Brand New Life Online: Rise Of The Goddess Of Harvest

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I was a bit shocked that the tournament would begin so early! Seriously, 2:30 PM?! It was way too early, good thing I decided to not go to the gym this time around. I quickly logged in with Mark, my daughter, and her friends, and then we decided to quickly go help Ambil bring his things to the tournament area, a large arena where Players battle, something I've ignored so far.

I wanted to test Blackie's strength and hunt some Hollows or monsters outside the city, but we're in a hurry and Arcadia certainly doesn't want to take away its hold from us. It feels a bit annoying that we're so forced to log-in and come back all the time, but that's how it is. The Gods gave me power and trust my help.

And it doesn't mean just fighting monsters or killing the Demon Kings, helping the world overall, I feel that's also my duty. Helping a friend win a tournament to show some assholes that he's worthy of being the King's Blacksmith? Even more!

What was their name again? Right, the… Forgery Brothers?

Cassim, Adman, Helpes, their names are really weird.

They had a very big and successfully shop here where they mass produce low quality equipment and sell it by the lots. Their customers also come to buy more because their stuff is so bad it breaks all the time.

They looked down on Ambil because of a lot of things, mostly jealously because he was the disciple of a powerful and famous blacksmith of the city and mocked him because he was unable to earn a lot due to not being well known. Experience tales at мѵʟ

Despite that, his creations are always top-notch, and he showed the King how great his stuff was that he utterly humiliated them.

However, they were sore losers, so they challenged Ambil to participate in the crafting competition to show who was truly the master of craftsmanship.

And I think there was some bet where the King was involved too, something about…

Hmm, what was that again? I just can't remember every single little thing, but I think the winner gets recognition and becomes the King's Royal Blacksmith, a figure similar to a Noble of high society.

With that, Ambil could become the official blacksmith of the entire Kingdom, be able to live in the castle, have a huge smithy all for himself, get tons of apprentices, and more.

But if he loses, the King might not buy anything from him ever again…

Well, there's no way we're losing anyways!

"David said he would come pick us up! I already contacted the Queen," I said. "She sent him right in!"

We were currently having a small meal before going to the arena.

"Is that Paladin our personal taxi or something now, mom?" my daughter wondered. "We can just go by foot there…"

"Yeah but I've grown rather used to the carriage, it's nice and comfy," I shrugged. "I just like being treated like I'm special… a bit."

"Well, you are indeed very special, so I suppose that's fair," nodded Mark. "Anyways, how are we doing this? Will only Planta help?"

"I've read the rules and it's allowed to have up to two assistants," said Ambil. "So I could bring someone else… I was thinking on you, Mark. Your fire is strong, and you can handle hot materials and melting metal with your bare hands, something your lady here can't… exactly. Or perhaps not too well."

"I suppose that's fair, yeah. I had planned on calling Hammer though, he's my best blacksmith, the Myconid," I said.

"Oh! That man… He's good but I don't think he would be a good assistant. He has the flame of a true blacksmith, we'll end up clashing and unable to decide well what to make or how to make things," the old blacksmith commented. "This is why you two are better for the job, you are still newbies to an extent, nice and serviceable too."

"Serviceable? I don't like the sound of that…" I muttered.

"Haha, sorry, I didn't mean it in a bad way, you are very helpful. Is that better for ye?" sighed Ambil.

"Much better!" I nodded. "Anyways, are you ready to fight those guys? The Forgery Brothers? I hope you haven't forgotten about them."

"I haven't…" sighed Ambil. "And sure I am waiting to beat the crap out of them… in the competition, through crafting. Of course. Though, I can't help but think they're going to plan something devious. I bet they're going to cheat somehow."

"How could they even cheat?" asked Mark. "Materials and what we need to do are all given in the competition."

"Yeah, but what about tools? Or anything outside of it? I am just a bit suspicious, that's all…" Ambil sighed. "Ah, there he is, your paladin prince."

Suddenly, with the door open, we noticed the carriage arriving.

We quickly finished our meals and departed.

Aside from my daughter, Elisa, Anna, and Monica had joined us.

And about Rita, Lily, and Jenny, they're busy and will log-in much later, so we can't count on them for the moment, unfortunately.

Can't be helped, I don't want to force them nor drag them into this, it is more of my own thing, I get their help, but I don't necessarily need them here.

I think… well, I miss them though. I wish they could be as compromised as I am, but they got their own lives and all.

Rita got her whole big family too, can't force her.

"Lady Planta! Everyone! It seems you're all ready for the big competition, please hurry! We have to quickly depart; competition begins within fifty minutes!" he said.

"Alright, thank you for the ride, David!" I said happily.

And as David carried us to the arena, I asked him about Tomas.

"He has thankfully already woken up, and he has been cooperating with us," David said. "He was actually… Very grateful for what you did, he was happy that demon inside of him was sealed, and no longer forcing him to become a monster."

"I-Is that so? I'm so glad! We should go met him later then!" I nodded.

"Of course, but for now, to the competition! The King and the Queen have already arrived too!" David said. "And their beloved son will also spectate. It is a big event; many nobles have come as well."

"I see…"

But it's also dangerous, too many important people inside a single place.

We have to be extra careful.

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