The next morning, Ashbrook was more lively than usual.
A thin layer of snow covered the rooftops and the muddy streets had hardened overnight in the cold.
Kids were up early to play in the snow, while their parents dreaded the shortage of food due to this cold weather.
Osric arrived at the Adventurers' Guild shortly after sunrise.
The building was only half full at this hour. A few adventurers were already drinking or looking through the mission board while others sat at the tables discussing their plans for the day.
Osric took a seat at one of the wooden tables and waited.
It didn't take long before William pushed open the guild door.
The redhead immediately spotted him.
"Morning boss."
"You look like you slept well."
Osric shrugged.
"Well enough."
William sat down and stretched his arms.
"I'm still sore from dragging that damn boar."
Osric nodded.
"That's one of the things we need to talk about."
"We should take a break from missions for a few days at least, to better prepare ourselves for any possible situation and train."
"We also need to invest in better equipment."
William looked surprised.
"It's surprising to hear you say that, but at the same time, the whole overthinking thing fits you well as well."
"So what's your plan?"
Osric nodded.
"First, I need to buy a small round shield as well. Better safe than sorry."
William could understand that.
"Next we will buy a small cart that can fit at least a Thornback Boar or multiple smaller monsters. It should also be easy to pull for humans, because we can't afford a horse."
Then Osric remembered the unexpected revelation of William's skinning skills and decided to ask.
"By the way, do you know how to ride a horse?"
William shook his head.
"No way. Unless you need one for work or you have money, no one really knows how and I'm no different."
Osric expected it, but was still disappointed.
He sighed.
"That's okay. Nevermind."
William asked the next question.
"So what comes after the cart?"
Osric answered.
"Some basic supplies for travel, support and monster material work."
"I would also like to find a trustworthy permanent porter to hire for our party, but that's unlikely."
William nodded.
"Well permanent and trustworthy doesn't really go well together for most people in Ashbrook."
"So is that all for preparations?"
"Almost. After buying my new shield and maybe a new dagger among everything else, we will train for at least a few days."
"I want us to stay sharp and ready for any possible danger."
William chuckled.
"I guess you're rubbing off on me, because that doesn't sound so bad."
While they were talking, only Osric had noticed that they were receiving more stares than usual.
And thanks to his Heightened Senses, he could hear other adventurers talking about them.
"Did you hear? Those two rookie E-Ranks have been on a roll."
"Yeah I did."
"Apparently they even killed a Thornback Boar by themselves."
"That's crazy."
Most whispers were similar to those, but Osric caught on to a couple different ones.
"Everyone's making a fuss about those guys."
"Yeah, it's pissing me off."
"It's obviously all luck and exaggeration."
"Definitely. But I heard that Osric guy has support from Franklin."
"No way. Why would he care about that nobody from the slums?"
"I don't know."
"We should teach them a lesson, so that they won't be able to look down on us."
"That's risky man. If everything we heard is true…"
"Don't be ridiculous. If you're scared, I can ask someone else to join me."
"Haa. Fine."
Osric could feel their stares full of ill intent.
'I guess even the guild has people like them.'
'I almost forgot since leaving the slums.'
'This is what Ashbrook is really like.'
—
Later that morning, Osric and William left the guild and headed toward the market district.
The streets were busier now. Snow had begun melting where people walked, turning parts of the road back into cold mud.
They visited several shops over the next couple of hours.
First, Osric stopped at the same weapons shop where he had recently bought his new sword.
The grey-bearded blacksmith recognized them immediately.
"You again?"
Osric nodded.
"I need a small iron round shield."
The blacksmith pointed toward the same rack William had used before.
"Five silver."
Osric picked up one of the shields and strapped it to his forearm. It felt heavier than he expected, but solid.
Good protection.
"I'll take it."
Before leaving the shop, Osric also looked through a tray of daggers and small blades.
He eventually chose a better-made iron dagger than the cheap one he carried before.
The blade was clean and balanced.
"Two silver," the blacksmith said.
Osric paid without hesitation.
Then he selected two small throwing knives as well.
They were simple, narrow blades designed more for utility than combat.
"Thirty copper each."
Osric added them to the purchase.
William raised an eyebrow.
"Planning to become a knife thrower now?"
Osric shook his head.
"They're useful tools."
After finishing there, they continued through the market.
Finding a suitable cart took longer.
Most carts in Ashbrook were built for farmers or merchants and were far too large.
Eventually they found a craftsman who made small transport carts for hunters and laborers.
The cart was simple but sturdy.
Two wooden wheels.
A flat bed reinforced with iron brackets.
And two long wooden handles designed so that one or two people could pull it.
It was large enough to carry a Thornback Boar or several smaller monsters.
"How much?" Osric asked.
"Six silver," the craftsman answered.
Osric and William exchanged a glance.
Then nodded.
They bought the cart together.
Along with it, they purchased several useful supplies.
A thick leather tarp to cover monster corpses during transport.
Two additional lengths of strong rope.
A small hatchet for cutting through bone or branches.
A sharpening stone for weapon maintenance.
And a pair of heavy leather gloves for handling monster materials.
By the time they finished, both of them had spent a noticeable portion of their recent earnings.
As they stood beside the cart in the street, William scratched his head.
"Alright… one question."
"Where do we keep this thing?"
Osric had already thought about that.
They eventually walked the cart toward a small stable yard not far from the guild.
The owner allowed merchants and travelers to rent space for wagons and carts.
After a brief conversation and a small payment of twenty copper per week, they secured a place to store it.
That way they could easily collect the cart whenever they needed it for a mission.
By the time everything was settled, the sun had already begun to lower in the sky.
Osric looked over at William.
"Tomorrow morning."
"Training ground."
William nodded.
"Got it."
—
The next morning, Osric arrived at the guild's training ground early.
Snow covered parts of the yard.
The cold air made every breath visible.
Osric drew his sword and began practicing slow controlled strikes.
The weight of the new shield on his arm still felt unfamiliar.
But he would get used to it.
A few minutes later, William arrived.
"Morning boss."
Osric nodded.
"Morning."
They began sparring soon after.
They used practice weapons but their real shields.
Wood clashed repeatedly as they exchanged strikes across the snowy ground.
But today something was different.
Several adventurers were using the training ground.
They were watching.
Some with curiosity.
Others with narrowed eyes.
Osric noticed them immediately.
But he didn't stop.
If anything, his movements became even more focused.
He ignored the whispers.
And kept training.