Chapter 71: 71– Day 165 – Keeping Up Appearances

“Tyrese, Ken,” I greeted the two as they came to the second floor of the Gray Duck.

“Michael,” Tyrese greeted me.

“Good to see that you are still alive. The rumor mill is exploding, apparently you came into town half naked,” Ken said with a slight grin. I rolled my eyes at that. I had no doubt that people would bring it up years from now as a joke.

“I had a wardrobe malfunction while fighting a level three flowered cliff bulb. I had to dive into ditch of my own acid slurry to survive a Radiant Beam attack. Unfortunately, my wardrobe wasn’t acid proof.” A server brought over fresh bread. Ken was a genius, a true genius for figuring out how to make actual bread. There was also butter served as well. He might not be all evil crime lord if he could keep arranging food this good.

“Level 3?” Tyrese asked.

“They drop these.” I pulled out my three 450-point crystals. They looked at them for a bit and then at me. “They are worth 450 points each. I decided to go with levels, since the scaling…well I have no idea how high it goes. Just that anyone weaker than me would not survive a level 3.”

I explained where I went and the monsters I saw as food was served. The chef running this place was a genius. I then began to talk about Neo Brasilia.

“They have fallen into despair and cycle of charity crushing their growth. Their streets are filled with half-starved people, and they don’t even have the tier 3 of the store.”

“What is their government?” Ken jumped in.

“A council, but they seem pretty weak in terms of power and authority. More mob rule than anything. I suspect that there will be fresh faces when I go back or a blood bath as people starve, and the grinders get frustrated with the charity.”

I continued on, explaining my actions and what I had learned. I then finished my story talking about the level three monsters.

“I notice you haven’t mentioned the skills offered,” Tyrese said.

“Indeed, a Champion has to retain some advantages, the rest was shared freely in the spirit of cooperation I hope to foster between us. So, what is happening in Purgatory?” I asked right after my explanation to put the squeeze on them. It was also good to remind both of them, that I was the front liner for the city, exploring the unknown.

“No vagrancy in the plaza. That is heavily enforced and there is curfew for the plaza as well, that is less strictly enforced but people aren’t allowed to loiter at night. No major incidents and we have had to put down a couple of people that thought to cause problems,” Tyrese said. I nodded at that.

“There was a push into the wolf areas, so we are stable right now. We can probably make it to day 200 before we need people to push into higher tier areas, any suggestions?” Ken asked.

“I haven’t checked the swamps and don’t plan to. That leaves the scorpions and the chameleons. People with skills hunting them?” I asked.

“Some, but it is slow. What people have been doing is getting carts and setting up camps outside the walls to get first shot at grinding the monsters,” Tyrese said.

“No tax on level two crystals?”

“No tax, but the level two monsters, as you call them, require upgrades, good equipment, and skills,” Tyrese said.

“So, there is a general stagnation,” I said.

“Yes. We might want to consider an expedition to the other city to get four uses out of their dungeons if we time it right. That would be a huge help for people going out to level 2 areas,” Tyrese said.

“That would require me to lead them. Three days of travel one way. Another two for dungeons. Three days back. That is eight days. With what I can grind out per day, I don’t think anyone can afford it,” I said.

“How much would it be?” Ken asked.

“Say six full days of grinding, 20,000 points per day at a minimum, so 120,000 points for four people which doesn’t include the headache of dealing with all that,” I said and there was silence at that.

“You can earn that much in a day?” Ken asked.

“Possibly a lot more, I have a grinding strategy planned and need to test it. People with Acid Shot can really earn crystals if they work at it. Just need to get their Regeneration and Spirit up.”

“I see, it makes sense. That brings us to our next topic. Purchasing the next upgrade,” Tyrese said.

“How much do we have saved?”

“Taxes amount to around 2,500 crystals a day at the moment. We have 25,000 5-point crystals in reserve. We had to open up a second public shower house for females only. There was an incident, and we don’t want it repeated,” Ken said, and I nodded at that. Good job on him handling that kind of nonsense. That was exactly the kind of situation I didn’t want to get involved with.

“Still waiting on a Rod of Control?” I asked Tyrese.

“I gave it some thought, and yes. The concern is having such a large number of crystals unclaimed,” Tyrese said.

“We would need 100,000 crystals total, and people talk. Someone could let greed cloud their judgement, even if they wouldn’t succeed.”

“They wouldn’t, but I want to avoid the trouble. The question then becomes, who cashes that many crystals and can they be trusted,” Tyrese said.

“Do you both have someone in mind?”

“Ah, well I was thinking myself in my role as Elected Representative,” Ken said.

“I was thinking the same for myself,” Tyrese said. They wanted me to be the tie breaker. I let out a groan.

“If you both decided on one person, I could agree to that, but I am not going to be a tie breaker for this. Same as the taxes. My only stipulation is that whoever cashes those points, better be on the up and up. No credit, no spending them. Unless you yourself are literally bleeding out to death, only then for a restoration. I will also want to see a full accounting regardless.”

“You are fine, since it is your choice of purchase. I think that is the best way to do it,” Ken gave in. I thought this had already been settled in another meeting?

“We could save them, it isn’t simple to move that many crystals,” Tyrese said.

“That can work, but we need to make sure the reserve is guarded at all times,” Ken said.

“Agreed,” I said as well. If they couldn’t handle crystal storage, then I didn’t know what to think.

“That brings us to the last issue. There is another challenger and I had nothing to do with it,” Tyrese said.

“Who?”

“A new person, who doesn’t know any better. I tried explaining things and had other people try and explaining things, but he was a pro athlete back on Earth and thinks he can take you.”

“Anyone famous?”

“No. The guy is built, but as we know that doesn’t matter,” Tyrese said.

“After my speech this afternoon.”

“Betting?”

“Only against me at ten to one. Can call it the Champion’s donation box.”

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“Hah, yeah, well I tried to steer such a thing away, but he officially issued it at a city meeting and no one else wants to mess with you or interfere too much,” Tyrese said. We paused as a waiter brought a thick soup for us to enjoy.

“That is fine. My compliments to the chef,” I said to the waiter.

“I will pass it along. A new spice store has opened as well,” Ken said. That made me remember the earrings. We finished up our meal with some idle chat about the different types of areas and monster. After that I said my goodbye as Tyrese and Ken went to make arrangements and went to the re-sale store.

There were guards outside and inside again. There was Bob the man who looked like he sold one too many used cars. “Champion Michael, welcome back I heard you were in town.”

“Bob.” I laid out 10 50-point crystals, 1 450-point crystal, and 60 5-point crystals. He stared a bit and then picked up the bigger crystal. “It is a level 3, 450 points. I thought you would appreciate the novelty.”

“Indeed, indeed. One moment while I get your purchase,” he left to a back room and returned with a small wood case that was crudely carved. There were no hinges and inside was a small piece of cloth and the earrings resting on it. “Consider the case as part of the purchase.”

“Thank you, any luck with books?” I asked.

“Unfortunately, no and paper is expensive. Not much interest in reading unfortunately. But I just got this in.” He pulled out another wood box and carefully opened it. Inside was a pocket watch. I picked it up and carefully opened it.

“How much?” I asked.

“Something this rare, I couldn’t go any lower than 50,000 points.” It was expensive, but this was currently a one-of-a-kind item. He probably got it for a steal, and I was the only one who could afford that kind of price.

“Hmm,” I looked it over carefully. There were no inscriptions, and it was in a metal case with a metal chain. I had lost my watches in the acid bath. It made me regret wearing them all at the same time. That had been a stupid decision.

“A bit too high class for my blood, but I do need a watch.” I put the pocket watch back carefully.

“A watch goes for around 2,000 points at the moment.”

“Would you accept credit?” I asked.

“Then it would have to be 4,000 when you return. You might not return, and I don’t run a charity.” He could smell blood and went for it like a shark. I could respect it even if I didn’t like it.

“Very well, 4,000 points worth of crystals when I return. I do need a watch after my last wardrobe malfunction,” I let out a sigh.

“That is unfortunate. This is one of our better ones.” I took the watch and put it on. I missed my old watches. “Is there anything else you require?” Bob asked.

“You know anyone willing to pay 100,000 points for four level 2 skill points?” I asked.

“Four skill points you say, I am guessing the dungeons aren’t nearby?”

“No, they aren’t. I could take two people and basically do everything, with the reset. An eight-day round trip. I would be willing to offer a 10% commission.” Bob’s eyes lit up at that.

“How long would I have?” He asked me.

“I will probably be gone until day 196 or so. There is also another city, so an enterprising person with crystals could take advantage of their situation. Unfortunately, they don’t have the best impression of me, but I could offer security for a fee.”

Bob asked some questions, and I explained the situation in Neo Brasilia. “I see. What if they clear the dungeons?”

“Then the person will get lucky, and I will get them a level 2 skill.”

“Level 2, the name of the skills?”

“Sleep, Grass Blade, Imbue Fire, and Stick Shot.”

“I will definitely arrange for four people and set up a cart to go with you to clean out the locals if they are as desperate as you say.”

“If you get four people willing to pay 100,000 points worth of crystals then only 4,000 for a protection fee. If there is a major fight, your people will need to be able to keep their heads. Also, if you sell the spots for more, you get a larger commission.”

“That is fine. Don’t worry I will sort it out. Let’s plan for day 196 to meet up and depart on day 197?” Bob asked.

“Very well.” That was a lot of crystals to get. But 4 skills that weren’t well known would be quite the prize. Someone may want a second skill, or someone wanted another kind of skill. The price at the auctions had been hitting 50,000 points recently, so I honestly wasn’t that surprised.

People knew skills were the way to kill stronger monsters and earn untaxed crystals. People were finally adapting to this place and learning. I left the re-sell store with sapphire earrings. I was still unsure if I wanted to give them to Ruth.

Relationships meant drama, something I strongly wanted to avoid. I liked her, but drama. I returned to my home and left them under my bedding on the wood bed frame. I then went back outside and walked over to the Meeting Hall where people were already gathering.

There was a five-crystal fee to enter, for news from the Champion. The crystals would go to the general fund, which was what Tyrler, Ken, and myself agreed on. I considered taking the crystals myself, but it was a pittance in my mind. It was my contribution to the city. I got in for free of course and took my seat to the left of the center.

People were slowly trickling in as word spread and I noticed an uptick after I had arrived. Ken and Tyrese both arrived, and the Meeting Hall was at regular capacity. That was still around 1,000 people.

“This special meeting is called to order.” Ken shouted out and people quieted down. “Today there will be a lengthy statement from Champion Michael. No questions will be allowed. Pay attention, since this information involves another city and other people out there. Afterwards there is a challenger. Champion.”

“Thank you, Elected Representative Ken,” I said and went up to the podium. “I ask for silence while I speak, I will not repeat myself.” I then narrated my travels and the state of Neo Brasilia and the fights with level 3 monsters.

“In summary, non-upgraded people stand no chance against a level 3. At a minimum I estimate three to four hundred upgrades are needed to just survive. As for the other cities, I am quite glad that things are being run properly here under Boss Tyrese and Elected Representative Ken, since the situation could be far worse. If you want to survive and thrive, you need to find ways to fight level 2 monsters without skills. That is all.”

“Thank you, Champion Michael, now we will go outside for the challenge for the position of Champion,” Tyrese said. A large open space in the plaza was cleared. I noticed the Champion donation box was getting some business surprisingly.

My opponent was quite a large man. “The fight is to the death. Anything is allowed and no using the store mid fight. Ready? Ready? Fight!” My opponent had a club and a shield, what an idiot. He advanced towards me. I raised my hands, and he brought his shield up.

“Acid Shot.” The attack splattered around his shield.

“Ahhh!” He screamed as some of the acid touched him. He threw away his melting shield and rushed at me.

“Acid Shot.” He collapsed to the ground, melting away. Tyrese walked over.

“How are we supposed to clean that up?” He muttered looking at the mess I made then up at me. “Really?”

“Make it punishment duty. Also, careful the acid has death energy in it.”

“Of course, it does. Why not just add some death energy to it? And it already is punishment duty to clean up the human slurry you leave behind. I will sort it out, like always. Winner! Champion Michael!” He held up my hand and there was some cheering from the crowd. Most of the people looked ill and were already walking away.

I collected 85 5-point crystals that had been bet. There needed to be a fee for a person to challenge me. Meh, it was a death sentence already, no need to add suffering on top of that. Still, it was annoying. I wondered what idiot set up this system of government. That would be this idiot.

I turned in all my remaining 5-point crystals, leaving me with 1,836 points.

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