Chapter 1-28 : The Second Town, Ijard (part 1)
「So, this is the northern town, huh?」(Shougo)
「It pretty much looks the same as Erst Town.」(Rin)
As Rin said, the buildings and atmosphere here are not that different from those in Erst Town.
Some people might expect that the northern town would be covered in snow, but this area is not actually in the north. We called it the northern area or the northern town just because it’s located north of Erst Town.
The continent of Proelesfi is extremely huge. We don’t even know which part of the continent we currently are. It will take a very long time for us players to discover all the places on this continent.
Perhaps the real northernmost city is covered in snow. No one knows.
By the way, we also call this place the second town because it was discovered before the Port town, Hafen.
The first town where new players spawn is Erst Town, the second town is this town, and the third town is Hafen.
「By the way, I heard that there were mines near this town, and because of that, many blacksmiths chose to come and stay here.」(Shougo)
「Really? That’s cool. I think I’m gonna upgrade my spear later, or perhaps buy a new one.」(Shuu)
「I’ll come with you. I want to look for a new sword too. Alice, how about you?」(Shougo)
「Me?」(Alice)
「You have been using that wakizashi since the beginning, right? You will soon get new armor from Lynette, so why don’t you buy a new weapon too?」(Shougo)
「Hmm…」(Alice)
I’ve been using this wakizashi since I started playing this game. I killed hundreds of monsters with it, and I think I’m kinda fond of it.
I don’t want to throw it away, but having a new weapon is always nice. Perhaps I can use two swords… No, three! It would be cool if I could use three swords at the same time.
As I thought about that, I remembered a certain male character with green hair from a manga about pirates.
*/TL : She’s obviously talking about Roronoa Zoro from One Piece.
「Say, Shougo, do you think I can use three swords at the same time?」(Alice)
「Huh?」(Shougo)
「You know? Something like… Three Swords Style Secret Techniqueー Three Thousand Worlds!!」(Alice)
While shouting, I drew my wakizashi and swung it forward, demonstrating the character’s technique.
「「…….」」(everyone)
「Whoaa!」(Ruka)
But everyone’s reaction was a bit unexpected. They looked somewhat surprised. Only Ruka was clapping her hands.
「Uhh… Alice-chan?」(Shuu)
「Fufu. I never expected Alice-chan could be childish sometimes.」(Leone)
「I know, right?」(Kururu)
「Well, she’s full of surprises. Even she surprises me, her childhood friend, sometimes.」(Rin)
「Alice, I can understand. It would be really cool if you could use three weapons at the same time, but this is still a game no matter how realistic it is. If the system allows you, then you can, if it doesn’t, then there’s not much I can say. There might be a hidden skill called “Three Sword Style” or something. Who knows?」(Shougo)
「I see.」(Alice)
Looking for a new weapon is a good idea, but honestly, I prefer looking for this town’s specialty food.
Erst Town has the best monster dishes such as Erst Bear stew I usually eat in a bar by the main street, and Hafen Town has the best seafood since it’s a port town.
I wonder what this town has.
But before going for food, we need to go to the portal in this town to unlock it so that we can fast-travel here anytime.
After walking toward the center of the town for a few minutes, we finally saw the portal.
As expected, it was surrounded by so many players, and among them, I noticed a familiar face.
「Hm? She isー」(Alice)
「Alice, what’s wrong?」(Rin)
「Ah, nothing. You guys can go first. I’ll be right back.」(Alice)
I left Shougo and the others and approached the person.
「Eclair-san!」(Alice)
「Hm?」(Eclair)
That’s right. She’s Eclair, the vice-leader of the Silver Wing Brigade who I met at the raid to the south a while ago.
「Ah, Alice! Hello there~ How are you doing?」(Eclair)
「I’m doing great!」(Alice)
「So you’ve come to Ijard too, I see.」(Eclair)
「Ijard?」(Alice)
「Judging from your reaction, you haven’t unlocked the portal yet, have you? It’s the name of this town.」(Eclair)
「I see. Yeah, I just got here. How long have you been here, Eclair-san?」(Alice)
「I’ve been in this area for quite a while. Ten days in-game-time, I think? I came here soon after we successfully freed the southern road from monsters.」(Eclair)
「Eclair, thank you for waiting. I got the supplies. Hm? Are you talking to someone?」(Leader)
While Eclair-san was talking to me, I noticed another familiar person in shining armor. He was the Leader of the Silver Wing Brigade.
「Leader, do you remember her?」(Eclair)
「You are… The girl from the raid. Alice, was it?」(Leader)
「Yes, that’s me.」(Alice)
「Of course, I remember you. We managed to kill that giant wolf boss thanks to you preventing it from running away.」(Leader)
「No, no. It’s all thanks to everyone in the third squad.」(Alice)
「Haha. You’re so humble, but you’re right. I also remember that we invited you to join our clan. You said you would think about it back then. So? Do you have the answer now?」(Leader)
「Aa…」(Alice)
I totally forgot about that!
I haven’t really thought about it, but… I think I know what the answer is.
「Umm… I’m sorry, Leader. I don’t think I will join your clan. I have no intention of joining any clan now.」(Alice)
「That’s unfortunate… However, if you change your mind, please don’t hesitate to contact me or Eclair. We need a capable player like you.」(Leader)
「That’s…」(Alice)
「Leader, stop. You trouble her.」(Eclair)
「What? I didn’t mean that. Sorry. Forget about my request. We are going to explore further to the north, by the way. Do you want to join us?」(Leader)
「Uhh, I’m sorry, but I’m with my friends now.」(Alice)
Saying that, I turned my head and looked at Shougo and the others who were patiently waiting for me by the portal.
The leader also looked at them and nodded at me.
「I see. Alright then, I don’t want to stall you any longer. I hope you have a wonderful adventure with your friends. Let’s go, Eclair.」(Leader)
「Alright. See you later, Alice!」(Eclair)
「Later, Eclair-san!」(Alice)
As I waved at Eclair and the leader, Shougo and the others approached me.
As expected, they looked surprised. They opened their eyes wide looking at Eclair and the leader as they walked away, except Ruka. She didn’t seem to know who those people were.
「Hyuu~ Is that Eclair from the Silver Wing Brigade? As the rumor said, she’s a beauty~!」(Shuu)
「Don’t even think to try hitting on her.」(Kururu)
「Haha, I wouldn’t dare.」(Shuu)
Kururu glared at Shuu with disgusted eyes when he stared at Eclair’s back.
She is indeed a beautiful woman and is very popular among male players.
「Sheesh! The Silver Wing Brigade in the flesh! Alice, you really know them, and they really invited you to join their clan. Just… Wow…」(Shougo)
「Huh? I told you, didn’t I? You… didn’t believe me?」(Alice)
「Well… Honestly… I was a bit skeptical when you told me that.」(Shougo)
「So you thought I was lying!?」(Alice)
「No, no! It’s just…」(Shougo)
「Aa-ahh~ Shougo, you made her mad.」(Rin)
「Shougo-kun, how dare you make a cute girl angry!」(Leone)
「Apologize to Alice!」(Ruka)
「Ugh…」(Shougo)
I told Shougo and Rin about the raid a while ago. I also told them I met Eclair and the leader back then, but it seemed that Shougo didn’t completely believe what I said.
To be honest, it made me a bit angry.
「Sorry, Alice, it was just… hard to believe, you know?」(Shougo)
「It was indeed hard to believe, but I’m not a liar.」(Alice)
「Yeah, yeah, I know, of course… Look. I will buy you some local food later, so will you forgive me?」(Shougo)
「Food! Un, I forgive you!」(Alice)
I replied to Shougo with sparkling eyes.
「Alice-san… She’s so easily charmed…」(Kururu)
「Well, that’s Alice for you.」(Rin)
「Ahh, I’m worried about her future…」(Leone)
「Hm?」(Alice)
I feel like everyone is talking about me, but… It must be just my imagination.
More importantly, I managed to secure free food somehow!
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