8

The following morning, Larion's eyes fluttered open, greeted by the warm embrace of a new day.

What a relief it was to finally be free of the burdensome ache that had plagued him. His wounds had healed, leaving not a trace of pain in their wake.

Yet, even in his newfound vitality, Larion found himself adhering to the healers' orders. A whole week of rest and no quests.

It seemed like an eternity, but he knew it was for the best.

As he made his way down the hall, he couldn't help but notice the bustling activity.

Adventurers were up and about, their energy infectious. Larion took a step down the staircase, and all eyes turned toward him.

Suddenly, voices rang out, calling his name and inviting him to join their tables. Some even boldly approached him on the staircase, eager for a chat.

It was a whirlwind of attention, leaving Larion bewildered by the sudden change in the adventurers' demeanor. After all, they hadn't given him a second glance before.

Feeling a mix of unease and confusion, Larion politely declined their invitations. It was all a bit too overwhelming for his taste. He couldn't help but wonder what had sparked this sudden interest.

Amidst the crowd that had gathered around him, a mysterious figure stood in the corner, hooded and enigmatic. Their gaze seemed fixed on Larion, a glimmer of curiosity in their eyes.

Whispers circulated, dubbing him the "Qizir Slayer," a skilled adventurer said to have defeated the monstrous creature on his own. But Larion knew better. He hadn't faced the creature alone, and he couldn't take credit for such a feat.

In the midst of the murmurs, someone piped up, mentioning a girl who had been seen leaving that morning.

She had supposedly witnessed Larion's triumph over the Qizir. It was no other than Piya.

Larion's heart sank at the thought of her departure. He wanted nothing more than for her to stay, but he knew her decision was final. She had given up the adventurer's life.

With a heavy heart, Larion excused himself from the crowd, claiming that he needed to step out for a moment. In truth, he simply needed an escape from the suffocating throng of people.

Aira watched him go, her expression a mixture of understanding and nonchalance. She had seen it all before, after all.

~~~

Larion couldn't resist the temptation of the bookstore once again. He had to go back and explore more knowledge hidden within those pages.

Maybe he could find something that would help him on his next quest.

As he pushed open the door, a small bell tinkled, stirring the dozing sage from his slumber. Larion greeted him cheerfully, causing the old sage to startle and wipe the sleep from his eyes.

"Good morning!" Larion exclaimed, his voice echoing through the cozy store.

"Huh? What? Huh." The sleepy sage mumbled, trying to regain his bearings.

"It's you, young lad! Welcome!" the sage finally recognized Larion's face, his voice still a bit groggy from sleep.

Larion simply waved and smiled, making his way towards the shelves. The sage, now fully awake, took a sip of his steaming hot coffee.

"Looks like you had quite the adventure with that Qizir, didn't you?" the sage chimed in, intrigued by Larion's previous escapades.

Larion casually turned the pages of a book he had picked up, not paying much attention to the sage's question.

"Oh, it was a fully grown Qizir when we encountered it," Larion responded nonchalantly.

The sage spat out his coffee in shock, almost choking on his surprise. "A FULLY GROWN QIZIR?!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with astonishment.

Larion simply nodded, keeping his focus on the book in his hands.

"By the love of the gods! You're lucky you made it out alive!" the sage exclaimed, taking another sip of his coffee to calm his nerves.

Larion looked up from his book, his expression unchanged. "Nope. Killed it," he replied matter-of-factly.

"YOU WHAT?!" the sage shouted, his voice echoing through the store, leaving no doubt that he was wide awake now.

From his cozy desk, the wise sage peered out and spotted Larion, his body wrapped in bandages, evidence of a harrowing adventure. Even his left eye bore a mark, proof that he had just narrowly escaped a deadly encounter.

In disbelief, the sage leaned back in his chair, gaze fixated on the ceiling. "You must be a blessed lad, my young friend. Usually, those baddies are dealt with by more seasoned adventurers."

Curiosity piqued, Larion looked up from his book and asked, "How did you know I wasn't an intermediate adventurer?"

The sage leaned forward, a twinkle in his eyes. "Take a closer look at that ring of yours, turn it around. See that single line? Above it, you'll find a small cross. If that cross elegantly thickens into a design and another line appears below, well, that means you've moved up the ranks to intermediate."

Larion examined his ring and, to his surprise, discovered the symbol the sage had mentioned. It was true! He never knew there was a way to determine how others perceived his adventurer rank.

"And judging by your achievement, my boy, I have no doubt you'll be promoted in no time. I'd wager you'll even make it to the silver star," the sage mused, stroking his beard thoughtfully.

"What's the silver star?" Larion inquired, eager to learn more.

The sage chuckled mischievously, refusing to divulge any further information. "Oh, you'll find out soon enough, my lad. You'll find out."

With a satisfied nod, Larion returned to the sage's desk to purchase a few books, paying a single silver piece for his treasures.

As Larion left the desk, a mysterious figure emerged from the depths of the shelves, approaching the sage to pay for a book of his own.

"Found the book you were after, Durin?" the sage asked, his voice tinged with curiosity.

"Aye, I did. Who would have thought Aezar was clever enough to hide the final clue I needed within a children's storybook?" Durin replied, his voice carrying a hint of a dwarvish accent.

"Well, my friend, you best be on your way before the guards catch wind of your presence here," the sage warned, concern etched on his face.

Durin's eyes shifted towards Larion. "So, he's the one who vanquished that Qizir, eh?"

"Indeed. Hard to believe the lad is still a novice adventurer. Children these days, they're something else, aren't they?" the sage remarked, a mixture of awe and amusement in his voice.

"Aye," Durin agreed with a knowing smile.

"Oh, and by the way, have you heard the rumors of light falling from the sky? Whispers say they are godkin, beings who descended from another realm," the sage shared in a hushed tone.

"No kidding," Durin responded with a cocky grin.

~~~

Larion saunters into the bustling hall, a spring in his step and a twinkle in his eye.

Clutched in his right hand is a bag, brimming with mysterious ingredients he's eager to experiment with.

And he's got a brand-new book on alchemy with new knowledge waiting to be found.

With a smooth flick of his wrist, he turns the doorknob and pushes open the door.

The hall is quieter this time, with only a handful of adventurers scattered about. Larion finds a cozy chair and settles in, ready to sate his hunger.

Just as he's about to call the attention of the ever-busy waitress, his eyes catch sight of a young woman sauntering in.

Dressed in an adventurer's outfit, she's a vision in white, her dress accentuated by a brown vest and sleek black trousers with those knee-high brown boots and her cape.

Blonde locks cascade down her back, framing her fair complexion. Beauty radiates from her, but there's an undeniable strength in her presence.

A quiver rests comfortably on her back, alongside her trusty bow, strapped securely in place. She's a scout, no doubt about it.

Larion can't help but be intrigued by this enchanting warrior who sat down in front of him.

"So, you're the infamous Qizir Slayer, huh?" The woman quipped, a mischievous smirk playing on her lips.

"Nah, they just love to blow things out of proportion. I had my team when I faced that beast," Larion replied, a modest shrug accompanying his words.

"Ah, I stand corrected then." The woman leaned back, propping her arm on the table and resting her chin on her hand as she studied Larion.

"But you're the only one here. Where's your party?" she inquired, her curiosity getting the better of her.

"I'd rather keep that information to myself. It's a personal matter," Larion replied, a subtle smile playing on his lips.

"Oh, my apologies. I didn't mean to pry," the woman said, rising from her seat and sliding in beside Larion.

Her fingers began to glide over Larion's arms and muscles, an enticing touch that threatened to awaken his desires. But Larion held firm.

"Um, excuse me, miss," he said, shifting slightly to create some distance. "May I ask what your motives are?"

"Is it money you're after? Sorry, I'm not exactly rolling in riches. And if it's my belongings you're interested in, good luck finding anything of value in that bag. I doubt there's anything there that would pique your interest," Larion added.

The woman let out a soft chuckle, shaking her head. "Oh, you silly man. Money and possessions mean nothing to me."

With a graceful motion, she rose to her feet, her lips now inches away from Larion's ear. "It's you that I desire," she whispered, her voice tinged with temptation.

Larion felt an undeniable surge of desire, but he quickly regained his composure, inching away from her. "Whoa, hold on there. I don't know what your intentions are, but I'm not that kind of guy."

The woman approached Larion, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. "Oops, didn't mean to startle you there, big guy. So, tell me, are you one of those... you know?" she asked, her eyes twinkling with curiosity.

Larion raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Oh, absolutely not. Just to be clear, I'm as straight as an arrow. But hey, I've got friends who swing that way, no problemo."

The woman chuckled, a glimmer of mischief dancing in her eyes. "Ah, I see, I see. Well, how about we put your manliness to the test, hmm?" With a daring move, she placed Larion's hand on her chest, watching intently for his reaction.

Larion, ever the composed gentleman, simply removed his hand, his expression cool and composed. He stared at the woman, his gaze piercing through her with cold intensity.

"Really?" he said, his voice laced with a hint of frostiness.

The woman burst into laughter, a mixture of embarrassment and amusement coloring her features. "Oh boy, that was a silly move, wasn't it?" she admitted, shaking her head at her own awkwardness.

Larion sighed, a touch of irritation creeping into his voice. "Look, miss, cut to the chase. What do you want from me?" he asked, his patience wearing thin.

"Ehh... okay." the woman replied, scratching her head in confusion.

The two settled back into their chairs, the tension slowly dissipating. They began to chat, the woman introducing herself as Lily Amberhart. With a friendly gesture, she extended her hand, seeking to establish a connection with Larion.

"So, what's your motive?" Larion asked directly, taking a bite of his delicious garlic bread.

Lily hesitated for a moment, then sighed. "Well, you see, I only heard about you this morning, and everyone here in the Hall couldn't stop raving about you. He wanted me to invite you for a chat," she explained, shamelessly stealing a piece of bread from Larion's plate.

Larion couldn't help but watch in amusement as his food disappeared before his eyes. "Uh-huh," he replied, a bemused smile tugging at his lips. He figured she must have been hungry, so he let it slide.

"And... I was thinking, maybe you could join our party? If you're up for it, that is?" Lily added, taking another bite of the stolen bread.

"Well, I'm always up for a good quest. But if you're asking me to join right away, within this week, I'm afraid I can't make it. The head healer ordered me to take a week off for some rest," Larion explained, grabbing a mouthful of meat.

Lily's eyes widened in surprise, a flicker of excitement dancing in her gaze. "Really? You'd join us?" she asked, astonished by Larion's response.

"Sure thing," Larion replied with a shrug. "But, uh, just to clarify, if this quest is happening within the week, I won't be able to join you. And you mentioned, 'he'. Mind telling me who that is?"

Lily flashed a mischievous smile. "No problemo! And as for our mysterious 'he', he's right here. Want to meet him?"

Curiosity piqued, Larion agreed to meet Lily's companion. The two made their way to the end of the hall, where Lily introduced Larion to a man named Joffrey Braswold.

As a sign of respect for his newfound teammates, Larion extended a friendly greeting. "Hey there! I'm Larion, nice to meet ya."

Lily and Joffrey exchanged surprised glances. "Wow! You really are the man that they're talking about. The local from Belaiv who took down a Qizir with his bare hands. That's insane!" Joffrey exclaimed, clearly impressed.

Lily couldn't resist teasing Larion a bit. "Uhuh. I've always had a thing for strong men," she said, playfully running her fingers along Larion's legs.

Larion, feeling a tad uncomfortable, swiftly delivered a light karate chop to Lily's head. "Cut it out," he said, his expression ice-cold.

Joffrey chuckled, breaking the tension. "You'll have to excuse Lily, she's got a wild and expressive side," he explained, scratching his head with a sheepish grin.

~~~

For the past few days, it seemed like Lily had become Larion's loyal shadow, trailing him wherever he went in the hall.

And every morning, as they sat down for their meal, Lily would eagerly share all the interesting tidbits she had gathered.

From tales of far-off lands to the quirkiest facts about mythical creatures, she had it all.

Meanwhile, Joffrey, always the energetic one, would repeatedly ask Larion to spar with him using wooden swords.

But, alas, Larion would politely decline, preferring to focus on his training and adventures.

Speaking of adventures, Larion had been making quite the name for himself.

He had recently been promoted to the rank of Intermediate Silver Star Adventurer.

The sage's prediction had come true, and now Larion was on cloud nine. The day of his promotion was nothing short of a wild celebration, with fellow adventurers, Lily, and Joffrey all raising a toast to his success.

And today, after a week filled with anticipation, the day had finally arrived.

Lily and Joffrey had been counting down the days, waiting anxiously for Larion's full recovery. It was a day of joy and relief, a day to celebrate Larion's triumphant return.

~~~

Lily and Joffrey strolled through the bustling market in Old Town District, their eyes shining with excitement.

The air was filled with the delightful aroma of freshly baked pastries, and colorful stalls lined the streets, displaying an array of equipment and treasures just waiting to be discovered.

Meanwhile, Larion made his way to Southgate District, his heart set on finding some cheap new weapons at a bargain.

Larion had a wealth of knowledge from his previous gaming experiences about wielding different weapons, and he was eager to put his skills to the test.

With each step, Larion weaved through the crowds, his eyes scanning the shops and stalls that lined the busy streets.

He lost himself in the mesmerizing displays, stopping every now and then to inquire about the various items on offer.

Two hours flew by as Larion tirelessly searched for the perfect additions to his arsenal.

And then, like a beacon calling his name, Larion stumbled upon a shop that sold the most extraordinary belt.

It was a match made in heaven for Larion's unique style.

The belt boasted a mid-sized pouch on the right, perfect for storing all his essential tools.

On the left side, a small rectangular pouch hung, ready to hold any mysterious trinkets he might come across.

But that wasn't all. The belt also had five vial holders, a testament to Larion's preparedness for any situation.

And to top it off, there was even a dual dagger holster on the back, providing him with quick access to his backup weapons.

Larion couldn't resist and promptly made the purchase, along with a thigh belt for additional tactical storage. He was now fully equipped and ready for action.

Not one to stop at just a belt, Larion continued his exploration of the market, stumbling upon a beautiful leather bag that caught his eye.

It was sturdy yet stylish, the perfect companion for his future travels. Larion wasted no time and added the bag to his growing collection of newfound treasures.

Finally, Larion's journey led him to a stall selling an assortment of blades.

His eyes gleamed with anticipation as he selected two plain daggers, their blades glinting mischievously in the sunlight.

And just for good measure, he also grabbed a handheld axe, ideal for chopping wood or clearing the path ahead.

After Larion had completed his shopping spree, he made his way back to his room at the Adventurer's Hall, eager to prepare for his upcoming journey.

As he went down the bustling hall, he spotted Joffrey and Lily, their bags neatly arranged on top of a table.

Compared to Larion's rather large and filled-to-the-brim bag, theirs seemed almost minuscule.

It contained just a cozy blanket, a trusty pot, some rope, and a small stash of salted meat, bread, and dried fruits.

Joffrey and Lily couldn't help but be taken aback by Larion's packing skills.

His bag was bursting with essentials, with a roll of blanket secured on top and a shiny new woodcutter axe casually hanging off the side, and a wooden tankard hanging on the left side of the bag.

They were astounded by how well-prepared Larion was for this adventure.

"Do you always pack like this for your quests?" Joffrey asked, his eyes wide with curiosity, as Larion carefully placed his bag on the table.

"Yep, pretty much," Larion replied, not skipping a beat as he rummaged through his belongings. "I'm all about saving money, you know. I'm not too keen on spending it on meals or accommodations. I used to have a room here at the Adventurer's Hall, but now that I've ranked up, it'll be given to new adventurers. So, I had to bring everything with me this time around."

Joffrey and Lily couldn't help but be impressed by Larion's resourcefulness. It was clear that he had mastered the art of self-sufficiency, making the most out of every situation.

They couldn't wait to see what other surprises he had up his sleeve as they embarked on their grand quest together.

Larion, Lily, and Joffrey sauntered up to the receptionist's desk, their minds filled with thoughts of snagging an exciting intermediate quest.

But just as they were about to inquire, Lily suddenly halted Larion in his tracks. With a mischievous grin, she whispered,

"Change of plans, Larion. We're off to the City Guard's office for our new quest."

Baffled but always up for an adventure, Larion shrugged and went along with the plan.

Together, they made their way to the City Guard's office, conveniently located nearby.

As they approached, a towering wall surrounded the office, its imposing presence making it clear that security was of utmost importance.

A sturdy metal gate stood before them, guarded by stoic sentinels who eyed them cautiously.

Larion brushed off their skeptical gazes and pushed forward.

Upon entering the office, their eyes were immediately drawn to a massive signboard hanging above the entrance.

The words "Newgrove City Guard Office" were emblazoned across it in bold, attention-grabbing letters.

This office served as the hub for all city guards in the bustling Newgrove District, rivaled only by the grand Windfield District City Guard office in size.

The architectural style of the establishment stood out from the surrounding buildings, a deliberate choice to bridge the cultural differences between the mighty Aremnian Empire and the conquered Kingdom of Belaiv.

Stepping inside, they found themselves in a bustling space filled with guards clad in sturdy leather armor, proudly displaying the Empire's coat of arms on their backs.

The emblem featured a regal, white gonfalon outlined in a vibrant shade of yellow, adorned with golden crowns.

Vibrant stripes of red and black, embellished with a fierce dragon, added a touch of power and grandeur.

Beneath the gonfalon, a resplendent banner proudly proclaimed "Aremnian Empire."

~~~

"Excuse me, good sir," Joffrey inquired of one of the guards, his tone polite and hopeful. "Could you kindly direct us to where the wanted lists are posted?"

The guard scoffed, annoyance evident in his voice. "Can't you read, lad? It's right over there! Don't go bothering me and wasting my precious time!"

Clearly, a warm welcome was not on the agenda for our brave adventurers.

Instead, they were met with judgmental gazes and a tinge of racism.

The Aremnian soldiers held themselves in high regard, considering their pure-blooded status and loyalty to their homeland.

One quick way to identify them was through their distinct white hair, a feature uncommon among the locals of Belaiv and other neighboring kingdoms.

Whispering to Lily and Joffrey as they walked along the corridor, Larion couldn't help but express his curiosity. "Are you sure they're not your people?"

Lily shook her head, her blonde hair shining in the dim light.

"Can't you tell the difference? My hair is blonde, not white. Besides, I'm from Theodus, not Aremnia," she replied, keeping a watchful eye on their surroundings.

Finally, they reached the board displaying a myriad of wanted criminals, each poster bearing a handsome bounty.

Larion had not anticipated this kind of quest, one open to all bounty hunters, mercenaries, and even rogue military personnel.

Unlike the process of obtaining quests at the Adventurer's Hall, this one required no formal documentation. It was a free-for-all.

One by one, they examined the posters, carefully scrutinizing each criminal and the price on their head.

Lily's hand shot out, grabbing one particular poster. "Let's go after this one," she declared with determination.

The poster featured a criminal by the name of Eram Jorde, a defected Aremnian Lieutenant known for his skill in beast taming and mastery of the element of wood.

The bounty on his head amounted to a staggering one thousand gold, dead or alive.

Larion couldn't help but recall the words of a friend before he had plunged into the game: for every hundred gold he earned, he could exchange it for the equivalent of twenty thousand in the real world.

Of course, exchanging silver or copper wouldn't do. Only a hundred gold coins would be accepted as exchange.

They sauntered up to the information desk, hoping to glean some valuable intel about the dastardly criminal.

Yet, once again, they were met with disdainful glares and a condescending tone from the guard.

Nevertheless, they managed to extract a few tidbits from the guard, discovering that the culprit had last been spotted in the notorious Smugglers Heath District in the charming town of Reabinga.

The criminal had seen to don a uniform of the Belaiv Rebels.

~~~

With the newfound knowledge, they wasted no time and made a beeline for the stables, eager to saddle up their trusty horses.

As Larion gazed upon his horse, once ridden by his fallen comrade Hubert, a pang of bittersweet memories washed over him, thoughts of his dear friend and Piya flitting through his mind.

"Hey, no time for daydreaming! Let's hit the road," Lily called out, bringing Larion back to reality.

He shook his head, pushing aside his worries for Piya, and focused on the task at hand.

"Alright, all packed up and ready to go! Next stop, Fiveton City!" Lily exclaimed, bubbling with excitement.

Curiosity getting the better of him, Larion couldn't help but ask, "Why are we stopping in Fiveton?"

Joffrey chimed in, explaining, "We need to stock up on supplies before we head to Reabinga. It'll take us four days to reach Fiveton from here, and then another three days from Fiveton to our final destination."

"Oh, I see," Larion replied, mounting his horse and joining the rest of the group.

And so, the intrepid team set off from the bustling Stormgate District of Billbone City, embarking on a new adventure as a team.

With hearts full of anticipation and spirits soaring, they followed the winding road, eager to see what awaited them in Fiveton City and beyond.