After returning to the inn, Lorian kept the bought stuff in his room. Afterward, he enjoyed the shower and left his place, refreshed.
His next visit was free training facilities in barracks. Upon completing his routine, Lorian was thoroughly spent. To his joy, today's hard work earned him additional 8 general Exp, currently totaling up to 64.
- I'm looking forward to today's sparring!
It was hard to not feel excited about being able to cut down rank up time by even year or more with but a continuous daily sparring.
Returning to the inn, the place was noticeably more bustling. Lorian greeted others and declined invitations to drinks with a smile. Upon entering his room, Lorian heaved a sigh and proceeded to prepare the herbal bath.
In half an hour Lorian came down to the first floor, feeling refreshed and in the mood for some fun. This time, he didn't reject the bustle and exchanged 3 mugs of beer with carefree middle-aged men.
With face flushed red, he was riled up by others and challenged in wrestling. Like last time, he lost miserably...
- Old farts, you are bullying yours truly! See how I kick your asses in no time. Give me 5, no, 3 months!
Red-faced Lorian boasted shamelessly to old timers.
- Bahahaha, you're welcome any time, kid.
Others also followed in laughter.
In midst of laughter, he noticed the familiar lone figure from the morning in the corner of his eyes. Lorian frowned, hesitated a bit and fearlessly strode in stranger's direction.
He pulled out a chair and sat right in front of him. The lone figure, who sat alone at his table was wearing gray robes. Upon seeing Lorian's behavior, he raised his head a little, but his eyes couldn't be seen because they were covered by the shadow of the hood.
- Hey friend, would you mind drinking with us? My treat.
Lorian asked generously.
- I don't need friends.
The robed figure spoke coldly. From his voice, it was discernible that he was a young man.
- Why?
Lorian munched on a chicken drumstick, appearing nonchalant.
- That doesn't concern you.
The robed figure frowned under the hoodie.
- True, but see, the more you distance yourself, easier it becomes to hurt someone. Why not open up for a bit?
The robed figure snorted.
- What do you know? You worthless bunch live in ignorance. Only if you are worth something will you learn of world's true, dark colors!
Lorian took a toothpick and said
- That means you are quite something, huh?
The robed figure answered with silence then growled from under his robe with hostility.
- Did you understand my meaning?
Lorian looked at him with disdain.
- What's there to understand? Capable or not, you've been looking down on us, weren't you? Haha, doesn't matter. The fact that you are here, with this 'worthless and ignorant bunch' means that you are no better than us.
The robed figure banged on the table and stood up, clearly agitated. The table issued terrible creaking sound and almost broke into two.
Upon hearing the sound, the inn quieted down and everyone's gazes focused on the two.
- Are you insulting me?
Lorian felt cold sweat breaking out from his back, but kept his composure and answered while still sitting.
- Ignorance is bliss, y' know? How about you join us?
The robed figure clenched his fists.
- I'm not like you all!
- What's going on here?!
The loud voice interrupted the two. Genos walked out from his room and stared at both of them with a frown with folded hands.
Lorian raised his hand.
- We'll pay for the table.
Elena stared between Lorian and robed figure with panic and worry.
- Humph.
The robed figure snorted and flicked his hand. 10 or so silver coins were scattered on the table. Following that, he left the inn without a word.
- How did you provoke him, Lorian?
Bobby, the guy he'd been drinking with previously asked timidly.
Lorian felt heavy burden weight off his heart and laughed in response.
- Don't worry, he's one of us, so he'll definitely come back and when he does, please don't treat him as a stranger.
After saying his piece, he also left for his room.
Genos took a deep glance at Lorian, then also left after gathering the coins.
The previous bustle continued and the matter was soon forgotten, but it became a hot topic among them for the following minutes.
Lorian closed the door behind him and couldn't help but curse out.
- Damn, that was dangerous!
He was slightly tipsy and gained some courage, that's why he approached the stranger. In normal times, he wouldn't bother with it too much. The fright he was given by stranger's demonstration of strength long since awakened him from his little drunken state.
After calming down, Lorian grinned.
- I don't regret it. If it's successful, then...there'll be benefits...
* * *
Ron was leaving the damned place with hasty steps. His mind was in chaos and was still feeling slight anger.
* Bam
Unknowingly, somebody bumped into him.
- Hey, watch your steps, old man!
He yelled with the temper but seeing the facial features of the middle-aged man, he was startled.
- My bad, are you hurt?
The man looked at him up and down with concern. He was similarly startled, then nodded his head and walked past him.
Ron looked back and saw the middle-aged man entering the inn he had just left. Complicated expression appeared on his face. He could still hear the annoying carefree laughter from the shabby, wooden inn.
After a while, he turned around and mixed with the crowd.