25 The Cat-folk Warrior (1/2)
As Gray locks his sights on the Cat-folk Warrior, he could not help but feel anxious, now grasping his staff tightly while assuming his own combat stance in preparation for whatever hostility that is to come at him.
But instead what came next has unquestionably caught the Elf off guard.
The Cat-folk Warrior, in contrast with his intimidating appearance, started laughing wholeheartedly.
'Huh?' Gray tilted his head in genuine confusion. 'What's gotten into him?'
”Hahahaha!!” The Cat-folk puts both hands on his hips as he stood proudly, his posture firm and unyielding like a tower. ”No need to be so alarm, my friend. I won't judge someone's character that quickly just because of his Class. You have come for my help despite not having the obligations to do so.”
The Elf certainly felt at eased knowing that the Cat-folk is actually an individual of good character. As such, Gray's demeanor also changes to match the friendly gesture being treated to him.
”Hehe, well to be pretty honest...” Gray chuckled as he scratches the back of his head. ”My actions also led me here due to my Hunger for some Mana Essence.”
”Yes.” The Cat-folk nods in agreement with a cheerful smile. ”But you also had the perfect opportunity of casting your magic at me when you had the advantage of the high ground earlier, feeding on me in the end, in which you deliberately did not. As such, you have earned my trust.”
”Wow.” Gray was pleasantly surprised at how open-minded this guy is. ”You have my thanks then.”
- Help the Cat-folk Warrior in defeating the Bandits [✓]
Quest Rewards Granted:
1,500 XP.
LEVEL UP!!
YOU RECEIVED 5 ATTRIBUTE POINTS!!
YOU RECEIVED 1 ABILITY POINT!!
Gray decided to ignore the system notifications for now since he does not want any interruptions in his conversation with the Cat-folk.
”I should be the one saying that to you, friend.” The Cat-folk bares his toothy grin. Then his eyes widen as he appears to realize something. ”Kah, it seems that we overlooked on the proper etiquette of acquainting oneself. Allow me to go first.”
The Cat-folk removes one of his steel gauntlets, offering a handshake as he began his introductions. ”The name's Isamu, Isamu Meiyo. In case you are wondering, my Class is a Warrior, more specifically, a .”
As the Cat-folk, Isamu finishes his introduction, the said details are now revealed on his status bar.
Isamu Meiyo
Level 14:
Health: 1214 / 1975
Stamina: 724 / 893
Mana: 320 / 320
”Gray, Gray Allister.” The Arcanist returned the kind gesture as he accepted Isamu's handshake.
'A huh?' Gray examined with interest at Isamu's Class. 'The name is similar to the title that I earned in Oakwood but this one is obviously a Class. Since he used that shout skill earlier, perhaps his Class revolves around that kind of ability? Let's not jump into conclusions yet. And also... too tight!!!'
Gray is now witnessed to be wincing in anguish at how ridiculously strong Isamu's Beastly hand is, crushing the Elf's delicate hand during their handshake.
Seeing the progressively paling face of the Elf, Isamu realizes his own actions in embarrassment as he immediately released his hand from Gray.
”Ahahaha, I do apologize, Gray.” Isamu chuckled sheepishly at what he shamelessly did. ”I tend to forget at controlling my own Strength in these kinds of situations, most particularly in the art of shaking hands, haha.”
”Please don't do that again.” Gray twitches his head in annoyance as he rubs his aching hand, mentally crying in complete agony. ”I don't have huge muscular hands unlike yourself.”
Isamu laughs heartily at his reaction.
”Gray Allister.” Isamu sounded a bit intrigued by his name. ”Your name does not sound Elvish, is there a story behind it?”
”A human parent.” Gray, having recovered from the pain of his hand, instantly comes up with the lie that he prepares whenever someone asks him about his name.
”I see.” Isamu merely smiles in understanding at the Elf. ”Anyways, the roads can be quite a danger, especially to lone travelers such as ourselves. Where are you headed by the way?”
”Chadena,” Gray responds, seeing no harm in telling the trustworthy Cat-folk Warrior at where he is going.
”Chadena huh.” Isamu smiles. ”It appears that fortune has smiled upon us at this meeting. I happen to be a member of the Town's Warrior's Guild and will also head my way over there after I finish my own errand. You seem capable of handling yourself quite well. Perhaps you can help me first?
'Oh great, another Quest.' Gray thought, having played too many games of the RPG genre to know where this is going.
”That depends,” Gray replied as he crosses his arms. ”What is this request that you speak of?”
Isamu began explaining his story to the Elf. ”You see, after this battle, I came to a realization that working alone indeed has its dire limitations, especially when outnumbered. It would be convenient if I can have someone who I can trust watching my back, just for the sake of assurance in my part. I've taken up a quest from the Guild to find out about the Bandit Encampment's location. All that is left now is confirming if what our dead friend said is true. It would be an honor if you'll join me in my task. Don't worry, I'll make it worth your while and also escort you to Chadena after we are finished. After all, it would be beneficial for the two of us being together as we keep each other guarded during our journey to the Town.”
Gray rubs his chin in response, seeing the Cat-folk having a point in his statement. Basically, it would be a lot safer if he has someone with him on his side, especially in this fantasy realm where danger lurks unexpectedly around the corner.