"We are in a fantasy medieval." Merlin grinned.
"You could say that" Cedric said.
They scanned the area with sweeping eyes. The town is enclosed with a perfect circular perimeter wall, with them standing in a stone path that splits into T– junction near the center and extends directly north from the gate. From the western area that focuses on trade and commerce, it divides into two markets with a horizontal stone path. From the upper part of the western section are built shops that focus on clothes and weapons. Below from the western section stood three or four shops that focus on vegetables and fruits.
Afterwards, the entire eastern area constitutes the living quarters. Divided into three large distinct residential neighborhoods. The upper town is two residential blocks that dominate the northeast quadrant. Lastly, below is one residential block near the wall and near the left besides the gate entrance.
They wandered the area, looking around, trying to find something useful, most importantly, it is Ben. From the start he only came with one goal, which was to find Lancelot. Even he thought, 'Why?'
The group paused outside the garment shop and slipped through the door, triggering a sharp chime of a bell behind it.
They scanned the area, amazed at what they had seen. Besides them were numerous clothes that were hooked to the wall. The trio sifted through the clothes or garments like coarse peasant tunics, wool tunics that are baggy, and heavy burlap smocks, finding nothing but scratchy, ill-fitting rags.
Then, tucked in the dark corner of the shop stand out three clothes that from the bottom of their hearts will symbolize them, such as
A set of rugged adventurer gear crafted from crisp linen shirts, heavy-duty utility trousers, and an intricate network of crisscrossing leather harness straps, brass buckles, and multi-pocketed thigh pouches perfectly designed for life on the road.
They quickly asked the shop owner if it was available, and then the shop owner nodded as a sign of yes.
They quickly divided the gear, eager to shed their worn travel clothes.
Ben pulled on the first set. The dark, sleeveless vest fit snugly over his clean white shirt, as did the sharp contrast of his black trousers tucked neatly into calf-high leather boots. He buckled the heavy leather harness across his chest, adjusting the oversized satchel resting against his hip—perfect for carrying heavy tools or quick-access rations.
Cedric opted for the rugged, practical middle set. He laced up the front of his cream-colored tunic, sliding thick leather gauntlets over his forearms. A dense web of suspenders and utility straps crisscrossed his shoulders and thighs, securing a series of stacked pouches down his leg that would keep his throwing daggers or survival gear within arm's reach.
Merlin claimed the final, mysterious ensemble. He slipped into the stark-white trousers and draped the long, sweeping grey duster coat over his shoulders. Pulling the deep hood up to shadow his face, he buckled the intricate chest straps over his dark inner tunic, the layered fabric of his long coat catching the draft as he moved with effortless grace.
Afterwards they stood in front of the shopkeeper with Cedric asking, "How much?"
"500 gold Deta," the shopkeeper said flatly.
The trio paused, anxious thoughts flooding their minds. 'How are they going to pay? '
"Is there a slight possibility to get this for free?" Merlin said.
"Sure. But I might ask where you came from." the shopkeeper said.
"I'll handle this." Ben said, looking back at Merlin and Cedric. "We came from the ideal school," he continued.
"Oh, that school? Sure then. Take it," the shopkeeper said. "But don't leave just yet, you must also go to the weaponry. All of you are going to need it."
"Thanks. We'll gladly do that." Ben said.
Finally, they went out with their gear ready and soon later stepped into the weaponry.
"Welcome!" The seller greeted with a smile on his face.
"Hello. Do you have any weapons that would fit perfectly for us?" Ben said.
"Sure." The seller leaves his chair, left hand on his chin, looking at the trio with observing eyes. Trying to picture what weapon would resemble them.
Then he stopped in front of Merlin. "I'll give you staff." Then he moved forward, looking heavily at Ben and Cedric; finally, he concluded. "I'll give you a bow and arrow." he said, looking at Ben. Lastly, "I'll give you shuriken." he continued.
"Shuriken?" Cedric repeated. "How does a medieval era have a shuriken?"
"Did you forget what I said earlier?" Ben asked.
"What did you say?" Cedric questioned.
"The ideal school. A school where some students are transmigrated, reincarnated, and summoned." Ben explained. "Most importantly, it is also the school where many students who studied here are now heroes around the dream world. So that's why there is a shuriken, implementing that they bring their culture here to improve the knowledge that the medieval era doesn't have. Do you understand?" Ben explained, gasping for air.
"You do know a lot, do you?" Merlin asked.
"My parents have always visited me since I was young and tell me stories about what it's like outside or what is happening outside." Ben recalled wistfully, his eyes wide as he looked toward the shop door.
"Where are—" Merlin started, but the seller cut him off.
"Are you going to talk all day or are you going to pay?" He smiled sarcastically.
"Well about that...we don't have any...uh... Deta." Cedric stuttered then finally answered.
The seller froze mid-smile. He stared, extremely focus. Asking if this was a joke.
"You're lying? You wouldn't enter my shop without deta, cause that would be ridiculous." The seller said each word cracks, as if he finally lose it.
"Wait. We will do anything just to pay you. We aren't some stealers." Merlin said, calming the seller.
"I'm glad you suggested, if not then I'll gladly take your outfit as a payment." He smiled like crazy. "If you do wish to pay me, try trading." Afterwards he stepped inside the storage room, sounds can be heard outside as if he was dragging something heavy. The seller goes out, dragging a large wooden chest, with small rounded metal bolts studded from left to right.
The seller opens the chest, displaying a brutal cache of steels.
"So, where are we going to trade?" Cedric asked, eyes showed curiosity.
There is a house buried in the heart of the forest, where the old trees grow thick. Find the old man who lives there. He buys what I sell, and he pays well. You do the trade, you take his coin, and you bring it back here. Half belongs to me for the trouble you've caused. Try to run with it, and my men will hunt you down."
"Sure." Cedric said.
why we would run anyway, we got not chance if we do. That's just basic common sense.
"Then I hereby accept it. Don't worry, we will come back." Ben said, then advanced a step towards outside the shop with Cedric and Merlin followed.
Is this going to be a problem?
Merlin thought.