Chapter 6

'Hmm. Thinking about everything that appears when I examine people, as well as myself, I don't really know what some of it means.'

[C. Lvl: Amassed levels of all classes attained.]

Ryzer read the words a few times before he rubbed his eyes.

'Amassed? We can have a larger number of classes than just the one?'

Looking up, he found himself standing in front of a store filled with leather goods in the window.

'This should be it...'

Before he could open the door, a pair of voices erupted from inside.

"You better just give me the money! I took you in, fed you and nurtured that talent!"

"Fuck off! You just want to fool around with those whores again! I'm not giving you anything! Ugh... never should have married him."

The last part was quiet, but easily heard as she opened the front door. A pair of tall, soft looking fox ears popped out. They were followed by a woman gifted with overwhelming charm and beauty. Her bright purple eyes lit up with shock as she peeked back inside. Her husband's steps echoed loudly from the staircase within.

"You... heard all of that?"

Ryzer could only sigh as he scratched his neck.

"Damn... erm, did you come to shop? I'll make your order half off since you overheard... that."

Ryzer couldn't stop himself as he spoke up.

"Why are you married to him?"

Her ears drooped a little.

"You another Lesser hater?"

Ryzer shook his head wildly.

"N-no! Please don't use that term. The people I'm closest to, they're all of other races. My childhood friend is a Catkin. I spent most days hanging out with her when I was little."

The Foxkin looked him up and down before letting Ryzer inside.

"You're still pretty little, kid. And to answer your question, it was a mistake. I can't take it back since I'm, well, a Foxkin. If you aren't a human, rescinding a marriage to one is impossible. Bastard doesn't even like me. Not once have I enjoyed a night with him. He is always out wasting our money! Ugh... he only wanted to take what I earned."

'She's pretty talkative.'

[Name: Rosa Greer

Age: 22

Race: Foxkin

C. Lvl: 48

Class: Advanced Leatherworker, Lvl 8]

'Advanced? Is this the inspiration thing? She's further ahead of the others...'

Rosa swished her fluffy tail around as she showed off her different items.

"Boots, gloves, belts and more. Even got casual wear and purses for ladies. Your coat is..."

Rosa got close to Ryzer, a sudden wave of heat washing over him. She began to study his coat, her tail rippling as she examined. After a while, she had a smirk on her face.

"This is some top tier work. You really came to my shop wearing something so much better than what I can make?"

Ryzer looked at his coat, confused. When he looked back up, his head was tilted.

"This was a gift, actually. I came here to get supplies before heading into the dungeon."

Rosa's eyes sparkled as she nabbed a few items from the shelves. Her speed took Ryzer by surprise as she brought over three pairs of boots, three pairs of gloves and two belts.

"So here is the thing. Your coat is beyond enough for headwear and body wear. It's tough, durable and definitely better than what I have here. These all come with a special enchantment due to my Inspirations. They can resize, as well as boost certain attributes."

The excited look in her eyes left Ryzer speechless. He took a look at the items, the boots and gloves matching perfectly in stats.

[Armor: Dark Leather Boots

Effect: Increased movement speed within dungeons.

Armor: Dark Leather Gloves

Effect: Increases weapon swing speed in dungeons.

Accessory: Dark Leather Belt

Effect: Perfect safety on potions connected to belt loop.]

"So these will at least match with your coat, as well as protect you decently enough. With the discount, er... are you interested in these items?"

Ryzer looked up, her eyes apologetic. The Foxkin was becoming increasingly flustered.

"I will buy these, but I think you should find a way to free yourself from your husband. His greed will hurt you, sooner or later. Find a better guy."

Rosa sighed, a small smile on her face.

"If only it were really so easy. Nice guys like you tend to get somewhat corrupt by the time they get older. Try to keep that innocence, kid."

Rosa walked away, returning with a small notebook.

"Cutting the price in half, three pairs of boots, as well as three pairs of gloves. Then the two belts. Two gold, even."

Ryzer slipped her the two coins, scooping up his new gear. As he slipped out of the door he turned to her and smiled.

"I'm twenty, by the way."

Her face turned scarlet as he let the door close. Taking this chance, he returned to the inn to drop off his items. Maddie greeted him, her own face still awkward as he entered and passed her.

Ryzer dropped his stuff off, keeping it properly arranged and set up to find easily. He took a seat, sliding on a pair of the boots and gloves. While strapping on a belt, he could hear a small knock at the door.

"Yes?"

The door opened slightly, Maddie peeking inside.

"I made something downstairs. By way of apology for misunderstanding."

Ryzer gave a small smile as he followed Maddie down the stairs. She set a small plate littered high with cookies.

"Err..."

Ryzer scratched the back of his neck as he sat down.

'Is she treating me like a kid?'

[Food: Physical Enhance Cookie (Chocolate Chip)

Effect: Minor (5) raise in all physical (Str,End,Dex) stats. Lasts 20 seconds.]

Ryzer stared at the plate. It held twenty cookies, easily.

"A good deal of those that enter the dungeon request these. I hope you'll at least enjoy them as much as they do."

Maddie walked away, returning with a paper bag.

"You can munch on em if you get hungry later."

Her soft smile left Ryzer with little choice. He slipped the large bag of cookies into his ring before speaking.

"I was never offended in any way, but I'll accept these as a form of apology and good will."

Ryzer bowed his head to her in gratitude. As he looked up, her smile grew brighter.

"Ah. Before I go to the dungeon, I wanted to ask about an Alchemist or an Apothecary in town?"

Maddie seemed to consider some things for a bit before speaking.

"On the edge of town, it's pretty close to the dungeon portal. The owner is a weird one, but his assistant is a good kid. I do hope other races aren't an issue for you."

Ryzer saw the hopeful look in her eyes as he smiled at her.

"My husband, well he was a Wolfkin. Part of why I have no kids when pushing forty."

Ryzer nodded, knowing of the impossibility of crossbreeding between the races.

"Alright, be sure to come back tonight. I'll have a nice meal waiting."

Ryzer proceeded to leave, realizing how late it had gotten the moment he stepped outside.

'I think I might have made a mistake staying so long.'

---

Thank you,

Anna Haig!