Kit returned to the Inn to find his room empty. Mars hadn’t returned from taking the letter to Iris’ cousin yet. Kit wandered downstairs to have a meal while he was waiting. Halfway through his meal Mars took a seat next to him.

“Kit, the letter is a bloody chain quest. I still haven’t finished with the quests. I completed three today and they are still going. We will have to stay another day. Is that ok?”

Kit nodded his head. He wanted to improve his street stall, an extra day would give him the chance to implement some of his ideas. He wanted to add beer tomorrow with the Apelop salad. Now he just had to figure out how to apply that in his stall.

Kit remembered he still needed to buy a few more things before they set out anyway. Having an extra day in town would be good. Mars filled Kit in on the tasks he had to complete over the day. He really wasn’t happy about the tedious fetch quests the letter had unlocked.

“Mars they can’t go on forever. Hopeful tomorrow you will finish. You should get something good at the end, right?”

“Yeah, I suppose. It’s just no fun doing it by myself. At least tomorrow you will join me.”

Kit slowly blinked when he heard Mars mention he wanted Kit to join him. Kit didn’t know how to tell his friend he had other plans tomorrow.

“What is that look? No. No. You have to join me tomorrow!” Mars had a pleading tone in his voice. Kit filled Mars in on what had happened today. Mars was shocked at everything Kit had accomplished in one day.

“Kit that is unfair. You had an amazing day and all I did was chase some quests.” Mars was pouting at his friend. Kit couldn’t help but to laugh at his gloomy friend.

“Mars once I’m stuck in my restaurant our conversations will be flipped. You will be the one having all the adventures.”

Even though Mars nodded his head he didn’t stop sulking.

“Mars tomorrow I want to make my street stall again. Plus, I still need to get some things from the market. If you really want me to come along on the chain quests, I can.”

Mars had a resigned look. “It’s Ok, I know we can’t do everything together. Your street stall will be important towards giving you experience for your restaurant. I’ll be fine on my own, it’s just the quests are a pain.”

“While we are discussing plans. I wanted to talk to you about something, but I think we should wait until we head to our room.”

Mars gave Kit an inquisitive glance. “Ok let me grab some dinner, then we can talk in our room.”

Kit ran his gaze over the sling around Mars shoulder. He wanted to see the little fluff ball. He thought he would have pocked his head out for food by now. Kit guessed he was probably too tired from following Mars all day. He had missed the cute little fellow today. He knew he couldn’t take him tomorrow because he would be selling food. So, he at least wanted a cuddle tonight.

Kit consoled himself that he could sneak some cuddles once they headed upstairs. Once they had both filled their stomachs they headed up to the small room. Kit sat down on his bed. Mars followed Kit’s actions and sat on his own.

“I wanted to talk about logging out. I thought it would be better to discuss this topic away from the NPC’s.”

Mars had a surprised look on his face, then his fingers started to bend one by one as if he was counting.

“Damn, I forgot to keep track of the days. Today is 12 days inside CAL for me.” Mars raised his head from staring at his fingers to looking at Kit.

“I want us to synchronise our entry into the game so our days inside will be the same. So, I will leave a day early so we can log back in together. What do you think?”

Kit had thought hard about this. He would be losing one day in the game which would affect his earning capacity. Each day was important to him. He only had so much time to complete all the things he dreamed of.

But if they didn’t synchronise their time now, they would always miss two days of playing together. One day when Mars left and one day when he logged in before Kit. Kit felt it was better to be on the same time, that way if they were in the middle of something important, they wouldn’t have to waste time waiting for the other to log in.

Kit explained his thoughts to Mars.

“Mmm, I agree. The closer we get to finding the map location the more important it will be to be on the same time. It will be more dangerous in the forsaken state. So, if there is only one of us hanging around waiting there will be a higher chance of them dying.”

“I’m glad you’re ok with the plan. I’ve been thinking over the situation and I think we should stay in town for the first logout. I don’t know what happens when we log back in so I think we should play it safe and log back into the game inside of town.”

Kit looked at Mars to see what he thought. There was no resistance on his face. He then continued to explain himself.

“If the adorable shrewd shifter wasn’t hanging around this area, I would be happy to continue on. I just don’t want to chance things if we don’t have to. I am level 10 and would receive a penalty now if I died.”

Kit was happy that they seemed to be on the same page. He really did like adventuring with Mars.

“I see your point. Logging back in won’t be a problem if we are in town. We will log back into the same place we logged out. Before each logout we will have to find a safe place. You are right a town is the best place. We won’t always have that option. Some places we will go will be too far from a town.”

“Mars do you know what will happen with Pint and Snowball while we are out of the game?”

“Pint will be fine in the stables. I already paid for an extra night for him today. I’ll head over in the morning and pay the fee for him to stay longer. Snowball wanted to stay outside the village today, so I let him. He is quite intelligent. As long as we tell him how long we will be away, he should come back.”

“He is not in the sling, and what do you mean by should? What happens if he doesn’t? Mars why did you leave him outside, the adorable shrewd shifter is around, remember.” Kit started to panic at Snowballs absence. He didn’t want anything to happen to his cute pet.

“Kit, he will be ok. He survived in the forest for who knows how long before we found him. He might just come back needing a bath again.”

Mars glanced down at the sling across his body. He patted the puffy fabric.

“My pouch was full, so I used the sling for storage.”

Kit sighed, he had thought Snowball was resting. Kit didn’t feel reassured at Mars words. Snowball was so small, and this wasn’t the forest they had found him in. Kit frowned he knew there was nothing he could do about it right now.

Even if he went outside to find him the probability of finding him was low. Kit just had to hope Snowball would find them, like he previously did when they were travelling. Kit decided his best option was just to sleep. He would see if the little guy found Mars tomorrow. If he did at least Kit wouldn’t have to worry about Snowball not finding them once they logged back in.

“Ok, let’s get some sleep. We both have a full day tomorrow.”

“Night Kit.”

They both took their boots off and went to sleep. The next day Kit woke to a missing Mars. ‘He must have wanted to complete the chain quests as soon as possible.’ Kit chuckled at the thought of Mars running around all day. He hoped Snowball found Mars.

Kit stretched, put his boots on and headed downstairs. He decided not to stop for breakfast and continued out the door. Kit headed over to the market, he needed to get some things before heading to the western gate to sell his meals.

Once inside the market Kit headed over to the old lady who sold him the paper yesterday. She was sitting in the same chair knitting again this morning.

“Hello again.”

“Hello young man. What can this old lady help you with today?”

Kit wasn’t sure if she remembered him for yesterday. She put her knitting away and came closer.

“Oh, it’s you again. My eyes are not what they used to be. Do you need more paper for boxes?”

“Not today. I’m actually after some paper cups?”

“Hmm, that can be done. The paper will have to be waterproof, and it costs more 40 bronze crowns for a box. I can show you how to fold them.”

“Great. Can I see the paper?”

The old lady dragged a box out from under the stall. She pulled a piece of shiny silver paper out. She handed it over to Kit. He looked at the silver coloured paper. It had golden flecks strewn throughout the paper. When the sun touched the golden flecks, they sparkled. Kit rubbed the paper between his fingers it had a thick waxy feel to the surface.

Kit could smell a slight honey fragrance coming of the paper. He was curious about the fragrance. Kit used identify on the paper.

[Honey fleck paper]

Paper made waterproof, using a secret technique.

Kit was instantly happy after reading the information. This would be perfect for selling his beer. Kit asked the old lady to show him how to fold the paper cups. After he was satisfied, he could do it himself, he handed over 40 bronze crowns.

Kit didn’t head off to set up his stall immediately after, he still had some shopping he had previously forgotten. Kits first stop was to find a place that sold wrist guards. The sticky plaster that was still covering his wrist looked disgusting. It was covered in old blood stains and was peeling at the edges.

After wondering around for a while, he finally came across a stall selling leather products. Kit scanned the contents and found three pairs of leather wrist guards amongst the wares. Kit picked up the plainest looking set and examined it.

[Basic wrist guard]

+ 5 defence.

It really was basic. Kit didn’t care, he just needed something to cover the tattoo on his wrist. He tried it on to see if would be adequate. The stall owner finished with a customer as Kit was trying on the wrist guard.

“15 bronze crowns for that pair.”

It was a good fit. Kit nodded at the man then handed over the money. He removed the sticky plaster whilst keeping the tattoo hidden, then placed the last wrist guard on. Now his tattoo was covered, he needed to find a clothes shop. He didn’t want to have to wear blood stained clothes again without washing them properly.

Kit found a clothing store not far from the leather worker. He purchased five new sets of plain clothes. None of them had any added stats so the price was low. He only paid 50 bronze crowns for all five sets.

Kit’s next stop was to find some ingredients for his beer. He had plenty of purple heart he had collected along the way he just needed some barley, hops, and yeast. He found all the ingredients without any issues. Kit contemplated getting some more plain barrels so he could fill them with water. He didn’t know how much beer he would sell.

He decided he would rather have extra barrels filled with water than run out of beer. Kit went back to the old lady who sold paper to find her son. He waved to the old lady as he approached. She came over.

“Hello again young man. I didn’t think I would see you again today.”

“Ahh, I’m after you son again. I want some wooden barrels.”

The old lady’s son heard Kit and headed over.

“What type are you after?”

“Just plain ones. I just need to fill them with water. What other types do you make?”

Kit asked out of curiosity. He did not think he would need other barrels.

“I make alcohol barrels. The generic alcohol barrels are the most popular. But if you are serious about making alcohol, I recommend the correct barrel for your liquor. There are five different specialty barrels I make. Base liquors, Liqueurs, wine, fortified wine, and beer barrels.”

Kit mind reeled when he heard the information. If he had the proper barrel for each alcohol, he guessed they would produce better stats. Kit greedily wanted them all.

“How much for all five barrels?”

Kit couldn’t help but ask the question. He was itching to get his hands on the five barrels.

“They cost 1 silver each. If you buy all five, I’ll give you five plain barrels for free.”

Kit mulled it over in his head. He still didn’t have much experience with the game. He didn’t know if he could come across someone selling all five types again. He decided to bite the bullet and buy them. Kit handed over the 5 silver crowns.

“I won’t have the specialty barrels ready until tomorrow. I can give you the plain ones now.”

Kit nodded his head in understanding. The middle aged man went to a chest behind his stall and produced five wooded barrels. Kit packed them away in his pouch.

“You don’t happen to know where I can fill them up with water.”

“Just outside of the market is a well. Anyone can use it.”

The man pointed to a street not far away from where they were standing. Kit headed in the direction of the well. He found it not far along the street. It was nestled in a little garden between two shops. Kit filled the barrels with water and set the western gate entrance on his map.

Kit headed in the direction of the red dot. As he was approaching his destination, he saw a small crowd forming a line in front of a wooden table with a guard seated behind. There were no stalls set up in the area. Kit assumed this table was where he needed to purchase a token from to allow him to set up his stall. Kit walked over to join the crowd.

“Curt its only ten minutes until we can officially set up. Can’t you just sell us the tokens early today.”

Kit realised it was the same guard as yesterday that told him about the rules where he could sell his stats meals.

“Pond my answer won’t change. It didn’t change yesterday or the many others before. You will have to wait for the appointed time.”

Kit heard the Pond fellow grumbling under his breath. The rest of the people waiting didn’t even glance over at the exchange. Kit thought this must be a common argument between the two. Kit waited patiently in line until it started to move. He started to feel excited about today’s stall as he got closer to Curt.

“Hello again. You had the stall in the market yesterday, right?”

“Yes. I came to sell here today.”

“Right, it’s a little different selling here. You will have to write down what you are selling, and the stats allocated to the meal. We do this so the stalls with the higher stats are closer to the guard house. That way we can keep a better eye on things.”

Kit thought this was a good idea. Stall owners would feel safer having someone watch over them. Kit wrote his items on the paper under his name. Curt looked at what he had written.

“Another item you’re selling. Crackers said you only sold a meal yesterday. The beer is a stats item too. Wait that looks familiar.”

Curt’s eyebrows raised. “Iris taught you this?”

Kit smiled at Curt. He wasn’t too surprised he knew the beer. Sweet Meadow was only one town over.

“Yes, my friend and I did her a favour. So, she taught me this as a reward.”

“Well, I’ll be damned. I never thought she would ever part with this recipe. Must have been one hell of a favour.”

Kit just continued to smile.

“Save some beer for me will you. I can’t buy it till I’m off shift. I don’t want to miss out.”

Kit laughed and agreed. He then paid the 5 bronze crowns for the token. Curt pointed to the spot where he could set up his stall. Kit’s stall to his surprise was in the middle. He thought he would have been on the outer edge. He knew his stats were not that high.

Kit pulled out his camping kitchen and started to prepare his ingredients. He sliced a chunk of Apelop meat into steaks and folded some cups and boxes. He took out the alcohol barrel and examined it. It didn’t have a tap attached to the barrel. Kit hoped the new barrels he ordered would have this feature.

Kit pulled out a ladle. This would have to do for today. Kit watched the other stalls around him. They were all busy setting up their wares. Kit could see a variety of potions, armour and weapons. They were the majority of items being sold. There was only one other food stall. Kit noticed he also had a camping kitchen set up.

Kit smiled he should make some good money today. He continued to make boxes and cups as he waited for people to start coming to the small market. Kit didn’t have to wait too long, a steady stream of adventures started to browse the vendors wares. Kit started to fry some Apelop steaks. It wasn’t long before a line had started at his stall.

The smell from his steaks was slowly spreading around the market mixing with a fresh bread aroma. Kit noticed the other food stall was producing the doughy smell. Kit smiled these two smells would complement each other, making the customers hungry.

Kit could practically see the bronze crowns rolling in. Happiness was coursing through his veins at the thought. A young woman wearing basic armour was the first in line at his stall.

“This is the first time I’ve seen you here. You should put up a sign, so we know what you’re selling lad.”

Kit couldn’t believe he had forgotten something so basic. Kit thanked the lady for her suggestion. He took a piece of paper out then paused. He had paper but no pen. The lady saw him looking around for something to write with and handed over a quill.

“You can keep it.”

“Thank you. I will give you a cup of beer in exchange.”

The lady beamed at his words. Kit wrote the sign,

Kit’s kitchen.

Apelop brain salad.

A simple 3-piece creation, with a colourful garnish, succulent juicy meat and light nutty flavour, perfect for a light meal.

+ 20 Intelligence

+ 20 defence

for 1hour.

15 bronze crowns.

Sweet Meadow Beer.

A light bodied beer made in the Sweet Meadows region, it has a clean dry finish making it popular in warmer weather.

+ 4 stamina regeneration every 3 seconds for 30minutes.

5 bronze crowns.

Kit placed the sign on his camping kitchen. He took the meat off the stove and added it to the salad in the box. The lady took a box and Kit gave a cup of beer for free. Kit smiled at his first sale of the day.

Kit had a steady stream of customers all day. He glanced up to the sky and realised it was already the middle of the afternoon. He hadn’t stopped for a break yet. He decided to call it a day. He was tired and wanted to see if Snowball had found Mars. He could always come back tomorrow.

Kit took the sign off the front of his stall and wrote a closed sign. He finished serving the customers that were already in line to avoid people getting angry like yesterday. He then packed up his stall. He couldn’t wait to count his earnings for the day.

Kit had sold a total of 205 Apelop salad boxes and 360 cups of beer. He was almost out of beer. He would have to make another barrel tonight. He had calculated a barrel held 640 cups. Kit guessed Pint had drunk around 200 cups of beer on the trip. It really was lucky Kit had learnt the recipe for beer or they wouldn’t be able to afford to move the horse.

Kit had made a total 4 silver and 875 bronze crowns. He had raised his chef skill to level 5 during the day. Kit was very happy with how the day had gone. He was too worn out to browse the other stalls today, he would do that tomorrow. Kit was about to leave when Curt called out to him.

“Oi Kit, did you forget about me?”

Kits ears turned red. He really had forgotten about the guard.

“Sorry Curt. I was so worn out from today I forgot.”

Kit pulled out one of the glass bottles filled with beer he kept for Pint. He passed it over to Curt.

“Here take this because I forgot about you.”

Curt took the bottle without even blinking. Kit thought he might put up a little resistance. Curt tucked the beer straight into his pouch.

Ding!

[CAL]

Reputation with guard Curt increased: 10 reputation points.

“Thanks Kit I will enjoy this tonight. Are you back tomorrow?”

“I think so.”

“Good see you tomorrow then.”

He wondered what he would get from Curt if he increased his favourability more. Kit shook his head, waved, and left, he was too tired to think about it now.