not only make them stronger but also bring in some needed money.
“Come on, Billy,” Lorna said. “We can come back after the tutorial is over to settle this. Now I have something to show you all.”
“One minute. I have one last question. Dilchak, what was the reason for them ending the tutorial so soon?”
Dilchak shrugged. “I don’t know and even if I fewking did I would not be able to tell you.”
“Well, I can think of one reason. They want all of us dead. Then no more worries.”
“Still can’t say.”
Billy fought down the anger that had been churning inside him. It seemed that since he was always angry. He would have to sort himself out soon before his anger affected the rest of the party badly.
“Hmpph… come on then Lorna. Show us your precious secret.”
***
Lorna had led them back towards the camp-site. There she bound a stick in dry grass and moss and used one of the embers from the fire to light it. Then she proceeded at a quick pace towards the rat-fiends’ cave.
It was actually a pleasant walk. Su Li and Yuki chatted amiably and Trevor was noticeably more relaxed. They had achieved a notable quest and their party was complete again. It was natural to feel in high spirits. Also nothing was currently trying to kill them.
When they arrived at the cave, Billy noted that the ret fiends’ bodies and refuse had all been cleaned out.
When she saw him looking, she said, “This is where I’ve been staying. Close enough to keep an eye on you guys. Once I cleaned it up the smell was not too bad.”
“Is this what you wanted to show us?”
“It is inside. I should have spotted it earlier but it is very dark at the back – and smelly. I slept near the mouth of the cave. I only found it by accident.”
The roof of the cave sloped quite severely as they moved further inwards until Trevor and Billy were crouched over.
Lorna held up the torch so they could all clearly see what she had found – a wooden door.
“What is it?” Su Li asked.
“It’s a door,” Yuki replied.
Su Li rolled her eyes.
“Just touch it,” Lorna said.
Billy took the lead and put his hands on the wooden panel. The door did not feel different to a normal door. But as his hand rested on the surface he could feel a soft heat enveloping his hands.
Billy chose no and quickly removed his hand. He was overcome with a mischievous impulse. He turned to Su Li and said, “It is a door!”
Su Li kicked him. “Not funny, Billy!”
Billy laughed. “It is a dungeon for a party of six.”
“Level 5 – 10 I think implies that is the level of the mobs inside,” Lorna said. “There shouldn’t be anything in there we can’t handle.”
“You want to go in there,” Yuki asked.
“Dungeons mean loot and levels,” Lorna said. “Assuming a cycle means a day, we have less than two days left. I think this dungeon is our best way to get to level 5.”
Billy looked at the others. They all looked tired and forlorn. Despite their new armour and having completed the quest the thought of tackling the unknown of a dungeon was clearly not something they could face today.
“Alright everyone. Let’s head back to camp. We will all feel better after a good meal and some rest. Then we can think about this dungeon.”
Even Lorna nodded silently for which he was grateful. It was all he could to stop his hands from shaking. He definitely needed some quiet time before he blew a gasket.