1.1.313 (CR)
Osric wakes up refreshed on the cold new year's morning.
The first thing he does is check his system status.
'Status.'
Name: Osric
Potential: E
Strength: 11
Agility: 13
Stamina: 12
Endurance: 10
Vitality: 11
Mana: 0
Free points: 0
Skills:
Pain Resistance (E), Combat Instinct (D), Heightened Senses (E), Poison Tolerance (E), Swordsmanship (F)
'I definitely grew a lot since the system showed up in my life.'
His eyes drifted to one thing in particular that he was curious about.
'What exactly does potential mean and how do I improve it?'
He dismissed it and inspected his body.
'I can feel it now that I have rested. My body feels much lighter and more energetic.'
Osric had started to understand how physical stats work better now.
When a stat grows from 12-13 it has a bigger effect than when one goes from 10-11 for example.
Now that Osric had decided not to take on another mission by himself and risk his life recklessly, he began to plan how to build his party.
The first thing he did was draft up basic contracts for him and his future subordinates to sign.
'I have to be able to trust them and give them a reason to trust me as well.'
Once he recruited his first member, he would register his party at the guild.
But before going to the guild today to scout potential members, he planned to make an equipment update with the money he earned yesterday.
'Oh right, I almost forgot. I can pick up my stipend at the guild today.'
This year, he would stop surviving and start advancing.
—
When Osric left the inn, he entered Lowbrook once again and visited the smithy where he bought his weapons.
His iron sword and dagger were lightly damaged this time, so he needed to get them repaired.
About an hour later he walked out again after having spent 44 copper in total.
Osric then headed for the leatherworker near the market square.
'I wonder how much it will cost me?'
After he entered the shop, Osric looked around just like a few other customers that were already there.
'What exactly do I need right now?'
He came to a decision after looking around and thinking back on his past missions.
Osric bought a Gambeson for 55 copper, Gloves for 89 copper, Bracers and Greaves for 1 silver each and lastly 3 silver for a good Cuirass.
'Damn. Leather armor is really expensive, but it was definitely worth it.'
Since he didn't want to carry all that equipment in a bag, Osric just put everything on and walked out wearing his new light armor.
'At least I can go receive my stipend from the guild now.'
While walking, Osric could feel that the leather armor slightly slowed him down.
But this was preferable than always coming back from a mission with multiple injuries.
—
When Osric arrived at the guild, the adventurers were already actively looking for missions and searching for people to work with.
Although most E-Rank adventurers already worked in permanent parties, it wasn't the same for F-Ranks.
They either lacked experience or didn't fit in anywhere.
While approaching the front desk, Osric surprisingly saw Franklin sitting behind it.
"You here for your stipend?"
"Yes. I didn't expect to see you here with everything going on."
Franklin answered while taking out a leather pouch.
"There are usually a few newcomers trying to join the guild on days like new year's day, so I like to personally work up front." He said while handing the pouch to Osric.
"I see. Thanks."
"Sure. That's the 350 copper crowns that every E-Rank gets on the first of the month. It's not much for a month's work, but blame the people from the castle."
"Yeah I know."
Franklin stared at Osric curiously and asked.
"Are you going to look for party members to recruit anytime soon?"
Osric nodded.
"That's the other reason why I am here."
"Okay. If you can't find anyone, you can come ask me for recommendations."
"Got it, thanks."
He walked away from Franklin and started looking around.
Osric didn't have to look long for something to catch his eye.
It was a young man with ginger hair that he already knew.
'William.'