Chapter 7
New City, New Problems
Atlas strode toward the city of Lairthyn without a care in the world. His trip was nothing more than a leisurely stroll through the forest. No animals disturbed him and nothing attacked him. When he finally left the edge of the forest and caught sight of the city, he staggered to a halt.
The place was easily five times the size of Kilthan, and that was judging by what he could see. A small wall rose around the perimeter and a gate stood in the middle of the pathway he traveled. From this distance, he could see a small stream of people entering and leaving.
His pace increased with the anticipation of exploring somewhere new. The distance melted away, and he stood in a short line to enter the city. The guards at the gate took one look at him and just ushered him through without so much as a question.
Buildings lined both sides of the road, and he checked the signs. Most of those near him looked like inns, and he remembered the advice from Master Longstride. He walked up to the door on one establishment called The Plucky Goose and pushed through. A crowd filled the room and Atlas got his first glimpse at something he’d been missing. Other real-world people dotted the room.
It was pretty obvious for most of them. Many wore mismatched pieces of armor and looked relatively new. A lot of them had odd names reminiscent of a video game player. Most of them were between levels 5 and 8.
Atlas approached the innkeeper and immediately asked to set his Bind Point at the inn. The innkeeper only nodded and dug behind the counter. The husky man pulled out a small black box with an orange gem embedded into the surface. The innkeeper’s hazel eyes glanced from Atlas to the gem a few times until Atlas realized he wanted him to touch it.
Atlas extended his hand and touched the gem with his palm.
Do you wish to bind to The Plucky Goose? Yes/No.
He selected Yes, and a shiver of cold traveled down his spine. The innkeeper watched him squirm with a knowing look and grinned.
“First time binding? Odd experience isn’t it?”
“Definitely an odd feeling. What’s your name?” Atlas asked.
“Harold. Anything else I can get for you, Reborn?”
“I’m Atlas, by the way. You know anyone around here that has quests available?”
“You could try by the stables nearby. I’d heard there were a few quests available in that area but don’t know for sure,” Harold said as he looked at the state of Atlas’ attire, “Judging by the layer of dust on you, I’d say you just arrived. If that’s the case, I suggest you go by your class trainer’s place first. No point in running off in search of action before then.”
“Have every intention to do just that. I’m sure I’ll see you again,” Atlas told him as he turned to leave.
As he left the building, he looked around the area. I need to find a guard or someone who can point me to Master Proth’s place.
He spotted two people in armor wearing tabards with a matching symbol. Atlas wasn’t sure what the local heraldry looked like, but he doubted any players would wear them. They also displayed normal fantasy style names.
“Excuse me, guys. Do either of you know where I can find Master Proth?”
The guard on the left stood a good foot taller than the other and wore a sword on his hip. His plate armor fit him well, and a scruffy mustache poked out through the opening in the faceplate.
“Master Proth? That’s the druid master here in town, right?”
“Yes sir,” Atlas confirmed.
“Take this road into town and turn right at the second intersection. He’s the seventh house down the way. His place has pillars on the front that are living trees. Hard to miss,” the guard assured him.
“Thank you. Take care guys.”
Atlas waved as he left and followed their directions. His interest peaked when he spotted a leatherworking shop on the way. Figuring he could spare a little time, he turned and examined the sign. Trailia’s Hides. The scent of leather assaulted him as he walked through the door. It reminded him of walking into a western-wear store.
A lanky woman stood behind the counter and eyed him as he entered.
“Welcome traveler. I’m Trailia. Can I help you?”
“Hi Trailia, name’s Atlas. I’m here to see what you offer in terms of Leatherworking training,” Atlas told her with a smile.
Her stern gaze worried him, so he tried his best to exude confidence. The more she stared, the more he felt his resolve crumbling to dust.
“I don’t train newbies. You have to be at least level 5 before I’d even consider working with you. Who did you train under before?”
“I trained under Master Ramma. I’m currently level six in Leatherworking.”
She grunted in response, “Suppose I can work with you. That old scoundrel knows his business. Here’s what I have for you.”
Are all leatherworkers grumpy?
Her hand flicked toward him, and the menu settled into his sight. There were two abilities he could learn. Hide Patch was the first while the second one was Basic Reinforced Leather Gloves. They each cost 20 copper, so he purchased both.
Leatherworking - Hide Patch
Requirements
• Leatherworking Level 5
Rarity: Common
Requirements: 1 Cured Light Hide, 1 Leather Sinew Thread
Description: Create a small patch of leather that can be applied to existing leather armor. Anyone can use this patch.
Use: Seal holes in armor and restore 10 durability.
Leatherworking - Basic Reinforced Leather Gloves
Requirements
• Leatherworking Level 6
Rarity: Common
Requirements: 3 Cured Light Hide, 3 Leather Sinew Thread
Description: Create a set of reinforced leather gloves. These have higher defense and durability than the basic gloves.
Looking at the stats on the reinforced gloves, Atlas saw they had 1 extra defense and 10 extra durability. Not shabby for just one extra hide and sinew. Another thing that caught Atlas’ eye was the hides. Trailia had 12
