New Life Online 11 Hobgoblins Massacre

Time to go shopping... I said but I have no idea where. This place is huge and crowded, and most of them are traders. Maybe I should ask the guard about the good shops.

I approached one of the guards to ask.

"h.e.l.lo Mr. Guard, I'm looking for shops that sell equipment and supplies for travelers, any recommendations?" I asked politely.

"Oh, h.e.l.lo there, most of the shops that sell good stuff for adventurers and travelers are at the center of the city near the castle. People around here are selling that cheap stuff which is not so good but good enough for those who doesn't have much which are basically, just for low-level players. Anyways if you got the gold, go to the center of the city and you'll find good shops," He's trying to point the way to the center of the city. He also said that I need a good amount of gold, though... I hope I have enough.

-Light's Marketplace-

I've reached the center of the city which they call the Light's Marketplace. You can see people with good equipment walking around and looking for stuff. This place is for those high-ranked players. Jeez, I'm pretty sure I look like a beggar compared to them. Some of the players even look at me thinking I might be lost or something.

There are auction houses, equipment shops, supply shops, stable, pet shops and much more. This place is filled with different kinds of shops where adventurers gather around. This is the haven for shopaholics.

"h.e.l.lo Mr. Guard, do you know the shop of Mr. Tyblon? He's one of my friends and I'm looking for him. Can you help me, sir?" I once again approached another guard to ask. He's the merchant I guarded earlier.

"Oh, Mr. Tyblon's shop is around here. It's called the Accessory shop. He sells really good accessories. Just go straight here and you'll find it," He pointed out the direction and I said my thanks while walking away. Wow, nice shop name.

Guards here are very helpful and even with many people around, there are no troubles so far.

So, this is Mr. Tyblon's shop. It is really big and it looks like a place for luxury. Am I out of place? This place is for rich people d.a.m.n it. Why did he even invite me here?

-Accessory Shop-

I finally decided to enter the shop. d.a.m.n, the place is covered with s.h.i.+ny things. I am really out of place!

"Oh, you came! I was waiting for you, Mr. Bodyguard. Come here let me show you my merchandise," He's pretty excited to get his one piece of gold back. I was supposed to get out earlier... but I don't have a choice now that he saw me entering his shop.

He toured me around the shop, showing his most valuable and most precious accessories which I definitely can't buy. Well, he might think that I'm going to be a potential buyer someday. Good investment.

"Mr. Tyblon, do you sell any accessories that have special effects? I'm kind of short when it comes to gold so I'm looking for stuff that will actually help me," I said trying not to be rude.

"Of course, of course... It's around here. This one gives you additional const.i.tution. This ring increases your movement speed. This one-," He showed me the accessories that boost your capabilities and stats. Pretty neat but I want something that can really help what I'm trying to become.

Some of the accessories are insanely expensive but they're worth it when it comes to special effects. For now, I decided to buy the necklace which increases my movement speed when running because I don't have any mount to use. Running takes more energy, while mounts greatly reduce the energy consumption. I used half of my entire gold buying it, though.

I came out of the shop and decided to check more.

-Near Light's Castle-

It took me 2 hours just to window shop and buy stuff. I bought foods, herbs, and other supplies. I also visited the blacksmith for them to repair my equipment.

*TOOOOT TOOOTOOTOOOT!*

I heard a sound coming from the gate of the castle. Everyone in the marketplace went to the place to check it out.

"The Order of Light Guild is looking for adventurers! We are going to explore a cave, far North of Gra.s.sland, so we are gathering all help we could get. Of course, if you perform well you will be rewarded handsomely. The exploration will be tomorrow morning so if you want to join, you can sign up now till six pm," A guard declared.

Wow, a cave! It must be a dungeon or another hideout for monsters. I should sign up for that and get good loot! Gold is good.

So, I went to the place to sign up and a lot of people are already in line. I waited for a bit and then it's finally my turn.

"What's your total level and specialty?" So, there are requirements. I hope I can get in.

"I'm level 70 and my specialty is a light weapon. Can I join up?" I said trying my best to be accepted.

"Oh, I'm sorry but the requirement is at least level 100. Maybe you can join us next time. Train first and come back again," The guard explained. Well... at least, I tried.

Outside Light's Castle

Too bad they didn't accept me. No wonder, my level is too low. Worth the shot though. A rank 100 is like a whole week gameplay based on guides. Getting five masteries to 20 will make my total level to 100 but it might take a while. When a mastery reaches 15, it will take some time to improve it by 1 point. I need to improve my masteries first. Well, if I want to level up then I need to fight monsters again. So, I went outside the city through the south gate where monopods and hobgoblins lurk around.

So, what's my goal this time? Should I increase my Fire mastery or focus on my light weapon? Bare Hands saved me from the boss Wolf rider so it's also a good one. I think it would be better if I level it up first. I should also block using my s.h.i.+eld to increase its mastery.

Some players also hunt here. It would be great if Elou and others are here too. Oh well, I should wait for them later. For now, I need to do it myself.

-Hobgoblins Are

I went farther this time, away from the players. I don't want them stealing my mobs. This area is the place where hobgoblins lurk. They ambush their prey mercilessly but I hope I won't get killed that way.

"GRRRRRRRRR!" A Hobgoblin showed up and it looks angry! Well, they always look angry even without reasons.

The Hobgoblin rushed towards me without any warning. He uses a big club as a weapon which is kind of heavy so if it hits me, I'm pretty sure it'll hurt. but-

*WOOOOOs.h.!.+* It also means that I can easily avoid.

The swing was really fast but I managed to predict the movement of it and evaded easily. Wow, my agility really helps.

*BAAAAAM!* I blocked its second strike with my s.h.i.+eld which created an impactful sound. It was a hard hit. I blocked it but I still received damage. Kinda stings.

I attacked him with my fist but it wasn't that effective. It is st.u.r.dier than I thought. My s.h.i.+eld decreases my evasive capabilities. I need to do something about it.

*BAAAAAAM!* d.a.m.n, another strike from the Hobgoblin! I am suffering from its attacks just by blocking them. So, I decided to drop my s.h.i.+eld to improve my movement this time.

*BAAM BABABAAAM!* My consecutive attacks did a good serious amount of damage. The Hobgoblin is tough but with a couple of good attacks, it looks like it's already at its limit already.

"HEAVY PUNCH!"

*BAAAAAAM!* I used my heavy punch which ended the fight. It was easy but if my movement was restricted, I will be having a hard time.

I need to do something about my s.h.i.+eld, though. What if I put it on my back instead? It won't hinder my fists and at the same time, I can defend my back without reducing my movement speed that much. Yeah, that's a great idea.

So, I put my s.h.i.+eld on my back and placed my dagger behind my waist for surprise attacks.

I hunted for hours again. I didn't get bored. My sis isn't at home right now so I can eat later. I hunted like there's no tomorrow. Sneaked and used surprise attacks, I threw fireb.a.l.l.s to deal damage over time and let mobs. .h.i.t me on purpose to increase my masteries.

I realized it's already dark and corpses of hobgoblins are everywhere.

***

Hobgoblin

STR: R DEX: R

CON: R AGI: R

INT: N WIS: N

Tiger

STR: R DEX: R

CON: N AGI: SR

INT: N WIS: N

Monopod

STR: R DEX: N

CON: SR AGI: SR

INT: N WIS: N