Contemplating in this manner, a glimmer of newfound light faintly flickered in Limon's eyes.
If this were truly the case, then the path that lay ahead would unfold with far greater possibilities.
When treading the path of a mage, one could also simultaneously embark on the path of a warrior, thus remedying the vulnerability in close-quarters combat.
Although magicians possess formidable long-range capabilities, once the adversary closes in, they often find themselves in a perilous situation.
Especially when contending with certain assassins, magicians frequently offer little resistance.
For example, while traversing a bustling street, if the assassin lurks among the throng of pedestrians, were one a warrior, even if the assassin managed to approach undetected and launch a surprise assault, the warrior would still have a modicum of time to react and might even retaliate and slay the assassin. In contrast, the magician's situation is completely different. If incapable of sensing the murderous intent and the lurking danger, once the assassin draws near, it would be extremely difficult, if not impossible, for the magician to escape.
This was precisely why Lalasa asserted that it was a Herculean task for a spellcaster to survive without the protection of comrades.
Limon had heeded every word Lalasa spoke. When Lalasa suggested that Limon seek a companion, Limon did indeed consider such an idea, but now, a different train of thought was running through his mind.
Owing to his nature, Limon was not adept at forging amiable relations with others. Unless an emergency of the utmost gravity arose, the concept of companionship did not figure prominently in Limon's considerations.
Perhaps in the future, but at least for the present, Limon had no such inclination.
"Should I give it a try?"
A flicker of indecision flitted across Limon's countenance.
If one were truly resolved to tread this path, there could be no room for regret.
As if attaining a moment of enlightenment, Limon smiled enigmatically, and his heart was suddenly filled with a sense of calm nonchalance.
When had he become so irresolute and verbose?
Since he was aware of the magicians' flaws, it was only natural that he should strive with all his might to correct this defect.
Thus resolved, Limon no longer hesitated and allocated 6 points to strength and endurance, 2 points to agility, 4 points to intelligence, and 2 points to spirit.
When points were assigned to each attribute, the physical changes were palpable.
Especially in terms of strength, Limon felt a surge of vitality coursing through his veins, as if caught in a beguiling illusion. His physique grew more robust, his hitherto slender frame acquired a slightly more substantial build, and the musculature on his body seemed to etch faint contours.
"Gurgle Gurgle!"
His hunger intensified.
"Splash splash."
Amid the rippling waters, Limon rose from the bathtub.
The pangs of hunger in his stomach extinguished any lingering desire to prolong his ablutions. Hastily donning his clothes, he hurried downstairs.
In the lobby on the first floor, Limon entered the rest area with a sense of impatience.
The moment he seated himself at a table and chair, Limon summoned the waiter.
"May I assist you?"
Today's attendant was no longer the civet cat from the previous day but a young human maiden.
She was adorned with light golden, shoulder-length hair and, despite being dressed in a waiter's short skirt, exuded an air of vivacity.
"Bring me a glass of grape juice and a generous portion of barbarian beef barbecue."
"Very well, if you would be so kind as to wait."
With a coy smile, she turned and took her leave.
Today's Adventurer's Guild was relatively quiet. Only a few adventurers populated the rest area, and a medley of sounds assailed Limon's ears.
The waiter did not keep Limon waiting long and soon arrived bearing a large platter of steaming barbarian beef barbecue.
The barbarian beef barbecue was carefully placed before Limon, and the waiter murmured softly, "Please enjoy."
Looking at the glistening, golden-hued and greasy barbarian beef barbecue on the plate, the hunger gnawing at his stomach compelled Limon to start devouring it with unseemly haste, his table manners forgotten in the face of his ravenous appetite.
In a veritable feeding frenzy, the entire platter of barbecue was consumed by Limon.
"Huh!"
After taking a sip of grape juice, Limon let out a long sigh of satisfaction.
"Your appetite is truly voracious..."
A gruff voice, startlingly close, pierced the air, causing Limon to startle slightly and cast a sidelong glance in search of the source.
At some indeterminate moment, a hulking figure had appeared at the table. He grinned amicably and sat down.
"I am Yevrich, a berserker, a novice adventurer who has only recently arrived in the city from the rustic countryside. You seem to be traveling alone, don't you? Why not join my team? My team is in desperate need of a spellcaster, and I am certain we would get along well."
Was this an invitation?
Limon's gaze shifted behind Yevrich. The individuals seated at the adjacent table were presumably his comrades.
An elf wind walker and a human warrior, a male and a female, both of young age.
Their eyes were fixed in this direction, and when Limon's glance landed on them, they nodded faintly in acknowledgment.
Limon's eyes then returned to Yevrich.
[Name: Yevrich
Race: Soga Giant
Occupation: Berserker
Level: 16
Strength: 32
Agility: 29
Endurance: 34
Intelligence: 17
Spirit: 16
Fighting Spirit: 1600/1600
Skills: xx]
Level 16, a level neither high nor low, befitting an adventurer, yet doubtless possessing a more extensive reservoir of professional experience.
Limon, naturally, declined Yevrich's offer.
"Regrettably, I have no current inclination to seek a companion."
Rejected...
Yevrich smiled awkwardly and quickly added, "It's of no consequence, sir. There's no need to apologize. If you ever feel the desire to seek a companion, do consider us. You would be welcome to join our ranks at any time."
Limon nodded faintly and replied, "I'll keep it in mind."
"Well... if you'll excuse me."
Yevrich got up and left, a hint of disappointment on his face.
This elicited a chorus of good-natured teasing from his companions.
"Yevrich, I warned you that your attempt was doomed to failure. How could you possibly hope to recruit companions with your imposing size? Let our charming elf maiden make the attempt next time. You'd better stay here quietly."
"Exactly... the captain is too presumptuous. He fails to understand the degree of intimidation his hulking frame might cause in others. Oh well, let it be. I'll make the offer next time. The team can't last long without a spellcaster. We must find new companions as soon as possible."
Limon was unfamiliar with the daily life of an adventurer.
He had only recently entered the realm of adventuring. All was shrouded in mystery, and he could only understand it bit by bit, with great effort.
The invitation offered by Yevrich was but a minor episode, and Limon was disinclined to dwell on it.
Perhaps for adventurers, being approached with invitations was a common occurrence.
Through his observations over the past few days, Limon had noticed that adventurers in the rest area were mostly gathered in groups.
At the very least, they numbered two or three, with four or five being more common, and there were even larger gatherings.
After downing a glass of grape juice, Limon pondered his next course of action.