The moment he stepped inside, a lively atmosphere enveloped him like a warm embrace.
"Hahaha!"
"Yeah, I heard…"
"Man, it was nice…"
The Inn was bustling with activity, a cacophony of laughter and animated conversations mingling in the air. Patrons clinked their mugs together, their voices rising above the clatter of plates and the rhythmic footsteps of waiters moving deftly between tables. The rich scent of roasted meat and freshly baked bread wafted through the air, inviting and intoxicating.
Lucifer scanned the room, noticing the eclectic mix of patrons. Most were wandering warriors, their distinctive garb and various weapons marking them as seasoned fighters.
Some had sabers and swords strapped to their backs, while others sported bows slung over their shoulders. A few wore wands tucked into their belts, their auras shimmering with latent power. Among them, he sensed the unmistakable presence of Dawnbringers, but there were also those who radiated an even stronger energy—Earthbringer Ascendants, perhaps.
The sight of such diverse weaponry was hinting at the warrior's different backgrounds and skills.
What a sight, It's like they're preparing for war.
Lucifer made his way to an empty table in a dim corner, a strategic choice that allowed him to observe the scene without drawing attention to himself. Lucifer knew that they were not prepared for some kind of war, well though it was quite similar, they were going for a spiritual break to confront creatures emerging from the portals and to hunt the beasts lurking in the nearby serene jungle.
He took a moment to appreciate the rustic charm of the Inn. The wooden beams and the stone-like heart exuded a cozy, welcoming feel that contrasted sharply with the tension in the air.
So this is how rich spent their free time? How envious.
Soon, a serving girl approached his table, her smile warm and inviting. "What can I get for you, sir?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with youthful enthusiasm.
"Is there a room available?" Lucifer inquired, his tone casual.
"Yes, there are some available…" she replied after a brief moment of consideration.
"Then, I'd like to rent a room for the night. But for now, I'll have a hearty meal and a mug of your finest beer," Lucifer said, his stomach rumbling in agreement.
"Certainly, that will cost a total of 25 silver coins," she said, her fingers deftly calculating the total.
"Here you go." Lucifer handed over the coins with a nonchalant flick of his wrist.
The girl nodded, glancing at him once more before heading off to prepare his order. As he waited, he let his thoughts wander around. He considered the possibility of visiting the Arcane Tournament, wondering what opportunities might await him there.
He was especially excited about the next challenges, wanting to kick some young master's ass.
His mind buzzed with possibilities, but for now, he was content to enjoy a good meal. Having a nice day won't cost anything.
A few minutes later, the serving girl came with his order, "Here is your order sir, have a good meal." She put the door key, meal, and beer on the table
"Thanks." Lucifer thanked the serving girl and promptly started eating his food.
It did not disappoint Lucifer. The roast was tender and flavorful, and the beer was smooth and refreshing. As he ate, he continued to observe the other patrons.
He overheard snippets of conversation about recent battles, grand adventures, and distant lands. Each story piqued his curiosity.
One conversation, however, caught his attention more than the others, twisting his expression into a frown.
"This time, the Arcane Ascendants tournament is going to be filled with youths, right? Sheesh, I wish I were a little younger with the vigor to take on the Academy's test," one patron lamented, his voice tinged with regret.
"Don't dream too much. Even if you were younger, do you think you could qualify for the Academy? Hell no... I heard the tournament is going to be tough as hell," his friend replied, sarcasm dripping from his words.
"Did you hear that the Brimstone family is sending some of their geniuses? I wish I could marry into that family," a girl chimed in dreamily.
-----------------------------------------
'Ohhh? Looks like planning to join the tournament was the right choice. Hehe, just wait a little bit longer, just a little longer… then this Lucifer name is gonna be known by all the people' Lucifer thought, grinning coldly.
'However, let's hold myself a little longer', Lucifer thought alone as he was enjoying his meal.
Suddenly, a burly man with a scar mark on his cheek, Two daggers on his belt, with an arrogant demeanour, the drunkard stumbled over to Lucifer's table. Clearly, he was drunk over his head.
The man slammed his mug on the table and glared at Lucifer.
"Hey, you! Brat, where is your mommy? Get out of this table. I seem to like this table…. Go run back to your mommy's lap." as he slurred out from his mouth, the alcohol breath came alongside, making a disgusting smell.
[Detecting the man before you are at Mid-Level Dawnbringer]
Lucifer looked up, his eyes cold and unmoving.
"Move along… you old fart if you don't wanna die," he said in an uninterested tone.
As the words come from the mouth of Lucifer every person within the Inn notice the brief dispute.
The man sneered, drawing a dagger from his belt. "Why don't you make me, you little shit?"
In a swift, fluid motion, Lucifer stood and grabbed the man's wrist, twisting it until the dagger clattered to the floor.
He leaned in close, his voice a chilling whisper. "I said, move along. I am in a bad mood. If you talk any longer, you won't be able to see tomorrow's sunrise… got it old fart?"
Lucifer did not use his hand this time because he did not want to ruin the mood while enjoying his meal. Thus, only did warn.
However, if this toad did not hold his mouth any longer, then Lucifer gonna beat the shit out of him until nobody gonna remember his face.
[Gain 1 Hatred Point (Fear)]
Even though Lucifer wanted to get hatred points by torturing this bastard even more, he did not want to cause unnecessary problems for now, which was not worth it.
The man winced in pain, fear flickering into his eyes. "Alright, alright… s-sorry for disturbing you...I was wrong little brother" After saying this, he stumbled back and disappeared into the crowd.
[Gain 1 Hatred Point (Fear)]
[Gain 1 Hatred Point (Anger)]
….
Still, one could see the bulky man was full of anger.
There was a higher possibility that he might try to do something idiotic for sure, but would Lucifer care? Hell nah. If the bulky man did something, he didn't like more.
Then he gonna know what true despair would feel like.
The other patrons, having witnessed the brief altercation, also gave Lucifer some hatred points because of annoyance.
Which was a good thing for Lucifer.
The more hatred points, the more Lucifer gonna feel okay.
Lucifer sat back down. His expression was indifferent, minding his own business, and resumed his drink as if nothing had happened.
"Ahh… this is it. What a nice beer and meal", Lucifer spoke in satisfaction.
"…"
"At Least show some nervousness... you look young but have an attitude like a grown man…. what a kid," the onlookers mumbled after seeing an indifferent expression on Lucifer's face and minding his own business as if nothing had happened.
Just like that, time flew away as the evening approached.
He grabbed the door key and then went upwards to where the living place was.
On the door key, there was the number of the door plate. Then he walked towards the room as the number showed on it.
Which was '14'.
As he entered the room, he found the room was quite cozy and comfortable, with a bathroom attached to it, which somehow satisfied Lucifer.
This type of lifestyle was better than the gutter life he had previously had.
He sat on the bed and spoke to Ego, anticipating, "Oi ego, show me my status. I need to upgrade my talent now. Let's see how much imma improving now."
[Hatred System Level: 1 (upgradable at 1000 Hatred Points)]
[Name: Lucifer]
[Physique: Dark Overlord Body]
[Talent: Slave of Shadow (White Grade) (upgradable at 50 Hatred Points)]
Umbral Infusion (currently locked, needs 100 Hatred Points to unlock)]
[Main Power Rank: Mid-Level Novice Rank]
[Core: Not forged yet]
[Skills Learned: (See More)]
[Hatred Points: 25.6]