novelzi Chapter 154: Chapter 154 - Boars, Battles, and Bonds
Chapter 154: Chapter 154 - Boars, Battles, and Bonds
Chapter 154: - Boars, Battles, and Bonds
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!"
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.
"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.