The seventeen adventurers-thirteen from The Ass Guild and four from Broken’s side-set off on their journey from Clario Town.
Elincia beamed as she slowly passed her gaze over each face, her genuine smile revealing her true character. She was someone naturally cheerful and able to enliven the atmosphere, although this often got overshadowed by the sternness required in her role as Guild Master.
“Everyone,” she declared, “since we all have different movement speeds and abilities, it would be best to take this journey slowly and savor each moment. Let’s fight any monsters we encounter, and I hope you all enjoy this adventure together.”
Clario Town was a picturesque locale, boasting stone houses and lush gardens brimming with greenery. They had gathered there with a specific mission in mind, and over the past month, much had transpired. Now, the time had come to press onward with their journey to the capital of the Dissidia Kingdom.
The sun beamed down as they walked along the winding road, the salty scent of the sea wafting in the air from their right and the beautiful, untamed forest on their left.
They trudged onward, hoping to soon reach the nearest village where they could secure a carriage to continue their journey to the capital. While the monsters on the shoreline were not as fierce as those deep in the woods, they were still a formidable presence. Consequently, they chose a more spread-out, loose formation.
In the back row, Broken, Booba, Freya, and Ivana kept close together, with Kingsley and Goldrich interspersed among them. Meanwhile, at the front of the pack, Elincia and the others led their comrades.
Goldrich turned to Broken as they walked. “Broken…”
“Yes?” Broken replied cautiously.
“Are you interested in receiving a commission from me?”
“To craft something for you?”
Goldrich nodded. “Yes, indeed. I’ll give you access to some blueprints I have. They’re of great value, so I’ll provide double the materials, and you can take half of them. Of course, I’ll pay the proper amount as well. Does that sound agreeable?”
After a moment of silence, Broken responded slowly. “I appreciate your offer, Goldrich,” he began, “but you know I can’t guarantee a high-grade item, right?”
“Khi khi khi… Don’t worry. I still wish for my next weapon to be crafted by you. Your blacksmithing skill is unparalleled, and I’d trust you over anyone else.”
“I can’t promise anything,” Broken cautioned. “Crafting something takes time, and I have many other commitments.”
“You sure became popular overnight, huh? Khi khi khi khi,” Goldrich laughed.
The monsters had come to attack several times, but as always, the group managed to take them out one by one with ease. Their swift and decisive efficiency made it seem almost too good to be true.
Startled, they spotted a boar-shaped monster emerging from the shadows of the forest. The creature stood a staggering two meters (6.5 feet) tall, with razor-sharp tusks that glittered menacingly. It bellowed a ferocious roar as it stood before them, blocking their way forward. It stamped its hooves on the ground, snorting and foaming as if ready for a fight. [Rare – Wild Boar Lv. 185]
The Wild Boar leaped to the attack with a tremendous burst of speed, yet Skywarden stood unyielding in its way. His shield held firm as he weathered the onslaught, remaining unflinching even as the beast’s teeth ground into its surface.
“Broken!” Maylock called out. “Kill the monster!”
Elincia grinned and added her encouragement. “Come on, Broken! Show us what your newest knuckles can do!”
Jovina’s expression shifted to one of eagerness as she echoed Elincia’s challenge. “Yes! Show me the power of your Legendary-grade item, Broken!”
Their voices joined together in unison as they cheered Broken on.
“Broken!” yelled Skywarden. “If you don’t take care of this beast quickly, I’ll release it, and it will end your life, you fool!”
Freya, standing close to Broken, gave him a gentle nudge with her shoulder. “Come on,” she said. “Let’s do it.”
Broken took a deep breath and composed a faint smile on his lips. In his hands materialized a pair of brilliant green knuckles, their shining blades seeming to glow even under the sun above.
[Vines of Torment (Active Skill)]
He slashed his knuckles through the air. Without warning, five tremendous vines or large tree roots erupted from the ground with a loud rumble; they split the earth viciously and entwined around the Wild Boar like an unbreakable prison.
The monster struggled violently, trying desperately to free itself from their powerful grip, yet it was futile. In seconds, the creature’s body was crushed beneath the mighty embrace of the five giant wild vines.
Freya grinned and patted him on the back. “Well done, Broken.”
[You have successfully slain the Rare – Wild Boar Lv. 185]
[You have obtained 2 pieces of medium-quality wild boar meat]
[You have obtained 1 piece of medium-quality wild boar skin]
[You have obtained 1 Rare – Wild Boar Lv. 185 Monster Core]
As they all stood in stunned silence, Broken displayed the full might of his newly acquired Legendary-grade knuckles skill.
“Woah… This is only one skill from that Legendary-grade item.”
“I want to see more, haha.”
“I think the skill would be more fun if it were used to kill another player, hahaha.”
The area buzzed with a flurry of excited murmurs, everyone voicing their appreciation for Broken’s remarkable ability.
After continuing their journey, they were relieved when they finally discovered a wide opening in the dense forest. Sunlight beamed down on them as they entered the clearing.
They quickly decided to rest for a few minutes before continuing with their journey, as it was already midday, and everyone needed to replenish their stamina and satisfy their hunger. Without hesitation, they scattered around, each finding a spot to relax while Broken and Freya found refuge under a giant oak tree.
Ivana, with a warm smile, took out the food she had prepared beforehand from her bag. She began to offer delicious treats to everyone. “Everyone,” she said cheerfully, “I cooked something wonderful for you all… I hope you enjoy it.”
The mention of Ivana’s cooking sent waves of excitement through the group. Her reputation for creating satisfyingly delicious dishes that provided significant stat buffs was well known, thanks to Freya’s stories.
Freya spun around to face Broken with a playful glint in her eyes. “She is an absolute treasure, don’t you agree? So caring and motherly, a potential shielder, and an incredible chef-why
don’t you make her your wife, Broken?”
“Where did you get that idea, Freya?”
“Why not? You need someone to marry to unlock the potential of your ring, right? You can’t marry me since I’m a Player, but you can marry me outside the game. You won’t regret it,” she said with a chuckle.
Broken paused for a moment before responding. “I need an affinity of 80% with an NPC to unlock the first potential of the skill.”
“Then, the answer is Ivana, right? Your affinity with her is high. How high is it?”
“67%.”
“You just need to build a bit more of a relationship with her, and you can reach 80%. That way, you’ll get a 10% stat boost if you invite her into battle, right? Plus, she’s a shielder, which is perfect for someone like you who has many summons. She can help keep your
summons in the fight longer.”
Broken considered her words and nodded slowly.
“And I think there’s no harm in marrying Ivana,” Freya continued, giggling.
“NPCs are not just tools from which to gain benefits, right?” Broken said seriously.
“So, you clearly treat them as living souls. That makes it even better,” she replied enthusiastically.
At that moment, Ivana marched over to them with an inviting smile and two plates of
steaming bread.
“Hi… You haven’t gotten tired of eating my cooking, have you?” she said warmly as she
placed the food near them. freewёbnoνel.com
“What a wonderful surprise!” Freya exclaimed before turning back to Broken. “See? I told you
I had a plan.”
“Ivana,” Freya then said. “Would you like it if Broken proposed to you? I mean, if he married
you?”
Ivana’s eyes widened, and she froze for a moment before turning to look at Broken. “I think I’d be really happy if that actually happened,” she said, letting out a little chuckle.
“See… you really need to speed things up,” Freya added with a teasing smirk. Broken shifted uncomfortably, his embarrassment evident on his face. “Can you guys stop it?” he muttered.