Chapter 28: Closer (1)

Broadsword (Common)

A heavy and large weapon that is a bit slower than other types of swords but offers extra endurance.

STR + 05, END + 02, -01 SPE

Durability: 25/25

Cost: 200 coins.

For some reason, the cost of weapons also increased at the same pace as the cost of the skills. The short sword cost fifty gold coins, the long sword cost one hundred, and the broadsword cost two hundred gold coins. It seemed that the other weapons also had around the same value. So, it was safe to assume that they were divided into tiers, and the broadsword was a tier-three weapon. That weapon fitted Luke's mindset since he would rather clash against the enemy rather than dodge when they approach him. With that in mind, he bought it.

The broadsword was pretty heavy. Even with Luke's current strength, he couldn't use it with one hand. So, a shield was out of the question. Any other pieces of armor also would slow him down, for the time being, so Luke decided to buy some accessories. Just like weapons, they were also divided into tiers. Still, the ones Luke could buy only increased his parameters by one or two points. They didn't have any other effects… in the end, Luke brought a single ring that increased his strength by two points.

"It seems like the best option, but aren't you focusing too much on strength?" Rina asked.

"Well, I can't deny that, but I have my reasons," Luke said. "Soon, you will see what I had in mind. Anyway, what were you talking about before?"

"You remember when I mentioned that I could drain your mana to attack?" Shalia asked. "If we drain your mana when it is full and out of the battle, we can increase our powers and influence in this world. Aside from the fact that your recovery speed and ability to level up certain skills will also increase, you will also be able to receive support from us. I can use offensive magic, so I will be able to help in the fights."

"… Is the same with me," Rina said while looking away. "I will be able to heal you and offer some buffs."

"Why do you look so reluctant?" Luke asked. "I thought this was a part of your job?"

"Because it is embarrassing!" Rina said while covering her red face with both hands.

"What is embarrassing? Is it finally time for some shady ritual?" Luke frowned.

"Why everything to you starts with a shady ritual?" Shalia frowned as well. "Don't mind her. We just need to bite you to drain your mana. It will only hurt in the beginning. I will be gentle."

"Yeah, right…" Luke said.

In any case, Rina was just too boringly pure, and Shalia was absolutely shameless. No wonder they were like the absolute polar opposites. While Luke had the mind of a semi-degenerate, Shalia still looked a bit too much for him. Nevertheless, considering their sizes, the bite probably won't hurt… his endurance had increased as well, after all.

"All right, as long as these skills of your prove themselves to be useful, you can drain my mana," Luke said.

Appraisal consumed five mana points, and it was the only skill that required mana that Luke could use out of combat. Still, there was no point in using out of combat aside when he tried to prepare for a battle and gather intelligence.

"Our current bond only gives enough power to have around one hundred points of mana in this world, so you will have to wait for around twenty minutes before we become fully charged," Shalia said.

"I guess that is fine… I will take a nap in the meantime. Call me, you are over," Luke said and then fell on his bed again.

Luke soon felt a small sting on his left side, Shalia really doesn't waste time… as for Rina, and she still was too self-conscious to do it. Still, she did it before Luke could fall asleep. After a while, Luke woke up without feeling anything weird with his body, aside from the fact that it was weird that their methods to get stronger were basically the same…

"Hehehe, your mana tastes delicious, Luke," Shalia said while showing a bewitching smile. "It tastes like a spicy tomato soup."

"Tomato soup?" Luke frowned. "How do you know how a tomato soup tastes like? By the way, is that good or bad?"

"For me… it felt like a lemonade," Rina said while looking away.

"Why do you know the tastes of things from Earth?" Luke frowned. "Why does my mana tastes spicy and sour at the same time?"

Despite asking, Luke didn't get any answer. Shalia still was enjoying the taste of the mana, and Rina was avoiding eye contact. Things couldn't have got weirder at a better moment… at least it made Luke forget about what happened with the pilot. Once Luke appeared in the living room, he saw everyone with new equipment, but only Amanda and her parents were awake. At least they decided to take turns before sleeping.

"Are we going to leave now?" Amanda asked.

"You guys can rest for another hour… I will just hunt ordinary zombies in the vicinity," Luke said. "If more than one crow appears, I will retreat."

"Well, look at you giving a proper answer," Amanda said. "By the way… what is wrong with those two?"

"You can ask them yourself," Luke said while looking toward Rina and Shalia. "They are just that weird."

Luke probably wasn't the best person to say that, but it didn't matter. He left the house and immediately found some fat zombies around. For whatever reason, the crows were nowhere to be seen.

"How weird… they should be able to take those with their long-ranged attacks," Luke said.

"What kind of buff do you want?" Rina asked.

"None… I want to test this sword and my current strength," Luke said.