A month later.

  Having gotten a job at the unquenchable coals forge and worked there for a whole month, main character was far from Nighthold in the forest, and was going on the task which the blacksmith assigned to him. Towards the mine, in which various ore was mined.

  After some time, walking through the forest, main character approaching the mine takes out the map from the right pocket of the windbreaker and checks with it, thinking:

  ?Seems this is the place. So, what did he say there... Find some "Tairi"?.

  Thought main character, and putting the map back in the right pocket of the windbreaker, approached the mine located in the mountain, near the entrance to which stood a cart with a horse and a man of middle age, with black hair, small beard with mustache, medium-thin build, and in miner's clothes, who stood leaning on the cart and was talking with another dwarf miner.

  Approaching the mine, the man leaning on the cart notices the presence of main character and finishes the conversation with the dwarf miner after which he goes back into the mine, and main character says to the man:

  — Hello, are you Tairi?

  — Hi. Yeah, that's me. And what?

  — Balmir sent me, to pick up his order.

  — Aaa so that's what. Balmir didn't say that he got an assistant.

  — Well, I've been working for him only a month, maybe he forgot to say.

  — Hah, yeah, maybe. After all he's already far from young. Clothes on you though some... Unusual. What guy, besides working for Balmir, you also moonlight in the theater or something like that? — asked the man, with a slight smirk on his face.

  ?Oh gods... How they tired me with this clothes. That's it, need to change it?.

  — Um, no, I just arrived from afar, and I'm not local.

  — Ha, so that's how it is... Understood. Well, in general then, — said the man, showing with his right hand to the cart next to him, and after that went behind it together with main character.

  — Here, as agreed, 8 boxes with iron ore. You can check if you want, — said the man, showing with his right hand to the boxes with ore in the cart.

  Climbing into the cart and opening several boxes with ore and making sure that the man didn't deceive him, main character climbs out of the cart and says:

  — Well, seems everything is in place. Here payment, — said main character, and taking out from the left pocket of the windbreaker a bag with solars, handed it to the man opposite.

  Taking the bag with solars from main character in his right hand, the man slightly tosses it a couple of times, after which puts the bag in his pocket and says:

  — Excellent, if he needs anything else, let him contact. Goodbye, and pass my regards to Balmir.

  Said the man, and turning around headed back into the mine, but main character called him:

  — Hey, wait.

  Hearing main character behind him, the man turned around and said:

  — Yeah? What?

  — And how do I deliver all this? I don't know how to drive a horse.

  — Hah, are you serious guy? This is easy, — said the man, with a raised eyebrow and slightly smirking.

  — I thought there would be someone here, who will deliver this load together with me, or something like that. And not that I will be delivering it.

  — Ha-ha-ha, well, it's not that hard. Let me show, — said the man, slightly chuckling, and after that they together with main character approached the horse.

  — In general look, there's nothing hard in this. You sit here, and take these two things in hands, with the help of which you control the horse. Turn left, horse goes left, turn right, horse goes right. Pull towards you, horse stops, when you slightly whip them, horse speeds up. Well and accordingly will go forward. When she's already going, you don't need to do anything, just hold these things in hands, well and turn if you need, or stop. Well and all the rest that I just said. In general it's not hard, try.

  — Yeah... Okay.

  ?Thanks Balmir for the surprise...?

  Thought main character, climbing and sitting on the cart in the front part and taking the reins of the horse in two hands, and says:

  — So, and what now? Just whip, and she will go?

  — Hah, yeah.

  Main character slightly whipped the reins on the horse as the man told him, but the horse didn't move from the place, to which the man said:

  — Stronger.

  Said the man, after which main character whipped the reins on the horse again, and the horse went forward.

  — Oh, she went, — said main character, with slight surprise on his face.

  — Well there, another matter. Good luck guy, — said the man, with a smile on his face, waving his right hand after the leaving main character.

  After some time, having driven on the cart half the way back to Nighthold, main character thinks:

  ?Yeah, this turned out harder than I thought, although seems it's going normally. To the city it's not that far left to drive, and today I'll get my salary, but what should I say to Balmir? Hm?.

  ?"Sorry Balmir, I'm quitting" no, somehow not very. "Balmir, I have plans, and being here I can't fulfill them, so I'm quitting" still not it... "Balmir, sorry, but I want to become a monster hunter, and I have some affairs, so I have to quit" well... seems normal. But at the same time, such a feeling, that something is not right. Ah... What to say to him? He was so kind to me, gave a job, housing, well and in general treated well. And I'm quitting after only a month... Even somehow a little sorry for him. Okay, I'll think of something?.

  Thought main character, and while he was sitting and thinking, the horse which he was controlling, deviated from the route, and leaving the road went left together with the cart, towards the nearest bushes.

  — Hey, where are you going? We need the other way.

  Said main character, trying with the reins to lead the horse back to the road in the needed direction, but the horse didn't listen to him, and without stopping continued to go towards the bushes.

  — Stop! Stupid animal, where are you going?!

  Said main character with slight irritation on his face and in his voice, after which the horse together with the cart approached the bushes and began to eat leaves from them.

  — Fuck, easier to do everything myself.

  Said main character, and jumping off the cart took the reins of the horse in his right hand, and leading the horse away from the bushes headed towards Nighthold, walking on foot along the road and leading the horse next to him.

  — Yeah... You're of course not a cat. With cats and kitties it's much easier. Interesting by the way, what is Timofey doing now? Sleeping probably as always. Seeing you, he would probably get scared, would think, what kind of giant creature is this? Hah. Need to tell Balmir to feed you.

  After some time, returning back to Nighthold together with the horse and the cart with the load, main character headed back to the forge unquenchable coals, passing through various streets of the city.

  After some time, walking through the streets of the city and reaching Balmir's forge, main character stops the horse and says to her letting go of the reins:

  — Stand here, — said main character to the horse, and entered the forge.

  Entering inside the forge, main character sees how Balmir hands a sword to a young adventurer, of thin build. And he decides to wait until they finish the conversation, leaning on the wall near the entrance.

  Taking the sword from Balmir's hands, the adventurer firmly grabbed the sword hilt with two hands, and began to slightly and carefully swing it from side to side with a joyful face, imagining how he will use this sword in battle. After that, putting the sword in the sheath on the belt on the right side of the waist, the adventurer took out from the right pocket of his pants a small bag with solars and put it on the counter, behind which Balmir stood. And slightly bowing to Balmir, the adventurer turned around and headed to the exit from the forge, silently exchanging glances with main character before exiting.

  After the adventurer left the forge, Balmir notices main character and says:

  — Oh, Gurren, you're already here. Well how, did you cope with the task?

  — Yeah, coped. The load is lying in the cart. Could have at least warned, that I'll have to drive the horse... That was some hassle.

  — And what you can't? I thought it's easy, and everyone can.

  — No...

  — Oh, hah, sorry. Probably I forgot to tell you, needed to warn. Old age is no joy after all, ha-ha, — said Balmir, slightly chuckling.

  — That guy came again?

  — Ah, that. Yeah, the sword broke again. Already the fifth time he breaks it, can you imagine? And where does he only break it, I can't imagine. I swear, someday I'll stop repairing his sword...

  — Understood. Where to put the boxes with ore?

  — You can put them right next to the anvil in the workshop. So they don't take space here.

  — Understood, everything will be ready now, — said main character, and turning around headed to the exit from the forge.

  Exiting the forge to the street, main character approached the back part of the cart, and taking out from there one box with iron ore carried it inside the workshop, which was in the back part of the forge behind the counter.

  After some time, having carried all the boxes with ore from the cart to the workshop in the forge, main character approaches Balmir and says:

  — Done. That was the last one.

  — Excellent! And here is your salary for the month, — said Balmir, with a smile on his face, and handed a small bag with solars to main character.

  — Thanks, — answered main character, taking the bag with solars, and putting it in the left pocket of the windbreaker.

  — Ah, and almost forgot.

  Said Balmir, taking off his belt his small dagger in a sheath and handing it to main character, said with a smile on his face:

  — Hold. You deserved it. This is my gift.

  — Wow! Don't even know what to say... Thanks! — said main character, with slight surprise on his face, and took the dagger in hands.

  Taking the dagger out of the sheath and examining it from all sides, main character swung it a couple of times from side to side, getting used to the feeling of the dagger in his hand. After that putting the dagger back in the sheath and hanging it on his belt on the left side.

  — This dagger served me faithfully and truly, now it will serve you too. Just don't break it, like that guy with the sword, ha-ha-ha, — said Balmir, slightly chuckling.

  — Listen, Balmir... I wanted to say here...

  — Let me guess. You want to quit? — asked Balmir, with a smile on his face.

  — But how did you... — said main character, with a puzzled face.

  — Ha, I knew this since you got a job here. I knew that it was only a matter of time.

  — And you're not against?

  — Of course not! It's even good, that you won't have to waste your youth, helping some old man in the forge, hah.

  — Sorry, if I let you down.

  — It's nothing, I understand. This job is not for the young. Well, and what will you do now? You said you have some plans.

  — Well... Now when I have at least some weapon, I'll probably go buy armor, with what money is enough, well and become a monster hunter. Having saved enough money, I'll buy myself some good sword and armor, well and then only left to deal with one affair, and then I can think further what to do in life.

  Hearing this, Balmir was greatly surprised and said:

  — WHAT?! Did you go crazy?! Are you seriously going to become a monster hunter? I remember you talked about this. But I thought you said it not seriously...

  — No, I said seriously.

  — And tell me please how are you going to hunt them without a sword? Huh? And don't tell me, that you gathered to hunt monsters with this small dagger, which I gave you.

  — Um... Well and what else is left for me to do? A sword won't appear from the air. And I won't steal either. Will have to cope like this for the first time, until I save money for a sword. Don't worry, everything will be fine.

  — Forgive me Gurren, but in this form I won't let you go! This is no good, — said Balmir, with indignation in his voice, shaking his head and crossing his arms.

  — I'll make you a sword. And not a simple sword, but a real masterpiece of blacksmithing! It's been a while since I made anything like this.

  Hearing this, main character was slightly surprised and answered:

  — Oh... Thanks of course for the offer, but you already did enough for me. And besides, I don't have that much money, to pay.

  — No no, this is completely free! I don't want to brag, but... You see, I probably didn't tell you this, but long ago, even before the destruction of the city column, I was the best blacksmith on the whole continent, and forged the best weapons and armor. When I still lived in the capital of dwarves, I even forged weapons and armor for some kings, both past and current. Yeah... Good times they were. In general, I could make for you one more masterpiece, with the help of which no opponent will be a problem for you!

  — Wow, sounds tempting. Well... Since you say it's free, then okay, I agree.

  — Excellent! I'll put all my soul into this sword, and it will become the best weapon I've ever made! And there will be no equal to it! — said Balmir, with joy, delight, and anticipation in his voice and on his face.

  — So, now tell me, what do you want from the sword? One-handed or two-handed? Make it light or heavier? Well and all other details.

  — Um... I don't even know. Well, definitely one-handed. Needs to be medium, not heavy and not light. Needs to be made from such material, which would be effective against monsters, if there is such. And if possible, make it very durable, so it doesn't break and doesn't dull, so it doesn't have to be repaired after every monster order, or just battle with someone. If possible, make it so durable, that it goes through any armor without problems. Well and, though this doesn't relate to the sword itself, preferably that it is in black sheath which can be hung behind the back. Well and seems that's all.

  — Aha... Good, I understood you.

  Said Balmir, with a thoughtful face stroking his beard, attentively listening to main character's wishes about the sword, after which muttered to himself, mentally thinking about the sword which he could make:

  — Hm... I could probably make it from kvelar. Yeah, I think it will do.

  — And how long to wait until it is made?

  — Well, if I made it here in my forge, I would do it in a week, maximum two. But since this sword will be special, then I want to make it in a special forge, in the capital of dwarves Torngard, where I worked before. Therefore about a month. While I get there, while I make it, while I return, here a month already passes. Now also war, and I don't know what the situation is now on the roads, maybe because of the war on the roads many bandits appeared, or monsters roam, therefore I don't know when exactly it will be ready. But I think I'll manage in a month. But there is one problem...

  — What problem?

  — I don't have the ore from which I want to make it. And the mine in which this ore was mined is swarming with rigers. And here's how to get this ore... I don't know.

  — And why you just don't buy it, from other blacksmiths?

  — If only everything was so simple... No one has it in stock. Since it was mined only in this mine, and everyone ordered supplies from there, and now when the mine is filled with these monsters, there will be no ore supplies, until they are dealt with. Of course I could ask the guards to deal with this, but now during the war, they definitely won't deal with this, they have no time for this now.

  — Hm... And what about monster hunters? Why not hire someone from them?

  — You're aware, that monster hunters, are very few? And few burn with desire to become one. Everyone prefers more adventuring tasks, rather than mess with monsters. That's why I was so surprised, that you want to become a hunter. Of course, I could try to post an ad, and wait until someone responds to it, but I think I'll have to wait very long, and your sword will be delayed. And as I understand you don't have that much time. And besides, there seems already hangs an order on these monsters, but no one takes it.

  — Yeah, you're right. I can't wait that long. Tell me about these monsters which settled in this mine, as you said, "rigers"?

  — Yeah. Oh... Well, I don't know much, only heard from stories, and saw myself a couple of times, but I don't remember exactly. After all not every day I see monsters. But from what I remember, they seem to be orange color, they have short arms with claws, and on paws also claws, seem to have a tail, don't remember exactly. Oh, and they can jump, and run fast, very fast and agile creatures. Mostly they are not very dangerous monsters, but if a whole pack gathers, then they are very dangerous. Just such a pack filled this mine. Well in general that's all I remember.

  — Hm... Understood. There is an option.

  — And what? — asked Balmir, raising an eyebrow.

  — I'll deal with these monsters myself.

  — Are you out of your mind?! If even monster hunters can't deal with them, then how will you do it? — said Balmir, with surprise on his face, and indignation in his voice.

  — Well, I have a dagger, I just need to buy armor, and I'll deal with the rest.

  — Yeah... I don't like this idea. But looks like we have no other choice, — said Balmir, sighing heavily, still with slight displeasure in his voice.

  — Don't worry, everything will be fine. I'll always come up with a plan.

  — Yeah... Well okay. What armor then will you take?

  — Um, in general, I wanted to go buy armor somewhere else. Just you already did very much for me, gave a job, housing, now also agreed to make a sword for free. I don't want to burden you more.

  — What are you! Everything is fine, it's not hard for me. If you already gathered to become a monster hunter, and are going to deal with these monsters, you will need not only a good sword, but also good protection. And armor and weapons, better than mine, you won't find from anyone, — said Balmir, with a smile on his face.

  — Hah, well, okay. And what will my money be enough for?

  — Well, perhaps for anything, except a breastplate, and maybe some helmet.

  — Well I wasn't going to buy a helmet, and why not enough for a breastplate? Do they cost so expensive?

  — Hah, believe, your money definitely won't be enough, — said Balmir, slightly smirking.

  — How much does it cost?

  — Five thousand solars.

  — HOW MUCH?! Five thousand?! And why so expensive? — asked main character, with surprise on his face.

  — Hah, well what did you want? For quality you have to pay. Besides, now there is a war, and I raised prices, before I made cheaper. I also need something to live on, right?

  — Yeah...

  — That's why most adventurers walk without armor, and buy mostly protection for arms, legs, and shoulders, sometimes maybe helmets too, since all this costs cheaper than good armor. And those who have armor, this is frankly speaking, low-quality armor. But cheap.

  — But I can make armor for you, if you wish. Also will be a superb armor, which will protect you from almost anything. But in exchange for the sword, you understand... Need to live on something.

  — No, better the sword, for armor I'll try to save. If of course I don't die... So, and what will my money be enough for now?

  — Well... As I said, you can buy for example bracers, greaves, well and if you wish, some shoulder protection. Here already depends on you, what you will buy.

  — Aha... Understood, — said main character, with a thoughtful face and asked. — So, well for example, how much will steel bracers, and greaves cost?

  — 600 solars.

  — Understood, well then I buy.

  — Excellent! I'll bring what there is now.

  Said Balmir, and turning around went to his workshop, returning after a short period of time with various greaves and bracers, which he put on the counter behind which he usually stood, and said showing with his hand to main character to the greaves and bracers:

  — Here, everything there is. Choose what your heart desires. Well or if nothing likes, I can make something on order.

  — Hm... — answered main character, and began to examine various bracers and greaves, taking them in hands and putting them to the arm, and leg, imagining how it will look on him. After some time, he examines all greaves with bracers, and says:

  — No need for that. I'll take these bracers, and these greaves, — said main character, showing with a finger to the needed greaves and bracers which he chose for himself.

  — Excellent choice! You can go to the fitting room and put them on there, — said Balmir, showing with a finger to the fitting room located in the shop.

  Main character taking from the counter with two hands the greaves and bracers which he chose, headed with them to the fitting room. Entering the fitting room, he put them on the floor, and closed the curtain behind him. After a short period of time, main character puts on the bracers over his windbreaker, which now protect part of his arms below the elbow, and then greaves, which he put on over his black pants, which now protected his legs below the knee. After that, finishing putting on greaves and bracers, main character moves the curtain and exiting the fitting room says:

  — Well how?

  — Excellent, guy! A little more, and you'll look like a real adventurer, ha-ha, — answered Balmir, slightly chuckling with a smile on his face, looking at main character in bracers and greaves.

  Approaching the counter behind which Balmir stood, main character took out from the left pocket of the windbreaker the bag with solars, and counting the needed amount of solars, paid for the purchase of greaves and bracers, after which put the bag with solars back in the left pocket of the windbreaker. Balmir took a small pouch from under the counter, and raked all solars in it, after which tying and putting the pouch under the counter. While main character stood and counted how much money he has left after the purchase.

  — In total, I have left... 200 solars. Can I buy something else with them?

  — You can... But I'm afraid not much will be enough for you. You can buy either one plate on the leg above the knee, or one pauldron.

  — Yeah... Choice is of course not big. Well okay, then give the plate on the leg.

  — Good, I'll bring what I have there now.

  Said Balmir, after which again going to his workshop, taking with him from the counter the greaves and bracers which he brought. And returning after a short period of time with plates for legs above the knee, Balmir put them on the counter in front of main character and said:

  — Here, please. This is what there is.

  Main character began to examine the protective plates for legs which Balmir brought him, and without thinking long, he found a suitable option for himself and said:

  — I'll take probably this one, — said main character, taking one of the protective plates in hands.

  — Hm, excellent choice. If it doesn't fit, we'll pick something else, — answered Balmir, with a smile on his face.

  Turning around, main character with the protective plate in hands, again headed to the fitting room. Entering the fitting room and closing the curtain behind him, main character begins to put on the plate on the right leg, over the pants. Putting on the protective plate on the leg, which now protects part of his right leg above the knee, main character moves the curtain and exits the fitting room back to the forge to Balmir.

  — Excellent! Fits like a glove. True you would still buy the left one...

  — I would be glad, but money is not enough. How much from me?

  — 150 solars.

  Approaching the counter behind which Balmir stood, main character again took out from the left pocket of the windbreaker the bag with solars, and counting the needed amount of solars, paid for the purchase of the protective plate on the leg. Balmir again took out the pouch from under the counter, and raked all solars from the counter in it, after which put the pouch back under the counter and asked:

  — Well, guy, what will you do now?

  — Now I'll go buy myself new shoes with the remaining money, and return for the other plate. And after that I'll go deal with those monsters, — answered main character, putting the bag with solars in the left pocket of the windbreaker.

  — But what will you buy the other plate with? You don't have enough money, — asked Balmir, with slight surprise on his face, raising an eyebrow.

  — Don't worry. I have one idea, — answered main character, with a slight smirk on his face.

  — Do you know, where here I can find some clothing shop or something like that?

  — Listen, I don't even know. Although I remember on the market, which is not far from the main square, there was one such stall. Seems with a violet awning, and the seller there is a spyhan. He sells various fabrics, carpets, some baskets, backpacks, jewelry, well and all that other. And seems, clothes too sells.

  — Aha, understood. Thanks for the information. I'll be back soon, don't put away the plate, — said main character, and turning around, headed to the exit from the forge.

  — Hah, okay. I'll wait, — answered Balmir, with a smile on his face.

  Approaching the exit from the forge, main character remembers something, and turning around, says to Balmir:

  — Ah, yeah. Almost forgot, feed the horse too. She seems hungry.

  — Ah, yeah. Exactly! Hah, thanks for reminding.

  Answered Balmir, after which main character exited the forge, and heading towards the main square thinks:

  ?Well, everything went even better than I thought. Plus also I'll get some super sword, for free! That's lucky. True later still need to save for armor... Well at least there will be a sword, than without sword and armor. True this if I manage to get this damned ore... But how to do this, for now no ideas. Unlikely I'll cope with a whole pack of some unclear monsters, with this small dagger. Okay, later I'll think about this, now need to go buy myself some clothes, and then try to sell my sneakers, maybe it will work, hah?.

  After some time, reaching the market, main character began to walk through the market looking around, in search of the stall with a violet awning, about which Balmir told him. And after a short period of time of searching, main character notices a stall fitting the needed description, and approaching the stall he says to the merchant:

  — Hello, do you sell clothes?

  — Hell... Wow! What unusual clothes you have! That's it! — answered the merchant, with surprise on his face and delight in his voice, noticing what main character is dressed in.

  — Hah, thanks. You're the first to whom it liked.

  — Well just, first time I see such. And can I ask, where are you from? Just I never saw anything like this.

  ?Another one...?

  — I arrived from distant lands, and I'm not local.

  — From distant lands? From where? — asked the cat-like man, in a puzzled look.

  — Not important. In short, do you sell clothes or not?

  — Ah, clothes, yeah yeah, of course. Here you can look, — said the merchant, showing with hand to various clothes.

  Main character began to examine the shoes which the merchant sells, and thinks:

  ?So, this is not it. This is some shit at all. This looks terrible. Oh, these will perfectly suit me, I hope they fit me in size?.

  — How much these, cost? — asked main character, showing with a finger to the black boots which he chose.

  — Oh, excellent choice. They will cost you 25 solars.

  Taking out from the left pocket of the windbreaker the bag with solars, main character counting the needed sum, hands it to the merchant opposite. The merchant takes the solars and putting them in his pocket, says:

  — Here please, thanks for the purchase, — said the merchant, handing main character his boots which he bought.

  Main character takes the boots, and putting them on the ground next to him, says:

  — And also, do you have any gloves? Preferably fingerless.

  — Yeah, of course! Here, you can look, here there are the most various gloves, — said the merchant, showing with hand to the counter with gloves.

  Main character not long examining the counter, immediately finds a suitable option for himself.

  ?Oh, these will just do?.

  — How much these cost? — asked main character, showing with a finger to the black gloves which he chose.

  — They will cost you, only 10 solars.

  Taking out from the bag 10 solars, main character hands them to the merchant opposite. The merchant takes the solars and puts them in his pocket, after which handing the gloves to main character, says:

  — Here, hold. Wear in health, — said the merchant with a smile on his face.

  Main character taking the gloves, began to put them on his hands.

  — Maybe you'll buy something else? — asked the merchant, folding his hands together, and examining main character's clothes.

  — No. That's all.

  Putting on the gloves, and taking his boots, main character turned around and was about to leave, when suddenly, the merchant calls him:

  — Wait.

  Turning around, main character answered:

  — What?

  — And you wouldn't want to sell something from your unusual clothes? Well for example... Your boots? Now when you have new ones, the old ones I suppose you won't need? — asked the merchant, slightly rubbing his hands.

  ?Wow, he himself fell for it. Didn't even have to offer myself, hah?.

  — Yeah you're right, old boots I won't need now, and I was just thinking to sell them to someone. To some real connoisseurs of rarities, since these boots are quite rare, and you won't find such anywhere else. I could sell them to you too, but if you have enough money of course.

  — Of course! Money is no problem! For such a rarity.

  — Good. Well for example... 200 solars, will the price suit you?

  — How much?! 200? For these boots? I'm afraid this is too much, maybe lower the price a bit?

  — Well, don't want as you want. I'm not forcing you. I'll find someone else, who has money. All the best, goodbye, — said main character, and turning around began to walk away from the counter, when suddenly, the merchant calls him again.

  — Wait! Okay! 200, so 200, — said the merchant a little with offense and indignation in his voice.

  Main character smirked, and turning around said:

  — Well there, another talk, — said main character, approaching back to the counter.

  Approaching the counter, the merchant began to put solars in a small pouch, after he finished, he hands it to main character.

  Taking the bag in hands, main character began to count the solars. And after he counted everything, he made sure that the merchant didn't deceive him, and said:

  The author's tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

  — Well there, nice to do business with you, — said main character with a smirk on his face, and putting the pouch with solars in the left pocket of the windbreaker.

  After that he began to take off his sneakers, and after he took them off, hands them to the merchant, and says:

  — Here, hold. "Wear in health".

  The merchant takes the sneakers in hands, and begins to examine them with delight from all sides.

  — Wow. Never saw anything like this.

  — Aha, goodbye, — said main character, and headed to a small alley, located not far from the counter.

  Entering the alley, he approached small steps located in the alley, and sitting on them, put his boots next to him. And began to take off greaves from legs, thinking:

  ?Hah, just, didn't think that it will really work to find that fool. Although probably no surprise here, they probably really have nothing like my sneakers. Here they all think "what is this unusual clothes?" if I was selling now for example my T-shirt, probably no one would take it for 200 solars. But nothing, I bought boots for myself, only left to replace pants and windbreaker, and I'll pass for local?.

  Taking off greaves, main character began to put on his new black boots. And after he put them on, begins to put on his protective steel greaves back. After he finishes, he stands up from the steps, and checks his new boots, if they fit him in size.

  ?Wow, lucky that the size came just right. It would be a pity if they didn't fit me?, — thought main character, walking a little in the alley in his new boots.

  ?Okay, time to return to Balmir?, — thought main character exiting the alley, and heading back towards the blacksmith's shop.

  Walking through the streets of the city, main character thinks:

  ?Only left now to buy the second plate on the leg, and then I can go fulfill the order on these monsters. But how to do this... Balmir was right, with this blade I won't cope with them. Considering that there are many of them, and all they are in, as I understand closed and narrow space. And I don't even know what these monsters are at all... If there was at least one monster, in open space, I maybe would think of something, but here... Okay, a bit later I'll think about this again?.

  After some time, main character reaches back to the forge, and enters inside. Entering inside, the blacksmith notices him, standing behind the counter and reading a newspaper, and says to him:

  — Oh, Gurren. You returned fast.

  — Yeah, and I got money for the plate, as I said, — said main character approaching the counter.

  Taking out from the left pocket of the windbreaker the bag with solars, main character counts 150 solars, and handing them to the blacksmith opposite, says:

  — Here, hold.

  — But how did you... Ah well, not important, — said the blacksmith with a surprised face, and taking out a small pouch from under the counter, raked all solars in it, tying and putting the pouch back under the counter.

  Main character taking the protective plate from the counter, turned around and headed to the fitting room.

  Entering the fitting room, he began to put on over the pants the protective plate on the left leg, and after a short period of time he finishes putting on the plate, which now protects part of his left leg, above the knee. After that exits the fitting room, and approaches back to the counter.

  — Oh, well there, another matter. True you would still protect the upper part, and it would be completely excellent. I would like to help you, but you understand...

  — I understand. The main thing to make the sword, for armor I'll save. Although the sum is of course not small...

  — Yeah... By the way talking about the sword, now when you bought armor... I understand you will still go fulfill that order on monsters?

  — Yeah. I was just wanting to ask you about it. You said there is already an order on these monsters, but no one takes it. Where exactly did you see this order?

  — Hmm... Ah, so in the tavern majestic sun. On the notice board, somewhere there I seem to saw this order.

  — Understood, thanks, — said main character, and turning around headed to the exit, but the blacksmith calls him and says:

  — Hey guy!

  Main character turns around and listens to what the blacksmith wants to say to him.

  — Just don't die. Otherwise for whom I'll make the sword? Ha-ha-ha, — said the blacksmith chuckling with a smile on his face.

  Exiting the shop with a small smile on his face, main character headed towards the tavern majestic sun.

  — Good luck Gurren... — said the blacksmith after main character left the shop, with small anxiety in his voice.

  Walking through the streets of the city towards the tavern, main character walks with hands folded in the pockets of the windbreaker, and looking in a thoughtful look under his feet, the whole way to the tavern. Thinking about the order, which he has to fulfill.

  After some time, he reaches the tavern and enters inside. Entering inside he headed to the notice board, near which various adventurers stand.

  Approaching the notice board, he began to examine it in search of the order about which Balmir told him. And after some time he finds it, under other adventuring tasks hung on it. And taking the sheet he headed to a free table, to read it, hearing how behind his back adventurers began to talk among themselves, looking after main character.

  — He took an order on a monster? — Is he crazy?! — Yeah... Looks like the guy completely doesn't want to live — He doesn't even have armor! — Is he really going to fulfill an order on a monster, with this dagger? Ha.

  Approaching the empty table, he sits on a stool and begins to read the sheet with the order on monsters.

  ?A monster hunter is required, or any other daredevil, who knows how to swing a sword well. To deal with the damned rigers, which a whole pack settled in the mine not far from the city. In which kvelar ore was mined. Payment is decent, 380 solars. Need to deal with them as soon as possible, to resume ore mining, and supplies to our customers. But be extremely careful! Many miners died, including guards, and the owner of the mine. These creatures are very fast and agile, so be careful. If suddenly you don't know, where this mine is, then ask the registrars at the reward issuance counter for monsters, they will tell you. Bunmark?.

  After reading, main character stands up from the stool and heads towards the reward issuance point for monsters, with the sheet in his right hand.

  Approaching one of the windows of the reward issuance counter for monsters, he asks:

  — Hello, I came regarding one order, could you tell me something here?

  Main character is noticed by a young registrar, sitting at the table and sorting some papers.

  — Oh, sorry, didn't notice you. Yeah, I'm listening. How can I help you?

  Main character hands the sheet with the order, and says:

  — Where is the mine from this order?

  The girl takes the sheet in hands, and after reading it says:

  — I could mark its location on the map for you. Do you have a map? If no, I can issue mine, and mark on it, — said the girl with a smile on her face.

  ?How good that I now have a map?.

  — No thanks, I have a map. Here, — answered main character, taking out the map from the right pocket, and handed it to the girl opposite.

  The girl took the map in hands, and unfolding it put it on the table in front of her. After that took a pen from the inkwell standing on her table, and began to look for the location of the mine, on the map.

  — So, it is located... Riiight here, — said the girl and circled on main character's map, where the needed mine is.

  — Here, please, — said the girl with a smile, and handed the map back to main character.

  — Thanks, — answered main character, and taking the map in hands, began to put it in the right pocket of the windbreaker.

  — And you are a new monster hunter? I didn't see you here before.

  — You can say so.

  ?If of course I don't die today...?

  — But you don't even have armor! And I don't see any weapon on you. Unlikely you'll cope with monsters with the help of this dagger, — said the girl with indignation, and displeasure in her voice. Putting two hands on her waist and frowning looking at main character.

  — Um... Everything will be fine, I have a plan.

  ?Although who am I deceiving...?

  — Aha! You're not the first who says so! There were already such adventurers before you. Who carelessly thought they could deal with a monster, but in the end they died! Understand, this is very dangerous, why wouldn't you better do adventuring tasks? And having saved enough money for good equipment, and getting enough experience, you could take orders on monsters. Yeah, payment of course will be a bit less, but at least you won't die!

  ?And why is she so worried? We don't even know each other?.

  — In that case good that I'm not like other adventurers. Don't worry, everything will be fine.

  — Looks like you can't be persuaded... In that case I can only wish good luck!

  — Hah, thanks. Goodbye, — said main character, and turning around headed to the exit from the tavern.

  — Another adventurer imagined himself a monster hunter? — asked another registrar, sitting behind the neighboring window.

  — Yeah... Looks like it — said the girl with small anxiety and sadness in her voice.

  — Looks like today another hero will die. When will they stop taking tasks beyond their strength...

  — I hope not!

  — Why are you so worried about him? Is this your acquaintance? Or maybe you fell in love? — asked the girl with small mockery in her voice, and a smile on her face.

  — What?! No! I don't know who this is!

  — Ha-ha, calm down, I was joking.

  — Although... For some reason it seems to me, he is not like other adventurers.

  Exiting the tavern, main character leaned against the wall near the entrance to the tavern and folding hands together began to think, looking under his feet:

  ?And so, I need a plan, I need a plan, I need a plan?.

  After some time of thinking, main character raising his head notices two young adventurer guys, about 15 and 17 years old, walking down the street towards the tavern, and talking among themselves. One of them uses a spear as a weapon, and the other a shield and sword.

  ?Looks like I came up with a plan?, — thought main character, with a smirk on his face.

  Approaching the tavern, the adventurers were about to enter inside, but main character said:

  — Hey, guys. Don't want to earn some money? — asked main character, without turning to the adventurers.

  — Um, yeah, of course! And what, do you have some job for us? — asked the older adventurer, with joy on his face.

  — Yeah, there is a job. I have one task, but for it I will need reliable adventurers. Can I rely on you?

  — Of course!

  — Yeah! — said the younger adventurer, with delight on his face, like the older adventurer.

  — Good. But keep in mind, what I'll tell you, this is very secret. And no one else should hear this. Otherwise we'll be left without treasures.

  — Aha, Understood!

  — In general... I just learned from one dwarf miner, that not far from the city there is one cave, in which there are some treasures. But there is a problem, monsters settled in that cave, called rigers, which drove all miners from there, I don't know what these monsters are, but I think you know. I suggest to visit this cave, deal with the monsters, and we'll split the treasures in half. I'll take only a small part, the big part will go to you of course, because of the risks. What do you say? I think a bunch of monsters won't be a problem, for such brave adventurers like you, — said main character, with a small smirk on his face.

  — Wow! That's it! Of course we agree. We'll cope with these monsters, — said the adventurer with joyful delight in his voice.

  — Excellent. I knew I could rely on you.

  The younger adventurer tugs the older one's arm, and whispers to him:

  — Can I talk to you for a minute? — asked the adventurer with small anxiety in his eyes.

  — Excuse us, for a minute.

  — Yeah, nothing.

  The adventurers step aside, and the younger one says:

  — Brother... Are you sure, that we should take this task? It seems to me it will be very hard for us.

  — What? Of course sure! Kiyochi don't you understand? This is our chance with you to break out of poverty! And become someone. Just imagine what we can do with the money we'll get, we can buy any armor we want, any weapon, maybe even our own house! And in general everything we wish. We'll become respected adventurers, and people will treat us with respect, no need anymore to do low-paid tasks, and try to survive without money in the pocket. This is all in the past! Here is our chance for a new life, it's within arm's reach.

  — Well I don't know... — said the younger adventurer with uncertainty and doubt in his voice.

  — Don't worry, everything will be good, — said the older adventurer and putting a hand on his brother's left shoulder, smiled.

  To which the younger adventurer also smiled, and said:

  — Good. Since you think it will be better, I trust you.

  — Excellent! Let's go.

  The adventurers approached back to main character, and say:

  — We're done. Well so what, where to move out?

  — Excellent. We move out... — answered main character taking out the map from the right pocket of the windbreaker, and looking where to go.

  — There, — said main character, marking the needed route, and putting the map back in the right pocket of the windbreaker.

  — Aha, understood. Lead, we're behind you. And what's your name by the way?

  — Barney.

  — And I'm Hideki, and this is my younger brother Kiyochi, — said the adventurer, showing with hand to his younger brother.

  — H-hello, — said the younger adventurer slightly waving his hand.

  — Hi.

  — Nice to meet Barney! — said the guy with a smile on his face.

  — Aha, — answered main character with small irritation in his voice.

  After some time, walking through the streets of the city main character together with the adventurers exits the city, and taking out the map again checks where to go further. Having checked with the map, they continued movement again. And after some time they reach that cave, about which was said in the order.

  — And so, looks like we're in place.

  — Excellent. Then to business. We'll deal with the monsters, and when we finish we'll say.

  — Yeah yeah, good. Be careful, they say these monsters are dangerous.

  — Don't worry, we'll cope!

  — Good, then you go, and I'll stay here. If suddenly help is needed, shout. I'll call the guards.

  — No need for that, a bunch of little monsters is not a problem for us, — self-confidently said the guy.

  — Understood, well then I'll wait for your success, hah.

  The adventurers taking torches at the entrance to the mine, headed inside, and main character headed towards the bushes under a tree, located not far from the mine.

  ?Yeah yeah, go fools. And I'll rest for now?.

  ?Ohh. Well all, now only left to wait. Probably can take a nap a bit?, — thought main character, sitting under the tree, and leaning on it.

  Walking through the cave, the adventurers hear some sounds at the end of the mine.

  — Did you hear?

  — Y-yeah, — answered the younger adventurer, with trembling and small fear in his voice.

  — Must be the monsters. Forward.

  — Brother, and are you sure? Maybe we should return? I-I'm scared...

  — Don't be afraid brother! I'm next to you. We'll cope!

  — Eh... Well okay.

  After a small conversation, the adventurers continued to move further into the depths of the cave.

  After some time, main character hears screams coming from the cave, and wakes up.

  —Aaaaa

  ?Looks like my "trap plan" worked?, — thought main character, standing up from under the tree, taking out the dagger, and heading towards the mine.

  Approaching the cave, he enters inside, and walking through the cave firmly holding the dagger in his right hand, thinks:

  ?Soo, now only left to find a bit of ore for Balmir, and I can get out of here. While I didn't run into these monsters. I think I have some time, while they eat those adventurers?.

  After some time, walking through the mine main character notices on the wall of the cave an ore vein, near which on the ground lies a pickaxe, and a large bag.

  Approaching closer, he puts the dagger back in the sheath, and thinks:

  ?Probably this is that ore about which Balmir said?, — thought main character, and picking up the pickaxe from the ground began to mine ore.

  After some time, he mines some amount of ore, and puts it in the bag lying next on the ground. And tying the bag he, about to leave, feels danger and hears quickly approaching steps to him. He sharply turns around, when suddenly, one of the monsters attacks him, and he drops the bag with ore.

  The monster jumped on main character and was about to bite him, but main character put his left arm in the protective plate, and the monster biting into the plate tried to gnaw it, but main character took out his dagger with his right hand, and struck it three times in the very center of the monster's torso. Blood flowed from the monster, and it unhooked from main character's left arm, and fell to the ground. Falling to the ground, the monster was almost dying, but still growled and was about to attack main character again, but he ran up to the monster, and struck a finishing blow to the head.

  After that main character took out the dagger from the monster's head, and sat on the ground leaning on the cave wall, with deep shortness of breath, shaking hands and legs, horror and fear on his face, looking at the killed monster and pointing the dagger at it.

  Sitting on the ground, he breathes fast, with fast beating heart in the chest. And with trembling all over the body. And after some time he does deep inhale-exhale, and calming down a bit stands up, and with all force kicks the dead monster in its face.

  ?FUCKING CREATURE! I ALMOST DIED!?

  ?NEED TO GET OUT OF HERE URGENTLY?, — thought main character, and quickly picking up the bag with ore, was about to leave, but suddenly stopped.

  ?Although... I also took this order... I could bring this creature's head, and most likely get money, but then I would have problems later, when miners would come here, and see that the monsters are still sitting here... FUCK... Needed to go with those two. Eh... Okay, since I wanted to become a monster hunter, will have to go to the end?, — thought main character, and turning around put the bag with ore on the ground, and taking out the dagger took it in his right hand.

  Looking towards where the monster ran from, trembling appears on his hands again, which he tries to calm by putting his left hand, on the right.

  ?You can, you can, you can, you can?, — repeats main character in his head, and does a deep inhale-exhale, after which the trembling passes.

  He approaches one of the beams, and taking a torch from it, headed into the depths of the cave. After some time, walking through the cave, he thinks:

  ?How did I even hear this creature?! Is that potion still working?! I thought the effect has long passed. Okay, not important, now need to concentrate on the task?.

  After some time, main character reaches the end of the cave, and sees four more monsters, gnawing the corpses of adventurers. And four monster corpses, scattered throughout the cave. The monsters don't notice main character, and he crouching carefully runs behind the nearest large stone to him. After that he slightly looks out from behind the stone, and examines the cave, having examined the cave, he comes up with a plan.

  He takes a small pebble lying on the ground next to him, and throws it to the far corner of the cave, farther from the adventurers' corpses. One of the monsters hears this and goes in that direction, where the stone was thrown, while other monsters continue to gnaw the adventurers' corpses. Approaching the place where the stone was thrown, the monster began to sniff this place. Main character quietly and carefully sneaking from behind to the monster, struck it a fatal blow right to the head, after which the monster immediately died. But he decided just in case to strike one more blow, after which he returned back behind the large stone.

  Looking again at the ground next to him, main character sees that there are no more stones nearby, which could be used again. After that he hides behind the stone, and closing his eyes, a couple of times does deep inhale-exhale, and comes out from behind the stone and goes towards the monsters.

  — HEY, FREAKS! I'M HERE! — said main character, after which the three remaining monsters immediately noticed him, and rushed in his direction.

  Two of the monsters ran towards main character, but one of the monsters ran somewhere in the other direction, and disappeared from main character's field of view. Running up, the monsters began to growl and wanted to attack main character, but he scared them away with the torch, and nothing came out for them.

  — COME ON, CREATURES! JUMP!

  After what was said, one of the monsters jumps right on main character, and the other tries to attack his legs. But he throws off the jumping monster to the side, with a blow of the torch, and the other strikes with his foot with all force, after which the monster flies off a bit to the side. And main character quickly running up to it, with the dagger strikes to the monster's head, while it didn't have time to stand up. While main character was pulling out the dagger from the monster's head, the monster which he threw off earlier jumps on him again, after which he again throws off the monster to the side, with a blow of the torch, and pulling out the dagger quickly runs up to the monster while it didn't have time to stand up, and burns its face with the torch, and with the dagger strikes to the head. Throwing off the extinguished torch, he began to pull out the dagger from the killed monster's head, when suddenly from above from a large stone, a monster which ran away earlier jumps on him. Main character managed to pull out the dagger, but the monster jumps on him, and falling he drops the dagger. Main character holds back the monster, which tries to bite him in the face. And its saliva falls right on his face, and tries to reach the dagger with his left hand, but it's too far. After that he notices a stone on the ground, and reaching it with his left hand, strikes the monster in the head with it, after which it flew off a bit to the side. And main character ran for the dagger, but the monster quickly recovered from the blow, and ran after him.

  Running up to the dagger, main character quickly picks it up and sharply turning around, sees how the monster jumping on him flies. He puts his dagger, and the monster gets right on it, falling on main character, and falling together with him to the ground. But the monster is not dead yet, and main character does five more strikes right to the center of the monster's torso, and after that one more strike to the head. Main character all in monsters' blood, pulls out the dagger from the monster, and sits on the ground next to it, and breathes heavily through the mouth.

  — AND WHO... IS COOL... NOW?!... FUCKING CREATURES... — said main character, breathing heavily through the mouth.

  — Fuuuuh... NOW I UNDERSTAND... WHAT WITCHERS GO THROUGH.

  ?Fuuuuh... Need to catch my breath, otherwise I'll die now?.

  After some time, main character caught his breath, and standing up from the ground looking at the monster corpse next to him, thinks:

  ?Probably need to bring some trophy of this creature, otherwise they won't believe me... Head will probably do?, — thought main character, and began to cut off the monster's head with his dagger.

  Cutting off the monster's head, he put the dagger back in the sheath, and headed to the exit with the monster's head in his right hand. At the exit from the mine he also picks up the bag with ore, which he mined earlier, and threw the bag on his left shoulder, and headed back to the city.

  After some time, he returns back to the city, and heads towards the tavern majestic sun. Walking through the streets of the city he notices how all passers-by look at him with surprise, and thinks:

  ?Fuck, I'm now all in shit... No wonder everyone looks at me, and also with a monster's head in hand. And how now to wash blood from clothes? Unlikely they have washing machines here... I hope that in Otto's flophouse at least there is a bathroom, or something like that?.

  After some time, he reaches the tavern, and enters inside. Entering inside the tavern, he headed to the reward issuance point for monsters. Hearing how all visitors in the tavern began to whisper among themselves, looking at main character.

  — What?! He returned?! — But, how! — Impossible! — Is this a new monster hunter? — What is he holding? — Is this a monster's head?! — But how did he survive?! He doesn't even have normal armor and weapon! — Hey look, you see this too? — Hah, looks like Relos has a competitor — And the guy is, not bad.

  Approaching the reward issuance point, main character puts the monster's head on the counter, and says:

  — Order completed.

  The registrar of the reward issuance point, got scared, and with very surprised eyes looked at main character, and said:

  — Y-you... You returned! But how did you manage? — said the girl, with joy on her face.

  — Not important. I'm very tired, and I have affairs, no time for talks. Where is my money?

  — Ah... Money... Yeah of course, your reward is here. Here hold, — said the girl with slight sadness in her voice, and handed a bag with solars to main character.

  Main character taking the bag with solars, put it in the left pocket of the windbreaker, and turning around headed to the exit.

  The registrar of the reward issuance point, with sadness looks at the papers on her table, while her friend looked out from her window, and looking at the leaving main character said:

  — Wow! Looks like your friend still survived. Didn't think he would cope. Looks like we have a new monster hunter, hah, — said the girl, with a smile on her face.

  — Yeah...

  — What's with you? When he just left to fulfill the order you were full of energy! And now you sit some sad.

  — Oh, no everything is fine. Need to return to work, — answered the girl, with a small smile on her face. But it was visible that this is not a sincere smile. And that something is wrong with her.

  After some time, walking through the streets of the city, main character reaches the forge, and enters inside. And the blacksmith notices him.

  — Gurren?! Y-you... YOU'RE ALIVE! Oh ho-ho guy, you did it! Just think, without armor, and also with a dagger, but you coped! — said the blacksmith going towards main character, although to hug him, but seeing that he is all stained in blood, says:

  — Um, I would hug you, but you understand, hah. — said the blacksmith, with a smile on his face.

  — Ha, yeah, I understand. Here, the ore about which you said, is this enough? — said main character, and handed the bag with ore to the blacksmith.

  The blacksmith took the bag with ore, opened it, and looking at the amount of ore said:

  — Yeah, more than enough.

  — Good... I almost died there, while trying to mine it. Now the mine is free from monsters, and you can order supplies of ore from there again.

  — Just think... Hah. You must tell me later sometime, how it all went! — said the blacksmith with a smile on his face.

  — Maybe later sometime... Now I'm very tired.

  — Ah, well of course! I understand, after such, ha-ha. And still... I wasn't wrong about you Gurren! Since you managed to fulfill an order on monsters, without armor, and also with a small dagger, then I imagine what will be when you have a sword, and excellent armor! You'll become a great hero! — said the blacksmith, with a smile on his face.

  — I'm not a hero. But thanks, hah. What now by the way about the sword? Wait for it in a month?

  — Ah, yeah, of course! The sword! Yeah, now when I have the needed ore, I'll immediately set off on the road, and in a month the sword will be ready I think. But there is one problem... You'll have to find new housing, while I'm not in the city. Since I'll close the forge of course.

  — Ah, nothing. Don't worry about that, I was just wanting to do so.

  — Well good. Well what, then come in a month. And your masterpiece will be ready.

  — Excellent, so see you in a month. Goodbye, — said main character, and turning around headed to the exit from the shop.

  — Good luck, Gurren! — said the blacksmith with a smile on his face, waving his hand after main character.

  Exiting the forge, main character headed to Otto's flophouse. After some time, walking through the streets of the city he reaches the flophouse, and enters inside. Entering inside, the owner of the flophouse reading a newspaper notices him and says:

  — Hello! Glad to see you again. Oh, what's with you? Why are you all in blood?!

  — Hi, long story. I need to rent a room for a month, how much will it cost? — said main character, approaching the registration counter.

  — Oh... Well if for a month, then it will cost you 52 solars.

  Main character taking out from the left pocket of the windbreaker the bag with solars, counts 52 solars and hands them to the owner of the flophouse opposite.

  The owner of the flophouse took the solars and putting them in his pocket, and hands main character the key from the room, and says:

  — H-here, please. Go up to the second floor, and the third door on the left side.

  — Is there a bathroom? In the previous room I don't remember if there was one.

  — Yeah, of course there is. Like in all other rooms, maybe you just didn't notice?

  — Maybe. Okay, goodbye, — said main character, and headed towards the stairs to the second floor.

  Going up to the second floor of the flophouse, main character approached the needed door and opening it with the key, entered inside. After that he closed the door, and approached a small room located in the room, and opening the door discovers that this is a bathroom.

  ?Phew, how good that they have at least a bathroom here, and no need to wash in some wooden tub. Or how that thing is called...?

  Thought main character, and began to take off protective bracers from hands, taking off the blood-stained bracers he throws them in the bath. After that he took off his blood-stained windbreaker, and also threw it in the bath, just like his gloves. After that he opened the tap in the sink, and began to wash his hands from blood, and after he washed his hands, began to wash his face.

  After he finished, he closes the tap and exits the bathroom. And heads towards the bed, approaching the bed he collapses on it with his whole body, and after a short period of time, falls asleep.