Chapter 5: Offering Help
Reading the mission from the system, Vincent's eyes narrowed. So the way the system gives mission is when a certain criteria or event is met, thought Vincent as he studied the details of the new mission displayed before him. It wasn't just a simple quest, but one that involved potential danger and a substantial responsibility. He was no stranger to challenges, but the stakes were higher this time, involving real lives and not just his own survival.
Vincent turned his attention back to Luminova, who was watching him with an expectant look, probably sensing the shift in his demeanor.
"So, Luminova. What is your plan?"
"I will take my leave after I eat this breakfast and find my way back to the Kingdom of Eldoria," Luminova revealed. "But to do that, I need your help. I don't know where I am currently so you can guide me back there..."
She paused, as if realizing that she is taking advantage of his kindness. "Oh...sorry, I shouldn't assume you'd just help me like that."
Vincent smiled reassuringly. "It's okay, Luminova. I've already decided to help you."
"You already decided?" Luminova repeated.
"Yes, the forest is dangerous for someone like you. What if the bandits are still roaming around and find you? Can you even protect yourself?"
Luminova looked down with a downcast face. Vincent had a point, she doesn't have any fighting or magic skills to protect herself.
"I admit, I'm powerless Sir Vincent. So is it okay if I ask for your help again? I will compensate you when we get back to the Kingdom of Eldoria," Luminova promised.
"Okay, that's fine with me. We will leave in the afternoon. I will prepare my gear and you should get yourself washed. I will look if there are clothes you can use."
"I appreciate it very much, Sir Vincent," Luminova said softly, her cheeks reddening in embarrassment.
***
After their breakfast, Vincent prepared for their trip, starting from his arsenal.
He decided to keep the G36 assault rifle and his SIG Sauer M17 American. He opened his system and found out that there are free items in it so long as it is clothes. So he got himself a magazine pouch that he strapped in his waist where he'd stored magazines for G36 and the M17 pistol.
Next he got himself a vest which he can store more magazines in. He considered getting an actual bulletproof vest but given the weapons used in this world aren't firearms, he opted not to get one.
Vincent then turned to Luminova's needs. Knowing she had no training in combat, he'd still give him a weapon that would be easy to use. He browsed the system where he found an array of pistols. He selected the Glock 19, a compact and reliable handgun.
And as for her clothes, it was no problem as the system also has different kinds of clothes. He selected one that is familiar to her, which is the dirndl with the same color and handed it to her.
"I don't know your size but this should fit," Vincent said as he set it up on the rack next to the bathroom door.
"Okay," Luminova responded from behind the bathroom door as she changed into the new dirndl. Moments later, she emerged dressed in the familiar style of her homeland.
As Luminova joined Vincent in the living room, he handed her the Glock 19. It was a strange, metallic object in her hands, something she had never seen in her life before.
"What is this?" she asked, turning the handgun over in her hands, cautious not to point it at herself or Vincent.
screamed again, his face contorting in pain.
"Okay, okay! It's north, two kilometers from here!" he gasped out, trying to alleviate the
pressure.
Vincent nodded, keeping his weapon trained on the man. "How many of you are there?"
"About forty... Please, no more," the bandit pleaded, wincing.
Vincent looked back at Luminova, signaling her to stay put. He then turned his attention back
to the bandit.
"How do I know that it's not a bullshit answer?" Vincent's voice was stern as he kept his foot
firmly on the bandit's wounded leg, applying just enough pressure to remind the man of his
precarious situation.
The bandit, grimacing in pain, nodded quickly. "I swear, that's where our camp is! Please, I'm
telling the truth!"
Vincent eased the pressure off the bandit's leg but kept his gun aimed squarely at him. "It seems that you are telling the truth, your cooperation is much appreciated."
When the bandit thought that he was going to live, the sound of gunfire immediately erased
those thoughts.
[You have gained: 300 experience points and 1,500 gold coins!]
Luminova gasped in shock.
Vincent walked back to where Luminova was standing and she asked.
"Why did you kill him? You promised that you'll let him live?"
Vincent glanced at the corpse of the third bandit and answered, "Those people make a living
out of harming others. They don't deserve to live."
Luminova looked troubled but nodded slowly.
"We need to move quickly now," Vincent said, checking his weapons and looking around to
ensure no other bandits were nearby.