The massive figure stepped forward, illuminated by the faint blue glow of the runes still pulsing on the platform. His movements were precise and deliberate, every step a testament to his strength and discipline. He stopped just short of Lennox and bowed slightly, placing one hand over his chest.
"Garrick Kairos, at your service, Tavern Master," he said, his voice deep and steady, resonating with a quiet authority.
Lennox blinked, his nerves warring with his curiosity.
The warrior was enormous, with muscles so well-defined they seemed carved from stone. His obsidian-like armor shimmered faintly, its surface etched with glowing blue patterns that echoed the summoning circle's energy. Strapped across his back was a massive greatsword, faint arcs of lightning crackling along its edges.
Lennox managed to return the nod, though his voice came out slightly higher-pitched than he'd intended. "Uh… welcome. So, Garrick, where are you from?"
Garrick straightened, his expression calm but unreadable. "I cannot say, Tavern Master. I am bound by an oath to the System."
Lennox frowned slightly, but he decided not to push further. "Fair enough," he said, forcing a casual tone. His curiosity got the better of him, though, and he added, "Are you… uh, a proper warrior? I mean, have you awakened your chi?"
The corner of Garrick's mouth twitched, almost imperceptibly. "Yes. I am a peak Rank-One Warrior."
Lennox's eyes widened as the words sank in. From the memories of the previous Lennox, he knew that Greywater was filled mostly with apprentice warriors and mages. Even the town's strongest figures, like the mayor and the noble families' heads, were only beginner Rank-One. A peak Rank-One Warrior like Garrick was in an entirely different league.
A grin tugged at Lennox's lips. With Garrick by his side, he wouldn't just be safe within the tavern's mystical protections—he'd be untouchable even outside its walls. The thugs who had cornered him earlier, when he was returning from purchasing the magic beast core, would never dare come near him now.
"Well," Lennox said, a faint smile breaking through his nerves, "welcome to the Mystic Tavern. Let's hope we make a good team."
Garrick nodded and inclined his head slightly, his sharp eyes quietly studying his new master.
As they left the summoning room and stepped into the common room, Lennox's eyes once again landed on the glowing door etched with runes. He frowned, muttering under his breath, "That's way too conspicuous. Anyone walking in here would start asking questions."
He stood there for a moment, debating whether to cover it up somehow. But before he could act, the System's calm voice spoke telepathically in his mind:
"The door can be hidden, Tavern Master. It will only reappear when the summoning room is required."
"Really? That's convenient," Lennox replied softly, glancing at Garrick to make sure he hadn't heard.
Without further warning, the glowing runes began to dissolve into faint streaks of light. The entire door shimmered briefly before fading seamlessly into the wall, leaving nothing behind but smooth wood.
Lennox turned back to Garrick just in time to catch the faintest flicker of surprise in the warrior's eyes. Though Garrick's expression remained composed, the subtle furrow of his brow and the brief glance he cast at the blank wall betrayed his thoughts.
"Guess the tavern has its quirks," Lennox said with a nonchalant shrug, keeping his tone light. He wasn't about to share the mystical details of the System with someone he'd just met, even if that someone was bound to him by an oath.
Staring at the blank wall, another thought struck him. The door had been on the tavern's outer wall, which should have opened to the street. Yet, it had led to the summoning room. "Could the summoning room be… in a pocket dimension?" he muttered.
He waited for a response from the System, but the silence stretched on. "System? Any explanation? No? Figures," Lennox grumbled, shaking his head.
With a frustrated sigh, he muttered, "It's probably some magic mumbo-jumbo I'll never understand anyway." Garrick remained silent, his sharp gaze still taking in every detail of the tavern. Lennox could feel the weight of his scrutiny but chose to ignore it, focusing instead on what needed to be done next.
"Let me show you where you'll be staying," Lennox said, clearing his throat and gesturing for Garrick to follow. "Every employee needs a good place to rest, right?"
They climbed the narrow stairs leading to the attic, the floorboards creaking faintly under their steps. Lennox led the way past his own quarters, stopping at a freshly added door nearby. He pushed it open, revealing the Employees' Quarters.
The room featured a sturdy bed with enchanted linens that shimmered faintly and seemed to adjust to the occupant's comfort. A polished desk and chair sat near the window, their surfaces glowing softly with magical energy. A wardrobe etched with subtle runes stood against one wall, and Lennox suspected it could organize its contents magically. On the far wall, a glowing sconce emitted a warm light that seemed to adjust its brightness automatically.
"Well," Lennox said, gesturing around the room, "it's not a palace, but I think it's decent enough for now."
Garrick stepped inside, his movements deliberate as he inspected the room. After a moment, he nodded approvingly. "It is adequate, Tavern Master."
Lennox raised an eyebrow. "Adequate? I thought you'd be blown away. That bed practically adjusts to your mood."
Garrick's lips twitched, the barest hint of a smile breaking through his stoic demeanor. "I am a warrior. Comfort is… secondary."
Lennox smirked. "Fair enough. Make yourself at home."
Leaving Garrick to settle in, Lennox descended the stairs and returned to the common room. The curtains were still drawn from earlier, when he had closed them to begin the tavern's upgrade. He moved to the windows and pulled them back, letting the warm hues of the evening sun spill into the room, casting golden light across the polished floors and shelves.
Just hours ago, he had been cornered by thugs, feeling utterly powerless. Now, he had a magical tavern with Rank Two drinks, a Safe Haven that guaranteed his security, and a peak Rank-One Warrior as his ally.
A grin spread across his face. "I've got a tavern that practically runs itself, and a warrior who could probably scare off a dragon. Not bad for a beginner."
He checked the shelves, making sure the new Rank Two magical drinks were displayed prominently. The lanterns were adjusted to cast a warm, inviting glow across the common room. Everything was in place.
Garrick stepped into the room, now clad in a simpler tunic with his greatsword stored neatly in his quarters. His towering presence was no less intimidating, but he carried himself with the calm confidence of someone prepared for anything.
"All right, Garrick," Lennox said, clapping his hands together. "Let's get ready to serve some customers. I want at least two more patrons tonight. Let's see if we can sell some of those drinks."
Garrick nodded. "As you command, Tavern Master."