Chapter 16

"Flein, do you want me to do it?" a boy said and then turned to his companion.

 

His companion, Flein, was a boy of 15 years of age and around the same age as him. He was wearing a simple set of leather armor, had a large backpack on his back, and held a crude mace and a small round shield on his hands. He also had a copper-colored pendant around his neck engraved with the initials "II".

 

Flein looked over at the boy for a second before offering his mace.

 

The boy put away his crude broadsword and accepted the mace.

 

"Cram, I must remind you: Be careful using it," said Flein. "We just bought a lot of things including this weapon and we're low on funds so we're trying to build up our coins."

 

"It's just a Treebark. Its body isn't that hard, you know."

 

Flein glanced at the broadsword on Cram's back.

 

From afar, it looked like it was properly taken care of. But upon closer inspection, one could see that it was a weapon that had seen its fair share of battles -- it had tiny scratches and chips on its blade here and there, and the handle looked worn out. However, most of its battles weren't from Cram's hands, they were from the previous owner or owners. But despite all that, this weapon was an important arsenal for them. And of course, it also cost them a fortune when they bought it that it left them on the verge of bankruptcy.

 

"And as much as possible, we should keep our expenses to the minimum, like repairs, as Diane said."

 

Cram let out a wry smile. 

 

"Last time wasn't my fault. It was an accident, an accident I tell you."

 

Flein let out a deep sigh. 

 

"Don't say I didn't warn you."

 

Just like Flein, Cram was also wearing a simple set of leather armor. However, he had mode padding and he was also wearing a helmet. The reason behind this was because he was their main vanguard. Furthermore, he too had a copper-colored pendant around his neck engraved with the initials "II".

 

Cram began walking up to the monster called Treebark.

 

The monster wasn't moving and it just stood on its location idly.

 

From what they know, Treebarks aren't aggressive and will only attack unless attacked first. In addition to that, they're also slow to move. So the best way to kill them is to finish them with one strike. 

 

However, that's easier said than done.

 

Although Treebarks are considered weak and harmless, their body has a tough exterior. So if they aren't killed within the first strike, they will whip their opponents with their 2 branch-like arms which can be annoying and painful to evade.

 

"Also, careful not to hit the heart!" said Flein.

 

"I know!" said Cram.

 

When Cram got beside the Treebark, he took a proper stance and then swung the mace on his hand with all his strength.

 

"HAA!!!"

 

BRAAAK!

 

The Treebark's body shattered into pieces and the contents of its body, including the green fluid, spread out in the ground.

 

Flein immediately went over to the Treebark's corpse and knelt down.

 

"We thank the Gods for this knowledge and experience They bestowed upon us..." he prayed under his breath. After saying the prayer, he put down his bag and took out a glass jar before opening it. Inside the jar, there were green colored hearts. He took out what looked like a pair of tongs about 7 inches long and began searching for the monster's heart.

 

"How many Treebark hearts left?" Cram asked.

 

"With this, we need 4 more."

 

"What about the other quest?"

 

"We already have 30 leaves of the Sunkiss."

 

Sunkiss was a 3ft-tall sunflower monster with 5-inch legs made out of roots. It also sprays an orange gas that if one gets hit in the eyes, causes a burning sensation for a short time.

 

Cram looked raised his head and looked at the sky.

 

"Looks like we have to make this quick before the sun sets."

 

"Yeah, I don't want to miss my part-time job tonight."

 

"Me too. And tomorrow would be the same."

 

The two became silent after that.

 

When Flein was already done collecting the heart, he went over to Cram and opened his palm.

 

Cram gave him his mace. "Hey, what if we take the quest to collect Bukaroo tails tomorrow?"

 

The Bukaroo was a blue bird about 10 inches tall with a green chest and an 8-inch long brown tail that looked like a rattlesnake. Its tail could sting its opponents and cause paralysis for a short time.

 

Flein turned around and began walking.

 

"Hey, what do you think? It's a great idea, right?" Cram asked again.

 

"We've already talked about this," said Flein.

 

"Yeah, I know, but we would be able to earn money faster than doing these quests."

 

"Well, have you finally at least figured out a way how we can buy or borrow a bow and arrows?"

 

"No, but hear me out: They're like the Treebarks, they aren't aggressive unless you attack them first, right? So with that, we just need a net to catch them."

 

Flein stopped and turned to Cram.

 

"Assuming that we somehow have the money to buy or borrow a net, and even though Bukaroos aren't aggressive, how do you propose we throw the net at them and catch them when they're up in the trees? The moment we climb and get close to them, they would just fly away."

 

"But can't we just throw a stone or hit them with a stone using a slingshot?"

 

"Are you confident with your throwing skills?"

 

"No, but we can learn."

 

Flein just let out a deep sigh and resumed walking.

 

"Come on, we'd earn coins faster, and we'll be out of this mess faster and not have to eat less," said Cram.

 

"I personally don't like the idea. But if you want, let's discuss it with Diane first and then have a vote. And just so you know, if you guys decide to take on the Bukaroo's tail quest, I'm not volunteering to do the quest."

 

"Hey, don't be --"

 

All of a sudden, someone called out.

 

"Hi, guys!"

 

Cram and Flein immediately turned their heads to the direction of where the voice came from.

 

They saw a disheveled-looking woman with purple hair and red highlights in her mid-20s waving her hand and had a smile on her face approaching them. She was wearing a cheap set of leather armor, cheaper than what Cram and Flein were wearing, especially compared to Cram. She had a satchel hanging around her shoulders and a wooden stick on her other hand. And just like them, she too was wearing a copper-colored pendant. But compared to theirs, hers was engraved with the initials "I".

 

"Hey there!" Cram said and waved back with a smile on his face.

 

Flein wanted to chastise Cram due to how he reacted but stopped himself/.

 

"Excuse me, but how can we help you?" Flein said with a faint hint of hostility in his tone.

 

The woman stopped about 10ft away from them and she still had a smile plastered on her face.

 

"Ah yes. You see, I've been traveling and I'm lost. Is there a city here nearby?"

 

Chapter end