Henry's thoughts drifted as he weighed his choice. 'I don't really have many reasons for choosing the flintlock. But I believe it could carry me far without draining my stamina points.' he reasoned inwardly with smiles on his face as he continued. 'If I tell her this, she would probably understand'
(Be careful how you speak, Henry. You're the only one with a system in this world. For your safety, I advise you to keep it secret.) Rai's voice echoed in his mind.
Henry's eyes narrowed. At first, he couldn't accept the truth of Rai's words. How could people survive in this world without the system? It had been his lifeline, the very thing keeping him alive. Across the table, Juliet was still staring at him, clearly waiting for an answer.
He swallowed and forced a smile. "I just love the sound a flintlock makes whenever a bullet leaves its barrel."
Juliet blinked, then gawked at him. "Seriously? I always suspected you didn't think with your brain, but now I have proof. You choose a flintlock over an ancient weapon because you like the sound it makes?"
Henry froze, he didn't say a word as taughts ran through his head 'Why's she praising the Whisperfang so much? She won't believe me if I told her that, from my last life, I know arrows are slowly becoming obsolete while guns are taking over. I love Whisperfang—it saved me countless times—but I still need the flintlock added to my collection'.
Aloud, he said cautiously, "You seem to have strong faith in the Whisperfang."
Juliet gave a small nod. "I'm not a ranged fighter, but yes I admire it. Let me tell you its history."
She drew a deep breath before continuing. "The Whisperfang was born during the war against the Dinos. Normal weapons couldn't pierce their hides. So, a group of ranged fighters joined with the elves and created the first beast weapon, forged with crystals and magic. That was Whisperfang. It became the first of its kind, powerful and alive in its own way, choosing its wielder. Only twenty were ever crafted. Nineteen remain in the hands of the Military Academy. The last one has been missing ever since."
Henry's eyes widened. "And they're still searching for the last one?"
Juliet nodded. "Rumor says Whisperfang can upgrade. At its highest form, it's said to kill a Dino with a single strike. That's why they want it."
Henry fell silent, his mind racing. 'Rai, you heard that. What do I do? I'm too young to carry something the Military Academy is hunting for. Should I give it up… or toss it into a river?'
(Keep it, Henry. Whisperfang will serve you soon. Just hide it in your inventory and never show it unless necessary.)
Henry lowered his gaze. "Thanks for telling me its history. I'll keep Whisperfang hidden, but that makes it even more important that I get the flintlock." His voice dropped to a whisper. "Please, don't tell anyone I have it."
"Relax," Juliet said. "I've carried bigger secrets than yours. So now tell me, since you're so interested in flintlock what's stopping you from buying it?"
"Just a few coins," Henry admitted.
"Ohh" Juliet whispered as she tapped her chin, then leaned closer. "I have an idea. One that could give you the coins and weapons to sell."
Henry's eyes lit up. "Really? What's the idea?"
"A duel," Juliet said plainly. "If you defeat the reigning champion, you'll earn one thousand blue coins. And you'll inherit the last five weapons of his fallen challengers."
Henry frowned. "Sounds fair. But what if I lose?"
"You won't just lose," Juliet said flatly. "In that place, the only way out is death. It's a fight to the end. That's how I've earned more coins."
Henry's jaw tightened. "Fight to the death? That's insane. I'm not interested." He turned back to his bread.
A familiar ding rang in his ears.
[New Quest: Defeat the Duel Champion]
[Reward: +600 Experience Coins, +Unlock New Skill, +50 Stat Points]
[Time Limit: 12 Hours]
Henry's eyes widened. "Damn… those rewards are huge."
"Yeah, they are," Juliet replied, raising an eyebrow.
Henry stiffened. He'd spoken out loud. Covering quickly, he put on a grin. "Alright then. I'm in."
Juliet studied him curiously. "What changed your mind?"
"The reward," he answered simply.
Juliet smirked. "Can't argue with that, a thousands of blue coins can solve some of your problems."
Henry's thoughts churned as he forced the smile to stay. 'If I win, my human body will strengthen, and I'll level up. The bullies at the Academy won't dare touch me. But if I lose?'
"Henry," Juliet's voice cut through his thoughts. He didn't respond.
"Henry." She waved her fingers across his face.
He blinked out of his daze and exhaled sharply. "Alright. Tell me, what are the rules of this duel?"