4 Chapter 3: Priestess (2/2)

She smiled contented and started eating too. She felt the bitterness at first bite, hid her reaction then look at him. He is really enjoying it. She gave him her fish, Mat took it with no hesitation. Mhirfa just filled herself with bread and soup.

”Mat, w'at ya plans now?” She asked while clearing the wares. ”I need to get to town, sell the gemstone I found in the caver — ns...” he looked around like he lost something.”...get some equipment.”

”Oh, Ah have ya gem on ma wagon, as well as that — eh, bone token somethin'.” She pauses and gave a thought at the last part but dismissed it.

”My debt to you is starting to pile up.” As he went to the wagon and get his stuff. ”How could I repay you?” She paused and gave it some thought. ”Ya serious with that?” He could feel the sincerity of her question. ”Yeah, I am. Ask away, I'll do what I can.”

”Kay, can...” Fidgeting. ”Can... can... can Ah come with ya?” She looked straight at him, earnest yet imploring. ”Ya see...,”

”Of course.” he flicks his wrist and sent her a friend request. ”This will help us keep in touch.” She gave him a big smile, then accepted it right away.

. . .

The Proving Grounds: Forgotten City, Downtown

1820Y 09M11D 0900H

The two reach town, found a tavern to rest at. ”System... Character... Inventory.” A console appeared as he selected the gemstone; detail about it showed. *Bloodstone: Rare stone variant, found deep inside the earth; used as a catalyst.

”Here,” He gave the gem to Mhirfa, she places it at the table just in front of her. ”I'll find us a buyer for it.” She opened up a screen on her end and started to do her work. ”Thanks” his inventory is nearly empty there are the bone dagger and two stones that he is really familiar with. *Philosopher's Stone: Man's greatest discovery, can store, generate and manipulate energy; has a huge capacity but slow regeneration; use as a primary power source for weapon, armor, etc. Two at most can be wielded safely by any human; Soul Bound Item

”There ya go, found us a good one. Offer is 4295c” still typing on her virtual keyboard. ”Ya, kay with that?” He nodded.”That should be enough.” As he browses through the list of armaments. The gemstone vaporizes as she finalized the trade. Received 4295c, appeared on his HUD.

He called out the waiter and ordered something for them to eat. 50c auto deducted from his credits.

A beep startled Mhirfa. ”Mail?” She opened it up and a list of equipment came up on the screen.

”Can you get those for me?” As he transferred his remaining balance to her. Bewildered by the sudden event. She looked at him to say her thoughts about it, but he threw her a smile. Sighed then gave up on the thought; started working on her list.

”Kay now, a Standard Reinforced Steel Shield, 500c; a Socketed Great Hammer, 800c; Reinforced Demi Plate Armor Set, 1500c; and Wolf Skin Mantle for 200c” as she punches in the order. ” Ya still have 1245c, anythin' else?”

”Let us see, add Torches, Leather Belt Bag, First Aid Kit, and some provisions.”

”Ah got em, ya still have 1095c.” looked at him waiting for a reply. ”That's all, thank you.” Focused on his screen.

”Everythin' should be registered in ya inventory by now. Ah have em materialize in ma wagon for convenience ” she closes her console then took a big gulp of water. ”What now?” She sks him. ”We will finish up eating then well go to a weaponsmith and surgeon for modifications.” Transfixed on his console when a mail came. Let's eat - Mhirfa.

He looked at her, she was just staring at him, smiling and gesturing at the food. Closed his console then smiled.

. . .

The Proving Grounds: Forgotten City, Outskirts

1820Y 09M12D 0500H

As soon as the two have finished all the needed preparations. They set off for the mountains. Outside town everything they own they have to physically carry. It was a good thing they have a wagon for it. Although, they do not have much.

He found it peculiar, how the 'wagon' works. It looks exactly like a small tank but has no seat on it, just a hatch compartment for their stuff. She keeps it on a leash and the wagon follows her around like some kind of pet...

Mhirfa said they could ride on the hood if they are in a hurry.

There is no need, the weather is good for a short stroll.