Chapter 6: Forming a Party

After the two of them finished their coffees respectively, Renan determined that it was a good time than any other to delve into more interesting topics—topics that would have to do with the game.

"So, you're already level 5 Miss Ars... That's simply incredible; it must've taken a lot of painstaking effort to reach that level." Renan started.

"Mhm… I suppose you could say that since I've pretty much done all the work by myself."

"By yourself…? What do you mean by that?" He tilted his head at her questioningly.

"I-It's exactly how it sounds like. The truth is, from the very beginning up to this point I've just been playing the game on my own…" She shyly admitted while feeling her face turn hot from embarrassment.

"I-I see."

Well, how should he say this…? He didn't know whether or not to praise this girl for attaining her current level solely through her own efforts; or feel pity from the bottom of his heart for her lack of communication skills to acquire friends to aid in her growth. Truthfully speaking, he was leaning more on the latter.

"W-Well, there's no need for you to feel bad about it. In fact, I think it's pretty awesome that you got to your current level without relying on anyone else's support."

He didn't reveal any ounce of shame as he boldly lied straight to her face. Naturally, he had his reasons to befriend a person like her. First off, he needed to form his own party composed of trustworthy people he can rely on. Second, her skills were apparently quite decent considering her status as a solo player who's close to hitting level 6. Fatal Fantasy has only been open to the public for about a week or two, so how much progress could the average player base be making when that timeframe is taken into account? Besides, like the saying goes, 'It's always better to make friends rather than enemies.'

"Also, isn't this a type of fate Miss Ars that you and I met? If you're totally fine with it, then I don't see why we can't form our own team together."

"R-Really? You're fine with having me?"

"Yep, more than anyone else." Renan genially smiled.

Obviously, the maiden's heart was touched upon hearing those words as her expression visibly glowed. How long has it been since she's searched for a suitable person or party to team up with—has it been six or seven days? And wasn't the reason why she kept coming back to the Adventurers Guild, sitting and waiting on the same table every time, all in hopes of this very moment to finally take place?

At long last, she found one such person and, not only does he act like a proper gentlemen, but was also hella hot to look at. So tell me… how could she not be moved by this?!

"T-Then, thank you for having me." She hurriedly bowed her head to express her gratitude towards him.

While Renan, with a refreshed expression, nodded and said to her: "Mhm. Likewise."

Without her realizing it, Ars inadvertently revealed her inner thoughts out loud by saying to herself: "Yes, yes, yes! Finally, I have made my very first friend inside the game…!"

Noticing the blunder she made, Ars quickly covered her mouth and turned her head sideways; her face faintly blushing under the illumination of the room's lighting. Finding this action of hers quite endearing, Renan couldn't help but eke out a small chuckle.

"It's really great to have you, Miss Ars."

…

Over the course of an hour, Renan went to the third floor together with Ars and bought a couple of things like potions, equipment, a weapon, plus a skill book. Because of him wantonly spending his money, which resulted in a shortness of funds—he was only able to procure boots as the only equipment in his body as well as a claw finger type weapon.

(Fine Leather Boots, Tier 3 Normal-Grade)

Armor: 5

Agility: 3

Item Description: A pair of finely tailored leather boots.

(Finger Steel Claws, Tier 3 Normal-Grade)

Physical Damage: 7-12

Dexterity: 3

Item Description: Ten individual finger-sized claws sculpted by hard steel meant to be worn on the user's fingers.

Now that he'd spent every single penny in his pocket, he was now as broke as the fabled tooth fairy. But with this little bit of insurance, he was at least confident enough to complete the quests he set out to do. Overall, this was all the purchase expenses he garnered: 10 health potions each worth a silver, a pair of boots worth 10 silvers, his new weapon that also called for the same price, and lastly an active skill book.

"Thank you for lending me some copper coins Miss Ars, or else I wouldn't have been able to buy this skill book using my remaining 19 silvers and 10 copper coins."

"You're welcome. But I don't really mind since it's only a few copper coins."

"Still, if you ever need a favor from me in the future, please don't hesitate to ask."

"Mhm. I'll keep that in mind."

After finishing their casual exchange, Renan held out the skill book in his hands and stared at it for a while. A couple of seconds later, the pop-up he expected finally appeared out of thin air.

[Do you wish to input Fury Swipes into your character? Yes/No?]

'Yes.'

[Congratulations! Lobo has learned a new skill called Fury Swipes!]

'…Huh? The hell is N*ntendo's signature text when a Poke**** learns a new skill doing here?'

Evidently, he was more or less dumbfounded when he read the text just now, because it reminded him of a very popular video game in the early 2000s that his father used to play when he was just a little boy.

Ars must've noticed him blankly staring at the system window for a while now, as she called out to him in a concerned voice: "Umm… is something the matter, Renan?"

"Huh…? Oh no, it's nothing, I just suddenly had a thought is all. Anyway, let me check the effect of this skill real quick."

(Fury Swipes, Active Skill Lv. 1)

Effect: Release a flurry of attacks at the target, dealing 10 points of physical damage with each successive hit.

Looking at the skill window, Renan closed his eyes for a moment before lifting his head up to stare at the ceiling as a wry smile crept up on his lips.