Chapter 4: A Day in Town

Bryan roused from his sleep, stretching his back and shoulder.

Ah, that felt a lot better than the guild bench. Back doesn’t hurt.

He stood, cracked his hands and neck, then made his way out of the room.

Outside the door, he noticed a duffel-style bag and a new white shirt and brown trousers folded neatly.

Ah, good. Not modern clothes, but at least they’re new.

Bryan took the items, put on the clothes, and slung the bag over his shoulder.

He made his way downstairs, saying hello to Tessa, who cheerfully responded while cleaning the counters.

Ah, nice lady.

Bryan stepped out of the tavern, taking in the scenery - many people heading to the market stalls. A group of adventurers walked past, and he also saw a guard patrol.

I think I should have a look in the forest for some bounties.

Bryan headed to the north gate again, nodding to the gate guard as he passed.

He made his way through the woods near the dungeon’s location.

Ok, not going in the dungeon, but I should scout around here.

As he approached a clearing, he heard screeching and barking in the distance.

He moved carefully toward the noise; as he got closer, he saw wolves and goblins locked in combat.

Easy prey.

The goblins were swinging violently at the wolves, while two wolves pinned a goblin, bit its neck, and dragged it away.

Bryan drew his sword and fired off several Fire Bolts one after another.

Several down, nice.

Flames engulfed multiple goblins and wolves. The ones not hit stood confused.

The unscathed wolves quickly fled, but the goblins rushed toward him.

Shame they ran, but frankly, I would.

Preparing himself, he dispatched the remaining goblins with a quick succession of slashes.

Bryan cut off the ears of the goblins and the tails of the wolves, dropping them into his new bag.

Hmm, mana is coming back quicker out here than underground, odd.

He made his way further into the woods, carefully keeping an eye and ear out for creatures.

Bryan spotted a rabbit-like creature and approached it slowly.

Weird rabbit, dangerous looking horn… will not joke about it…

As he got closer, the creature darted away with impressive speed - his eyes barely able to track it.

Ok, well that speed explains how that thing survives…

Bryan walked through the woods, keeping watch, but didn’t see much else for a while.

He stepped through a bush and felt an unexpected squish beneath his foot.

Eww, that’s not shit, is it?

Looking down, he saw a blue gelatinous blob. He quickly readied his sword, aiming at the blob.

It simply bobbed up and down for a while before slowly moving forward.

Hmm, why isn’t the slime attacking me?

He followed it for a short while, poking it occasionally with his sword.

It ignored him and continued bobbing along, munching random weeds as it went.

Ok, very strange… guess not all are aggressive?

He shook his head and continued through the forest.

He came across several more goblins and wolves, collecting more parts until his bag was full.

Well, I’d best go collect the moolah for this.

Bryan made his way back to the guild.

Opening the large double doors, he walked up to Milan and placed his bounties on the counter.

“Thank you, I will process and collect your reward,” she stated in a monotone.

Well, at least she didn’t joke about me dying… progress.

She looked through a book and counted the items in his bag, then handed him his money.

“Here is your 4 silver.”

Bryan thanked her and went to walk away.

“Oh, I almost forgot. Since you returned the sword in a passable condition, you are now free from your debt here.”
A blank expression on her face, she turned and carried on working.

Woot, debt free.

“Very nice, thank you.”
She ignored him. He shrugged and carried on into the courtyard out the back.

Makes sense to try and expand my repertoire.

Bryan set himself up in front of one of the training dummies. He channelled mana into his hands, which began to glow.

Flow… water… river…

After a while of concentrating, water began to form in front of his hands. Formless and without direction, it dropped to the ground.

Damn. Close, but not quite…

He tried again a few times, adding force, direction, and power to his thoughts while channelling. Formless water kept forming but fizzled out.

Ok, Well that didn’t work… I will try something else for now.

Bryan focused on the idea of electricity.

Lightning… flowing electrons… spinning magnets…

After a short while of concentration, sparks began darting from his fingertips. He focused on the electricity firing from his hand. It blasted into the dummy like an arc of lightning.

Lightning Bolt Unlocked

After a while of him practising, a few adventurers outside began watching and commenting in a hushed tone.

“How is he figuring this stuff out?”

“No idea… he just sort of does it.”

Boom. Quite literally. Glad no one hears my thoughts…

He spent a bit more time focusing on wind. After a bit of concentration on airflow and movement, he produced a strong blast of air at the dummy.

Air Bolt Unlocked

Thank god for science lesson’s, don’t think i would figure these out without them.

Well understanding seems the most important part… I feel mentally fried… to the tavern.

He got some odd looks and whispers as he left the guild. Bryan shrugged off the stares and headed for the tavern.

Walking into the street, Bryan saw a person running past holding a coin purse, followed moments later by a guard.

Oh maybe I should have stopped them… nah, didn’t notice in time.

Carrying on down the street, he approached the Rest & Ruin.

Bryan opened the door and was hit by the familiar smell of garlic.

Should probably ask Tessa if she can teach me to read… assuming she can.

Tessa bustled between tables, smiling briefly at Bryan as she passed.

He took a seat at a comfy chair near the fireplace and waited.

Wonder how she always seems happy. Odd.

After a short while, she came over and asked what he would like.

“Well, I was wondering if you could teach me to read?” he asked wide-eyed.

“Well, I need to finish this lunch rush, but I could do for 1 silver a session after?”

Should have guessed it would cost, but that seems fair.

“Ok, I will wait till you are ready. Thank you,” Bryan said sincerely.

Tessa smiled and went back to rushing around. Bryan was mildly fascinated by the speed and efficiency with which she moved and served everyone.

She really is quite fast for a larger lady…

Bryan slumped back in his chair while he waited, thinking about how things had been going.

It’s not been so bad this life. I’m certainly getting stronger.

After an hour or so, she came over and directed him upstairs.

They entered a basic-looking room with supplies on shelves and a desk in the centre, illuminated by torches and one window.

Ah yes, learn to read in the closet. That fits…

They sat, and Tessa pulled out a few books that appeared bright and colourful.

“We will start with these tales for children.”

Internal sigh… of course fairy tales…

“Wealthier families read these to their kids, I imagine. But they should be easier to read, so a good place to start.”

“Yeah, that makes sense,” he said, a tinge of sadness in his voice.

She proceeded to walk him through some basic letters, tracing them with her finger.

Yay, ‘cause I don’t feel dumb at all…

After 30 minutes of this, she was trying to teach him to read a sentence:

ʬⱯ₰ ʛѮʄ Ɱᓵ† ʯჯ⌬

“This sentence says ‘The cat jumped over the wall.’ Do you see it?” she asked with calm patience.

This is some grade-A bullshit.

Bryan sighed before replying, “No, I really do not get this.”

“Oh, honey, it’s ok. You will get it in time, trust me.” She smiled and rested a hand on his shoulder.

She really is too kind. This world doesn’t deserve her – I sure as hell don’t.

The reading session continued for another 30 minutes.

“God dammit, I can’t take any more today,” Bryan said in frustration.

Tessa gave a sad but compassionate smile.

“Don’t worry. You will get this, trust me.”

Bryan got out of his chair. “I really need a walk. We can try again tomorrow.”

He thanked her and made his way out of the tavern, letting out a frustrated sigh as he hit the cool evening air.

Honestly, physics lessons were easier than this.

Bryan takes a stroll, looking at the various shops and people going about their evening.

He notices a person who looks more like a lizard or a dragon wearing a top hat. They tip it to him.

Ok I have no idea what he is… moving on.

He shakes his head and looks for an interesting-looking shop.

Scanning the windows, he spotted what he assumed was a general store of some kind. Bryan pushed on the door and went inside.

Ooh, so many strange things.

The room was full of knick-knacks and books spread on tables. He examined some of them until he happened upon a fancy-looking book and a metal runic-looking device.

Literally no idea what anything is… not sure if I should use my appraisal or not.

The shopkeeper approached. “Ah, young man, you have a good eye. That is a rare magic book and child’s music toy.” He paused to look Bryan up and down.

“A little out of your price range though, I imagine, sir.”

Wow. Is he rude or clever? I can’t tell.

“How much are they exactly?” Bryan asked, raising an eyebrow.

“The book is one platinum, being a rare edition. And the toy is 15 gold, since it is very popular with noble children.”

Oh my god… what the fuck kind of pricing is that!?

The shopkeeper stepped back. “We don’t tend to get adventurers. The shop three doors down might be more your style.”

Bryan sighed and left the shop, heading a few doors down to the suggested one.

I’m guessing he could tell I’m poor. Maybe my clothes, or lack of a bath?

He pushed the door open. A more modest selection greeted him inside. Three men stood by the counter, and the shopkeeper was behind it.

Bryan, barely looking up, walked to a table and eyed the items.

These better not be more overpriced garbage or I might lose my shit.

Noticing the pointy ears of a girl cowering behind the shelves, Bryan tilted his head.

“Hello, shopkeep, what is the price of these items?” he said while turning around.

One of the men now had a sword pointed at him. He spotted a shop assistant hiding nearby to his right.

Ok, it’s a robbery… and oh wait, does she have cat ears… focus, Bryan.

“Don’t you even think of going for that sword, boy. I’ll gut you like a fish if you try,” the bandit snarled.

Bryan slowly raised his hands in surrender, palms outward.

“It’s best to do as they say,” the shopkeeper said in a shaky tone.

Hmm, I can’t read and I might be poor… but who says I can’t Fire Bolt.

His hand glowed, and with a loud bang, the bandit pointing the sword was thrown across the room.

The others scrambled in shock. The assistant fumbled with a sword, but her attempt at lifting it sent it flying into a shelf.

Bless, kinda cute…

Bryan quickly darted toward the other two. The shopkeeper now cowered behind the desk.

One bandit swung wildly, the blade coming fast and grazing his cheek.

Blink.

Bryan appeared behind the counter and swung hard with his sheathed sword, hitting one of them in the back of the head.

He went limp and collapsed. Bryan vaulted the counter as the last bandit grabbed the assistant.

Bryan placed a hand on his shoulder, pulled him away from her, and smiled.

Fantasy bandit, meet taser… “Lightning Bolt.”

His hand sparked. The bandit shook violently before hitting the ground.

Bryan stood for a moment, looking very smug.

Honestly, I really needed that vent.. hand feels like I burnt it though...

The assistant and shopkeeper slowly rose from their hiding places.

“Thank you so much. I assume you’re an adventurer and not also here to rob us?” the shopkeeper asked, voice tentative.

Fair assumption.

“Yes, I’m an adventurer. You’re welcome,” Bryan said proudly.

The girl shifted awkwardly.

“Thank you… I just wish I could’ve helped more,” she said with clear sadness.

He turned to her. Mostly human, blue hair, cat ears poking through, blue tail swaying low.

Ooh, a cute cat lady… be cool.

“You’re welcome. I’m sure you did your best.”

“I’d love to be an adventurer like you, but… I’m clumsy,” she said, sighing.

“If you want to be one, go do it. It’s what I did.” He smiled lightly.

Nailed it.

“Okay, Tali, can you please begin tidying? We still need to make sales today.”

She bowed to Bryan and began tidying.

Well wanting to become an adventurer is cool, hope she manages it.

Bryan walked to the counter, stepping over the bandits.

“My name is Geoff. Here’s a small purse for saving my stock.” He smiled, handing Bryan a pouch.

Ok, not bad. 10 silver.

“Oh, and as is the custom, you’re free to take any loot these bandits have on them. I’ll go inform the guard.”

The shopkeeper headed outside while Bryan rummaged through the bandits’ pockets.

Okay, three swords… yeah, not carrying those… but oh, 15 silver between them. Score.

Tali hummed softly while cleaning, and Bryan made his way out of the shop.

He cracked his knuckles and stretched his back and shoulders.

Back to the inn. I think that’s enough excitement for today.

Bryan made his way back to the Rest & Ruin. As he opened the door, he was greeted by the familiar scent of garlic and wood smoke.

He slid into his usual seat near the fire. Tessa glanced over from the bar, one eyebrow raised, then returned to work.

Mm. This chair really is comfy.

After a few minutes zoning out, he jolted as a bowl landed beside him.

“With the reading earlier - and whatever that was you walked into - I figured you’d be hungry,” Tessa said, smiling warmly before heading back to the bar.

Not gonna lie… I definitely needed this.

Bryan picked up his spoon and dug into the garlicky stew like it just saved his life.