Alderom was a simple settlement built close to the base of a mountain. During the trek home Luna had not ceased in talking about her home. Rex had gained enough knowledge about Alderom, to develop an exposé on the town.
"Welcome Home, Our Lady!!!"
Two guards who stood watch on watchtowers that towered above the village entrance announced. The simple village was bounded all around by a wooden fence. Its structure did not inspire confidence in its durability based on Rex's observation. It felt more like it was for control rather than protection.
Its design fully conveyed the fact, that it was not intended to stop intelligent beings. Taking in the architecture of the wall, Rex came to the conclusion that the village often faced some form of monster raid.
The guards simply observed Rex, but did not make any comment, the old and young guy that was begrudgingly a part of Rex's company, were higher ranked warriors than they were. Stopping the green-cloaked younger figure that was accompanying them will be an insult to their prestige. They simply let Rex through with the company.
The subject; Rex was however unaware of their train of thought, as he gladly took in the festive atmosphere of Alderom. There was no immediate structure to the arrangement in the settlement. Clay brick houses could be spotted sparingly dispersed across the settlement. His company led him towards a particular direction.
After a few minutes walk. Rex finally got to the core of Alderom, houses weren't sparsely strewn around as was the case in the periphery of the city. They were streets and in some buildings were boards that labeled different buildings. In this section of the city, Rex could feel the intensity of the celebration tuned up by several degrees. They were floating Red balloons loosely floating around the village, several small stalls were set up all across the street displaying sumptuous-looking snacks with a predominant theme of being meat-based.
The old man took a glance at Luna's enthusiasm to flaunt every stall and its display to the Prime, he was not so sure of. The Prime's visible excitement and his younger fellows' growing displeasure led him to a decision.
"My Lady, we will go on to notify your father about our return and the result of our expedition" he spoke tactfully. His former annoyance was absent in his words. It would be a good thing for their lady to create a good relationship with the stranger and he needed to inform the Chief earlier about his presence so he could make sufficient preparation. It was a good decision he analyzed.
"That would be delightful, Sir Toran", Luna happily replied. The younger guy nodded to Luna and with a bit of difficulty to Rex too, as he and the older guy dismissed themselves from the company.
2:32:14
Rex's timer pulsed in his view as he thought about it. The peak of his quest was almost here.
'Would the meteorite clash with a bunch of monsters I would have to defeat to touch it.'
Or...
'Would I have to wrestle the meteorite from the hand of Alderom residents.'
Rex wondered as he felt a bit of tension creeping from his thoughts about his quest. Failure meant a ban from all the stuff he was currently experiencing. His reality felt so out of touch from every single experience of his so far in Cosmic Ascendance.
As his thoughts raged on. He felt a cold comforting sensation in his palm, "You should probably not meet my parents in that", Luna's voice drew him out of his brief mental trip.
"I agree with you on that, but I do love my current attire". Rex spoke in a relaxed tone. He could not let himself keep worrying about the future, he could only plan and not worry. At the moment he had made the preparations which he could, he was at the site of the event and luckily for him. He had increased his level and even awakened a skill.
"You should check out, Old Nala's Store, I am sure what she has will impress you".
--
Rex gave in to Luna's plea and let himself be dragged to 'Nala's Boutique'. True to Luna's word he was impressed with the Artistic skill displayed in the garments at this store.
Nala was a local attraction of Alderom, she had awoken a rare Arma. "A Needle". She never advanced past an awakened, but she was a locally sort celebrity. Rex did not meet her as she was not available as of their time of visit, a coincidence he was very appreciative off. He was very glad he did not have to act the Prime role in front of an elder awakened at the store.
"Oh! Welcome Prime, we had never had such guests in our simple store". A lady with a comforting aura about her squealed as she hastily tried to put away the snacks she had been enjoying at the reception table, after Luna introduced Rex to her.
"I am Ama, Nala's last daughter. It's an honour Prime".
"No need for the formalities Ama, I am honoured to be in your presence too". Rex spoke humbly. He was currently penniless and did not have anything to offer as trade for a garment. He was not in the mood to assume the mighty role of a prime before a merchant.
"He is looking for a Mantle, with quality similar to mine," Luna spoke with overwhelming confidence before Rex could further downplay his hype. Ama looked flustered as she scampered around muttering incomprehensible sounds.
. . .
Rex looked at the heap of garments that had been stacked before him, after Ama's pacing about. He turned to Luna with a 'i can't do this look'. Luna weaved through the heap of garments and sorted out a few mantles for Rex to try on.
Ama led him to a compartment, where he could check out the robe. There was an inbuilt mirror where he could check out his apparel. For the next few moment, Rex went through an activity he did not find so stimulating. At the end, he settled with a brown cloak that made him look like a castle prince in morning robes. He had to stomach the aristocratic look, among the garments he had tried out, this one was the one with the least of that feel.
"Gasp - - Gasp". The two ladies could not hold back their amazement as they admired the spoiled-looking prince in front of them. "I told you, it was a good idea", Luna announced as she admired Rex with a smug expression.
"Yes, It is", he was very satisfied with the response he had gotten. Cosmic Ascendance seemed to be shedding a bit of light on his vain side. "Ama, I think we will have to work out a form of payment plan", it was the conclusion he had arrived at, after his analysis of his current finance situation. He was not even officially a player yet. He would try to see how to pay back after he was officially logged in to cosmic Ascendance.
"No need Prime, It will be our pleasure and an honour to have you clothed in our humble apparel".
"Don't mind if I do" Rex spoke excitedly, being unclad had its peculiarities, but so also does being clothed in an exotic cape. He did not have any inkling to further burden himself with a top or pants, the brown mantle would do just fine.
Luna excitedly anlyzed the cloak from different angles. Ama looked on with indecision in her eyes. It did not escape Rex's notice, but he chose to not let it bother him.
"Prime, Can I speak to you alone." Ama finally worked out the courage to ask.
Luna was taken aback by her request, she looked at Ama inquisitively, but her expression did not display her thoughts at all.
Rex on the other hand was brimming with excitement.