As our discussion continued, I couldn't help but marvel at how effortlessly I could understand and communicate with the three adventurers. There was no language barrier, no confusion, as if my mind effortlessly absorbed their words and intentions. It was a stark contrast to the enigmatic challenges I had faced in this castle. A lot of stuff to think about, if you ask me.

 

Was it due to my high intelligence points, some hidden benefit of the [Magic Eye], or perhaps a byproduct of my [Magician's Blood] buff? I pondered these possibilities as our conversation flowed. To ease my thirst for knowledge, I tried using <Insightful Gaze> on Eveline. Maybe it wouldn’t hurt to see what she’s capable of.

[Eveline Verbannt]

[Elfling]

<Mage-Class IV>

Level 15

[XP:1006/4740]

[Status]

<HP:126/126>

<Stamina:152/152>

<Mana:210/210>

<Satiation:308/308>

Weariness: 0%

The individual is full of energy, highly resilient, and capable of enduring extended periods of physical and mental exertion. No applicable debuffs are acquired.

Uninjured

Regeneration rate at normal level [100%]

[Attributes]

Strength: 20

Dexterity: 10

Agility: 10

Intelligence: 25 [75]

Constitution: 30

Charisma: 35

[Buffs]

<Woodland’s Blessing>

[This elfling’s blessing signifies a sacred connection with the Sylvan, granting unique powers and protection to the recipient.]

[Intelligence +50]

<Fire Mastery I>

[This being has been granted a basic mastery over the element of fire, empowering their fire magic spells with bonus grievous damage.]

[+5% Bonus Fire Damage]

 

Eveline, noticing my gaze lingering on her, suddenly stiffened. Her dark eyes met mine, and a shiver ran down my spine as if she could see right through me. She probably hadn't realized it was me, but my probing had not gone unnoticed. Her ears were definitely shaking, which I just noticed.

 

She’s an elf. (Or in this case, efling? That’s what my Magic Eye says).

 

Fidèle, always vigilant, shifted into a defensive stance, his massive frame blocking any potential threats. His sudden movement made a clanking sound as his armor grinded against each other. Nico, ever quick to react, caught the tension in the air and his hand instinctively reached for his weapon, both hands armed with short daggers.

 

My heart pounded as I realized the gravity of my mistake. My <Insightful Gaze> had breached the boundaries of her privacy, and now, suspicion hung in the air like an unspoken threat. I had to defuse the situation quickly. I am definitely in trouble.

With a forced smile, I raised my hands in a placating gesture. "My apologies, it seems I got lost in thought for a moment. No need to be alarmed."

 

Fidèle's gaze remained locked on me, his suspicion evident. "Something’s definitely not right, right now. Are you fine, Ferdinand?." With an alarmed voice to his question.

 

Eveline, however, showed signs of distress. She kept looking over her shoulder as if someone were stalking her. Despite this, her voice trembled slightly as she spoke and asked me.

 

"Ferdinand, is everything all right?"

 

I nodded, trying to regain their trust, but I couldn't help but feel dumbfounded by their sudden reactions. "Yes, everything's fine. Just a momentary lapse."

 

Fidèle, sensing something amiss, remained on high alert. He cast wary glances around the chamber, his muscles tensed, and his hand firmly on the hilt of his weapon. I can hear his teeth gritting against each other. Last time I’ve seen someone this alarmed was a long time ago, back when I was just an intern at the company I probably died in. I’m not too sure.

 

Nico's skepticism lingered, but he didn't press the issue further. Instead, he kept a watchful eye on me, suspicious but unsure of what had just transpired.

 

My confusion deepened as I struggled to comprehend their reactions. It was as if they had sensed a threat I couldn't perceive. What had caused Eveline's distress, and why was Fidèle so aggressively defensive?

 

Maybe she felt my [Magic Eye] stalking her using <Insightful Gaze>?

 

Eveline's unease had not dissipated, but she spoke with a hint of caution. "Ferdinand, something doesn't feel right. I have a sense that we're being watched or stalked."

 

Fidèle's protective instincts flared as he continued to scan the surroundings. His deep voice rumbled with intensity. "Eveline, stay close. I'll make sure nothing harms you."

 

Nico's gaze remained fixed on me, his suspicions growing. He kept his thoughts to himself, silently observing as he maintained his vigilance. He muttered something as he approached a dark corner in the hall.

 

“Something’s coming.”

 

My bewilderment persisted, and I couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to this castle than met the eye.

 

Something lurked in the shadows, something that had probably stirred the adventurers into a defensive stance.

 

I am definitely sure that whatever is causing this unnerving feeling wasn’t caused by me. Because I can also feel the sense of danger.

 

Or maybe my unwanted peek got Eveline spooked.

 

We remained on edge, the tension in the air thickening as we awaited whatever had prompted Fidèle's aggressive reaction. The castle's mysteries were terrifying alone to think about, and with each passing moment, the looming uncertainty surrounding our journey became more intricate and perplexing.

 

Maybe I shouldn’t have casted <Insightful Gaze> on her in the first place.

 

I couldn't help but think of my own encounter with Céadach, his cryptic warnings, and his insistence that I was connected to this castle in some way. "Céadach mentioned that this castle has a deep connection to magic. He seemed to believe that I have a role to play in unraveling its mysteries."

 

Suddenly, Fidèle's gaze darted in a certain direction, behind Eveline and then behind me. Without hesitation, he rushed forward, drawing his massive weapon and shouting a battle cry.

 

I turned to see what had triggered his reaction, my heart racing. There, emerging from the shadows, was an enormous, grotesque creature with gnarled limbs and bared fangs. It was a formidable foe, with red glowing eyes. We were now faced with a battle that none of us had expected. A deafening roar engulfed the dark hallway, forcing us to group back, away from the danger of this imposing creature.