After spending hours poring over the books in the library, Rowan leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes, letting everything he had read sink in. The concepts of trade, bartering, and currency were clear to him—after all, reading was something he'd always been good at back on Earth. It was a hobby that had now become a valuable skill in this unfamiliar world.
He understood how much money he would need to live on, how the economy worked, and what kind of jobs paid well. That's when something particularly intriguing caught his eye: the mention of adventurers.
As he flipped through the pages, his interest grew. Adventurers were individuals who fought monsters, explored dungeons, and sought out riches hidden in the far corners of the land. They were brave souls who didn't shy away from danger, and the rewards they reaped were often considerable. Gold, treasures, and fame awaited those who succeeded in their quests.
Rowan's heart raced. This sounded like exactly what he needed. If he became an adventurer, not only could he make a name for himself in this world, but he could also earn enough gold to support himself—and maybe even return the kindness that Maya had shown him. His thoughts drifted back to the night in the forest, the close encounter with the orcs, and the strange magic he had felt flowing through him. If something like that happened again, he would need to be ready.
While he continued reading, absorbing every bit of information about adventurers, his thoughts were interrupted by the creeping sensation that something else was out there. He closed the book, his gaze shifting to the window. The night outside was thick with shadows, and though the library was calm, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was watching—something lurking just out of sight.
---
Meanwhile, in the forest...
A dark figure moved silently among the trees, its eyes fixed on the distant lights of Stagpeak. The creature's gaze was cold and calculating, watching as the town rested peacefully in the valley. After a few moments, it turned and disappeared back into the thick of the forest, retreating into the darkness.
---
Back in the library, Rowan ran a hand through his hair and refocused. There was no point in worrying about things he couldn't see. He needed a plan, and adventuring seemed like the best way forward. However, one thing was clear: if he was going to survive and thrive as an adventurer, he needed to learn how to fight. The magic he had felt in the forest was incredible, but he couldn't rely on a mysterious orb of light to save him every time. He needed real training.
When morning came, the golden rays of sunlight bathed the town in warmth. Rowan knew it was time to act. He had a goal now, but he needed to figure out how to achieve it. He needed guidance.
As he left the library, he found Maya waiting for him at the tavern. She greeted him with her usual warm smile. "You've been up all night reading, haven't you?" she teased, noticing the tired look on his face.
"Guilty," Rowsn admitted, rubbing his eyes. "But I've learned something important."
"Oh?" Maya raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "And what's that?"
"I need to become an adventurer," he said, his voice steady. "It's the only way I can make money and protect myself if something like the other night happens again."
Maya's expression shifted from amusement to concern. "You want to fight monsters?" she asked, her brow furrowing. "That's a dangerous path, Rowan."
"I know," he replied. "But I can't keep relying on you or others to help me. I need to stand on my own, and becoming an adventurer seems like the best way to do that."
Maya crossed her arms, thinking. "Well, I know the lord of Stagpeak has knights, but they're not the kind of people who would just train anyone. You'd have to join their ranks, and that's not easy."
Rowan frowned. Becoming a knight was not what he had in mind. He needed something more practical, more immediate. "Is there anyone else in town who could teach me?"
Maya tapped her chin thoughtfully before snapping her fingers. "There is someone. An old man who lives at the edge of the countryside, just outside the town. Not much is known about him, though. He's... a bit of a recluse."
"What do you mean?" Rowan asked, leaning forward.
"He's lived out there for as long as I can remember," Maya said. "Some say he was once a great warrior, but no one really knows for sure. He doesn't speak to anyone, and people rarely see him. But... if you're looking for someone who might know how to fight, he's your best bet."
Rowan mulled over the idea. A mysterious old man living in seclusion sounded exactly like the kind of person who might have the knowledge he needed. It wasn't much of a lead, but it was better than nothing.
"Where can I find him?" Rowan asked, already determined to meet this man.
Maya hesitated for a moment. "Are you sure about this? He might not be what you expect."
"I don't have many options," Rowan said firmly. "If there's a chance he can help me, I have to take it."
With a sigh, Maya gave him directions to the old man's home. It was a small cottage, tucked away at the edge of the forest near the countryside, just beyond the town's borders. Few people ever ventured out that way, and even fewer returned with any stories to tell.
"Be careful," she warned him as he prepared to leave. "The countryside can be dangerous, and if the rumors about him are true, he might not be too welcoming."
"I'll be careful," Rowan promised, offering her a reassuring smile. "Thanks, Maya."
---
As Rowan made his way to the outskirts of Stagpeak, the landscape began to change. The bustling town gave way to rolling hills and dense woods, the path narrowing as he ventured farther from civilization. The cottage Maya had mentioned was still a fair distance away, but Rowan could feel his heart beating faster in anticipation.
He wasn't sure what kind of person this old man would turn out to be, but if there was even a slim chance that he could learn how to defend himself, he had to try. The knowledge he'd gained about adventurers had lit a fire in him—a fire that demanded action.
The sun climbed higher in the sky as Rowan continued his trek, the world around him growing quieter with each step. The forest loomed in the distance, its shadows stretching like fingers across the ground. It was here, at the edge of this wild and untamed land, that Rowan hoped to find the answers he needed.
As he approached the cottage, a sense of uncertainty settled over him. The old man's home was small, almost hidden among the trees. Smoke curled lazily from the chimney, suggesting that someone was inside. Rowan steeled himself, stepping closer to the weathered door.
He knocked once, twice, and waited.
The door creaked open slowly, revealing the figure of an elderly man. His eyes were sharp, and his posture was more rigid than Rowan had expected for someone his age. He wore simple clothing, but there was an air of authority about him—something that hinted at a past filled with battle and wisdom.
"What do you want?" the man asked gruffly, his voice carrying the weight of years.
"I... I'm looking for training," Rowan said, swallowing his nerves. "I need to learn how to fight. To survive."
The old man studied him for a long moment, his eyes narrowing. Then, without a word, he stepped aside, gesturing for Rowan to enter.
Rowan hesitated for only a moment before stepping inside. This was the beginning of a new chapter in his journey, and he was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.