It was just after dawn, and the water of Starlight Lake was still glowing with silver light. In the campsite by the lake, the campfire had already been extinguished, leaving only some faint embers radiating warmth in the morning breeze.Vetril woke up from his heavy sleep and looked up to see Eleanor had already organised her travelling clothes and was crouching by the lake to wash her face.
'It's time to go.' Eleanor stood up and wrung out her handkerchief, her tone calm and firm.
Vetril nodded and quickly packed his things. Together, they set off on the journey to Grant Academy, their feet making a subtle rustling sound on the dewy grass.
After walking for a short while, Vetril couldn't help but ask, 'Eleanor, how far is it to Grant Academy?'
Eleanor glanced back at him, the corners of her lips rising slightly, 'It's not far. We'll first pass through a town called Silver Dew, which is the last supply point. After that, then we'll go through a place called the 'Winding Plains', and the academy is at the end of that plain.'
'Alright then, let's hurry up and get going before it's too late!' Vetril said.
Vetril and Eleanor continued along the winding mountain road towards Grant Academy. The early morning sunlight poured on them through the mist, bringing a hint of warmth. Eleanor hummed a little tune as she walked, looking extraordinarily relaxed, while Vetril maintained her usual calmness, her eyes scanning the surroundings as if looking for potential dangers.
'You're in a good mood today.' Vetril said to Eleanor with a smile.
'Yeah..! Every time I embark on a new journey, I feel full of possibilities.' Eleanor stopped and turned around with a gleam of anticipation in her eyes.
Just then, they arrived at the entrance to Silverdew Town. Early morning dewdrops shimmered in the sunlight, like silver coins scattered all over the place.
'What a nice town!' Vetril said lightly, the town's appearance made his mind recall the town he grew up in, but suddenly the imagined picture returned to the memory of the demon massacre, followed by a flash of pain on Vetril's face.
Eleanor noticed Vetril's expression and said, 'Are you alright! Why don't we go into the town first and take a rest.'
Vetril nodded, so they walked into the town.
Firstly they found the inn in the town first, and after settling everything down, Eleanor quietly followed Vetril out.
'Are you sure it's okay for you to run out like that? Can those guards of yours let you out alone like that?' Vetril said suspiciously.
'It's fine, I've already left them the note, don't worry, we're just going to wander the streets in the middle of town, we'll be back soon!' Eleanor said playfully, before Vetril could say anything, Eleanor pulled him along and hurried away.
Eleanor stood on the streets of Silver Dew Town, her eyes sweeping over the low wooden houses on both sides of the street, the air was filled with moist moisture, and the roofs of every house were condensed with fine dewdrops that shimmered faintly in the sunlight. She turned her head to Vetril and spoke softly:
'You know, Vetril, the name of this town is actually quite interesting.'
Vetril raised an eyebrow, 'Oh? Tell me about it.'
Eleanor smiled slightly, 'Silver Dew Town, the name comes from the morning dew here. Every morning, when the first rays of sunlight sprinkle on the town, a large amount of dew drops condense in the air, which are not only crystal clear, but also carry a faint hint of magic fluctuation.'
Vetril nodded thoughtfully, 'Sounds like some sort of magical phenomenon.'
'That's right,' Eleanor continued, 'These dewdrops actually contain special magical power, which can be used to make potions to lift abnormal states. Although the effect isn't particularly strong, it's cheap and popular with ordinary people.'
Just as they were chatting, they suddenly came across a lively little boy, about seven or eight years old, who was bouncing and running towards them.
'Are you outlanders? You guys dress nothing like us!' The boy surveyed them with curious eyes, an innocent smile on his face.
Vetril noticed the boy's panel information:
[Name: Jerry]
[Age: 8]
[Level: 0]
[Realm: None]
[Evaluation: Despite a rough fate, he still maintains an innocent smile]
Vetril crouched down and levelled with the boy, 'Yes, it's our first time in Silverdew. What's your name?'
'My name is Jerry!' The boy said excitedly, 'If you guys want to learn about Silver Dew Town, I'm the best guide!'
Eleanor smiled and patted Vetril on the shoulder, 'Looks like we have company today.'
Vetril stood up and said to Jerry, 'Then please show us around.'
Jerry immediately bounced around and led them through the streets of the town to the town's busiest square. The square was filled with all sorts of stalls, from those selling fresh bread, to those selling handmade jewellery, to those selling herbs.
'This is our apothecary shop,' Jerry pointed to a small, unassuming shop, 'the owner here makes potions from morning dew, it's awesome!'
'Let's see,' Vetril walked over to the stall and picked up a bottle of pale blue potion, 'What's this?'
'It's an antidote potion,' the stall owner fumbled with the bottle, 'It's concocted with morning dew and several herbs, and it can relieve the symptoms of minor poisoning.'
Vetril's panel showed:
[Antidote Potion]
[Effect: Relieves low-level poisoning]
[Use: For mild poisoning]
Vetril then looked at a nearby bottle of yellow potion.
[Sobering Potion]
[Effect: Weaken or remove the effects of mild alcohol] [Use: Suitable for mild hangovers
[Use: Applies to lifting a hangover]
'Not bad,' Eleanor, who was at the side, nodded, 'I'll buy a bottle of antidote potion.' With that, she pulled out 3
'Thanks for the patronage! Here's your potion.' The owner said.
After Eleanor got the potion, she handed it to Vetril who was beside her and said, 'I have a lot of this stuff, so I'll give you this bottle!'
'How can I be so kind about this!' Vetril accepted the potion with embarrassment, originally he wanted to buy it, but after feeling his pockets, he only managed to rummage out 8 Mead Coins, as Leon only gave Vetril 16 Mead Coins right before he set off, but booking the inn in the town cost him 9 Mead Coins.
'It's fine! We're friends, no need to be polite.' Eleanor laughed.
Their second destination was the largest bakery in town. The moment Jerry pushed open the wooden door, a warm aroma hit them, mixed with the scent of butter and freshly baked bread, making them take a deep breath.
'This is Aunt Rosa's bakery!' Jerry excitedly pointed at the busy old woman behind the counter, 'Her bread is the best in town!'
The old woman in the shop lifted her head at the sound of the voice, a glint of kindness flashing through her cloudy eyes. She smiled slightly and said in a raspy voice, 'O Jerry, come to peek at me making bread again?'
'Heh heh,' Jerry scratched his head in embarrassment, 'I just wanted to bring a friend to watch.'
The old woman shook her head kindly and turned to Vetril and Elinor, 'Would you two young people like to try my bread?'
Vetril and Elinor looked at each other, nodded and smiled. The old woman immediately got busy, taking out a tray of freshly baked bread from the oven, steaming hot and fragrant.
'This is the freshest of the day,' the old woman sliced the bread and handed it to them, 'Try some.'
Vetril took the bread and took a bite, the smell of wheat filled her mouth, the crust was crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, it was perfect. Elinor also couldn't help but admire, 'Granny's craftsmanship is so good!'
The old woman's face revealed a pleased smile when she heard the compliment, 'Thank you.'
Leaving the bakery, Jerry brought them to the town's blacksmith shop. The doorway of the blacksmith shop was piled with all kinds of tools and semi-finished products, and a fishy smell of metal filled the air.
'Uncle Thomas is the best blacksmith ever!' Jerry said proudly, 'He can build the best weapons in town!'
A large man was seen standing in front of the forge, shirtless, sweat pouring down his cheeks. He raised his hammer and slammed it heavily on a red-hot piece of metal, sparks flying in all directions.
'Uncle Thomas!' Jerry shouted.
The big man turned his head and saw Jerry with a tired smile on his face, 'Come to interrupt my work again?'
'I brought a friend to visit!' Jerry said smugly.
The big man put down his hammer and walked over to them, 'Would you like to see my work, young man?'
Vetril nodded, his eyes falling on the weapons next to him.
'These weapons are very good,' Vetril picked up a longsword, its blade glowing with a cold light, 'Built with a sense of power.'
[Sharp Iron Sword]
[Quality: Common I]
[Attribute: Iron Sword crafted from Nier Ore, can slightly increase Aura Conductivity]
[Attribute bonus: Sharpness +3]
The big man revealed a smug smile, 'This is my masterpiece, it can easily cut through the bones of magical beasts.'
'May I ask how much?' Vetril asked.
'It's not expensive, just 15 metric coins will be enough!' The big man responded.
Hearing that price, Vetril hurriedly put down his longsword, while Eleanor on the side laughed, 'I'll pay! It's really not expensive for me.'
'Never, I still owe you 3 mead coins, not to mention my sword still works.' Vetril said.
'Alright then, but you mustn't be polite to me, who says we're friends.' Eleanor said.
With that they continued to wander the streets for a while and it was getting dark.
Jerry said, 'Why don't you guys come over to my house for dinner, my mother-in-law will be making apple pie today, my mother-in-law makes a very delicious apple pie!'
Vetril and Eleanor nodded to each other. So Jerry led them towards his house.