Chapter 2 - Important Discovery and Shopping Day

"What the hell is this?!"

Cautiously, I examined the large robotic hand I had discovered. I looked around, bewildered by my find, because in all the hours I dedicated to [Arcanus Academy], I had never seen anything like this.

'Wait, I think I remember seeing something like this...'

Now I remember. The developers had planned to add mechanical suits to the game, giving it a Steampunk style. In the end, they only managed to create one model before scrapping the idea because they couldn't find a way to fit it into the medieval theme.

All of this was discovered because someone found the model while digging through the game's code. There was a fan who designed a mod that let you use it as if it were armor. Unfortunately, this mod was so poorly implemented that it was full of bugs.

But what is this thing doing here? This mechanical suit wasn't added to the game, so it shouldn't exist in this world. Yet seeing how this thing is buried just like its model was in the game's code makes me think that perhaps this is how this world interprets lost content.

"System, what can you tell me about this thing?"

[-System-]

[We apologize, but the system is currently undergoing an update, so certain functions, like object descriptions, are disabled.]

"You've got to be kidding me!"

[The functions you can still use are as follows:]

-Mini Map

-Analyze Statistics

[We hope you understand that this update is important, as it will allow us to add new features.]

"I have a Mini Map?"

Saying the word "Mini Map" caused a screen to appear in front of me, showing me a nearly blank map except for a few parts that were the places I had been to since arriving in this world.

"This will be very useful."

I looked closely at the map and saw two large empty circles, one within the other. Remembering my time as a player, I quickly realized that the first one encompassed the entire academy. The other, larger empty circle represented a barrier that the founders of the academy had placed to prevent monsters from approaching the academy and harming the students.

Supposedly, starting tomorrow, I am banned from the academy, so I can't get close to the first empty circle, but I could still stay within the second one. This made the Mini Map very useful to avoid getting into trouble.

"Well, I've thought about this enough. Let's get back to the main topic."

I looked at the robotic hand, unable to feel anything but curiosity about what the rest of the mechanical suit would look like. Driven by curiosity, I tried to dig more to get the rest of the suit out, but as I did, I realized I didn't have the right tools for the job.

I cursed my luck for not being able to retrieve this thing today, but kept a cool head, deciding to solve one problem at a time. I realized I had been ignoring one of the biggest problems I had until now.

That problem was that I had no idea where I was going to sleep tonight. Although it was still early, night would eventually fall, and I would find myself without shelter in the middle of nowhere.

I decided to gather all the mushrooms, plants, and minerals I had collected so far and put them in an extra bag I had brought. I exited the dungeon and recited the runes once more, causing it to close again.

"I need to get a shovel and new clothes."

Taking advantage of the dumpster being near a forest, I decided to enter it to avoid crossing paths with the protagonist or any of the heroines.

I began to venture deeper into the forest, always keeping an eye on the Mini Map to avoid encountering any dangerous wild animals.

As I walked, I observed the beautiful scenery in front of me and began to breathe in the fresh air. My mind filled with tranquility, seeing in more detail this world that had brought me so many years of happiness.

"It's so beautiful, like a damn dream come true."

Perhaps I didn't arrive in this world as I would have liked, but still, I was here and wouldn't squander my opportunity. I was determined to enjoy every moment in this world despite the terrible conditions in which I arrived.

"Giving up is for cowards and for old ladies who can't go to the bathroom alone."

I checked the Mini Map to see if I had left the first empty circle, and after confirming that I had, I decided to rest at the base of a tree for a while.

I leaned my head against the tree trunk and then turned my head to see a somewhat strange green hill. I smiled, realizing I had reached my goal.

In the game, this hill is one of several locations you can turn into your secret base, where you can store your things or meet with the heroines to talk. I got up, still a bit tired, and approached the hill. I raised my axe and struck a certain part, causing an illusion that had been placed on the hill to vanish and a door-sized hole to appear.

I entered what I would now call home from this moment on. I lowered my backpack to take out a towel, a pair of sandals, and soap. I took off my mud-covered uniform and a bracelet on my hand, avoiding looking down, as I still didn't want to see all the parts of this body. Quickly, I wrapped the towel around my waist and picked up my dirty uniform.

Covered only by my towel, I began walking towards a nearby lake. When I arrived, I looked for a waterfall that would help me wash my body better. Upon locating it, I started walking towards it.

As I did so, I could better appreciate how, under the afternoon sun, the lake sparkled like a crystal mirror, reflecting the deep blue of the sky and the slowly drifting clouds.

The air was filled with the fresh scent of nature, mingled with the soft murmur of the water caressing the shore. This beautiful sight caused me to smile again.

I knelt by the lake, placing my dirty clothes aside. My hands submerged in the cool water, sending out ripples that dispersed gently. I calmly took my soap from its cloth bag, not surprised by the existence of soap in this world, as it was a consumable item that allowed you to clean your clothes and armor, which got dirty with blood or grime.

Additionally, you could use it to reduce the accumulation of any negative effects, such as poison or freezing.

"First, I should wash my underwear."

I murmured to myself, following the instructions my mother from my original world had given me. I still remember vividly the day my mother was determined to teach me to wash my clothes without using the washing machine. I had refused, but she insisted I needed to know at least that in case I didn't have electricity and urgently needed clean clothes.

A small laugh escaped my mouth as my eyes filled with tears, thinking I might never see her again.

"Thank you, Mom, thank you for being so patient with me."

My voice began to break as I submerged my underwear in the crystal-clear water, watching the tiny air bubbles rise to the surface. I lifted it and began rubbing the soap over the stains and dirtier areas.

The warm sun kissed my skin as I scrubbed the dirty clothes. The birds' song filled the air with a serenity that could only be found far from civilization. I started rubbing the fabric between my hands, creating white foam that quickly dissolved in the lake water. With each movement, I felt a deeper connection with the earth, the water, with the ancient ritual of washing something by hand that I had learned from my mother.

For the first time since arriving in this world, I felt a soothing peace wash over me as tears continued to flow from my eyes.

After soaping each garment carefully, I laid them out on a rock to rest and put the soap back in its cloth bag.

"Just need to rinse them."

I bent down again over the lake to pick up the first garment and submerged it repeatedly, letting the water current take away the soap and dirt. I kept doing this until the bubbles completely disappeared.

When the last garment was soap-free, I stood up, stretched my arms and sore back, and firmly wrung out the excess water from each garment, twisting them carefully to avoid damaging the delicate fibers.

Once I finished, I approached a tree and placed the freshly washed clothes on its branches. I watched as the fabrics danced gently in the breeze, drying under the radiant sun.

With a sigh of anticipation, I picked up the bag containing the soap and headed to the waterfall.

Upon arrival, I removed the towel and sandals, trying to avoid looking down but stopped, remembering that eventually, I'd have to look. So, ignoring my embarrassment, I lowered my gaze, finally seeing what I had been avoiding.

"Wow, if it weren't for his attitude, this guy would have been a chick magnet."

Being barefoot I walked towards the edge of the lake the ground beneath my feet was soft. Slowly, I go deeper into the lake, the water begins to rise until it is above my knees. The temperature was perfect, it was refreshing but not cold, it was like a liquid hug that wrapped around me.

I gradually approached the waterfall, hearing its thunderous roar. When I reached it, I let the water envelop and strike my body with controlled force. I submerged more and more under the waterfall, feeling the water crash down powerfully on my shoulders, back, and head. I closed my eyes, enjoying the sensation of being washed and purified by Mother Nature.

The waterfall's noise was deafening, blocking out all other sounds. I could feel my worries, stress, and the weight of this new world dissolve into the current.

Immersed in the moment, I felt a deep connection with the surrounding nature. Time seemed to stop, and for a brief moment, I could see everything around me moving more slowly.

When I felt clean enough, I emerged from the water, feeling my body renewed. I took the towel I had left on a rock and wrapped it around my waist. I put on my sandals and went to collect my clothes.

With one last look at the lake, I turned and began the walk back to my "home," leaving behind the roar of the water but carrying with me the peace and purity I had found.

Back at the hill, I placed my still-wet clothes on the branches of the nearest tree. I delved into the hill to find my suitcase and took out the plainest garments I could find and the bracelet that I still didn't know why I had.

I checked my mini-map to see if I could mark a location, just like in the game, and to my relief, this mini-map had that function. I placed a mark on the green hill where I was staying and named it [-Home-]. I did the same with the nearby lake and named it [-Lake-].

"I don't want to think too much about the names."

I sat on a rock and began to think about what I should do next. Remembering the mechanical suit I had found, I decided to go to the town near the academy for some shopping. Besides, I was starting to get hungry.

*************

"Here we are, Iron Haven, where adventurers gather."

I lifted my gaze to watch the sun slowly descend, beginning to bathe the landscape in golden and orange hues. It was clear I shouldn't take too long so as not to end up returning after nightfall.

Before entering the town, I tried to recall how the economy of this world worked and remembered that money functioned like this: 30 copper = 1 silver, 10 silver = 1 gold. I didn't plan to find out how much that equaled in my world because it seemed like a hassle.

I started looking for a clothing store since, in the game, we never visited any of these. Instead, depending on what you were looking for, you had to go to a magic shop to buy a robe or to a blacksmith to buy armor.

As I walked, I was greeted by a symphony of sounds and colors that only a medieval market could offer. I listened to the conversations of the other people, making my heart beat with a mix of excitement and nervousness. I had passed through this town countless times to buy items or select missions, but doing it in person was a new experience.

I bowed my head to appreciate the cobblestone streets that gave this town a great touch. I heard merchants shouting their offers, and children running and playing. My stomach started to growl at the smell of freshly baked bread and spices filling the air. I kept moving forward with a determined step, though my eyes constantly wandered to the stalls lining the path. There were all kinds of goods that you couldn't access in the game.

Finally, I arrived at the central plaza, where I spotted a clothing store. I was glad that despite not having any of Rurik's memories, I could speak and read the language of this world.

I approached the door of the quaint shop and opened it, hearing the tinkling of a bell. I carefully observed the place until I met the gaze of a middle-aged woman with work-hardened hands. She was displaying a series of garments and capes. I could see that her smile was warm and her eyes sparkled with hospitality.

"Well, a customer. Good afternoon, young man. Are you looking for something in particular?"

The woman greeted me with a kind and sweet voice.

"Yes, I need new clothes, you know, something durable but comfortable. Also, I would like to sell some clothes if possible."

I replied to the woman with the same kindness she had given me. I could see her nod as she began to show me various options. There were all kinds of garments, from shirts to shoes. Among the options she showed me were some brown overalls that were very comfortable and reasonably priced.

"Have you made a decision, young man?"

"Yes, I know what I want to buy, but first, I would like to sell the clothes I have."

"Sure, show me what kind of clothes you want to sell."

I opened my suitcase and showed her the clothes that belonged to the original Rurik. The woman covered her mouth when she saw that these clothes were of high quality.

"Young man, this is noble's clothing. I'm not sure I can afford to pay so much."

"Don't worry, I'm fine with whatever you can give me."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, I'm fine even if it's very little."

In the end, I received five silver coins for almost all my clothes, except for two sets that I kept in case I needed them for an event requiring formal attire.

"Very well, what clothes would you like to buy, young man?"

"I want four brown overalls, two pairs of shoes, five shirts of any color, and a pair of pajamas."

I could see the woman's face light up at the prospect of a great sale. I couldn't help but smile a little as she gathered everything I had asked for and packed it in a cloth bag.

"That would be ten silver coins in total. I hope these clothes serve you well."

I handed over the corresponding gold coins while storing everything in my suitcase. I approached the door, but before leaving, I bid farewell to the sweet woman. She stopped me and handed me a white leather bag.

"Here, I want to give you this bag."

"Thank you."

"You're an adventurer from Arcanus Academy, right?"

I was surprised by what the woman had just said since I didn't know how she had discovered that I was a student of that academy.

"Yes, how did you know?"

"By the bracelet on your arm. All students who go to that academy wear one."

"That's right, I had forgotten about it."

In the game, everyone wore this bracelet to show they were students of the academy. Additionally, as the adventure progressed, a professor revealed that it also served as a tracker.

"It belonged to my son before he passed away. I'm sure you'll make good use of it."

"I promise I will."

I said goodbye to the woman and left the store, continuing to explore the market and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of the town. I still needed to buy a shovel and pickaxe to retrieve that mechanical suit, and I knew exactly where to go.

This was a shop that the player could visit at the beginning of the game. In this shop, they sold all kinds of items, weapons, potions, and more. A detail about this shop is that the owner is a very chubby and kind beastman named Rakkar Stoneclaw. His young daughter, Lorin Stoneclaw, sells sweet breads that restore 25 health points and grant a specific buff depending on the day you buy the bread.

"I need to eat something quickly."

I arrived at the shop I had mentioned and opened the door. The sound of the bell above the door rang softly as I pushed it, as if announcing my triumphant entrance to my favorite characters. The air inside the shop was filled with the smell of wood and leather, mixed with the dust of the roads. Wooden shelves lined the walls, filled with various tools and merchandise, from lanterns to antidotes.

"Good afternoon, young customer. Welcome to Rakkar Stoneclaw's shop."

"Good afternoon."

"Tell me, what are you looking for? We have everything in this shop."

The shopkeeper looked at me with a smile, eagerly awaiting my response. Meanwhile, I couldn't help but stare at his wolf ears and gray eyes, but I stopped myself to avoid seeming like a strange customer.

"I'm looking for a shovel, a pickaxe, a lantern, and a sleeping bag."

"I understand. Wait a few minutes, I have just what you're looking for."

I complied with Rakkar's request and sat on one of the chairs in the shop. As I turned my head, I saw his young daughter, who shyly greeted me. I found this adorable, so I returned her greeting with a smile, causing her to look at me with curiosity.

After a few minutes, Rakkar returned with everything I had requested.

"Here you go."

"Wow, do you mind if I take a look?"

"Go ahead."

I began to examine the items Rakkar had brought, surprised by their good quality.

"This shovel and pickaxe are made of iron, so they're sturdy. The sleeping bag is of medium quality, but I'm sure it will last you a long time. This lantern is a new acquisition; it runs on mana, so you won't spend money on lantern fuel. You just need to provide a little mana to turn it on and a little more to turn it off."

"Perfect. How much for everything?"

"For the shovel and pickaxe, it would be three silver coins each. For the sleeping bag, another three, and for the lantern, three coins."

"In total, that would be nine silver coins."

"Exactly."

"Here you go."

"Thank you, young man. I hope these items are vital in your adventures."

Saying this, the shopkeeper took my gold coin and gave me a silver coin in change. While putting away the items I had bought, I turned my head and looked once more at Lorin.

"I'd also like ten loaves of bread."

"Sure."

Upon hearing me, Lorin smiled and began putting the bread I had asked for into a paper bag. The little one handed me the bag while I paid her father for the bread.

"What do you say, Lorin?"

The little girl, a bit nervous, looked at me and with a timid and trembling voice said, "Thank you for your purchase."

"You're welcome. Thank you very much. I'll come back if I need anything else."

I left the shop with one of the sweet and soft loaves in my mouth. Maybe it was because I was hungry, but these were undoubtedly the best loaves I had ever tasted. Now I just needed to go to one more place, and I would be done with my shopping for the day. The place I needed to go now was the magic shop to buy a basic magic book.