HC: Pacifist | Ch. 186 - And the Winner Is… (Patreon)

Roth approached Rhapsody’s dummy and studied the stats of each piece of equipment.

Forest Lambswool Cap (Rare)

Description: A cap knitted from a lamb’s first wool. It smells like the forest and has a beautiful sheen. This is part of a set.

Item effects:

+1% cooldown reduction;

+8 intelligence;

+2 wisdom;

+5 hp regeneration;

+5 ep regeneration.

Restrictions: Light affinity, nature affinity, lvl. 28.

Forest Lambswool Robes (Rare)

Description: Robes tailored from the finest lambswool. They smell like the forest and have a beautiful sheen. This is part of a set.

Item effects:

+1% cooldown reduction;

+11 intelligence;

+100 hp;

+6% damage reduction;

+4% status resistance.

Restrictions: Light affinity, nature affinity, lvl. 30.

Forest Lambswool Mittens (Rare)

Description: Mittens fashioned using wool carefully harvested from a lamb's first shearing. They smell like the forest and have a beautiful sheen. This is part of a set.

Item effects:

+1% cooldown reduction;

+4 intelligence;

+3 wisdom;

+4% status resistance.

Forest Lambswool Slacks (Rare)

Description: These trousers are crafted from the softest lambswool. They smell like the forest and have a beautiful sheen. This is part of a set.

Item effects:

+10 intelligence;

+4 wisdom;

+1% damage reduction.

Restrictions: Light affinity, nature affinity, lvl. 30.

Forest Lambswool Runner Shoes (Rare)

Description: Shoes made from a lamb’s first shearing.  They smell like the forest and have a beautiful sheen. This is part of a set.

Item effects:

+15% running speed;

+5 dexterity.

Restrictions: Light affinity, nature affinity, lvl. 30.

Forest Lambswool Cape (Rare)

Description: Regal cape crafted from the fleece of a lamb's first shearing. It smells like the forest and has a beautiful sheen.  This is part of a set.

Item effects:

+1% cooldown reduction;

+10 intelligence;

+5 charisma;

+3% running speed.

Restrictions: Light affinity, nature affinity, level 31.

[Forest Lambswool Set] effects:

If three pieces of the set are equipped:

+3 to all stats;

+5% intelligence;

+1% cooldown reduction.

If six pieces of the set are equipped:

+5 to all stats;

+10% intelligence;

+3% cooldown reduction;

You smell like a forest;

You glow brighter.

Roth could hardly breathe, looking at the description. No wonder she had been so confident! She had made a set! How on earth had she done this? Did she have a recipe prepared beforehand? If so, it was a devious move to challenge Leanne while keeping this ace up her sleeve.

As he compared the pieces of equipment, he was torn between who the victor should be. On the one hand, individually, Leanne’s pieces of equipment were all superior to Rhapsody’s. But on the other hand, they weren’t part of a set.

While Rhapsody’s individual pieces of equipment were lackluster in comparison to Leanne’s and impossible to sell later on, they had a powerful set effect. This type of universal increase to all stats was particularly powerful since Roth had ten different stats. Just from that specific bonus from this set, he won 50 stat points, or ten levels worth of stats.

The [Forest Lambswool Set] also offered a percentage increase in intelligence. He was no stranger to this kind of bonus, thanks to his [Well-Read] title, which granted 1% to intelligence; his [First of a Kind] title, which granted 5% to charisma; and, more recently, his [Stat Prodigy] title. Although, at first, this percentage bonus didn’t do much, as he kept amassing stats they revealed their true potential. From the moment he activated his [Badger Form], this bonus could easily translate into a bonus of 50 plus intelligence.

Last but not least, it was his first time seeing equipment that granted affinity bonuses. He had a sensitivity to the light element thanks to his [Martyr] title and one to nature thanks to his zoomorph race. What would happen once he equipped this set?

“You sneaky gal,” Roth heard Leanne say as she studied the pieces of equipment on Rhapsody’s dummy. “You had a set recipe!”

“I wasn’t the only sneaky one. How much did you spend on that [Blue Orchid Dye]? 100 gold?”

“It’s a small price to pay to get those stats. So your elemental needles give more stats in exchange for narrowing down who uses them?”

“That’s right.”

“Cool. However, that kills its selling potential. How many players do you know with a dual affinity at level 30?”

“There you go, thinking only about money! It’s all about the craft, girl!”

“I have made my decision!” declared Roth, making the murmuring around the tent quiet and stopping the girls before they began bickering. The two girls stared at Roth, eager to hear the results.

“First of all, let me tell you that it was very difficult to decide between the two sets of equipment. You are both fantastic tailors, and you deserve a round of applause. Am I right?”

The crowd released a thundering round of applause and cheers. Roth meant what he said. The girls had put on quite a show. Their display of techniques had captured the crowd's attention, especially the tailors, who took the lead in applauding.

“Leanne, even though the equipment you made is fantastic, Rhapsody was able to make a set with an incredible effect. I’m sorry, she wins this round. Rhapsody, congratulations! You are now a VIP member of the Union Collective.”

SergeantSarg started chanting Rhapsody’s name, to which all the other union members joined.

Leanne gracefully walked over to Rhapsody and shook her adversary’s hand. “Good fight. I enjoyed seeing your crafting process. I have to give it a go with those marbled wool patterns.”

“It’s worth it. I’ve also been working mostly with knitting, but I must focus more on using the loom. Your technique with it is awesome.”

Roth smiled, seeing the comradery and the maturity of both girls. That only assured him that what he was about to do was fair. He raised his arms, signaling the crowd that he wasn’t done talking.

“However, that’s not all. Something incredible happened today, which the Union Collective can’t ignore. Let me ask you. Did you enjoy seeing this battle?”

A round of applause sounded.

“And would you like to see more of them in the future?”

“Yeah!” came the answer from the crowd.

“Leanne was the one who gave the idea to start this type of crafting battle. She also showed great sportsmanship by accepting Rhapsody’s challenge even when she didn’t have to. In the statutes of the Union, we state that we’ll reward members for an extraordinary contribution to the union. Leanne’s contribution today can’t go unnoticed. Leanne, congratulations. You are now also a VIP member of the union!”

Hearing this, the mature tailor reverted to a giddy teenage girl, and she gave Roth a hug. “Thank you!”

“No problem.”

She then went to Rhapsody, and both jumped happily and hugged each other. Roth observed, smiling. Today, both girls were winners, but that wouldn’t always be the case. He glanced at the master jewelers who waited for their turn. He wondered who between the two would win the next battle.

“Now, please give your attention to the host of our next epic crafting battle! Give it up for SergeantSarg!”

The sergeant took the hint and went to the ring. Everyone in the union knew him, and he received a warm welcome from the crowd just by standing up. As soon as they quieted down, the tall veteran announced the challenge's rules. Roth used the opportunity to leave the circle's center, followed by Leanne and Rhapsody.

As the crowd roared and applauded, Roth used the chance to say goodbye to both girls.

“Ladies, your skills are incredible. I learned a lot.”

“Wait. Are you a tailor, too?” asked Rhapsody curiously.

“Yes, I am.”

“What level?” asked Leanne.

“Level 10.”

They looked at each other, and even though they respectfully remained silent, Roth could see the implicit ‘what a noob’ look. “Do you mind if I call you whenever I need guidance?”

“Sure. And, by the way, thank you, Pax,” said Leanne. “You were the one who gave the idea for the battles. Not me.”

“What I told the crowd wasn’t a complete lie. You had thought of it, too. Besides, I honestly believe you both deserve to be VIPs. I’ll add you to the roster as soon as possible. OK?” Roth turned to leave.

“Wait. Aren’t you staying for the jewelry battle?”

“I’d love to, but I must take care of some things. I’ll be back before the challenge ends, though.”

“You’re forgetting something, Pax,” complained Rhapsody with a pout.

Roth looked blankly at Rhapsody and then remembered what she was talking about. “Oh, right. Sure. You can hold him.” Roth pulled Lin from the folds of his Black Toxicologist Jacket and handed him over to Rhapsody.

“Aaw… Aren’t you the cutest little kitten?”

Rhapsody, catching Leanne’s begging look, approached her. “See how soft he is.”

“Oh my goodness, I can’t believe how cute he is!”

Roth let them play with Lin for a few minutes, and then, looking at the time, decided it was time to go. “I’m going to leave now. But I’ll be back in a while,” he said while picking Lin up again.

“Alright. See you around, Pax.”

The girls went to see the battle while Roth headed in the opposite direction, toward the auction house. He had really enjoyed meeting the two tailors. They had completely opposite styles but were both really good at what they did. The possibility of giving them a call whenever he was stuck was priceless.

Roth activated [Camouflage] and ran out of the tent camp. As he ran through one of the avenues of Hilsford, he equipped his new set.

EQUIPMENT

Right Hand: [Plumber's Torch] | +5 intelligence

Left Hand: [Flag of the Rat Cave] | +10 wisdom; +6 dexterity; +10% speed; [Ratan Stride]; [Ratan Dash]

Shoes: [Forest Lambswool Runner Shoes] | +15% running speed; +5 dexterity

Bottom: [Forest Lambswool Slacks] | +10 intelligence; +4 wisdom; +1% damage reduction

Top: [Forest Lambswool Robes] | +1% cooldown reduction; +11 intelligence; +100 hp; +6% damage reduction; +4% status resistance

Gloves: [Forest Lambswool Mittens] | +1% cooldown reduction; +4 intelligence; +3 wisdom; +4% status resistance

Head: [Forest Lambswool Hood] |  +1% cooldown reduction; +8 intelligence; +2 wisdom; +5 hp regeneration; +5 ep regeneration

Cape: [Wool Poncho] | +10 intelligence; +5 charisma; +3% running speed; +1% cooldown reduction

As he put on all the different pieces, they all shone in a brilliant white with a faint green tone, and then the glow disappeared.

The Leafies enjoy the scent of the forest on you.

+1 nature affinity;

+10 affection.

[Leafies] have leveled up.

Lin thinks you smell nice.

+1 nature affinity;

+10 affection.

[Lin] has leveled up.

Roth stopped running to read through the notifications. What? He had gained nature affinity just by equipping this set of equipment. And his pets had leveled up just like that? How was that possible? Roth scratched his chin, lost in thought.

His zoomorph race had a relationship with nature affinity, and since he had unlocked it, he had been steadily gaining points on that front. Could it be that the equipment’s effect stacked with his race and made gaining affinity easier? If so, this set of equipment was even more valuable than Roth had given it credit for.

Not only that but with this switch, his stats grew immensely.

STATS

Strength: 74

Dexterity: 97

Intelligence: 143 (+11%)

Wisdom: 171

Endurance: 244 (+10%)

Charisma: 124 (+5%)

Resilience: 24

Insight: 29

Subterfuge: 58

Perception: 18

Although [Plumber Boots] and [Plumber Gloves] offered some neat special effects, they didn’t give any stats. He had just gained a massive spike in power by replacing them with better alternatives.

Compared with the 1% cooldown reduction offered by the [Black Toxicologist] set, he now had 7% cooldown reduction from this set alone. His [Wool’s Will] effect had also kicked in, granting him an extra six intelligence and three dexterity. Wearing the beautiful regal ensemble of green and white marbled wool, Roth looked like the ruler of a kingdom in some frozen mountain realm.

The best part of it all was that he was just getting started. Even as he ran, some of the top jewelers in the game were giving their all, creating some accessories that fit his playstyle, and all of that for free! That last part was especially important because it left him with a much-needed budget to secure what he needed from the auction house without worrying about money.

Back at the auction house, Roth rushed up the stairs, past the columns, and returned to precisely the same bench where he’d been sitting when Drake summoned him. Roth’s experience so far was that something bad happened whenever he wanted to spend time shopping. Therefore, he would just hurry to purchase what he wanted as fast as he could.

He first looked for consumables that granted stats. Like before, the cheapest one was [Golden Acorn], priced at ten gold a piece.

Golden Acorn (Consumable)

Item description: Occasionally, the majestic oak trees of the Jade Forest will give an exceptional acorn such as this.

Item effects:

Increases a random stat by 1.

It can only be eaten 3 times.

He had his eyes on these for a long time, but for a lack of funds, he had been postponing purchasing them. He bought three right away and stuffed them all in his mouth. They tasted surprisingly like caramelized popcorn.

The vitality of the forest strengthens you.

+1 charisma;

+1 nature affinity.

The vitality of the forest strengthens you.

+1 insight;

+1 nature affinity.

The vitality of the forest strengthens you.

+1 dexterity;

+1 nature affinity.

What a nice surprise. He hadn’t expected the [Golden Acorns] also to increase his nature affinity. Was that also a reflection of his zoomorph race and the [Forest Lambswool] set effect stacking up? Looking at the golden acorn, he thought about the Leafies ant colony. They also lived in acorns. Why not get them an upgrade?

Ch. 185 - Blue Orchid

INDEX

Ch. 187 - Shopping Spree