Even as I walked, the chicken shop owner was shouting with all his might.
People seemed interested too, as quite a few were seen paying immediately and buying.
Huh, is it this good? Please don't be as expensive as those franchise chicken shops.
Actually, it doesn't matter if it's expensive. For some reason, I feel like flexing today!
"Welcome! Here comes the roasted chicken, a masterpiece with tender meat from the Eastern Wild Fowl!"
I glanced at the menu. There were many other items, but only the roasted chicken seemed to be on sale, as its name was the largest.
Ah, a promotion. A good conversation starter!
"How much is it?"
When I asked, the owner spread out his index and middle fingers.
"2 Gold!"
I was speechless for a moment. 2 Gold, even during a promotion?
'Fuck. No, why is a guy who should be in the position of a neighborhood chicken shop charging so much?'
It was a bit absurd. It was like thinking you were going to fuck a virgin, only to find out they were a transgender person.
Although I was pissed off, I calmly asked about something else.
"What does the set include?"
"Roasted chicken, two Dameika long legs, salted potato fries, pickles, and even hot sauce!"
I whistled unconsciously. With this kind of set, 2 Gold is worth it.
Yeah, then. This is right.
"Can't resist. One roasted chicken set!"
"Okay!"
The owner excitedly frying chicken. Watching him, I felt his unique energy, which was pleasant to see.
The feeling that no matter how hard the work, he was happy because he loved his job so much.
Could I also exude that kind of energy and focus on my work? It wouldn't be as easy as it sounds.
'All the more reason to keep striving.'
I said to the owner.
"I'll be back in a moment; I'm going to the blacksmith's forge!"
"Okay, come back in 6 minutes!"
Excluding the saved gold, I had about 50 gold left. Was there anything I could get right now?
Pondering various options, I arrived at the blacksmith's forge. Today, too, the blacksmith was showing off his muscles while hammering away at a lump of iron.
The blacksmith seemed to recognize me, and his face lit up.
"Isn't it the Super Rookie? What brings you here? Are you buying some armor?"
Let me think for a moment.
'If I say I came because I received a bounty, he'll definitely try to make me buy something no matter what. Even if I finish my business, he might not be satisfied and feel regretful. For now, I'll keep it hidden.'
A smirk appeared on my face.
'Building relationships with people is up to me.'
It had always been that way. No matter how I felt, if the other person misunderstood, that was the end of it.
So, it's only natural to have this level of social skill.
"I finished a mission and came to look around. Oh, do you also do enhancements?"
"Of course. A blacksmith who can't enhance is no different from a whore who doesn't know how to give head!"
The blacksmith responded cheerfully. Ah, I liked this unique cheerfulness of middle-aged men.
I liked him. I don't think I'd be like this even when I get older.
'He's skilled, and trustworthy too.'
Later, when I go on adventures, I'd like to get a companion with metallurgy skills. It'll probably be hard to find such a companion, right?
Because blacksmiths would want to earn money right away.
First, I held out the iron boots I was wearing.
"Please enhance these."
Until now, the iron boots had no identity other than not being affected by terrain penalties. That left only two options: sell them or enhance them.
Still, I'll be going on adventures and missions here and there in the future.
Selling them felt a bit off.
'They don't have anything related to acceleration or flight, but their utility is good.'
Receiving the iron boots I offered, the blacksmith stroked his beard.
"In what way? You know that the direction changes depending on what additional materials you provide, right?"
In truth, even with the same item, the direction of enhancement changed depending on which upgrade path you took.
If you enhanced it with just steel, it would follow the steel path. With gems or rare ores, you could advance to a higher-grade item earlier.
However, I didn't have the luxury for that right now. Moreover, I didn't even have any metal.
I clicked my tongue as I looked at the iron boot upgrade tree that appeared before my eyes.
'If there had been a mission near a gold mine, I would have easily obtained ore. I should check tomorrow.'
"I don't really have any other materials."
"Then the most suitable option right now is to take the iron ore path. Do you have any iron ore?"
"No, I don't."
"If you pay for the iron ore as well, I'll enhance it right away."
There was no need to hesitate. I couldn't do anything else anyway. So, here, I'd rather do it my way.
I intended to be a bit generous, just like last time.
"Alright. How much is it?"
"Including the iron ore and enhancement, it'll be 30 Gold."
Honestly, it was a considerable sum.
To go on raids, you need potion money and to equip items, which costs a lot.
It was the same for Heroes. Even for short-distance missions, let alone long-distance adventures, there was a lot to prepare.
It was quite expensive. That's why Heroes with metallurgy skills preferred working at blacksmith's forges over adventuring.
"Here's 40 Gold."
"Hoo?"
"In addition to the enhancement, please bring me something useful like last time. Hmm, like a helmet or a sub-weapon."
When I even gave specific examples, the blacksmith grinned from ear to ear. He really loves money, doesn't he?
He's a truly honest person.
"Hahaha! Got it."
"I trust you, this time too."
You have to be generous when making deals. That's how you get extra services.
The blacksmith whistled and fiddled with the money.
"You really have a manly generosity, I like that. Okay, just wait a bit! Hahaha!"
The blacksmith laughed heartily and went to work. I could hear the sounds of him beginning the enhancement process.
Shiiik! Kaang, kaang!
I decided to wait. After all, the work wouldn't be done in a flash. As I waited, someone approached.
"Hmm?"
"Excuse me...."
A somewhat goofy-looking guy appeared. With soot on his face, he looked at me cautiously.
Soon, he held something out to me. It was a silver mask that covered the entire front of a face.
"What's this?"
First, I checked the specs.
[Duellist's Mask]
Rarity: Mass-produced
*Unique Passive Effect 'Insight': You can see the timing to deflect or dodge an opponent's attacks.
*Unique Passive Effect 'Vital Spot Defense': Prevents 50% of damage to the face.
「When duellists meet, they say, "Duel!".」
Looking at the specs, it was quite useful for a mass-produced item. Occasionally, mass-produced items would have two effects, but it was rare to see only useful effects.
"Hello! Um, I'm an apprentice. My master told me to give this to you, sir."
"Hmm, that's good."
The apprentice seemed pleased, as if he himself had been praised.
"Haha, right? Our master is never wrong! He said it's good for a mass-produced item, so it should be useful!"
"Thank you. I'll use it well."
I equipped the mask. There was no discomfort in my vision, but I didn't have the courage to walk around like this.
'I wonder if it works?'
I clapped my hands as carefully as possible.
Then the mask instantly became transparent. It was on invisibility mode, with my goddess help.
As I was once again marveling at this place, the enhancement work was finished.
The blacksmith brought over the iron boots, now cleaner than before, and smiled.
"Here, the enhancement is complete! It'll be more useful in combat!"
[Conqueror's Iron Boots]
Rarity: Limited Edition
*Unique Passive Effect 'Pioneering Spirit': Unaffected by terrain penalties.
*Unique Passive Effect 'Hard as Rock': Durability is solid, so it won't corrode or break easily.
*Unique Effect 'Sparta!': When kicking a opponent, inflicts a 0.1-second stun upon hit.
「Adjust your tricorn hat, grasp your fauchard, and advance!」
'As expected... it's a lasting regret that I can't run fast or fly. Still, it suits the Vane Severing Sword Style.'
Given the nature of the Vane Severing Sword Style, which combines fighting spirit, the newly added effect was very welcome.
Now, I'll gain small advantages every time I kick.
"Thank you. You're truly capable."
"Kid, I'm a veteran! This much is basic."
"Then, I'll see you next time."
"Alright, don't die!"
I put on the iron boots and headed towards the chicken shop. It was a relief that they didn't get heavier after the enhancement.
'Should I have bought an item to increase my Force Heart?'
I shook my head soon after. Is there a need to rush?
Force Heart wasn't something good just by increasing it quickly. It was like building a high stroy building.
If you build the framework as quickly as possible and slap on concrete, does that make it a building? You have to steadily build up the foundation and complete it for it to become a building.
'I'll master Runner Mid-stage and then immediately move on to the late stage!'
"Here, what you ordered!"
"Thank you. I'll enjoy the meal!"
Already, a pleasant aroma wafted from inside the thick bamboo case.
Wow, chicken is chicken, after all, isn't it? The smell alone is enough to send me to heaven.
After returning home, I spent time with Aunt. When I opened the chicken case, I saw a whole chicken, steaming, its naked form revealed.
A rich, savory aroma, perfectly browned light-brown skin, and a pair of Dameika long legs placed on either side.
Aunt's eyes sparkled like stars.
"Oh my! This is from the new chicken shop, isn't it? Wow!"
"Yes."
We ate together. After one bite, I kept wanting more.
It was practically drug-chicken. Aunt smiled contentedly.
"It's deliciousss!"
"Yes, the set was so generous, I just had to buy it."
"Hehe, as expected of my son. An excellent choice, indeed♥"
Aunt sent a loving smile. I was happy because Aunt was happy.
While eating chicken, I approached Aunt.
"Hehe, son. What is it?"
"I want to kiss you."
Without waiting for Aunt's answer, I pressed my lips against hers. Aunt gave a shy eye-smile.
Such a foxy Aunt!
"Oohp... Hnng, really, you're just like my son, aren't you? Alright♥"
"Hoop, hup."
"Heut, uhmm, Mhmmm♥"
Stroking Aunt's soft cheek, I played with her tongue. As I licked her plump lips, as firm as a twenty-year-old's, Aunt played with her tongue even more provocatively.
Moving her tongue from various angles, she hugged me even tighter. I, too, touched Aunt's chest, gently caressing her.
"Mhmmm..ughmm.. slurpp ♥"
After such a passionate kiss, we separated.
"Alright, let's finish the chicken."
"Yes!"
"So, from now on, I'm guaranteed autonomous action? I should thank Acting Lord!"
Aunt, genuinely happy.
"In fact, it's no different from being a Hero. Of course, my resolve to always strive forward remains unchanged."
Aunt, who was happy as if it were her own business. She put her hands together as if in prayer.
"That's exactly the attitude! Your Grandfather will be happy in heaven! Huhut♥"
"Hehe, I'm proud."
Although I said that.
'I'm not sure if he'd be happy seeing me fuck his daughter. Wouldn't I be pissed off if I were him?'
I chuckled, thinking of my father, whose face I had never even seen.
Finishing the meal, I thought about what to do tomorrow. Then Angela came to mind.
'Should I go visit Angela?'
Suddenly, I wondered how she was doing. Should I go later if I have time?