Adventurer of Many Professions

"Huh?" Arya's brows shot up as she spun around to look at Raymond, her eyes wide with surprise. "You mean… buy it now?"

Raymond nodded, a glimmer of excitement in his eyes. "Yes! Remember what we talked about? We promised each other that if we ever came into money, we'd buy a big house. A place just for us, with the biggest, coziest room. And, best of all, we'd sleep until noon, waking up naturally without any interruptions!"

"But… why now?" Arya's cheeks flushed a little, memories bubbling up as she stared down at her feet.

They had both dreamed of it for so long. Living crammed into the attic of the Becker Hotel, they barely had enough room to stretch. Every morning, right at six, Mrs. Weir's sharp voice would echo up the stairs, jarring them awake to start their duties. Even if they wanted to linger, the cramped quarters and that dreaded voice left them no choice. To have a house of their own, where they could sleep in peace without the daily grind gnawing at their dreams, that was freedom.

"I don't know if fifty-five gold coins will be enough," Raymond said, patting the small, weighty purse at his waist, "but it's worth a look, don't you think? We can see what's out there."

Arya's face softened, but then she looked up, biting her lip, her brows furrowing with concern. "Raymond… are you sure? Have you really thought about what you want to do from here?"

Raymond blinked. "What do you mean?"

"I mean…" Arya took a deep breath, her tone turning practical and cautious. "If we spend every last coin on a house, we'll have nothing left. No jobs, no savings… even if we buy a place, we still need money to live, Raymond. Maybe we should think about finding work first, then look into buying a house."

Raymond grinned, his eyes gleaming with determination. "Don't worry, Arya. I've got a plan."

Arya tilted her head, studying him. "Are you… thinking of becoming an adventurer?"

Raymond hesitated, his expression a little sheepish. "Well, yes… something like that."

Arya sighed, but there was a warmth to her gaze. She'd suspected as much. For people like them, those without wealth or status, becoming an adventurer was one of the few ways to rise above their circumstances. It was dangerous, yes, but the rewards could be enormous. Skilled adventurers earned not just respect but also the chance to mingle with nobility, and, in rare cases, to be granted titles.

"I figured as much," Arya murmured, shaking her head but unable to hide her smile. "Look, I don't mind you becoming an adventurer, but it's risky work. You need proper equipment, Raymond. Armor, weapons; things to keep you safe!"

Raymond nodded, remembering the two adventurers they'd seen last night. They'd been outfitted in sturdy armor, bristling with weapons, and looked ready to face any threat. The adventurers he'd seen around town all bore similar gear, a mix of steel and leather meant to protect them from the dangers they faced.

"Alright," Arya said firmly, her tone leaving no room for argument, "first things first. Let's use some of that gold to buy you proper equipment. Then, we can think about a house."

Raymond sighed, but he knew better than to argue. Arya was steadfast and practical; traits that had kept them both out of trouble more times than he could count. Her determination had saved him before, keeping people like Seth and his gang from messing with him. He gave a small nod, yielding to her logic.

"Alright," he agreed, though he added with a wry grin, "but I just became an awakener. When I register, they'll probably only give me the easiest missions, so I doubt I'll need anything too fancy. Just basic armor should do."

Arya considered this and then nodded. "Fine. We'll start small. Let's head to the East District weapons shop. I bet they'll have some affordable options to start with."

Without another word, Arya took his hand, leading him towards the East District with a determined stride.

As they made their way down the bustling streets, Arya glanced over at him, her curiosity getting the better of her. "By the way… what exactly is your awakened profession?"

Raymond raised an eyebrow, pausing in his steps. A faint smile played on his lips as he lifted his right hand. With a flicker of thought, a pair of faintly glowing fists appeared on the back of his hand, symbolizing his new path.

"It's a fighter," he said, watching her reaction carefully.

"Fighter?" Arya murmured, tapping her cheek as she pondered. Her eyes flickered with determination as she considered what kind of gear would best suit a fighter. What kind of armor would give Raymond the protection he needed?

Yet, despite her thoughtful expression, Arya was at a loss. She didn't know much about weapons or armor. "Let's just go to the weapons shop and get some advice," she said

Arya's eyes sparkled with a mix of excitement and worry as she took in the symbol. "Well then," she said softly, a small grin spreading across her face, "we'd better make sure you have everything you need, Fighter Raymond. Let's make you the best adventurer this town has ever seen."

Together, they strolled down the bustling streets of the East District. The air was thick with the scents of grilled meat and fresh fruit as vendors called out, hawking their goods. Children darted between stalls, clutching brightly colored toys, and laughter filled the air. Raymond soaked in the scene, a nostalgic smile creeping across his face. It felt like the lively markets he remembered from his old life.

By day, the East District wasn't just a haven for adventurers; it was also filled with ordinary townsfolk and demihumans, their varied features blending seamlessly into the crowd. The different races; half-elves, demihuman traders, felinefolk, mingled freely with humans. It was common to see mixed adventuring teams, humans and demihumans united to tackle the dangers beyond the town's walls.

At last, they arrived at a sturdy, unassuming shop nestled between two bustling stalls. A faded wooden sign above the door read *Greytor's Weapon Shop*. Arya pushed the door open, and they stepped into the musky interior.

Behind the counter stood Greytor, a short but powerfully built dwarf with gray hair as wild as a stormy sky and a beard tangled into thick, knotted strands. His skin was smudged with soot, and he wore a leather apron marred by years of work. The shop echoed with the rhythmic sound of metal being pounded, as Greytor hammered a glowing red sword blank. He didn't even glance up as they entered, tossing the metal into a bucket of water with a loud hiss.

"Looking for weapons or armor?" Greytor's gruff voice filled the shop, and he turned toward them, reaching down to a handle on his belt. With a click and a quick shake, the dwarf seemed to grow several inches taller. Raymond and Arya exchanged stunned glances.

Realizing what had happened, they saw it wasn't Greytor himself who had grown taller, but the soles of his boots. The dwarf smirked, clearly amused at their amazement.

"Surprised by my invention, eh?" He chuckled, eyeing them with a glint of pride. "Gives me a bit more height when I need it," he added smugly, patting the control on his belt.

Arya and Raymond blinked, then laughed, both impressed by the ingenuity.

Greytor narrowed his gaze at Raymond, looking him over with practiced eyes. "Just awakened, haven't you?" He nodded knowingly, then turned his attention to Arya. "And you're… just an ordinary girl, right?"

Arya's jaw dropped. "How… how did you know?" she asked, genuinely surprised.

Greytor crossed his thick arms, raising his chin proudly. "I've been in this business long enough to tell who's who." He gave Raymond a shrewd look. "It's all in the stance. An awakener holds themselves a bit differently."

Raymond was intrigued. He knew that, typically, someone's awakening status wasn't easy to spot unless they actively used magic or displayed their abilities. But this dwarf seemed to read him as clearly as if he'd declared it.

Greytor waved a hand dismissively. "Now, what's your profession, lad?"

"Fighter," Raymond replied.

"Ah, a fighter." Greytor's eyes gleamed with interest as he turned to a row of gear hanging on the wall. "If you're looking to buy protective gear, I'd suggest leather armor. Durable, flexible, and won't weigh you down."

Arya tilted her head, puzzled. "But… fighters are close-combat types, right? Shouldn't Raymond be wearing something tougher, like iron armor, to protect him from monsters? Leather seems… flimsy for something that dangerous."

Greytor let out a hearty laugh, shaking his head. "You've got spirit, lass, but trust me on this. Leather's the right choice for a starting fighter. Metal armor might protect you better, but it's heavy and will slow him down. A fighter needs speed and agility just as much as strength. Leather armor's lightweight and durable enough to withstand most low-level threats. And it won't drag him down or leave him clanking around like an armored golem."

Raymond glanced at the wall, eyeing the leather armor sets Greytor had pointed out. He reached out, running his fingers over a piece crafted from thick animal hide, supple yet strong to the touch. "This… feels right," he admitted. "I need to move quickly, especially if I'm going to get close in battle."

Greytor nodded approvingly. "Exactly. Speed and adaptability are your best friends, lad. As you get more experienced and earn more coin, you can upgrade. But for now, leather will do the job."

Arya still looked unsure but finally nodded, giving Raymond a small smile. "Alright. If this is what you need, then let's get it. And maybe a good weapon too, right?"

Greytor's face split into a grin. "Now that's what I like to hear! Let's find you a weapon that'll bring out the best in your fighter skills. We've got some decent blades, but for a fresh fighter like you, maybe a short sword and shield are more practical to start."

As he guided them through the shop, the dwarf regaled them with stories of past adventurers who had come through his doors. Some had risen to fame, others to misfortune, but each had left a mark. His eyes sparkled with pride as he held out a sturdy, reliable-looking short sword. Raymond hefted it, testing the balance, and felt a surge of excitement.

"That one's a beauty," Greytor said, patting the sword as if it were an old friend. "Solid and dependable, perfect for a beginner."

Raymond looked over at Arya, who nodded, her face a mixture of excitement and resolve. They were one step closer to their dream, and with Greytor's help, they were beginning their journey on the right foot.