Intrigued, William approached the group, a curious glint in his eyes. "Excuse me for interrupting," he interjected politely, "but who are these heroes you're discussing?"
One of the men, momentarily startled by William's sudden appearance, quickly recovered his composure. "They're a group of heroes who emerged recently," he explained. "From what I've heard, they were summoned from another world. They're currently in a distant kingdom, but news travels fast, especially when it involves individuals with extraordinary abilities."
"Just how far away is this kingdom?" William pressed, his curiosity piqued.
"Quite a distance, young man," the man replied, shaking his head. "And the journey is fraught with peril. Don't even think about trying to meet these heroes, alright?"
He clearly assumed William was captivated by tales of heroism and yearned to meet these figures. The truth, however, was far more complex. William sought information. Elric's spell had flung him far and wide, and now his former classmates were far away from him. Not that he wanted to chat with them, anyway.
"Alright, thank you for the information," William replied respectfully, then rejoined Gorn.
Gorn eyed him with a curious expression. "What was that about, lad? Why so interested in these heroes?"
He wasn't oblivious. Gorn sensed something unusual about William's intense curiosity but chose not to pry further.
"Just curious," William responded casually, "The whole hero talk was rather intriguing."
"Right, right," Gorn said, a hint of skepticism in his voice.
They continued their tour of Alderanth, Gorn pointing out various landmarks and bustling markets. Eventually, they settled into a restaurant to satisfy their hunger.
The restaurant, located on the third floor of an imposing building, exuded an air of luxury. William once again marveled at how Gorn, a hunter from a small village, could afford such extravagance, but he kept his questions to himself. They both harbored secrets, and the answers would reveal themselves in due time.
William relished the delicious meal, savoring each bite with gusto.
"Enjoying yourself?" Gorn chuckled, watching William devour the food with undisguised enthusiasm.
"Absolutely," William mumbled through a mouthful of chicken leg. "This is incredible!"
They chatted and savored their meal, the earlier tension momentarily forgotten. With their hunger satiated, it was time to find lodging for the night.
Alderanth boasted a variety of taverns, each catering to different budgets. Despite his apparent wealth, Gorn wasn't about to squander his coins on unnecessary luxury.
Especially since they had a four-day wait ahead of them before receiving a response from the adventurers' guild. Four nights in a high-end establishment would put a significant dent in their funds.
They opted for a more modest tavern called "Hod's Tavern and Bar," a two-story wooden structure with a slightly worn but welcoming facade. The sign hanging above the entrance might have seen better days, but the lively atmosphere spilling onto the street promised a comfortable haven.
Stepping inside, William and Gorn were greeted by a boisterous scene. The tavern was packed with patrons enjoying their ale, confirming its popularity among locals.
Having just finished a hearty meal, neither of them desired food or drink. Their primary need was rest.
Gorn approached the barkeep. "Got a couple of rooms available?" he inquired.
The man, busy polishing a tankard, glanced at a nearby ledger. "Indeed," he confirmed. "Rooms eight and thirteen are free. They're a bit apart, hope that's alright."
"No problem," Gorn replied. "We'll take 'em both for four nights."
After a brief exchange, William was directed to room thirteen at the end of a dimly lit corridor, while Gorn settled into room eight closer to the entrance.
"If you need anything, lad, just come find me," Gorn said, his voice gruff but laced with concern. "Even though we're safe within the city walls, you never know what might happen."
A wave of warmth washed over William. Gorn and his family had practically adopted him after he'd materialized in their village, a bewildered stranger displaced by Elric's magic. He had never imagined receiving such kindness from a stranger.
"Will do," William replied, a genuine smile gracing his lips. "Rest well, Gorn."
"You too, William," Gorn replied with a tired grin.William entered his assigned room, finding it simple yet cozy. The highlight was a small, inviting fireplace! The chill of autumn was creeping in, making the prospect of warmth especially welcome. A thick, woolen blanket lay folded on the modest bed, promising a comfortable night's sleep. The window offered a view of the bustling street, which, while not typically scenic, was rather pleasant with the warm glow of the evening lights.William felt a surge of contentment. He had gained a solid understanding of his SSS-rank ability, which had allowed him to rapidly level up and boost his attributes.Name: William VelmontLevel: 11Class: NoneAttributes:
Strength: 19
Agility: 21
Stamina: 17
Intelligence: 18
Mana: 13
Skills:
Chrono Shift (SSS-Rank): Allows the user to open a portal to a specific point in the past. (Details Unlocked)
Hero's Limit (S-Rank): Temporarily enhances all attributes by 50% for 1 minute. Significant physical strain will follow.
He now possessed another powerful skill, a valuable asset for emergencies despite its harsh aftereffects.
'Where can I learn more skills?' William pondered. 'Should I venture into the past again and seek out a mentor? Perhaps I need to explore other avenues, since I haven't fully mastered Chrono Shift yet...'
With these thoughts swirling in his mind, he settled into the bed and drifted off to sleep, eager to face whatever challenges the new day would bring.
The night passed uneventfully, providing William with a much-needed restful sleep. In the morning, he and Gorn decided to have breakfast at the tavern. The food was decent, and the prices were reasonable, making it a convenient option.
The tavern was significantly less crowded in the morning. Most patrons came in the evenings to unwind with drinks and conversation after a long day's work. It seemed the majority of the people they had seen the previous night hadn't stayed the night.
William's mind was still preoccupied with ways to increase his strength. Gorn, with his apparent experience and high level, seemed like the perfect person to ask for guidance.
"Gorn," William inquired during breakfast, "where can I learn more skills? Is there a place where I can find manuals or something?"
Gorn seemed surprised by the question, but also pleased. "Yes, there is," he replied. "The Alderanth library has manuals on all sorts of magic. But you should take an aptitude test first. Not that you can't learn any type of magic, but it's best to focus on your strengths, especially when starting out."
William's excitement grew. The prospect of learning new skills and delving into the world of magic filled him with anticipation.