I walked through the forest, my mind abuzz with plans and thoughts that had been swirling around for hours.

The walk gave me ample time for reflection, and my thoughts often wandered to my past, to my parents,

Algar and Lely, who had disappeared and passed away when I was just three years old. Despite the passage of time, I couldn't deny that I still missed them.

Only a few hours had passed since morning, and though I knew I should eat, it wasn't my top priority.

I had always believed that the importance of food was often exaggerated.

A well-fed adult could endure for days, so my immediate concern was not sustenance.

As I continued my journey, I stumbled upon an open area that was tinged with the scent of blood.

It was clear that some sort of altercation had taken place here, and my cautious approach revealed a few bodies lying about thirty meters away, dressed in leather attire that suggested they were hunters.

I couldn't help but wonder who had killed them and left their lifeless forms behind. In lawless territories like this, such situations are tragically common.

Observing the scene, I noted that the bodies had been there since the previous night, and it was strange that no scavengers or predators had come to feast on them.

Suppressing my emotions, I decided to search their belongings for anything useful. In a matter of moments,

I had gathered quality gear: leather clothing and armor, two steel daggers, and thirty copper coins.

They were valuable possessions that would aid my survival, though the sight of the young lives lost weighed heavily on my conscience.

They appeared to be around my age, in their early twenties, while I was twenty-eight.

I reminded myself that my priority was survival, not mourning the dead, and with that resolve,

I pressed on, leaving the grim scene behind.

I continued my journey until I stumbled upon a sizeable cabin with a signboard that read "Nightgale Inn."

It seemed like a suitable place to rest, and with that thought, I entered the inn.

Inside, I found simple furnishings and four patrons—a middle-aged woman tending the bar and a man working in the kitchen.

As I observed my surroundings, I exchanged a glance with the woman.

She spoke in a casual tone, noting that it was unusual to see young folks like me here during daylight.

I smiled and approached the bar, meeting her gaze as I asked, "Why's that?"

With a playful roll of her eyes, she pointed at my shoulder, where remnants of blood were still visible.

"You've got blood on you, but you're not a hunter. If you were, you'd have a bow and prey. So, where's the animal?"

I took a deep breath, choosing not to reveal too much about my recent past. She chuckled and said,

"I don't care who you are; just behave and pay. You're welcome here."

Nodding appreciatively, I asked, "How much for a beer?"

"One copper coin for a mug. Three coins for meat and veggies with it," she replied.

I placed three coins on the table, and she signaled for me to take a seat. I

I chose a spot away from the other patrons, keeping a discreet watchful eye on them, aware of the need to avoid drawing undue attention.

Relaxing wasn't a luxury I could afford, given my fugitive status after escaping Grimrock Prison in Whiterock City. I couldn't afford to draw attention to myself in a place like this.

Yet, human nature often leads people to act recklessly under certain circumstances, and I was no exception.

I couldn't help but let my guard down a little, even if only for a brief moment.

Minutes later, my meal and a wooden mug of beer arrived at my table.

I drank thirstily, finishing the beer with a satisfying thump.

I devoured the meat quickly, and I found myself relishing the meal and savoring the flavors.

It was a stark contrast to my time in prison, where I had survived on black bread and water.

"Now, beer and meat feel like heaven," I thought as I signaled for another mug, the effects of the alcohol and the satisfying meal beginning to lighten my spirits.

In that moment, life seemed a bit brighter.