"That's wonderful," Vissitri said with evident sarcasm, "can we get moving now? I don't want to spend a night in your [Pinekin] Patch, Nyathamon."

Quintin knew things were far from settled, but for the moment, the tension had been released.

I wonder how Vissitri can stand to be provoked like that. What does he gain by interacting with Nyathamon? It may just be as simple as, 'The weaker ones do what they must to survive' here on Whorrl.

Nyathamon wore a pleased expression that may have betrayed his inner feelings, that is if one didn't know what he was like underneath.

He spoke, "Now that the [Quest] and direction have been discussed, I have three items that will help see you to your destination and beyond."

I hope it's new clothes. I must be more cautious not to get sucked in with promises of rewards, Quintin thought.

"This first treasure is quite appropriate for you, I think. The [Eyepatch of Sovereign Seas]," The [Pineking] said with a swish of his sleeve to display a pitch-black eyepatch in his hand.

Identify.

[Eyepatch of Sovereign Seas]

- Rare

- Type: Concealment

An eye patch of mysterious origin.

It hides information about its wearer.

*Concealment Grade: Tier 3

*Unidentified property*

Smart. I guess there are magic items now? Not that it's all that surprising at this point. This eyepatch will allow me more freedom from pursuit and set my mind at ease to complete his task well. Quintin mused on each items underlying meaning as he bade Nyathamon continue.

"I'll leave you to figure out its full potential. If nothing else, it does at least serve a functional purpose in your case. The next is this, [Battle-robe of Many Tumbles]. I'm quite proud of the fight that saw me win this prize," he said while smoothing it out with fondness.

"it was the Horngrove Circus Troupe performing in some town or another. That night, after the thrill of the show, everyone was drinking- one thing led to another - and I ended up winning a wager with the leader of their tumbling act." He cleared his throat and passed over the eye patch and robe, along with the sack containing his head.

Vissitri lazily said, "He tells that story all the time. He means he stole it while everyone was passed out."

"Vissitri! I am no thief! I may have put the dice in his unconscious hand," he paused as if to consider growing a conscience, "but he still rolled the bones!"

Whatever, Identify.

[Identification] Lv. 3=>4 [Battle-Robe of Many Tumbles]

-Rare

-Movement

-Protection

A sturdy robe that is reinforced in places and allows for greater

freedom of movement. Movements have more flexible and seemingly

erratic courses, which make it difficult to get a proper read.

*Movements: Hidden Deceit.

*Movements: More challenging to predict.

*Minor Protection Enchantment.

Quintin nodded as he took in his current situation. I look like a raggamuffin crossed with a man raised by wolves. First goal: take a bath. Second: bow down and worship these new clothes.

Quintin asked in confusion when no more words were forthcoming, "You said three items, what of the third then?"

"Why, it's right there in your hand. That bag isn't just a normal bag, youngster. It's a [Bag of Holding]!" Nyathamon said with a laugh.

I would've figured it out eventually, no need to laugh at me! Quintin thought as a sullen look settled onto his face, which only made the [Pineking] laugh further.

Identify!

[Bag of Holding]

-Uncommon

-Storage

A magically created bag that can hold items

up to its specific content limit.

*Can hold up to -- ***WOULD YOU LIKE TO ABSORB THIS ITEM***

Y/N?

-(doing so will void the physical item and unlock: Storage.)

This must be when the system said the Storage function was locked, Quintin thought and decided to hold off for now; he was still in Nyathamon's presence at the very least.

The [Pineking] abruptly stopped laughing, as if he was remembering a tragic moment and spoke, "Our bargain has been struck, the [Quest] has been set, and the rewards promised delivered. What are you waiting for? Get your butt moving youngster!"

With a quick start and a surprised expression, Quintin couldn't help but exclaim, "can... can I at least take a quick bath and put my new robe on first?"

All eyes came to rest on Quintin's drying, sweat-soaked body and grimy appearance. Nyathamon's cheeks reddened, and he said, "Of... course. No great rush, youngster! I just wanted to leave a lasting impression of strength!"

"Alright, then are you still coming with, Vissitri? I imagine we have some things to talk about, but that can come later!" Quintin said while cupping his fist in a gesture of farewell, to which the [Pineking] mimicked, rather sloppily, before turning around to walk off.

Even though Quintin didn't know how far he could trust either of them, he still felt reliability and a calming presence when he was around Vissitri.

The [Carbuncle] was visibly excited as it jumped up and down. "You bet! I haven't been to a city or town in many years! I can't wait to mess with - I mean to see what's changed!"

Quintin couldn't help but wonder what he was getting himself into as he certainly hadn't missed; I can't wait to mess with...

One man and one monster began walking towards the brook while another monster was watching them leave with his back turned and an expression of deep thought in his stillness.

"Very curious. I wonder if he is a [Child of the Stars] or just another [Hero]... Let's just wait and see how he can benefit me." Nyathamon began to murmur inaudibly and slowly faded out, disappearing as if he was never there the whole time.

As if even the copse of trees and battle that had been fought here previously had been a lie.

As if the territory had been rearranged to highlight a different scene. The ground popped and sank, vegetation died, and new clusters formed. Trees became twisted and deranged in places, not a trace of [Pinekin], or their deep burrows could be found.

The scene was gone, changed as if it never was.

+***+

End of Kingly Quest