After getting involved with that crazy bitch Grace, I asked around where I could get healed. It seems that my untreated wound would get infected and end up killing me in a day if unattended. I didn't feel a thing thanks to my Pain Endurance passive skill, but according to Grace, if I died, the system would take away half of my gold.

There was a church nearby, and even though it didn’t have a clear sign of what kind of ‘virtual’ god they worship there, the emblem of a golden star was everywhere, from the NPC’s clothes to the banners hanging from walls.

The NPC with koala ears didn’t even glance at my wound and just proceeded to heal me. “That the Rising Star blesses your journey, adventurer,” he said, giving me a warm smile. “20 gold has been subtracted from your account. Have a nice day.”

Asshole.

Anyway, after returning to the inn, I reflected on what I was doing wrong.

Ah, and my balls were okay by then, thanks for asking!

So, let’s see. What the hell happened? Well, even though we won, I got my ass kicked. Why? Because I prioritized my looks instead of getting protective gear. Despite that, I thought I was doing pretty well compared to others. On my way there, I noticed a lot of level 2 and level 3 players.

Let’s see, after defeating the Weasenox, I had 390 gold, minus the 100 gold I promised Grace for helping me, minus 20 from the freaking healing session, 10 for dinner, and 30 for another night at the inn… 230 gold left.

Now, let’s think about the future! If I want to spend another night at this inn tomorrow, I’ll need to spend 30 gold, and 30 gold for three meals during the day.

 That leaves me with 170 gold… If tomorrow I don’t get more money, my current lifestyle will be affected… And I don’t want that! I want my 3 meals a day, and I love to sleep in this comfortable bed!

Now, let’s check my inventory.

My original —*cough*stolen*cough*— dress is ruined. The clothing shop’s NPC told me I could fix it for 30 gold. I decided not to because that would only leave me with 140 gold, and I have Grace’s dress, anyway. The NPC also mentioned that she could teach me the Tailor profession for 1000 gold. 

Maybe later?

What is that? Are you saying that I have forgotten about something important? Something else I got during my last quest? Of course not, you silly! I was saving it for last! Let’s open my User Interface and tap the notification stating that I can pick a weapon of my choice. Let’s check the options together, shall we?

1 - Beginner's Elemental Staff: It grants you the ability to use any of three different elemental magic of your choice - Fire, Water, Electricity. After you have mastered the basic spell, you will be able to use an advanced form—Boring! I don’t want to be a mage. Maybe I would only to spite Grace, but not today. Next!

2 - Beginner’s Sword: The ideal weapon to canalize your inner hero! A great, balanced weapon that can be used offensively and defe—You know what? Swords are the most cliched thing in an RPG, so next!

3 - Beginner’s Bow: ...No, no, no. I have been smashing things with my fists and feet. I don’t want to suddenly change my style. Next!

4 - Beginner’s Dagger: For those that excel at agility and slyness. Exterminate your enemies after a flurry of attacks. Once you master it, this will grant you the ability to perform critical hits and backstabbing… Woah! Those that excel at agility and slyness, huh? I think I can fill that part! And becoming a sexy assassin or femme fatale, later on, sounds very appealing! 

Let’s see the last option. 

5 - Beginner’s Hammer: Smash things with it. For those that only want to see their enemies crushed and dead. It grants a bonus to your Vitality Stat… What? That’s all? ...I see...

* * *

The next morning, after having breakfast, I went straight to the Weapon Shop to get my new gear.

“Good morning, Ms. Adventurer. Would you like me to help you choose your gear?” the female NPC said, smiling.

“Yeah, that would be pretty nice, thanks.”

The eyes of the fake girl got brighter for a couple of seconds before she tilted her head. “I see that you’re carrying a Beginner’s Hammer…”

“Huh? Can you see that? It’s not even equipped!”

It was the same as that NPC who could see through my disguise.

“You have two options available," she said. "You could equip yourself to focus on your defense, or wear flexible gear that can help your movement speed.”

“So I could be a tank, able to withstand several hits, or be an agile glass cannon?” I pondered for a minute before concluding. “Show me the two sets, please.”

Two display shelves changed their contents to show two mannequins wearing the selected clothes. 

The defensive option had metal shoulder pads, gauntlets, and a breastplate. It looked quite heavy and difficult to move with.

The other had a black skinsuit, with leather gauntlets, a nice red jacket, knee-height boots, and leather faulds, perfect to hide someone’s crotch... It was perfect and sexy-looking!

Price Tag: 150 gold.

I couldn’t believe that a full starter set was cheaper than fashionable clothes! Wait no, now that I think about it, it’s totally understandable.

After that, I only had 70 gold left. I’d be able to stay at the inn again that night and have my other two meals, but I had to find a new quest as soon as possible.

Fortunately, the perfect opportunity started brewing right in front of my eyes.

I exited the shop wearing my new gear and strolled to the reunited crowd a few feet ahead.

“What is going on?” a player asked another.

“It seems they’re gathering people to try to beat the first dungeon.”

“People, listen!” The guy at the front shouted. “We’re only gathering Level 5 players! If you’re not level 5, don’t even bother!”

Just what I needed.