Waking up, I saw Jane's face inches away from mine. I stared into her ruby-like eyes and we both stayed that way for what seemed like an eternity before she bolted back in embarrassment. I got up yawning and looked at the sly fox.

"What were you doing, Jane?" I asked skeptically.

"Staring at your sleeping face." She gave a blush filled, vague smile and I stared at her in shock. Jane then looked like she remembered something as she placed some coins in my hands. Come to think of it, I never learned the currency of this world. I asked if it was the 100 coins to 1 higher coin system and she nodded.

I was handed a few silver coins which I deposited into my inventory. A money counter popped up in my inventory which I found helpful. I asked Jane to give me information about Alorah. She explained to me that the main religion of Alorah was, not surprisingly, the Church of Eden. Alorah had one supercontinent with many islands dotting the sea.

Much of the land was plagued with monsters so an Adventurer's Guild was set up in many kingdoms. The Adventurer's Guild has a large network of influence as it spans the entire continent. We were in the eastern part of the continent with the nearest Human kingdom being the Kingdom of Everwind, and that was 500 kilometers away. Looks like I was teleported to a really remote location. Sighing at the distance, I looked to Jane and told her I was going to the blacksmith. She asked to go with me and I nodded.

Arriving at Abel's smithy, I entered with Jane. I called out to Abel who promptly responded with a greeting.

"Hey there, Michael."

"Hey, Abel. I'd like to purchase a buckler, a shortsword, and some throwing knives. Also, do you know where I could find some steel wire?" Listening to my query, Abel walked over and slapped me on the back.

It hurt. A lot. I could have sworn I heard a notification sound.

"It's all free of charge Michael. I just heard that you and Jane over there cleared out a goblin camp." Abel then pulled me closer and said in a quiet voice, "And I also heard you saved her life."

We both looked back at Jane, which confused her before Abel headed over to his counter. He pulled out a steel buckler, a shortsword and its sheath, and some throwing knives along with a bandolier to hold the knives.

Steel Buckler Defense: 15 Durability: 30/30 A plain steel buckler that can be strapped to your forearm to allow free use of your off-hand. Steel Throwing Knives Damage: 35 Durability: 20/20 Ammunition: 10/10 Plain steel throwing knives, made with a sharp point for piercing. Can be used, with less effectiveness, as an improvised weapon if needed. Steel Shortsword Damage: 40 Durability: 25/25 A plain steel shortsword. A suitable weapon for enclosed spaces.

Excited, I took the items and stored them in my inventory. I was planning to try out the knives on some targets later. Abel told me to get the steel wire from the general store. I thanked Abel and left the blacksmith with a confused Jane in tow.

We headed over to the general store where I furiously bartered the price of the steel wire down to about 60% of what it usually was. I even got a new skill.

New Skill! Bartering The ability to negotiate prices of items being sold and bought. Mastery: Beginner 2 Effect: 4%

With Jane in tow, I headed to the bulletin board where we checked the requests. There were things ranging from manual labor to subjugations. Basically the village's version of an adventurer's request board.

Coincidentally, we also met that asshole, Adam, here. He noticed me and gave a venomous stare.

"What are you doing here with Jane?!" Crap. He grabbed the collar of my shirt. Jane tried to step in but was pushed away. I was miffed by this guy's behavior so I punched him right in the gut without holding back. It caused him to keel over in pain, and he fell on his side, unconscious. Jane walked up to me and asked me a question.

"What is your strength value?"

"155."

"And what level are you?"

"Level 7." She stared at me with a shocked expression.

"Why is it so high?"

"Trade secret." Jane pouted at my answer.

"Can't you just tell me?"

"Nope." She went red with indignation and pouted with her head to the side.

"Alright, I'll tell you, just somewhere private."

"Really?" She looked at me with a joyful expression and sparkling eyes. I don't know why, but this girl was easy to tease and please.