[SP-F1] Warrior

[Morningstar 0]

Spoiler

Floor 1
<<The Second Lesson>>
Party Limit: 4 | 20+ Posts
Prerequisite: Must have completed <The First Lesson>>
Repeatable only if escorting someone who has never run the quest.
Escorts may not offer any aid, and only earn standard thread rewards.

Quest Rewards:

• 475 Experience Points
• 500 Col
• POTENTIAL REWARD | Based on their roleplaying choice, each player receives one of the following rewards:
  • Boarlet's Blood
    • Received if you pocketed the glass vial
    • Rare Potion | DMG II
  • Boar Jerky
    • Received if you examined the glass vial and defeated <<Mama Boar>>
    • T1 Perfect Consumable | DMG II | MIT I
• Each player may choose on of either:
  • Tealeaf Blade
    • T1 Uncommon Weapon of Choice | DMG I
  • Tealeaf Armor
    • T1 Uncommon Armor of Choice | MIT I
• Unlock <<The Third Lesson>> Quest. 

Requirements:

• Must roleplay interacting with Lyle.
• Defeat (3) boarlets.
  • Boarlets' stats found below.
  • Boarlets can be spawned individually or as groups.
• (Option) Defeat <<Mama Boar>>.
• Return the boar tusks to Lyle.

*Note: The tusks mentioned in the summary have a 100% drop rate, and therefore do not require a roll to obtain.
**Note: If more than one player is taking the quest for the first time, multiply the required number of boarlets and mama boars by the number of first-time quest-takers.

Summary:

The steady clang of metal on metal greets you as you enter the dimly lit shop. A man stands behind the anvil, rhythmically striking a heavy hammer against his newest project. Like Zackariah, the man sports a long white beard, and is pushing seventy years old. Unlike Zackariah, there is no warmth or gentleness in the NPC's eyes. Instead, Lyle regards you with annoyance, bordering on disgust. "I'm busy," he states tersely.

As you attempt to explain the situation or introduce yourself, he will cut you off with a wave of his leathery hand. "I don't do anything without payment. Go kill a couple of those pesky boarlets for me, and bring back their tusks. They're pretty weak, so even you shouldn't have any trouble.  Do that, then I'll hear you out." 

Outline:

Go into the wilds surrounding Tolbana and kill 3 Boarlets per player (excluding escorts).

After Killing Boarlets:
You deal the final blow against the third boarlet, and as the pixels rain down around you, you notice an unusual item nestled in the grass. The sun gleams off the edge of a tiny glass vial. Do you inspect the item, or simply pocket it and head back to Lyle's shop?

Pocket It:

  Hide contents

You've acquired <<Boarlet's Blood>> This rare potion consumable that grants you +2 DMG per thread.

Examine It:

 

  Reveal hidden contents

 

---

 NPCs:

<<Lyle Tealeaf>>
An old blacksmith. He's set in his ways, with a bit of a temper, and a tough exterior.
 

---

Enemies:

<<Boarlet>>
They've killed more players than all of the floor bosses combined. Don't let the cuteness deceive you.

HP: 5/5 | DMG: 3

<<Mama Boar>>
Hell hath no fury like a mama boar scorned.

HP: 60/60 | DMG: 15 | MIT: 5 | EVA: -1
 

---

Epilogue: 

  Hide contents

When you return with the required tusks, Lyle gives a curt nod of approval. "I use these on hilts," he explains simply, before setting the items aside. "Now, I'll have you know that I don't take loans from anyone, especially men the likes of Dorian White. You might try old Pete Larkin. He spends all his time fishing for river monsters or some such nonsense." With a scoff, he adds, "Without a real job, the man could probably use the charity." Lyle turns back to his work, but gestures with his head toward a nearby table. "Grab yourself a weapon and armor from those bins on your way out. They're about worthless, but consider it payment for the tusks."

The door to the blacksmith creaked as Stephen pushed it open. "Excuse me?"

Inside, you could hear the clanging of metal against metal. Even from the entrance it was warm, almost uncomfortably. Stephen scanned the room, looking for Lyle, the NPC he'd been sent to speak with. Weapons lined the walls; straight swords almost like his own, katanas sharper than the horizon, and spears that made the man question his weapon choice. Lyle was obviously skilled in his craft. Even the armor looked high quality. Stephen moved his way through the store, admiring the craftsmanship while he followed the loud banging noise.

Behind an anvil, he found a stern, bearded man. He dropped his hammer on the center of a blade, shaping it. "Hello," he gave the wall a knock, "I'm Mornin-"

"What do you want? I'm busy." Lyle continued to work, not acknowledging Stephen.

"Zackariah sent me. He said you've been speaking with Dorian and I came to ask if you've been borrowing money from him."

"Ridiculous," Lyle muttered, slamming down once more on the metal, "you want to talk? You'll have to pay for it."

Spoiler

Morningstar | Lv. 6 | HP: 120/120 | EN: 30/30 | DMG: 5 | ACC: 3 | MIT: 9

Gear:

• Beginner's Straight Sword | Uncommon
  +1 DMG
• Beginner's Light Armor | Uncommon
  +9 MIT
• Lexa's Light | Perfect
  +3 ACC

Skills:

• Two-Handed Straight Sword | Rank 1
  +3 DMG

 

Edited February 10, 2022 by Morningstar

[Morningstar 0]

Stephen, irritated, stormed out of the smith. Lyle was, without a doubt, the most unpleasant NPC that he'd met. Still, he accepted the terms presented to him. Lyle requested—or perhaps it was more of a demand—that Stephen brought back a few boar tusks from the fields. It wasn't a hard job, thankfully, so he was willing to do it.

He walked through the Town of Beginnings, smiling at strangers in passing. It wasn't quite as busy today, for some reason. Maybe it was a holiday.

When he reached the gate at the edge of town, he stopped and pulled open his friends list. It was time to call a friend.

-------------------

Joaquin showed up an hour later, his hair styled and his armor pristine. "Hey, Stephen."

"Joaquin," he swung his cloak around his body, "ready to go?"

The warrior smiled. "Always am, friend."

They took a step past the gate and entered the vast fields of the first floor. 

[Morningstar 0]

The boars weren't as close to the town as Stephen had remembered. He wondered if they ever moved locations. They spent their time walking catching up and talking about life in Aincrad.

"How's the guild?" Stephen asked.

"Same old. Actually, Katar's been promoted. He's leading his own exploration team now. I think he wants me to convince you to join," Joaquin chuckled, scrolling through his inventory.

Stephen played with his pendant. "My answer's the same as last time. No guilds for me. Solo exploration only."

"I won't try to change your mind, but expect Katar to come find you eventually."

It was nice having Joaquin around when he could. The warrior was often busy with guild related activities, but he always made time for Stephen. Joaquin wasn't on the front lines, which always confused Stephen. He seemed like the type who'd head straight for them, but instead he stayed behind on the lower floors helping weaker players.

After Lexa's death, Stephen didn't have many people to go to. Elwood tried his best, but he was the leader of a guild; he had dozens of people to look after. Joaquin took up the mantle willingly and stuck by Stephen's side for a while, even taking time off from the guild to help him mourn.

"Thanks for coming today. I've been training on my own, but I could use a coach once in a while," Stephen drew his blade as the approached a lone boar.

"Of course," Joaquin tightened his armor, "I'll jump in to help if things go bad. Otherwise, you're on your own. Good luck."

Spoiler

Morningstar | Lv. 6 | HP: 120/120 | EN: 30/30 | DMG: 5 | ACC: 3 | MIT: 9

Boarlet | HP 5/5 | DMG: 3

 

Edited February 10, 2022 by Morningstar

[Morningstar 0]

Stephen stretched his arms as he prepared for battle. The boar took instant notice of the swordsman and snorted. Even boarlets were aggressive and mean, but compared to the bigger boars they were a cake walk. The blonde swung his longsword, getting used to it's weight, before dashing forwards. He sliced up from the ground, aiming at the beast's throat, but felt that his footing was off. His sword missed it's mark, but just barely.

"Damn it," he muttered, trying to catch himself.

The boar didn't allow it, though. Stephen felt it's dense head ram into his back with enough force to knock him over. Thanks to his mitigation, he didn't sustain any lethal damage; however, emotional damage was soon to come. He could hear laughter coming from his left.

Joaquin sat down in the soft grass. "This'll be more fun than I thought! Do it again!"

"Very funny," Stephen picked himself back up, brushing off his pants.

Spoiler

ID: 203515 BD: 2+3=5 (Miss) MD: 8

Morningstar | Lv. 6 | HP: 120/120 | EN: 28/30 | DMG: 5 | ACC: 3 | MIT: 9

Boarlet | HP 5/5 | DMG: 3

 

Edited February 10, 2022 by Morningstar

[Morningstar 0]

Recovering quickly, he kicked off the ground. This time, he aimed down at the boarlet, looking to end the first fight as fast as possible. Joaquin watched, pleased at Stephen's speedy improvement. It wasn't long ago that he watched the blonde struggle fighting boars. Now, he could even tank a hit from one.

"Still," he muttered, "I'm not sure he's ready for the big ones."

Stephen touched the ground again and brought his blade down with enough force to eliminate the boar in a single strike. It shattered into pixels as he sliced into it. Stephen wiped a bit of sweat from his forehead. The weather was hotter than he'd expected, as it so often seemed to be on Floor One.

He turned to Joaquin. "How was that?"

"I've seen worse. From you, actually," Joaquin laughed.

Stephen shook his head. "Any advice for your willing apprentice?"

"Yeah," Joaquin leaned back, "Don't fall over."

Spoiler

ID: 203516 BD: 6+3=9 (Hit) MD: 1 (Miss)

Morningstar | Lv. 6 | HP: 120/120 | EN: 27/30 | DMG: 5 | ACC: 3 | MIT: 9

Boarlet | HP 0/5 | DMG: 3

 

Edited February 10, 2022 by Morningstar

[Morningstar 0]

"Stop slacking or we'll be here all night. Go fight that one." Joaquin gestured towards a boarlet in the distance.

Stephen saluted, rolling his eyes. The banter was a nice change from the silence that he was used to. He'd been by himself for a while now and the isolation was getting to him. He heard a crunch behind him followed by some chewing. Joaquin had helped himself to an apple while he watched Stephen prepare.

He approached the boar nonchalantly, not worried about the outcome of the fight. He anticipated another quick fight, although this time it'd be a bit cleaner. At least, he hoped it would be. His ego was counting on it.

The boar turned around, facing Stephen with a fierce look in it's eyes. It snorted and the swordsman raised his blade. The sooner he could finish this quest, the sooner he could move on to the next.

"Go Stephen! Get 'em!"

Stephen sighed. Then, he lunged towards his opponent.

Spoiler

Morningstar | Lv. 6 | HP: 120/120 | EN: 28/30 | DMG: 5 | ACC: 3 | MIT: 9

Boarlet | HP 5/5 | DMG: 3

 

[Morningstar 0]

Joaquin's eyes grew wide as he watched his protégé attack. "That's better."

Stephen swung hard, his blade penetrating the boar's skin and slicing cleanly through. A perfect hit. He came to a stop, kneeling behind the explosion of particles where the boar once sat. He hadn't even given it a chance to attack. He stood up, sliding his blade into it's leather sheath.

"One more to go," Stephen's attention turned to the sky, "let's take our time and enjoy the weather though."

Joaquin smiled. "Let's."

The pair wandered through the fields, laughing and chatting together. The next set of boars was still far from them.

"Hey," Joaquin chuckled, "remember that time we had a party at the guild hall?"

"How could I forget?" Stephen grimaced at the memory.

"You and Katar got in a fight about who had discovered that old temple on the fourth floor and Simon, the fifteen year old, had to break it up," Joaquin tapped Stephen's shoulder.

"Good times."

Spoiler

ID: 203613 BD: 10 (+2 DMG)

Morningstar | Lv. 6 | HP: 120/120 | EN: 27/30 | DMG: 5 | ACC: 3 | MIT: 9

Boarlet | HP 0/5 | DMG: 3

 

Edited February 12, 2022 by Morningstar

[Morningstar 0]

While they walked, Stephen periodically shifted his attention to the ground and nearby bushes to see if he could pick out any materials.

"If you see something, let me know," he told his friend.

Joaquin agreed. "What kind of profession are you thinking of learning? Hopefully these quests have come in handy."

"As much as I dislike Lyle, I actually think smithing could be fun.

"Fitting. I had a feeling you'd stay away from performer."

Stephen chuckled. "Years of acting will be going to waste. Artisan is my second choice."

"Artisan, huh?" A voice called.

The duo stopped, turning their heads to see another man in the branches of a lone tree. He dressed in all black; a neat suit paired with a top hat. In his hand was a large staff in the shape of a cane. Stephen had never met a polearm user.

"Sorry," the man called, "I didn't mean to eavesdrop. I'm an artisan myself, actually."

Spoiler

ID: 203616 LD: 9 (no mats)

 

Edited February 12, 2022 by Morningstar

[Morningstar 0]

Joaquin seemed wary, but Stephen was the opposite. He eyed up the stranger, getting a full look of his attire. It was honestly quite odd.

"I'm Morningstar," he stuck out his hand, "and you?"

"You can take your hand off of the blade; I mean no harm," he smiled at Joaquin before reaching out to meet Stephen's hand, "I'm Julius, but I'm more commonly known as the Magician."

"Magician, huh? Why's that?" Joaquin smirked.

Julius pulled several playing cards from his sleeve. "Magic's a hobby of mine. Not spells and that sort of magic, of course. Stage magic."

Morningstar shared a look with Joaquin. He was intrigued and judging from the look on his friends face, so was Joaquin. They both picked cards when Julius gestured for them to choose and humored him while he showed them a trick.

"Joaquin," the Magician began, "you've got the 7 of spades?"

"Well, you've got me," Joaquin showed off his card.

Julius winked. "And Star, your card is the king of hearts?"

Morningstar was pleasantly surprised. "You're right. I'm impressed."

[Morningstar 0]

The three spoke briefly before Morningstar offered for Julius to join them.

"I'm working on a quest and he's here for the ride. You're free to tag along as well," he said.

Julius didn't take time to think before he agreed. "Sure, I'll join you. You can ask whatever questions you'd like about the artisan profession."

"Good. I've got at least a couple."

------------------------------------------

The wind ruffled Stephen's hair.  Julius unequipped his hat in fear that it would fly away. Joaquin followed along, entirely comfortable in the heavy breeze.

"Okay, one more and then I'm done. Do you ever wish you'd chosen a different profession?"

"Nope," Julius said, sincerely, "I was an artist before joining Sword Art Online and I saw no reason to switch. I used to paint back home and it took years for me to make any money out of it. It would have been a waste, I think, if I'd gone into alchemy or something."

"In that case, maybe I should stick with acting and be a performer," Morningstar thought aloud.

"Only if you like it, of course. If you're not feeling it, do something different. There aren't any rules here, Star, do whatever you want."

[Morningstar 0]

The group was approaching the final boar. "I'll just be a quick second and then we can head back to town."

Julius and Joaquin stayed back while Stephen moved on. He withdrew his sword and gave it a swing, instantly becoming used to it's weight. The boar stopped it's chewing as the player got near, noticing and turning around. It snorted angrily. Stephen was starting to get tired of the beasts. They always did the same thing but they were too weak to hurt.

"Maybe I'm too harsh on them," he muttered, preparing for the fight.

The mob stamped it's hoof, kicking up dirt and grass. He listened to his friends in the field behind him talk about their experiences in Sword Art Online. Joaquin told Julius about the guild he was apart of, even offering him a spot in it. Julius declined, being more of a solo player himself.

"If I change my mind, and I'm sure I will someday, I'll let you know," Morningstar heard him say from a distance.

Spoiler

Morningstar | Lv. 6 | HP: 120/120 | EN: 30/30 | DMG: 5 | ACC: 3 | MIT: 9

Boarlet | HP 5/5 | DMG: 3

 

[Morningstar 0]

He focused once again on the boar, drowning out the sounds of conversation coming from his party. It charged at him, but he was quicker. He slammed the hilt of his blade into it's back as it leaped, causing it to lose momentum and hit the ground. The beast got up without missing a beat and snarled.

Part of him wanted to use a Sword Art and deal as much damage as he could in a single strike. It was overkill, but it would have been fun. He rarely got the opportunity to use them, since the mobs he fought were always so weak. He abstained, however. He could be reckless, but he wasn't stupid.

The boar dashed again and Stephen let it get close. It nearly hit his leg with it's rock hard skull, but he slashed in a downwards motion, slicing through the middle of the boarlet. It was done. An item appeared where the boar once was. Boarlet's Blood, it was called. He picked it up, bringing it close to his eye to inspect it.

Satisfied with his examination, he looked over to his friends. "I guess we can head back to Lyle now."

Spoiler

ID: 203708 BD: 8

Morningstar | Lv. 6 | HP: 120/120 | EN: 29/30 | DMG: 5 | ACC: 3 | MIT: 9

Boarlet | HP 0/5 | DMG: 3

 

Edited February 16, 2022 by Morningstar

[Morningstar 0]

Joaquin and Julius didn't speak at first. They stared back at Stephen with wide eyes, seemingly unsure of what to do.

"What's wrong? You two okay?"

Joaquin pointed behind Stephen. "I think you missed one."

The cloaked swordsman turned his head, confused. Behind him was a boar double the sized of the other three he'd fought. If they were boarlets, then she was the mother. Two sharp tusks would make for an even harder hit than the previous adversaries.

"Lyle didn't mention this one," Stephen blinked, getting into a defensive stance.

It seemed like the right time to bring out his Sword Arts. He was glad he hadn't wasted them in the previous fight. The boar sounded even angrier than it's children. He had killed three of them, of course. He cleared his throat, a bit nervous.

"Want a hand?" Julius called.

"No, it's okay," Stephen returned, "I've got this."

Spoiler

Morningstar | Lv. 6 | HP: 120/120 | EN: 30/30 | DMG: 5 | ACC: 3 | MIT: 9

Mama Boar | HP 60/60 | DMG: 15 | MIT: 5 | EVA: -1

 

Edited February 16, 2022 by Morningstar

[Morningstar 0]

Julius looked at the warrior. "Will he really be okay? I mean, the two of us could handle it easily but he's pretty low level."

Joaquin watched carefully, squinting. "We'll intervene if we need to, but he should give it a try. Besides, it's not a field boss or anything. It shouldn't be able to kill him. I think."

Morningstar took a breath. He pushed himself off the ground, lunging at his opponent. The Boarlet's Blood fell from his pocket where he'd hidden it. The system quickly took over as he swung his blade. Bathed in a yellow glow, his sword dove towards the boar. It met the beast's back, a red slash appearing across it.

The boar fell to the ground, but didn't explode like the rest of them. It managed to tank a hit, but it didn't stand back up. The glow of Morningstar's blade faded.

"Did he stun it? Impressive," Julius leaned back in the grass, eyes fixed on the fight.

Spoiler

ID: 203709 BD: 7
[x4] TECH-A activated. Boar Stunned
20-5=15 DMG

Morningstar | Lv. 6 | HP: 120/120 | EN: 25/30 | DMG: 5 | ACC: 3 | MIT: 9

Mama Boar | HP 45/60 | DMG: 15 | MIT: 5 | EVA: -1

 

Edited February 16, 2022 by Morningstar

[Morningstar 0]

He'd done it.

He'd landed his first stun. He wasn't accustom to the system's Sword Arts yet, but it felt fluid to him. The game helped him move through the motions so well, it surprised him. The boar twitched on the ground, unable to move. This was his chance to get in a free hit. Morningstar dashed towards the paralyzed beast, his sword glowing yellow once more. He swung down, strength filling his body. The boar wheezed.

Stephen moved backwards, knowing that the boar would be getting up in a moment. He readied himself, although he was somewhat nervous to take a hit. He told himself that he could mitigate it, but his hands were unsteady.

"He's in the lead. That boar won't be stunned forever, though," Joaquin said, his face serious.

"That stun was smart of him. He got an extra hit in for free. Fifty percent of it's health is already gone and he's got plenty of Sword Arts in him," Julius added.

Spoiler

ID: 203710 BD: 3+4=7
[x4] ST-I activated.
20-5=15 DMG

Morningstar | Lv. 6 | HP: 120/120 | EN: 21/30 | DMG: 5 | ACC: 3 | MIT: 9

Mama Boar | HP 30/60 | DMG: 15 | MIT: 5 | EVA: -1

 

Edited February 16, 2022 by Morningstar

[Morningstar 0]

The boar picked itself up, shaking the dirt off of it's body. It grunted, kicking up more grass. The beast started to move towards him, gradually picking up speed until it was directly in front of him.

"As expected," Julius started, "he was bound to take some damage."

Stephen, keeping up his defensive position, stayed planted on the ground. He held his two-handed sword in front of him as the boar's weaponized tusks inched towards him. They clashed with his blade, stopping the mob in it's tracks. He pushed it back, causing it to slide a bit, before retreating to a safer distance.

"That," Julius clapped, "was not expected."

Joaquin smirked as if he were proud of his friend. Stephen had blocked it on his own. He didn't need to rely on the system for everything after all.

"Keep it up, Stephen!" The warrior shouted, his hands cupped around his mouth.

Spoiler

ID: 203711 MD: 3

Morningstar | Lv. 6 | HP: 120/120 | EN: 22/30 | DMG: 5 | ACC: 3 | MIT: 9

Mama Boar | HP 30/60 | DMG: 15 | MIT: 5 | EVA: -1

 

Edited February 16, 2022 by Morningstar

[Morningstar 0]

A grin grew on Stephen's face. He'd never seen Joaquin like that before. He took a breath even deeper than the last, calming himself as he prepared to attack once more. He raised his blade and the yellow painted it once more.

The boar went in for another attack, but Stephen countered it with his own. It attempted to impale the swordsman's leg with it's sharp tusk, but he parried, slicing the tusk off in the process.

"Woah, that's one tusk down," Joaquin bumped Julius' arm.

"Star's not so bad, huh?" Julius replied.

The boar trotted away, putting enough distance to make it a challenge for Stephen to attack again. If he could have stunned it again, he could have ended it right then and there. The system had a cooldown on that sort of thing, though. He raised his blade above his head, waiting for the boar's attempt to strike.

Spoiler

ID: 203712 BD: 3+4=7
[x4] ST-I activated.
20-5=15 DMG

Morningstar | Lv. 6 | HP: 120/120 | EN: 18/30 | DMG: 5 | ACC: 3 | MIT: 9

Mama Boar | HP 15/60 | DMG: 15 | MIT: 5 | EVA: -1

 

Edited February 16, 2022 by Morningstar

[Morningstar 0]

The boar shook itself off, a squeal coming from it as it pushed forward for a last resort hit. It's single tusk pointed at Stephen, but the man's fear was gone. He'd seen everything that the mother boar could throw at it and was no longer worried.

He confidently allowed the boar to come near him and kicked it away. It fell to it's side, slowly picking itself back up. The boar was weak. It didn't have much health left. Stephen was tired too, although not enough to stop him from finishing the fight. He looked over to his friends and gave them a thumbs up.

"See, I told you I had it covered."

"We never doubted you," Joaquin shouted back.

"We absolutely doubted him," Julius told Joaquin.

"Let's not tell him that."

The boar managed it's way back onto it's feet. Although stumbling a bit, it galloped towards him. Victory was fleeting and it had one last chance to strike.

Spoiler

ID: 203713 MD: 2

Morningstar | Lv. 6 | HP: 120/120 | EN: 19/30 | DMG: 5 | ACC: 3 | MIT: 9

Mama Boar | HP 15/60 | DMG: 15 | MIT: 5 | EVA: -1

 

Edited February 16, 2022 by Morningstar

[Morningstar 0]

The fight was over with one last swipe of Morningstar's yellow blade. The boar shattered into shades of blue, leaving nothing but a consumable.

"Boar Jerky, huh? Not bad," he muttered, turning to meet his friends while pocketing the jerky.

The Boarlet's Blood he'd found earlier was gone. He assumed it'd been dropped during the fight, but he didn't see it in the grass anywhere. It'd been replaced with a better item anyway, he thought. He slid his sword back into it's scabbard.

"Nice work, man," Joaquin called.

Julius followed alongside the warrior. They met face to face with Stephen again for the first time since the boarlet.

"Quite the unexpected turn of events, wouldn't you say?" Julius chuckled, tapping his cane on the ground.

"Not bad, though, right? I'd say I got some good hits in," Stephen replied.

"They'll be calling you 'The Great Morningstar' someday," Julius assured the swordsman.

Spoiler

ID: 203714 BD: 5+4=9
[x4] ST-I activated.
20-5=15 DMG

Morningstar | Lv. 6 | HP: 120/120 | EN: 15/30 | DMG: 5 | ACC: 3 | MIT: 9

Mama Boar | HP 0/60 | DMG: 15 | MIT: 5 | EVA: -1

+1 Boar Jerky (+2 DMG, +5 MIT)

Edited February 16, 2022 by Morningstar

[Morningstar 0]

The unlikely crew wandered back to The Town of Beginnings together, parting ways at the front gate.

"It was nice to meet you both," Julius bowed respectfully.

"I'm sure we'll meet again," Stephen replied.

"If you need anything, I'll be around. Just let me know," the magician smiled, before turning away from the pair.

Stephen's eyes moved from the distant magician to the present warrior. "You should probably get going. You did mention a guild meeting that you've got tonight."

Joaquin placed a hand on Stephen's shoulder. "You sure you'll be alright?"

"I'll manage," Stephen returned.

They maneuvered the town together until they reached the teleporter. "You know, Lexa would be proud of you. You did good out there."

"Thanks, J."

"See you around, Steve."

With that, Stephen Star was alone. He pulled up the hood of his cloak, the air becoming cooler as the day turned to evening. Lyle's shop was nearby and he'd hoped to return in time to catch the sunset afterwards. He passed empty merchant stands and the odd couple relaxing in the city. The blacksmith was in a comfy part of town, although you wouldn't have guessed by the owner's stern and aggressive nature. Without knocking, Stephen let himself inside.

"Lyle," he began, "I'm back. Three boarlets dead, as you requested."

Lyle's head peaked out from the back room of the shop. "Oh yeah? Let's see the tusks."

Stephen placed the tusks on the counter for the smith to see. The NPC nodded in approval. He tells Stephen that the tusks are used to make hilts for various blades. They're easily accessible in the fields, so they make for cheap yet quality material. 

"I don't take loans from anyone, especially from Dorian White. You know who might, though? Ol' Pete Larkin. He spends all his time fishing for river monsters or some such nonsense," Lyle scoffed.

"Thanks, Lyle. I appreciate the tip," Stephen returned.

"Oh," Lyle stopped Morningstar before he could leave, "and, Morningstar was it? Take a sword or some armor with you. Consider it payment for your work."

Stephen nodded, thanking him once more.

+1 Tealeaf Blade (+1 DMG)