All in Charisma (A LitRPG/Isekai Adventure)

Justin at last caught up to Lila as she was standing before a shop. From the swinging placard in the shape of a lute, Justin could see it was named "The Melodic Armory." Beneath the shop's name was a subtitle, "Instruments and Gear for the Budding Virtuoso."

The storefront was vibrant, with musical notes and engravings of performers intricately carved into the wooden façade. The windows displayed an array of finely crafted musical instruments, enchanted gear, and stylish attire for bards, all gleaming under the soft glow of enchanted lanterns.

"You're quick," Justin said, catching his breath.

"Come on," she said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Let's go inside."

They entered. The warm air was filled with the soft strains of an enchanted harp being played in the background. The interior of the store was a bard's paradise, with rows of instruments, racks of clothing and light armor, and shelves filled with various enchanted items.

Behind the counter stood the shopkeeper, a stout man with a bushy red beard and twinkling eyes. He wore a brightly colored tunic and a large, feathered hat. He gave them a welcoming smile.

"Welcome to The Melodic Armory," he said in a jovial tone. "I am Bertram Merriwether, the owner. How can I assist you today?"

"We're looking for some specific items," Lila said, stepping forward confidently. "I'm looking to round out my gear with some bronze-tier pieces."

"Ah, a Bard seeking to enhance her craft!" Bertram said, his eyes lighting up. "You've come to the right place. Are you looking for clothing to enhance your musical skills, or something more fitting for a Bard on the go in a dangerous world?"

"Definitely the second one," she said.

"Well, we have a respectable collection of Bardic armor and weapons. Which would you like to see first?"

"Weapons, definitely. I fight with throwing knives."

"Of course. I would be pleased to take you to our knife section."

Without waiting for an answer, Bertram led them to the back of the shop. Shortly, they reached a section filled with throwing knives displayed on velvet cushions. Lila's eyes were drawn to a set labeled "Echoing Knives." Apparently, some sort of magic was placed on the weapons that allowed Justin to see more information about them.

Echoing Knives (Set of 6)

Weapon: Throwing Knives

Core Restriction: Coordination, Charisma

Tier: Bronze

Sharper Focus: +1 Coordination

Resonant Echo: Percentage chance, based on your Charisma attribute, for an attack to hit twice, either on the same target or a different one.

Price: 1 Golden Crown, 50 Silver Marks

"These look perfect!" Lila said, picking up a knife and testing its balance.

"They've got some other sets as well," Justin said, looking through the section.

"These look like the only bronze-tier ones," she said. "The rest are five crowns or more! I'll take these. They're much better than what I currently have."

Bertram nodded approvingly. "Excellent choice, my lady. These will serve you well and deliver excellent value. Like all enchanted blades, they shall never lose their edge and can even deal with ethereal enemies. After all, finding the best stories means going to dark places. Are you still in the market for some light armor? Or more travel wear?"

"Light armor," Lila said without hesitation. "Though I must admit I'm on a budget."

"I have just the thing. Please follow me."

Next, Justin and Lila followed Bertram to the armor section, where he stopped before a complete set on a mannequin called the Minstrel's Leather Ensemble. It contained a piece for the chest, legs, arms, and feet. The set was practical yet stylish, with intricate embroidery and lightweight, reinforced leather perfect for a Bard on the move.

Justin inspected the armor's description:

Minstrel's Leather Ensemble

Armor Set: Leather armbands, chest armor, cuirass and greaves, boots, and gloves.

Class Restriction: Bard

Tier: Bronze

Leather Ensemble: +1 to all attributes when worn as a complete set. If one piece is removed, the set enchantment is broken.

Utility Bonus: Cold Resistance

Price: 2 Gold Crowns

Justin nodded approvingly. That was a decent set for Lila. Plus, the Cold Resistance would be great for the weather.

"What is a set enchantment?" Justin asked. "That wasn't covered in my crash course."

"It's a cost-saving measure," Bertram explained. "Oftentimes, enchanted armor will be sold in full sets to save on magical components. This allows me to pass those savings onto you. The downside is, of course, that if you remove one piece of armor in favor of something else, you'll lose the set enchantment. The armor will still protect you, of course, but it will be no better than mundane gear. The Cold Resistance enchantment will still function, since it's a utility enchantment."

"I see," Justin said.

"Needless to say, this armor boasts decent protection for the traveling Bard at an affordable price. Two crowns are a bargain, especially considering the lady can walk out with this set today."

"This should round out my gear nicely," Lila said, examining it. "Except I can't get both it and the knives…"

"Can we work out a deal, Bertram?" Justin asked.

The shopkeeper's face became one of regret. "Alas, though this is one of our more affordable sets, a lot went into the crafting of it. Bardic armor is highly specialized. This is actually the only one we have left. The price, as it stands, is about as competitive as I can get."

Justin nodded thoughtfully. "I understand. But what if we take both the daggers and the armor? Surely, you could give us a small discount for buying both?"

Bertram stroked his beard, considering. "I appreciate loyal customers, and I do have some room for negotiation, especially for a Bard who might bring more business my way with tales of my fine wares. Let's see…I might reduce the price by twenty-five silver marks as a favor to you, in return for repeat business."

Lila looked crestfallen. If her wallet was anything like Justin's, it was probably enough to bleed her completely dry.

Justin saw an opening and pressed further. "How about three crowns for both the armor and the knives? That way, we can walk out of here today with everything we need, rather than having to leave something behind. In return, we will spread the word of your generosity and excellent service. It's a win-win for both of us."

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

Bertram chuckled, clearly amused by Justin's persistence. "You drive a hard bargain, young man. However, that cuts my margins quite thin."

It was at this moment that Lila reached into her coin pouch, producing three fat golden coins. Bertram paused his speech and cleared his throat.

"Ah, very well! I know that trick, and by the gods, it has worked on me! Very well. I'll let both go for three crowns, but only because I can see the potential for future business with you two. Your next purchase will have to be at full price."

"Deal!" Lila said, grinning.

Bertram nodded approvingly. "Excellent. Let me gather the items, and I will meet you at the counter."

They waited while Bertram returned with the gleaming knives and the full ensemble. "That will be three golden crowns."

Lila paid without hesitation, handing over the three fat gold coins she had received from the Crypt of King Alaric. Once the money had been exchanged, Bertram gave a pleased smile.

"Very good. Would you like them wrapped, or would you like to wear them out of the store today?"

"I can wear them. Do you have a changing room?"

"Yes, in the back."

Lila looked at Justin. "I'll be right back."

As she left, Justin was left alone with the storekeeper.

[You have gained 50 experience points. Your experience stands at 319/940.]

Justin couldn't help but smile at the negotiation handled with care.

"So, this Cold Resistance enchantment…" Justin said. "Is there a way to add it to my current clothing?"

"Yes, there is," Bertram said. "There's a good enchantry up the street that does fine work, called The Arcane Thread. A warming enchantment is necessary to live and work in a town like this, at least for the chest piece."

"We'll check it out," Justin said, though his attention was already drawn to something else. Above the counter, within an enchanted display case, he noticed two glowing yellow orbs, each marked with a rune resembling a harp.

"Are those Bard Cores?" he asked, intrigued.

"Aye, that they are," Bertram replied with a nod. "Are you interested?"

Justin shook his head. "I'm a Socialite, so I can't take it on until Level 20."

"A pity," Bertram said, his tone sympathetic. "Though, even then, you wouldn't be able to use it."

Justin frowned. "What do you mean?"

Bertram gave him a curious look, as if Justin had just revealed a glaring gap in his knowledge. "Well, you don't unlock your second Core Attribute until Level 20. Most people never do, given the difficulty. But since your first Core Attribute is Charisma, your next will be something different. So, you'll have to choose a class core that aligns with that new Core Attribute."

"Oh, right," Justin said, trying to cover his slip. "I knew that."

Bertram chuckled softly. "Of course, sir."

"Just out of curiosity, how much does one of those cost?"

Bertram shrugged, his expression noncommittal. "Thirty crowns."

Justin raised an eyebrow, sensing there might be room to negotiate. "That's quite a sum. Hard to see how starving artists could ever afford that. Do you require payment upfront?"

"I do," Bertram confirmed. "Although some secure financing from a bank, that's usually only possible if you already have substantial resources. Unfortunately, most can't afford a class core unless they already come from wealth. A Bard core is actually on the cheaper side compared to others."

"Where do class cores come from? Vaults, right?"

Bertram nodded. "Aye, most are found in Vaults, though they can also form in areas with high magical concentrations. The potential to sell cores drives many a Vault Runner, but, of course, that's impossible without a class to begin with. And since Vaults can't be cleared alone, the profits have to be split among the party. The riches can be great, which is why so many are drawn to the life of a Vault Runner—fame, fortune, or, often enough, doom. It attracts the spoiled children of wealthy merchants and lords, at least until they're ready to settle down. Some, though, never leave the life—they get addicted to the wealth and the thrill."

"I can see that," Justin said. "What level Vault should I be looking at if I want to find a class core?"

Bertram considered this for a moment. "It depends. They can appear in Vaults as low as Level 10, but rarely, and they're more likely to be the grand prize. They become more common in Level 15-20 Vaults, but even then, it's no guarantee. Beyond that, they drop like candy. But at those levels, adventurers drop like flies."

"Good to know. Thanks for the info, Bertram."

The shopkeeper nodded with a smile as Justin headed to the back of the store. A couple of minutes later, Lila emerged, completely decked out in her new outfit, with knives holstered three to a side. The Minstrel's Leather Ensemble fit her perfectly, its practical design stressing her natural curves. The Echoing Daggers glinted at her hips, ready for action.

Justin was surprised by his reaction—there was just something about a woman in leather that he couldn't quite ignore.

Lila twirled and struck a playful pose. "Well? Is it too much?"

Justin finally found his words. "No, it's perfect. You wear it well."

She smiled. "Well, as long as you like it."

"Let's head to the enchantry up the street," Justin said. "I want to see if I can get my gear ready for the cold weather."

As they passed the door, Bertram gave a noble bow. "Thank you for your business. May your songs always be filled with joy and your adventures grand."

"Thank you!" Lila said brightly.

As they headed back out onto the stone street, the temperature seemed to have dropped while they were inside The Melodic Armory, and the cutting mountain wind didn't help matters. Justin suppressed a shiver. It was high time they headed for The Arcane Thread.

"Wow, this warming enchantment is a game changer!" Lila said. "I've always wanted one, but I've never had the money to justify it. And in Daeloria, of course, it rarely gets cold enough to need one."

"Can't wait until I have one of my own," Justin said.

They headed up the stairs built into the street, quickly finding The Arcane Thread and ducking inside. The interior of the small shop was incredibly quiet. The shop was filled with bolts of fabric, enchantment materials, and a variety of enchanted garments hanging from racks. Shelves lined the walls, holding jars of glowing powders, shimmering liquids, and radiant crystals of multiple hues.

Standing at the counter was a Snow Goblin, though this one was clearly female and looked quite different from Gribble back in Highcliff. Her skin was a pale blue, and she wore a neat, tailored outfit with a pair of spectacles perched on her nose. She looked up as they entered, her eyes sharp.

"Welcome to The Arcane Thread," she said in a calm, measured voice. "How can I assist you this evening?"

"I was hoping for a Cold Resistance enchantment on my coat here," Justin said. "Is it doable?"

The Snow Goblin gave a derisive sniff. "Doable? It's quite elementary, my dear human. I am the best Enchanter in town, and to be frank, normally such a thing would not be worth my attention. Only, business is slow this evening. Allow me to examine your coat, and I can give you the price."

Justin went to remove it before realizing that in doing so, his amulet would be even more visible. "I'll just do this outside. Be right back."

The Snow Goblin's eyes narrowed, but she made no comment.

Justin rushed outside, finding a small unoccupied alley. Looking each way, he took off the amulet and pocketed it before removing his coat and returning to the enchantry.

Without a word, he handed it to the Snow Goblin. "Sorry about that. It won't be terribly expensive, will it?"

The Snow Goblin looked nonplussed. She produced a pair of what looked like jeweler's glasses, except they glowed with a golden aura, and examined the coat as if it were a dirty thing. Indeed, it had patches of dirt and snow on it. Justin realized he could have had it cleaned with his Ring of Hygiene, but it was too late for that now.

"Yes, I see," the Snow Goblin said. "The Coat of Highcliff's Elegance. The Highcliff's Elegance Enchantment confers +1 to Coordination and Endurance, while the Enchantment of Featherweight makes the coat quite light, making it an excellent choice for travel. The Featherweight is your only utility enchantment, so the attribute boost is immaterial insofar as the enchantment's complexity." The Snow Goblin removed her glasses. "This can be done for twenty silvers."

It was a lot more than Justin expected. "I was expecting it to be about five."

The Snow Goblin looked miffed. "Five? Well, there are the material costs, the interactions with the original enchantment that must be accounted for, and not to mention the price of my expertise. If I charge something of a premium, then it's only because you want the job done right. Unless you would like to go to Jackie's Jinxes for the bargain treatment?"

"Assuredly not."

"Then it will be twenty silvers and about five minutes of your time, if you can spare them. I take payment upfront."

Justin sighed, handing over the coins. "Here you are."

She immediately set to work. The Snow Goblin took a small, blue-glowing crystal from a shelf and placed it on the counter. She then picked up a vial of shimmering liquid and a small brush. As she worked, she murmured incantations under her breath, her hands moving with practiced expertise. She dipped the brush into the liquid and drew intricate runes on the inside lining of the coat. The runes glowed brightly for a moment before fading into the fabric. The magic of the crystal seemed to resonate with the runes, blowing a low, chilly breeze in the enchantry.

Next, she placed the crystal on top of the coat and pressed her hand down on it. The crystal pulsed with light, and a soft hum filled the room. Justin watched as the runes reappeared briefly, glowing in harmony with the crystal. The glow spread across the entire coat, and then, with a final whisper from the Snow Goblin, the light faded completely.

"It is done," she said, handing the coat back to Justin. "The Cold Resistance enchantment is now in place. You'll find it to be quite effective. Now keep in mind this is a utility enchantment. It will keep you warm from the environment, but not if it gets far too cold or wet. It will also do little if an Elementalist shoots you with an ice spike. It's sad I should have to spell that out, but there it is."

Justin slipped the coat back on, feeling a warm tingle spread through him. "Thank you. This is perfect."

The Snow Goblin gave a curt nod. "May your travels be warm and your path clear. If you need any more work done, please come back."

When they returned to the street, Justin hardly felt the effects of the cold weather wherever the coat provided coverage. The effects of the new enchantment were well worth the Snow Goblin's derision.

"You're right," he said to Lila. "Game changer."

"Last thing on the agenda," Lila said. "We need to find your items."

"Do you really think they have a store here specifically for Socialites?"

"Eldrin seemed to think so. We just have to find it."

Before they set off, Justin ducked back into the same alley as before, taking out his amulet and putting it back on, ensuring it was well hidden beneath his coat. It didn't feel truly safe until it was secured around his neck.

The two of them set off up the street.