[SP-F1] <<Secret Medicine of the Forest>>

[Caelam 0]

It was morning before Caelam returned to the village, dark circles under his eyes and a scowl clouding his features. His clothes were frayed and harboring more than their fair share of dirt and stray vegetation. Trekking through the pitch black forest had been a nightmare, and now all he wanted to do was find an inn and close his eyes for a while. There was just one piece of business left to attend to.

He found the NPC at the stall in front of his home, helping a customer. Caelam shoved the other NPC out of the way and presented the Ovule without ceremony. Eyes wide, the old man took it. "Oh, thank you!Thank-"

"Just give me the sword." He extended one hand, palm upturned. The sneer on his face left no question as to what he thought of the programs inhabiting Aincrad, and in his own way the NPC seemed to recognize that. Mouth falling into a terse line, the old man retrieved a small crystal from the pocket of his apron.

"Of course. A thousand-"

Caelam made a shushing gesture with one hand while the other held the crystal tightly. Before his eyes it began to glow, and then transformed into a blade. He gave it an experimental swing and 'harumphed'. "This will do." Sheathing his new weapon, Caelam turned on his heel and departed without a word. The NPC glared after him, and then took the Ovule inside to where his sick granddaughter awaited.

[End]

Spoils: 400 Col, Anneal Blade, 1 Skill Point