Construction Mage - Chapter 2: Value of Information

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“Knowledge is power. 

Those words never rang truer than when The Descent happened. Every bit of information we learned back then was paid for in blood, and a lot of it, too. So, I completely understand that there is a culture among Delvers to keep their cards close to their chest, but I also understand that that kind of thinking is dooming our nation! Why won’t the high lords do anything about it?”

-Journal entry from Royal Scholar Aedric Quillborn, 9 AD

***

Clay could feel his heartbeat rise as the outstretched hand neared his eyes. Unfortunately, there was nothing he could do. He couldn’t speak, move, or even close his eyes. The hand inevitably made contact with him, but to his relief, he felt nothing. It simply phased through him, obscuring his vision.

Then, he suddenly found himself back in the white pagoda, flailing his limbs around. The abruptness of it all made him lose his balance, falling flat on his rear. He didn’t rush to get up, and assessed his surroundings on his butt, only to realize a handful of people grinning at him.

“Come on, guys. Let’s go,” one who seemed to be the leader said as he clapped his hands mechanically, as if he had seen this happen hundreds of times. 

The group then turned their gaze back toward the altar and disappeared as if they were a figment of Clay’s imagination.

Awkwardly getting up, Clay quickly retreated from the pagoda as he noticed more people coming and going. He was momentarily stunned upon seeing a thriving marketplace that filled the space between him and the walls that enclosed the dungeon.

I really missed this, didn’t I? Just because I was tunnel-visioned on obtaining a class and becoming a Delver.

Having thought up to that point, Clay’s eyes opened wide as he remembered what had happened. He quickly brushed off the encounter with the woman, treating it as a bad dream, and muttered a word with some hesitancy.

“Status.”

Status:

Name: Clayton Stratton

Age: 30

Class: Earth Mage [Apprentice(I)] - Level 0

Profession: [None]

Resources:

Health - 100%

Stamina - 106/106 [1.3/min]

Mana - 100/100 [2.0/min]

Stats [Mage]:

Stat Points: 0

Strength: 15

Endurance: 13

Agility: 10

Dexterity: 9

Intelligence: 10

Wisdom: 10

Skills:

Spell Manipulation(I): 1

Earth Blast(I): 1

It worked!

Clay grinned as he restrained himself from jumping around like a fool. It took a good minute for him to contain his excitement.

Calm down. I still have to purchase equipment and hopefully find someone who will give me some information before I should even consider testing my spells or heading into the dungeon.

Forcing his feet to move, Clay began touring the mysterious marketplace exclusive to Delvers. He had been too self-absorbed earlier, but now that he got a good look at the place, he discovered many new and interesting things. 

For one, the attire of the people around him was nothing like the common townspeople. The majority of them wore armor of some sort, whether it be leather or plate. They weren’t uniform like the guards, either. Each piece of equipment looked unique. It had artwork, gems, or engravings that stood out. 

It was in line with what Clay had learned during his time in the city. These people around him were truly Delvers, people who explored the monster-spewing dungeons and obtained great power as a result. He had seen them many times, though in fewer numbers, guarding the outskirts of the city. And now he was one of them.

“Excuse me, can I have a moment of your time?” Clay asked one of his fellow Delvers, passing by.

“Sorry, we’re in a hurry,” a man covered in a leather cloak curtly responded before continuing on his way.

Hmm, it seems like most of them are in a hurry.

As a former retail worker, Clay was no stranger to rejection, but he quickly realized it was futile to try again. Everyone on this path seemed to be heading to the altar—more specifically, the dungeon. Clay knew it was wiser to try his luck elsewhere.

Passing through the crowd, curiously observed the wares people had laid out onto thick mats or on their makeshift stalls. It didn’t take long for him to spot the type of equipment he sorely needed, such as armor, but he could only let out a sigh when he noticed the price tag on it.

“The lowest price I see is twenty-five thousand Lyons—how can it be this expensive?” Clay muttered under his breath.

It had only come out as a soft whisper, but the seller immediately snapped his gaze toward Clay, proving he had overheard his comment.

“Huh, first time here, old man?” 

Clay blinked blankly for a split second before bowing apologetically to the man tugging on the maroon scarf around his neck. He appeared to be in his early twenties and had a scowl on his face.

“Sorry. I did not mean to offend you.”

“None taken. Just curious about what you’re doing. I thought you were a veteran with your build and all, but it sounds like it’s your first time in the marketplace. Don’t have to answer if you don’t want to, though.”

“Oh, it’s not a secret or anything. It is my first time here, just—initialized.”

“Seriously? Are you a noble knight or something, trying to revitalize your household?” The man spoke quickly at first, but slowed down as his gaze shifted to Clay’s clothes. “Err—don’t mind me. It’s just that not a lot of older folks choose to initialize, but with your physique, I’m sure you’ll become a great warrior or guardian in no time. Maybe one who actually has some skill instead of just relying on brute force, too.”

“Hate to disappoint you, but I chose to become a mage.”

“What?!” The vendor was visibly taken aback as he gave Clay another look over. “You a noble, then? Or a wealthy merchant?”

Clay shook his head. “Just some guy who came from some remote village.”

His nonchalant attitude, combined with his words, made the man narrow his eyes.

“Hey now, rookie. Hear me out. As your senior in Delving, I have to warn you that you’re making a mistake. You better head back and change your class. The mage classes aren’t something regular folks should consider.”

“And why is that?” Clay asked as he took a few steps closer and turned to face both the vendor and the crowd. He glanced around and found several individuals who fit the mage archetype, wielding a staff and wearing silky robes that seemed to provide minimal protection.

The vendor sighed as if resigning himself to an arduous task before explaining.

“No need to look around. I didn’t say there are no mages, but every single one has some sort of backing. Mages may appear powerful, capable of leveling a large area, but they are relatively weak in the beginning, before they upgrade their class once or twice. That means no one will want to party up with you. You practically have to hire others to bring you along until you can pull your weight.”

“I see, but that shouldn’t be a problem. I don’t plan on joining any party. Anyway, we’re getting a bit off track. I wanted to ask you for some advice in terms of gear—and about stats as well. Mine shows ‘Mage’ next to ‘Stats’ for some reason.”

“You—I’m trying to help you here. Delving into the dungeons alone is practically suicide!”

“I heard sticking around the first layer shouldn’t be too difficult. Am I wrong?”

“Just sticking to the first layer? Why in the world did you become a Delver at your age to do that? You’ll still be taking risks for about the same pay as most jobs in the city! You should’ve just started a business with all that money you spent on your Delving license.”

Clay balked a little at his words. There was some truth to his words. While ten gold coins weren’t enough to both buy land and hire workers to build himself a house, he could comfortably live for a while on it alone. Perhaps he could even invest in a business. However, as much as Clay wanted to live a carefree life without being disturbed, he had spent enough time in the fourth ring to realize the dangers of this world.

It had only been ten years since the dungeons emerged, and the monsters seen assaulting the city walls only grew stronger with each year. From what he knew of games and novels, it was likely only going to get worse as time went on. If he wanted a peaceful life, he would need to be able to defend himself. It was something he had been holding close to his chest ever since he learned a little about the situation of his new world.

Being an earth mage was a huge step toward addressing the issue. Not only could he use magic to defend himself and construct his residence, but he could eventually make a fortress or something while putting himself in a position to guide other Delvers to snuff out the threats. 

He was done with being the frontline retail worker. Sitting in the safety of the backseat and then advising others on how to proceed was much better. After all, that was how all the corporate honchos and managers operated.

“This is what I want to do. Think of it as a quirk of mine. Can we move on to my questions, please?”

The vendor let out yet another sigh, one that was much heavier.

“I did my best. Go to an information broker if you want your questions answered. I am too busy with my business to entertain you.”

The man looked away, marking the end of the conversation.

Clay understood when it was time to leave, so he did.

He cut through the crowds of Delvers, wondering where he could find an information broker that the vendor mentioned. He eventually stumbled onto a plaza, where dozens of Delvers gathered. Many of them were screaming something for all to hear.

“Looking for a porter to go down to the second layer!”

“I am a Tier 3 guardian, looking for experienced members who have mined on the fifth layer before.”

“We are a new party, new Delvers welcomed. We are looking for warriors who can hold the front line. Looking to set off as soon as possible!”

The last person to call out just happened to be right beside Clay. The young woman met Clay’s gaze as they turned to each other at the same time. She flashed him a smile and approached.

“Sir, are you interested in exploring the first layer with us? We could really use someone like you on our frontline.”

Not wanting to repeat the same conversation he had with the vendor, Clay quickly declined.

“No, thank you. I have somewhere to be.”

Without a second of delay, Clay escaped into the crowd. He glanced back a few times before slowing his pace. He attentively listened to the people around him for some time as he strolled around.

Hmm, seems like there really isn’t any party recruiting low-level mages.

After exploring the place some more, Clay finally stumbled onto a tent set up in the corner of the plaza. He squinted his eyes and slowly made out what was written on the wooden sign. 

The language of this world was different from what he knew. While he could speak it fine for some reason, he had to put in the work to learn how to read and write. Right now, it was paying dividends.

“Item Examination & Information Exchange

Best Prices Guaranteed.”

Seeing there weren’t many people there, Clay stepped inside quickly before that changed. He found a dark-haired woman there, resting her chin on her hand, looking extremely bored. She glanced up at Clay for a moment before lazily readjusting her posture, leaning back against her chair.

“What can I do for you, sir?” she said in a tired voice.

“I’m looking for some information. How much would it cost me?”

“Depends on what you’re looking for.”

“Just some basic information a beginner Delver should know—like how stats work.”

The woman’s gaze lingered on the burly man for a few seconds before responding.

“A thousand Lyons will do.”

Hearing the price, Clay cursed internally.

I saved an extra five thousand Lyons on top of the one hundred thousand fee because I heard weapons and basic armor cost a few thousand each. If I spend a thousand here, I may not have enough. But—knowledge is just as important as equipment.

Clay locked gazes with the woman who he found staring at him curiously. Her eyes told him she wasn’t rushing him, but was instead filled with curiosity. Seeing that he had time to think, he took advantage of it.

Should I really spend so much money on basic information? Or should I try conversing with one of the Delvers outside instead?

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