Chapter 14 The foolish Grappler

Author's Note:

Really sorry for the long wait Uni has been a pain in the ass more then normal where I have barely been able to get this out this month. However, to make it up this is the largest chapter so far so there's that. I hope you like this chapter and please feel free to leave reviews. I would love to hear the opinion of people who have read this far in. If you do so anon, I can't reply back.

Also sorry about the many pings you may of got a bit ago it was brought to my attention that how I was doing the upgraded stats didn't transfer to Fanfiction and hence combined the numbers.

Thanks, Lolzman

It was not going to be that long of a journey to the village, seeing as I have done it a few times by now. It was nice being able to take my time and walk through nature, just taking in the sights, as living in civilisation kind of limits how much time you can spend in such untamed nature. Sure, there are the dangers that come with it being wild animals that would love to eat me. Then there likely are hundreds of toxic plants and animals around here and maybe some disease-carrying bugs to round it off.

So sure, it's not like I haven't ever been hiking, granted I was forced against my free will to do so. But nature here just has this different feeling to it. Like it's completely untamed despite being close to human settlements, it's hard to describe, but it's a nice feeling to experience. It also allows me some free time to think about what I would have preferred to do while washing. That clearly isn't possible, so this will have to make do.

The first thought that comes to mind is the weird schit family. Well, weird by normal standards; if we are talking one piece, I guess they don't really rank high on the weird family ranking. They seem like really nice people, and I don't just think that, due to Marie helping me. They seem, at least to me that they seem to be the centre of anything that is happening, like the nucleus of the village. Which I guess makes it more surprising they aren't arrogant or such. Then again, I suppose if they were, they wouldn't be as well-liked then.

I am kind of interested in observing Mr Schit again so I get an even better idea of how strong he is, and I don't have to guess based on the amount of Xs. Plus, he has that weird transformation thing that he said wasn't a devil fruit, but if it isn't that, then what is it. He isn't a mink, so it can't be sulong; maybe he is half mink…. Can there be half minks? Well, I hope I find out when I check his character sheet again. I wonder how close Adelind is to catching up to him. I am sure that she…. I haven't checked her description, nor have I for Marie. HOW COULD I FORGET TO DO THAT? I AM AN IDIOT.

Urgh, can I think of something to take my brain off how much of an idiot I am… Ah, that's right, I can think about what I am going to do about this herb mixture. The whole reason I am going to the village is to pick it up. The last time I used something like it from Marie, I had horrible pain wherever it was applied; sure, it worked like a charm regening my HP the fastest I have seen while also healing my body from its injuries.

Yet she said something about an improvement, right? Hopefully, now those painful effects that happened when I used it will stop or will be less than it was. She also said I had to do this one while washing which may make this difficult as I doubt using a rag to clean myself would work. I will likely have to soak in the herbs for it to work well and not just scrub it myself. This is a problem as I don't have a place that has still water that I could wash in right now. My only options for washing are either with a rag and bucket or the nearby stream. Neither really lends itself to what I think I will need, so I need to think of something else.

All I can think of really is either clearing out the waterfall pool or making my own bath. The first option seems possible; however, when you think it through fully, it really isn't going to work. As I would have to kill an unknown number of flesh-eating fish that could be added to by even more fish coming down or upstream, making any progress meaningless. While I am sure dealing with them could be good practice, I rather not have to go through the effort of clearing it than having to repeat the process each time I wish to bathe.

However, that brings up the question of what type of bath would work. Sure, I could just find a simple wooden barrel and fill it with water but is that the best I can do. I don't think so because I think now is a perfect time to see if I can figure out how to implement a good old anime trope which is, of course, Hot Drum Bathing. The concept is pretty easy to understand; it's actually doing it that's the hard part. First, you need a container big enough to fit in yet not too big that It's hard to move around, so I should find a container that is just enough to fit me. Next is a source of water to fill it with, and for that, my best bet is using the stream. While I will need to carry it back with water inside, which may be difficult but still possible.

Then a way to provide heat, which likely will take the form of a fire under the container; however, for that to work, the container has to be able to be burnt, which rules out wooden barrels. The most common one used in anime and real life would be an oil drum or any metal drum, as it won't burn and will conduct the heat well. But what is the likelihood of there being something like that in the village? Last I checked, they don't really use oil, so they wouldn't have any oil drums then. Well, I guess I will just have to find something to work because this sounds cooler every second.

Maybe Marie will have an idea, or someone else will. I am pretty sure I saw people bathing like this in the one piece, so surely they do so here as well. Well, I can hope, right?

********* One hour later ************

"Well, this place doesn't stop changing", I can't help myself say as I come to the same clearing as before, which seemed to expand again, if only by a slight margin. But what was different was the walls and barbican, which seemingly have been improved again; they look a bit tougher and more put together than before.

Overall the changes seem good; they even now have a door to the barbican, which is a big improvement now they don't have to rely on the wagon. Anyway, I quickly realised I was stupidly just looking at the village for a minute or so. The lookouts likely are now supposedly of me, which is fair, so I try to walk towards the gate in the most less threatening way possible. I am well aware that I likely looked stupid, but I just didn't want to get shot right now. I just want my herbs and bath. I eventually get close to the gates, where I can call out to the guards.

"Um, can I enter-" that's about how much I could say before the opening of the gates interrupted me. I was confused, and the guard then cleared my confusion.

"Of course, you can, laddy. I was told by the chief you got a pass anytime", A deep and weirdly Scottish voice came from the top of the wall over the gate of the barbican. Well, that's a good thing. Well, I should hurry up then; hence I enter through the gate though I have to wait for the other gate to open. During that, I looked behind me as I wanted to observe that Scottish guard.

Name: Daris Tallheart

Age: 40

Height: 6'5

Weight: 300kg

Sex: Male

Lv: 57

Occupation: Village Guard

Hp 770/770

Description: He is a large man with receding red-orange hair tied back in a ponytail, a matching short beard with the chin shaved, a barrel chest, and disproportionately small legs. He wears a white shirt with torn sleeves, a traditional Scottish kilt and thick black boots. Across his back is two slings, one for the sheath to a large sword that handles it to his right. While across that is a thick musket that seems more like a cannon than a rifle. While most who see him wouldn't believe that he is actually quite friendly and is great with kids. He has a wife and three kids in the village, which he brought here 15 years ago and has become a trusted member of the village.

Stats:

Brawn: 109

Vitality: 77

Dexterity: 46

Intellect: 15

Wisdom: 23

Charm: 25

He seems to be an interesting fellow who seems quite nice. His stats are quite impressive. His brawn alone is five times what I have; I am sure he could easily beat me up in a fight. Though given his size, I don't think I needed to see his stats to know that even from down here, I can tell how much larger he is compared to me. Seeing him looking back at me, I gave him a small wave and thanks.

Well, finally, the gate opens, so I finally enter the village for real this time. The village finally looked as it likely should've from the beginning before the attack. Everyone looked happy and not really stressed; there wasn't construction equipment anywhere, along with the other equipment was not there anymore. However, I can still notice internal defences were still there, so they aren't foolish enough to get rid of them when they could clearly be attacked again; hell, they could get attacked today, however unlikely that is.

It's interesting how active this village is, having never really seen how a pre-modern town works. How busy everyone is, but without cars, it feels fundamentally different to what I have ever experienced. Sure, I saw it in the capital though that was similar to the modernity that I am used to, based on how they had bigger roads to allow for carriages and such to move through without disturbing the people walking by. But here, there's none of that, and it gives it a certain feeling that I wasn't used to. It somewhat feels like I have gone back in time. It's quite interesting to me, really; just the joy that radiates from everything makes this place feel so welcoming.

"Hey, that's out of bounds, Albert", Came a familiar voice that rang a bell somewhere in the empty pit that was my head.

Then I felt something nudge my foot which, when I looked down, turned out that it was a ball around the size of a soccer ball. When I looked up from where the ball came from, I saw someone I hadn't seen for a bit. It was Bella, the girl whose mother I helped and who gave me a room to recover from the fight.

"Bella?" I said as I thought, so I said it without intending to. She clearly heard me as her head snapped toward my direction, where her eyes locked onto me. I could see her eyes light up, and her smile seemed to grow as she recognised me, and not a second later, she ran towards me and leapt and hugged my gut.

"ADORNO YOUR BACK, I missed you so much", She cheered as she ran towards me without any care for the people she was running in front of. She clearly caused a scene where the other kids she was playing with were looking confused at why she just ran to this stranger all of a sudden. The people she nearly ran into seemed annoyed, but when they saw her distention, they let it go and then continued on their way. She had this look of joy at just seeing me that seriously surprised me. I mean, sure, I helped her, but this wasn't what I expected.

"Yeah, I'm back; it's good to see you; how have things been going?" I inquired. Bella and her mother are some of the only people I really know in this village. So I was hoping everything was going well.

"We've been great, the shop has been fixed up….. and so is the school….. plus everyone's happy it's great" She jabbered on about all that has been improved since I was here, which is great to hear that it's so long she isn't finished. However, I was talking partially about her and her mother.

"I meant your mother and you; how have you been going lately" I clarified any misunderstanding I could have conveyed, and lucky it seemed she understood what I meant as her reply was what I wanted.

"Oh, we have been great, People are finally buying our bread again like they used to, and I have been helping mom with the baking more. I can now even bake a loaf of bread myself without moms help. Hey, do you want to play with us we're playing Peg Ball with my friends." She asked full of excitement; however, I will have to disappoint her as I don't even know what this Peg Ball is.

"That's great to hear; I would love to catch up with you and your mother then maybe play some Peg Ball. However, right now I need to pick something up so today I can't play with you. However, next time I may be able to play with you though I don't know the game of Peg Ball but I am sure you could teach it to me," I replied with a smile, genuinely happy that there were people who would want to be around me even if one of them was a kid it still counts… Right?

"AWWWW Can't you play one round, Please It will be quick we would kick everyone's butts if we are on the same team."

"Sadly I can't. I am already a bit late to meeting the person I am meant to see. Plus I don't want to anger them so it's best if I keep going. I will be sure to make it up to you ok?" I try to console her, and that seems to work. Granted, I didn't know the hell that I just signed myself too, but that's for future Adorno and not me currently.

"If you promise to do so, I guess I will accept it but you better make it up", She demanded cutely such that I felt no threat from her, but I knew better than to tell her that.

"I promise that I will," I say as I pat her head which seems to make her happy. I then got up, and with a few more goodbyes, I was back on my way to the chief's house. Hopefully, I won't be interrupted again.

******** ten minutes later *************

Thankfully I wasn't, so I was able to finally arrive at the chief's house. I see Odell out in the front, tending to the garden by herself in gardening clothes. This seemed like a good chance to observe her while she didn't know I was there, so I didn't look like I was weirdly staring. Is it bad when I realise it is weird, but I continue to do it? Questions for another time, I suppose.

Name: Odell Sicht

Age: 23

Height: 5'8"

Weight: 70kg

Sex: Female

Cup size: D

Lv: 20

Occupation: Older sister

Hp 230/230

Description: Odell is described by her admirers as a girl with golden blonde hair that flows to her lower back, a slender body, and an incredibly beautiful face. She is usually seen wearing modest clothing, seemingly having no interest in showing off her body. Despite this, she is considered to be the most beautiful woman in the village, which constantly attracts attention in many forms from other villages, and even nobles from the city. Since her mother passed away, she has taken on the role of mother to her two younger sisters. She is known to be very caring while at the same time intelligent and sharp, as she is able to help run the village while her father is unable to. However, she isn't perfect, as she has some troubling bad habits which often cause headaches for her little sisters, who are often the target of them.

Stats:

Brawn: 11

Vitality: 31

Dexterity: 14

Intellect: 53

Wisdom: 77

Charm: 161

Huh, that's not as surprising as I thought it was. Sure, her stats are high in the mental stats, which I could already guess just from talking to her that she's quite intelligent. Plus, for some reason, the system thought to add her cup size, which again raises questions about it. But I guess it's not just me who believes that she really is beautiful. While I didn't really think about it when I met her last, now I am really noticing that she is way more beautiful than nearly anyone around her. So much so that it kind of feels off, but I wouldn't say it feels bad, just weird. If I had to guess, It's likely the charm stat that would suggest that the trope of being stunned by beauty is real in this world, the prime example being Boa Hancock.

Conveniently as I am observing her, I see what I guess to be a young couple walking down the street between me and the house. The young lady seemed to be talking about something as the young man was carrying bags. When the young man saw her, he seemed to lose focus, and due to that, he tripped, Scattering all the bags on the ground. Though it appeared falling broke him out of whatever trance was affecting him, it also seemed that he knew why he fell and kept his back to Odell while becoming very embarrassed. With a quick observation, it said he didn't seem to be the type to be unfaithful which leads me to believe this really has something to do with her stats.

However, That really doesn't really matter now as I don't believe I am affected; why I am not, I have no clue. But regardless, I think I have wasted enough time on this, so I better just go and ask if Marie is there. So moving from my spot in an alley across from the house, I made my way to the front gate past the guy that was nearly done picking up the bags while he was asked if he was ok by his partner.

"Yo Odell, I am here to see Marie. Is she available?" I say loudly to get her attention which works, and she walks over to the front gate.

"So you're here to meet Marie, she was quite excited this morning when she returned from collecting her herbs with Adelind. I rarely see her this excited though now I am really interested in what she was excited for if it concerns you" When I arrive at the gate, I am greeted by Odell, who must have seen me coming.

"Yeah she offered to let me test a new mixture of her herbs which could heal any minor injuries that I get from my training allowing me to push myself harder."

"Oh so you really were accepted by the old man, I was thinking that the reason you escaped was to follow through with your task. But did you really have to jump out the window? It wasn't necessary. We wouldn't have stopped you if you really wanted to leave. Regardless I am glad you didn't die on the wolf's howl and I am sure my sisters will be more so."

"Yeah sorry about that. I was just nervous about it and didn't really think it through as much as I really should have. It's lucky that I didn't really hurt myself getting out the window let alone making it to the wolf's howl but in the end it did pay off. I was able to earn the right to be Sensei's Disciple. Which has been quite difficult this past week but really rewarding. It's only been a week in and I am already losing a fair amount of weight." I replied first with a regretful tone but shifted to a joyful one at the end.

"Well, I hope you learnt a lesson, I suppose, Come right through the front door is unlocked. Marie's lab will be on the second-floor door fifth on the right-hand side up the stairs. You won't miss it," She answered with a giant smile, giving me the directions to where Marie was. Which was helpful. I didn't want to check room by room; that's just asking for trouble. Weird, I got a shiver up my spine must be from the thought of having to check each room.

"Thanks, I doubt I will be long" I then opened the gate and walked to the front door and opened to the well-off interior. It was pretty nice and convenient as the stars were across from the entrance. So I just walked right to them; however, when I crossed the hallway that separated the front door and stairway and saw no one. But I saw there was another stairway to the left, which put me into a puzzle as to which stairway she was talking about.

Surely she was talking about the first one you see… right? Well, I will use the stairway across from me as that clearly is the more logical option. Walking up the stairs put me on the second floor. I then turned right as Odell said and picked the fifth door. However, this choice would be regretted oh so very soon.

"Hi, Marie, is the mixture read—- oh fuck" As I opened the door, asking Marie, who I believed was on the other side of the door. Sadly for some reason, that wasn't the case. Either due to a simple mistake in the directions or this has been one big set-up for me to die. The reason for this was that this wasn't like any kind of lab that I had ever seen. Typically when the word lab comes to mind, tiled floor and walls along with two sinks with mirrors, a large bath and a glass shower stall.

If it wasn't clear, this wasn't the lab but, in fact, likely the main bathroom. The reason for my very likely death that was imminent was the female in the middle of getting dressed in the middle of the bathroom. Thankfully she had panties on, but she was just putting on her bra when I opened the door, and since then, I have become frozen.

Before you start thinking I'm a pervert for staring, I didn't mean to; it's just that I was so shocked. From seeing a naked female that was not related to me for the first time, so my mind was busy rebooting after crashing. Unfortunately, I couldn't help but see that my first thought was when I met her after her trying to kill me part. Was that her body was indeed well toned. Because right now, it's clear she has a great body that only comes from being forged from hard work and dedication. However, the split second all these thoughts happened at was coming to an end, and I still hadn't come up with a way to fix this. Realising that I needed to do at least something, I did what was first in my mind; sadly, it wasn't the most incredible idea.

"AH, I SAW NOTHING, NOTHING TO SEE", I shouted as I slammed the door close where. I then leaned against it while taking deep breaths seeing as I was in shock after seeing that. I noticed a window popped up, but before I could read it, I heard a crack coming from right next to my head.

I glance to my left, where an arrow was halfway through the door an inch from my head. That was the sign for me to start running like death was following me because it may as well have. I ran down the hall, thinking of where I could hide. The curtains, no that, won't work; maybe if I hide behind this post, she will just run past. Nah, that won't work either. This was her house; surely she knew every spot to hide in, having lived here her whole life.

So I decided that it was best to keep it simple, so I rushed to pick a room and hoped she would run by me. Yet again not the best plan, but any plan is better than no plan, right? So I picked the first door to the left of the staircase that I had just used, thinking it would be easy for me to run down and through the front door when she passed by.

So I got to the door, praying to whatever god that was listening right now that this wasn't going to be locked. I gave the handle a yank which opened, showing it was indeed unlocked. So after very quickly thanking whatever god that helped me in my time of need, and promptly got in before I could be seen.

Once I get through, I quickly close it as fast as possible without making a sound and then lean against the door after taking a few deep breaths trying to calm my raging heartbeat against the door, waiting for her to come by.

"So what ya doing" I heard.

"I'm hiding from Adelind;* breath* I accidentally saw her naked. Now she seemingly wants me dead, shot an arrow through the door and all. I don't even know where she got the bow and arrow from," I replied back as I was finally beginning to get my heartbeat under control. The exercises sensei showed really worked.

"Oh yeah, that would set her off. You didn't say anything offhand about her bust, did you? She's very sensitive about her figure," They replied, though now that my heart wasn't pounding inside my head, I could hear that they were female and quite familiar.

"I didn't; all I said was 'I saw nothing, nothing to see', hopefully, so she thought I saw nothing so she wouldn't freak out. That clearly didn't work" My breath was breath, and my heartbeat finally calmed back to normal, which is why I heard a grinding sound stopping which eventually triggered a thought that I should have had much earlier. Who was I talking to?

So I finally look behind myself while still leaning against the door. Unfortunately, what I saw made me wish I kept running and chose another door. Because standing there also wearing just her underwear was Marie. Thank whatever god out there had mercy on me as she was wearing a large lab apron. That got me to check my surroundings, and what I saw looked like it was the baby of an alchemist lab in d&d, and my high school chemistry lab had a child.

One wall was full of shelves of seemingly herbs and other stuff, while the other wall opposite had a bench going the length of that wall and the wall opposite the door. On that bench were all kinds of beakers, flasks, tubes and other things that looked more at home if you were making drugs or a health potion. Something caught my eye as I was having my slit second of checking out the room was a pile of clothes. Which looks quite like what I remember her wearing earlier that day, which brings up a great question of why she was dressed like this in a lab. Surely that's not safe. However, this brief moment of the inspection was over, and I said the first thing that came to my mind.

"WHY ARE YOU DRESSED LIKE THAT!" I exclaimed, maybe a bit too loud, but I was getting a bit frustrated right now.

"I took most of my clothes off because the herb mixture has a strong tendency to stain any clothing it comes in contact with. So I don't want to ruin more clothes after the few I did when I was first testing this. So I take them off and wear my apron. Nothing about the mixture is unsafe, so it's fine for me to do this." She answered from where she sat at the bench on a stool, seemingly grinding something in a mortar and pestle until I barged into the room.

"Why not just wear old clothes that you don't care about getting ruined?" I replied, not seeing how that wasn't the more obvious answer.

"Well, I don't have that many clothes plus what's the bother, who is going to see me other than my sisters and dad. I can change it if you really want. I am nearly done with the mixing." she shrugged as she got off her stool. I quickly looked and faced the door again to give her some privacy. It also was an excellent time to check this screen that popped up earlier.

Name: Adelind Sicht

Age: 16

Height: 5'5"

Weight: 60kg

Sex: Female

Cup size: A

Lv: 34

Occupation: Huntress

Hp 500/500

Description:

Adelind gives off the vibe of a strong warrior who is willing to do anything to win a fight if you make her angry. She has a very athletic body that seems to be born from her pushing it to its limits again and again while still holding a tremendous feminine charm that is yet to fully blossom (mainly her chest, regardless of what she says) into womanhood. Though she argues that it's better this way as a more prominent chest would impact her archery yet, most don't buy the excuses and correctly realise she was jealous of her sisters. This isn't to mean that she doesn't love her sister; she does' she just wishes to be more feminine like her older sister thought she would never be able to achieve that while also being the warrior she dreams of being. Otherwise, the primary way people know Adelind is her role as leader of the village guard at such a young age though she has earned it with her fighting skills and determination.

Stats:

Brawn: 48

Vitality: 64

Dexterity: 105

Intellect: 68

Wisdom: 42

Charm: 74

Oh, that's not what I was expecting to pop up. I guess I used Observe subconsciously; however, reading it now that I have the time, I got a feeling why she was so mad. Seems that she is self-conscious about her body which I don't understand why she really is beautiful. I guess even in a new world, women still don't make sense. As I had that realisation, I heard Marie speak.

"I'm done now that it is handled. I can finally explain to you what is different about this mixtur-" Before I could continue that train of thought and before she could finish, someone else interrupted her well, not someone per se, more like the door flying off its hinges behind me as I turned to face Marie so I couldn't react to it. The door flew into my back, knocking me down to the floor, where it fell on me.

"WHERE IS THAT PERVERT? I WILL KILL AND SKIN HIM MYSELF LIKE THE PREY HE IS." Came from above me as I felt a weight added to the door that was lying on me as I lay on the floor. Realising the danger I was in, I made sure to stay as still as possible so she wouldn't notice me there.

"What has gotten you is such a fit that you kicked down my door and then go yelling random threats to who knows who. Can't you see I am busy working here?" I hear Maire try to calm down her sister.

"A pervert just peeked on me as I was getting dressed after my washing after my workout. He did kind of look familiar, but I can't exactly remember where. However, that doesn't matter; he's a dead man now when I get my hands on him. So did you see anyone come by here?" She asked Maire; she sounded like she was both out of breath and furious at the same time.

"Ok I see but why did you barge through my door? You could've just knocked because clearly they aren't in here right now." Marie added with a gesture around the room.

"Well I thought I heard a guy's voice in here so I barged in thinking he was trying to assault you."

"Clearly he isn't, I have been by myself since we got home as I have been busy. If I had to guess where this suspect could have gone it is likely the backyard because Odell is still gardening so you should look there."

"Good idea, he's lucky that I can't track him with all the herbs you keep here otherwise it wouldn't take more then a breath for me to find him. Oh sorry for the door I uh will fix it later Ok?" It seemed adelind finally got her breath back and calmed down from her super murderous state a bit.

"Sure, now if you go on your hunt, just be back for dinner; otherwise, Odell will be disappointed", And with that, they said their goodbyes and Adelind left to go hunt me, which I know will come and bite me in the ass.

I stayed there under the door still as a rock during the whole conversation, wondering if I was going to be found and be 'dealt with'. Thankfully it seemed that when Adelind gets heated up, she isn't as sharp as she usually is from the few times I have seen her. However, when I could feel the door lift up, I looked and saw Marie raising the door back to its frame and leant it against it. Clearly just a temporary measure, and with that, I got up and dusted myself off.

Name: Marie Sicht

Age: 14

Height: 5"

Weight: 50kg

Sex: Female

Cup size: A+

Lv: 27

Occupation: Herbalist

Hp 200/200

Description:

Maire was a fair bit shorter than her sister, seemingly not having experienced her own girth spurt yet. Hence she carried an innocent charm that was bolstered by her bob-styled hair of shining golden hair that shone in the light. She also had a pair of lime green eyes that shone with untold mischief with a cute button nose. She gave off a sense of childishness or mischief which betrayed the great mind behind her eyes. Ever since she was a little girl, she has been studying such that she was taken as an apprentice by the village doctor, who now believes in six years surpasses her in some aspects, mainly medication making. She seems to have an eye for picking herbs which turn out to be beneficial, which she then skilfully turns into salves and other medications to treat many illnesses. She is considered to be the little sister of everyone in the village, and they can't stop fawning over her cuteness. However, her charms hide her mischievous behaviour, which she uses to get out of doing something she doesn't want to so she can go back to something she likes doing, such as studying. However, due to the fawning of the adults, she isn't liked by kids her age. Because of this, she really has no friends, the first being Adrono.

Stats:

Brawn: 10

Vitality: 28

Dexterity: 14

Intellect: 91

Wisdom: 64

Charm: 72

Woah, that's quite an impressive description, along with the highest Intelligence stat I have seen so far. Makes sense she really does seem quite brilliant, given how young she is and taking this really beneficial medication. Though it seems sadly, her dictation to medication and her popularity with adults seems to come at the cost of having friends; maybe I should fix that If I can.

"So that was that; sorry for starting all this. I thought I followed Odell's directions right, but there were two sets of stairs, and I didn't know which she meant. but that led to that bathroom." I finally speak since the incident telling her the directions I was given to follow.

"Those directions were to the bathroom you followed them correctly why would…. Oh urgh this must have been one of Odells stupid matchmaking attempts. I thought she stopped them after the last one ended by ah. Don't worry about it, ok come over here so I can finish grinding this and then tell you what's different about this batch." She said as she hurried to the stool at the desk that she was sitting at earlier.

"Finally, so what's so different about this batch? If I recall, you said adding it to water when I was washing myself, right? Is that it?" I question as I finally come alongside her at the bench, looking at what she was working on. There were some things I recognised, like the mortar and pestle, but there was a lot of other stuff.

"OH this does a lot more than just being added to water. This was actually the original use for this mixture I was working on after getting the idea to help my dad and sis relax and heal quicker while they relaxed as they bathed. However that was way more complicated than I thought hence my teacher suggested I first make the past to get the regenerative properties correct. Which I clearly have as you should know so after I did I am now looking to finish what I started."

"Ok, so that doesn't tell me how it's different to-" * Smack* As I was questioning her, I felt a light wack on my left arm. Looking, I saw the suspected cause to be a newspaper which I didn't know she had on her. Thankfully it was really just a love tap without really meaning to hurt me.

"IF YOU DON'T INTERRUPT ME, I WAS ABOUT TO SAY WHAT IS DIFFERENT. So besides the obvious fact that it goes into the water, however, that is a good benefit rather than having to apply it to each part of the body, and if the damage is too severe, it won't be as effective. However, this stuff will make that unnecessary, as once you're within the affected water source, you should feel the effects of having the cream put on during being submerged. Plus, I have even been able to make the penetrating and regeneration aspects see improvements, so the time it takes to heal your wound is quite a bit shorter. It will also help your muscles will become relaxed, which should also be quite nice after being trained by old grapes.

"I see, so it's all round better in every way that counts, and it can even be used during baths. Did I get all that right?"

"Yes, also, it should help with your stink. Your lucky ade is hunting you while you are in the house; otherwise, she would have smelled you a mile away." As she said that, I unconsciously smelled myself. I didn't smell that bad, right? At Least, that's what I told myself.

"Are there any requirements about the water or how you use it?"

"Ah nearly forgot that part. Yeah, while it should work in cold water I believe you will get the best effects if it's hotter as that will help the reaction happen faster."

"Funny you say that I was thinking of setting up a drum bath at Sensei's house. As while I am making due with just a stream nearby, but sadly that's not going to cut it in this case. So do you know where I could maybe find a metal drum as a wooden barrel may have the risk of catching on fire? You wouldn't know where I could find one, right?

"Um ah let me think for a moment, oh I got an idea maybe the barrels they use to bring in the whale oil for the village. I think they have a whole bunch of them in the village's warehouse. If you want we can go ask dad if can have one?"

"That sounds great, how close are you to being done."

"And done now just to package it up for you and then we can go see dad" That kind of startled me as I have been trying to avoid looking at her due to her state of dress even though the apron covers her front mostly. So I didn't see that she was already putting the mixture into a jar.

"Thank you so much for doing this for me. I owe you big for this as this well surely make my life so much easier."

"Oh, no problem, you did a lot of us and this is also helping me so just say were even. Plus this is what friends are for right?" That last part stopped me dead; she thought we were friends. This was uncomfortable as if you couldn't guess; I didn't really have many friends in my life, only one in real life. I doubt you could really count the handful online, as I haven't even seen what they look like. Isn't this quick to say we're friends? Isn't it meant to take longer?

"Friends?"

"Oh, I'm sorry if you don't want to be friends, it's just I thought we were. It's just I don't really know how to make friends and from what I have read friends help each other so I thought we were. It's ok if you-" That's when I interrupted her, worried, rambling as she was blushing up a storm.

"Sure sorry to sound like I didn't want to be friends, it's just I also never really had friends so I was a bit shocked that you just so quickly wanted to be friends. But yes I would like to be friends if you really want to be." I stuttered out an embarrassed apology.

"Really?"

"Sure, why not, you seem cool and smart, plus you have been fun to hang out with so why not."

"Great now lets go to dad so I can tell him I have my first friend", She cheered, jumping in the air, which had slightly loosened the apron, causing it to slightly slip, which did not reveal anything but did cause me to remember her state of dress.

"Uh, Maire, I think you should get dressed before we go to your father", I quickly stated, looking away.

"Oops sorry, I will get dressed then go see dad."

"Sounds like a plan," I say as I focus all my attention on the shelf of herbs in front of me with all my might. I was so focused that I didn't realise time had passed as she tapped me on the shoulder.

"Do you really like Long tail grass?" She asked.

"What"

"You were staring at that long Tail grass for a minute and didn't respond when I called your name?"

"Sorry I wanted to be polite my bad, so are we ready to go see your dad"

"Yeap"

"Then off we go" And with that, we left on the epic tale to go see her father.

******** five minutes later **********

Though we did have a pit stop in the garden where Maire pulled her sister aside and appeared to get a bit fiery, then whatever she said was reversed, and she quickly started blushing and shaking her head. Thankfully after that quick talk, we were well on our way to the town hall just outside the front door in the plaza where I 'fought' that named pirate who knocked me out in one hit.

We were just about to open the front door when all of a sudden, the doors flew open, knocking me and Marie on our buts as the man ran to the front of the plaza. Which stood something I didn't see in the place before. It was a thin wooden structure that went as high as the buildings around the plaza with a rope hanging down to the bottom. The man that just shoved myself and Marie to the ground with the doors. Once he got to the tower, he grabbed that rope like his life depended on it and pulled back as far as he could and swung it. This produced a sound that surely the common fault would know what it meant; sadly, I had no clue of it. So realising that I had someone who actually lived here, I turned to Marie, but when I did, I saw something that worried me. Her face was one of shock, like she couldn't accept what that bell meant. So seeing as this was my chance, I asked her what the bell was for.

"So um Maire, what that bell for it wouldn't just telling everyone it's lunch time or something right?"

"It... It means we're are being raided again?" She was barely able to get those words out as if she was asking a question and then stating a fact. It seemed that she was shocked that the village was getting attacked.

"Oh OH SHIT! There goes my quiet day" I quickly took stock of everyone around me to gauge their reactions. Some were shocked that they were being attacked so soon after the last time, while others had been able to get control of themselves and start whatever tasks they had in case of an attack.

"What do we do? Do we go help them?" I queried Maire as I turned to face her, which let me see that she was just getting over her shock.

"You won't be needed; both of you go back to the house where you're safe. I will deal with this quickly." However, before she could reply, a deep voice that was familiar sounded like I had heard it for the first time. It caused a chill up my spine, along with the hairs on my limbs rising in fear. The instinctual parts of my brain called for me to run as far away from the voice as possible. As I already turned my head to look at Marie, I could see out of the corner of my eye a figure that, while reconaisable, was totally different in feeling.

The figure was wearing light brown pants, which seemed to be straining from the bulging muscles that made up the figure's legs. On the figure's feet were plain but practical work boots that looked a size small. Looking above the belt, that seemed that it just wanted to be put out of its misery as at least the suspenders were able to hang freely, seemingly taken off. The reason for them to be off is the massive upper body of the figure that looked as thick as the biggest bodybuilders I had ever seen. The buttons on this figure's shirt were better described as potential weapons as all they had to do was snap, and someone could lose an eye.

My eyes finally saw his face as he stepped out of the town hall behind us, which was when the figure's identity was revealed. It was Hagan Sciht Marie's father and, more importantly, now the chief of the village, making him the man in charge right now. Not to be talked back to, sadly, Maire must not have got the memo.

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN DAD, People are going to get hurt I can help them-" Before She could continue her outburst, he quickly nipped that in the bud.

"I am your father; I don't want you endangering yourself when there is no need to; after I fend the rubbish away you can go to doc and help her with any of the injured, but until then, you are to say put. AM I UNDERSTOOD" I almost involuntary shouted yes; however, I caught myself before I did. However, looking at how Marie was taking it, it seemed that she was about to argue back; however, she somehow held her tongue.

"Fine", She regretfully said in a much weaker voice than usual, seemingly defeated. I felt quite awkward here as this seemed like just a moment between father and daughter.

Should I just leave? I'm not a part of their family, so he can't order me to do anything. I should be free to do as I wish right now. However, I don't really want to draw his attention as I already feel like an ant before an elephant. Ironically as I thought that, his attention shifted to me, which caused my already wavering confidence to crumble like a sandcastle.

"And you boy stay out of this as well this is the village's problem to deal with not yours do you understand" The longer he focused on me, the larger he seemed and the smaller I felt. I don't know how he was doing this; was this Conquers Haki? No, I don't think so. I think this could just be raw intimidation, like when a main character stares down an opponent to give up. Regardless of what it was, it was putting me under pressure that made me anxious to answer as soon as possible, which I did.

"YES SIR EVERY WORD SIR" I belted out, even standing to mock attention as if I was a private and my commanding officer screamed a question to me.

"Good, now I got to go; it seems the party is starting", He said with a dark chuckle that felt ominous, especially with his more resounding voice. After he was confident that we would do as we were told, he bolted as if he was running the hundred-metre sprint down the main avenue opposite the town hall and across the plaza. He ran with such force that he kicked up a fair dust cloud, seeing as there weren't any paved roads here. The cloud caused me to start coughing a fair bit while it also got the taste of dirt in my mouth, which was just a bad experience.

When I finally recovered from the dust, I finally stood up straight to get some nice breaths of clean air and asked a question to Marie. "So, should we just head to your place now and wait for this to blow over?"

The reply was silence. Besides the background noise of people rushing to prepare, I didn't hear her reply, so I looked to see if she was ok, and she wasn't there. A quick look around didn't show her there either. I then looked back the way we came back to her house, thinking she may have got a head start, but she wasn't there either. Where the hell is she? Where could she have gone… Oh shit, she wouldn't…. Who am I kidding? I haven't talked to her for more than a week, and I already know where she went. That just leaves what am I going to do about it then, which is when a suspiciously timed pop-up appeared before my eyes.

*Quest: Damsel in distress, how original*

Seems like you have been let off easy for quests but that now will end. Now your brand new friend is in quite a bit of danger trying to do what she believes is right. If only there was someone who has been training to fight that could find her and save her. Wink, wink, nudge, nudge. Oh, and the village is being attacked, so if you could help with that would be great. Maybe this is a good time to see what your training has taught you.

Objective 1: Find Marie and protect her before she is severely harmed

Rewards: 1000xp, B 200, 1 Skill book (random), 1kg of "unnamed" Herb mixture

objective 2: Fend of the attack such that no more than 10 villages are killed.

( rewards based on involvement)

Rewards: 100xp, B20 (each villager)

Optional objective 1: Defeat 10 invaders

Rewards: 1000xp, 1 perk

Optional objective 2: Don't allow the enemy to get past the wall

Rewards: 1250 xp, 1 skill book (rare), B2000