" So Leon, did you like it? " James asked as he saw Leon staring at the sword for a few moments without saying anything, which snapped the young man out of his trance, making him blink a few times.
" Yes. It seems like a good sword. "
" Of course it's a good sword, an excellent sword, I forged it myself!. " Grog said with disdain. " That will be 3 silver coins, plus 8 bronze with the iron chest plate. " Hearing that Leon swallowed dryly.
' That's very expensive. There's no way I can pay that. ' " On second thought that's really expensive, James we don't need to get a long sword, it can be a smaller cheaper one. " He said while placing the long sword back into the sheath, moving to set it on the table. But James stopped him.
" You're going to need this Leon, don't worry, I'll pay for you, however you will have to do your part in the team as well. That's the condition!. " James spoke in a more serious tone, yet still conveying confidence that he believed in Leon, leaving the young man without words for a moment.
" Alright, I'll do my best!. " Leon said firmly, placing the sword with its sheath properly as Grog came to help him put on the armor, fastening the long sword and sheath onto a leather belt around his waist. " The belt's on the house rookie. Don't die and come back to buy more things from me. "
Leon felt the weight at his waist and chest, he finally had a real weapon, and even armor. " You can count on me Mr Grog. " And then James paid for the items with a small pouch of coins and the group left the shop.
" Look at that. You're starting to look like a warrior now Leon. " Camile said while looking at him. " We should... test you then. " She looked at James. " Are we taking that mission we wanted? "
" Yes!, that mission is good for our group right now, and it's not too complicated now that we have a full team!. " Tris said enthusiastically.
" Mhm. Yes, Leon needs training, and I don't think there's anything better than going to kill a small monster. " James completed.
" I'll do my best. " Leon said as they walked back toward the mercenary headquarters.
' I need to raise my level, if we're going to kill some monsters that's perfect for that. And if I manage to, maybe I can still see if there's news about other people from Earth around here. ' He focused on his current objectives. He had to fulfill his role in the group.
Even though everything was new to him, he couldn't stay shaken forever. Especially after everything he went through on his first day in this world. He had already seen a goblin and the Great Boar, if they were going to hunt some smaller monster now, he wouldn't hesitate.
" What kind of monsters are we hunting? "
Before entering the building James looked at him with a smile. " A wild orc that broke off from its band and is roaming the eastern roads. It has already attacked some merchants who requested help from the mercenaries. "
' Orc... Doesn't sound like a small monster but alright. '
" What are they like?, Do they use weapons or clubs?, do they have any special abilities? " Leon asked.
" No. They are. Just. Big. It's a good target to start with. " Camile said slowly while James went to pick up the mission request.
" Yes!. They're a little smaller than James, but very muscular. But don't worry, if you get hurt I'll heal you! " Tris said excitedly, her pointed ears moving slightly.
" R.Right, I'll try not to get hurt anyway. "
From behind them James came laughing loudly. " That's the spirit Leon!. Let's go, you're the one who's going to kill the orc!. Don't worry we'll help you!. "
In the background Nora waved at them as they were leaving. However Tris suddenly stopped in the middle of the path. " Ah!. Leon, we're starting the trip tomorrow morning, it's already night. Where are you staying? "
It was already late. Leon looked to the side and then back at her, pointing behind him. " Nora said I can sleep here, so I'll stay the night here. "
Tris nodded. " Alright then, tomorrow morning at sunrise we'll be at the gate waiting for you. "
With that they said goodbye, and Leon returned inside the mercenary headquarters. He soon arranged a room for himself, paying 3 bronze coins. ' There goes most of my money, at least I won't be sleeping on the street. A small victory already. '
He lay on the bed in the small room, staring at the ceiling for a long time. Thinking about the mission the next day, feeling slightly anxious about everything. He was finally beginning to truly live in this strange new world. And he had to grow stronger and survive whatever would be thrown at him.
" I hope my parents are alright..."
Leon slowly fell asleep while thinking about his old life back on Earth. He did not know how much time had passed, but he woke up with the sun rising through his window, quickly jumping out of bed, putting on his armor and fastening the belt with his long sword, then rushing out of the building.
On the way Leon bought a piece of bread to eat, spending the last 2 bronze coins he had, leaving him with no money at all. However now he was fed and ready for the new day. He headed toward the gate where he would meet the rest of Wings.
' Wings. I need to ask James why that name. '
It did not take long before he was standing just outside the gate waiting for the group to arrive. Leon rested his right hand on the hilt of his sword while looking around. He could now see other races coming and going. Some elves, dwarves, those who looked like lizardfolk, and several others. It was definitely a large world full of people.
Yet none of them resembled a human from his world. Once again Leon let out a quiet sigh. " I'll find you two, don't worry. " He said confidently while looking up at the sky.
It did not take long for the trio to arrive and meet Leon at the gate. " Ready young Leon?, today is your day to shine!. " James laughed loudly, giving Leon two strong pats on the back, making him realize that James was far stronger than he appeared. After all, he was Steel rank. Much higher than Leon at the moment.