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Chapter 17 - Suitable Gear
🕑 Added 2025-05-10 21:00:03 +0000 UTCThe morning light spilled through the wooden shutters as James and Ofelia gathered their belongings in silence. After the awkward exchange earlier, neither had much to say. James secured his bag, checking its contents with practiced efficiency, while Ofelia stood quietly near the bed, her movements deliberate and subdued.
Once everything was packed, James gestured toward the door. Ofelia followed a step behind him, her posture calm and composed as always, her hands folded lightly in front of her.
They descended the creaking wooden staircase into the warm, bustling common room of the Iron Hearth Inn. The aroma of fresh bread and sizzling sausage filled the air, mingling with the low hum of patrons chatting over their morning meals.
Marlin, the ever-cheerful innkeeper, waved them over from the counter. "Morning, you two! Sleep well?" he called, his grin as wide as ever.
James hesitated for a fraction of a second, the memory of the morning's events flashing briefly in his mind. He cleared his throat and managed a polite nod. "Yeah, slept fine. I'll pay for another night. Same arrangements."
"Four silver, then," Marlin replied.
James handed over the coins without hesitation. "Thanks," he said shortly.
As Marlin tucked the coins into a pouch at his side, James glanced around the room thoughtfully before speaking again. "Marlin, we're heading into the labyrinth today. Do you have any provisions? Dried rations, water, things we can carry easily?"
Marlin raised an eyebrow, his grin faltering slightly as concern flickered across his face. "The labyrinth, eh? Dangerous place, that. But yeah, I can get you set up." He turned toward the back, calling out to his staff. "Bring a big pack with some dried meat, bread, and a couple of full water skins!"
James nodded, his expression calm. "Appreciate it."
"That'll be ten silver for the lot," Marlin said as the staff bustled to prepare the supplies.
James handed over the coins, watching as the pack was brought out and set on the counter. He slung it over his shoulder, adjusting the weight with ease. "Thanks, Marlin. We'll be back when we're done."
Marlin nodded, his tone softening as he added, "Stay safe, you two. The labyrinth's no joke, even for experienced explorers."
After a brief pause, Marlin gestured toward an empty table near the window. "Your usual breakfast will be out in a moment. Go ahead and sit."
"Thanks," James said, his tone brisk. He turned to head toward the table, catching Ofelia's eye briefly to make sure she followed.
She did, as always, keeping a measured distance as they crossed the room. The table was bathed in soft sunlight, offering a quiet spot away from the louder patrons. James pulled out a chair for himself, and putting the other bag inside his and then using item box, after glancing at the empty one across from him.
"You can sit.? " he said interrogating, gesturing toward it.
Ofelia inclined her head slightly and took her seat without a word.
The silence stretched as they waited for breakfast to arrive. James leaned back in his chair, his thoughts wandering to the plans for the day ahead. They still had plenty to organize, and the success of the auction had left him with more opportunities than he had expected.
When Marlin's staff brought their plates—a hearty spread of eggs, smoked sausage, and thick slices of buttered bread—James nodded in thanks and began eating. He glanced at Ofelia occasionally, noting how carefully she handled her utensils, as though afraid of making a mistake.
"Eat up. We've got a long day," he said after a few moments, his tone light.
"Yes, Master James," she replied softly, keeping her gaze on her plate as she picked at her food.
James frowned slightly, feeling a familiar twinge of frustration at her formal tone. He had hoped she would relax a little more after the past few days, but the walls she kept around herself seemed as steady as ever.
He pushed the thought aside, focusing instead on the meal and the plans ahead. Today was another step forward, another chance to build something better—and he intended to make the most of it.
After finishing his last bite of breakfast, James set his fork down and leaned back in his chair, casting a thoughtful glance at Ofelia. She was finishing her meal, eating with the same careful precision he had noticed before. He hesitated for a moment before speaking.
"Ofelia," he said, his tone even, "hold still for a second."
She paused, setting her utensils down quietly, and folded her hands in her lap. Her eyes stayed lowered as James activated his Appraisal skill.
The familiar holographic interface appeared before him, flickering briefly as it displayed her status:
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N@me: Of@lia
R@ce: Elf
J%ob: Villager Lv 6
Unlocke%d Jobs: None
Ski%lls: None, (Locked)
Condition: Malnourished (Recovering), Mana Depletion, Mana Sickness
St@tus: E&sl@ved(owner: J@me/s Bla()kwel!l), Emotionally Distressed (Improving)
----------------------------------
James's brows furrowed. The statuses Recovering from Mana Depletion and Mana Sickness were gone.
He glanced at her carefully, his mind racing. That can't be right. She was still recovering yesterday…
"Ofelia," he said, his tone more serious now, "take out the mana stone I gave you. The one you've been carrying."
She nodded obediently and reached into the pocket of her tunic. Pulling out the small crystal, she held it out for him to see. The faint glow it once had was now completely absent.
James frowned, taking the stone from her hand. It felt cold and lifeless in his palm. He immediately activated Appraisal again, the interface flickering into view:
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[Appraisal Activated]
N@me: B!a#ck Mana St%ne
Cond!tion: Good
Eff#ct: 0% Charged - Absorbs a small portion of mana from defeated monsters
Valu^e: 15 Copper Coins
Err%r: None Detected
----------------------------------
"Completely drained," James muttered under his breath. His eyes flicked to Ofelia, who was watching him quietly, her expression unreadable.
He reached into his own pocket, pulling out his own mana stone. Unlike hers, it still held a faint glow. Activating Appraisal once more, he confirmed its status:
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[Appraisal Activated]
N@me: B!a#ck Mana St%ne
Cond!tion: Good
Eff#ct: 4% Charged - Absorbs a small portion of mana from defeated monsters
Valu^e: 15 Copper Coins
Err%r: None Detected
----------------------------------
"Here, let's switch." he said, handing it to her. "Take this one for now. Keep it in your pocket, like before."
Ofelia took the stone without a word, her movements careful as she placed it into her pocket. James activated Appraisal on her again, his heart pounding as he waited for the result.
----------------------------------
N@me: Of@lia
R@ce: Elf
J%ob: Villager Lv 6
Unlocke%d Jobs: None
Ski%lls: None, (Locked)
Condition: Malnourished (Recovering), Mana Depletion (Recovering), Mana Sickness (Recovering)
St@tus: E&sl@ved(owner: J@me/s Bla()kwel!l), Emotionally Distressed (Improving)
----------------------------------
James let out a deep sigh of relief, leaning back in his chair. "It's working again," he murmured, more to himself than to her.
Ofelia glanced at him, her head tilting slightly in silent question.
"The mana stone," he explained, his voice calming now. "It's what's helping you recover. The one you had was completely drained, but this one still has some charge left. As long as you keep it with you, your condition will keep improving."
"Yes, Master James," she replied softly, her tone even.
James studied her for a moment longer, his thoughts still lingering on the drained stone. How much mana does she need? And how long will it take for her to fully recover?
He pushed the questions aside for now, giving her a small nod. "We'll find more stones later if we need to. For now, just keep that one with you."
"Yes, Master James," she repeated, her hands lightly brushing against the pocket where the mana stone now rested.
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Once Ofelia finished the last bite of her meal, James stood, gesturing for her to follow. "Let's go," he said simply, his tone neutral.
Ofelia inclined her head, quickly standing and falling into step behind him as they exited the inn. The morning sun was already climbing higher, casting long shadows across the cobbled streets. The marketplace bustled with merchants setting up their wares, but James had a clear destination in mind.
The auction house loomed ahead, its modest but well-maintained exterior standing out among the surrounding buildings. The wooden sign depicting a gavel and coin purse swayed gently in the breeze, and the hum of activity inside could already be heard from the street.
As James stepped inside, Ofelia trailing closely behind, he made his way toward the front desk, where a monocled clerk was busy scribbling notes in a ledger.
Before James could say a word, however, a familiar voice called out.
"Mr. James! Excellent timing, as always," Mason said, striding forward with his usual air of confidence. His sharp eyes flicked briefly to Ofelia before settling back on James.
James raised an eyebrow at the interruption. "Mason. I was just about to—"
"No need to trouble yourself with the clerks," Mason interjected smoothly, gesturing for them to follow. "I've already prepared everything. Please, come with me."
With a faint sigh, James nodded and followed Mason through a side door, down a short hallway, and into a small, private room. The space was simple but elegant, with a polished wooden table at its center and shelves lined with ledgers and various tools for appraisals.
Mason motioned for James to sit, his grin as polished as ever. "I've taken the liberty of gathering your earnings myself. After all, a client of your stature deserves nothing less than the best service we can offer."
James sat, crossing his arms as he watched Mason produce a medium looking pouch, which look pretty heavy, from a safe-deposit box. The merchant placed it on the table with a little groan, the coins inside jingling softly.
"This," Mason began, his voice smooth and professional, "is the total from your three items at auction. After deducting the two silver commission for each item, and the ten percent share you graciously offered me, the final amount comes to… sixty-eight gold, seventy silver, and sixty copper coins."
James leaned forward, picking up the pouch and feeling its weight. He loosened the drawstring and glanced inside, the gleam of gold catching his eye. He nodded, satisfied.
"Efficient as always," James said, meeting Mason's gaze.
"Naturally," Mason replied with a slight bow. "And I must say, your items certainly caused quite a stir last night. If you have anything else you wish to auction in the future, you know where to find me."
James leaned back, slipping the pouch securely into his bag. "Not today," he said simply. "But if I come across something worthwhile, you'll be the first to know."
"Excellent," Mason said, his grin widening. "I'll look forward to it."
James stood, motioning for Ofelia to follow as he turned toward the door. "Thanks, Mason."
"Always a pleasure, Mr. James," Mason replied, his tone warm and inviting. He inclined his head slightly as they left, his sharp gaze lingering briefly on James before turning back to his ledgers.
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Once outside, James adjusted the strap of his bag, feeling the reassuring weight of the coins within. He glanced at Ofelia, who walked quietly beside him, her hands clasped in front of her as usual.
"Let's see if we can put this to good use," he murmured, more to himself than to her. He started walking, his mind was already turning, considering the test he planned to run next.
The familiar chatter of the marketplace filled the air as James and Ofelia made their way through the bustling streets. Merchants called out to passersby, the scent of fresh-baked bread mingling with the sharper tang of metal and leather from the weapon and armor stalls.
It didn't take long for James to spot the sign of the Redan and Mira Emporium, a sturdy wooden placard carved with an emblem of a sword crossed over a shield. The shop itself stood out, its well-maintained exterior and the faint sound of an argument drifting from within unmistakable.
"Here we go," James muttered, stepping inside.
The interior was just as he remembered—rows of neatly displayed weapons on one side and armor on the other, all crafted with precision and care. Behind the counter, the bickering owners were mid-debate.
"I'm telling you, armor is the foundation of any adventurer's survival!" Redan declared, his broad frame leaning over the counter as he gestured emphatically toward a piece of polished leather armor.
"And I'm telling you," Mira shot back, her fiery red hair practically bristling as she held up a gleaming dagger, "no amount of armor will save you if you can't take down your enemies!"
James cleared his throat loudly, interrupting the argument.
Both heads turned toward him, their expressions shifting instantly. Redan's stern face split into a grin, while Mira crossed her arms, arching a brow.
"Well, if it isn't our favorite new explorer or merchant," Mira said, her tone playful but sharp. "What brings you back, James?"
"Looking to gear up," James replied, his tone even. "For both myself and Ofelia."
Redan's eyes flicked to Ofelia, narrowing slightly. "For her too, huh?" His voice carried a faint edge of disapproval, though he didn't say more.
James caught the look and sighed inwardly. "Yeah. We'll both need proper equipment for the labyrinth."
"Labyrinth, huh?" Mira said, her gaze shifting to Ofelia. The elf stood silently behind James, her hands clasped in front of her, her expression neutral. Mira's eyes lingered for a moment before she shrugged. "Fine. What are you looking for?"
"For her," James began, gesturing toward Ofelia, "a pair of daggers—light but sturdy. Leather armor, including a vest and bracers."
Mira nodded slowly, though her brow furrowed slightly. "And for you?"
"A mace and a shield," James replied. "Plus leather armor—vest, bracers, and greaves. All crafted by a Magic Blacksmith, nothing fancy."
Redan let out a low whistle, crossing his arms. "That's a solid list. Not cheap, though."
"I'm aware," James said, meeting his gaze evenly. "That's why I came to you. I trust your quality."
Redan grunted, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. Mira, meanwhile, smirked and turned toward the weapon display. "I've got a couple of daggers that might work," she said, pulling down a pair of sleek blades.
"These are basic Magic Blacksmith-crafted iron daggers," she explained, holding one up for James to see. The blade was simple but razor-sharp, the hilt wrapped in black leather for a secure grip. "Light, durable, and perfectly balanced. Fifty silver coins for the pair."
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[Appraisal Activated]
N@me: Iron D@gger
Cond!tion: Adequ...te?
Enc\hantm$nt: -
Valu^e: 24 S!lver Coins
Err%r: None Detected
---------------------------------
James nodded, inspecting the daggers briefly before setting them aside. "What about the armor?"
Redan stepped in, pulling a leather vest and bracers from a nearby rack. "This is basic leather armor—nothing enchanted, but solid craftsmanship. Vest and bracers for her, seventy silver coins."
----------------------------------
[Appraisal Activated]
N@me: Le@ther V3st
Cond!tion: Adequ...te?
Enc\hantm$nt: N0ne
Valu^e: 40 S!lver Coins
Err%r: None Detected
---------------------------------
----------------------------------
[Appraisal Activated]
N@me: Le@ther Brac#r
Cond!tion: Ad$qu/te
Enc\hantm$nt: N0ne
Valu^e: 25 S!lver Coins
Err%r: None Detected
---------------------------------
"And for me?" James asked, after eyeing the equipment and turning toward the mace and shield display.
Redan picked up a sturdy mace, its head rounded with reinforced ridges. "Good weight, solid strike power. Crafted by a Magic Blacksmith, of course. Sixty silver coins." He gestured to a nearby shield—a round piece with a reinforced wooden core and metal edging. "Shield's another fifty silver."
----------------------------------
[Appraisal Activated]
N@me: Ir0n M@ce
Cond!tion: Adequ...te?
Enc\hantm$nt: N0ne
Valu^e: 58 S!lver Coins
Err%r: None Detected
---------------------------------
----------------------------------
[Appraisal Activated]
N@me: /ron R0unD Sh!eld
Cond!tion: G@od
Enc\hantm$nt: -
Valu^e: 47 S!lver Coins
Err%r: None Detected
---------------------------------
"And the armor?"
Redan pulled down a matching set of leather—a vest, bracers, and greaves. "One gold coin for the full set."
----------------------------------
[Appraisal Activated]
N@me: Le@ther V3st
Cond!tion: Go0D
Enc\hantm$nt: N0ne
Valu^e: 43 S!lver Coins
Err%r: None Detected
---------------------------------
----------------------------------
[Appraisal Activated]
N@me: Le@ther Brac#r
Cond!tion: Ad$qu/te
Enc\hantm$nt: N0ne
Valu^e: 25 S!lver Coins
Err%r: None Detected
---------------------------------
----------------------------------
[Appraisal Activated]
N@me: Le@ther Gr/$aves
Cond!tion: Ad$qu/te
Enc\hantm$nt: N0ne
Valu^e: 31 S!lver Coins
Err%r: None Detected
---------------------------------
James did the math in his head, the total cost tallying up quickly. He nodded, pulling his coin pouch from his bag. "I'll take the lot."
Mira glanced at Redan, then back at James. "You're really equipping her for this, huh?" Her tone was casual, but there was a hint of skepticism.
James's gaze hardened slightly. "She's part of my team. If she's going into the labyrinth, she's going in prepared."
Redan exchanged a glance with Mira, who shrugged. "Your money," she said, passing the daggers to Ofelia.
Mira watched her closely. "Hold them like this," she said, adjusting Ofelia's hands slightly. "Feel the balance. They're meant for speed, not brute force. You're not a brawler; you're a dancer. Move like one."
Ofelia nodded silently, her expression neutral as she mimicked the motions Mira demonstrated.
Redan handed her the leather vest and bracers, his expression neutral but his movements brisk.
James collected his own gear, strapping the mace and shield to his bag before tucking the armor pieces inside. "Thanks," he said, his tone firm. "I'll be back if I need anything else."
"Good luck in the labyrinth," Mira said, her smirk returning. "Try not to break the gear too fast."
Redan simply nodded, his arms crossed as he watched them leave.
As they stepped back into the bustling marketplace, James glanced at Ofelia. She held her new equipment with careful hands, her expression unreadable.
"We'll test it out soon," James said, his tone lighter now. "Let's get everything organized first."
Ofelia nodded silently, falling into step behind him once more as they made their way back toward the inn.
James and Ofelia returned to the Iron Hearth Inn, their steps steady but silent as the weight of their recent purchases settled between them. The bustling sounds of the marketplace faded behind them, replaced by the familiar warmth of the inn's common room. Without pause, they made their way upstairs to their room.
Once inside, James closed the door and set his bag on the small wooden table near the window. The faint afternoon sunlight filtered through the shutters, casting soft rays across the room.
"Time to sort everything," James said, more to himself than to Ofelia. He pulled the pouch of coins from his bag, the satisfying clink of gold and silver filling the quiet space. Sitting down, he loosened the drawstring and began to count.
One by one, he set the coins into neat stacks on the table: gold in one pile, silver in another, and copper off to the side. Ofelia stood nearby, her hands clasped in front of her, her gaze fixed on the table. She said nothing, her expression calm, but her eyes betrayed a flicker of astonishment. She had never seen so much money in one place.
When James finished, he leaned back, surveying the totals with satisfaction. "Seventy-one gold, Sixty-five silver, and eighteen copper," he murmured, nodding to himself. "Everything checks out."
He gathered the coins back into the pouch, securing it tightly before setting it aside. Then, with a focused motion, he began unpacking their new equipment.
"Let's get geared up," he said, standing and reaching for the leather armor. He handed the vest and bracers to Ofelia first, watching as she accepted them quietly.
"Put these on," he instructed, his tone steady. "They'll protect you better than what you've been wearing."
Ofelia nodded, stepping back to the corner of the room to slip on the gear. She moved with precision, slipping into the leather vest and fastening the bracers around her wrists. The fit was snug but flexible, allowing her to move freely. She picked up the daggers last, holding them carefully as if testing their weight again.
James turned his attention to his own equipment. He shrugged off his tunic and slipped into the leather vest, the material fitting snugly against his torso. Next came the bracers and greaves, their buckles clicking into place with a satisfying finality. He strapped the mace to his belt and slung the shield over his shoulder, testing its balance with a quick motion.
Once he was fully equipped, he turned to see Ofelia standing by the bed, her new gear in place. She looked… different. The armor, though simple, gave her a more grounded presence. The daggers in her hands seemed to belong there, even if she still held them with a hint of hesitation.
"Looks good," James said with a small nod of approval. He picked up their old equipment, now discarded on the bed, and stowed it neatly in his bag using the Item Box. The faint glow of the skill flickered as the items disappeared into the spatial storage.
"All right," he said, tightening the strap of his bag and adjusting the weight of the shield on his back. "Time to head out."
Ofelia inclined her head, her hands resting lightly on the hilts of her daggers as she followed James toward the door.
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As James and Ofelia moved through the village toward the north gates, a noticeable shift in the atmosphere followed them. The bustling marketplace, which was normally filled with cheerful chatter and merchants advertising their wares, seemed quieter in their wake. People turned their heads, their eyes narrowing as they caught sight of Ofelia.
James couldn't ignore it. The stares were sharp, filled with suspicion and disapproval. A few villagers whispered to each other, their voices low but just loud enough for him to catch fragments of their words.
"An elf… armed?"
"Why would anyone—?"
"Does he not know what they're like?"
James clenched his jaw, forcing himself to keep walking. He'd known that bringing Ofelia into the marketplace had already drawn attention before, but now that she was visibly armed and armored with good equipment, the reaction was much worse.
One older woman standing by a fruit stall openly shook her head as they passed. "Foolish boy," she muttered, loud enough for James to hear. "You're just asking for trouble."
He felt a spark of irritation flare in his chest but pushed it down, his expression remaining neutral. Beside him, Ofelia walked in silence, her head slightly lowered, her face unreadable. Her steps didn't falter, but James could see the way her hands brushed against the hilts of her daggers—an unconscious motion, as if seeking reassurance.
The guards stationed at the gate noticed them before they arrived, their postures straightening as their eyes landed on Ofelia. One of them, a broad-shouldered man with a graying beard, stepped forward, his gaze hard.
"Heading out?" the guard asked, his tone neutral but guarded.
"Yeah," James replied simply, meeting the man's gaze.
The guard's eyes flicked to Ofelia, his brow furrowing. He opened his mouth as if to say something, but after a moment's hesitation, he simply stepped aside, gesturing for them to pass. His silence spoke volumes, though, and the weight of his judgment was palpable.
As they passed through the gate and onto the open road, James felt the tension ease slightly. The stares and whispers faded behind them, replaced by the soft rustle of the wind through the trees and the distant chirping of birds.
He glanced over his shoulder at Ofelia, who followed a step behind him as always. Her expression remained calm, her gaze focused on the path ahead. But James noticed the slight downturn of her lips, the subtle tightness in her posture. The villagers' reactions hadn't gone unnoticed by her, even if she didn't say anything.
James let out a quiet breath, his irritation fading into resolve. He had made his choice—to give Ofelia a chance, to treat her like a person instead of a possession. If the rest of the world had a problem with that, so be it.
