The morning light filtered gently through the curtains, casting soft golden hues onto the polished wooden floor of Lennox's attic bedroom. The intricate patterns of the silk linens and the faint scent of lavender in the air lent the space an air of serenity, a stark contrast to the chaos that had marked the day before.
The room was both functional and elegant—a small mahogany desk sat by the window, stacked neatly with blank parchments and books Lennox had yet to open, while a carved wardrobe stood against the far wall, its polished surface reflecting the morning glow.
The room was quiet, save for the faint hum of life from the town below.
Through the slightly cracked window, Lennox could hear the distant clamor of merchants setting up their stalls, the rhythmic clang of blacksmiths' hammers shaping metal, and the occasional bark of stray dogs scavenging for scraps. Farther away, from the wilderness beyond Greywater, came faint, guttural roars of magical beasts, a reminder of the lurking dangers outside the town's borders.
Nestled in the warmth of his bed, Lennox stirred, his head sinking deeper into the plush pillows.
The previous day had been nothing short of exhausting—a whirlwind of near-death experiences, mystic upgrades, and the overwhelming realization that he was no longer James, the young man stuck in an office job. As such, the thought of staying in bed a little longer, letting the soft light and distant sounds lull him back to sleep, was tempting.
Yet, as he lay there, memories of his past life drifted to the forefront of his mind, keeping him wide awake.
Mornings as James had been a race against time: blaring alarms jolting him awake, hastily devoured breakfasts, and the dread of another day spent staring at a computer screen. It had been a life of monotony, devoid of the adventure he had always dreamed of.
Now, here he was, master of a mystical tavern in a world teeming with magic and danger. Mornings were no longer frantic but peaceful, offering him time to reflect and plan. Yet, this newfound peace was deceptive as Aetheris was far more perilous than Earth had ever been.
As much as Lennox appreciated the comforts of his new life, he knew he couldn't grow complacent. This world didn't reward idleness, and the dangers lurking outside Greywater wouldn't hesitate to claim an unprepared tavern master.
He had survived his first day, but survival wasn't enough. He needed to grow stronger, smarter, and more capable if he was to thrive in this new life.
But still, it was only his second day in the new world! Why not sleep a bit longer, just for today? He could then think about other stuff the following day.
Just as he began to consider slipping back under the covers, a familiar chime rang in his mind. The System's voice followed, calm but firm.
"Notice: As Tavern Master, you must begin to familiarize yourself with the world of Aetheris and take steps to grow stronger. Strength is the ultimate currency in this world. Do not squander your time and opportunities."
Lennox groaned, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. "Even my System thinks I'm slacking," he muttered.
The System continued, undeterred. "Reliance on the Mystic Tavern and the System alone is unwise. Take action to secure your future. Strength and knowledge are your greatest assets."
The words finally hit home. As incredible as the Mystic Tavern was, it was true that Lennox couldn't rely on it indefinitely. What if the System malfunctioned? What if the tavern's magic faltered or disappeared? Without his own strength, he would be helpless.
Swinging his legs over the side of the bed, Lennox sat up, his mind churning with possibilities. He needed a plan, a set of goals to keep him moving forward.
"Alright," he said aloud. "Step one: learn about this world."
The previous Lennox's memories provided a fragmented understanding of Aetheris, but it wasn't enough. He needed to know everything—geography, politics, factions, culture. His current ignorance was a liability. Fortunately, the bookshelf in his bedroom already held a wealth of knowledge on some of the topics, and Lennox resolved to spend the morning reading.
"Step two…" He paused, considering. Growth. Strength. But how? The former Lennox's memories revealed just how difficult it was to become either a chi-awakened warrior or a novice mage. Warrior arts and mage meditation techniques were closely guarded secrets, available only to those with powerful mentors or connections to influential factions.
Frustrated, Lennox turned to the one resource he could trust. "System," he asked, his tone steady, "is there a way for me to quickly become a chi-awakened warrior or a novice mage?"
The System's response was immediate. "Host should focus on upgrading the Mystic Tavern to Level 2. Upon completing the upgrade, answers to your query will be provided."
Lennox's chest tightened as the System continued, reminding him of the upgrade requirements: earning 20,000 gold coins in sales, obtaining 1,000 Rank-One magic beast cores, and securing 1 Rank-Two magic beast core.
"Of course, it can't be easy," Lennox muttered, running a hand through his tousled hair. But even as frustration gnawed at him, a flicker of hope remained. The System hadn't dismissed his question—it had given him a path forward. Difficult, yes, but not impossible.
"Step three," he added to his growing list of resolutions. "Upgrade the tavern as fast as possible."
His path was clear. Learn about the world. Grow stronger. Upgrade the tavern.
Energized by his newfound resolutions, Lennox threw off the covers and swung his legs over the side of the bed.
The cool wooden floor greeted his bare feet, a refreshing contrast to the lingering warmth of the room. He stretched, feeling the faint pull in his shoulders and back as he shook off the last remnants of sleep.
His eyes swept across the room, taking in its elegant charm. The polished wooden surfaces gleamed in the morning light streaming through the curtains, and the carved bookshelf in the corner stood neatly stocked with tomes and scrolls he had yet to explore.
Crossing the room, Lennox stepped into the adjoining bathroom, where the enchantments of the Mystic Tavern continued to make themselves known. The marble floor was pristine, its faint veining catching the light from the ornate sconces on the walls.
He turned a small bronze valve, and water cascaded from the showerhead, its temperature perfectly balanced. Stepping under the flow, Lennox closed his eyes as the warmth eased the tension in his muscles.
The steady rhythm of the water, combined with the faint lavender scent that seemed to permeate every part of the tavern, lulled his mind into a state of calm. For a few precious moments, he allowed himself to simply exist, the chaos of the previous day and the weight of his resolutions momentarily forgotten.
Once dried and refreshed, Lennox dressed in a fresh set of clothes provided by the Tavern's magic—a simple but well-tailored shirt and trousers that fit perfectly, as if crafted specifically for him. He ran a hand through his slightly damp chestnut hair and headed for the door, his mind already on breakfast.
Despite the enchanted kitchen being able to prepare meals without his intervention, he felt like doing something himself, even if it was just boiling water or cracking a few eggs.
As he eventually stepped out of his quarters and into the hallway, he nearly collided with Garrick. The towering warrior was emerging from the Employee's Quarters, his presence nearly filling the narrow space.
For a brief moment, Lennox was once again struck by the sheer size of the man—his imposing frame seemed even larger in the confined hallway.
"Morning," Lennox said, his voice casual but polite. Despite summoning Garrick himself, he still felt slightly out of his depth interacting with someone so intimidating.
Garrick gave a small nod, his sharp features betraying no emotion. "Good morning," he replied, his deep voice carrying an understated authority that made Lennox stand a little straighter without thinking.
The two then descended the stairs together in companionable silence, their footsteps echoing softly on the wooden steps. Lennox occasionally glanced at Garrick, unsure whether to strike up a conversation or simply let the silence be. The warrior's calm, steady presence was reassuring, though his stoicism left Lennox feeling slightly awkward.
As they reached the common room, Lennox decided to break the quiet. "Well, looks like last night was peaceful after all. No troublemakers trying to sneak back in."
Garrick's lips twitched—was that the hint of a smile? Or just a trick of the light? "Not with me here," he replied, his tone flat but firm.
Lennox chuckled softly, unsure whether to interpret the comment as a joke or a statement of fact. Either way, it was oddly comforting.
Together, they moved into the kitchen, where the Mystic Tavern's magic truly shone. The polished counters were spotless, and every utensil and tool was neatly arranged as if by an invisible hand. As for the enchanted appliances, they were still humming softly with latent energy.
Lennox paused for a moment, marveling at the sight. The dishwasher, with its softly glowing runes, worked tirelessly to clean dishes and mugs from the previous day, while another station handled towels and cookware, folding and stacking them with mechanical precision.
"This place practically runs itself," Lennox mused aloud, running a hand along the edge of a gleaming counter. His gaze swept across the room, taking in the seamless blend of magic and practicality. He cast a quick glance at Garrick, who had leaned against the doorframe, his sharp eyes scanning the room with the same vigilance he applied to everything. "Honestly, I feel like a guest more than the owner sometimes."
Garrick didn't respond with words, offering only a noncommittal grunt. His silent appraisal of the room left Lennox wondering what, exactly, was going through the man's mind.
Stepping over to a small window, Lennox unlatched it and pushed it open, allowing the crisp morning air to waft into the room. He leaned against the sill, gazing out at the bustling streets of Greywater.
Merchants called out their wares, their voices carrying over the clatter of hooves and the shuffle of boots. Adventurers returned from their early hunts, their gear caked with dust and blood, their expressions weary but satisfied. Children darted between the stalls, their laughter a bright contrast to the rugged backdrop of the town.
In the distance, the wilderness loomed—untamed, mysterious, and dangerous. The jagged peaks of the Ebonridge Mountains were wreathed in morning mist, their shadowed slopes hinting at the countless secrets and perils they held. Lennox's gaze lingered there, a mix of curiosity and caution stirring within him.
Turning back to the kitchen, Lennox mentally reviewed his plans for the day. First, he would spend the morning reading to expand his knowledge of Aetheris. The bookshelves in his quarters were filled with tomes that promised to shed light on the world's geography, politics, and factions.
Second, he planned to open the tavern around midday to attract adventurers returning from their hunts. The key to upgrading the tavern—and his survival—lay in attracting patrons and generating sales.
Finally, he needed to strategize. The requirements for upgrading the tavern were daunting: earning 20,000 gold coins in sales, securing 1,000 Rank-One magic beast cores, and obtaining 1 Rank-Two core. The goals felt almost insurmountable, but Lennox knew he had no choice but to tackle them head-on.
"Busy day ahead," Lennox murmured, half to himself. He glanced at Garrick, considering whether to ask for advice. But the warrior's stoic demeanor made him hesitate. Instead, Lennox offered a nod, as much to himself as to Garrick, and turned toward the counter.
For now, breakfast. Then, the rest of the day awaited.