Walking Disasters and Me-Gearing Up – Ch 57

Walking Disasters and Me-Gearing Up – Ch 57

After a surprising amount of walking - I'm beginning to think this estate is like a Tardis or something, bigger on the inside than outside - we arrive at a junction that splits off into solid, worked stone instead of the usual oaken wood motif. Sturdy, crafted stone steps delve deeper down past the ground floor as I curiously turn my head to the side and look at Akiko. "Uh... I mean, I know we've slept together a couple times, but isn't it a bit early to show me your pleasure basement?" I say with a nervous chuckle.
She quirks an eyebrow at me and then smirks teasingly as she replies, "Fret not, my dear, my special room is
much
closer to my own lodgings, on the other side of the estate, but I would be
happy
to take you there if you want~." She gives me a saucy wink that makes me shudder in a bit of anticipation, fear, and most definitely arousal as she continues on, "No, this is the entrance to our modified training rooms as well as the foundry and armory that Samantha oversees. Much like the room in which you took your tribulation, the rooms below are outfitted with various modifications and enchantments from arrays and formations to offer unique experiences in controlled environments.
Some manipulate the force exerted on the World to you, some produce various monsters and enemies as practice targets, and some are just excellently sound proofed and reinforced in case a new skill needs to be tempered or mastered. Come, we will be stopping by to see our resident blacksmith first so that she can equip or forge suitable training weapons and armor for you." She finishes informatively as she takes my hand in hers and begins to lead me down into the basement training grounds. Which is
quite
an odd sentence to say.
We pass by a few doors, some with various glyphs and inscriptions on them denoting the effects inside, before we end up at a solid, rounded metal door with the apparently universal sign for a blacksmith: a hammer striking an anvil. Akiko knocks loudly on the door, making me almost jump back at the ringing sound in my ears as she gives me an apologetic smile, before the vault like entry way begins to creak open. A waft of heat and metallic tang surrounds the space around us as a soot covered, charming face pokes its head into the newly opened space.
Samantha looks to have a hefty sheen of sweat along her sculpted arms, probably bulging a bit more from recently having worked them out, as her curly blonde hair is done up in a single high ponytail behind her. She's forgone any kind of robe in favor of a semi-traditional looking blacksmiths apron covering a white, tight-fitting blouse with sleeves going down to her wrist, her hands covered by thick leather gloves with various markings on them. Her legs are equally shielded by the apron, but I can tell behind the protective leather flap she is wearing thick, rawhide pants, the ends being tucked into solid looking leather boots.
I also notice that her shirt is clinging to her form rather tightly, probably a mix of intention and the wetness of sweat, but I can't lie that it isn't doing something for me. The thoughts seem to bring a different kind of heat to my face, but luckily the glow from whatever forge setup she has out of view right now makes it rather dark where Akiko and I are standing. Akiko gives a small wave to Samantha before answering her inquisitive look,
"Hello sweetie~!"
Akiko says as she leans down to give Samantha a kiss on the head, "Amelia has decided that she would like to begin some weapon and armor training today, and possibly for the next little while. I was wondering if you and her could spend some time and get her set up with suitable gear while I go prepare some rooms for basic drills."
Samantha gives a small bow after she runs a forearm across her charcoal marked face, making the sweat smear the discoloration across her brow. She rights herself as she replies, "Of course Mistress~. And good morning to you,
little pup~
." She winks to me as she continues, her somehow sexily dirty form and teasing words sending a shiver through me, "What all should I have her prepared for? I already have her measurements so I should be able to procure anything rather quickly."
Akiko seems to think for a second before turning to me, throwing the option my way, "I suppose that is up to Amelia for now. What would you like to start with, my dear?"
I shake my head, trying to get my train of thought back on focus and out of horny town, "Uh, definitely spears first since I'm already familiar, but I'm honestly not sure after that. Maybe bows? I'm curious to see how quick I can pick up on the ranged stuff due to some of my perks from the system and my past life. As for armor, I honestly have no idea. Does this dress technically count as light armor?"
Samantha answers back in a professional tone, somewhat easing my transition back into normalcy, "Typically
no
, dresses and robes are more the basis for enchanted armors which are their own category. Light armor would be things like leather breastplates, bracers, shin guards, the like. Medium is considered metal reinforced leathers, or certain types of chest plates that offer good protection while still affording mobility. Heavy armor would be like what I wear, full suits of plate mail - usually enchanted for additional weight reduction and protection - or at the very least enough protective metal to cover every vital spot effectively."
"Huh... I wonder why I didn't receive a quest to master enchanted armors then?" I ask as I raise a finger to my chin in thought.
Akiko and Samantha shrug at the same time, which is rather cute, but Akiko beats Sam to her explanation, "Likely because there is no inherent need to learn how to use such a garment beyond simply
donning it.
Armors, and their constituent parts, require time and training to get the most protection and offensive use from. A properly enchanted bracer can easily deflect an incoming strike that may have had you hesitate if you were just in a battle dress, allowing you to perform a vicious counterattack on your opponent. Rather unneeded for your situation, Amelia, considering the
level
of your attire, but that is the theory behind it anyway."
Samantha adds on as she nods with Akiko's words, "That is pretty much the gist of it. Light armors are much the favorite of assassins and such as they can put them toe to toe with more martial style cultivators in a pinch, provided the items level and skill differences line up. It's all a delicate balancing act, and the first step of it is to learn what speaks to you. Come inside, Amelia, and I'll walk you through that first step."
I give a small nod and smile up to Akiko who in turn waves to both Samantha and I and goes off to prepare a room for future use. I turn back and breach the entry way to Sam's workshop and take in the roughly 30 ft by 30 ft space around me, the heat from the room already making my hair stick to my face. Multiple racks of tongs, pliers, hooks, and everything in between hang from various spots on all of the stone walls, dangling above dark wooden benches and workspaces. Off in the far right corner looks to be a sketching board of some kind, with multiple sketches and designs of weapons and armors pinned into various spots along its wooden headboard. There also seems to be a door sat next to the bench, leading into some unknown room since it is currently closed. I look back to the left as I hear the large door wheel shut behind me with a loud, securing clang and notice the large, almost medieval style arched chimney forge sat embedded into the side of the left wall.
Large leathery bellows fastened up in a wooden framework stick out of the left of the forge, with a few buckets and barrels sat a safe distance away on its opposite side. The forge itself has two ports, the lower one presumably for adding fuel since that's where the hose connecting the end of the bellows leads to, while the top one is free and clear to add various ingots or tools for softening. I assume. I'm really just basing this off of my love of historic architecture and buildings, as well as a bit of common sense.
In front of the forge, still with ample space to maneuver around, are a pair of anvils. One of them looks like the stereotypical design, a large, flat top with a pointed end jutting out one side, while the other is wide and round, with various inscriptions chiseled into the metal. I'll have to ask Samantha about that one, maybe that's where she works with enchanted metal or something? My pondering is interrupted by a firm grip on my shoulder which startles me into a small "Eep!" as I jump a bit.
I hear Samantha giggle out slightly as she says, "Apologies,
little pup
, and welcome to my second home. I would ask that you
not
touch anything without my permission and supervision, for your safety of course, and do try to give me space if I'm working at the forge."
I nod back to which she gives a small smile as she adds on, "Excellent~. I hear you have those tasks from your system to learn all of the professions here on Mara. A noble goal, even if it was forced onto you. I will be more than happy to allow you to train here, again under my watchful eye, but not today. Come, there is an adjoining room that houses various practice weapons or lower quality items I made during my own training in the craft."
She walks over to the door, taking off her apron and gloves en-route which makes the extent of her sweat plastered shirt even more apparent as she turns to me once more, opening the door for us. I swallow heavily at the sight, my mental efforts to reign in the lustful thoughts waging a bitter war inside my head, as I give her a quiet "Thanks." and move past her and into the room. As soon as I'm clear, I turn to look upon row after row of various swords, hammers, spears, armors, everything! There must be at least over 100 different weapons of various classes here, not to mention the multiple pieces of armor!
"I'm afraid," I hear Samatha say as she brushes past me, moving me along by placing her hand on the small of my back, "that if you were wanting to attempt heavier armor today, that will likely not be possible. I should have enough here to cobble together some medium armor, after refitting it of course, but that is likely the best I can do for now unless you want to commission me to make a full plate."
Wait, what?? "Uh... so I have to pay you for this? I'm still kind of, well.
Broke
right now."
She turns back to me with a playful smirk, apparently expecting that answer already,
"I see~.
Well, I'm sure we could work out
other arrangements~.
I remember that I received
quite
the reward when I created Gerra's maul, so maybe we can work something out too?" She says as she slides her still slick hands up my back, turning to face me directly with a glint of mischief in her eyes.
Biting my lip a bit, I try to reply to her, "Uh.. w-well, I mean. I-I don't want sex to turn into favors for stuff. Or be expected as payment? Kind of puts a negative light on it, at least for me. Haha. But! I'd be happy to
actually
pay you, e-eventually! When I have money, or this world's version of money!" Nice Aims. Real calm and collected there.
Instead of any kind of disappointment or rejection that I think to see in her eyes, the mischievous energy seems to double down! Her smirk widens to a near cheshire grin as she sultrily whispers back, "
Oh my~.
So
naughty
, Amelia~. Why, I had merely meant that Gerra made my favorite food for a month or so! How
lecherous
your mind must work,
little pup~."
Oh thank Heavens, she was just fucking with me again, even if it still got me hot and bothered. I breathe out a sigh of relief, before my mind once again spirals into a turbulent, pink mess. "Although, Jun Li did give me
quite
a few pleasurable nights after I crafted her daggers for her. I think we didn't leave her room for a solid
fortnight
..." She says as she shivers at the memory, "Rest assured, however, that wasn't the requested payment. She just enjoys showing her gratitude in that manner~. Maybe if you make something for her, or do something thoughtful, you can have your
own
half month of pleasure too, hmm~?"
By this point, I'm sure the blush on my cheeks is as red as her forge, and the steam coming out of my ears has to be real. I can't even muster a coherent reply as the thought of being tied up and tangled deliciously with Miss J for that long overpowers any coherent logic. Samantha simply laughs a bit to the side as she reaches up and squeezes my shoulders.
"I may have taken things
too
far this time, it seems~! You are indeed quite
cute
, little pup. However, best not to keep the Mistress waiting, let's get you armed up at the very least. I'll start you off with light armor that you can wear over your robe, since we haven't recieved your additional clothing yet." She says as she takes my hand and leads me to a wall of fully wooden spears sitting against a wooden A frame, my feet dragging behind me as my brain is still dazed.
With another chuckle, she flips up a standard looking spear and hands it to me, which is finally enough to shake me out of my stupor, even if I'm still blushing like mad. I test the weight and feel of it, not really liking how top heavy it is without an additional piece at the bottom, and I say as much to Sam. She nods as she turns back to the rack, moving a few out of the way before finally pulling one out that has a standard spear tip point on both ends. It seems much more natural to me, even though it is still slightly off.
"That is normal, for training weapons. Once you have determined a path, or a few, on what styles and arts you wish to follow then we can either make, purchase, or I suppose you can acquire through your system, the relevant weapons. Same for armors, of course." She says in answer to my observation.
I think for a second, mentally asking Ios,
Seems like learning every single weapon type is going to be a bitch then huh? I'll have to buy, have Sam make, or use points to get one of each. Not to mention the different suits of armor.
'Actually,' She replies back instantly, 'I've been thinking about that. It'll likely put another target on your back but ask Sam what a
[Mercurial Weapon]
is. We can get a pretty powerful one, Peak Heaven Rank, from the shop for about 1500 points. It'll at least solve the weapon issue, may have to check on armors~.'
Whoa, that sounds bad ass. I do as she asks, turning back to the pretty blonde as she is looking between me and a few sets of leather gear, even brining some up to my chest to size them up, "So, Ios said I may be able to get something called a
[Mercurial Weapon]
, what does that mean?"
Samantha nearly drops the leather chest piece she was about to place back in its spot, turning to me with wide eyes on her still soot covered face,
"Truly??"
to which I nod making her grasp my shoulders, "
Amelia
, that is an
astounding
treasure, even more so than this ludicrous dress you have. A
[Mercurial Weapon]
is an artefact that can take the form of
multiple
different kinds of weapons, some even having no upper limit on the amount they can transform into! Even the
weakest
of them can usually manage 5-10 different versions. Not only that, but the powerful ones also make it easier to imbue elemental Qi into whatever they are transformed as, making your skills and techniques even
more
powerful."
I gulp; no
shit
this would put another target on my back!! "Uh... So should I
not
get it yet then? Sounds like it'd be
way
too much attention!" I laugh out nervously.
She bites her lip, the pink flesh rolling against her perfect teeth, before she quietly says back, "I do not want to influence you one direction or the other. Getting that treasure should probably be a conversation between your spirit and the Mistress. However, if you are truly asking for my
personal
advice, which you should
only
take into account after you have discussed it with those two, it is that you should procure that
immediately
. Those artefacts have a
steep
learning curve, knowing how and when and what form to change to mid battle is a wonderful skill that takes time and effort to manage. The sooner you start learning it, the safer you will be with it in your possession."
I nod back vigorously at her suddenly serious tone, both her hands still gripping my shoulders firmly but not painfully as our faces are nearly right up against each other. I can even smell the scent of burnt wood, charcoal, and smoke coming off her usually stoic face. I also notice in surprise that her emerald green eyes seem to have little flecks of gold in them, and that her eyelashes are beautifully long.
Huh.
Tamping down the little flutter in my heart, I give one final nod and rest a hand on her own shoulder as I finally respond back to her.
"Uh, right! Okay, I will
definitely
do all of those things you just said! Thanks, for the advice and the lesson I mean! Uhm... can we.. back up a
little
bit? Your eyes are like,
swallowing
me right now haha!" Alright that's it, no more talking while actively horny, Amelia!!
I see her lips turn upwards in a smirk, but she does ease back a bit. Unfortunately, one of her hands comes up to gently rest against my cheek, the salty yet smokey scent of her sweat filling my nose as she gently rubs my cheek bone with her thumb, "My apologies,
little pup~.
Good to know for the future, however~. Now then," she turns back to the worked leather in a rack next to us, "I think this piece will fit over you nicely, only needing me to adjust the straps and bindings for your
rather full
chest. The bracers and shin guards will only need minor adjustments as well. Stand here." She points right in front of her before taking the piece down from the wall.
I nod sheepishly, still getting used to how overwhelming she can be - even if I'm starting to like it somewhat - as she goes through the process of hooking up a solid looking leather breastplate that ends right above my waist. The few moments she leans in to adjust the straps, which I'm sure she's doing intentionally since she can just as easily do it from my sides, makes her sunset colored hair brush against my face periodically and our bodies press together. Her hands stay on task though, deftly latching and sinching down everything, including the bracers and shin guards, until it feels like I'm not wearing anything new at all!
"Wow, that was fast! And it's so light, it feels like I'm still just wearing the dress!" I say as she has me twirl and bend a few times, seeing if anything snags or needs adjustment. To both of our satisfaction, it looks like the job is done perfectly the first time, and she finally replies back to me after a pleased nod.
"Indeed, such is the nature of light armors like this. While leather will quickly lose its effectiveness outside of the 1st Realms, it can be enchanted to give it more longevity. The true benefit of light armors lies in the different materials it can be made with, such as dragon scales or the hide of other mythical beasts. Although, those are either expensive to outright buy, or dangerous to procure the ingredients for depending on the desired material. Now then, the Mistress is ready for us and awaiting our return in the forge. Come along, Amelia."
I cheerfully grin up to her and skip back out of the room, earning myself a growingly less rare chuckle from Samantha. I heave the door open, noting it is much heavier than I expected it to be, and find that Akiko is indeed sitting on a stool looking over some of the sketches and drawings next to the door to the armory. Hearing the door open, she turns and gives both of us her room brightening smile.

Gearing Up – Ch 57