Chương 43: Reuniting with my real best friend

Ethan left Donovan's workshop a satisfied man. They had settled the details quickly once the negotiation was done. Donovan would begin shaping the plates into the design Ethan had described, but Ethan would need to return several times so the smith could make sure the pieces fit properly as the armor came together. That was expected. Even with someone skilled working the material, Ethan's design was a bit different to the standard. So he would have to check in and make sure everything was going to plan.

There was one thing Donovan had made clear, though. He didn't do any padding undergarments. The heavy outer plates and anything metal related were all he could work with. The padded underlayers required for proper armor weren't something he knew how to make. That would need to come from somewhere else. However, Ethan wasn't too concerned about that. He had just walked away with a decent amount of coin, and he already intended to use it in the trade district anyway.

Finding padded garments or a gambeson shouldn't be too difficult. After all, Ethan wasn't the only person who wanted a full set of armor. In fact he was sure a lot of people would be looking for the extra protection. Donovan had even offered materials for it, so if worst came to worst he could just buy them off the man and find someone to create something. Now he stepped out of the guildhall with Nivia walking beside him.

"Are you sure a full armor set is a good idea?" she asked as they descended the stone steps.

"Won't you cook in this heat?" Ethan grinned as they stepped into the sunlight.

"No. I'll be fine." He continued walking through the street as the afternoon desert sun glared down at him.

"I've got an idea to deal with that." And it was true. Ethan had worn armor for years. Over time he had experimented with countless designs. Unlike the warriors of centuries past, humanity had long since improved on the old concepts. Ventilation channels, layered padding, balanced weight distribution—modern armor could solve problems that once made full plate a lot more difficult to wear. Not that the weight would actually bother him much anymore. His current strength made the burden far easier to carry.

But still, he would need proper padding underneath. Without those, even the best armor could become unbearable.

"I guess it's your choice," Nivia said. Ethan waved a hand dismissively.

"You don't need to worry about me. I know what I'm doing." They pushed through the steady flow of people filling the streets. After a few steps, Ethan glanced at her.

"What made you decide to come with me anyway?" Nivia slowed slightly before answering.

"I just needed to get out of the building for a bit," she admitted.

"Maybe grab something to eat."

"Fair enough." They continued walking until the streets opened into the trade district. The area was crowded. Dozens of stalls filled the plaza, people walking through the stalls as the owners tried to coax them closer. Most of the people browsing looked recently arrived—they all shared a wide-eyed look. Very few were actually buying anything. Most simply didn't have the coin yet. Ethan slowed when he spotted a weapons vendor and stepped closer. Blades, spears, axes, and bows were displayed across a wooden rack.

He browsed through the options, lifting a few weapons and inspecting them. But nothing stood out. Everything here was basic. Functional, but obviously starter weapons from the system. Ethan frowned slightly as he set another blade back on the rack. He still hadn't found what he was looking for. Nivia watched him looking at the weapons.

"What are you actually looking for?" she asked.

"A new sword." She glanced down at the one already hanging at his side.

"What's wrong with that one?" Ethan rested a hand on the hilt and shrugged.

"Nothing's wrong with it. It's just the basic weapon the system gives you at the start. I'm looking for something enchanted." The vendor behind the stall snorted loudly.

"You won't find that here." Ethan looked up.

"Anything above basic gets snapped up the moment it appears," the man took the hint and continued.

"People either keep them or sell them privately. Nobody leaves those sitting for sale."

"Fair enough," Ethan said. He gave the man a nod of thanks before shifting his attention to a dagger he had noticed earlier. It was simple. Clean steel, and felt nice in his grip. He turned it in his hand, testing the weight. Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. The vendor leaned forward on the counter.

"That's just the starter weapon for rogue classes," he said.

"Worth about twenty copper." Ethan nodded.

"That's fine. I think I'll take it." He didn't bother haggling. Instead he simply handed over the coins. Nivia raised an eyebrow as he slid the dagger into his pack.

"Spare weapon?" Ethan snorted and rubbed the back of his head.

"It's actually for my sister." Nivia's expression softened and she smiled.

"That's nice." She studied him for a moment before gesturing down the street.

"Want to grab some food? Or do you need to keep shopping?" Ethan shrugged.

"I could eat." She told him to follow her and then led them a short distance away, to a stall selling hot bread and roasted meats. They found a spot along the edge of the plaza to sit while they ate. As they ate, Ethan explained what he was looking for. Nivia listened, nodded along and then pointed down another street.

"There's a clothing shop that might have something." Ethan finished the last of his bread and began to move. Unlike the outdoor stalls, this store was inside an actual building. Racks of clothing filled the interior, everything from modern jackets and shirts to more fantastical garments clearly designed for the trials. A girl stood behind the counter, she couldn't have been more than thirteen. Ethan approached her when he saw no one else.

"Afternoon. How can I help you?"

"We're looking for something padded. Something that could work as a layer between him and some armor," Nivia answered. The girl nodded immediately and walked around the shop with surprising grace. She looked multiple pieces of clothing over and after a moment she returned holding a large, puffed jacket. Ethan stared at it. He tried not to laugh.

"Do you have anything else?" Nivia questioned.

"We might. Let me keep looking."

"I appreciate the effort," Ethan said, shaking his head. The girl looked slightly flustered as she searched, so Ethan and Nivia decided to join her. Unfortunately, nothing in the store really worked for what he needed. He was just about to give up when a woman stepped out from the back room. She looked between Ethan and Nivia, to the girl.

"What's going on? Haley, I told you to get me if anyone entered." Ethan cut in before the girl could explain herself and likely dig a deeper hole. He explained what he needed again. The woman listened carefully before nodding.

"I can make something like that," she said.

"It'll take a little time, but it's doable. Unfortunately we don't have anything just laying around." Ethan smiled.

"Perfect." After that they worked out the measurements quickly, and Ethan left with the promise that the underlayer would be ready soon. Once they stepped back outside, Ethan headed straight for the settlement monolith. Nivia followed, arms crossed.

"What are you doing now?"

"Shopping." At the monolith, Ethan activated the system interface. The familiar translucent menus appeared in front of him. He navigated directly to the weapon section. Rows of options appeared, ranging from bows, daggers, axes, spears and various types of swords. Each weapon displayed its rarity—Basic weapons offering no bonuses, while higher tiers granted stat boosts and sometimes even special abilities. Ethan scrolled past them steadily.

Eventually he found the greatswords, but despite his hopefulness the selection was small. Only three options appeared and two were far outside his price range. After purchasing [Oath] and traveling the desert, he was left with a little under a hundred PO. Ninety three to be exact. So he could only go with the one option. Fortunately he was at the monolith so the prices were severely discounted. He looked at the description. [Greatsword of Might] A common sword, offering bonuses to strength.

+2 Strength Cost: 50 PO The sword was average but it was better than the one he had. He just needed it to last until he reached the second level, where he could get one commissioned for a fair price, and where the crafters would be far better. He confirmed the purchase. A moment later, something solid appeared at his feet. A large greatsword rested in its sheath, the metal pommel catching the sunlight. A broad grin spread across Ethan's face. Beside him, Nivia slowly raised a hand to her forehead.

"You've got to be kidding me." With the shopping finished, Ethan lifted the newly purchased greatsword, tempted to remove it from its sheath right then and there. But he held off. The sword was at least as tall as he was. It wouldn't be the best idea to start swinging it around with so many people close by. So he slung it over his shoulder. The sheath fought for space across his back with the pack already hanging there, forcing him to shift the straps slightly until everything settled reasonably comfortably.

Once it was secure, he nodded toward Nivia.

"Well, that's about everything on my list." She eyed the sword once more, still looking mildly exasperated, before sighing.

"Alright then. Let's get you back to the guild. I'll help you find where you're staying." Ethan was quietly grateful for that. Highrocks was familiar to him, but the guildhall itself had more twists and side corridors than he remembered. They walked back through the crowded streets toward the Broken Dawns' headquarters. The flow of people had only grown thicker since earlier in the day, and it took them a few minutes to work their way through the line of people waiting to speak with guild members.

Inside the guildhall, Nivia led him past the public desk to a smaller counter where a receptionist handled requests specifically for guild members and approved guests. Nivia leaned forward and spoke with the woman briefly. After a moment the receptionist nodded and passed over a small wooden tag with a room number carved into it.

"Third corridor, east wing," she said.

"Thanks," Nivia replied. They moved deeper into the building. Ethan followed her through a maze of stone hallways and staircases until they finally reached a quieter section of the guildhall where the traffic thinned considerably.

"Here we are," Nivia said. She stopped outside a wooden door and tapped the room number lightly. Ethan glanced at it before reaching for the handle. Just as he was about to open the door, Nivia spoke again.

"Hey… listen." He paused and looked back at her. She shifted her weight slightly, looking a little more serious than before.

"Would it be alright if I came along on your outings?" Ethan raised an eyebrow. She continued quickly.

"I'm sick of being stuck up here. Sitting around waiting. I need to get out and level again." She rubbed the back of her neck.

"I've only got about six months left before I have to go through the mirage." Ethan considered it. A healer would go a long way. That was a massive advantage, especially if he wanted to keep practicing his mana manipulation, which was his next step for his build.

"Yeah," he said.

"That sounds great." Nivia's face lit up instantly.

"Really?"

"Sure." She beamed at him.

"Thanks." With that, she turned and headed back down the corridor, her steps noticeably lighter. Ethan watched her go for a moment before turning back to the door. He pushed it open and stepped inside, finally ready to see his temporary living quarters. Leah was standing there, looking at him.

"Isn't she a little too old?"

"Shut up."