The behavior of the people in this world starkly contrasted with the depictions of characters in the novels and manga that Riku had encountered. In those fictional worlds, humans and non-human creatures lived harmoniously, understanding and respecting each other's differences. So why was he so convinced that these beings intended to harm him? Was it solely based on their menacing stares and expressions? It seemed perplexing to him that their appearances alone could convey such hostile intentions.
"On their behalf, I wholeheartedly apologize," Pan expressed, bowing deeply to convey his sincerity. Despite this man's unfamiliar appearance, Pan understood that he was still a fellow human, regardless of his origins.
Riku shook his head and raised his hands in a placating manner. "Please, Pan, there's no need to bow. I understand why they reacted that way."
"If you say so," Pan agreed, maintaining his smile. "Would you still like to continue the village tour?"
"Absolutely, I'm eager to explore this village, especially since it's unlike any place I've seen before," Riku replied, his gaze fixed forward to avoid further interactions with the hostile individuals they had encountered.
"Old? Despite our proximity to the Irufolo forest, I assure you that the materials and construction techniques used in our village are of high quality," Pan responded, perplexed by the man's comment about their village being old. "May I ask where you're from?"
'Riku, you really should avoid mentioning the Irufolo forest.'
Having given up on explaining his situation, Riku chose to feign memory loss, pretending he could only recall his own name.
Rubbing the back of his head, he explained, "I'm sorry, but I can't recall much of anything. Whenever I try, it feels as though my head is about to split in two." He spoke weakly, becoming increasingly uncomfortable under the scrutinizing gazes of the onlookers nearby.
"I'm sorry, Riku, please don't push yourself too hard to remember anything. Lady Arisu would not be pleased if she found out you were in distress," Pan apologized sincerely.
After a short walk, Riku and Pan arrived at a circular structure made of sturdy bricks and brown cement.
"A.H.Q." Riku read the abbreviation displayed in front of the building.
Pan nodded in confirmation. "Yes, this is our village's Administrative Headquarters," he explained, gesturing to the structure. "It's where important village matters are handled and where our guards receive their training."
Following Pan's gaze, Riku saw guards in silver-plated armor standing watch at the entrance of the training camp. They were carefully observing everyone entering the area.
"They're conducting a recruitment for new guards who are willing to protect the village with their lives. The card they're showing is called a Template, and it's a quick way to identify a person's name and level," Pan explained.
Riku found it quite interesting that this village with its seemingly ancient civilization had come up with such a practical method. It made him wonder about the leveling system in this world. In his previous life, he was accustomed to the concept of levels in virtual reality games and the power scaling of mutants, but he was curious to know how it worked here.
"Sure, I understand. Please tell me about the common levels in your village," Riku replied, acknowledging Pan's caution.
Pan then began to explain the basic level system used in their village. He mentioned that people were categorized into levels ranging from 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest. These levels were determined by their abilities, skills, and combat proficiency. People with higher levels often held important positions in the village, such as guards, leaders, or skilled craftsmen.
Riku found the concept somewhat similar to what he had encountered in his previous life, but he also realized that this world's leveling system was likely more integrated into their daily lives, considering how they used Templates for quick identification. It seemed that everyone's level was known and visible to others, which might explain some of the reactions he had received earlier.
As Pan continued explaining, Riku's mind started to wander, thinking about how he could fit into this world, gather information, and eventually find a way back to his own world.
"Sure, Pan. Lead the way," Riku replied, deciding not to press further on the topic that seemed to concern Pan. He understood that gaining Pan's trust and learning about this world would take time, so he followed him as they continued the tour.
Pan guided Riku to various places in the village, showing him the marketplace, the crafting area, the residential zones, and more. Riku listened attentively, taking mental notes about the different aspects of the village and the daily life of its inhabitants.
As they walked, Riku couldn't help but feel a sense of curiosity and excitement about exploring this new world. He was determined to adapt, learn, and find a way to navigate through this unfamiliar environment while keeping his true origins a secret.
Riku maintained a composed expression as he noticed the guards' hostile looks. He understood that his presence had caused quite a stir among the guards due to their past actions. However, he also recognized the importance of avoiding conflict, especially when he was still trying to establish a foothold in this world.
He adjusted his pace and subtly guided Pan to move away from the guards' vicinity. "Pan, you've been incredibly helpful in showing me around and explaining things. I appreciate your kindness," Riku said, offering a genuine smile to his guide.
Pan's demeanor softened, and he returned the smile. "You're welcome, Riku. I'm here to help you understand our village. If you have any questions or need assistance, don't hesitate to ask."
As they continued their tour, Riku felt a glimmer of hope. Maybe, just maybe, he could find a way to integrate himself into this world, uncover its mysteries, and eventually find a way back home.
Riku took a seat on the wooden bench, gazing out at the serene lake before him. The sunlight danced upon the water's surface, creating a mesmerizing play of reflections. He appreciated the tranquil atmosphere of this village, despite the initial challenges he faced upon arrival.
"It's quite peaceful here," Riku commented, his eyes still fixed on the shimmering water. "It's hard to believe that such a peaceful place can coexist with the tensions and struggles you described earlier."
Pan nodded in agreement. "Indeed, Arzotoc Village may seem idyllic, but there are always underlying complexities and conflicts that outsiders might not fully understand. It's a delicate balance to maintain harmony within the village while also guarding against potential threats."
Riku leaned back, his thoughts swirling as he contemplated his situation. "I can see that. It's a reminder that even in places that seem perfect, challenges and concerns exist."
Pan chuckled softly. "You're catching on quickly, Riku. Living in Arzotoc Village has its ups and downs, just like any other place. But despite our differences, we all strive to protect and preserve our home."
Riku nodded, his expression thoughtful. He had a lot to learn about this world, its inhabitants, and their way of life. As he looked out over the peaceful scene before him, he was determined to adapt, survive, and eventually find a way back to his own world.
Riku listened carefully as Pan explained the five common classification levels within Arzotoc Village. These classifications gave him a better understanding of the social hierarchy and the power dynamics present in this world.
"Worn, Warrior, Great Warrior I, Rogue, and Magical Rogue," Riku repeated, making sure he had the classifications correct in his mind. "Each level signifies different strengths and abilities, right?"
Pan nodded. "Exactly. The Worn is the starting point, typically for newcomers or those who haven't yet demonstrated their capabilities. As individuals gain experience and improve their skills, they advance to higher levels. Warriors are skilled combatants, while Great Warriors I are the elites with even greater prowess. Rogues are those who focus on agility and stealth, and Magical Rogues possess both magical abilities and combat skills."
Riku found this system intriguing, as it mirrored some aspects of the role-playing games he was familiar with. "It's fascinating how this classification system plays a role in your society. It helps organize individuals based on their abilities and contributions."
"Indeed," Pan agreed. "But remember, it's not just about strength; character, dedication, and contributions to the village also play a role in one's standing. It's a way for us to collectively safeguard our home and strive for a better future."
As the conversation continued, Riku gained a deeper appreciation for the complexities of this world. He realized that his journey to adapt and integrate into Arzotoc Village would be a continuous learning experience, one that required understanding and respect for the people and traditions that surrounded him.
"In terms of strength, the Worn was weaker than the average person on Earth. Warrior-level fighters were average combatants skilled in both close combat and midrange fighting, also referred to as troops in this world. A Great Warrior had surpassed the second level and could now cast low-tier magic to aid them in battle. Achieving the Rogue level was challenging, as there was a tendency for a certain Great Warrior to be promoted to Sage I. This required being fast enough to move silently, or more specifically, having the potential to be an assassin while also knowing how to use at least five mid-tier magic spells. To reach Magical Rogue I, one must master high-tier magic and its application in mid-range and close combat at this level."
"He was slowly rubbing his chin. In his mind, the levels in this world were conceptualized like an RPG, although not entirely accurate. Still, it helped him understand how the levels in this village worked.
"The Worn level appears to be equivalent to levels one to ten in XR online, and the Warrior level spans from eleven to twenty. Hmm... If this is a game..." He paused as Pan interrupted him."
"A game? All the guards here are dedicating their lives to become great warriors, and you're saying it's just a game?" Pan raised his eyebrows slightly, showing his displeasure at the man's words.
"You've misunderstood, Pan. I'm only drawing a comparison to a game to help me comprehend the concept," Riku explained, his expression serious.
"I apologize, Riku. I wrongly assumed you were suggesting the guards here were simply playing around," Pan said, bowing his head slightly. He found himself oddly convinced by Riku's earnest gaze. Furthermore, it was unusual for him to see black eyes, considering the villagers mostly had eyes that were red, violet, green, blue, and so on."
"No, it's okay. I understand you're putting in effort to become a warrior," he mentioned, reclining on the wooden bench. "Since you can gauge levels, what do you estimate my current level to be?"
Pan appeared taken aback, though he had anticipated this question. He turned to Riku with a serious demeanor. "Please don't take offense, Riku, but your current strength seems comparable to that of a Worn."
Just as Haru had assessed his strength, Riku's mana pool still couldn't supply enough power to enhance his physical abilities.
"Worn, huh... But how can you be certain that I'm just at the worn level?" He sighed and then gazed at the sky.
"Well, I noticed a faint light aura emanating from your body. But don't worry, with dedicated training like mine, you can become a warrior," Pan declared, flexing his muscles.
"Hahaha! I'll give it a shot," Riku responded before abruptly stopping as the game system appeared in front of him.
[You're exposing yourself to too much sunlight. This will reduce your power and lead to exhaustion!]
"Huh? Exposing too much light? What's wrong with this system? I'm not a vampire!"