4.

Days had flown by since Larion became a member of the Adventurers, officially marking the start of his journey as a novice adventurer.

As the morning sun painted the sky with hues of gold, he emerged from his humble place within the hall, a space reserved exclusively for beginners and novice adventurers to find their footing in the adventurous world.

Stepping into the bustling lobby, Larion's stomach growled, reminding him of his need for food.

He made his way to a nearby table and ordered a hearty meal.

A plate of steaming potatoes and succulent meat was soon placed before him, their savory aroma filling the air.

Satisfied after his meal, Larion approached the reception table, where a woman named Aira was diligently wiping the counter.

They had already become acquainted during his stay, exchanging names and engaging in casual conversation.

"Good morning, Aira," Larion greeted, a warm smile adorning his lips.

"Oh, early as ever, huh, Larion?" Aira replied, reciprocating his smile.

Chuckling softly, Larion quipped, "You know what they say, early birds get the worm."

Curiosity sparked within Aira as she inquired about his recent quest. "How did your last quest go?"

Larion's eyes rolled dramatically, and he exclaimed, "Boring!"

Intrigued, Aira prodded further, urging him to share the details.

Larion leaned against the counter, ready to regale her with his tale.

"It was just an escort quest," he began, his voice tinged with a hint of disappointment.

"I was tasked with accompanying a noble's daughter as she ventured into the bustling market."

Aira's brow furrowed in confusion. "That's strange. Usually, nobles have their guards and aides to accompany them."

Larion shrugged, a perplexed expression etched on his face. "Well, when I received the quest, she arrived here, her face concealed beneath a hooded robe. It piqued my curiosity, so I asked Emma about the girl's request. Turns out, it was a simple task with no particular significance."

Lost in thought, Aira pondered the situation, considering various possibilities. "Perhaps she's hiding from someone or something? Or maybe she just wanted a taste of freedom, away from the watchful eyes of her attendants?"

Leaning back against the counter, Larion sighed, finding solace in the cool surface against his weary back. "Who knows? As long as I get paid for my services, I don't see any harm in respecting her privacy. Some people just prefer to keep their secrets."

Aira nodded in agreement, her gaze filled with understanding. "Indeed, privacy is a precious commodity in this world. We should all respect each other's boundaries."

Larion agreed and continued to ask Aira for the beginner's quest for today.

Aira handed him a pile of paper requests and one by one Larion checked every paper.

Everything seemed to be normal requests. From escort quests to gathering quests.

He has no choice as he cannot take quests beyond his capabilities like party raid quests, subjugation quests, etc.

Larion sticks to his plan to earn more and save up in the meantime so he chose a logging quest he saw.

"I'll take this one." Larion hands the single piece of paper to accept the request.

"Oh. This is a good exercise for the whole day. Mr. Greymond will be waiting in front of his shop an hour from now before heading to the logging site." Aira said while stamping the paper then let Larion sign the contract.

Larion thanked Aira for her assistance and bid her farewell, his heart brimming with anticipation as he set out to go to the lumber shop near the southern gate of the city.

The bustling streets came alive with the early morning hustle and bustle, vibrant with the energy of a new day.

The scent of freshly baked bread wafted through the air, mingling with the earthy aroma of damp soil as Larion made his way through the lively street.

As he strolled along the street, Larion's eyes were drawn to the various shops that were just beginning to open their doors.

He watched as the shop owners diligently arranged their wares, their hands moving with practiced precision.

Nearby, a group of merchants unloaded carts filled with succulent cuts of meat, destined for the lively market square where most of the meat shops were located.

The clatter of hooves echoed through the street as a horse-drawn carriage passed by, carrying its passengers to their destinations.

Amidst the bustling scene, Larion arrived at the lumber shop and found a young boy diligently sweeping the front.

Approaching the teenager, he inquired, "Are you Mr. Greymond of Grey's Lumber?"

The boy was taken aback by Larion's sudden appearance but quickly regained his composure. "Uhm... No. You must be asking about my father. He's inside."

Understanding the situation, Larion nodded. "Oh, okay. I'll help myself go inside then." He waved goodbye to the boy and pushed open the door, revealing an expansive space filled with stacks of timber and the earthy scent of freshly sawn wood.

Inside, Larion's eyes fell upon a middle-aged man with a physique that betrayed years of physical labor.

Muscles rippled beneath the fabric of his shirt, a testament to the strength needed to carry the massive logs that lined the walls of the shop.

As Larion approached, the man turned his gaze towards him, a warm smile gracing his weathered face.

"So, you must be the one who accepted my request," Mr. Greymond, or rather Aron, said with a friendly tone.

"Yes, sir," Larion replied respectfully, his voice filled with determination.

"You can call me Aron. By the way, since you're here early, Mr...?"

"Just Larion," he answered, eager to get started on their task.

"Ah, thank you for that, young man. Since you're here early, can you help me with the equipment we're bringing and load them onto the cart?"

Larion nodded eagerly. "Of course, show me the way."

Together, Larion, Aron, and the teenager named Rolo made their way to the back of the shop, where a variety of tools and equipment awaited them.

Larion marveled at the precision and care with which Aron handled each item, his years of experience evident in every movement.

With a shared sense of purpose, they swiftly loaded the necessary gear onto the waiting cart, securing everything in place for the journey ahead.

After an hour of careful preparation, Larion, Aron, and Rolo set off towards the logging site.

The cart rumbled along the uneven path, the wheels grinding against the gravel as they ventured deeper into the dense forest.

The sunlight filtered through the foliage above, casting a dappled pattern of shadows on the forest floor.

The air was thick with the scent of moss and damp earth, a testament to the pristine beauty of nature that surrounded them.

As they traveled further into the heart of the forest, Larion's excitement grew.

He could feel the raw energy of the towering trees, their majestic presence inspiring a sense of awe within him.

The sound of birdsong filled the air, harmonizing with the gentle rustle of leaves as a light breeze whispered through the branches.

In the distance, Larion could hear the distant sound of axes striking against wood, signaling their imminent arrival at the logging site.

As the cart trudged along the rugged path, the distant figures of two loggers came into view.

Aron's sons, Grea and Miro, stood tall and strong, their axes glinting in the sunlight as they skillfully felled the massive trees.

Rolo, the youngest of the group, waved excitedly, his youthful energy evident in his every movement.

The atmosphere at the logging site was filled with a sense of purpose and camaraderie.

Larion observed as Grea and Aron expertly cut through the trees, their movements synchronized and efficient.

The rhythmic thud of axes striking wood echoed through the air, intermingling with the chirping of birds and the rustling of leaves in the breeze.

Lunchtime approached, and Rolo eagerly grabbed some food from the cart, the tantalizing aroma of fresh bread and savory meats wafting through the air.

The group gathered around, their laughter and conversation filling the forest clearing.

Aron, always the curious one, turned his attention towards Larion.

"You're not from around here, are you?" he asked, his voice filled with genuine interest.

Larion, his eyes meeting Aron's, felt a sense of hesitation.

Memories of his past flashed through his mind, the pain and longing seeping into his heart.

But before he could respond, Aron spoke again.

"Well, it's not my place to ask you personal questions, and you're not required to answer," he said, understanding etched into his features.

Larion nodded in appreciation, silently acknowledging the understanding that passed between them.

Sometimes, the unspoken words held more weight than any answer could provide.

As the day wore on, the group worked tirelessly, their muscles aching with exertion.

Larion and Miro, entrusted with the task of carrying the logs, pushed through their fatigue, their determination never wavering.

Rolo diligently kept an eye on the cart, ensuring its safety amidst the chaos of falling trees and flying splinters.

With the setting sun casting a warm glow over the horizon, the group finally completed their work.

Larion managed to load the last log onto the cart, his hands covered in sweat and blisters, but his heart filled with a sense of accomplishment.

As they began their journey back to the shop, Larion settled at the back of the cart, leaning against the stacked logs.

Rolo, always curious and full of youthful enthusiasm, struck up a conversation.

They exchanged stories and laughter, the weariness of the day momentarily forgotten.

But amidst the lighthearted banter, Aron's voice broke through the joyous atmosphere.

"Larion, I must warn you," he said, his eyes fixed on the path ahead.

"Mingle with the nobles cautiously, and stay away from the city guards as they might spot you as an easy target."

Larion's brows furrowed in confusion as he listened intently, captivated by Aron's words.

The older man's voice held a tinge of sadness, the weight of years of suffering and discrimination in his tone.

He explained the hardships faced by the locals and the injustices they endured at the hands of those in power.

Intrigued, yet wary, Larion pondered Aron's warning.

He realized the gravity of the situation, the delicate balance between survival and rebellion within the city walls.

A sense of gratitude welled up within him, knowing that Aron had shared this knowledge, urging him to be cautious and aware.

The journey back to the shop was filled with a somber silence, each member of the group lost in their thoughts.

As they arrived, Larion eagerly helped unload the logs, the weight of their completion settling upon his shoulders.

He handed Aron the signed request paper, a symbol of their successful quest, and bid the group farewell.

With weariness clinging to his bones, Larion made his way to the Adventurer Hall, the weight of Aron's words still fresh in his mind.

As he handed the signed paper to Aira, a sense of determination burned within him.

He would heed the advice of someone who had weathered the storms of Belaiv for years.

It was best to tread cautiously and listen to the wisdom of those who knew the city's dark secrets.

With the completion of a long day's work and a newfound resolve, Larion couldn't help but think about what lay ahead.

He reflected on Aron's warning, knowing that as he stayed longer within Belaiv, he would inevitably uncover the truths hidden beneath the surface.

And in that moment, he silently vowed to navigate the city with caution and to be mindful of the dangers that lurked within its shadows.

~~~

Luca's exhausted body sank into the comfort of his bed as he logged out of Titan's Advent.

The vibrant colors of Belaiv still danced in his mind, leaving behind a lingering sense of adventure.

Yet, as he closed his eyes, he couldn't shake the feeling of time slipping away, the relentless march of minutes and hours outside the game.

He had always known that time in the real world passed differently compared to the game, but the reality of it hit him with a wave of realization.

Six days spent inside the game, battling monsters and exploring the vast landscapes, had only amounted to an hour and thirty minutes in the real world.

The imbalance between the two worlds was astounding.

A growl from his stomach reminded him of his neglected hunger.

It was already 1:30 a.m., but Luca couldn't resist the urge to satiate his appetite.

He placed an order for his favorite pizza, a guilty pleasure he indulged in after long gaming sessions.

While waiting for his food to arrive, Luca grabbed his phone and messaged his friend, Aldrin.

The excitement of their shared experience in Titan's Advent propelled his fingers to type with eagerness.

He couldn't wait to regale Aldrin with stories from the game, to relive the thrilling moments through their conversation.

As if on cue, Aldrin's reply buzzed on his screen, brimming with the same level of enthusiasm.

Luca's heart swelled with gratitude for having such an understanding friend.

They reminisced about their individual experiences in the game, exchanging tales of conquest and discovery.

It was during this conversation that Luca revealed a startling fact to his friend - He was the only player who had not received any powers within the game.

A mix of disappointment and determination washed over Aldrin.

He reassured Luca that he would find a way to overcome this setback, his resolve shining through his words.

But Luca just stopped him as he stated that he would find other ways to thrive in the game.

After all, Luca's initial motivation for entering Titan's Advent was to earn money.

He couldn't let this minor setback deter him from his goal.

With a mutual understanding, Aldrin supported Luca's decision and encouraged him to find his path within the game.

Their conversation took a slight turn as they shared their current locations in the game.

To their surprise, they discovered that they were situated at different ends of the same kingdom.

However, this didn't dampen their spirits.

They planned to meet up somewhere in the game someday, to reunite and continue their adventures side by side.

In an effort to bring their connection back into the real world, Aldrin suggested a meeting in person.

The last time they saw each other was three months ago when Aldrin gifted Luca with the DivePod XFinal.

Excitement bubbled within Luca as he agreed to the plan, eagerly anticipating their reunion on the upcoming weekend.

As their conversation drew to a close, they bid each other farewell, their bond stronger than ever.

Luca's pizza arrived, filling the room with the mouthwatering aroma of melted cheese and savory toppings.

He settled in front of his computer, devouring his food while watching livestream videos from Titan's Advent.

The screen came to life, displaying the daring exploits of skilled players.

Luca was amazed by their strategic maneuvers, their lightning-fast reflexes, and their connection.

It fueled his determination to become stronger again and bring back his prime, to carve his own path within the game.

As the hours ticked by, Luca's hunger was sated, and his mind brimmed with inspiration.

He knew that the journey ahead would be challenging, but he was ready to face it head-on.

~~~

Luca, now logged back into the game as Larion found himself back in his room within the Adventurer's Hall.

The familiar surroundings comforted him, but he couldn't shake off the feeling of having missed almost a month of in-game time for just a few hours of real-world rest.

Anxiety gripped him as he made his way down to the lobby.

He couldn't help but worry that the girls at the reception would grow suspicious of his prolonged absence.

The last thing he needed was unwanted attention that could potentially reveal his true identity.

As he stepped into the lobby, he noticed Emma and Aira standing at the counter.

Their eyes widened with surprise upon seeing Larion after such a long time.

Aira approached him with concern etched on her face.

"Where have you been? You were inside your room for almost a month!" she exclaimed, her worry evident.

Larion had anticipated this.

The game's inhabitants did not know other players spawning into their world.

He had to come up with an explanation that wouldn't raise suspicions.

"Yeah, I was feeling a bit under the weather, I guess?" Larion answered, his voice laced with uncertainty as he scratched his head.

"For almost a month without food and water?" Emma chimed in, her eyes cold with an investigator's gaze.

Larion felt a bead of sweat trickle down his temple.

He had to think quickly. "Oh, maybe you didn't see me going out from time to time?" he offered, desperately hoping they would buy his alibi.

Emma narrowed her eyes, her gaze fixed on Larion as if trying to solve a puzzle.

She remained skeptical, but for now, it seemed his explanation had been enough to satisfy their curiosity.

"Well, I guess I should say, welcome back?" Aira said, her voice tinged with relief.

Larion let out a weak laugh, grateful for their acceptance.

He thanked Aira and turned his attention to the quest board, eager to divert the conversation and immerse himself once more in the game.

The process of acquiring a quest was a unique one in this world.

As he recalled the Game Master's explanation, he remembered that players could join Adventurer's Hall, listen to folk songs and tales, read books, or even eavesdrop and listen to gossip to obtain quests. It was a diverse and intriguing way to embark on new adventures.

Luca's eyes scanned the board, searching for a quest that piqued his interest.

As he read through the various options, he couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement welling up within him.

The possibilities seemed endless, and he was eager to dive into the next thrilling chapter of his journey in Titan's Advent.

With a quest selected, he made his way out of the Adventurer's Hall and into the bustling streets of the game's vibrant city.

The sound of merchants hawking their wares filled the air, their voices blending with the lively chatter of the locals.

The atmosphere was electric, and Larion found himself caught up in the energy of the bustling city.

He navigated through the crowded streets, his eyes darting from shop to shop, each displaying a myriad of weapons, armor, and magical artifacts.

~~~

As he delved deeper into the city, Larion stumbled upon a quaint bookstore nestled in a corner.

The scent of aged paper and ink wafted through the air, drawing him in.

His curiosity led him to step inside, the soft chime of a bell announcing his arrival.

The bookstore was a haven of knowledge, its shelves lined with books of all shapes and sizes.

Larion's eyes lit up with fascination as he scanned the titles, his fingers tracing the spines gently.

He knew that within these pages lay secrets, hidden wisdom, and perhaps even clues that could aid him on his quest.

Lost in the world of books, Larion lost track of time.

He spent hours immersed in the store, reading passages, and absorbing knowledge.

The store's owner, a wise old bookkeeper, noticed his enthusiasm and approached him with a smile.

"Found something interesting, young adventurer?" the bookkeeper asked, his voice carrying a sense of wisdom that resonated within Larion's core.

Larion looked up, his eyes shining with excitement. "Yes! I seek guidance on my next quest. Do you have any books about spiders? And I mean big spiders."

The sage's smile widened, and he gestured for Larion to follow him to a secluded corner of the bookstore.

There, he revealed a dusty book, its pages filled with pieces of information and possible locations of arachnids.

"Out for a hunt eh? This book might do the trick. Would you like to have a map as well?."

"Oh... Yes, please! I haven't thought about having a new map. Thanks for that!" Larion said, his voice filled with gratitude.

He couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement as the sage disappeared into the depths of the bookstore, promising to return soon.

As Larion waited, his gaze wandered around the bookstore, taking in the sights of ancient tomes and faded manuscripts.

The air was thick with the scent of aged paper, carrying with it the weight of countless stories and forgotten knowledge.

Sunlight filtered through the dusty windows, casting a warm glow that danced upon the shelves, creating a sense of enchantment.

After what felt like an eternity, the bookkeeper emerged from the labyrinth of books, a smile etched upon his face.

In his hands, he held a worn leather-bound book and a rolled-up parchment.

Larion's eyes widened with anticipation as he eagerly reached out to receive the treasures.

He opened the map, its surface unfurling to reveal a vast expanse of land dotted with intricate drawings and symbols.

Larion's vision blurred for a moment, and then something miraculous happened.

An icon materialized within his field of vision, a miniature representation of the map.

It hovered in front of his eyes, its details crisp and clear.

But Larion knew he had to focus.

He turned his attention to the book, its pages weathered and delicate.

Carefully, he skimmed through the words, his fingertips gliding gently across the ancient parchment.

The book contained knowledge that could guide him on his quest, insights into the forest beyond Zulhic Hill that he would soon traverse.

"How much for both of these?" Larion asked, breaking the spell of the moment.

The bookkeeper smiled kindly, his eyes twinkling with wisdom. "That would be 2 silvers please," he replied.

Larion reached into his bag and pulled out the necessary coins, placing them gently on the counter.

As the transaction was completed, the bookkeeper's gaze turned thoughtful, a hint of curiosity in his voice.

"Are you perhaps going to the forest beyond Zulhic Hill?" he asked, his words filled with intrigue.

Larion nodded, his curiosity piqued. "Up north? Yes. Why?"

The bookkeeper paused for a moment, his hand disappearing behind his desk.

When he re-emerged, he held a massive map, larger than the desk itself.

The sight was overwhelming, and Larion instinctively took a step back to fully see the enormity of it.

As the bookkeeper meticulously peruses the massive tome before him, Larion's eyes catch sight of the continent they currently inhabit-Ladroya, a land shrouded in mystery and intrigue.

Within its borders, twelve kingdoms coexist, and nestled in the southern reaches lies the Kingdom of Belaiv, adjacent to the enigmatic realm known as "Theodus."

Curiosity tugging at his core, Larion inquires of the bookkeeper, "Are these all the kingdoms that Ethoria encompasses?"

The bookkeeper, engrossed in the ancient pages of his tome, responds without diverting his attention, "Nay, young lad. To the east lies the enigmatic realm of Iadoa, a kingdom yet unexplored by your eyes."

Larion recalls the moment he acquired the map from the bookkeeper, its contents seamlessly integrating into his field of vision.

An idea sparks within his mind-perhaps the key to updating his map lies in physical contact.

He tentatively reaches out to touch the book once more, feigning a question regarding the page the bookkeeper is currently examining.

Alas, his efforts prove fruitless as the map remains unchanged.

It dawns on Larion that he must procure a physical map to update the ever-evolving representation in his vision, a realization that propels him further into his quest.

Meanwhile, the bookkeeper unearths the information he sought within the depths of his tome.

Turning towards Larion, he presents a meticulously illustrated portrait of a creature that sends shivers down the young adventurer's spine - a Qizir Woodland Spiderling.

Towering at a staggering height of five to six feet, its spindly legs tapering to sharp red and green tips, this arachnid possesses an intimidating countenance.

With seven eyes adorning its form-six clustered upon its front and one perched upon its back-it is a formidable predator.

The bookkeeper's voice resonates with a note of caution as he imparts his knowledge,

"Beware, for these are no ordinary spiders. Qizir Woodland Spiderlings, or Qizir Spawns as they are commonly known, can be found dwelling amidst the uppermost branches of towering trees.

Their nocturnal nature makes them incredibly active during the dark hours, and like their brethren, their venomous bite poses a grave threat.

Yet, it is their razor-sharp pedipalps that set them apart, for a mere brush against your flesh is enough to inflict a poisonous wound."

As the weight of this revelation settles upon Larion's shoulders, he remains unfazed by the sheer magnitude of these spiderlings.

Astonishing though it may be to label such creatures as mere spiderlings, the courageous adventurer steels himself for the impending dangers that lie ahead, resolute in his mission to conquer Ladroya's untamed grounds.

Larion, ever the grateful adventurer, offered a sincere thanks to the bookkeeper for his invaluable advice.

It had provided him with not just a heads-up on the dangers that awaited, but also pointed him in the right direction to find potions to mend his wounds and cleanse him of any venom or poison.

Following the bookkeeper's directions, Larion made his way to a nearby shop.

As he stepped inside, a wave of anticipation swept over him.

Shelves upon shelves were filled with bottles and vials, each containing a different concoction to aid him on his journey.

"Hello there!" he called out to the shopkeeper, excitement evident in his voice.

"I'll take three bottles of health potion and two of each for the cure of poison and venom, please."

The shopkeeper nodded, their experienced hands deftly gathering the requested items.

After a few moments of careful selection, they presented Larion with his purchases.

"That'll be 10 silver, my friend," they said with a warm smile.

With the transaction complete, Larion left the shop, his bag now filled with the vital potions he needed.

He couldn't help but feel a surge of confidence as he walked through the bustling streets of the Newgrove district in Billbone City.

The sun cast its golden glow upon him as if cheering him on for his bravery.

Soon, Larion found himself at the entrance of the Fogend district, where the majestic northern gate stood tall.

Night was on the horizon, and it was here that he decided to bide his time, waiting for the daylight to surrender to the enchanting darkness.