As Ephraim walked toward the inn, his mind was occupied with the recent changes he noticed on his status page.
'Sanity increased to 88%?' He touched his chin thoughtfully.
Focusing on it, he watched as "Sanity" expanded into "Mental State" on his status page.
Sanity/Mental State: 88%
Current Status: Stable (Normal)
Effects: Minor reduction in focus
Recent Influences:
First-time killing (-5%)
Not in a familiar place (-5%)
Low on money (-2%)
Recovery Options Available: Rest
The headache was gone but it got changed to being low on money.
Seeing the detailed breakdown, he wasn't sure whether to laugh or cry. 'I'm getting stressed just because I'm low on money?'
After a moment of reflection, he reasoned that worrying about money when nearing his budget limit was normal.
Ephraim shook off the thought; he would earn more once he completed the guild mission and sold some items to Granny.
With preparations complete, he realized there was no reason to linger in town any longer.
'I should depart tomorrow after a good meal and some rest,' he decided.
When Ephraim reached the inn, he found Roran and discussed what he had learned. Unfortunately, the conversations with the other patrons hadn't yielded any useful information.
"It's alright," Ephraim said, trying to reassure him. "I'm planning to set out tomorrow to complete some missions and search for clues about your sister after picking up a few supplies."
He paused, considering the risks before adding, "Do you want to come with me tomorrow to see things for yourself?"
Ephraim's expression turned serious. "I should warn you—I can't guarantee your safety if you decide to join me."
Roran's eyes lit up with excitement at Ephraim's offer, but the cautionary words gave him pause.
The thought of danger etched a moment of doubt on his face before he took a deep breath and steadied himself. Determination replaced hesitation as he nodded firmly.
"I know the risks, but I want to come," Roran said, his voice resolute. "I want to see what's out there for myself."
"Then you should register as an adventurer tomorrow," Ephraim said breaking the silence. "Do you at least have a weapon for protection?"
Roran nodded slowly, a touch of uncertainty in his eyes. "I know a bit about using a bow. I won't drag you down… I hope."
'Having someone with a long-range weapon could be useful. I just hope he doesn't accidentally shoot me in the back,' Ephraim thought.
Ephraim looked at Roran and added, "If fighting's too much, you can at least help by carrying some of the bags tomorrow."
Roran nodded, agreeing without hesitation. Helping Ephraim meant he could search for his sister sooner and stay safer in the process.
"Come here early tomorrow. We'll depart as soon as possible," Ephraim instructed.
As Roran turned to leave, an idea struck Ephraim. Can I use Identify on people, too?
With nothing to lose, he focused on Roran and muttered, 'Identify' in his mind.
To his surprise, a status window appeared:
[Name: Roran]
[Level: N/A]
[Class: None]
[Race: Human]
[Title: None]
Exp: N/A
HP: 100
MP: None
Strength: 2
Agility: 2
Intelligence: 2
Endurance: 2
Perception: 4
Luck: 4
Skills: None
Remarks: He has undiscovered talent in archery.
Ephraim's eyes widened at the unexpected result.
I can actually use it? Ephraim's mind raced. But why does he have perception while mine is Sanity? He couldn't help but compare and silently complain.
Roran's perception stat was promising for their upcoming journey, but Ephraim's own Sanity stat felt like a ticking time bomb, a potential debuff waiting to drag him down if his mental state faltered.
"And there are even remarks?" He noted, eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "I could use this to find people with hidden talents who could help me..."
He held his chin as another idea struck him "...or use this with Empathy to know if they have hidden motives."
"I'll have to bring out Roran's potential tomorrow so he can be helpful to me in the future," Ephraim thought.
After finalizing their plans for the next day, Ephraim retired to his room. The night passed in a blur of rest and anticipation.
The first rays of dawn filtered through the thin curtains, signaling the start of a new day. Ephraim woke up early and met with Roran downstairs.
Together they ate a quick breakfast before heading to the guild.
At the guild, Roran registered as an adventurer then they picked up a map detailing the forest's layout. They also bought a small, portable tent for rest and some provisions—food and drink to keep them going through the day.
With everything packed and prepared, the two set out for the herb gathering location, their steps firm as they left the town behind.
After about an hour of walking, they finally arrived at the location where they were supposed to gather herbs.
Roran was about to step forward, eager to get started, but Ephraim held up a hand to stop him. He remembered the warning Marie had given him.
"We should check the surroundings first. Help me look for any signs of human activity… and don't make a sound," Ephraim whispered.
Nodding, Roran followed Ephraim's lead, and the two carefully circled the edge of the clearing.
They moved silently, scanning the area for any signs that might indicate someone had been there recently.
Ephraim's suspicion about the mission he had taken lingered in the back of his mind.
The only ones who could post quests on the guild board were humans, given that it was a guild in a human settlement.
As for the reasons behind the quest's posting, he could find out later—if he managed to track down who had posted it.
While deep in thought, Ephraim noticed Roran pointing to a set of footprints.
They didn't appear to belong to a human, but the tracks were clearly made by someone walking on two feet.
From what he could see, there were more than two sets of footprints, and they didn't seem to be trying to conceal their trail.
'Sloppy... ' Ephraim thought. 'Humans would at least try to cover their tracks if they were doing something suspicious.'
Am I wrong? Ephraim doubted his earlier suspicions. Was this not the work of humans but monsters instead?
He shook his head, pushing aside premature conclusions. It was too early to assume anything. They decided to follow the trail.
The footprints led them to the entrance of a cave. From their vantage point, the area outside appeared deserted, but the tracks continued inside.
"They must be inside..." Roran whispered, eyes darting nervously toward the dark cave.
Ephraim nodded, assessing the situation. "Stay outside and keep watch. Be ready to shoot if anything comes out."
Roran swallowed hard, gripping his bow tighter. "Okay," he said, voice steady despite the nervous flicker in his eyes.
He watched as Ephraim crept quietly toward the entrance of the cave, each step deliberate and silent.
As Ephraim approached, thoughts raced through his mind. He had already confirmed the footprints were goblin-made using his Identify skill earlier.
Even without it, their shape and the careless way they veered off the beaten path made it obvious.
But it wasn't the goblins that worried him most—it was what else might be inside with them. If human captives were in the cave, the situation would become far more complicated.
He glanced at the bag slung over his shoulder, a fleeting thought crossing his mind. 'If there are no human victims inside, then maybe I can use that…'