Chương 25: Gearing Up

Ch. 25 - Gearing Up [Forager Level 7! [Skill — I Procure Only the Very Best] [Skill — Not Just the Root, But the Seed] Wyatt woke up, the memory of the voice just as vivid in his mind now as it had been while he slept. He blinked, thinking it over, concentrating on his new skills like Kit had shown him. They weren't active skills this time, rather they were both passive. A grin spread across Wyatt's face as he received information about what his new skills actually did. It was like something had been listening to him talking to Kit the night before, had given him exactly the skills he would have wanted. [I Procure Only the Very Best] was a skill that would ensure that whatever he foraged would be high quality without any hidden spoilage. And [Not Just the Root, But the Seed] was even more intriguing. Apart from the fact that it didn't strictly sound like a [Forager] skill, what Wyatt gleaned was that it would allow him to get a viable seed of whatever he foraged, if possible. Wyatt was already itching to get back out there. Talking with Kit about what he wanted to do had made it difficult to fall asleep the night before, despite how tired he'd been. It was too exciting. This was the first time in forever where Wyatt was the one deciding what to do. Not following orders, not making the best of a bad situation … just doing something that he wanted to do. Choosing his own fate. Wyatt sat up in bed, already keen to start the day. He looked for Kit, thinking to ask the fox what she felt like for breakfast, but then he froze. Wyatt's face stiffened, and he tried to hold back a snort of laughter. There, at the foot of his bed, lay Kit. Sleeping. Flat on her back with her legs in the air. Twitching gently as she dreamt. The conundrum of letting the cute fox sleep or getting up was eventually decided by Wyatt's stomach rumbling. It was time for breakfast. Wyatt cleared his throat, softly at first, then louder. When that didn't work, Wyatt gently prodded Kit in her side." Ah … Kit?" The fox startled herself awake. She twisted about on her back, trying to get traction on the mattress, her legs flailing. She almost fell off the bed, with Wyatt having to put a hand out to catch her. Once she was righted, Kit faced everywhere but at Wyatt, looking embarrassed. She coughed, rubbing at her nose with a paw.' Ahem. Did you want something, Wyatt?' Wyatt hid a smile." Just that it's time to wake up. Sorry if I scared you." The fox sniffed.' I'm sure I don't know what you mean.' Wyatt got out of bed, stretching with a yawn. He felt great this morning." Hey, Kit — you were right, by the way."' What about?' Wyatt turned, smiling at her." I levelled." Kit's eyes gleamed as her ears pricked up.' Tell me everything.' After breakfast, they left the inn in search of Lera. They didn't have to wait long before the Silver Rank Adventurer surprised Wyatt by coming up behind him, enfolding him in a tight hug. After lifting him off the ground, Lera then inclined her head politely to Kit. Wyatt smiled back, happy to see her. He still felt like he was bubbling with energy, eager to get back out there." And you're sure that you don't mind spending the morning with us, Lera?" Lera laughed, shaking her head ruefully." For the last time, Wyatt, yes I'm sure. I'm waiting on some old party members of mine, and until they arrive I'm just filling in time."" Oh? Where are they coming from?" The Protean shrugged." Just up north, some small village where they accepted a request. When I sent them a message, they told me they'd return in a day or two. Then it's off to the dungeon! Which will be welcome because I've been dipping into my savings since I got back to the city." Wyatt hesitated at hearing that." Do you need to borrow some? I really don't mind if you —" Lera laughed, giving Wyatt a wry grin." Don't even offer! I appreciate it, but I'm not anything close to destitute. I have enough funds lodged in the merchant guild to see me through for a while yet. But an Adventurer has to Adventure! We can't all just off-handedly make a small fortune in one sitting." Lera poked Wyatt playfully in the side at the last. He twisted out of the way, backing up when she followed him, laughing. Wyatt held up his hand in surrender." When you go to the dungeon — what floor are you heading to?" Lera winked down at Kit. The silver fox had been watching her go after Wyatt with benign amusement." Fourth floor is where we will be headed." Wyatt didn't know much about the dungeon, but that impressed him nonetheless." How dangerous is the fourth floor? No one has got past the fifth, right?"" Yes, that's correct. And the fourth …. Hmmm. I wouldn't call it exactly safe, but it isn't too life threatening either. As long as you are prepared and have a good team, which I do. Not many Adventurers go there because it's difficult to get around. But, there is a lucrative request at the guild for some Kelp Gator swim bladders. Some [Alchemist] needs them for a potion." Wyatt made a mental note, fascinated by the casual mention of another strange monster. Kelp Gator? Was that some kind of alligator?" What makes the fourth floor so difficult?" Lera casually stretched, lifting her arms and arching her back, ignoring the surreptitious glances of people passing by. She shrugged as she considered Wyatt's question." I admit it's not my favourite floor of the dungeon. Fourth's basically a giant swamp — although it kind of resembles a fjord if you want to be technical about it. But it's way too hot and humid! There's deep water, running between rocky peaks, with flat tracks of flooded land dotted about. Lots of decaying vegetation, and the water is murky. And the smell … you can't avoid it." Kit wrinkled her nose at hearing the description, and Wyatt winced in sympathy for anyone travelling through such a place." Yeah, that doesn't sound particularly pleasant. But speaking of the dungeon, I was hoping you'd be willing to help me out some more this morning. Maybe offer some advice?" Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon. Lera gave Wyatt a sunny smile, but her eyes were focused on him with interest." Sure, Wyatt, anything! Actually, scratch that — anything within reason. What do you need help with?" Wyatt took a breath, thinking back over his plans." I want to resupply, to get enough gear to head back into the dungeon. I want to explore it properly, see what's there." Lera cocked her head. She didn't seem surprised." Of course I can help you with that. But you know that even on the first floor, it's not safe to wander by yourself." Wyatt gave her a smile filled with regret." I know. I really do. But I won't be alone, Kit will be with me."" Yes, and the fact that Lady Fox is going with you is the only reason I'm not insisting you find a party first." Wyatt nodded at that — he didn't disagree. But then he grinned playfully at the Adventurer." And that's the only reason? Not because I'll be coming back with more of that fruit?" Lera's face blushed, her blue cheeks turning an interesting shade. Then she laughed, shying a punch at Wyatt's stomach." Brat! But yes, make sure you bring at least a few of them back." Wyatt grinned at her." Don't worry, I will. But also, here you go." Wyatt pulled four of the fruit out of his bag of holding, giving them to her. That didn't leave him with many left, but it didn't matter if he was returning to the dungeon. Lera eagerly accepted his offering, giving Wyatt a swift hug after she had stuffed them into her own bag." Thank you! I already purchased a number off of Isaek early this morning, but I shared them with a few of my kin. They loved them as much as I do! Ha, they were very interested in meeting you as well. By the way, Isaek was practically vibrating in place when I saw him. Apparently he levelled up last night." Kit gave Wyatt a meaningful glance at hearing that. He looked at Lera curiously." It's not that strange to level, surely?"" You slow down in the higher levels. I'm not certain, but I'm fairly sure Isaek is over level twenty-five — any time you level is cause to celebrate after that point."" I see." Lera clapped her hands together, looking eager to get going." Alright! So where are you wishing to go first? What do you want to buy exactly?" Wyatt consulted his mental list." A lot of stuff actually. I doubt I'd be able to find it all in one place, that's why I wanted your help. But to start with — is there a map of the dungeon that I can buy?"" Of the first floor? Of course! Although don't get your hopes up, it's not going to be all that detailed. The first floor was cleared years ago, and not many Adventurers bother with it apart from rookies." Wyatt nodded, thinking back on his time there." I thought it seemed empty. Strangely so, considering how nice it was." Lera grinned." Nice? It's a dungeon, Wyatt. People don't go there to enjoy themselves! But yes, it's rare to see another person on the first floor. There are a few ruins that are frequently visited, a few monster dens in some of the larger wooded areas … but casually wandering around, exploring? I don't think you'd find anyone doing that."" Why not?" Lera put a hand on her hip, patiently explaining." Why would they? There's almost no loot, and the monster parts you find there are barely worth anything. If you can't make gold there, there's no reason to go. That's why the second floor has such a high attrition rate — Bronze Rankers head there sooner than they should." Hearing that made Wyatt even more eager to head back in. He wondered how many other resources like the river fruit was in the dungeon, untapped and undiscovered. In the case of the fruit, the shrub it grew on had admittedly appeared wizened and near-dead. It definitely hadn't looked like it was edible, and Wyatt wouldn't have risked it himself if he hadn't used [I Can (probably) Eat That!] on it first. Even so, the fact that hardly anyone frequented the first floor perhaps explained in part why no one had stumbled upon it. And as for the rest, that made sense as well. Wyatt's impression of the dungeon — that the land was rich and fertile, perfect to settle and thrive in — had seemed a stark contrast to the lack of people. But as Lera had said, it was a dungeon. Only Adventurers ventured inside. Lera waved a hand in front of Wyatt's face, making him jump. He realised that he'd been standing, lost in his own thoughts, long enough for it to be noticeable. Wyatt flushed." Sorry." Lera smiled, but she put a hand on a hip, looking at him seriously." You must promise me that you'll be careful when you're inside. Okay?" Wyatt nodded firmly." Don't worry, I will be. I have a skill that hides my presence, so I should be able to travel unnoticed. And another skill that lets me camp safely." Lera looked reassured, but she sighed anyway, running her fingers through her strange hair. It flowed around her hand like water." I'm glad to hear it. Alright, Wyatt, I'll believe in you. But just know that I will be very upset if you let anything happen to either of you."" Noted." Lera cocked her head at Wyatt. She seemed to be thinking something over." How long are you planning on staying inside?"" I haven't really planned it, but a few days to a week? I want to take my time, see what's there." Lera smiled reminiscently." Ah … I forgot what that's like."" What?"" Your first dungeon run! The first adventure, preparing to face the unknown, hoping for riches or glory … but then again —" Lera gave Wyatt a searching look." — you aren't exactly looking to Adventure, are you?" Wyatt grinned at the Protean, shaking his head." Not as such, no." Lera folded her arms, nodding as she smiled at him." Good, that suits you. Even though I can't help but feel that you'd make a good Adventurer. Tell you what, if you stay in the dungeon for the full week, I'll come and find you when I'm on my way back from the fourth floor. I should be done by then."" You don't have to do that, Lera, we'll be fine." Lera gave Kit a knowing look." I know I don't have to. But I want to. Now, let's go get you that map so we can arrange a place to meet up!" Lera led Wyatt and Kit to a bored looking merchant in a small shop, the walls stacked with boxes and cases of dusty scrolls and books. He looked almost surprised to find himself with customers and, when asked, dug through his merchandise with good will as he looked for a map. Lera had been right about the map of the first floor of the dungeon. It was pretty bare bones in regard to detail, reminding Wyatt of nothing less than a map he'd once seen in the front of a fantasy novel. There wasn't a scale anywhere he could see, no mention of distance — instead it appeared you had to navigate by relying on certain waypoints. For all that, it didn't look too difficult to find your way. The paths running through the dungeon were etched out fairly accurately, along with a few larger rivers, and a number of clearly marked ruins. Lera indicated one of the larger and apparently more well known ruins, telling Wyatt that she would look for him there on the morning of the fifth day from now. Studying the map, Wyatt agreed — he wouldn't be able to cover anywhere near the entire first floor in that time, but he wouldn't have to double back to reach the ruin in that time either. The map only set Wyatt back a few silver pieces, and the merchant looked a little disappointed at having such a small sale. However, just before they left the store, Wyatt spotted a lone book, tucked away on a shelf. It was an unassuming thing, battered and unappealing going by the cover, with a faded image of a tree on the front. However, the image called to him somehow; something about the reaching branches and intricately tangled roots. Wyatt found himself picking it up, turning it over and over in his hands. Sensing an extra sale, the merchant was quick to talk the item up. It was a spell tome, specifically one on green magic, the spells of earth and plants. It was only a beginner primer, but still cost five gold. Lera looked at Wyatt curiously as he held the book, but opined that the price was a little steep for a beginner spell tome. However, Wyatt remembered Marie, and her brief lesson about magic. He paid the five gold. After they left, the next port of call was for more practical items. Lera really got into the shopping spree, eagerly leading Wyatt and Kit around to various stalls she knew, pointing out things she thought he'd need, shaking her head when he bought items that baffled her. By the time Wyatt was done the amount of gold he had was greatly diminished, but he was happy with the end result. He was now stocked up on food, mainly dried items that would keep a while. It was mostly insurance, as Wyatt was planning to live off the land as much as he could. To that end he'd purchased a lighter, more flexible spear that would be easier to fish with, as well as a fishing line in case he felt like a more relaxed approach. Wyatt had replaced the small bivy tent that he'd got from the Adventurers, trading it in for a larger one that he was able to actually stand up in. It was simple in construction, resembling a tipi, and far bulkier than Wyatt would otherwise use. But with the bag of holding, it became feasible. Speaking of which, Wyatt had to purchase a second bag in order to pack all of his gear, as the space inside wasn't infinite. Lera had recommended he buy a more expensive one, coming in at six gold. It was news to Wyatt, but apparently a high level [Thief] was able to pickpocket even a bag of holding — if not steal it entirely. The new one he bought was spelled to block any skills a [Thief] might use, and Wyatt resolved to keep all his gold in it from now on. To round out his purchases, Wyatt bought a simple shovel, a hand sickle with a wickedly sharp crescent blade, and a whetstone and oil in order to maintain them and his weapons. He also bought a proper cook set with a grill he could place over a fire, an oilskin cloak in case it rained, some extra linen shirts and spare pants. Wyatt had debated over whether he should buy any armour, but he decided against it for now. Not only would it drain the remainder of his funds completely, but he'd never fought or trained in armour before. Lera had pursed her lips at this, before grudgingly admitting that he would probably be okay on the first floor. She did insist upon him buying additional healing potions to make up for it though, as well as some utility potions such as barkskin for defence and potions of blast and blinding to hurl at enemies in case of an emergency. Wyatt was just about to declare they were done — he was down to only six gold coins and change now — when one last thing caught his eye. With a faint smile on his face, Wyatt walked over to the stall selling it, and picked it up. Turning it over in his hands while admiring it. Lera stared for a moment, and then doubled over, laughing." Wyatt, you cannot be serious!" Even Kit had started to snicker, which Wyatt thought was unfair. A fox shouldn't be able to snicker. Wyatt affected a dignified mien, even though he was smiling broadly. He raised the item up, placing it upon his head. He then turned, tilting the wide-brimmed straw hat he'd just put on at a jaunty angle." Hey, I like it!" Lera wiped at her eyes, still laughing." I suppose there's no accounting for taste." Wyatt just winked at her, turning back to the merchant to purchase his last item. Then he was finally ready. Ready to head back into the dungeon.