NOVEL NEXT Vol. 2 – Chapter 8 – Exquisite Victorian Suit
Vol. 2 - Chapter 8 - Exquisite Victorian Suit
Waking up in the limbo realm that was the state between life and death where it was a dark room which made it seem like you were confined inside a cube. It looked quite sinister, but it only lasted for one minute that it took for the respawn to happen.
Mathias who took in this confinement space later saw the light at the end of the tunnel getting stronger and suddenly having his vision returned to the 'Satisfy' world right outside of Cidarian Village where the sun started making his way to embrace the world.
"I wonder if there's anything deeper to the death mechanics for it to be built in such a manner like a confinement prison cell where all your senses are bound."
"Heh, I most likely will never find out. But it is an interesting question to be formulated."
Sighing in place, he watched some players also appear like himself from the limbo of death, looking rather flustered for dying and cursing around which made Mathias give off a small smile, moving away from the respawn place.
"Curse those high-level monsters. How can a level 3 defeat a level 8 wolf when I don't even have a proper weapon. This is madness."
"Yea, you are right! That old man gave us the wrong quests. I want something else, simpler like the LTS quest system."
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Entering back in the village, he greeted the villagers with a warm smile, and when he returned to Arundell Estate, he saw Jasmine outside of the house washing clothes while Charles was cutting wood.
"Good morning to both of you."
"Mathias, dear, where have you been? We have been worrying believing you left without even saying farewell." asked Jasmine as she put away the clothes she was washing, to gaze at Mathias who entered the courtyard waving his hand wanting to calm her down.
"Since the way I spend my time is slightly weirder than you guys, I went to the Elder to listen to some of the problems the village is dealing with and so I took on some tasks. Dealing with the wild beasts pestering the village and also the mountain bandits."
When Jasmine heard that, she looked surprised and later scared, inquiring for more details, confirming to Mathias that they indeed had this problem with the bandits, but it wasn't something that they couldn't manage alone.
"Don't worry mother. Until I leave the village I will see that problem done. The wild beasts pestering you will be something of a past."
"Lad, you have to be careful with those criminals. They are renegades from all over the villages nearby, most likely preparing for something bad."
"Dad, mom, it will be fine. Trust me. Besides that news, I also brought you something from my hunt. There are lots of things I got my hands on, from meat to pelts, tusks, fangs, where can I place them?"
"After me, lad. To the curing meat place." responded Charles who stopped from what he was doing, and took Mathias to the back of the house, followed by Jasmine who was curious.
To Mathias it felt like he was watching Fayrene only on a matured side because she would act just like Jasmine when she was curious about something and when he arrived at the room filled with dry meat, pelts and all sort of byproducts of the livestock Charles was taking care off, he stopped right in front of a table.
"You can place your hunt here, lad."
"Understood."
Giving his understanding, Mathias started to take out from his inventory the wolf pelts who were already in a cured, dry state, afterwards, he brought out the boar pelts, followed by the giant rats pelts. Finishing with the pelts, he started bringing out the tusks, fangs off all the creatures he hunted, and gained rewards from the system, later ending with the meat from the wild beasts he hunted.
"Unbelievable! Dear, this is everything you managed to hunt last night?" asked Jasmine who started counting all the pelts, meats, tusks, and fangs."
"Indeed, I managed to hunt about 40 wild beasts last night, stopping at that number and returning to the village at the start of the sun."
When Charles heard that number he turned to look at Mathias with shocked eyes, asking him, double-checking.
"Forty? Did I hear it right? That's how many of those beasts you hunted last night?"
"Yea. I could have gotten a bigger number if not for my curiosity. Will you be able to sell these pelts for some money in the Duchy?"
"Obviously. Once it is the selling season, they will reach a good price. Am I right, honey?" said Charles as he looked at the pelts' conditions, later asking his wife if he was correct on the price thing.
"Hmm, you remembered well. Spring is the season that most tailors start searching for leather to start their projects. But because farmers don't wish to cultivate the leather business, the hunters are unreliable for a constant flow of material." mentioned Jasmine with a calm voice, making Mathias remember of a discussion he had with Fayrene about goods chain and how the price might differ according to demand.
"That's something I am aware of, mother. You can keep them, and once dad might go to sell his goods, it will be a bonus. A small gift from your son."
"No need for such gestures, lad. Do you think I can't get enough money using my pelts?"
"Charly, quiet!" said Jasmine who made Charles turn quiet before she walked to give Mathias an embrace and pat his back.
"Dear, we are thankful for your gift and it is well received. It will be a good addition to the two rascals' funds for their studies."
After finishing shorting out his goods received from last night's hunt, Jasmine took Mathias inside the house and offered him some tea while she reheated last night's meal for him. At that moment both Theo and Aendyr got from their room taking both of Mathias's legs in an attached manner.
"Big brother, where have you been? You weren't home last night and yesterday."
"I was on an adventure and went hunting the beasts in the forest and mountain. Do you wish to hear those stories?"
"Yey!!"
Patting and ruffling their hair as he went to the kitchen table taking a seat, and eating the food Jasmine cooked which filled his satiety and resolving all lingering background problems on his character which required food to function normally, like any human, his needs were similar, food and water for proper functionality.
While he was eating he would listen to the boys tell what they did yesterday to the minute detail something that didn't bother him at all, having experience with kids since he was the eldest of his family. The boys looked annoying from outside, that Jasmine gave Mathias a small smile, as if to tell him "Hang in there" and only after Mathias finished his meal and told the twins about his adventure inside the forest did they gave him a breather.
*Chuckling* "Dear, you really have it hard, being the eldest brother for those two curious little imps."
"It is fine, mother. I also have two little brothers and I used to tell them a lot of stories at night so they could sleep." replied Mathias with a warm smile, with his eyes lingering in the past something that Jasmine managed to pick from him.
"Well Mathias, while you weren't home yesterday, I prepared the right materials for the rest of the dress, we just have to start working on it. Whenever you want to."
Seeing her slightly impatient when she was telling him about how she prepared the right materials for the remaining pieces for the dress, he could only smile and nod.
"Let's get back to work then mother. While I was on the hunt, I discovered that I was lacking the rest of the pieces."
"Heh, isn't it obvious? Just thinking about how mismatched you would look wearing only the fabric trousers with the rags. Blah. talking about tests, who even gave you those rags you are wearing."
"Ahem, please mother, don't embarrass me by talking too much about how I have to wear these rags. It is like the gods want to make fun of us outlanders and they give us those rags."
"I see, then I can be confident to say they don't have a fashion sense." said Jasmine with a confident voice, seeming to have a detached take on the Pantheon of Gods residing in Heaven.
Reaching her studio where the tools and materials were prepared with Mathias's measurements, the duo made from son and mother resumed their work starting with what looked to be the easiest part of the suit which would make up the entire upper piece, going with the necktie which was composed of a crimson silk fabric.
Even for that necktie, the craftsmanship required was high, requiring precise sewing and cutting of the material, along with a balanced weight to keep the fabric extended without any imperfections.
After one hour of working on the tie, Jasmine smiled, taking the tie and wrapping it on Mathias's neck, humming something akin to song.
"It fits nice. Now let's start working on the shirt and the suit."
Looking down on the tie that wasn't yet knotted, he gave a smile taking it off and placing it on the finished product station. Moving on to start on the white shirt that had its buttons made from silver modeled coins.
"Hehe, who would think that the old order I gave for the buttons would come in handy right now? What do you think of the buttons?"
"Aren't they too flashy?"
"Flashy? Not at all. Just wait and see how it will look once we sew the suit." replied Jasmine with a smile, starting working on the shirt, assisted by Mathias who also tried not to slow her down.
The process of sewing the shirt was more complicated than the tie, and in two hours it was finished, leaving out only the suit, but before starting with that they took a break and went to drink some tea where they discussed ideas for clothes.
Jasmine was mesmerized by the concepts Mathias was talking about and even noted down some using a quill pen, and after he was done with his stories, she would tell about her life in Grenhaler and experiences in the tailoring business which were like food for the young man brimming with youth.
As they discussed and decided to resume on the work, Theo and Aendyr followed along watching the two work on the black piece suit that started giving off some blue aura.
"Brother, have you seen that blue light from that cloth?" asked Aendyr, curious about the blue aura he saw.
"Fully."
"Do you know what it is?"
"Mana." responded Theo, focusing on the job his mother and Mathias were doing.
"Like that thing mages use to do their spells?" inquired Aendyr, placing the puzzle pieces in his mind before watching, surprised.
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Mathias and Jasmine continued working undisturbed by the twins, and as hours passed they noticed that they were still watching them work. This made Jasmine smile brightly believing that her sons wanted to learn the craft.
"Theo, Aendyr, don't tell mom, you wish to learn how to tailor clothes?"
"Sorry mom, we just want to see first look how big brother suit would look like."
*Chuckle* "Mother, don't make that face, it will affect how the suit will turn out. Smile, they are still young and don't know about their priorities."
Jasmine heard Mathias mention that nodded, starting to laugh with a fresh tone, and after another period of time, Mathias could hear the notification window ring at last.
[You have created along with Master Tailor Jasmine Arundell an Epic Rated item.]
[You have created a piece of equipment without blueprints, requiring a name.]
'The name will be 'Exquisite Victorian Suit'.'
[Unique name has been registered.]
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[Your stats has been permanently risen by 4 points benefiting the effect of <Beginner Tailoring Technique>]
[You have gained 10 dexterity points for completing an Epic Rated item.]
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Jasmine who watched the cloth piece seemed pleased by the outcome, mentioning to Mathias with a confident voice.
"These cloth pieces will be unique in the entire world. While the outcome isn't the one I was hoping for since I even took out the pristine quality magical fabric, yet this one is also fine since I worked together with my son and this is all that matters. What do you think, son? This old lady still has it in her, right?"
"Mother please don't joke about such things. You have a long way to go for me even considering calling you an "old lady"." As for the suit, let me take a look please." said Mathias as he went to grab the suit from Jasmine's hands, and check on the equipment status.
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The moment he did that, he remained surprised and shocked at the same time.
'No way. Such armor pieces should be something for higher level, not the early game. Mother, aren't I cheating right now, relying on your skills as a Tailoress?'
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[Exquisite Victorian Suit]
Rating: Epic
Durability 200/200 Defense: 185
* Intelligence increased by 155 points.
* Magic Power increased by 15%
* Mana Recovery Effect Increased by 50%
* Magic Resistance increased by 20%
* Fire Resistance increased by 5%
This is a work made by Mathias and Master Tailor Jasmine Arundell using new concepts and designs that stirred the passion for the craft to the experienced tailoress. Combining the work of both hands, the feelings of the craftsmen are imprinted in the piece.
Using magically imbued silk and threads and magical beast leather the cloth piece took over the properties of the material, which was transformed under the masterful hands of Jasmine. Taking in the aspects of the entire pieces forming the suit, from the shirt to the tie, all combined in the suit.
Condition of Use: None
Weight: 1
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'This suit is the "pièce de résistance" of the entire set. I might be greedy saying this, but the only thing missing is a set effect like the boar equipment. No worries this will suffice for my plans, and once my skills as a Tailor increase I will attempt to create another suit to satisfy my new conditions.'
"It is perfect, mother. Just like I envisioned in my head."
"Good, I am glad you like it too, son. Let's go work on the hat and everything will be completed."
"You don't want a tea break?"
"Not now, since my hands are already fired up, I will not relax until I see the entire project completed." replied Jasmine with her eyes burning with passion for her craft, reinvigorated by the new style of clothes brought by Mathias from his world.
Like this both started their final work on the hat which was designed to be similar to what the people from the 18th-19th century would wear, something akin to a top hat and fedora hat was starting to take shape from Jasmine masterful hands, while Mathias was too sewing components that would enter the entire build.
It took a while for the hat to be completed, but when it was done, Jasmine shook her head looking a bit disappointed, mentioning Mathias.
"Because this is the first time I make such a hat, the lines don't connect as I would have wished. Still, it is an elegant hat that brews in mystery and intrigue. I like it a lot, maybe I will make something similar for myself but using a more feminine design."
"Don't worry mother about the outcome, I don't really mind it that much. As for the design, I can help you sketch something that might be to your liking."
"Really? Whenever you wish, you can come to the studio and sketch around what's on your mind. It will be a nice gift to mom."
"I see, that's what I shall do."
"Still, dear, you have to change your clothes and let mom see how the entire suit looks on you."
Laughing a bit at Jasmine's request, he nodded and taking the clothes in his hand along with the hat, he went to a small changing room inside her studio, where having two options to change the clothes, he opted to change his clothes himself instead of drag dropping the item pieces from his inventory.
Doing this, he also checked the stats of the hat, after naming the piece.
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[Your stats have risen by 2 points after completing a Rare Rated item.]
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Clearing around the notifications from his item creation process, he then put his gaze on the stats which left him in a pleased state of mind.
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[Exquisite Victorian Hat]
Rating: Rare
Durability 200/200 Defense: 50
* Intelligence increased by 55 points.
* Magic Power increased by 4%
* Magic Resistance increased by 10%
This is a work made by Mathias and Master Tailor Jasmine Arundell using new concepts and designs that stirred the passion to the craft to the experienced tailoress. Combining the work of both hands, the feelings of the craftsmen are imprinted in the piece.
Using magically imbued silk and threads along with basic leather, the cloth piece took over the properties of the material, which was transformed under the masterful hands of Jasmine.
Condition of Use: None
Weight: 1
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"It could have been worse, so no need to complain, everything has been completed. I wonder how I look in those old-fashioned clothes with some modern touches to them. Fascinating, I feel like a Chanel model when I gaze at this mirror."
"How is it son? Does it fit you?"
"Like clockwork, mother." responded Mathias while looking at the young man in the mirror who had his jet-black hair flowing past his shoulders.
The entire suit was tailor-made, there was obviously no problem with it, and so after doing his final checks on the suit and drowning the hat on his head, he exited the changing cabin allowing Jasmine to take note of her work.
"Not bad, really not bad. Those clothes enhance your appearance even more. For such a handsome young man only such clothes could fit you properly."
Hearing those compliments had Mathias a bit embarrassed, turning his cheeks slightly red, as he tried to mask it with dry coughs.
"Good for my daughter. She chose a bright young man."
"Ahem, ahem. I am not that bright."
"What are you talking about son? Just you sketching those clothes and showing your skills in tailoring is enough to make you a bright young man with his future assured. You just have to continue working on your skills and in the future people will know you as Master Tailor Mathias."
With those warm, encouraging words, even if he didn't require them, it made Mathias give a pure smile, wide open, as he gave Jasmine a hug, before testing around the suit, taking Ragnius out and doing some fighting moves.
"Those clothes are made from quality fabric, it is normal they will keep up with the movements."
"Mother, I really can't bring myself to tell you how thankful I am for your assistance. This project of mine wouldn't even be completed at my own pace."
"It is all good sweetheart, you really remind me of Charly when we were young. You aren't good at expressing yourself, but I can tell it means a lot what we did those days. I am also delighted to find out that my daughter found herself a good boy who will look after her even in her worst days."
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[A/N: Big Question. From your point of view, is Mathias a cheater (game-wise) for relying on Jasmine's Tailoring Touches to craft his armor?]
[Hope you enjoyed this chapter and the items built, tried my best not to make them too overpowered.]
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[If you want advanced chapters, check my p@treon. P.S: Once I get them, I will also immediately update that page ( Tiers have been reworked, if you wish to read ahead, and want to support me, the link is underneath this paragraph and also in the synopsis of the story]
[www.patréon.com/Morpheus146]