After reaching Level 5, Ryu felt his newfound power pumping through him. The newly unlocked Dark Fissure skill felt like a promise of more efficient and thrilling combat.However, amidst his euphoria, he realized one important thing: his equipment was no longer adequate.
His beginner's short sword felt light and the blade was already badly scratched from hundreds of clashes with Forest Rabbits and Goblins.His previously clean beginner's clothes were now tattered, torn in several places from friction with bushes and attacks from monsters.
Despite it being "just a game," the damage details feel so real, making Ryu feel vulnerable. The relentless grinding has worn away at the durability of his gear.
"There's no way I'm going to Silverwood looking and equipped like this," he muttered. The great city would have far more powerful enemies, and he couldn't take any risks.
Ryu opened his inventory panel. His gold coins now numbered 58, more than enough for a few upgrades. He decided to visit the General Equipment Store in Eldoria, a simple building.
As he entered, the scent of leather and metal wafted over him. A stocky NPC with muscular arms and a friendly smile greeted him from behind the wooden counter.
"Welcome, adventurer! Looking for something for your adventure?" the vendor said, his voice deep.
Ryu nodded. "I'm looking for a short sword and better leather armor."
The salesman nodded and showed me a few options. There was a short sword with a sharper blade, a more comfortable hilt, and leather armor that looked thicker and sturdier.Ryu examined the details, comparing the statistics that appeared virtually next to each item.
After some deliberation, Ryu finally chose the Steel Shortsword and a set of Hunter's Leather Armor.The Steel Sword provides a significant damage increase over his starter sword, and the Hunter's Leather Armor offers better defense without sacrificing the agility that is essential for Thief.The price was quite a drain on his coins, but Ryu knew this was an important investment.
[Beginner Short Sword replaced with Steel Short Sword (Common Level)]
[Beginner Clothes replaced with Hunter Leather Armor (Common Level)]
Ryu brandished his new sword with light movements, feeling a different power. With better equipment and a sufficient level, he felt much more prepared to face whatever came his way.
Before stepping out of Eldoria, Ryu does what has now become his new habit: checking his status. His hand gestures summoning virtual panels now feel natural, an extension of mind.
[Character Name: Ryu]
[Race: Human]
[Class: Thief]
[Level: 5 (XP: 30/300)]
[HP: 150/150]
[Stamina: 145/145]
[Basic Stats]
•Strength: 10 (Initial 5 + 1 from Level 3 + 1 from Level 4 + 2 from Level 5 + 1 from Steel Sword)
•Dexterity: 14 (Initial 8 + 2 Class Bonus + 1 from Level 3 + 1 from Level 4 + 1 from Level 5 + 1 from Hunter Armor)
•Intelligence: 10 (Initial 7 + 1 from Level 3 + 1 from Level 4 + 1 from Level 5)
•Vitality: 9 (Initial 6 + 1 from Level 3 + 1 from Level 4 + 1 from Level 5)
[Available Skill Points: 0]
[Skills]
•Short Sword: Novice
•Evasion: Apprentice (Already sharpened during grinding)
•Sneak: Journeyman (Already sharpened and focused during grinding)
•Observation: Novice
[Class Ability (Thief)]
•Dark Crevice: (Active) Performs a quick, stealthy attack that deals extra damage. (Requires Stamina)
•Silent Steps: (Passive) Reduces footstep sounds when moving slowly.
•Reconnaissance: (Active) Increases visibility and detection of nearby dangers for a short time. (Requires Stamina)
[Inventory]
Gold Coins: 18
Rabbit Teeth: 8
Rabbit Skin: 3
Light Leaf: 1
Healing Potion: 3
Basic Potion Recipe: 1
Steel Short Sword (Equipped) (Common Tier)
Stats: +1 Strength, +1 Accuracy
Hunter's Leather Armor (Equipped) (Common Tier)
Stats: +1 Dexterity, +2 Defense
[Quest Log: (1)]
'Forgotten Whisper' (Phase 1): Solve the riddle of the Ancient Clue Scroll. (Clue: Yggdrasil World Tree, Ethereal Explorer Network in Silverwood.)
[Location: Eldoria Village]