"What now?"
Ian's question rang through the room. With how much freedom Freuth gave to players planning their next steps was crucial. It was easy for them to travel around with no plans and just go as they came along but planning was best.
"The area around Canopy City is low level We can farm xp for you around here as we move to higher level areas to the north of here."
Tyson made a suggestion based on his experience playing the game.
"Speaking of, how high level are you Tyson? I know you got the game 3 months ago so you must have made some progress."
"I'm at level 45, so I'm low silver level right now."
All of the sudden Tyson's usually dumb frame seemed a bit more impressive. Ian knew he would be playing catch up since Ty had the game longer. Knowing the difference between them was fueling his drive.
"Alright let's start heading north tomorrow. We'll go through monster territory on the way to level me up. If you know any we can definitely stop by some ruins too."
"Sounds like a plan man. It's only up from here Ian. This game gets better the more you play it, I swear!"
With their plans solidified Ian left Tyson's room and headed downstairs.
"Hey Mary, I was hoping to rent a room for the night."
"Sure sir, that'll be 2 silver"
Ian handed her the money. Players got 10 silvers when first logging into the game. Mary handed him the key to room 204. Heading upstairs Ian reached the door.
Going inside he laid the straw bed.
'More comfortable than I thought'
He laid there for a few minutes before Arrow came and pecked at his face. He shot up and looked the bird in the eye.
"What dude? That hurt man, no pecking from now on!"
Arrow had a deadpan expression seemingly not fazed by his reprimand. He skwaked at Ian and gestured toward its stomach.
"You hungry? Alright I have some jerky you can eat."
Ian reached into his pack pulling out a paper bag. Reaching into it he pulled out a strip of jerky. He threw the jerky at the bird observing as it caught and ate it.
Ian laughed to himself watching the bird.
'Man this is cool.'
Ian watched the bird for a but longer before changing and logging out. His eyes flickered open and he took off the headset. Looking around his room it was a weird contrast. Ian was just inside a rowdy tavern with his friend and now he was home.
The contrast between reality and the game really was stark. He got up and went down to the kitchen. After eating Ian went back upstairs and slept a few hours.
Waking up to his alarm Ian quickly turned it off and headed back into the game after showering and eating breakfast.
In 'The Knight's Rest' Ian got up from the bed. Arrow still sat at the windowsill looking at the people walking below. Ian whistled and stuck out his arm. Arrow flew toward him and landed on his outstretched arm. With the bird in tow Ian headed out.
Downstairs, the atmosphere of 'The Knight's Rest' was calmer than yesterday. A few patrons sat eating their breakfast calmly. Tyson was there as well munching away on at least 4 servings of food.
Ian walked up to the orc and placed his hand on his back.
"You're seriously eating all that?"
Tyson looked up at him with his cheeks filled with food and a dumb smile on his face.
"Of course I am. Gotta eat this much to keep this body in peak condition"
Tyson flexed his muscles as he spoke showing off to his friend.
"Can't argue with that logic I guess. Anyway when should we head out? I'm pretty much ready to go. I just have to stop by a weapons store to buy some arrows."
Ian sat beside Tyson and also ordered breakfast.
"That depends on you my friend. I'm good to go whenever. As soon as your prep is done we can head out of the city."
Ty answered his question while stuffing his face.
After finishing his meal Ian walked out of the inn with a promise to meet there when his shopping was over. Looking around the city Ian looked for any type of smithy or shop he could get arrows in.
Arrow flew far above him seemingly bored of the city already. As he walked Ian began to hear a rythmic clank. Over and over loud metallic clangor rung through the streets. Ian followed the sound to a deteriorated building.
A huge chimney stuck out from the side of it bellowing out smoke endlessly. As he nearythe door his enhanced senses could pick up faint mutters from inside. At first they seemed like the ravages of a madman but he got closer the contents became clearer.
"This here... That won't work...."
Im between words loud metallic clanging rung out. Walking inside a wave of heat blasted Ian's face.
An active forge was right in front of him. A short and sout dwarf stood in front of it. His body gleamed with sweat and his arms swung with impressive strength.
Ian decided not to bother the man as he seemed absorbed in his work. He had time to wait anyway. Plus even with his limited senses due to his low rank Ian felt the dwarf seemed special.
A connection to an impressive NPC could be super beneficial to him. Especially this early into the game.
After around 3 hours the dwarf finally turned to Ian.
"Thank ye fer waitin kid. What did ya need?"
"Hello sir. My name is Ian Nightgale I was hoping to commission you."
"Well Ian I'm Gordon, I run this here smithy. Whats yer request?"
"It's nothing too crazy, I just need some arrowheads."
"How many? Ya got materials? If not that'll add ta the cost."
"As many as this can buy"
Ian placed all his money on the table. All 18 silver sat in a bag, waiting to be opened.
Gordon reached for the bag and opened it. His face turned deadpan as soon as he saw the coins. Looking up he laughed.
"Hahaha! Ya know usually when someone says 'I'll take as many as this can buy' and puts a bag on the table, it's filled with gold!"
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Chapter 9!! Is this too cliche? I feel like you gotta have a dwarf blacksmith if its fantasy. Let me know what you think about the chapter