Chapter 8
Chapter 8
<>×{|----=[[A Tale of love between the God and Mortal:Summary ]]=---|}×<>
A story that was old as time. A fable book of unfold years of tale. A love of unbound song of unchained melody. A memoir of once forgotten tale.
A man named Paul ventured the woods to write an inspiring story. A book he wanted to showcase the world, the greatness and wonders of this tale he wrote. From rivers to falls, to mountains and hills, till the woods and plain, he stride forward, and push forward.
Making his way to the deep forest, a lively small pond is what he saw. Craving for a good bath and drink, the man then walked. Crossing the beautiful flowering field, the man then came beside the clear pond. With his itchiness for a relaxing take, the man took his clothes off and went for a deep.
Sighing off for a pleasant deep, a sudden words then came and voice its complain
"That is my pond, what rights do you have to use it as a bath?"
The man then hurriedly turn his head, to asked for a sincere forgiveness, to whom spoke that proclaims the rights of this pond he took. Upon his eyes could see, the vision of a brilliance of gold couldn't possibly compare. A woman that so lovely and gentle, yet fierce and cold, took the man's voice in a blink.
Trying to stand his ground, the man then bowed and spoke
"It wasn't my intention to use it without your permission. So I humbly asked to forgive such rude act"
The woman was silent as she came close to the man she saw. She then stood beside him and spoke
"I could hear lies upon remarks, and yours weren't spoken in such words. So I shall forgive such blasphemy, and asked you won't do such thing again"
Humbly thanking upon the gracious mercy of that woman, the man then left. But as before he could do so
"Does your world doesn't care about clothing and shame?"
"Pardon?"
"I asked, does your place doesn't care about privacy"
The woman spoke as she pointed the clothes he forgot to take. Embarrassed to such, the man hurriedly took his clothes back, and run towards the woods.
"..... I hope he won't encounter any monster in his way. But seeing he was naked, I think those beast will known to shown respect to save that man's dignity"
The woman then turn his vision away from where the man flee.
- - - - Part 1 END
<>×{|----=[[<×><×><×><×><×><×>]]=---|}×<>
After we went inside the [Teleportation Array's] magic circle, a blinding golden light then wrapped us, and took us away from the statue of once of the strongest being, that roams this continent. And what I saw after the golden light vanished was
".... Another forest? I was expecting something different though, what a let down"
As I said that, I then step out from the [Teleportation Array]
[You have been teleported to [What a Rocky Place!]
"... What?"
Baffled upon reading the name that is either funny or stupid, I then looked at Lucrane and pointed it
"What the hell is that? Is one of my own stupid race did this?"
Ahem
"Sad to say, it wasn't"
"Huh?"
Lucrane then didn't made an eye contact with me, as she just move forward
"Let just say that not all in our continent knows how to give names. Some were crazy enough to call their place just to make puns"
Staring back at the screen, I then stated
"Your world is full of crazy things, isn't it?"
"That is a compliment, you're very much welcome"
I then ignored that screen and followed Lucrane behind. Discerning the surrounding area, I then asked in a bit nonchalant tone
"Are we going to venture another forest? I am not really complaining, but I was really expecting something from this con-woahhhh~!"
As I was a bit displeased, or kind of expecting way more in this world, I was quite truly surprised that we were teleported to another forest, not another landscape or terrain, another place or something out of this world region. But as my words of complain voice out, I was completely shut off as I turn my gaze towards the front, and what I saw was a place full of rock formation, from small rocks to giant boulders. It truly took my breath away in an instant.
Lucrane seeing my surprised expression, smiled and pointed her right hand to the front, while his left was resting on her waist - she was facing on my right side direction - and spoke
"Then I hope this will suffice your curiosity"
And added as she turn her head upfront, as I came beside her
"Welcome to the [What a Rocky Place!]"
"... I stand corrected"
....
We then went down the mountain we were teleported in. At first, I thought it was just another wide forest that we are going to venture, but I was completely wrong as what we were standing in, or the place that we got teleported in, was a sculptured man that was holding the top of the mountain, like this giant mountain was completely carved into a monument of a man that was holding it, completely mind blowing as how beautiful it was. There was a path that was made at the left side of this giant sculpture, so I was able to see more of how detailed this sculpture was. Seeing it much in a better view, it reminds me of that photo I saw and read in our history class, when I was still in middle school, a *Greek man that was holding the world behind its back.
The stair we are walking into was a bit curved to the left to, which halted at the center of this magnifying structure. As we got at the base of this mountain, I then turn my gaze back at the amazing monument, and stared at it. It was truly well-sculptured. The man was kneeling with its right foot. Its left had was holding the top of the mountain, while the other hand was touching the mountain's wall, as it lean to its giant back to it. It was splendidly carved.
"It's one of the [Four Main Guardian Monuments] in this place"
I then looked at Lucrane and asked
"Four?"
"This one is facing the southwest of this town, representing one of the biggest [Merchant Guild] in this continent, [**Coeus, the First Guardian]"
She then looked behind her right and stated
"At the north is [Astreus, the fourth Guardian]. It represents the [Voyagers] who venture the world, through sailing ship"
She then looked at the her right and pointed
"At the east is [Aura, the Second Guardian]. It represents the {Elves} as a group of hunters"
She then looked behind her and stated
"As for the south, it was guarded by [Anchiale, the Third Guardian]. It represents fire, or the furnace that {Dwarves} use in smithing"
She then added
"And each guardians has a [Teleportation Array], that is connected to each area those said guardians represents"
After that, we then moved a bit closer to the center. Along the way, we pass some stunning boulder formations, or rock formations. There was this rock that formed like a squirrel back in my world, sniffing to this small rock in front of it, as if it was its food or something. Just a bit further from that formation was an elephant, that was bending its one leg down with its trunk raised, and formed a letter 'S'. At my left was a giant sliced apple, and just a distance to its right was a stumbled opened umbrella, and that just only the smaller rock formation, as the place we are heading into, was centered by some giant rock formations, that could be compared to a mountain side. As those rock formation where circling around the center, it could be seen as a crater design.
Trees could also be seen around the area, growing either beside those rock formations, in between them, or just a distance from them, making the place more stunning to see.
As we walked further, behind a two giant rocks that is sculptured into two giant hands, that was leaning to each other - the other was almost making a fist sign, while the other leans to the other hands knuckles. And what I saw was a towering tower, that is much bigger than the tower we manage.
"That is the tower [***Hesperides Towering Garden]. It was once the greatest among the other towering towers"
"Was once?"
Lucrane then nodded
"Back in this glorious day's, it once reached the [Glorified Rank] amongst the other tower. It was became the stopping point by some large guilds and reputable cities, which is why they have built those guardian monuments, to express their gratitude, and honor towards them"
'[Glorified Rank]? That is 7 ranks higher than ours'
I then looked at the tower and stated
"For a [Glorified Rank] tower, it's quite small in term of size"
I spoke, as I remembered that Lucrane told me back at the tower, that every rank has 40 levels each, and this one just doesn't seem like it
"That is why I said 'was once"
She then looked up at the tower, and muttered
"It was completely unknown to everyone, even for me how it came to be, but this tower did have such glorious sight to behold. But one day everything just suddenly came to be, the once towering mighty tower was reduced to such size, and for its [Glorified Rank]? It was scale down to [High Rank]"
She then halted then turn his gaze towards me, and added in a grim and serious tone
"Almost 800 millions, to 100 billions of people, where living in that tower, and almost three-fourths of that was gone in one night"
".... What?"
I frowned and bewilderingly asked. She then stared back at the tower and stated
"In just one night, those people suddenly vanished without any traces, nor any warnings, they just disappeared and nothing more"
She then stared upfront, and walked as she stated
"And among them is one of the heiress of the reputable [Merchant Guild] in the South region. Which is why it's popularity became less than back its golden days. Though it's still used as a stopping point by others, and a place to settle down, but compared back then, it wasn't bustling anymore"
Looking at the tower once more, I then followed Lucrane. As we continued moving forward, we then stopped to a tall dark brown gate, where 4 full plated steel armor guards halted us. 2 of the 4 then came at us, while the other 2 continued guarding the gate. We are just a bit further away, maybe a few 5 to 6 meters from the gate. The 4 guards were holding a spears each, so I think they are either have a class of [Spear Master], or a [Fighter] class, that wanted to become a [Spear Master].
"We would like to see some identification please"
The first guard who came at us, politely asked. I then worriedly looked at Lucrane, as it was my first time hearing this, but of course, I didn't showed it to my expression, being in the streets did let you learn a thing or two. Lucrane upon hearing that guards words, she then took something from her ring, which she just summoned.
She then handed this card thingy, coated in black with a polished golden markings on it. The golden marking was separated into two lines, and at the edge of the card, those lines then formed a zigzag, that shaped like 3 small diamonds, and at the top of the center of the those diamonds, is a bigger diamond.
As she handed that card to the guard, it then looked at it, and then at Lucrane, then back to the card again. The guard then changed its sight from Lucrane to me and asked
"And him?"
"His my companion, a level 16 [No Class]"
Baffled to her words, the guards then asked
"A level 16 [No Class] is accompanying a level 40 [Hunter] in our tower, is that what you are telling me here?"
Lucrane then nodded. Seeing that, the guard then once again looked at the card before he sigh, and let the other guard take a look at it. The other guard then stared at him then nodded.
Sigh
".... You may enter then"
Sighing as he handed the card back to Lucrane, he then let us in the tower.
"Welcome to the [Hesperides Towering Garden]"
He said as he slightly bowed. The both of us then went inside the tower, as the 2 remaining guard opened the gate for us. As we were inside, I then sliglty closed the distance between me and Lucrane, and whispered on her
"So you lied to me on your level"
She then looked at me and smiled
"Did I?"
Which baffled me. She then added in whisper and serious tone
"Remember, curiosity isn't uncommon to newbies, but don't you dare place your neck intentionally to a sharp knife"
She the looked at me and stated
"Don't try to peek to anyone's status no matter how curious you are to them. Higher level and experienced people tend to easily noticed someone peeking at them, especially to those who are lower in level than them, so be careful"
I then nodded understanding her words thoroughly. We both then walked forward.
At the ground floor of this tower was quite different to ours. Did you remember those floors at the beginning of every rpg games? Those at the starting point in every game type Mangas? Yes, that is it what it looks like here. The ground floor was filled with buildings, stores, and stalls. A [Weapon Shop], an [Item Shop], some bakery, some stalls where they do those oracle or card thingy, the "let me see your future inside this magic ball" thing, and many more.
"Hey, which floor should we go today?"
Asked a girl that was wearing a leather armor and a skirt. She has a bow and quiver on her back
"I heard floor 105 has some rare treasures and monsters, want to have a go?"
Said the guy who was wearing a full chained armor - without the helmet. He has a giant sword on his back. At my right was a gorgeous woman with great shape, wearing the typical dress that those who wields or use magic does, and a pointy hat. She has great size from top to bottom. And beside her was a bit shorter, just almost a shoulder level on her, a cat like woman. She was wearing a tight short with 3 sling bags behind. She was also wearing a leather armor, and a small sword that was attached behind her waist. And the one who passed us, was a huge person wearing a full plated armor, from top to bottom, and behind his back was a giant scabbard, holding a giant sword.
In front of us was a beautiful dark skinned woman, an {Elf}, or to be precise a, {Dark Elf}, as I saw her pointy ears that she freely exposed. I almost couldn't take my eyes away from her, she was this thing we call back in my world, a black beauty. The street was quite busy for a tower that got scaled down, I think it still quite underestimate that it lost its popularity among the masses.
We then passed some stalls along the way as we further walked the ground floor. Some stalls were selling some [Grilled Meat], [Baked Potatoes], [Skewered Smoked Fish], and many more street foods as I far as I could see. There were also some store displaying some jewels, artifacts, and some odd looking things which I don't know off. We also did saw stall selling some fruits and vegetables.
As we further went into, we then walked towards a big fountain, that was placed at the center of this small town. The fountain was simple, yet elegant to see. It has 3 levels on it, and a half moon atop of it, with an orbit like design, rotating around it. Lucrane then moved at the side of the fountain, which where a slanted triangle was placed. Its a stone pillar looking one, coated in a dark gray.
Lucrane upon standing at the said pillar, then tap something, then looked at me and gestured for me to come. Following her, I then went beside her.
"We will visit floor 110 first, as we will buy something there, before we head to the floor 85, and head back to our journey"
Tap
Swooosh
After she tap the floor on which we will be teleported like an elevator, a bluish light then engulfed us. After the bluish light vanished, the surrounding area then also changed. The buildings here were quite much more bigger, not just in term of sizes, but also how much they display to their stores were. The building here were quite sophisticated, or quite fancy to look at, if back then all the buildings and stores were merely build in stones, woods, and some steel, here it were completely erected from steel pillars, and elegant polished walls. The roof of each buildings were either made from expensive woods, or thin metal. There windows were quite see through for easy look for any passerby.
"What do we need to buy in this fancy place anyway?"
I said, as I gaze around the area we just came in. A lot of adventurers and some high class people were roaming around, from those who were riding some gorgeous rides, to those who wore some ravishing dress or clothes. Whereas for the adventurers, they were wearing quite remarkable armors and clothes. Their weapons were also not just good, but somewhat strikening.
"Armors"
I then looked at her and spoke
"Armors? Why do we need to buy some anyway? We have those in our [Ring of Equipment] isn't it, so why spend some money?"
She then walked forward as she replied
"Those are heavy ones and hard to maneuver, especially if you aren't that adept to it. In a battle against time, those will just hinder us, so we needed some light but tough armor. This floor is quite well-known for selling equipments with such caliber, so we can at least find something that might suit our taste"
"And what about the armors we have in hand then?"
"We will sell those of course"
After we walked a bit more, we then halted and stopped at a large building, a 4 storey building. The structure's walls was painted in cloud gray, while its roof was coated in Ocean blue. It has 4 windows at each side, that has a shape of rectangle with a curved top, coated in cotton white. The front of the building, its entrance, has an extension that shaped like a shed like design. At its side was a balcony that was a bit shorter to the shed like front.
[Welcome to [Shining Blue Moon Equipment Shop]
Is what the sign of this building stated.
As we enter the building, what I saw was a neatly done display, of all the equipments that was placed inside a see through thick glass. Some of them were openly displayed, as they were hanged in the walls of the store. The displayed equipment varied from the armors sizes, to its variety of styles. There were also elegantly crafted artifacts, like necklaces and bracelets, that could be seen around the store. There were also different sets of clothes, that are well-built for combat and protection, from robes that [Mages] wore, to short skirted dresses that are good for [Thief], and [Assassin] class. There were also some gowns like those Japanese clothes we tend to see in anime, in every fireworks festival.
Following Lucrane, we then went up the store. Climbing up, we then stopped to the 3rd floor of this building. Lucrane then walked forward towards our left, and strolled around. Seeing that she was quite adept to this place, I just followed her while I did some sightseeing around.
Around the store, the armors I saw were different in terms to size and there thickness. Remembering what Lucrane told me about, I was quite reluctant on looking what each of this armors were. A bit feeling disappointed, I just look at each of the armor, and didn't further went into.
After strolling around the store with a wide space, to let us freely roamed the area, I then saw Lucrane talking to someone. A bit curious, I went a little closer. I then saw her pointing the armor she was holding, and talked to the man who was talking to her, I think he was the clerk in this place. They were talking a bit so I went a bit closer to them. I then saw Lucrane telling the said clerk about something, as she was gesturing in the air of a shape or something. As I gotten quite closer to them
"Are there any armor that is thin like a fabric or a leather, but with tough defense, and hard to be penetrated kind of armor here?"
"... We have something of similar description of what you are looking for. Its in the 4th floor of the store, so if you well madame"
Lucrane then nodded as the clerk asked her to follow him, as he slightly bowed. I really wanted to follow them, but seeing that I wasn't much needed in such transaction, I didn't chase as I continued strolling around, and in the first place, what can I do in such situation anyway, as I'm still new here, so I don't really much know the ins and outs of this world marketing, yet. But as I thought that, Lucrane then saw me and gestured me to come, which made me a bit surprised, but I still did followed her. We are then lead by the clerk towards the 4th floor of this building.
The 4th floor of the building was totally different than the 1st till 3rd floor of the said building. The 4th floor was more tight locked, and completely guarded by some men and women. Among the ones who is guarding was a beautiful woman, that wore a shining pure steel armor, that was only perfectly shaping her curves and bust, a stunning slender armor. She wasn't holding in weapon in hand, so I think she stored it in her [Weapon Ring].
The other one was a huge man, but quite smaller than the one I saw back at the ground floor of this tower. He was wearing a very menacing armor, that was polished in dark gray paint. The armor was quite thick with a shield at its back, as I can't see from behind, I could only certainly say is that shield is also quite towering in size.
The other one was an adult man who was wearing this traditional clothes in Japan, and has the Japanese long sword, katana, hanging at his waist. He was also has this scar on his face, 3 marks of a claw of something. Seeing with such outfit, I guess he has the [Samurai] class.
"Over here dear costumer"
The clerk then called us out. He was pointing at our left side, so we then followed him as he lead us. At the 4th floor of the store, all the equipments, whether small or big, were displayed in a standing position in a rectangular glass box, and each was placed in each boxes, unlike the 1st to 3rd, floor where all the items were placed in single box, and was just neatly piled. Finding ourselves to the section the clerk told us to, we then stopped at the very closed edge of the store. There are 5 more rows before we hit the dead end, or the edge of the 4th floor area.
"This way please"
The clerk spoke as he then turn to our right, and walked so we then followed him. Looking around the area, the glasses were totally thicker than the other floor, coated in light blue paint, with dark gray steel that was connecting each glasses closely. The pillar where the said equipment was displayed, was made from a shiny, silvery metal. As I was looking around the area, I then noticed the clerk stopped, so I then quite rushed as I walked towards them. He stopped just a bit near to the edge of the store, where the walkway for those who wanted to stroll around the area. The walkway is just 2 meters in length, good for customers not to bump each other.
He stopped near to a 4 sealed glass equipment. As we got there, he then raised his right hand up as he muttered
"Upong your description, this 4 only has the similar qualities to what you are looking for, and I do hope it does have the quality you are looking for"
The two of us then looked to at it. The said equipment was indeed distinctive to the other equipment I have seen so far. It wasn't just merely at how magnificent the said equipment was, but also how it gives of an aura of much greater ,and better specs.
"They are all well-endowed and crafted from excellent quality materials, that are either rare to be found, or hard to be purchased, or obtained by hand. Some of the famous smith's around the continent design this, forge from their hot furnaces, and hammered from their own hammer"
The clerk then looked at us, and spoke in a well-mannered tone
"So does this item suffice?"
"May I take a look at it?"
Lucrane said as she pointed the equipments. The clerk then nodded
"You may"
The clerk then went forward, and before he reached the equipment, he then snapped his finger. And just a second delay, a man then appeared and stood to our right, to the walkway and just observe. The man was wearing a black slender armor, and a masked that has a blank engraving at it, but has a horn to its left.
'This guy's armor is dope'
I thoughtly stated, as the armor he was wearing has green brushes on his black coated full armor. It has a diamond shaped jewel at the center with 2 horns, painted in lime green. The armor's body has this vein looking design, that was symmetrical drawn at each side of the armor, from its arms to its legs, and there were some to its side without touching its abdominal part, painted in the same color as the center piece, lime green. That person was carrying 2 swords, one was hanging on its back, while the other is on its waist, both were sheathed in a black scabbard. The said person was merely leaning his back to the wall while crossing his arms, and tilted his head to the right while gazing at us.
[{<><><><>|×××××××××××××××××××|<><><><>}]
I used the new p*wer rangers suit design as a reference to this one, the red ranger of course
[{<><><><>|×××××××××××××××××××|<><><><>}]
"I would like to apologize before hand, but as you have known or heard, there were already a robbery that took place in our store, at the highest floor of our building, this floor. So I asked for understanding for this circumstances, as we don't want another act to be done again in our respective store"
Lucrane and I then nodded. The clerk then looked back at the equipment, and tap something on it - at mid-air next to the equipment bottom part, above the pillar where it was placed. And afterwards, the thick glass then opened up, and showed us what is underneath the protective case.
The thick glasses might not be see throguh, but we could still see what is inside of it, but not clearer that those at the bottom floor.
The clerk did the same to the other 3, and opened them. After that, he then step back, and gestured as that we are now allowed to look at it. As me and Lucrane moved forward near those equipment, the person that the clerk called out moved a bit away from the wall that it was leaning, and stood just a bit distance from us, and stared at us from that mask that it was wearing. Lucrane and I then tapped the first equipment we saw, and looked at it
..
<> [Name: Fukutsu no Honō no Yoroi]
[Item: Equipment - Armor]
[Class: Special [S]
[Tier: IV]
[{<><><><>|×××××××××××××××××××|<><><><>}]
Japanese translation for indomitable Flame armor
[{<><><><>|×××××××××××××××××××|<><><><>}]
"...."
I didn't further looked at it, but just seeing its class and tier, was enough for me to waste all my money just to get this stuff out, and be done with it. Its a [Special] [S] class armor with [Tier Class] of Tier IV for the love of carrots!
Ahem
Silently clearing my thought, I then further investigate the armor.
[Skills:]
<> [Fumetsu no Honō] (immortal flame)
<> A tale of old in east upon the arrival of a God, brought fort a mighty flame that is undying in thirst, and indomitable in will. [Enhancement: 0/100]
<> If [Fumetsu no Hono] has been activated, 25% additional boost of the user's power. [Flaw: 50% reduction of speed and defense, if the user surrendered, or turn its back against its enemy]
<> [Moeru Yōna Sukui] (blazing salvation)
<> A mythical bird was once birthed by flame, its blazing heat can't scorch nor burnt it to death, but shall bring life and peace. [Enhancement: 0/ 170]
<> When the wearer received a fatal strike, [Fumetsu no sukui] (immortal salvation) will activate, giving the wearer a 20% boost of its defense and attack power for 20 seconds. Any fatal wound will be healed. [Flaw: can only be use once every 8 months]
<> [Shina Sete Kudasai] (let me die)
<> Death is feared upon its arrival, not knowing the beauty it hids inside. [Enhancement: 0/ 500]
<> Upon the activation of [Shina Sete Kudasai], the wearer will be invulnerable for 30 seconds, with 20% boost in attack power and speed. If the wearer receive a fatal wound and activated [Shina Sete Kudasai], 30% boost in attack power and speed for 40 seconds. All wounds will be healed. [Flaw: 60% reduction of the wearers speed, attack power, agility, and defense for 14 days]
[Can be enhanced further, do you want to?]<
[Can be boost further, do you want to?]<
".... Holy shit"
I silently exclaimed. If you just take out the flaw of this armor, which is quite not hefty I say, especially for using the [Shina Sete Kudasai], having your strength and speed, and also your defense reduce by 60%, is quite a bit over the top, and if you just closed your eyes to such flaw, this is indeed an armor that deserves a [Special] [S] class. After that, I then looked to the other equipments
The second one is another bracelet like the one we bought back at the tower, from {Henry's} [Item Shop], but unlike that one, this one is truly thinner. The design of the said bracelet is forming a chain connection of letter 'S', with an open center, forming a circle shape, which has symmetrical shaped wings at its side.
..
<> [Name: Unchained Feather]
[Item: Equipment - Bracelet]
[Class: Uncommon [UN]
[Tier: II]
'So this time its an [Uncommon] [UN] class bracelet'
[Skills:]
<> [Feather Touch]
<> Flight was given to those who can, but some wanted to become one. [Enhancement: 0/ 350]
<> When [Feather Touch] is used, [Weightless] will activate for 30 seconds. [Flaw: Leather Armor - 50% (weight reduction): Iron Armor - 5%: Steel Armor - 10%: Gold Armor - 15%: Platinum Armor - 20%: Emerald Armor - 25%: Mythril Armor - 30%: Adamite Armor - 35%]
<> [Unshackled Will]
<> Freedom isn't bound to any chain, neither imprisoned to any cage. [Enhancement: 0/ 450]
<> When [Unshackled Will] is used, the wearer will be immune to mind attack for 30 seconds
[Can be enhanced further, do you want to?]<
[Can be boost further, do you want to?]<
' The second armor seems not only a bit lower in class than the first, but also the specs isn't bad, but neither that much to thought off'
As I deeply thought
'Though the [Unshackled Will] is good, I think [Feather Touch] isn't much, especially when it only gives a minimal support to lower specs armor'
I then looked back at the first set of skill the [Unchained Feather] bracelet have
<> When [Feather Touch] is used, [Weightless] will activate for 30 seconds. [Flaw: Leather Armor - 50% (weight reduction): Iron Armor - 5%: Steel Armor - 10%: Gold Armor - 15%: Platinum Armor - 20%: Emerald Armor - 25%: Mythril Armor - 30%: Adamite Armor - 35%]
'It only gives 5% reduction in weight for [Iron Armor], and only 10% for [Steel Armor], which is quite not bad, but not good either, especially that the higher quality the armor is, the heavier it is. I don't know about Adamite, but I do know what is a [Mythril Armor] is, it's one of the strongest and rarest ore in the fantasy world'
I then added
'This armor is quite bias, and quite a simp to Leathers, getting 50% weight reduction is truly indeed a gain to take for, but [Leather Armor] is quite not good in terms of defense, so its gain isn't a win for its flaw'
I then looked at the other equipments after the second
The third equipment is a [Chained Armor], it's like a tuxedo back in my world, perfectly fitting to those who will wear it. The small metal rings that makes up this armor, was quite thinner and shorter, but thicker and sturdier.
..
<> [Name: Alors j'étais] (French translation for so I was)
[Item: Equipment - Armor]
[Class: Rare [R]
[Tier: V]
'Except for its class, its tier is quite high. I think this is my first time seeing [Tier Class] of Tier V, for a [Rare] [R] class equipment
[Skills:]
<> [Untouched]
<> Creation of Gods that none could touched, only can be felt by mortals hands. [Enhancement: 0/ 400]
<> When [Untouched] is used, wearer will have 20% boost in its speed, and [Invasion] will be activated.
<><> When [Invasion] is activated, wearer will not be hit by any physical, mental, and magical attack for 30 seconds
'..... That is op not going to lie. Can't be touched for 30 seconds with 20% boost in speed? You can easily escape death with just that skill alone!'
<> [Resolute of Self-Proclaimed Will]
<> Selfishness is a sin of act, not spoken. [Enhancement: 0/ 670]
<> When [Resolute of Self-Proclaimed Will] is activated, 30% boost in wearer's attack power for 20 seconds. [Flaw: 45% immunity reduction for mental attack]
'30%? For a [Rare] [R] class equipment? 30%!?'
I baffledly yelled at my head
<> [Unheard Song]
'[Unheard Song]? That is indeed quite a peculiar name for a skill'
<> A song we once heard when we were birthed, but forgotten once we gotten older. [Enhancement: 0/ 500]
<> When [Unheard Song] is activated, any vision type skills, any appraisal type skills, and any detection type skills set will be enhance for 25%. [Flaw: can only be used once every 3 days]
'... And another one everyone, another one! Though you can only used it once for 3 days, but enhancing those skills is truly beneficial for us, especially for [Keen Eyesight] and [Keen Appraisal]. As of now, [Area Detection] will be useless for me, as I am still low in level department, but for [Keen Eyesight]? Observing our surrounding area would be much easier than before, especially when we are trying to find the most shortest path, or trying to get away from any monsters that we can't fight off. But the thing that I am quite, truly quite joyful about is, that it can enhance [Keen Appraisal] for 25%!'
<> [Keen Appraisal]
<> Thief are mischievous and cunning not by skill, but my experience and knowledge. [Enhancement: 0/ 70]
<><> You can easily determine the worth of what you see. [Green: Normal - Brown: Common - Blue: Rare - Red: Special - Gold: Unique]
'If I can have this item and enhanced the [Keen Appraisal] of [Shōnin no Omamori], finding Blue and Red colored monsters would not just be impossible! Especially that is the sole reason, or among the reason why Lucrane bought it in the first place. Though I truly like the 1st equipment, which is a [Special] [S] class armor, [Fukutsu no Honō no Yoroi], but in terms not just quality based specs but also quantity, then I'll place all my bet to this one than that'
After thinking such, I then take a look at the last one
The last one, or the fourth equipment is a pendant, a necklace. This one has the most simplest craftsmanship than the first 3. A light shade of emerald polished oval gemstone, that was attached to a golden luster of chain. The said gemstone has a design like that of from those dragon in Chinese portrait, with a pointy horn atop, and a long whisker thingy below at both side of the gemstone
..
<> [Name: Ethereal Pendant]
[Item: Equipment - Necklace]
[Class: Rare [R]
[Tier: III]
'Another [Rare] [R] class item ha'
[Skills:]
<> [Glide]
<> A man once sought to fly across the horizon, climb atop the mountain to cross over. But as God didn't gift him such ability, he only went further down, and never risen up. [Enhancement: 0/ 400]
<> Could let the wearer fly 4 meters above the ground for 2 minutes. [Flaw: can only be used when the wearer has no armor on]
<> [Flexible Movement]
<> When one's feet is used, body shall move. [Enhancement: 0/ 200]
<> When [Flexible Movement] is used, 25% boost in wearer's speed for 20 seconds.
'.....'
I was quite a bit.....well, disappointed I guess, as after I have seen the quality of [Alors j'étais], which is also a [Rare] [R] class equipment like [Ethereal Pendant], the quality of both were truly different from each other. The former is a all-rounder type of equipment, while the latter only based its quality on speed, and weightlessness.
As I was lost in my thoughts
"..... Unknown? How come the smith's name is unknown?"
"....?"
I then heard Lucrane talking about a certain someone, towards the clerk.
"It was also a mystery for us, of who is he"
"How come?"
The clerk then looked at the [Alors j'étais], and spoke
"Hey only comes once every 11 months in our tower, in every 2 years, and brought with him either 2 or 3 full set of armors. There was even a time where he brought along with him a 1 full set of item, complete from its weapon, armor, artifact, and potions. At first we thought that he wasn't quite welcome us, as we aren't the owner of the said tower, or doesn't have any qualifications to even meet him, so we then called Mr. Satoshi, the [Tower Manager] of [Hesperides Towering Garden]"
"Then"
The clerk then shook his head upon the inquiry of Lucrane, and spoke
"But even with him there, the man still didn't even reveal, neither did tried giving any hints for who he was, as he just ignored Mr. Satoshi, and be done with it after he sold all the equipments he just made. He was quite a peculiar man, clouded in a mist of secrecy"
"Didn't you tried to at least asked him?"
"We did tried asking him, but he only returned it with a cold stare and silent gaze, and nothing more. Frankly speaking, he wasn't even interested in any of us there, and just took the money after he sold those crafted equipments he made, and vanished"
The clerk then looked at Lucrane, and added
"We have our fair share of business deals and transactions, so if the customer didn't want to speak about his identity, then we don't have the rights to further insist"
"I see"
Lucrane then looked at the other armor, and pointed at the bracelet and necklace, and muttered
"I didn't know that Fuukusha still craft some equipment-"
She then pointed at the 1st armor I looked at, and added
"Neither Maelstorm too. Those two old bones seems to be quite dedicated to their class and professios, that I thought of"
"For our dear customer to know about Mrs. Fuukusha and Mr. Maelstrom, is quite a surprise to me"
The clerk then looked at the equipments in front of him, and stated
"Indeed, both of them are still highly invested in tying their names and works here than any other tower, even how much we did faced off in our hardest time. So with such loyalty, Mr. Satoshi then did them a favor, to show his honor and respect to both of them"
"I see"
Lucrane then gaze back at the equipment and spoke
"But even how old bone he did become, Maelstorm still didn't yet lose its touched, as the equipment he made isn't just stunningly beautiful, but also elegantly impressive. Crafting a [Special] [S] class item isn't just your ordinary sugar and flour, to make a delicious cake, but rather a time consuming dish, that just to be served for one meal"
The clerk then nodded in agreement
"It is indeed what our dear customer state, Mr. Maelstorm still did his wonders and fare share of glorious moments"
The clerk then looked at Lucrane and spoke
"And I also hope that our customer has already chosen which amongst them could thoroughly hit your describe item"
"But before that"
Lucrane then pointed at the [Alors j'étais], and added as he looked at the clerk
"Are there any other items that is crafted by him?"
"For now?"
Lucrane then nodded
"I'm sad to say that all of those items were already sold or auctioned, especially for his creation that are quite popular among the people who seem became his fans, and among them are from either high standing family, or a successful bunch of adventurers"
"Auctioned? You still held those here?"
The clerk then nodded to her inquiry and spoke
"Our [Auction of Merchandise] is still being held once every 5 years here in our tower. So if our dear customers is quite curious for such event, and seem to be interested for some exquisite products, then if you do have time, we will be pleased if you do come by"
Lucrane then nodded
"Gladly"
She then looked back at up front and spoke
"Then I'll purchase these 3"
'!?!'
Quite shocked to her statement, I then hurriedly looked at the price tag of the items she just pointed out
<> [Name: Alors j'étais]
[Price: 23 gold coins, and 19 big silver coins]
<> [Name: Ethereal Pendant]
[Price: 12 gold coins, 8 big silver coins, and 25 silver coins]
<> [Name: Unchained Feather]
[Price: 28 gold coins, 7 big silver coins, and 29 silver coins]
[{<><><><>|IF THEY ARE BOUGHT IN SILVER COINS ONLY|<><><><>}]
<> [Name: Alors j'étais]
[Price: 20, 790 silver coins]
<> [Name: Ethereal Pendant]
[Price: 10, 805 silver coins]
<> [Name: Unchained Feather]
[Price: 24, 774 silver coins]
[{<><><><>|×××××××××××××××××××|<><><><>}]
'.....'
Speechless to the price I just saw at each one of them, I then stared at Lucrane, who was just nonchalantly bought those like it wasn't a big of a deal.
'Is this what they call "rich independent woman"?
"..... Dear customer, before I dare to conclude your purchase, I shall state the amount you shall be paying. You will be paying a total amount of 64 gold coins, 10 big silver coins, and 19 silver coins for those 3 items"
"I know"
The clerk took a long pause as he stared at Lucrane, who wasn't also backing down, before he bowed and spoke
"Then I shall apologize for having such doubt, please forgive my ignorance"
"Don't be"
The clerk then stood up and muttered
"I am thankful for our dear customers merciful upbringing"
He then then gestured his left hand, and pointed to our left and stated
"Then if you will, please follow me to our [Register Counter], to fully complete the transfer of ownership of those items unto you"
Lucrane then nodded. And before she followed him, he looked at me and spoke
"Stay here and looked around the area, while I purchased these items"
I then nodded. Lucrane and the clerk then walked out. I was about to give my opinion regarding what Lucrane just purchase, especially when she bought the [Unchained Feather], which is just an [Uncommon] [UN] class than [Fukutsu no Honō no Yoroi], which is a [Special] [S] class item. The former also has a [Tier Class] of Tier II, while the latter has Tier IV. But fully knowing that Lucrane has more say in this matter than me who is a newbie, I will ask her about it after we purchased the said material, to further clarify all my questions with just the two of us.
Having such thought, I then looked at the [Fukutsu no Honō no Yoroi] armor, and sighed as I turn my back, and further roam the area.
It didn't took Lucrane a while for her to come back, and be done with her shopping
"Already done?"
I asked, which she then responded with a nod
"I already have everything in hand, let us go to the floor 85 to sell those materials we have, to make up more space for us to store"
She stated. The two of us then left the store, [Shining Blue Moon Equipment Shop], and went to the floor 110, via the [Teleportation Array] at the fountain. We then went down to floor 85 from floor 110, as the bluish light once again engulfed us, and took us to the different floor of this tower. If back at the floor 110, the area was surrounded by fancy and stunning structures, then floor 85 was quite the opposite. Buildings that was made by pile of rocks, some were built by woods and steel, but none was polished and quite elegant in structural design, compared to the floor 110 buildings.
There was an open view shop, that could see the smith's smithing their ores into a shape that they wanted to, or their customers asked them to. There is an adult bulky man that was selling some mysterious rocks with ores inside it. There were also a shop being tended by a hot, gorgeous woman, that has a feature of a Wolf, with its fluffy tail, pointy ears, and a Wolf fur body, but hot damn, she was beautiful. As our eyes meet, she then waved at me as she smiled, so I returned a smile and a waved back at her. It took me awhile before I took my gaze away from her, until
"That woman is married"
Gahh
Like a giant boulder was just thrown at me, all those sweet sugar rush suddenly vanished, as the woman I was admiring, turns out was married
'How come life is unfair!'
[{<><><><>|×××××××××××××××××××|<><><><>}]
My dude preferred beastility doujin, or his just a furry lover that went too far the line, lol
[{<><><><>|×××××××××××××××××××|<><><><>}]
A bit dejected to the heart breaking moment, I followed Lucrane with a heavy heart.
After a few walks and turns, we then stopped by a large building with only 1 floor. The building was built much in terms of width than in length. The roof of the building was greatly much more massive than its walls. It was slanted like the normal roof we have in our houses, only differ than its size is much greater, coated in a deep red coat. The entrance of that said building was just a small version of the bigger one. It has 2 pillars at the front with a curved top door. The large building at the back of the entrance has 2 windows upfront, that has a shaped of a square with a diamond at the center. The top roof of the building - the one that made a point cone top - made an 'X' or cross sign.
[Welcome to [Ericsson Trading Shop]
The two of us then entered the shop. Upon entering the shop, I then saw 6 pillars at each side of the interior, that was supporting the massive roof. With how gigantic the roof was, I thought it has only 1 level, but I was greatly mistaken as it has 1 wide 2nd floor, where they stored all the goods and materials they have collected there. The 2nd floor can be openly seen as it was only attached to the half of the wide building, and has no walls covering it. The stair case leading to the 2nd floor is just a distance from the receptionist area of the said shop was located.
The receptionist area, or the [Counter Area], was being tended by 3 clerks, as there are great numbers of people who were here to trade the items they have in hand. Following Lucrane from behind, we then went towards the [Counter Area].
[{<><><><>|×××××××××××××××××××|<><><><>}]
I used the Viking's houses or infrastructure to this one, as Viking houses are quite more in sizes of their roofs than to their walls
[{<><><><>|×××××××××××××××××××|<><><><>}]
We then placed all our materials we have procured from the last battle we have in the plain meadow, before we meet that {Lycan}, and an underling of the [Word Turtle]. We placed all our materials of the 110 {Six Legged Serpents} that we fought, inside the wooden box that the store offered us. A beautiful and elegant clerk then came and took care of us.
The clerk here are wearing a tight pencil skirt that reached just above their knee, fully showing their beautiful thighs. They are wearing a very stunning upper clothe, that is tight from its neck to its arms, and towards to its waist, fully ampling their well featured curves. The uniform they are wearing was coated in dark gray paint, with 6 vertically placed buttons upfront.
"220 pieces of [Six Lgeed Serpent's Fang] for 1 silver coin, and 15 copper coins each, which will give you 7 big silver coins, and 8 silver coins in total"
She then tapped the fangs that was inside the wooden box, which then was stored to the ring she was in hand. She then gestured us to show the other materials. Lucrane then summoned the others and so on
[{<><><><>|×××××××××××××××××××|<><><><>}]
If it's in copper coins, that would be 25, 300 copper coins
[{<><><><>|×××××××××××××××××××|<><><><>}]
"110 pieces of [Six Legged Serpent's Tail] will be sold for 4 big silver coins, and 25 silver coins, as 1 piece of this creature's tail fetched for 1 silver coins, and 50 copper coins"
[{<><><><>|×××××××××××××××××××|<><><><>}]
If it's in copper coins, that would be 16, 500 copper coins
[{<><><><>|×××××××××××××××××××|<><><><>}]
She then stored the materials to the ring she have in hand - [Storage Ring] - which we then replaced with another material
"1 piece of this monster's heart will sell for 2 silver coins, and 78 copper coins, and as you have 87 pieces of it, you be earning a total amount of 6 big silver coins, 31 silver coins, and 86 copper coins"
'That is quite a lot'
[{<><><><>|×××××××××××××××××××|<><><><>}]
If it's in copper coins, that would be 24, 186 copper coins
[{<><><><>|×××××××××××××××××××|<><><><>}]
"As for its poison glands, as this material is quite a bought item for alchemy and craftsmanship, you will be earning 8 silver coins each of the said material. And as you have 110 pieces of [Six Legged Serpent's Poison Glands], you will be obtaining 1 gold coin, and 5 silver coins in total"
[{<><><><>|×××××××××××××××××××|<><><><>}]
If it's in silver coins, that would be 880 silver coins or 88, 000 copper coins
[{<><><><>|×××××××××××××××××××|<><><><>}]
"And as for the [Worn Knives], seeing that it's a [Common] [C] class item with [Tier Class] of Tier I, you be gaining 15 silver coins, as this material only fetched for 5 silver coins only, but seeing it has Tier I on its [Tier Class], you be gaining additional 10 silver coins. So in total, you will be obtaining 14 big silver coins, and 5 silver coins for 33 pieces of [Worn Knives]"
[{<><><><>|×××××××××××××××××××|<><><><>}]
If it's in silver coins, that would be 495 silver coins or 49, 500 copper coins
[{<><><><>|×××××××××××××××××××|<><><><>}]
"And to add those, you be earning a vast amount of 2 gold coins, 8 big silver coins, 4 silver coins, and 86 copper coins, would that be all?"
"That would be all"
"..."
I was speechless to the money that we have earn for 1 day only, or like 30 minutes only! We were able to garner a massive amount of profit than tending our tower's tedious task, though the last fortune we earn does quite a lot. The clerk then gave Lucrane a bag which where our money was stored. She then bowed after Lucrane took the bag
"We, from the [Ericsson Trading Shop], are grateful for using our store as your patronage, please do come again"
[{<><><><>|×××××××××××××××××××|<><><><>}]
If it's in copper coins, that would be 203, 486 copper coins
[{<><><><>|×××××××××××××××××××|<><><><>}]
As we left the store and headed towards the fountain, I then silently asked
"Why I didn't receive any notification about the amount of money we have, and also the necessary exp, unlike when we traded our goods in {Henry's} stall?"
Without looking behind her, Lucrane then answered
"It's because we aren't in our tower anymore, so of course we aren't going to receive any exp when we sold those material, unlike to {Henry's} [Trade Stall]"
"I see"
Quite sadden about it, I then asked another
"So where to now?"
While we walked back to the fountain, she then spoke as she replied
"We will be using the east [Teleportation Array] in this area, to teleport us to our next destination"
Looking at her surprised, I then stated
"That is.....quite efficient not going to lie"
"It is, isn't it?"
She spoke in a smug tone, which I just respond with a smile. It is indeed quite efficient, as we just didn't just shorten the gap of the destination that we are going to walk, but also sold all the materials we have in hand, and additionally, we also bought 3 new equipment in hand, which lead us to a great start of the day. If this isn't 3 birds in 1 stone, then I don't what it is.
Thinking about such, we then arrived at the fountain. A bluish light then wrapped us as Lucrane tapped the ground floor level. After we got teleported back to the ground floor, we then walked out the tower, and headed straight to the [Aura, the Second Guardian], one of the [Four Guardian Monuments] in this area.
As we passed some of the very natural carved rocks along the way, we then arrived at the statue where the 2nd guardian was built. As her name suggest, a statue of a woman could be seen, erected with beautiful portrait, and stunning view. The said statue could be seen holding its bow on its left hand, with her left foot stretched forward, while her the other foot was bended. Her right arm was atop of her head, that was attached to the mountain's ground top, it was as if the huntress itself was coming out from the mountains, and was ambushing something, or spying somone.
Just like the statue that we came here, the staircase that leads to the top was build at the statues side, as for this one, it was built at its right. Climbing atop of the magnificent carved statue, we then reached its peak where the said [Teleportation Array] was placed. We then stood at the center of the said array. Lucrane then whispered something and gestured me to come beside her. Standing beside her, the [Teleportation Array] then glowed and engulfed us with its blinding light, which signal us of our another journey, to our adventure.
[{<><><><>|×××××××××××××××××××|<><><><>}]
*The design is based of the sculpture of Atlas
The Farnese Atlas is a 2nd-century AD Roman marble sculpture of Atlas holding up a celestial globe. Probably a copy of an earlier work of the Hellenistic period, it is the oldest extant statue of Atlas, a Titan of Greek mythology who is represented in earlier Greek vase painting, and the oldest known representation of the celestial spheres and the classical constellations. The sculpture is at the National Archaeological Museum of Naples, in Italy.
The Farnese Atlas is a Roman statue depicting the Titan Atlas holding up a celestial globe that displays an accurate representation of the ancient Greek constellations. (Wiki)
**Astreus - Astraios) The younger Titan god of the stars, the winds, and the art of astrology. He was the father of the four directional winds and the five wandering stars (the Planeta) by his wife Eos, the goddess of the dawn. - north
Anchiale- Ankhiale) A younger Titan goddess who perhaps represented the warmth of fire. She was the wife of Hecaterus and hte mother of the metal-working Dactyli. - south
Aura- The younger Titanis-goddess of the breezes. She was a virgin huntress raped by the god Dionysos. - east
Coeus - Koios) The Titan god of the intellect as his name would suggest. He was also known as Polus (the pole) and probably presided over the axis of heaven in the north around which the constellations revolve. Coeus was one of the four Titan-brothers who conspired with Cronus in the ambush and castration of Uranus. At the end of the Titan-War, he was confined by Zeus in the Tartarean pit. Coeus was sometimes described as leader of the Gigantes, who rebelled against Zeus. - southwest
Reference: https://www.theoi.com/greek-mythology/titans
***In Greek mythology, the Hesperides are the nymphs of evening and golden light of sunsets, who were the "Daughters of the Evening" or "Nymphs of the West". They were also called the Atlantides, from their reputed father, Atlas.
The Hesperides tend a blissful garden in a far western corner of the world, located near the Atlas mountains in North Africa at the edge of the encircling Oceanus the world ocean. According to Pliny the Elder, the garden was located at Lixus, Morocco, which was also the location where Hercules fought against Antaeus.
The Garden of the Hesperides is Hera's orchard in the west, where either a single apple tree or a grove grows, producing golden apples. According to the legend, when the marriage of Zeus and Hera took place, the different deities came with nuptial presents for the latter, and among them the goddess Gaia, with branches having golden apples growing on them as a wedding gift. Hera, greatly admiring these, begged of Gaia to plant them in her gardens, which extended as far as Mount Atlas. (Wiki)