Chapter 17: Making a decision.
Kopii, finally, picked up the magic stone, which had fallen from the fearsome shadow, and tucked it into his bag with the rest of his trophies. As he suspected, this magic stone turned out to be much more valuable than those from goblins. Realizing this, Kopii decided he wouldn't risk it anymore; what good was the pleasure if he was simply trampled by numbers, like an unfortunate anthill? Without hesitation, he began to ascend, pondering how he would find a team, as he was a newcomer who had only descended into the dungeon a month ago. He felt that ballast like him could only become a weapon, but Kopii immediately dismissed these anxious thoughts: if he became as slow as them, his growth in his adventure career would surely slow down, and this he had to avoid at all costs.
After some time, Kopii ascended, and, exiting the tower, he suddenly felt a fresh wind on his face, which seemed to give him wings. The sun was already setting, painting the city rooftops in wonderful crimson hues, creating an atmosphere of magic.
Kopii, inhaling this magical air, quickened his pace and headed towards the guild, where he wanted, as always, to exchange his magic stones for valis. The guild always had a lively atmosphere, like an anthill. Adventurers of all kinds scurried back and forth, exchanging fresh news and boasting about their loot. Kopii, despite the crowd, squeezed through it to the exchange counter, where a familiar girl with a kind smile accepted the adventurers' trophies.
"Hello, Kopii!" she exclaimed, nodding at his full bag with obvious interest and joy.
Kopii, without hesitation, laid several magic stones on the counter, and some inner warmth enveloped him, as this day was clearly a success, he thought with excitement. Kopii smiled broadly, accepting the valis, expressing his gratitude: "Thank you!" he said to the girl, feeling a surge of energy and joy from his luck. He wanted to ask Rosa for advice on which family to join, but at that moment Kopii decided not to distract her from her work, understanding that she had a lot to do. He was confident that he could handle finding his team on his own. However, looking out the window, he saw that it was already quite dark. Kopii decided not to linger in the guild and headed to the Blue Pharmacy. He sped up, wanting to take a shower before the day completely gave way to night.
Entering the Blue Pharmacy, he saw a familiar scene: Naaza, with a focused look, was mixing potions with water to dilute them, as if conducting some important alchemical research.
"Oh, Naaza, you're diluting potions again!" Kopii said with a light, ironic smile.
"Kopii, I've already explained to you why we need to do this," Naaza replied, not paying much attention to him, continuing her alchemical manipulations.
"Yes, yes, you don't have to explain, I understand everything. I just don't like deceiving people, that's all," he sighed in response, pondering the morality of his actions.
Naaza sighed, put down one of the flasks, and finally turned to Kopii. "Kopii, you're a good guy, but in this tough city, as sad as it may be, the one who is cunning survives. If we sold potions at the real price, who would buy them? But this way, we have some income. And besides, it's not deadly, just the effect is slightly weaker. But it becomes more accessible!" She winked at Kopii, returning to her important work with potions and flasks.
Kopii involuntarily pursed his lips, but didn't argue, because he understood that Naaza was right in her own way. Life in the dungeon forced him to learn to adapt, and not always in honest ways. But still, Kopii, without hesitation, gave all the money he earned from the exchange to Naaza.
"Alright, I'm going to rest, don't stay up all night. Good night," he said finally.
"Good night, Kopii," she replied, continuing her work.
Going up to the second floor, Kopii entered his modest room, undressed, and, resting after a hard day, went to take a shower. After the shower, Kopii felt refreshed and cleansed. The warm water washed away the dust and fatigue of the day, filling his body with a pleasant lightness. Wrapped in a towel, he came out of the bathroom and headed to his cozy room.
Kopii sat on the bed and thought about the past day. The magic stone he had mined gave him hope for the better, but the thought of the team, which still tormented him, didn't give him peace. He understood that he wouldn't be able to advance alone yet. Kopii sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose, thinking about his next actions. He needed to find a way to convince someone to take him into the team, despite his modest and little experience.
Kopii cast aside these thoughts and went to bed, hoping for a change of night and a new morning. Morning greeted Kopii with bright sunlight streaming through the cracks in the shutters of his window. He woke up with a feeling of determination and freshness. Again, ready for new achievements, Kopii stretched, feeling his tired muscles pleasantly aching after yesterday's outing in the dungeon. "Today I will definitely rest," he muttered to himself, but the thought of the team still gnawed at his mind, not giving him peace. He knew that he wouldn't be able to sit idle for long, because the dungeon beckoned with its dangers and possibilities, and valis wouldn't earn itself.
But at the same time, Kopii understood that rest was also very necessary, and decided that he wouldn't think about the team and about everything related to the dungeon. He will probably take a walk. Kopii, getting out of bed, went to the window. The city was already waking up, filled with noise and bustle. Below, on the street, passers-by were hurrying somewhere, rushing about their business and concerns. Kopii smiled, turning his gaze away from the window. Today he will simply observe this life, not actively participating in it.
Getting dressed, he decided not to put on a mask, and, going down to the first floor, noticed the same familiar picture. Kopii watched with interest as Naaza sold her potions. He greeted her and, without lingering, went out into the street.
Outside, Kopii saw Miyaha surrounded by girls, who were clearly using him – so Kopii thought, but didn't want to get involved in the god's affairs. Deciding not to be distracted, he inhaled the fresh air, burning his lungs, and began to stroll along the central streets of the city, where it was always crowded and noisy. He looked at the bright signs of the shops, watched the street vendors offering their goods, and listened to snippets of conversations of passers-by. All this created a sense of life and movement, which Kopii liked so much and filled him with joy.
Then he went to a small shop where various sweets and treats were sold. Buying himself a few sugar lollipops, Kopii continued his walk, enjoying the sweet taste and watching what was happening around him. He found a cozy bench in the park and began to feed the pigeons, who, as soon as they saw him, flocked to him in anticipation of a treat. Kopii smiled, looking at these little birds, who so trustingly pecked crumbs from his hand, and enjoying the simplicity of the moment.
After the park, Kopii headed to the bookstore, where he spent some time. He had always loved to read, but due to constant trips to the dungeon he rarely had time for this activity. Spending several hours examining the shelves of books and weighing his preferences, he stopped at a collection of myths and legends, hoping to find something inspiring or useful for his future adventures. Buying a book, Kopii left the store and headed to the river that flowed through the city. Sitting on the bank, he began to watch the flow of water, reflecting on his life and what awaited him in the future. The sun had already begun to set, painting the sky in bright, solemn colors, and Kopii gazed at this spectacle with interest, feeling the fatigue gradually leaving his body, as if it was about to laugh at him.
In the evening, when it got dark, Kopii returned to the Blue Pharmacy. He chatted a little with Naaza and Miyaha, then went up to his room. He took the purchased book out of his bag and settled comfortably on his bed. Reading allowed him to relax and escape from pressing and everyday problems, as if throwing them far beyond the bounds of his consciousness.
Finishing reading a few chapters, Kopii felt that his eyes were beginning to stick together from fatigue. He put the book aside, put out the candle, and closed his eyes. Before going to sleep, he thought again about the team. He knew that sooner or later he would have to find like-minded people in order to advance further in the dungeon. But for today he decided not to worry about it. Tomorrow will be a new day, and he will definitely find a way to realize his dream, no matter how difficult it may seem.
In the morning, Kopii woke up from the bright sunlight, penetrating into his room, as if welcoming him with new opportunities. He felt rested and full of energy, ready for new achievements. Kopii decided that today he would still try to find a team. He went downstairs, had breakfast, and said goodbye to Naaza and Miyaha.
Gathering his thoughts, Kopii went out into the street and headed straight to the guild. He knew that adventurers could always be found there, and perhaps one of them would agree to take him into their team. On the way, he thought about what to say, how to present himself, because every word mattered. Realizing that his little experience was a minus, he hoped to compensate for it with his enthusiasm and willingness to learn, doing everything possible to ensure that his friendly charisma and sincere interest attracted future companions.