Chapter 61: Wake Up (2/2)
”If you stand around like that so often, you'll end up taking all of my regulars.” Zula said with a warm smile as she walked towards Agni. She stopped just centimeters away from the Succubus and began to check her from her crown to her toes for injuries.
”I didn't expect you to have too many injuries. But for some reason you were passed out on the roadside. A patron of mine brought you here, saying that he would have felt bad if someone had robbed you. Do you mind telling me what happened? Also, where is your beautiful, busty Scribe friend?”
Agni recounted the story of what happened during their battle with the snatchers.
”Do things like that happen often in Sprim Row?” Agni asked. Now that she thought about it, no one bothered to voice a complaint or even look towards the grand battle in the street.
”Yes dear. This place is what you'd call a lawless zone. I think.. Most cities have them. There is no world where those who are impoverished don't exist. We are the dregs, the outcasts, the criminals and the thieves of Grenvale. You can find just about anything in Sprim Row-- except kindness.” Zula said with a bittersweet smile as she sat down on the nearby bed, crossing her legs as she did so.
Agni couldn't help but be drawn to the sleek alluring sight of her milky skin and the contrast against her purple floral kimono.
”Well, you and Katrin seem capable. And you say she defeated a Rank 2 Striker type adventurer all by herself? She's much tougher than I gave her credit for. Even as a Rank 3 it would be difficult for me to take on more than two or three other adventurers at a time. My class isn't exactly built for combat.” Zula winked as she spoke.
”Yea. This is..the first time this has happened. What do I do?” Agni said as she prepared to exchange some Gols for advice. Zula dismissed the notion with a wave of her hand and patted the bedside, requesting Agni to take a seat near her.
”First Death isn't really complicated. It's a system imposed consequence for failure that renders you weakened. Worst case, you could die again and become a Normal, which many adventurers would consider a fate worse than death actually.
Your friend will be affected for some period of time, I honestly forget how long. You see it changes with every rank gained. I can't imagine it will be longer than a day for a rank 0. For me, I think the effect lasts almost 2 months.”
”Two months? That's crazy!” Agni nearly shouted.
”Mhm. But, that's the price you have to pay for power in this world...I suppose.” Zula seemed to have accepted it as a way of life by this point.
”Anyway, you'll be able to reach her the moment she decides to step out of her spawn point. I'm guessing you two are still connected to the Wilderness Tabernacle, yes? That's the nearest one from here.”
Agni nodded, prompting Zula to continue.
”Well, in that case, she can either come back to Grenvale of her own accord, which I wouldn't' recommend. Not only does the affliction seal your strength significantly, delevel you and weaken your body but it also blocks access to all of your equipment.”
”That's a nightmare. What if you're attacked by monsters?” Agni asked.
”I think that's the point dear. This world is not forgiving, and to be an adventurer you need to be resourceful. Good at a trade, strong, or have connections. Any of these things can help you to become better able to live in this world.
My ultimate point is that, to survive you need both luck and strength. I believe First Death is a reminder of that for us adventurers. Besides, monsters aren't the only thing you need to worry about during First Death…” Zula said as she got to her feet. A small flower shaped charm bangle around her wrist began to glow faintly.
”I like you Agni, so feel free to drop by anytime. Though I doubt after today you will want to visit Sprim Row all that much. Feel free to gather your strength and stay as long as you need.” Zula said before answering the call of her own business.