Chapter 13: The Reportable Pervert Has Evolved into a Pervert People Avoid!
NPC Shopkeeper: "Welcome... What kind of armor are you looking for?"
No one could be more desperately in need of clothing than me. The NPC shopkeeper asked me that question with a strained smile. The AI in this game is incredible — I've heard they use military‑grade technology without hesitation. It almost feels like I'm talking to a real person.
Sunraku: "Show me the list."
NPC Shopkeeper: "Here you are."
A parchment‑like window appeared in front of me, displaying a summary of available items.
- Serpent Leather Set (individual pieces available): 12,000 Mani
- Hard Chain Set (individual pieces available): 6,000 Mani
- Black Robe Set (no individual pieces): 9,000 Mani
- White Robe Set (no individual pieces): 9,000 Mani
- Blade‑Resistant Leather Set (no individual pieces): 4,000 Mani
Sunraku: "Give me the Blade‑Resistant Set."
NPC Shopkeeper: "Certainly. Please wait a moment."
I was tempted by the low price. Honestly, I'm only buying clothes because I don't want to be treated like a pervert while walking around town. When you think about it, if you're in a situation where you're taking a direct hit, you've already lost. Mobility is more important than defense. The Serpent Leather Set and Hard Chain Set — probably made from that snake's materials — seemed to lower agility due to their weight. The Black and White Robes are for magic‑oriented classes, so they offer me nothing beyond appearance. Either way, the Blade‑Resistant Leather Set was my only real option.
NPC Shopkeeper: "Sorry to keep you waiting."
Sunraku: "Here's the payment."
NPC Shopkeeper: "Thank you for your purchase! If your equipment gets damaged, bring it in and we'll repair it for a fee proportional to the damage. May luck be with you!!"
As I equipped the items on the spot — right before they disappeared into my inventory — I caught a glimpse of the mask that looked like a balloon with holes for eyes, nose, and mouth. I think I'll stick with the bird mask.
Blade‑Resistant Leather Mask
A mask made from the hide of a Mud Frog, which lives in the Four‑Wheel‑Drive Eight‑Wheel‑Drive Swamp Wasteland. The mask has only the bare minimum openings and protects the wearer's face. If you have a lot of hair, be aware that the silhouette becomes quite amusing.
Blade‑Resistant Leather Vest
A vest made from the hide of a Mud Frog. It provides resistance to slashing attacks below a certain sharpness level. The way it clings to the skin is a matter of personal taste.
Blade‑Resistant Leather Belt
A belt made from the hide of a Mud Frog. Because only the hide from the frog's back is used, it provides resistance to piercing attacks. Enthusiasts wrap this all over their bodies. Tighter, even tighter!!
Blade‑Resistant Leather Pants
Pants made from the hide of a Mud Frog. Designed not to hinder the wearer's movement. Less protective than the vest.
So, I've upgraded from "reportable level of half‑nakedness" to a suspicious person in underwear that barely passes as light clothing. How should I describe it? A thick diving suit, or maybe a thick full‑body leotard broken down into clothing shapes. As the item description says, the oddly addictive close fit doesn't hinder mobility and has successfully improved both appearance and defense.
Sunraku: "Well, I'm not wearing the mask."
If the bird mask with the intense stare still qualifies as a gag suspicious person, this is just a suspicious person with no gag. I look like someone who could joke about robbing a bank and almost be believed.
Next up is the weapon shop. I hope I can find a new main weapon to replace the Mercenary's Twin Blades that were completely destroyed. I'll keep the Vorpal Chopper as a trump card for boss fights. Dual wielding seems to wear down weapons unusually fast, so using it carelessly on trash mobs would be a waste.
NPC Blacksmith: "Hah? You expect me to buy this junk?"
Sunraku: "Yeah, I figured. It's worse than a primitive stone tool. Just show me your weapon lineup."
NPC Blacksmith: "Gotcha."
The Goblin's Hand Axes, which are categorized as weapons but seem to have the same value as garbage, weren't bought. Well, as disposable weapons, they still have their uses. The same parchment window appeared, and I looked for the dual‑sword category.
Sunraku: "Huh? You don't have any?"
But although the dual‑sword section existed, there wasn't a single purchasable weapon. That's a problem. Do I need to take back what I said earlier? If I go on like this, I'll be using up Goblin's Hand Axes while trying to clear the next area... Oh, right. On second thought, I'm not a dual‑sword specialist — I'm a dual wielder. So two daggers should work just fine. The starting Mercenary's Twin Blades were a single item that consisted of a pair, so I mistakenly assumed that was the only way. Thinking about it calmly, I had already been using two Goblin's Hand Axes and two Vorpal Choppers at a time.
Sunraku: "Daggers, let's see... Hmm..."
Mediocre. Neither good nor bad. For something you can buy in the second town, it's... well, it's hard to get excited about these specs. No, maybe the rare‑drop Vorpal Chopper is just so unexpectedly good that this looks worse by comparison.
NPC Blacksmith: "Hey, if you don't like anything I have in stock, bring me the materials and I'll craft something new for you."
Sunraku: "Oh, for real?"
That's good to hear.