As Adara slept Lucas, with a mixture of curiosity and fascination, gazed at what appeared to be an ethereal screen shimmering in front of him. It displayed intricate symbols and an array of information that seemed inexplicably linked to his presence in this unfamiliar world.
Identification: Lucas Kingsly
Race: Human (100%)
Title: Starborn
Effects: Dormant
Skills: Gamer(level 9), Basic hand to hand combat (level 2), basic star magic (level 3), basic cooking (level 2)
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Quest: Grow stronger
Requirements: earn a form of offense up to level 5
Reward: 3 skill points + [observation]
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He glanced over at Adara, still asleep and lost in her own world of dreams. With a silent resolve, Lucas made a mental note to strive for growth and improvement, not just for himself but also to assist Adara in whatever challenges lay ahead.
He genuinely liked her as a person, unlike most of the people he knew in his past life, who acted nice but were truly cold, Adara was the reverse, she tried to create distance and act harsh, but he could tell she was genuinely a caring girl.
Despite himself being in the body of a twenty something soldier, she did not blame him for letting her face that monster alone. She also allowed him to accompany her as she took him to a nearby settlement. She had every right to abandon him in the forest, hell, her master was a direct enemy of Lucas, or at least the iron march, but she turned a blind eye anyway.
Most of his so called family would definitely not show him such kindness.
So Lucas decided that he was going to help her, he was going to grow strong enough to the point where she could rely on him for more than just keeping watch. That was his goal. Or maybe "quest" would be a better word in a place like this.
Besides, he always wanted a little sister, even if she's more dependable than he is right now.
"What the hell has got you smiling like that?" Called a gruff voice to the side of Lucas.
whirling, Lucas found himself staring at a tall, lean man with a red cloak trailing around him, the symbol of a scorpion, poised, had been etched into his forehead.
Stroking his rough, black beard, the man smiled, "ooh I get it, you're fantasizing about the lass here," he said, his black spear pointing at Adara, who lay sleeping at his feet. "Don't look so surprised kid, I used to be a boy once as well,"
"Get away from her!" Yelled Lucas, cursing himself for already failing to keep watch, he stood with a start, but did not move towards the man, in fear of provoking him.
"Y'know, I like that look in your eye, you're terrified beyond belief but you still try to stand up..." Said the scorpion, seemingly reminiscing, "aw well, nothing to be scared of, you're both important guests, it's been along time since someone has the stench of Hypnos with them."
Lucas didn't say anything, he assumed that Hypnos must be Adara's lord, but was still worried about if this guy truly had good intentions.
The man chuckled at Lucas's reaction, his demeanour a mix of amusement and something darker beneath the surface. "Easy there, lad. No need to get all riled up," he said, the tip of his black spear tapping the ground.
Lucas's jaw tightened, his instincts urging him to run, yet caution kept him rooted to the spot. "Who are you? What do you want with us?" he demanded, his voice tinged with apprehension.
The man's smirk widened, his eyes scanning Lucas with a knowing glint. "I go by many names, but you can call me Canor," he replied cryptically. "As for what I want... well, let's just say I'm here on behalf of someone who finds your little entourage quite intriguing."
"Answer the question! What's your game here?" Lucas pressed, trying to maintain a facade of composure despite the knots in his stomach.
Canor's expression shifted, a fleeting moment of seriousness crossing his features. "I'm here to escort you both to the auction. Eris has her sights set on your companion, and you," he paused, eyeing Lucas, "you might just be an unexpected addition to the mix."
Stepping closer Canor took a long time to look at Lucas up and down, he smiled, slightly disappointed. In his view, Lucas was a injured dog, unable to fight back, but there was something about his eyes, they had a certain kind of desperation.
Canor recognised that as the same look he had once had, when he was but a simple assassin, and smiled, "Tell me Lad, are you prey or predator?"
Lucas clenched his fists, understanding the nature of the question, Canor wanted to test him, to fight him. Well fine, he would give one if that's what he wanted.