MMORPG: Rise of the Peerless Pumpkinmancer

[Q- Bring Ores and Forge Fuel to Unknown Blacksmith!]

This was Jack’s questing window. Fun fact, the quests in Infinite usually would not tell more information than the player already possessed. This explained the “Ores” and “Unknown Blacksmith”.

“Now, the fuel is relatively easy to get. The problem is actually the ores. For them, I’ll have to venture into Wolf territory, and these bastards are vicious.” Jack couldn’t help but complain.

No, there was an even more pressing issue. He was utterly broke: he had all that swag with his badass cloak and not even a gold coin to his name. He preferred to avoid fighting monsters with his fists.

—Rustle Rustle—

Jack couldn’t help but smile. That one pink-haired girl was following him, trying to discover his secrets. It seemed like his money problems were about to go away.

“Hey, Bubblegum girl. Come on out.” Jack ordered.

“….”

“Guess I’ll log out for a break.” Jack exaggeratedly sighed.

“Wait! I’m coming!” She exited a nearby bush with leaves sticking to her head. “Also, I’m called Seraphine, not Bubble—” She grumbled.

“Denied. Now, you asked for an exchange of information, right?” Jack reminded her.

“Yes, we can help each other and—” She happily replied.

“Nope. That’s where you’re wrong. I can assure you that our knowledge of this game isn’t comparable. Now, I can teach you, but there will be a fee.” Jack relaxedly grinned.

“A fee? How much?” She suspiciously asked.

“Everything.”

“What do you mean everything?!” She flared up.

“Simple, I order, and you obey. I keep the loot, and you get to learn. Simple, right?” Jack shared.

“What there’s no way that’s—”

“Fair? It isn’t, and it won’t be. I don’t need you at all. For me, you’re nothing but a random girl that loves pink too much. So, are you in or out?” He gave her an ultimatum.

“…..Aren’t you worried that I’ll betray you?”

“Hahaha.” Jack began walking, chuckling to himself. “You’re funny, Bubblegum!” would she betray him? Only if she was a complete idiot. He was about to rock her world!

“Hey, I’m not—!” She weakly protested.

“How many chests did you get and where?” He interrogated.

“I checked every building rooftop already. There were four….”

“Sounds about right. Alright, let’s go.” Jack enthusiastically guided her to the well in the middle of the village. “I’m thirsty; get your teacher some water.” He obnoxiously asked.

“Y-you! Why would I? …Fine!” She reluctantly approached the well, fully prepared to stick her foot in his ass if he kept being irritating.

Jack used the opportunity to push her straight into it. He then laughed at her expense like the most basic prankster, even hollering at the bystanders. “Did you guys see her face?!”

“How dare you!” She slowly climbed back up, looking like a wet dog, her pink eyes red with fury.

“Now, now. Don’t get too mad and follow me.” Jack barely showed remorse as they went away.

But, as soon as they were out of sight, she instantly seemed to change completely. “Oh my god! How did you know there was a chest down there?!” She excitedly cried out.

“When aren’t there chests down wells? Like seriously…It’s a staple of the genre! Seeing how happy you are, you got a weapon, right? Let me guess, Rosewood?” Jack deduced.

“How did you— ?!”

Jack ignored her. She’d get used to it soon enough. He brought her to a wooden building a little on the side of the town. Above the door, there was a sign representing a potion: <Fairy Potion>. As they were about to enter, a group of players left the place, cursing.

“Damn, that bitch is so damn greedy!” Then turned to Jack. “You guys shouldn’t waste your time with her. She sells her basic potions 5 silvers. How the fuck are we supposed to get 5 silvers?!”

“Thanks for the info, guys. We’re just visiting. I have an exploration blog.” Jack justified himself.

As soon as they were left alone, Bubblegum couldn’t help but whisper. “So…do you really like exploring or…? Ah, you’re frowning. Okay, my bad! We’re here for official business!” They entered.

Behind the counter, one could see an old lady elegantly sitting with her legs crossed while reading. She was wearing a tight outfit that showed all her forms. Honestly, it would have been nice if she didn’t look like an ogre.

Then, there were various posters on the walls with motivational quotes that said bullshit like: You’re beautiful just the way you are! Talk about BS in a world where one could magically change appearance! Jack approached the counter.

“Hey there, I’m here to do business. How are you doing on this wonderful day, gorgeous? You know, I’ve always respected esteemed alchemists. It’s such a worthy profession!—”

“You’re a professional kiss-ass, aren’t you?” The old lady sneered.

“Only when it’s your magnificent ass, fair lady! I cannot take my eyes off from your—” Jack was then interrupted.

“T-teacher, stop! She already called you out for—” Bubblegum exclaimed with Jack shaking his head.

“Meddlesome girl! I never told him to stop! Tch, she killed the mood. Ah, fine. Tell me, how many potions do you want to buy?”

—Shocked Bubblegum—

“….” How could these people be so shameless?!

“I’m actually here to sell,” Jack admitted.

“Say whaaaaat?!” His student screamed, flabbergasted.

“Boy….you do know this is an alchemy shop, right?” The old lady almost seemed to be questioning his cognitive abilities.

“Bubblegum, take out the potions you looted from the chests, all of them. The small and the bigger ones. I’m sure she’ll like them.”

Seraphine had a slight shock. Right, of course, he knew about the potions! How?! Still, she complied as she could only cry internally. These seemed very valuable at this stage of the game!

She took out all five smaller ones and the two big ones. As soon as she revealed them, the old lady instantly gulped, her eyes transfixed on the bigger ones.

“4 silvers for each smaller ones and 1 G per big one.” Jack began negotiating.

“I just want the big ones, 20 silvers each.”

“4 silvers / 1 G, buy all or none.” (Jack)

“3 silvers / 40 silvers”

“3 silvers / 60 silvers” (Jack)

“2 silvers / 50 silvers”

“Deal! This will be 1 G and 10 silvers in total. Bubblegum, give her the potions.” Jack happily exclaimed.

The poor girl handed the ecstatic old woman her precious treasure as she saw Jack pocket all the coins. What the heck had she just done?! 1 Gold meant being rich right now! She could only console herself, knowing she still had her dagger.

As they exited the shop, Seraphine couldn’t help but ask, extremely perplexed. “Why in the nine heavens did a potion maker just buy potions?!”

“Reverse engineering. She’s going to study them to further her craft. She didn’t care one bit about the small ones. But, she had no choice if she wanted the big ones.” Jack magnanimously explained.

“?! I see….”

This game was already proving beyond her comprehension. It turned out that he had been right. Whatever she knew was nothing compared to him! He had even bargained so naturally. Why did it seem like he knew the price they’d agree to beforehand?

“Don’t be too impressed yet. This was just step #1 of a very long list.” Jack teased her. Behind him, he could hear her enthusiastic steps.

Oh, this would be hella fun!…

Creator’s Thought

All the Beginner Villages are similar yet different. The trick is to watch for clues to figure out the appropriate scenario. For instance, a shop called Fairy with beauty motivational speeches meant an owner weak to flattery ;).