“Welcome to Bordertown, Sera! It looks the same as it was fifty years ago!”
Overlooking the town from a small hill, both of us get the full view of Bordertown. As a starter town in a fantasy world, I’m not disappointed.
As you can see, the town is oddly designed. To the west, you have the residential district which looks to have a partial European-Medieval theme to it. In the centre, a good amount of farmland and trees blooming with fruit. Lastly to the east, that must be the high street where all the business goes down. No wall so I presume this town must be in a relatively peaceful area.
“Anything I should know before we go further, Lena?”
“Um… ah! You might want to keep where you came from to yourself, Sera. Memories can last generations and Bordertown was pretty close to where a lot of the battle went down.”
“Don’t mention otherworlder stuff, gotcha.”
As we slowly progress down the hill, I can’t help but notice this town is quiet, at least the residential side. It’s probably nothing and everyone is out working or shopping… it does seem a eery though.
“I’m guessing we should hit up the high street… bet there’s also some sort of adventurers guild around here.”
Lena happily nods to my question so I’m not surprised. What fantasy world doesn’t have a guild like that?
“Figures… let’s try and avoid it for as long as we can.”
I apologize, but it’s an overused cliché. Overpowered MC goes to guild, gets ranked and breaks the ranking, only to receive or want a stupidly low ranking in order to blend in. If Lena ends up getting ranked only to break the ranking device, I’m going to facepalm.
“We can Sera, but you’ll struggle to get that EXP stuff without going on quests for stuff like bandit hunting! Could check the Job Seekers Guild if you’re happy cutting wood or using a furnace for a boring day’s work.”
‘Heh, Job Seekers Guild. Thought I escaped the crippling remnants of society.’
Oh yeah, briefly explained the concept of levelling to the dragon on the way over here. The reason is down to landing that final hit. Lena’s fully on board with me kill stealing every now and then so will try and spare me some enemies if possible.
“We’ll do that tomorrow then. For now, let’s get shopping.”
Continuing through the unwalled town, there’s not exactly much going on in Bordertown. Until, we reach the high street. Yup, this place isn’t empty at all.
Market stalls, shops, restaurants, guilds, schools… outhouses, bloody everything is around here somewhere. All you could imagine sits on this one street and people flock to the roads like cattle. The only thing this town doesn’t got is a church. Most villages or towns were originally built around a church so that’s quite noticeable.
However, before we go anywhere first, Lena tugs on my only good sleeve and has something to whisper. Some new clothes would be a could call.
“Remember what I said on the hill, Sera? Seriously, don’t mention it. I don’t care but other people might get a little stabby if they know. The Badlands have a really bad history with this.”
“Heh, relax Lena. I’ll keep it to my dying breath.”
“You don’t have to go that far! Just be careful… that’s all I’m saying!”
So, where shall I and the concerned Lena go first? I’ve got over seventy coins to work with so let’s see what that can buy. It’s time for a shopping spree that I will make sure doesn’t drag-on… heh. I’m still a dude at heart so that means shopping gets done as quickly as possible.
“Dragons can eat veg, right Lena?”
Whispering that bit so people don’t hear, are dragons guaranteed to be carnivores? Bearded dragons eat vegetables, but Komodos don’t. I’ll get some meat if necessary, but it does cost more.
“Hehe, of course we can, Sera. Fruit is nice and sweet, but nothing will ever beat a bloody steak.”
“Agreed. Rare is the only way to eat steak.”
“Really Sera? Aren't elves supposed to be vegetarians?”
“We better bloody not be.”
Heading to get some food first, I’m going for quantity over quality. That means, I can’t believe I’m saying this, I’m voluntarily going to buy healthy food. The numbers on the signs say it’s by far the cheapest.
A few apples, oranges, tomatoes, berries. This shop charges per paper bag so best fill it to the brim and avoid as much veg as possible. I may still grab a cucumber or two, just anything easy to eat we don’t have to cook.
“An entire bag of fruits and veggies… two coins should do it.”
‘Hmm, I’m normally not a stingy person, but I really should give this a try.’
“You think you can do us a favour? Me and my friend were preyed upon by bandits out in the woods! We’ve… lost so much already and haven’t eaten in days.”
Putting on the best depressive face and sob story act I can muster; this has to be a way of improving speechcraft. I don’t feel proud, but I do need to try and find every possible way of levelling up.
“Erm… oh, alright! I can lower it to one coin then!”
[Speechcraft improvement +1] [CURRENCY: 72c][CAPACITY: 6/11]While I’m handling the transaction, Lena crosses her arms and pouts at me! I don’t feel happy about this either!
That quickly changes as we walk off into the sunset… or the rest of the high street, the sun is setting though. Now both munching down on some juicy fruit, she can’t help but giggle to herself.
“Hehe, can’t believe you really bartered on a single coin, Sera.”
“Don’t you start. How I am to know what the economy around here is like?”
“Hehe, that’s fair, Sera. Let’s just hope we can find some quests to do so we can get money that way.”
“You worried there won’t be?”
“Not much goes in or out of this town so we might get unlucky. It is right on the edge of the Badlands so humans don’t come over here unless they wish to cross the Abyss.”
‘There it is, that Agora’s Abyss thing again. When I’ve got the dough, I’ll see if I can purchase a book on it.’
Still walking through the endless streets passing by all the human faces, Lena can’t help but tilt her head when a question presents itself. I swear she’s only getting cuter.
“Hey Sera… can I ask you something personal?”
“Sure.”
“How are you handling things with your curse? Seraphim forbid if I woke up in your situation, but reversed, I’d be mortified! Those things may be tiny, but I don’t want one!”
Ah right, male dragons are apparently not well-endowed. Why do I know this? Because this dragon likes to talk a LOT while we travel. It’s nice to have company and all… kind of wish I didn’t know that.
“Eh.”
“Eh? What does eh mean?”
“Heh, eh means eh, Lena. I’m pretty adaptable so it’s not so bad. Would prefer to be stronger, warmer and use the loo standing up. It’s not the end of the world though.”
I’d love for this to be a humorous tale where I curse the day I chose the female avatar, end up flustered every second and the ultimate goal is to find a cure. Honestly? I can’t see that happening, these breasts outweigh all the cons. That reminds me, back pain. Need to get that sorted.
“Really Sera? Then can I ask you something else? It might be too personal though.”
“Go ahead, I'm an open book.”
“Have you… as a girl… tried the thing yet?”
"What thing?"
“You know... that thing? The thing that causes far too much happiness? Choking the chicken? Relieving oneself? Whacking off? Flying solo? Practicing the art of-”
“*Cough cough*… I get it, Lena!”
I can’t help but choke on my apple. I think it’s safe to say, no conversation is off the table between us.
Even despite my near-death experience, Lena continues to smile like a real dope from her curiosity. I think this was going down the route of her asking which is better, a guy or a gal’s… big finish?
“Moving on…”
“Aww…”
Ignoring the curious but now sad-sounding dragon, it’s time for the dreaded portion of the trip. Clothes shopping.
“If I give you some coins Lena, are you happy if we go shopping separately?”
If possible, I’d rather not let the adorable dragon see me fluster so shopping alone is a must. I’m going to have to wear women’s clothes because of these two pounds of flesh, still can’t get over how brilliant they are. I’ll stop admiring them shortly… no promises though.
“Okay dokey! We’ll meet back at the inn later on.”
I take out fifteen coins and give them to Lena… only for her to go surprised pikachu face. Seriously though, the expressions she gives off are priceless.
“Sera, that’s way too much money for clothes! They’ve always been the same price as food… I think. I don’t see why the prices would change that drastically.”
“Take it anyway, Lena, treat yourself to… erm… meat? Or something shiny? What does your kind buy?”
“Hehe, we’re not that different to other species, Sera. I’ll keep it if you insist… don’t think this is enough for shiny jewellery though…”
So, now alone as I watch the purple-haired ponytailed dragon wander off and go on her shopping adventure, it’s time for the part I don’t want to do.
‘Time to walk the valley of death… or best known as the lingerie aisle…”
__________
“Wow, an elf that’s free! The only ones I’ve met come from the kingdom, but all wear collars and chains. What can I get you today?”
‘Sigh, of course slavery exists in this world. Am I surprised?’
Finding a clothing store, I’m greeted by an enthusiastic woman who quickly overwhelms me just as the rest of the place. Shelves and counter tops, full of feminine clothing and technology that doesn’t look as medieval as I first thought.
“E-Erm. Where do you put the… bras?”
“Follow me this way and I’ll show you!”
Now, don’t judge me because this is something I need. It just comes down to having a good pair of breasts and my back already beginning to ache. Don’t think sleeping in a cave helped last night, but it’s a problem that needs a fix. Besides, swinging around a sword with real-life jiggle physics… I need a bra!
“Those lights... how are they made?”
I see no light switches or wires in sight. Could just assume magic, but that answer is boring.
“Oh, guess you elves don’t have them in the jungle, if that’s where you're from! They’re just lanterns filled with a glowing ore. Shake it, they turn on. Shake it again, they turn off!”
Smalltalk aside, it doesn’t take long for us to hit the other end of the store and my face to become flustered. We’re here…
Cute underwear sets are everywhere in sight, in every colour the rainbow can produce. Some frilly, others silky, a few transparent, all make my masculine mind itch. I think I spoke too soon about being adaptable.
“Is there anything in particular you’re looking for? Just from a quick look, I can already tell what size you are.”
“E-Erm… something boring and b-black? Kinda need a basic outfit as well. Can y-you pick something for me?”
Yup, my brain has shut down. Put me against a pack of wolves and I’ll try fighting to my last breath. This is a new kind of battle I’m not sure how to win…
__________
‘Damn… it’s exactly how I imagined.’
[Is Sera going to waste time in a dressing room when there are better things to do?]
The sweet lady gave me some things to try on and after the first bra, I can no longer continue. I’m going to have to go commando because the idea of pulling panties up my legs… it’s solely for carry weight reasons, that’s it! The less I’m wearing, the more carry weight I’ll have!
‘Point taken, Guide. Think I need my mind purged.’
Taking the bra off, quickly putting back on my sleeveless sweater and going to buy an outfit, I’d like for this experience to be over. It doesn’t help I've tried my hardest to avoid locking eyes with my naked chest and failed spectacularly.
‘Wonder if Lena has a body better than mine-, I’m not doing this. Admiring your avatar is one thing, got too much respect for the dragon to be doing that.’
“Heya elf! You know the underwear comes as a set, right? If you’re buying that and the outfit I’ve picked, it’s only a couple of coins. The underwear is no extra.”
‘Sense another opportunity here.’
“You think I can have the bra for free? It’s just that it’s my first time in human lands and the whole buying clothing thing is confusing me. My back is aching, oh so much as well.”
…
“Ah, okay then elf. One coin for the lot.”
[Speechcraft improvement +1] [This guide is conflicted on whether to praise you or not, Sera.]
‘Yup, think I’m going to restrict this in the future. Anything cheap, I’ll just pay for directly.’
Now with two paper bags, one filled with food and the other clothes, I guess I’m done for the day. It’s time to head to the inn and relax.
‘Eh, I’ll get changed into this later… shit. Didn’t realize the woman picked me a skirt, might regret the commando weight-saving decision…’
__________
“Fifteen coins a night… that’s non-negotiable.”
Now at the inn in question, the place is a quiet as a mouse with the only guy here being the owner. I can’t believe he’s charging that price considering this place is empty, even the bar to the side is dead. Wait, bar?
“Everything is negotiable… ten.”
“Nope, take it or leave it. Fifteen.”
“Come on dude, it’s not like I see a row of custumers queuing for a room. Thirteen?”
“Fifteen.”
“Fourteen!”
“Fifteen, elf. Go find a damn tree to sleep under if you don’t like it.”
‘Is that elf racism? I feel like it is… ah, I don’t bloody care. I want a bed tonight.’
Reluctantly sighing and paying the damn price, I guess I can’t power-level my speech that quickly. I guess not everyone can be convinced, should become easier as I progress, but there will always be people who are impervious to my elven charm.
“Hey… you wouldn’t happen to serve alcohol yet, would you?”
“Normally wait till later... I can make an exception. Don’t do food here, but have everything on tap. The regular patrons don’t come in till it’s dark.”
Moving to the bar, the innkeeper shows me everything he has in stock and on tap. From the most bitter of vodkas, to the heartiest of ales, even the sweetest of champagnes. I should question why all this stuff is Earthen-based, then again, I did die inside that VR machine. Maybe this is my personal slice of heaven? Oh right, all the labels, signs and numbers in this town are in English as well. Couldn’t care about that, it’s time to numb my brain…
‘I should be careful and not waste money… maybe just a drink or four?’
“Whiskey… straight. No water or ice or any of that crap. Strong as it gets.”
Not even going to try my luck, I get out another coin and pay the guy what it costs. This guy can’t be convinced, that much is obvious.
“Sure about that, elf? It’s pretty strong... not sure a pointy-eared woman can handle it.”
As the owner pours the drink, his face screams of concern yet I don’t know why. It’s not like I’m going to down it in one go, whiskey isn’t meant for shots.
‘Yeah, this is elf racism. Just give me the drink already.’
“You done? Or shall I take my business elsewhere?”
“Hmph, suit yourself, elf. Here you go.”
Sitting on the bar stool and taking the first sip, an experience of pure ecstasy washes down my throat. Even my avatar shares my tastes, that burn just cannot be beat.
[Endurance improvement +1] ‘It increases my endurance as well!? Alcoholics be wary… let’s just have a couple more sips, then put on some fresh clothes…’
__________
“Hehe, there you are, Sera. Whatcha doing?”
“Hic, n-nothing Lena… *giggle*.”
Spaced out, smile as wide and as silly as her face will allow, the intoxicated elf sits in the corner of the packed-out tavern and happily chuckles to herself. About what? No soul has a clue.
“Sera… just how much did you drink?”
“J-Just a glass, hic, honest! When did you havesh… two heads?”
Looking over to the bartender, the disguised dragon appears nervous about the elf’s state. Right now, Sera could be at the mercy of anyone, she’s completely pissed.
“Your friend isn’t kidding; she’s been giggling like a madwoman since the second sip. You know what they say, give an elf some booze and she’ll start to snooze.”
“*Giggling*… I t-think I’m fucked.”
“I’m sorry about this. I don't think she's had human alcohol before.”
“No need to apologize, girl, it’s refreshing. Most drunken idiots in here break shit when they’ve had too much. She’s been a saint.”
“I repaid you fully for that stool, innkeeper!”
“It’s not my fault that glass smashed against this bastard’s head! He called my mother a two-bit whore!”
“She is a whore though! Every bearded adventurer that wanders into town has seen her undergarments!”
“Fuck you! I’ll fucking have ya!”
‘Sigh… what is it with humans wanting to fight when drunk? Some things never change.’
The innkeeper and Lena can’t help but facepalm when it looks like another barfight is about to break out. By the looks of it, she’d like to get Sera out of harm’s way as soon as possible.
“Did she rent us a room?”
“Third door on the right.”
“Wha-, hic. Where we going?”
The atmosphere in the inn rapidly gets tenser by the second, so Lena gives Sera a hand and carries her to the bedrooms. Just as they arrive, the sound of broken glass shatters in the background as a full-blown brawl breaks out.
“Damn morons… this is going on your tab! Don’t throw that!”
…
“Wow… hic. Looksh at that mountain!”
“Hehe, it’s a painting, Sera. I don’t think you should drink in future. Come on now, time for bed.”
“No! Not yet… hic. Look! Two moonsh!”
Now stumbling over to the window, the drunken elf can’t help but point at the night sky towards the two moons.
Since the earliest stages of the continent of Seraph, the two moons have glistened in the night sky, a reflection of the beauty the Goddess brings upon the world. None know why they can change shape or colour; the phenomenon is presumed to be a gift from Seraphim herself.
“Hehe, seriously Sera, at least sit down. You’re going to hurt yourself.”
“Hic, okay… the moons are pretty, like you. I-I… like you, L-Lena.”
‘She’s so freaking cute like this! I’d give her the biggest cuddle ever if she wasn’t about to pass out.’
Now on the bed still with that drunken smile, the world begins to spin, or Sera’s head spins, so it’s obvious it’s just a matter of time before she departs the world of the awake. She’ll sleep like a rock tonight.
“Aww… I like you two, Sera.”
“Hic… yay… *zzzzzz*.”
As she puts up her arms to celebrate, the elf experiences complete shut down and collapses on the bed…