As I slowly regained consciousness, my surroundings gradually came into focus. I found myself in a quaint room, lit by the soft flicker of candlelight that cast warm shadows on the wooden walls. The aroma of food being prepared wafted in from somewhere nearby. Confusion clouded my thoughts, and I couldn't quite place where I was.
Just as I was trying to piece together my situation, a gentle voice broke through the haze of my thoughts. I turned my head to see Eveline standing by my bedside. Eveline's auburn hair no longer had the distinctive white streaks it had before.
"You're awake," Eveline said with a warm smile.
I blinked, still disoriented from my recent awakening. "Where am I?"
Eveline's smile remained, though there was a hint of weariness in her eyes. "You're in Eifansdoche, a town on the island of Iouernia.”
Relief washed over me as I began to grasp my surroundings.
"Oh, thank you," I said sincerely.
Eveline continued, " Fidèle and Nico are outside, enjoying a drink with the townsfolk. They've been worried about you. Would you like to join us for a meal? You can meet some of the other adventurers in the inn as well."
I nodded, feeling grateful for their kindness. Together, we left the room and entered the cozy common area of the inn, where adventurers from various backgrounds mingled, sharing tales of their exploits. Laughter filled the air as I was introduced to the group.
The innkeeper motioned for Eveline to bring me over to him. I followed her, feeling a sense of apprehension.
In a low voice, the innkeeper explained, "You'll need to be evaluated by the guild master later today. It's a standard procedure for newcomers."
Reluctantly, I agreed, realizing that this evaluation was likely a necessary step in this new world. I rejoined the group, where it was evident that Fidele and Eveline had already indulged themselves in the local spirits. They exchanged a knowing look and made their way toward their room.
I turned my attention to Nico, my curiosity piqued by his swift recovery despite the recent ordeal in the castle dungeon.
"Have your wounds already healed?" I asked in amazement, my eyes scanning him for any signs of lingering injuries.
Nico nodded; his friendly smile unwavering. "Yes, they have," he replied, his voice filled with casual confidence.
"I seem to have a knack for healing quickly." He extended his hand toward me, his gesture both welcoming and formal.
"By the way, I'm Nicostratos Athanatos of Ionia. I’m from an island southwest of the main continent. It's very far from here.”
“Sorry for being grumpy back there." He apologized, likely referring to his cold demeanor back at the castle dungeon.
I nodded and replied with a smile.
As we exchanged introductions, the background chatter in the inn continued. Other adventurers regaled one another with tales of their past exploits, their voices animated and full of camaraderie. The innkeeper bustled about, ensuring that everyone's mugs were filled with the local brew, and the aroma of food being prepared added to the lively atmosphere.
As I settled in among the group of adventurers, I couldn't help but overhear a lively conversation between two fellow patrons at a nearby table. They seemed to be thoroughly enjoying their meal, and their discussion focused on the delectable offerings of the inn.
A burly man with a bushy beard raised his tankard of ale, taking a hearty swig before letting out a satisfied sigh. "I tell you, my friend," he began, a grin spreading across his face, "this ale is a marvel. It's got that perfect balance of hops and malt. And it complements the roast meat like nothing else."
His companion, a woman with a mischievous glint in her eye, nodded in agreement as she took a bite of her blueberry pie.
"You're absolutely right," she chimed in, savoring the sweet and tart flavors of the pie.
"And speaking of perfection, this blueberry pie is divine. The crust is flaky, and the blueberries burst with flavor."
The man chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "Divine, you say? Well, I can't argue with that. It's almost sinful how good it is."
Their banter continued, filled with laughter and genuine enjoyment of their meal.
Amidst the lively chatter and laughter in the inn, Nico turned to me with a furrowed brow and asked, "Hey, where is Fidèle and Eveline?"
The rest of the group erupted into laughter, their mirth filling the air, and I couldn't help but join in, not entirely understanding the inside joke. Their laughter continued for a moment until one of the adventurers finally explained, "They've gone to their room, Nico. You know, like they always do."
Nico's expression remained puzzled, but a flicker of something else passed through his eyes. He seemed a bit upset, his jovial demeanor fading. It was then that I realized the source of his earlier grumpiness in the castle dungeon. Jealousy.
I leaned closer to Nico, my voice low and understanding. "You're jealous, aren't you?" I asked quietly.
Nico glanced away for a moment, then nodded reluctantly. "Yeah, I guess I am. It's just... they've been together for so long, and sometimes I feel like I'm on the outside looking in."
I offered a reassuring smile, placing a hand on Nico's shoulder. “I get it.”
Nico's tension seemed to ease a bit, and he managed a small, fake smile. "Thanks, Ferdinand. I appreciate that. I really do."
As I continued to converse with Nico, I couldn't shake the feeling of a lingering trace of anger in his demeanor. It was subtle but noticeable.
Boredom crept in as the morning wore on, and I decided to discreetly inspect my own stats to pass the time.
[Ferdinand Tamadito]
[Human]
<Mage-Class X>
Level 3
[XP:476/948]
[Status]
<HP:84/84>
<Stamina:102/102>
<Mana:900/900>
<Satiation:190/204>
Weariness: 10%
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: 10
Dexterity: 10
Agility: 10
Intelligence: 10 [1,000]
Constitution: 20
Charisma: 10
[Buffs]
<Magician's Blood>
[You hail from a lineage of renowned magicians.]
[Intelligence multiplier +100%]
<Arcane Insight>
[Attains a heightened state of awareness, granting the ability to perceive and comprehend one's own stats with extraordinary clarity.]
Satisfied with what I saw, I decided to use [Magic Eye] to peer over Nico's stats discreetly. Unlike Eveline, Nico didn't show any immediate reaction to my magical scrutiny using <Insightful Gaze>.
[Nicostratos Athanatos]
[Human]
<Hunter>
Level 20
[XP:2013/6320]
[Status]
<HP:168/168>
<Stamina:400/400>
<Mana:108/108>
<Satiation:412/412>
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: 30
Dexterity: 75 [86]
Agility: 80 [100]
Intelligence: 10
Constitution: 40
Charisma: 10
[Buffs]
<Limber Body>
[Years of rigorous training and a naturally agile physique have honed this being’s body to perfection.]
[Agility multiplier +25%]
<Footwork I>
[This being possess exceptional footwork, allowing them to move with incredible speed and precision.]
[Dexterity multiplier +15%]
[Evasion +5%]
What I saw surprised me. Nico's stats were quite different from mine. His level was an impressive 20, a level incomparable to mine. He possessed a high amount of Agility and Dexterity points, and also had a decent amount of strength attributed to him. Remind me not to mess with this guy.
As I continued to observe, I couldn't help but wonder about Nico's background and how he had reached such a high level. But I can’t ask him if I can’t even tell him where I come from.
As I continued to watch the jovial scene in the inn, I couldn't help but feel a pang of frustration. I still couldn't bring myself to reveal my true origins to these people. The fear of their reaction weighed heavily on my mind.
With a sigh, I excused myself from the group, explaining that I wanted to step outside for some fresh air. I made my way to the inn's entrance, the cool morning breeze a welcome respite from the warmth of the crowded inn.
Leaning against a wooden railing, I gazed out at the docks, watching the ships bobbing gently in the moonlit waters. It was a peaceful scene, a stark contrast to the chaos I had experienced in the castle not too long ago.
As I stood there lost in thought, a faint noise caught my attention. I turned towards the source, and my eyes widened in surprise. There, in a window overlooking the docks, I saw Eveline. She was looking out at the same view, her expression thoughtful.
Our eyes met briefly, and in that silent moment, I felt a connection with her, as if we shared a secret understanding.
As I stood there, watching Eveline through the window, I couldn't help but feel a sense of longing. Her presence had a calming effect on me, and I admired her from afar.
Just then, my thoughts were interrupted as Fidèle joined Eveline by the window, their voices hushed as they shared a private moment. The pang of jealousy I had experienced earlier mirrored what I now saw in Nico.
Turning away from the window and the intimate moment between Eveline and Fidele, I decided to occupy myself by the docks. I extended my hand and summoned a small, smooth stone using [Earth Magic], creating a stone from thin air.
With a practiced motion, I sent the stone skipping across the idle waters. However, my control over the stone was less refined than I had hoped. Instead of dancing gracefully, the stone reacted strangely with the water and sank rather quickly.
“Damn. I suck.”
As each attempt ended in failure, frustration grew within me and I abandoned the futile endeavor. With a heavy heart, I made my way back to the inn, where the group was still in high spirits, enjoying their drinks and laughter.
As I entered the inn, I noticed a man sitting at the bar, indulging in a glass of liquor. I couldn't resist the allure of its numbing effects. The rich, magical aroma wafted through the air, tempting me further.
With my judgment clouded by frustration and jealousy, I approached the man, a reckless impulse driving me forward.
"Excuse me," I muttered, my voice slurred from the alcohol I had already consumed. "That drink... may I have some?"
The man turned to me, his eyes heavy-lidded from the effects of the liquor. He regarded me with a mixture of amusement and curiosity.
"You want a taste, eh?" he chuckled, pushing the glass toward me. "Go ahead, friend. It's not for the faint of heart, though."
I didn't need any more encouragement. I grabbed the glass and took a deep gulp, savoring the burning sensation as the potent mana liquor flowed down my throat. The world seemed to spin even faster, and I felt a surge of reckless abandon.
The man beside me chuckled again, raising his own glass in a silent toast. We shared a moment of camaraderie, two strangers bonded by the intoxicating effects of the mana liquor.
I decided to drown my sorrows in the potent mana liquor. The strong drink had an immediate effect on me, and I indulged in it more than I should have. The combination of alcohol and my already high mana reserves proved to be a dangerous mix.
As I downed the potent mana liquor, the crowd around me began to take notice. The alcohol had emboldened me, and a surge of confidence surged through my veins. I felt a strange sense of camaraderie with the drunken patrons of the inn.
A raucous cheer erupted from the crowd, their voices blending into a cacophonous chorus of encouragement.
"Drink! Drink! Drink!"
The chant grew louder and more fervent with each passing moment. The crowd was united in their enthusiasm, egging me on as if I were in some kind of drinking contest.
I couldn't help but join in, lifting the glass once more and taking another hearty gulp, the fiery liquid burning my throat. The cheers and laughter of the crowd echoed in my ears, drowning out my earlier frustrations and worries.
In that moment, I was just another reveler in the inn, swept up in the joyful chaos of the morning.
As noon approached, I felt myself becoming increasingly intoxicated. My vision blurred, and my movements became sluggish. Finally, my body gave in to the overwhelming mana, and I fell unconscious, slumping over at the table.
The world around me faded into darkness once again.
