15 The Inquisition

After thoroughly scrubbing himself, removing bits and pieces of charcoal, soot and the like, he rinsed himself clean. Looking over at his pile of dirty clothes, he sighed. He was one of the richest players in the game, had a unique hidden class, armed with a legendary sword, yet he was dressed in dirty, torn beginner clothes. A quick search later, Simply found that players can have up to two crafting professions, the main one {100%} and a secondary one {80%}. He had received his blacksmith profession without using any of his profession slots. Donning his old clothes after doing his best to clean them and remove the stench, he left for the nearest tailer.

From the outside, the establishment looked stylish. It has been built with brown bricks. Short, wide windows allow enough light to enter the place. The head tailor was busy sewing an elegant set of leather armour.

The armour set blended practical defence and stylish design beautifully together. A light cotton shirt along with cotton trousers made up the first layer of the armour. Stiff harden leather had been used to form the segmented breastplate, the fairly cuboid pauldrons, the matching rerebraces and vambraces. Decorated with intricate embossed runes and patterns. The tasset and the boots were made out of softer leather. The deep dark reddish-brown leather with golden highlights made the armour stand out in a majestic fashion.

A sudden desire to own this magnificent set formed within Simply's heart.

"Good Day, my good sir! What a superb creation you have there! I'm currently looking for a new set of armour and I think I just found what I was looking for! Good sir, how much will it cost me to purchase it?"

"Why thank you and good day to you also." admiring the armour," isn't it a beauty!? Unfortunately, it's a special commission for the City Lord. Made out of exotic materials from all over the known world. This set can rival plate armour in defence while competing against light armours in speed and agility. This is one of my masterpieces."

Noticing Simply's smile drop, the head tailor quickly followed up.

"You got an eye for good craftsmanship. How about you bring me materials and I'll make you a fully tailored set? The better the quality of the materials, the better the final result. What do you say?"

"Ha, thank you. But I'll have to pass. On the other hand, can you teach me your craft?"

"Mmmh... alright. But I'm busy right now. I have to deliver this set tonight. Come back tomorrow."

"Thank you very much. Shame I could not purchase the armour. Anyway thanks again. See you tomorrow."

Opening the door, the tailor called out.

"Oh and make sure to bring some rawhides, we will start with the basics: Tanning and weaving."

---

The settlement was slowly starting to pick up momentum. The new arrivals had begun expanding the settlement. Even now, people had started to call it a town. The piers were being expanded to accommodate trading ships. The Four Great Empires had decided to work together in the conquest of the new continent after a few setbacks at the hands of the native species. The player population had grown exponentially. A day after release, those unconvinced had bought the game to meet up with their friends who had been hooked on the game. Furthermore, the monetization of the ingame resources brought workshops and dreamers alkies into it. A gold rush was in the making.

Simply walked into the now crowded inn. A few regulars drank their salary away. Players could now be seen drinking and laughing together. Having a good time amidst their party members after a long grinding session. Others downed food and drinks before rushing towards the fields. Food and drinks granted temporary buffs which were beneficial during combat. One, in particular, was the local moonshine that scorched the throats of those who consume it. Those brave enough, to endure it, were rewarded with a stroke of bonus luck for the next hour.

He made his way towards the bar. The bartender nodded toward him.

"Captain Alvyn is waiting for you in the City Lord's residence. You better hurry. Don't want to waste their time."

Quickly thanking him, Simply hurriedly made his way toward the new meeting point.

---

"So he is the kid who defeated the Steel Assassin and acquired the Prince's Artefact? This is a joke. Look at him! Like seriously, he's just a newborn baby. "

The man who had spoken was Dasch Niltrann. Leaning against the bookshelf in the City Lord's private office. He was a respected guest of the City Lord, who stood respectfully on the right in front of the central desk. Another person stood alongside him, the old captain, Ser Alvyn with a serious expression.

"Don't judge a book by its cover, Dasch. Look closely, his sword possesses a powerful aura. Similar to him. Even though the sheat is trash."

The lady who criticised Dasch was Lady Lazna Atrus. She was a beauty. One word was enough to describe her because any other would be a waste of her beauty. Men and women alike would be head over heels after beholding such otherworldly beauty. She was beautiful in a classical way, with flowing golden curls and ivory skin; paired with piercing eyes of green. Something radiated from within that rendered her irresistible to both genders. She stood proudly behind an older man.

"Enough. He will tell us his side of the story."

The man commanded respect and authority. Duke Drayton Atrus was a tall, slender, broad-shouldered man in his fifties. He had kept his head shaved ever since he started going bald. His sharp green eyes pierced into Simply. He wore a deep crimson tunic highlighted with gold, with a cloth-of-gold cape.

He was a calculating, intelligent, politically astute, ruthless, and controlling man. He dedicates his life and efforts to maintaining the Astrus' prestige and ensuring House Astrus was respected or at least feared. He was a proven battle commander and politician who had served directly under the Immortal Emperor. His presence here displayed the Eternal Empire's seriousness.

Simply recounted his fight, his encounter with the phantom prince. When he finished silence followed.

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Level 21 (0%)

Name Simply Umbra

Class Imperial Knight

Race Human

Health 410

Mana 210

Stamina 431 (410) (+5%)

Intelligence 25

Wisdom 20

Dexterity 20

Agility 20

Vitality 20

Strength 30

Unassigned Stats 50

Perception 0

Magic Resist 0

Defence 0