“Bon appétit! Wait, is it just you two mistresses sharing this? I’ll get some doggy bags if you can’t finish it all.”
“Really Lena? This is what you ordered us?”
“Cake! I knew this would be worth it!”
Having to move my sword off the table, the waitresses place down our cake while Lena grows the biggest and dopiest smile you can imagine. At her suggestion, we decided to find a restaurant today.
The first thing we did this morning was head to a blacksmith to get some new weaponry, then Lena picked the location for brunch. Yup, it’s a maid café. Does anything else need to be said about that? Bordertown high street has everything.
The weapon shopping went as well as you might expect with my bartering luck right now. The weapons they sell here are as good as the blade that broke, weapons are unreasonably expensive and I tried to negotiate, only to fail. Think Lena suggested this to try and cheer me up… or she just wants cake. Toss a coin and find the answer.
On the Brightside while we were shopping, that song is a classic, Lena got herself a backup dagger and we’re now enjoying a treat. This place is jampacked full of people and has a cutesy vibe that’s feels rare in this fantasy world. Who cares if I spent sixty coins on a shoddy sword anyway?
“So sweet! How are you enjoying your slice, Sera?”
Lena’s face shines as she cuts and then consumes the first of many pieces. This dragon is a glutton, why am I not surprised?
“It’s good. Maybe a little too sweet, I’m not complaining.”
When it comes to cake, there are only two unbeatable contenders for me. If it’s carrot or cheese, then it’s the bee’s knees… sometimes I feel older than I am. Behind the icing, this strawberry sponge is pretty good though.
“Yummy… num num num. Huh? What have you got there, Sera?”
“Just a book on the Abyss you may have mentioned once or twice.”
Noticing the book in front of me, Lena immediately tilts her head and questions why I would have such a thing. Once again, the high street of everything has everything. Thankfully, it’s only a coin per book so buying a few of these while we’re travelling and doing other things will make time seem quicker. I’ve only been in this world four days so far, couple more and it will be a week. Can’t forget time is measured differently here.
“You like to read, Sera?”
“Eh, a little, just thought it would make sense to read up on this world. You read, Lena?”
“Nope! Books are way too boring; you can learn just as much by listening to people.”
“Heh, fair enough.”
Getting really into the book as well as my cake, this feels more like a travel guide rather than a book. Oh well, at least I can read it, everything is in English after all.
Agora's Abyss and All That Surrounds Her (These in-story books are optional!)
Spoiler
So, you're interested in reading about the Abyss? Can't afford a map, have a terrible sense of direction, or are you simply uninformed? This guide is for you!
To start with, I presume you’re in Bordertown where I, the grand wizard Dale, wrote this masterpiece on a journey for wealth and adventure! This small but cosy town sits right at the edge of the Kingdom of Tuscany, has a high street rivalling the kingdom itself and has a splendid selection of things to do. Work is hard to find and the adventurers are pretty lazy though.
As for Agora’s Abyss itself, it divides three regions and splits the east side of the continent to the west. Legend has it, the Abyss formed when Seraphim lost a lover and wept for decades, the holy tears splitting the land in two like a broken heart. No one really knows why it came to be, just that it is there and if one falls into it, you’re gone for good…
The three regions split in question start with the central region, the Badlands. Bordertown and a great deal of ruins inhabit this area, also grazing the gigantic forest of Tor. The Farlands, far to the north, is a barren hellscape full of valleys and winged beasts that make this region unsafe for any adventure. Last and mostly forgotten is the Outerlands, the direct route to the jungle and desert in the southwest. Forgotten for the reason that not even a single settlement resides there.
Another story I’ve heard from wandering caravan folk is that the mystical otherworlders are wholly responsible for the destruction and ruins that plague the Badlands and the regions around it. Evidence is hard to find backing the claim, but one thing I do know is this. NEVER trust an otherworlder. They bring pain and misery everywhere they go…
[Intelligence improvement +1] [This guide would like to mention reading may be the quickest way of levelling intelligence, as long as the information contained within the book is properly observed.]
‘Thanks for the info, Guide. You know what they say… knowledge is power.’
As I continue to dive deep into this book, an odd feeling like I’m being watched causes a shiver in my spine. Except, it’s coming right across the table and is more of a glare. Lena’s eyes are full of hunger. I know I’m being a little rude reading like this, she wouldn’t care though, right?
I guess you could consider this a real date, albeit the hectic atmosphere and the maids rushing around make it seem less so. Nope, Lena isn’t looking at me. It’s my cake she wants…
‘Seriously? She’s already gone through half the sponge and wants mine!? Sera doesn’t share food!’
“Oi Seraaa, you’re never going to get big and strong if you don’t eat. I’ll force-feed you if you don’t.”
‘Heh, misjudged that. Maybe I should play with her if this is how she’s going to be.’
Already going for my slice with her own fork, she takes the piece and then puts it up to my mouth. Smiling gleefully the entire time, I’ve got a good idea of what this is… the fabled and awfully perverted indirect kiss! We’ll be thrown in prison if we keep this perversion up!
As soon as I gobble up what she gives me, her face blushes and she grabs the milkshake next. I’m trying my hardest not to laugh now.
“Y-You’ve… got to try some of this as well! It’s divine!”
This time she passes me her drink with the bamboo straw sticking out of it, a pink-coloured concoction of milky-fruity goodness.
Taking a big sip from the cup, the taste is just as sweet and strawberry-tasting as the cake. The thing is, I’m not a huge fan of strawberry. Seeing Lena’s face grinning like a dope, I am a fan of that.
“Heh, don’t think I can’t read your mind, Lena. Your slyness can only get you so far.”
“Huh? Whatever could you mean, Sera? My slyness? I have no clue what you’re on about!”
The cheeky dragon tries her best to hide that grin and to try her hand at acting. Yet, her facial muscles and voice just won’t allow it. She’s loving every moment of this.
“Yeah yeah, keep things up and I’ll get the wrong idea. Unless that’s what you want?”
“Hehe, no idea what you’re on about, Sera. Have some more!”
‘Silly dragon. I’ll keep her entertained for a while…’
__________
‘My mouth is going to start aching if she keeps this up… can’t hide a smile forever.’
Back to wandering the ever-present high street, I’m met with a familiar foe that persisted with my side yesterday. A wandering hand that keeps bumping and grazing into my own.
But instead of ignoring it like last time, my sword arm is ready to strike and grabs a hold of the intruder causing me great discomfort… albeit nicely and not in a stupid way at all.
Her hand is unexpectedly soft considering the scaly exterior she normally possesses. What doesn’t surprise me is the terrible acting she’s capable of.
“Oh, did you want to hold hands, Sera? I had no idea!”
‘Heh, she thinks she’s so clever.’
Trying my best to avoid eye-rolling and that glowing smile the dragon gets from these little things, I think the development should stop for today. We’re going to get shipped if we keep this up!
[Strength improvement +1] Oh right, forgot to mention another part of our shopping trip this morning. Went back to the clothing store to get some other bits and bobs, the packs on our backs and the hood on our heads being the prime example.
‘Remind me Guide, why shouldn’t I just store everything in a backpack instead? Doesn’t this make carry weight gain from SP upgrades pointless?’
[STORAGE][WEAPONS][ARMOUR] [Name][Quality] [Weight] [Name][Quality] [Weight][Iron Dagger][Weakened]1 [CONSUMABLE][MISCELLANEOUS] [Name] [Weight] [Name] [Weight][Waterskin: Partially Filled] x21[Adventurer's Guild ID - Sera]0[CURRENCY: 56c][CAPACITY: 7/11][EQUIPPED] [Name] [Effect][Quality] [Weight] [Name] [Effect][Quality] [Weight][Adventurer's Backpack]0% res[N/A]2[Iron Shortsword]38 dmg[Weakened]1.5[Adventurer's Outfit]0% res[N/A]0.5[Adventurer's Gloves]0% res[N/A]0.5[Adventurer's Boots]0% res[N/A]0.5[N/A] 0Right now, this backpack may seem light, but is actually filled to the brim. In order to increase my strength, I may have filled it with rocks. It may level me up slowly, but carrying this uncomfortable load is helping.
[Even though backpack weight is fixed to 2 and items stored aren't counted within the inventory, food spoilage still occurs, backpacks can be stolen and carrying equipment is highly impractical inside a bag, Sera.]
‘Guess that makes sense. Swear there is an indie RPG that levelled strength like this. This time I’m not purposely being unoriginal though.’
Finally, us hand-holding idiots return to the guild. But the second the door is passed, two very noticeable differences hit us.
“If you’re here for quests, the board has already been picked clean. If it’s to piss me off with small talk, I haven’t the time or patience.”
“Lighten up, Peaches, I'm only being friendly. Say, didn’t I see you at the bathhouse the other day?”
“*Sigh*… what did I just say? Get lost.”
The first is the monotone receptionist sitting against an empty quest board, lacking expression and sounding rude as she speaks to a different adventurer. I get that she’s working and all, but a pleasant smile and a gigantic pair of personalities can go a long way.
The second thing is that this place is cram-packed filled with adventurers and quite a few are looking at us like we have a reputation or something. I’m not sure if that’s a good or bad thing. I know we’re both lookers and all, but I’d rather not have guys lusting over Lena. I’m worried about their safety more than anything else.
Regardless, we still need to get paid. Might not be a great idea to mess around considering this idiot she wants to ignore.
“Hey… erm. We’re here to collect on the wolf quest.”
“That massacre your handiwork? Sorry for the lousy reward, quests given from outside sources are inflexible. Want to earn more? You can always break a few bones for me. This guy would be a good start.”
“Now now, Peaches, don’t be like that! You know you love me.”
“Call me that one more time and you won’t be able to say peaches, or anything ever again. Go pay for it because that’s the best you can get.”
Not even needing to respond, it’s obvious this gal can hold her own so me and Lena collect our earnings and wait around until things calm down a bit. There’s a lot of people in here right now and the board look mostly empty, like a fight is about to brew over the last scraps up there.
“Hey... those the new gals?”
“Looks like they are. A wandering elf coming here and taking the crappy jobs we don’t want? I’m all for it.”
'Guess those two made up... think they were drunkenly fighting over someone's mother last time?'
“You two, over here! You’ve even got backpacks, sweet! Are we good adding a couple more members to this party?”
“Mhm.”
“Can’t think of a reason not to.”
Two adventurers invite us over while their friend smokes just outside. This seems to make Lena a little uncomfortable so I take a seat while she stands back a bit. I’m doubtful they’ll try flirting with her, but you never know.
“How do you two feel up for a little caravan work? Pay is twenty coins a day, roughly ten days to get there and back if we’re not slow. Interested? We can always split up when we get to the destination if you get bored.”
“Aye, we’re leaving as soon as possible and need extra hands to lug some leather around. You have no idea how much they’ll pay for good pelts in Riverdale.”
“Mhm, the journey is dangerous, but that’s bandits for ya. Everyone knows how they run the forest like a plague.”
I’m immediately interested in the offer, only because you never know if work is guaranteed in this town. Lena however still seems a little on edge from these people. They seem friendly enough to me, but what do I know?
“It’s up to my partner if we accept. I’m down, but we’re a two-ma- or woman act here.”
“We can do it, Sera. The money sounds okay.”
“Eh, guess that’s settled then. I’m guessing you don’t have a carriage or a horse we can meet at?”
Honestly, I’m still not sure if Lena is okay with this, just one look at her and you can tell she’s thinking heavily. Maybe it’s just anxiety travelling around humans or something simpler.
“Nah, it’s safer to transport goods by hand in these parts. Lugging around a huge carriage or using horses makes easy prey.”
“Already lost too many pelts that way. Bandits scout and know everything about these woods. We’ll be fine backpacking on foot.”
“We’re ready to leave whenever you two lasses are. We’ve got the shipping order ready to go, just fill your bags with as much as possible and we’re set.”
By the sounds of things, time is of the essence. We’ve still got a few things left to do, like refilling our waterskins and buying some backup food before the journey. That shouldn’t take all that long to sort out.
“Oh, we completely forgot something important… names! I go by Derrick, the blonde is Lilith. The idiot is Naxon.”
“Mhm.”
“Aye, you two don’t have to share if ya wish. People take secrecy way too seriously around here…”
[QUESTLOG][Details][Risk][Reward][Travel with the caravan to Riverdale and help them carry their pelts.][Low][Low]__________
“Mhm, what brings an elf and a noble to travel together? Are you her servant? Slave? Or did your paths just happen to intertwine?”
Right on the edge of Bordertown and at the huge forest of Tor, the female caravanner speaks to us in an attempt to pass the time. The density of trees has been rapidly increasing as we exited town and on this road that leads east, we only have more forest ahead. This is going to be quite the trip.
“The latter, we crossed paths in a cave. Why do you assume she’s a noble though?”
The way Lena likes to dress, none of that would indicate she’s a noble. There’s nothing wrong with skimpier clothing at all, especially how good Lena always looks. I just can’t see how a noble would wear something like she does.
“Aye, we’re only making a guess. The energy around her feels different to most.”
“Mhm, she’s got a powerful aura. It’s strange really, humans don’t tend to have that.”
Slightly concerned they may clock onto Lena not being human, that concern quickly fades when Naxon facepalms and holds all of us up.
“I’m such an idiot, nearly forgot what I bought. Anyone care for some sweets and biscuits? Got to eat these quickly since they’ll go off.”
Before we even get the chance, broken biscuits and hard-boiled surgery treats are being passed around. Guess this group might be feeders then.
‘Should we be concerned about taking candy from strangers? Eh, they're all eating and now is Lena.’
“I think I’ll pass on the biscuits… don’t think I need the protein and chipped teeth today.”
“Mhm, he calls them biscuits sarcastically, they’re more like cookies. We haven’t bought those ship bricks in years.”
“Aye, shit bricks they should be called. We’ve still got that batch as a last resort. No chance in hell would I be seen dead eating those.”
‘Heh, at least we can agree on something. Ship biscuits are vile.’
Munching down, I’ve got to admit they’re pretty good… if you’re a fan of oatmeal and raisin. Yeah, I am old at heart.
We continue onwards on the long and boring journey, consuming plenty a treat and surpassing a great number of trees, all the while Lena continues to be as quiet as a mouse. After a good hour of this, her going mute is starting to frighten me.
“Lena, is everything okay? You seem quieter than usual.”
Whispering that to her, I’m starting to get concerned. On trips just between us, she’s as chatty as a parrot. The silence lingers like a plague today.
“My gut doesn’t trust them, Sera, and I don’t know why! They seem fun, but I don't like them at all. The only thing I can think of is I might be getting jealous or something.”
“Heh, you worried a bunch of caravan folk may take my heart or something?”
I can’t help but jest, I know this dragon is clingy, but jealously over this? And ignore the heart comment.
“It’s not like I’m opposed to other people, even sharing to an extent… I’d have to like the person as much as you though. It’s just that I’m nervous. I used to be like this all the time around humans. You’ve always been the exception.”
Ah, so that’s what this is, Lena gets shy around people. I can relate, in particular with crowds. Why do you think I love a drink? The taste is one thing, the loss of caring makes it worth all the ill effects.
“To be fair, the first thing I did when we met was carry and feed you. It would’ve been so easy to stab you in the back so the trust between us makes sense.”
“Hehe, and yet you didn’t. That’s the weird thing, those sweets they gave us were nice, and they seem alright. I just don’t know why I feel like this.”
I have to chuckle alongside her as well, trying to get all that EXP off her in the cave would’ve been insanely stupid. Still wonder what would’ve happened if I did stab her…
“We’ll see how things go, then decide when we get to Riverdale, yeah? Let’s put a little faith in the humans for now.”
“Okay dokey, Sera!”
The problem is, we never even got close to Riverdale on this journey...