As I walked through the dense forest, the quiet rustling of leaves and distant calls of unknown creatures filled the air. This world, so different from the God's Training Grounds, was vibrant and full of life. Every step I took felt like a step into the unknown, yet I was excited by the endless possibilities.
I had been walking for several hours when I noticed a faint path winding through the trees. Curious, I decided to follow it. The path led me to a small clearing where a quaint village sat nestled between the trees. Smoke rose from the chimneys, and the sounds of daily life echoed softly.
I approached the village cautiously. With my "Unlimited Appraisal" skill, I could easily gather information about the villagers without drawing attention to myself. As I entered the village, I used my skill to scan the area.
[ Village: Eldoria ]
[ Population: 312 ]
[ Known for: Skilled blacksmiths, herbalists, and a small but formidable militia. ]
The village had a rustic charm, with cobblestone streets and wooden houses adorned with colorful flowers. Children played in the streets, and vendors called out to passersby, selling their goods. The sense of community was palpable, and I felt a strange sense of nostalgia, even though I had never been here before.
I continued walking, attracting curious glances from the villagers. My attire and presence were clearly out of place in this simple, rustic setting. I decided to head towards the largest building in the village, which appeared to be the inn.
Inside the inn, the atmosphere was warm and inviting. The smell of hearty food filled the air, and the sound of cheerful conversation created a comforting backdrop. I approached the innkeeper, a stout man with a friendly smile.
"Welcome to Eldoria, traveler. What can I do for you?" he asked.
"I'd like a room for the night," I replied, "and perhaps some information about this area."
"Of course! We've got a room available. As for information, what are you looking to know?"
"Anything about the local customs, dangers, and places of interest would be helpful."
The innkeeper nodded, handing me a key. "You're in luck. We don't get many visitors, so I'm happy to share what I know. Take a seat, and I'll bring you some food."
As I sat down, I used "Unlimited Appraisal" to check the innkeeper's details discreetly.
[ Name: Garret ]
[ Age: 48 ]
[ Occupation: Innkeeper ]
[ Skills: Cooking, Brewing, Local Knowledge ]
Garret soon returned with a plate of steaming stew and a mug of ale. "Eldoria is a peaceful village," he began. "We're far from the main cities, so we don't see much trouble. However, the forest can be dangerous, especially at night. There are rumors of bandits and wild beasts."
"Anything else I should be aware of?" I asked, taking a sip of the ale.
"There are old ruins to the north," Garret continued. "Some say they're haunted, but others believe there's treasure hidden within. Few have ventured there and returned."
This piqued my interest. The ruins could be a good place to test my abilities in this new world. "Thank you, Garret. That's very helpful."
After finishing my meal, I retired to my room. It was simple but comfortable, with a soft bed and a small desk by the window. As I lay on the bed, I reflected on my journey so far. The training, the skills, the years of solitude—all had prepared me for this moment. Now, in this new world, it was time to begin the next chapter of my life.
Before drifting off to sleep, I decided to use my "Magic Creation" skill to set up a few protective barriers around the room. It was a habit I had developed over the years—always be prepared for the unexpected.
The next morning, I woke up to the sound of birds chirping outside my window. The sun was just beginning to rise, casting a golden glow over the village. I got dressed and packed my belongings, ready to set out on my journey.
Downstairs, Garret greeted me with a hearty breakfast. "Heading out early, I see," he remarked.
"Yes, I have a lot to explore," I replied with a smile.
"Well, take care out there. The forest can be tricky, and the ruins even more so."
"I will. Thanks again for your hospitality."
As I left the inn and made my way through the village, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement. The world was vast, and I had only just begun to scratch the surface. With my skills and training, I was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
I decided to head north towards the ruins Garret had mentioned. The village of Eldoria slowly disappeared behind me as I ventured deeper into the forest. The air was crisp, and the morning light filtered through the trees, casting dappled shadows on the ground.
As I walked, I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. This world, so full of mystery and potential, was mine to explore. And with my skills and training, I was more than ready to face whatever came my way.