Chapter 17: Buying Storage Bracelet
In the heart of Larmore city, the Crypt Tavern stood as a beacon of merriment and adventure. Its walls, infused with the familiar, enticing aroma of roasted meats and spiced ales, hummed with the vibrant energy of its patrons.
For weeks, the adventurers had been shrouded in silence within the enigmatic city-state of Saint Rand. But now, rejuvenated, they gathered in Larmore, eager to plunge back into the thrilling embrace of adventure.
"Oh, this ale!" exclaimed a burly man, his eyes twinkling with delight as he held a wooden wine glass. "It's got a richness that Saint Rand's brews can never match. This is the taste I've been missing!"
Nearby, another adventurer, his face alight with excitement, regaled his companions with tales of their latest exploits. "You should have seen it! Our last venture into the underground castle was a gold mine! We captured a vampire and sold him in Saint Rand. A nobleman paid us 500 magic gold coins! Easiest and most profitable job we've ever pulled off!"
Laughter erupted as someone quipped, "Bet that vampire was quite a beauty to fetch such a price!"
The storyteller, after taking a hearty gulp of Varoji, corrected with a chuckle, "Actually, it was a male vampire."
The tavern burst into hearty laughter, only to be interrupted by a loud shout. "Hey Chris! Seems that nobleman shares your taste in vampires!"
A scowl crossed Chris's face as he shot back, "Watch it, you ass..."
Amidst the banter, adventurers exchanged stories and news, creating a lively tapestry of information. This tavern, in its cozy corner of Larmore, served as a vital hub for news from the outside world.
In a quieter corner, Tucker savored a hearty portion of black horn beef bread soup. The bland grain reserves in the Tower of the Undead, provided by Lord Aubrey, were a far cry from this culinary delight. Tucker, deep in thought, pondered his next moves.
"I need a storage bracelet," he mused. Such a bracelet would not only allow him to store his favorite foods for the upcoming grey nights but also avoid the messy business of fleeing with loot in hand. The enemy likely had such bracelets, but using them was risky, as they could be traced back by divination or other arcane means.
Tucker's mind raced with strategy, even as he ate. His aura of a first-order wizard went unnoticed in the tavern's lively atmosphere. He pondered the shifting dynamics in the world of dark sorcery. "The Church of the Dark Sun has grown cautious since the rise of the Ash Sun. Their hunts are no longer as brazen," he thought.
Finishing his meal, Tucker decided, "First, I'll visit Old Man Combs to prepare what's needed. The grey date is upon us, and it's time for decisive action."
An hour later, in the dimly lit underground street of Obsidian material store, a tense and curious atmosphere enveloped the space. Shelves laden with mystical artifacts and materials cast elongated shadows, while the flicker of candles added an eerie glow.
"You're not dead..." Old Combs gasped in astonishment upon seeing Tucker, who sat calmly across from him. "Ahem, I mean, you truly are exceptional."
He leaned forward, scrutinizing Tucker with a mixture of respect and disbelief. "To think you could absorb and even digest contaminated elite materials. Most would fear death, but you, my friend, seem unphased. You're more than just brave."
Old Kom's gaze lingered on Tucker, his voice laced with awe. "So many yearn to advance to the first level, yet the dangers are well-known. Just the process of digesting materials is fraught with peril. In this land of ashes, even the cleanest looking materials can harbor hidden contamination."
He shook his head, recalling a recent incident. "Just a while ago, a level 9 knight attempted to advance and ended up losing his mind, believing he was a heroic, bloodthirsty bull. It took three shattered door panels before they could restrain him. The poor fellow, even on his deathbed, he was still convinced he was a bull, craving grass."
Old Combs chuckled at the memory, then turned serious. "But you, you've not only suppressed the elite demon wolf materials but advanced to the first level. Clearly, you're destined for greater heights. Are you considering preparing materials for the second level? Though it may be a while before you advance, it's never too early to start. I have an excellent second-order human faced snake soul crystal here, almost of elite quality. Just 40 magic gold."
Tucker's eyes narrowed suspiciously. "It seems your greed knows no bounds, Old Comb," he replied with thinly-veiled irritation. "Trying to sell me the very materials I sold you, and then buy them back?"
Old Combs grinned, his gold-encrusted teeth glinting in the candlelight. "I'm in the business of opportunity, my boy."
Ignoring the remark, Tucker stated his purpose. "I need a storage bracelet."
Old Comb's eyes lit up at the prospect of a sale. "A storage bracelet, eh? Those don't come cheap. Many first-order extraordinaries can't afford such a luxury."
Tucker, unfazed, offered his price. "50 magic gold for a standard unit-sized bracelet. I'll pay 10 in advance and settle the rest in two days."
Old Comb's emerging smile faltered. "Two days? You're planning something big, aren't you?"
He knew Tucker's reputation; even as a trainee wizard, he was not to be underestimated. And now, as a first-level wizard with the heart of an elite demon wolf consumed, Tucker's capabilities were significantly enhanced.
Tucker offered no explanation, and Old Combs asked no further questions. The deal was silently struck, each aware of the unspoken implications of this transaction.
After leaving Old Combs shop, Tucker, his wizard aura carefully subdued, moved with silent, calculated steps through the bustling underground streets. Concealed beneath the shadowy embrace of his hood, his presence was just another whisper in the cacophony of the underground world.
During the Ash Night, someone might have noticed the solitary figure of Tucker, his gait betraying a hint of the extraordinary. But on this ordinary ash day, amidst the throng of people swarming the subterranean pathways, he was just another faceless entity in the crowd.
Tucker's fingers idly brushed the newly acquired storage bracelet on his left wrist, a marvel of mystical engineering. "About the size of a drawer," he mused to himself, appreciating its ability to conceal and carry a wealth of valuable items without the burden of weight. "This will be invaluable in battle," he thought, acknowledging the need for such an artifact now that his physical prowess had significantly increased.
Underneath his wizard's robe, he felt for the familiar belt bag. "It's time for you to retire," he whispered softly, a hint of sentimentality for the old companion that had accompanied him on many adventures.
As he walked, Tucker meticulously transferred the contents of his belt bag into the bracelet, mentally cataloging each item's location for quick retrieval. The next battle would undoubtedly present considerable challenges, and being prepared was essential to his survival.
About half an hour later, Tucker's journey through the labyrinthine underground streets led him to a formidable double-open red rock door. This was the location of the hunter gang led by "Nelson," who had previously targeted Tucker. If his suspicions were correct, this place was likely a covert stronghold of the nefarious "Church of the Dark Sun," an organization shrouded in dark whispers and nefarious deeds.
Standing before the imposing entrance, Tucker felt a surge of anticipation mixed with caution. What lay beyond those doors was unknown, but he was ready. The storage bracelet on his wrist was not just a tool for carrying items; it was a symbol of his readiness to face whatever dangers the underworld of this ash day might throw his way.
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone