Season 1; Who is this Old Man.

Although I didn't want to be spotted, it was inevitable not to be. In order to not arouse any suspicions, I had to leave the Inn normally, the same way I went inside.

Just as I expected, Sebastian really did go for it, I mean getting laid. Thanks to his dense mind, like a brainless man, I am able to leave quietly without pain.

I've brought the stuff I need and prepared my horse, Orleon.

If I want to go to the north, the City of Erast, I have to go past the City of Stark. The City of Stark will be full of inspections, which will be a challenge if I want to go to the City of Erast to flee into the northwest. I have to expect many of the Duke's rats. And most likely Sebastian too.

I wonder how's Cassiel doing...

It took me about five hours of travel by horse until I reached a village near the outskirts of the City Stark. Although, from here, I still haven't gotten sight of the City. Another few or more after Orleon rests, I'll continue my travel.

I've encountered a few Goblins from here to there, but they were just single bandits, which were easy to deal with and aren't strong. I also met some Adventurers who were hunting and gathering, fulfilling quests, but I didn't really converse with them.

"Are you good, boy?"

Orleon neighed. I gave him water and hay from the village and let him rest for about an hour. I roamed around the village and saw no knights from any city, but there were guards in the outskirts of the village. But it was lax. I'm sure I could handle all of them if they came to me altogether.

I guess it doesn't matter since there are Adventurers out here. And quite a few, it seems. Since there's a small Adventurer Building, Adventurers could get quests from there.

That reminds me. Haven't I gotten a data transfer for how the Adventurer ID Card works?

"Elle Stelsel." I pressed on the empty space in front of me and swiped to the right.

[ List of Panels ]

- < Transferring Data Status { Adventurer ID }

- < Transferred Data { System Function }

- < System Name Added

- < Details of Curse of Death

- < Details of Fiery Lightning

- < Details of Fortress of Steel

I clicked on the first one on the list.

[ Data Status: Incomlete | Progression: 19.2% | Time Requirement: 43 Hours ]

It takes a long lot of time, doesn't it? Well, it did work. I know some things about the ID now. Since Adventurer ID Card is too much of a hassle, what should I call it? Let's just call it A.ID for now.

The function I learned through Elle is what I learned from Katherine. Basically the call and messaging. It's pretty useful for stuff like that, but I don't really have much to do with it since I have no contacts. It's no surprise that Sebastian hasn't called me yet. I'm sure he's still passed out with a woman beside him.

"Are you new here, Adventurer?" an old man approached me.

"I am, indeed, sir," I responded.

He was short and old, wrinkles all over his face, and he is thin.

The old man scanned me. "Are you a knight?" he asked.

I did not answer.

What am I supposed to say? I am not a Knight but I was an apprentice of one great Knight Master. I was practically a Knight, too. But how does he know that? Or how can he tell?

"I used to be a Knight so I know my fellows very well. But I guess Knights nowadays can be so young." He sighed. "But I see such great strength from you. Are you perhaps a prodigy?"

"I'm sorry, sir. But I'm not a Knight." I smiled bitterly. "At least not anymore."

The old man pondered, "Hmm... Is it because of that?" he looked up as if thinking something.

I was curious as to what he meant and couldn't help but ask, "What do you mean, sire?"

"Can I touch you, lad?" he asked.

H-huh? Wait, why?

"Now, don't you worry, young lad. I won't do no harm." he smiled and approached me. He touched me and mumbled to himself saying, "I see.", "Oh...", "Is that why?", "I get it." until he was finished and finally let go of me.

I was getting a sense that he was- wait, is he?

"You have a dark future ahead, lad," he muttered. "I have nothing to say. But whatever is following you, disaster will befall. Either you overcome it, or own it."

"W-what do you mean, sir?"

"I have got a taste of your past, present, and future. Whatever is troubling you, embrace it. Whatever you're doing, take it easy. What lies ahead of you, prepare for it. And as for your limits, no one can determine it for you. What others say or have said may influence your mind, but don't let what others say limit you. If another thinks you are not a Knight, show them wrong.

"You can achieve greater feats if you open your mind and embrace what you have now. But this will be difficult, I say. Consider it, learn it, embrace it, because there is no such thing as curses unless it came from someone else. What was rightfully yours is no curse but a blessing. It will only be a curse if you make it one. The path you think you see might not be what you want, but if you are able to overcome it, you can be greater than just a mere Knight."

"W-what are you saying, sir?"

"When you arrive at Erast, find the blacksmith, Eliot Reginn Dufort. Tell him Ramiel du Guesclin sent you. And when you go to Citburgh, look for the Yellow Tower Grandmage, Raiden Abreo. Tell him the same thing. And when you go to Ezledon, find a woman named Helain Grant. All these people will benefit you greatly."

My eyes widen at his mention of Erast. "H-how do you know I was planning to go to E-erast?" It was just simply impossible! Who is this old man?

"If ever you want to repay this favor, my son, Ezekiel du Guesclin is the same age. Take him with you someday on Earth. Make him loyal to you. Now look that way, lad." he pointed behind me.

I subconsciously looked behind at where he pointed but saw nothing. And when I turned my head towards the old man... he was walking away.

"Hohoho... you thought I would disappear?" the old man looked behind. "I am too old for that type of silly gimmicks." "Remember, for he shall earn what he has worked for." "Hohoho. Farewell, lad." he waved his hand and continued to walk away.

W-what the actual fuck was that? Why the hell do I feel as if I've met someone renowned? Wait, that's just impossible. If he was someone well-known, I would have known since he said he used to be a Knight!

No. That's not what I am supposed to think about. The question is how was he able to know my plans. And who were those people he have mentioned? I have no way of telling who they are. Should I follow his advice? And why does it seem like I will meet his son?

Shit. Has news about me already begun to spread? I have to leave immediately. I have no time to waste.

I hurried back to where my stable was and took Orleon. "Let's go," I said and rode Orleon.

We traveled fast until the sight of the City Stark was up ahead. What lies beyond those walls, I don't know. One thing is for sure, I must be wary and careful.