LIVING A LAVISH LIFESTYLE BEGINS WITH OBTAINING A BOOK

As dawn broke, the inn buzzed with the early morning routines of its staff and guests.

The old man gathered his belongings, preparing to leave the inn.

Ravan, feeling a bit more rested after their late-night conversation, watched the old man as he adjusted his coat and checked his bag.

The innkeeper approached them with a friendly smile.

"Heading out already?" he asked.

The old man nodded.

"Yes, we need to get to Ember. Do you know where we can hire a carriage?"

The innkeeper rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

"Oh, heading for the big city, are we? I can help you with that. Give me a moment."

As the innkeeper went to make arrangements, the maids swarmed around the old man, their eyes twinkling with flirtation.

"Are you sure you have to leave so soon?" one of them asked, batting her eyelashes.

"You could stay a bit longer."

Another maid chimed in, "We'll miss you if you go.

Maybe you can visit us again?"

The old man's face hardened, and he brusquely shoved them away.

"Get off of me!" he shouted, his voice echoing through the inn.

The maids, startled by his sudden outburst, backed away in fear.

Ravan couldn't help but admire the old man's standards.

Despite their charms, he remained unfazed and focused on their mission.

He thought to himself, 'This old man is truly something else.'

The innkeeper returned, waving them over.

"I've arranged a carriage for you. It should be here shortly. Not much luggage, I see?"

"Just a few drinks," the old man replied, patting a small bag he had filled with bottles purchased from the innkeeper.

"Well, good luck to you both," the innkeeper said with a nod.

"Ember is quite a place. You'll find it very different from Evershade."

Ravan nodded in agreement, his curiosity piqued.

'Evershade is big, but I can't imagine how vast Ember must be if this small town covers such a large area.'

He thought knowing he spent his entire life cooped up in his room.

They exchanged farewells, thanking the innkeeper for his hospitality.

True to his word, the carriage arrived promptly. It was a simple yet sturdy vehicle, driven by a robust-looking man who tipped his hat as they approached.

"Ready to go?" the driver asked, his voice gruff but friendly.

"Yes, to Ember," the old man confirmed.

They climbed into the carriage, settling onto the cushioned seats.

As they pulled away from the inn, Ravan glanced back at the place that had briefly been their refuge.

The small town of Evershade was waking up, the streets starting to fill with people beginning their day. It had been a brief stay, but it was time to move on.

The carriage rolled smoothly along the road, the landscape gradually changing as they left Evershade behind.

Ravan couldn't help but wonder what awaited them in Ember.

If Evershade had been a glimpse of bustling life, Ember would surely be a world of its own.

With a mixture of anticipation and apprehension, Ravan settled back in his seat.

The journey to Ember was just beginning, and he knew that his life would never be the same again.

As the carriage rolled steadily down the path towards Ember, the old man glanced at Ravan and noticed something in his hands.

It was a book, dusty with a rough red cover. Intrigued, the old man asked, "Where did you get that book?"

Ravan looked up, a bit startled by the question.

"I purchased it from the innkeeper," he replied.

The old man's brow furrowed. "And what did you use to buy it?"

Ravan hesitated for a moment before answering, "I gave him the beast core you took from the Valhein."

A surge of anger coursed through the old man.

"You what? Why would you give away the beast core I got from the Valhein?" His voice was sharp, a mixture of frustration and disappointment.

Ravan shifted uncomfortably in his seat, sensing the old man's displeasure.

"I'm sorry," he began, "but while one of the maids was healing my damaged ears, I asked the innkeeper if there was a way to get knowledge on all the types of monsters and their weaknesses."

'If I'm going to survive and maybe even thrive, I need to learn as much as I can.'he thought not saying that part out loud.

"So, the innkeeper gave me this book. He said he used to be a professor at the Walkers Academy, where they train Tower Walkers and Room Walkers."

The old man's anger subsided slightly, though his expression remained stern.

"Beast cores are rare and valuable, especially for those outside the Walkers' circles.

They're primarily used for trade among the Tower and Room Walkers. I just hope that book is worth the core you gave away."

Ravan nodded earnestly.

"I think it is,"Ravan was quick to justify his actions.

'If I'm ever going to get that lavish lifestyle I dream of, I need to understand how to overcome the dangers in this world. This book is a start.'

The old man sighed deeply, deciding to let the matter rest.

"That core wasn't incredibly valuable in the grand scheme of things.

It was just a Valhein core, after all. But still, you should've asked me before trading it away."

Curious, Ravan asked, "If it wasn't that valuable, then why did you keep it?"

The old man's gaze softened slightly as he explained, "Beast cores can be used to enhance a weapon's durability and strength when infused properly.

That's the kind of work I do—I'm a blacksmith. Cores like the one from the Valhein are useful in my trade."

Ravan absorbed this information thoughtfully, feeling a pang of guilt for not consulting the old man first.

"I understand. I'll be more careful next time."

The old man gave a small nod, his stern expression easing.

"Just remember, knowledge is valuable, but so are the tools we use to survive.

You'll need both if you're to make something of yourself."

Ravan nodded, clutching the book a bit tighter.

"I will. Thank you for understanding."

As the carriage continued its journey, Ravan opened the book and began to read, determined to absorb as much knowledge as possible.

The old man leaned back in his seat, watching the young boy with a mixture of exasperation and hope.

Perhaps there was more to Ravan than met the eye.

'This kid isn't as bad as his father described him to be...he's just someone who wants to survive in a world where the weak are left out to rot.'

'I can tell...that he wants to prove himself not only to his father but this shithole of a world too.'

The old man chuckles before continuing to speak to himself.

'Just hang in there kid, there's more and far more that you don't know about...your mentality is the only thing that will ensure your survival.'