Now that i think about it, Mapan mentioned that if you stick to Weed, good things will be happening to you all the time! I got to taste such a delicacy! Yummy!"
Finally, she threw a regretful glance at the remaining head and tail of the shrimp, that usually no one would eat. But if not for standing nearby Weed and Zephyr, she'd eat those with delight.
"Sorry, shrimp."
Wee with regret took out another shrimp and started cooking it from the start. Srimps were expensive so they couldn't be eaten as snacks.
For Weed they were representing investments.
Investments in fighting ability! Because effects of food were giving maximum possible boost to Mana, Life and some other attributes.
That's why he didn't regret spending money to buy 500 shrimps.
You are well-fed.
Life +400.
Mana +400.
Stamina +20.
Art +15.
Don't trust those who say hunger inspires artists.
Only artist with a full stomach can concentrate on his art instead of his hunger. Actually, food's effects varied, depending on player's profession. Were Weed to be a cook, there'd be increase in vitality and cooking, or better taste.
Weed started to gather his belongings. And of course he didn't forget to take his 1 gold from Hwaryung.
- I'm going to continue the hunt, you with me, Hwaryung?
- Yeah, sure!
To be honest, Weed never considered any other answer.
Her abilities as a dancer would come in handy as a trump card. Even though damage from her attacks wasn't that high, her movements were swift and monster couldn't even scratch her. Besides, if you was in one party with Hwaryung, your attributes were getting a certain boost, contrary to monsters'.
- Create party.
Weed brought up the control menu and invited Hwaryung.
- Thanks! - exclaimed Hwaryung in excitement and accepted the invitation.
Then she waved to Zephyr.
- Will you join?
Fishermen nodded happily.
- I'm in if you're ok with me!
Weed just nodded and sent invitation to Zephyr. He didn't have anything in particular against it, there were plenty of monsters and, therefore, experience, and some extra help would come in handy. Though he didn't quite understand why Zephyr didn't logout as everyone else.
- Then wait a bit, Hwaryung. I'll make another dish for Zephyr and polish and sharpen your equipment. And repair too if there's a need.
It was a great opportunity to improve, though by a small margin, his blacksmithing, cooking and tailoring skills.
- Wow! Cool!
- The defense increased, and fishing rod's attack too...
Hwaryung and Zephyr gave Weed a surprised look. They didn't expect that a single man to be a master of so many trades. And it was just a small step that separated an unskilled egghead from an omnipotent player.
- Thanks weed! Now let's go find a party. We have 3 people and many parties will gladly accept us, or so I think, - joyfully said Hwaryung, but in return Weed just slowly shook his head.
- There will be barely enough monsters for us three.
- Huh? What...
- Do you honestly believe we can hunt in dungeon of Basra with just the three of us? - asked dumbfounded Zephyr. Unaware of it himself, he guessed right.
- Three of us will do fine. Though, I'm wrong. We have four. Come forth, death knight!
Smoke started pouring from necklace on Weed's neck, and a moment later death knight Van Hawk emerged from it.
It's been a while since he was summoned last time, so he was excited.
- You called me, master?
- Yes.
Just one glance on his minion filled Weed with grief. Death knight was leeching off 20% of his experience. A lot of time passed since Weed defeated and subjugated Van Hawk. They fought through numerous battles and Van Hawk managed to greatly raise his level. Especially in the province of Morata, where Weed decided that the more vampires die - the better it is for the party, so he wasn't holding monster back. And Van Hawk used it to the fullest, at that time he was getting not just 20% of Weed's experience but all 100% for those he killed by himself. Because of that he managed to greatly surpass Weed and reach a level of 290.
- Damn monster! It's time you pay off for everything... - immediately started grumbling Weed.
But death knight had things to say too. After all he was getting experience not for sunbathing. He had to kill a lot of monsters, suffer through mockery of paladins and beatings of his master.
He had things to say, but he decided to keep silent for now.
History of dungeon of Basra wasn't a common knowledge for players. In the past a family of nobles used to live in the lands of Basra. It was strongly objecting against integration into British Confederacy, so they made a deal with the thieves guild and started to prepare an uprising. And the headquarters of that uprising were located here, in the dungeon of Basra.
After sending death knight to the front, Weed and his party descended to fourth level.
- There's no one at all here... - said Zephyr in a barely audible voice.