I went to the building that had been pointed out to me by the skill shop guy and was greeted by a fuzzy...thing. Like, it was literally a human-sized ball of fur. It was also tottering and seemed rather unsteady.
Just like a grandma...well, it’s not like I know what’s going on inside there, though.
“Hello!” I called out.
“I heard already. You want advice, yes?”
“Oohh, exactly! That makes things quick!”
“So, what is your goal for the moment?” the fuzzball asked.
I gave her a rough outline of everything that had happened to me up until now, as well as what I was going to have to go through in the near future.
“I see. So you require things that would be useful for a journey, as well as things that would strengthen you in combat.”
“Yep, that’s about right.”
“First, you should not need anything in the realm of weapons or armor—those shoes ought to serve you just fine.”
“You’re right about that too. I’m pretty sure there wouldn’t be many weapons as good as this just lying around.”
Not to mention the fact that it also raised my defenses, speed, and even recovery rate. In terms of equipment, there was no doubt that these babies were pulling off the work of an entire outfit.
“But there are still items you need—equipment that increases your ability to absorb souls. You should aim to get something like that, even if it takes the rest of your points.”
“What is it?”
“Some believe that if you fight on the surface, you will be able to absorb more than you would in a dungeon... That is a very simple thought process, and it is completely wrong. You can absorb souls from the dead, but they scatter and dissipate quickly. It is not easy by any means. Also, if there is anyone else in the vicinity, they will compete with you for the power of the soul. That is why you need to increase your ability in this field. With something that helps you absorb more souls, you will be able to get much more than you normally would. Use the rest of your points to buy a ring with as high an absorption buff as you can. Luckily, you have two hands free—you should be able to wear two rings.”
Though I had five fingers on each hand, apparently each hand could only gain the effect of one ring.
Still, just having arms and legs to equip things with is a huge advantage, isn’t it?
“That should do for equipment. As for skills...that will have to wait until you raise your level a little further. You have already filled your scant skill slots with Language skills, after all...”
“Huh? Wait, would it actually have cost less points if I’d leveled up first?”
“That is correct. You forced extra skills in, so it cost you more points.”
I couldn’t help but sigh. “I really need to learn more about these things...”
“At least your new Language skills will not be useless. There will be many instances where negotiation will be necessary. However, you will want an Appraisal-type skill. Once your level goes up, get one.”
“Which means I just need those items, right?”
“Indeed. Lucky for you, you have an advantage—you can store items. You are a treasure chest, after all. Your ability to stow objects should expand as you level up as well.”
So I’d managed to learn what item I’d need for my journey.
Anyway, just who—or what—is this old lady?
“Just a nosy old grandma. One who grieves over the fact that monsters are made to be used and tossed aside like pawns.”
Sure.