Chapter Text
Looking up at the stars, a shield on one hand and an orange balloon chewing on another I said "Fuck it, if they don't care about the shield I won't be a hero."
Sleep came quickly after that. Waking up I found a few more orange balloons on me. "Morning workout" throwing them away and adopting a boxing stance. A jab sends balloon 1 back, a cross sends balloon 2 further out. Side step balloon 3 and grab balloon 1 as it returns for another bite, "see what happens" I say and grab its upper jaw with my left and lower jaw with right, and begin pulling.
POP
+1 exp
Looking at the other 2 balloons "Next up."
***
"How does 1 Copper for every 2 sound?"
"Sounds good."
"A pleasure doing business with you."
"Good morning, how much for all this?"
"Good morning to" the merchants face took on a suspicious look. "What do you have here? 20 balloon skins how does 1 copper sound?"
"You gave the last guy a 1 coin for 2." A distinctly angry tone in my voice.
"You must understand sir market value- oh"
Pulling him close, looking him dead in the eye "I'm here for a fair price for the monsters I tore apart with my bare hands" flexing one muscled hand "unless you want a demonstration, pay me fairly"
"My apologies shield hero 10 coppers for 20 balloon skins." Sweat dripping down his forehead.
Putting the coins in my pouch, "I'm not the shield hero" holding up my forearms "no shield, see." The shield hidden behind my cloak.
The merchants face looked sceptical, "I've heard the descriptions of the shield hero, you look just like him."
I snort at him "Lucky me" with audible sarcasm "I'm Talos the wanderer, have good day."
As I leave a thought occurs, can I fake my death?
Maybe later, gotta pay the Blacksmith for the clothes.
Walking into the street I lock eyes with a women who looks frightened and whispers to her friend "it's the shield" before moving to the opposite side of the street. Definitely faking my death I think, putting up my hood.
***
Entering the store I see erhard at the counter finishing a sale, I move to the corner pretending to look at some of the armour on display.
When his customer leaves I approach
"Here is the 5 copper I owe you"
"Thanks tough guy" he said looking at the coins. Tall, broad shoulders and muscles bigger than mine. If it weren't for my green eyes he could be me in 20 years. Minus the facial hair like the fool king or bald, I like my brunette hair short not shaved.
"Do you mind If I pick up one of your shields?"
He looked at me confused "Why?"
"I'm curious what would happen, if I pick up a sword it shocks me" putting my hand to my chin "so what happens if I pick up a shield?"
He walks over and picks up a shield "If you break it you pay for it."
"Understood"
Picking up the shield
Weapon copy system unlocked
Copy weapon Y/N
"Whoa"
Iron shield
Ability locked
Equip bonus +2 defense
"Whoa what, tough guy?"
Giving him the shield back.
"I just unlocked the ability to copy shields, not high enough level to use it though."
His face became dark and voice raised "If that's true your going to run me out of business."
Placing my hands in plain view, last guy to give me that look was cut off from the bar and $500 out at the pokies. A night I'd rather forget. "I won't touch your shields, I can't even use this one until level 5"
His voice became lighter, "if you pay half the price of purchase you can copy a shield."
"Half price? Your not losing product, 25%"
"25, 40 percent"
"30% and I come here for all my weapon and armour Requirements, final offer."
After a few second of stareing down one another "Agreed tough guy." Holding out his hand, we shake on it.
"So how much is 30% of an Iron Shield?"