Chapter 15

The door hit the wall heavily as Marisse rushed into her daughter’s room.

“Baby, are you okay?” she asked her feverish daughter, changing the wet cloth on her forehead.

“I’m fine mom. It’s the usual.” the pale faced little girl replied.

Soon after, Marisse walked out with a worried expression. “You’re still here?” she asked, seeing Icicle in the doorway.

“Can I help your daughter somehow?”

“Look at them.” Marisse’s eyes drifted onto her apprentices. A dozen or so players sat on the sofas, trying to sew some shirts. “They tried to help me, yet they couldn’t afford it. How do you differ from any of them? You are new to this world, adventurer. I appreciate your intentions, but you can’t fork out enough for the medicine. Even I can barely earn enough to keep my poor baby girl alive.” Marisse sniffed, on the verge of sobbing.

Icicle sighed, shaking his head. “Tell me the name of the medicine and where I can get it. I’ll take care of the rest.” his gaze was resolute.

“You’re still not giving up? I told you-” Marisse tried to argue.

“I need an experienced Tailor to do the job. Adian recommended you, so I’ll put my faith in that rascal and do the same. If all it takes is to save your daughter, then I don’t mind doing just that.” Icicle declared.

“Sigh, I have nothing to lose, here it is. And don’t come back here crying that I didn’t warn you, adventurer.” Marisse said sternly. This dark-haired adventurer in front of her was too stubborn.

Ding!

[Marisse’s daughter] [Unique]
Obtain the medicine for the Tailor’s daughter.

Ask Alchemist Nurte for more details regarding the medicine.

Rewards: Marisse’s gratitude, ???.

“I’ll be right back.” Icicle exited the house of the tailor and made his way to the Alchemist’s shop on the opposite side of the road. Most of the buildings in Vilen Town were made from wood. Icicle attributed that to the large quantities of the forest around, making the timber cheap. Thus, when he saw the wooden shop of Alchemist Nurte, he wasn’t one bit surprised.

Opening the creaky wooden door, a middle-aged man with the bald top of his head and brown curly bangs on the side of his face welcomed Icicle with a smile. “Welcome adventurer, what do you need?”

There were couple other people in the shop, haggling over the price of potions with the staff. They were flatly rejected. Behind the counter, few other players practiced grounding with mortar and pestle. Icicle looked at them with a smirk. He knew how hard it was. Not only was the process tedious, it was quite tiresome. Alchemist’s job required a lot of patience, both towards the ingredients preparation and the constant failures.

“Tailor Marisse sent me.” Icicle said curtly, admiring the multitude of glass bottles filled with liquid and powder displayed on the wooden shelves.

“Oh, so yet another adventurer came to the rescue. The price is 2 gold for a bottle of medicine. Can you afford it?” Nurte looked smugly at Icicle. There was no way new adventurers could raise such a sum.

“Will it cure her daughter?” Icicle asked. Judging from Marisse’s tone the cure was only temporary.

“No, it won’t. It will merely suppress the symptoms for 3 days. Do you still want it?” Nurte was quite surprised. People who don’t have any money would rarely ask such a thing.

“Sure, I’ll take one.” Icicle placed two gold coins on the stone counter.

“So you could actually afford it.” Nurte said with praise. Nearby players gazed enviously at Icicle. Some of them had murderous glint within their eyes.

“Do you know of a way to cure the daughter permanently?” Icicle drilled futher. He could extort Adian thanks to his glib tongue, he might as well try to make Marisse happy, which would reflect on the quality of his set. It’s a one time recipe that he doesn’t want to lose. What’s more, this situation screamed “follow up hidden quest”.

“There is a way, but…” Nurte turned pensive.

“But what?”

“You need a special kind of flower for the real remedy. It grows in a dangerous area called [Red Blooming Valley] and it needs to be processed soon after the harvesting. Otherwise, the flower loses all of its healing properties. Even if you had grown wings you wouldn’t be able to carry it over in time for me to make the medicine. I’m sorry young man, but I am no fighter. I can’t go there with you… That’s why it’s nigh impossible to help Marisse’s child.” Nurte said with a tinge of regret.

“The recipe for the cure, do you have it?” Icicle asked briefly. He was an Alchemist too, he could make the cure himself. Besides, gaining skills and advancing his profession was right up his alley.

“Well…” Nurte thought for a while. “I do have it, it’s just that it’s a part of a whole compendium. I can’t sell it separately.” the Alchemist shook his head.

“How much do you want for the book?”

“It’s a truly unique item, adventurer. I poured all of my knowledge into it, making it one of the best Intermediary Alchemist Compendiums. What I ask is a humble price of 20 gold coins.” Nurte said smugly. He was proud of his lifetime’s work. 20 gold coins was a reasonable sum for him.

“20 gold coins you say?” Icicle looked at Nurte with reproach, as if he was mentally handicapped. “Who would give you such a ridiculous price?”

“Hmph, young’un, you don’t know the true value of this piece! If you don’t want it then don’t buy it!” The Alchemist said in outrage. His lifetime’s work was being questioned by a new adventurer! Shameless young’un was actually trying to undermine his authority!

“Let me ask you this then. Since no one will buy it before they leave for the further areas, who will you sell it to?” Icicle started drilling the alchemist just like he did with Bingus, Jasik and Wurtox.

“Eh..” Nurte muttered absent-mindedly.

“With no one to inherit your legacy, it’s just a useless parchment of paper. Those adventurers you see licking your boots now will move on and bathe in hundreds of gold coins in a matter of months. Will you still be willing to sell it for merely 20 gold coins?”

“Hmph! Of course not!” Nurte snorted.

“Exactly. So tell me, who will buy this glorious compendium from you if they’ll be able to get it for much less in other areas?” Icicle mercilessly hammered the NPC.

“T-That’s…” Nurte turned speechless. At such a short notice he couldn’t refute any of the words.

“This book isn’t worth 20 gold coins, but I’m not merciless, so I’ll make you an offer. 500 small empty vials, 300 medium empty vials, all of your [Green Stout Stalk], 100 small HP potions, a bottle of Piros Roots, a filter and, let’s see… all of the [Rigid Blue Grass] you have. I’ll give you 15 gold coins for this and the book. What do you say?” Icicle made the ridiculous offer with a deadpan face.

“A-Are you crazy?!” Nurte howled, slamming his fist on the stone counter.

“Alright, I’ll be benevolent today and give you 16 gold coins.” Icicle said reluctantly, his face distorting.

“Y-You…! This is far too little for what you want!” the Alchemist burst out. The only reason why he didn’t kick Icicle out of his shop was because he smelled money on him! But that rascal was too ridiculous!

“Sigh, you really make it hard on me here. Fine, I’ll share one more information with you, but after that I’m done. If you want to squander this chance feel free.” Icicle took a deep breath and continued “The potions you sell to the adventurers come at ridiculous prices. But, if you were to task your apprentices or those who want to buy but can’t afford them to gather the necessary herbs instead, you could profit immensely. Just imagine it, 3 small potions per 30 [Green Stout Stalks]. Isn’t this a great deal? You can even lower the prices that way and sell even more!”

Nurte listened with rapt attention, nodding his head like a chicken pecking rice. “I didn’t think of that!” he said appreciatively. Meanwhile, the nearby apprentices who glared daggers at Icicle before turned completely hostile. He had burdened them with extra work!

“Those lackeys of yours over there, you should task them with making the potions. Only then will their skill rise. Of course you can’t give them all of the herbs in case they’re incompetent. So, what do you say about my previous offer?” Icicle made the apprentices sigh in relief, at the same time trying to close the deal.

“Still not enough, young man.” Nurte said, this time with a bit more respect.

“How much do you charge for apprenticeship?” Icicle waged his all on this question.

“You wanted to buy the compendium without being an Alchemist? You’re too funny.” Nurte chuckled.

“It’s not for me. So, how much do you charge for learning the ropes?” Icicle pressed the matter.

“It depends on the level of attainment. But generally, it’s around 5 gold coins for the whole course.” the alchemist said with a nod, stroking his stubble of a beard.

“Alright, I’ll give you 20 gold coins for the compendium, the items I requested and the apprenticeship for my friend, Adian. I’m sure you know him.” Icicle stated his final offer.

“Adian? You mean the Guards’ Captain? Yes, I do know him. His father and I are good friends. Since it’s for him, then I can make the exception and accept your terms.” Nurte finally, although unwillingly, accepted. Someone with a glib tongue like Icicle could make a good use of his compendium. This was also the only way he could spread his fame later, shamelessly declaring that he helped a young genius out.

[Nurte’s Intermediate Alchemy Compendium] [Rare]
Contains all the knowledge gathered by Nurte, Vilen Town’s Alchemist.

Requirements: Alchemist class, first grade Alchemist.

Icicle didn’t reach the first grade Alchemist level yet, as it required a lot of potion making and various ingredients usage. Those were things he didn’t have the time for. Thus, he had to peruse the book, page by page. “Which page is the recipe on?” he asked.

“Page 49. Do you need anything else?” Nurte asked with a faint smile. Since he received a grand amount of 22 gold coins, he was quite satisfied.

“Oh yes, give me one more of those medicines. Since I’m going to treat the only patient soon, it would be a waste to just let it rot.” Icicle said absentmindedly.

“W-What?” Nurte stammered. This was something over the top! He wanted to scold Icicle when he heard the next words.

“Doing a good deed once in a while won’t make you go bankrupt. It’s not for me, nor for any profit, but for the little girl. Have some compassion.”

Hearing Icicle’s sincere words Nurte gave in once again and handed over an extra bottle of the medicine.

“Thanks. I’m sure the girl and her mother will be much obliged. If you could let Adian know about our deal, I would appreciate it. I last saw him getting dragged by the collar by his father. You definitely have better connections with the guards than I do.” Icicle said as he turned and walked out of Nurte’s shop.

Both the Alchemist and his apprentices stayed silent. They just witnessed someone forking out 20 gold coins like it’s nothing and even request the main Alchemist of the town to apprentice another NPC. If that man was not a hacker then who in the world was he?

As he exited the Alchemist’s shop, Icicle saw a new pop-up.

Ding!

<<System message>>

Your constant haggling with the NPCs earned you the right to master the [Haggle] skill. However, since your profession isn’t that of a Merchant, the skill cannot be awarded. Thus, you’ll receive a compensation of similar value.

+4 Charisma

Icicle smiled at the pop up. Getting more Charisma was always good, it strengthened his [Soundless Fear] skill.

Feeling content, Icicle leisurely walked back to Marisse’s house. He opened the door and saw her standing right before the entrance. “D-Did you get it? she asked in a quavering voice. She saw Icicle strolling at ease through the window.However, the expressions of the other players inside were sour. It looked like the daughter’s disease progressed.

“I did, here you go.” Icicle gave Marisse a little glass bottle filled with red liquid.

Marisse took the bottle with trembling hands. “T-Thank you.” she said weakly, about to rush into her daughter’s room.

“One bottle suppresses the symptoms for 3 days. Here’s another one. Just in case.” Icicle handed over the second bottle. “Alchemist Nurte’s treat.” he added.

Marisse looked at him dumbfoundedly. That stingy Alchemist actually gave an extra bottle? Just what the hell happened there?

Cough! Cough!

Hearing the dry coughs, Marisse nodded appreciatively at Icicle and  hurried to tend to her daughter. Her eyes red, tears of happiness streamed down her cheeks.

Ding!

[Marisse’s daughter] quest completed!

Your relationship with Marisse increased to Friends!

Marisse came back after a while, thanking Icicle profusely. “There’s no need to thank me so much. I just did what I thought was right. Anyways, I’m about to go find a real, permanent cure for your daughter.” he said, hoping for a follow-up quest.

“Permanent cure?” Marisse asked gently as she wiped the remnants of her tears.

“It shouldn’t take long, but I need you to do me a favor.” Icicle said straightforwardly.

“Of course, what do you need?”

“Well, first of all I would like you to complete my request in two days if possible. I have a blacksmith already working on the weapons.” Icicle said weakly. Using someone in a disturbed state made him feel bad.

“Just this?” Marisse smiled merrily. Now that her daughter was better, nothing else mattered.

“Well, I would like you to repair those too.” Icicle took off his novice set and handed it over for repairs.

Marisse took the items hastily and started sewing some patches on them. Her apprentices watched her needlework with rapt attention, trying to figure out how to do it properly.

Getting his items back, Icicle wore them and smiled, about to head off ,when he remembered that he’s not clear on the exact location of the valley. “Do you know where the [Red Blooming Valley] is?”

“Yes, it’s right in the middle of the mountain range west of the Vilen Town. You can’t miss it.” She looked at Icicle warmly. “I hope you’re succesful in your endeavor, Icicle. Both me and my daughter count on it.”

Ding!

[Marisse’s daughter] quest updates!

[Cure Marisse’s daughter] [Special]
Prepare the cure for the sickly child of Marisse, Vilen Town’s Tailor.

Notice: This quest cannot be repeated by any other person once it’s completed.

Rewards: Relationship with Marisse greatly increases, discounts at her shop, Unique subclass.

“Those rewards are handsome. Too bad I don’t want to be a Tailor.” Icicle thought, turning to leave. Suddenly, he stopped right in his tracks.

“I should be back in two days, but if for some reason it takes much longer than expected, buy yet another bottle from Nurte.” he left two gold coins in Marisse’s hands and left.

Marisse stood there for a moment, dazed. She gripped the gold coins tightly and whispered “Travel safely, Icicle.”

…

Icicle visited Wurtox’s shop and bought a dozen of sandwiches and some drinks for a total of 20 silver. His total wealth now equaled 14 gold coins. He looked at the number and didn’t even bother. Gold was supposed to be spent. He didn’t splurge it, but invested it instead. Nurturing relationships early on could help him in the long run.

His gaze diverted from the gold number into the items in his inventory.

“There are two items left from Atlas hunt in my inventory. There are also two useful ones dropped from the [Ingrained Enmity] event. Time to check them out.” Icicle finally found the time to examine the items. The staff he gave to Faura earlier was just a token of his appreciation. He wouldn’t use it either way.

[Metal Feathered Helmet] [Rare]
Fine helmet of an ancient knight. The feather on top looks fabulous.

Effects:
+6 Defense
+4 vitality
+4 strength

Special effect: Decreases the damage taken from critical hits by 5%.

Requirements: Level 12

“Pretty useful. I don’t have a helmet yet. Too bad it’s for level 12.” Icicle tapped his chin, checking the other item.

[Heavy Steel Breastplate] [Rare]
Trademark of every experienced warrior.

Effects:
+15 Defense
+5 vitality
+5 strength
-2 dexterity

Special effect: Decreases damage taken from blunt blows by 10%.
Decreases the player’s movement speed by 5%.

Requirements: Level 14, Warrior Class

“Hmm, this one looks like a pure boss tanking machine. Shame I won’t ever wear it, judging by my non-existent leveling speed and preferable profession.” Icicle didn’t know when, and if at all, his experience will be fixed.

“Alright, what’s next?”

[Fiery Blazing Sword] [Elite]
Excellent sword tempered in high temperatures. It retained some properties of the fire element.

Effects:
Attack: 13-17
+5 strength
+5 dexterity

Special effect: Attacks that pierce the enemy’s defense, burn for additional 10 damage.

Unique skill: [Nasty Burn] – release the wave of powerful flame onto the enemy, decreasing his HP regeneration by 50% for 20 seconds. Damage is fixed at 100 points. Cost: 80 mana. 60 second cooldown.

Requirements: Level 12

“This sword looks great. It’s better than Adian’s and in approachable level range.” Icicle looked merrily at the sword. If the Direwolf Set’s weapons were bad, he could always rely on this sword. Smiling happily, he proceeded to the last item.

[Random Class Orb] [Special]
Do you dream of having a great combat class? Or is it a prospering artisan subclass? Whatever it is, you can find it by using the orb. If you have the luck, that is.

Notice: The orb will generate a random class and a mission to acquire it. Those missions must be done alone, unless otherwise specified. The orb self-destructs after usage.

“Oh? This looks promising. I was so stuck on Water Mage that a new class might actually benefit me greatly. Sadly, leaving my fate to luck sounds bad…” Icicle wavered for a second. “What am I even worrying about? I don’t need to accept it if it’s shit.” he smiled and with nonchalant attitude used the orb.

Ding!

You’ve succesfully used [Random Class Orb]!

Generating a class…

…

Meanwhile, Albatros Company’s Studio.

“What do you want Lisa? Did you really need to wake me up so early?” Nix yawned, rubbing the sleepiness out of her eyes.

“Your favorite player just filed a ticket to get his experience fixed.” Lisa said, smirking.

“Hmph, that bastard thinks he can get away with what he said scot-free?” Nix fumed.

“Do you have the incident recorded?” Lisa asked.

“No…” Nix hung her head down.

“Then we can’t do anything but fix his problem. Giving him a subtle threat won’t harm though.” Lisa grinned deviously. “Besides, look at the class quest he has just received. I only checked how he is after he filed the complaint to piss you off, but this might be an opportunity.”

Nix disregarded Lisa’s teasing and looked at the screen. She immediately realized what Ice Mage Trials represented. “You want to give him that class?” Nix gazed at Lisa wide eyed.

“Why not? I mean, he’s going to get one either way, it’s just a matter of time. Why not torture him a little? What I want him to get is the greatest class of them all, just that the difficulty of progressing in it is absurdly hard.” Lisa said with a devilish smile. “So, what do you want to do? Decide quickly because other devs might catch on what we’re cooking.”

Nix thought for a while and said “Do it and let’s be done with it. Calling me a retard once is not enough for me to torture the guy forever. If he manages to get the class and profit, that’s his own luck.” As soon as she was done, Nix yawned and went back to sleep.

“You heard the lady. Watch the situation unfurl.” Lisa told her subordinates, reclining on her comfy office chair.

…

[Ice Mage Trials] – The fleeting dream of many, Ice element profession. Gather your luck and courage and enter the ancient realm of trials!

Rewards: Ice element class or subclass.

Requirements: Water Mage, Warrior, Paladin or a basic artisan subclass.

“Basic artisan subclass? I guess they meant the ones available in the beginner areas.” Icicle looked at the window thoughtfully. “Well, I sure as hell don’t want to be a Paladin nor a Warrior, so this leaves me with my original choice.” he smiled helplessly and strolled north, in the direction of the Mage Guild.