Luphenour City was positioned at the foot of a mountain range. Looking upwards one could barely spot a few other magnificent cities along the mountain.
Elves didn't like to have their peace disturbed, thus seldom inviting other races. Only Luphenour served as a connection to the rest of world, simultaneously serving the role to spread the faith of the moon goddess.
Since Liam was approved by Ephnior other cities reluctantly granted him entry. But the veteran wasn't here for sightseeing, but to find his sister.
Thus, Liam headed towards the east of the city. He had to climb a long set of stairs, reaching an elevated pavilion.
Even before his eyes were able look over the edge, cawing noises already reached his ears, sounding majestic and powerful.
Soon, the source of the sounds appeared. Huge eagles the size of smaller trees were leisurely perching on comfortable cushions within the pavilion.
A few young elves were running between them, feeding the eagles.
These beasts had a leisurely life since they began living in a symbiotic relationship with the elves. Only the fact that they were forced to switch to an herbivorous diet took them a while to accept.
But after many years the noble Red-Winged Royal Eagles had managed to adjust, becoming an integral part of elvish society.
Liam approached a bored-looking elf at the side. After handing over 5 silver one of the young elves carried a saddle, fastening it on one of the eagles' backs.
The eagle swayed its body, cawing a few times, obviously reluctant. It threw an accusatory look at the elf in charge, questioning why it was its turn and not one of the other lazy fellows'.
Unfortunately, its complaints fell on deaf ears. After a few seconds it fell silent, lowering his body for Liam to get on.
The latter patted the eagle's wing in thanks while sitting down on the saddle, holding on to the handles.
Hoping lazily the eagle approached the edge of the platform. Suddenly it pushed with its legs. An incredible power was set free. With one flap of its wings the eagle raced high into the air.
Liam felt exhilarated as the wind swept through his hair. The experience of flying in the game was enjoyable no matter how often one felt it.
The city quickly shrank below him, allowing for a grand view of the scenery. An elevated area filled with forests and vast lakes spread from the foot of the mountain.
Far away on the horizon the edge of the central plains could barely be made out.
Turning around a majestic mountain range blocked Liam's view, its towering peeks ending in cottony white clouds. A few cities were sprawled along the slopes, some impressive, dreamy buildings clearly discernable from high up in the air.
The eagle drew a small circle before turning to the west. It didn't waste much time, directly carrying Liam to his target.
A short while later they landed on a large stone platform. It was at the coast of a peaceful lake, right next to a smaller elven village.
When the eagle arrived, throwing its shadow on the village, presenting its majestic wings, it already drew the attention of many players.
"Wow, look! A flying mount!"
"Didn't those NPCs say that the eagles are resting?"
"Is this in preparation for us reaching level 10, wetting our appetite?"
"So beautiful, I want one too."
A crowd gathered, chatting excitedly as they watched the eagle land. But seeing Liam get of no one could make sense of the situation.
"Huh, who's that?"
"Is that a human?"
"Is this the beginning of some quest?"
"No, look! The name above his head!"
"Bleary Mirage?! Damn, what is that guy doing here?"
"Did he come to taunt us?"
"Just wait, Star Gazer will overtake you soon enough!"
The players felt incredibly indignant, accusing Liam of showing off. What business did he have riding their flying mounts and appearing in the novice village?
Even Liam found it difficult to ignore all the displeased eyes. He smiled wryly as he tried to make his way through the crowd.
Suddenly though a magic attack hit his shoulder.
"Square off!"
A tall mage with an arrogant look in his eyes stared at Liam indignantly. But a moment later he noticed that the atmosphere wasn't quite right, lowering his wand slowly.
"What's up with all of you, why are you looking at me weirdly?"
"Brother Star, your name… it turned red…"
"Wha…"
The mage's voice got stuck in his throat. He trembled as he saw a tall elven hunter pushing through the crowd, coming straight towards him.
"Hey, hey, hey, why are you coming for me?! Look! Shouldn't you chase away the nephilim? Hey!"
The NPC ignored the player's struggle as he grabbed his arm and dragged him away.
Liam made use of the commotion to disappear between a few houses, letting out a sigh. With the unfortunate mage as example the elves should refrain from attacking him hopefully.
However, if he were to leave the novice village it was hard to tell if some stubborn fools might follow him.
Liam put the matter at the back of his head as he messaged Serena. Learning her location he circled around the village, reaching a small patch of grass to the east.
Liam didn't quite understand what attracted Serena here. He slowly approached from the back, watching a kind elven woman handing out specially baked fruits to a bunch of children.
A faint smile formed on his face as he spotted Serena to the side wearing a mage robe with some leave patterns and staring at the fruits eagerly.
Although Serena fit in with the elven children she was in fact most likely a few decades younger than them.
Fortunately, this was not something which concerned the NPCs as the elven woman kindly handed a fruit to Serena as well.
"Does it taste good?"
Serena flinched as a voice suddenly sounded from behind her back. She turned around, a smile forming on her face as she recognized her brother.
Quickly gulping her food down, she answered happily:
"Its great! Here, take a bite."
"Keep it for yourself. If I take a bite, none of us will get the effect."
"What effect? Its about the taste! Here!"
As Serena basically stuffed her fruit into Liam's face, he could only take a big bite. The sweet juice gathered in his mouth, sending a comfortable feeling through his body after being baked together with nourishing herbs.
"So?"
"You're right, it's delicious."
"Told you!"
Serena smiled happily, drawing back her arms and taking another big bite. Quickly the fruit disappeared into her belly.
"What do you think of the game so far? Do you like it?"
"Of course. Everyone is so nice. The scenery is beautiful, and the food is super tasty!"
"Haha, have you been eating the entire time?"
"Nono, I have first fetched a few things for aunty Ebonora until she rewarded me with some tasty fruits."
Liam patted Serena's head with a chuckle.
"Anything you would like to do now? Do you want to join my party and become a top player?"
To Liam's surprise his sister immediately showed a repulsive expression.
"No chance. I don't want to fight!"
"Oh, not at all?"
"No! That stupid tailor uncle asked me to kill some rabbits. But I couldn't do it. They look so cute!"
"Well, what if you were to fight monsters and zombies?"
"Eww, disgusting. Nonono, I don't want to do it."
"Ok… so what would you like to do?"
"I want to play the game!"
Liam looked at Serena's joyful expression, falling into a dilemma.
Its nice to see someone having fun without leveling but how long can this hold on?
Wouldn't Serena get bored quickly?
Liam put his hand to his chin as he fell into thought. His eyes wandered from Serena to the elven children to the woman giving out food.
Suddenly a light lit up in his mind.
"Would you be interested in becoming a chef?"
"A chef? Like the one cooking food?"
"Yes. You could travel the world, gather ingredients, make delicious food, and even sell it."
With every word Serena's eyes lit up more and more. When Liam stopped, she nodded her head like a chicken pecking rice.
"Well, then why not try it out right now?"
"Do we need anything?"
"A workstation and materials. On top of that we can use recipes but it's not necessary."
"Oh, I got a recipe here from aunty Ebonora. It's baked Berh Fruit."
"That's even better. Should we try right now?"
"Yeah!"
Liam led the eager Serena out of the novice village, keeping his vigilance up in case someone tried to follow them.
But he soon relaxed as they reached a large field dotted with the occasional tree.
Liam took a glance at the recipe in Serena's hand. He recognized the ingredients, knowing that they were easy to get, growing around the novice village.
He initially planned to gather a few fruits and be done with it, but Serena suggested making it a competition.
Thus, the siblings spent a joyful hour gathering fruits and herbs ending with Serena's win after Liam hid some of his loot in his inventory.