After my encounter with that crazy bitch Grace, I asked around about where to get healed.
Remember when the Weasenox swiped at me? Apparently, my untreated wound would get infected and kill me within a day if left alone. I didn't feel a thing thanks to my Pain Endurance passive skill, but according to Grace, if I died, the system would take away half of my gold.
There was a church nearby, and even though it didn't have a clear sign of what kind of 'virtual' god they worship there, the emblem of a golden star was everywhere, from the NPC's clothes to the banners hanging from walls.
The koala-eared priest didn't even glance at my wound before healing me. "That the Rising Star blesses your journey, adventurer," he said, giving me a warm smile. "20 gold has been subtracted from your account. Have a nice day."
Asshole.
Anyway, after returning to the inn, I reflected on what I was doing wrong.
Ah, and my balls are okay, thanks for asking!
So, let's see. What the hell happened?
Although we won against the Weasenox, I got my ass kicked.
Why?
Because I prioritized my looks instead of getting protective gear. Even so, I thought I was doing pretty well compared to others. On my way there, I noticed a lot of level 2 and level 3 players.
Let's see, after defeating the Weasenox, I had 390 gold, minus the 100 gold I promised Grace for helping me, minus 20 from the freaking healing session, 10 for dinner, and 30 for another night at the inn… 230 gold left.
Now, let's think about the future! If I want another night at the inn tomorrow, I'll need 30 for that, plus another 30 for three meals.
That leaves me with 170 gold... If I don't earn more tomorrow, my current lifestyle will take a hit… And I don't want that! I want my 3 meals a day, and I love to sleep in this comfortable bed!
Now, let's check my inventory.
My original—cough stolen cough—dress is ruined. The clothing shop's NPC told me I could fix it for 30 gold. I decided not to because that'd only leave me with 140 gold, and I have Grace's dress, anyway. The NPC also mentioned that she could teach me the Tailor profession for 1000 gold.
Maybe later?
What is that? Are you saying that I've forgotten about something important? Something else I got during my last quest? Of course not, you silly! I was saving it for last! Let's open my User Interface and tap the notification stating that I can pick a weapon of my choice.
Let's check the options together, shall we?
1 - Beginner's Elemental Staff: It grants you the ability to use any of three different elemental magic of your choice - Fire, Water, Electricity.
After you have mastered the basic spell, you will be able to use an advanced form—Boring! I don't want to be a mage. Or maybe I would, but only to spite Grace, but not today.
Next!
2 - Beginner's Sword: The ideal weapon to canalize your inner hero! A great, balanced weapon that can be used offensively and defe—You know what? Swords are the most clichéd thing in RPGs. Next!
3 - Beginner's Bow: ...No, no, no. I've been smashing things with my fists and feet. I don't want to suddenly change my style. Next!
4 - Beginner's Dagger: For those that excel at agility and slyness. Exterminate your enemies after a flurry of attacks. Once you master it, this will grant you the ability to perform critical hits and backstabbing…
Woah! Those that excel at agility and slyness, huh? I think that's right up my alley! And becoming a sexy assassin or femme fatale, later on, sounds very appealing!
Let's see the last option.
5 - Beginner's Hammer: Smash things with it. For those that only want to see their enemies crushed and dead. It grants a bonus to your Vitality Stat…
What? That's all? ...I see...
*
The next morning, after having breakfast, I went straight to the Weapon Shop to get my new gear.
"Good morning, Ms. Adventurer. Would you like me to help you choose your gear?" the female NPC said, smiling.
"Yeah, that'd be pretty nice, thanks."
The eyes of the fake girl got brighter for a couple of seconds before she tilted her head. "I see that you're carrying a Beginner's Hammer…"
"Huh? Can you see that? It's not even equipped!"
It was the same as that NPC who could see through my disguise.
"You have two options," she said. "Heavy gear focused on defense, or flexible gear that boosts your movement speed."
"So I could be a tank, able to withstand several hits, or be an agile glass cannon?" I pondered for a minute before concluding. "Show me the two sets, please."
Two display shelves shifted, revealing mannequins wearing the gear options.
The defensive option had metal shoulder pads, gauntlets, and a breastplate. It looked quite heavy and difficult to move with.
The other had a black skinsuit, with leather gauntlets, a nice red jacket, knee-height boots, and leather faulds, perfect to hide someone's crotch... It was perfect and sexy-looking!
Price Tag: 150 gold.
I couldn't believe a full starter set cost less than fashionable clothes! Actually, now that I think about it, that makes perfect sense.
After that, I only had 70 gold left.
I'd be able to stay at the inn again tonight and have my other two meals, but I had to find a new quest as soon as possible.
Fortunately, the perfect opportunity started brewing right in front of my eyes.
I exited the shop wearing my new gear and strolled to the reunited crowd a few feet ahead.
"What's going on?" a player asked another.
"It seems they're gathering people to try to beat the first dungeon."
"People, listen!" The guy at the front shouted. "We're only gathering Level 5 players! If you're not level 5, don't even bother!"
Just what I needed.