"Mom, Dad. What's for dinner?"

They should be home already.

I called them out expecting some takeaways for dinner. Nothing but silence replied to my calls which is strange because I saw their shoes on the rack.

Dad should be watching TV right now while mom is either working overtime at her laptop or is taking a shower upstairs. I did not hear any showers when I came down and the TV was off. Maybe this is a prank or a start of a mystery. Either way, their absence is disturbing me.

There was food on the table, so I ate first before dealing with the situation. I do not know where they bought it, but it was quite extravagant for a takeaway adding more mystery to this situation.

Only when I was biting through the steak did I remember something. If I am not mistaken, the last time I had an amazing dinner like this was last week when Dad brought out the first ETHER Link. If my childish father was so excited at first, I cannot imagine now when the servers are officially up.

Now I know why I am eating alone here. Both Mom and Dad are probably upstairs inside the ETHER Link explaining the lack of noise.

"Even Mom plays it. I hope they don't sleep late. It would be annoying to wake them up tomorrow morning."

With the mystery solved, I went back to my room after cleaning up,

I checked my phone first if Aria or Michelle has something to say. There was nothing besides some useless notification. Well if they did, using the in-game chat is better for them who are hook in the New World.

Diving into the New World, there were no more black screens or RiRi showing up when I logged back in. I was back immediately in the city.

Checking the Friends list first. Aria and Michelle were online so I message them if I can join their party. I was already the same level with them on that expedition alone.

The things I wanted to do were also fulfilled somewhat. Got to be comfortable with the bow and got to experience the combat more than I bargained for.

Sending the message, I waited for their reply while I look around for anything interesting in the city. My plan is to go to the general shop to meet with the owner and turn in the quest. At the same time, I can sell these goblin ears for some gold.

Checking the blacksmith also sounds like a good idea because I have hard bones which can be used for crafting.

For the steel axe, I do not know what to do with it. Selling it for a price is an option, but it is too good for an early weapon to give up. The only person I know who likes this kind of weapon is Michelle. Maybe she will take a liking to it and I can give it to her.

...

There was still no reply when I found my way into the general shop. Compared to last time, this place has lesser people running around accepting the quest of the owner. People must have moved on to better ones or monster hunting outside city skirts.

"Welcome, Traveller. How can I help you?"

"I finished up cleaning the road"

"As expected of a Traveller. Thank you very much for your work. At last, my trades will be moving fast again."

[Clear the trade routes: Complete]

Rewards: 5 small healing potions and 50g

"I would like to sell these also"

[18g acquired]

I sold the goblin ears and starter boots.

Now that is done, time to go to the blacksmith and check some wares. Aria has replied to me saying that they will meet me near the west gate after ten minutes. It was enough time to wander around.

Twilight's Armory, or as the sign said outside the blacksmith, has people going out looking strong. And I mean by strong, a weapon or one of their armour pieces looks different compared to the starter set.

I entered and only ten seconds inside, I was starting to sweat. The flames that could be seen behind the scene brought the temperature to a high level that people working here are sweating profusely. Nonetheless, even with high temperature and loud noise, I examined their products.

[Sturdy Horned Helmet]

[Iron Forged Shield]

[Starlight Crossbow]

…

Every single one of them is decent in appearance and stats. Especially the Starlight set of weapons. Although there was a problem. The lowest price I can see has three figures in its price tag while the highest has five figures. No matter how you look at it, this shop does not cater to any beginners.

"Excuse me. Are there any items with a price any lower than those displayed?"

Seeing all these delicious desserts which I can only look at, I do not want to be leaving empty-handed. Maybe there are cheaper weapons or armours behind the counter, so I went ahead and asked the person who seems to be assigned in taking on customers.

"Leave if you can't afford any of these. These are already the cheapest price you can see in this city."

'How rude' is what I think off, but I can't say it in front of him.

"How about repair and crafting? Can you craft something if I provide the materials?"

"That's a given in every blacksmith. The repair cost will depend on the equipment grade and damage. For crafting. let me look at the materials first. We charge 5% of the total value of the given materials."

I handed the hard bones.

"What kind of trash is this! You can barely do anything with it. If you weren't a traveller, I would have thrown you out."

[Craft: Rattling Skull]

Required materials: 6x Hard Bones – 2x Three-eyed goat

Grade: Rare

Durability 130/130

Defence: 13

*Stamina +5

*Vitality -3

"A helmet made out of all the monsters you killed. Only the strongest bones of the common monsters have the hardness and durability to withstand the strongest attacks and used for protection.

*If all three Rattling equipment is equipped, +50 durability to all armour.

Condition of use: Level 15 – Strength 30

[Craft: Rattling Cuirass]

Required materials: 12x Hard Bones – 6x Stained Pelt

Grade: Rare

Durability 150/150

Defence: 20

*Stamina +7

*Vitality -4

"With limited materials in his hand, a cuirass made out of monster remains was born. The bones of the monsters were polished to perfection improving its ability to deflect attacks but with the cost of it having lesser durability than the usual armour of this level."

*If all three Rattling equipment is equipped, +50 durability to all armour.

Condition of use: Level 15 – Strength 30

[Craft: Rattling Boots]

Required materials: 8x Hard Bones – 2x Primal Ape Fur – 1x Abaca Stem

Grade: Rare

Durability 130/130

Defence: 11

*Vitality +5

*Agility -2

*Noise reduction -20%

"Walk into a battle with a march of the skeletons. Made out of bones, these boots are made to emphasize your presence as you bring down the enemy."

*If all three Rattling equipment is equipped, +50 durability to all armour.

Condition of use: Level 15 – Strength 30

Those three were the only equipment that uses hard bones and somewhat close to my level. I admit that the Rattling set, from top to bottom, has good stats fitting for the first Rare Grade armour I saw. Too bad I do not really need stamina that much for the meantime.

"What's with the set bonus anyway. It's so bad even for my standards."

"You got some problems, lady?"

"No, sir. I was about to go out."

Quite an attitude I must say. He is the first NPC I met that carries some hostility although his type should not have one. A strange game after all.

I walked out depressed with nothing except eagerness to rapidly farm for good equipment. I tried to change my current mood by thinking about other things such as my plans for the future.

While I was having a stroll, it was almost time to meet up with Aria's group near the west gate.

The number of players running around did not decrease at all ever since I entered the New World, rather it increased by a lot. People at this time should be preparing to sleep for a good day tomorrow. Today seems like an exception.

Although I, myself, was a bit tired already. I am planning to sleep after meeting with them.