Chapter 5: Chapter 2:A weird dream

As I settled into my accommodation, I undressed and casually threw my clothes on the chair next to the bed. Exhausted from the previous day's battle with the Minotaurs, I quickly fell into a deep sleep. The next morning, I woke up early, put on my clothes, and left my room.

Upon reaching the village center, I saw some strong villagers dragging away the corpses of the Minotaurs. I approached the priestess and greeted her politely. "Thank you for driving away or rather frightening the Minotaurs yesterday," she said with a hint of embarrassment in her voice. "Thanks, I didn't even know what was going through my head yesterday. I just know that I was really angry when he choked me." The priestess looked deep into my eyes, and suddenly, she noticed something. "I just noticed now; your eyes change color ever so slightly. Just now, they were very faintly yellow," she said thoughtfully. I felt my face heat up as she stared at me so intensely. "Can you stop looking into my eyes?" I asked somewhat embarrassed. The priestess stepped back and smiled. "I'm sorry; I just found it a bit interesting. A half-demon with different eye colors, but no wings or tail, let alone a companion," she said curiously. Zero looked down and thought for a moment. "So, a companion is important?" I finally asked.

The priestess looked up at the sky and nodded. "Yes, when you're traveling, you need at least one companion. It may happen that you get into a conflict or get injured or immobilized in a dungeon, and your companion can help you then." I continued to ponder. I wanted a companion I could trust, one who would stand by me loyally. I knew it wasn't easy to find someone who met these criteria. But I was determined to find a suitable companion to support me on my adventures. When it was time to say goodbye, the villagers lined up in front of me, shaking hands or hugging me. It was a heartfelt farewell, and I felt that I had found a place in their hearts in a short time. Before I left, they gave me provisions and a bag of clothes. The older man with whom I had lived the last few days gave me a jacket with two holes in the hood for my horns, for my journey, and wished me well.

I left the village with a smile on my lips and a warmer heart. It felt good to know that I could help someone, and that my deed was appreciated. On my way through the dark forest, I pulled my hood over my horns again and grinned. "Finally, I can pull my hood over my horns."

As I stood before the cliff, a breathtaking scene unfolded before my eyes. A vast, gently rolling meadow stretched to the horizon, bordered by dense forests that wound their way to the river's end. In the distance, I saw something incredible - a giant black whale majestically floating in the air. I could hardly believe my eyes and laughed at the absurd idea that even whales had overcome gravity. With a touch of humor in my thoughts, I continued along the cliffs to enjoy the view further. The moons had already risen, illuminating the landscape with their gentle light. I wondered if the existence of four moons had any impact on this world and let my thoughts wander as I continued my journey. Eventually, I reached the edge of a lake. The clear water reflected the moons, and I could see the stars twinkling in the sky. The sight was enchanting, and I was fascinated by the beauty of nature unfolding before me. I felt humble and grateful to witness such wonderful landscapes. I lingered for a moment on the lakeshore, letting my thoughts wander and feeling the fresh breeze on my skin. It was a moment of peace and wonder, where I felt one with nature and its infinite beauty. It was a moment that I enjoyed so much that I almost forgot to breathe.

As I settled under a tree and closed my eyes to sleep, I suddenly felt like standing on a hill.

I opened my eyes and found myself on a vast meadow. Confused, I wondered aloud, "Wasn't I just at the lake, about to sleep?" I turned around and saw a parasol and a door. I wondered why there was a door here and approached it. I opened it. Suddenly, I heard a childlike voice asking, "Who are you?" I was still in the darkness, groping around, as I answered confused, "Where am I?" But there was no response. Then, I suddenly woke up and realized that I was still at the lake. Confused, I wondered, "What was that?" It felt like a strange dream, but I wasn't sure what it meant.

I slowly opened my eyes, and the sun was rising on the horizon, painting the sky in various shades of red and orange. I could hardly believe it was morning again. The air was pleasantly warm, but I still felt very weak and tired. I decided to freshen up a bit and clear my thoughts. I took off my clothes and ran into the cold water to refresh myself. "Uhh! That's cold!" I exclaimed as the icy water touched my skin. After a few minutes, I stepped out of the water and put on my clothes, except for my shoes. "Can't wear shoes with wet feet," I thought and walked a few minutes until I felt my feet were dry again. Then, I put on my boots and continued my journey.

Suddenly, I heard a screeching and whispering noise, and with each passing minute, I became more nervous. "What is that?" I worriedly asked myself. Without giving it a second thought, I just kept running, straight ahead, until I finally emerged from the forest. "Finally, I'm out of the-" I wanted to say relieved when I stumbled over a root and fell into a puddle. "Great," I cursed and stood up laboriously. I could still hear the screeching and whispering noise, and it seemed to be following me the further I ran. My heart raced, and I felt sweat on my forehead as I tried to run faster. My breathing became faster, and I felt my muscles tense as I tried to protect myself from the invisible threat.

I ran through the thicket of the forest without looking back, always straight ahead, until I finally reached the forest's boundaries and stumbled out onto a meadow. A large tree on the meadow provided me with shelter from the burning sun, and I leaned against the trunk to rest.

But as I looked around, I realized that the screeching and whispering noise was getting quieter. It came from a eerie area in the forest that I had just left. I wondered what it could be and what it wanted. My hands trembled with fear as I tried to organize my thoughts. Suddenly, I stumbled over a root and fell into a deep puddle. "Great," I cursed as I stood up laboriously and shook myself off. My clothes were now dirty and wet, but I didn't care at that moment. I was just glad to have come out of the forest and still be alive. After resting for a while, I felt refreshed and full of energy. I stretched my limbs and stood up to look around. I was on a huge hill that extended majestically before me. From up here, I had a breathtaking view of the land under me.

Continuing to let my gaze wander, I could discern a broad river snaking its way in the distance. Its water shimmered in the sunlight, and I could hear the rushing of the water. It was truly an impressive sight. While enjoying the view, I noticed some wisps of smoke in the distance. I presumed it must be a village and decided to head there in search of help, perhaps even accommodation and work. I set out on my way and began descending the hill. The path was steep, and I had to be careful not to stumble.

As I got closer, I could make out the outlines of houses and hear the sounds of voices and animal noises. I felt my tension slowly dissipate, relieved to have finally stumbled upon civilization after spending the whole day alone in the forest.

Quickening my pace, I soon found myself on the outskirts of the main town. Surveying my surroundings, I noticed that the houses were constructed from wood or clay, and there was a small collection of stalls in the marketplace offering various goods. I could smell the scent of freshly baked bread and ripe fruits and vegetables, making my stomach growl with hunger. Determined to explore and ask for assistance, I set out full of hope and determination to begin my search.

I opened the door to a building that looked like an inn from the outside. A sign hung above the door, but I couldn't read the writing. Shifting my weight from one leg to the other, I attempted to decipher it, but it proved impossible. Finally, I let my head hang and gave up. I opened the door and entered. Inside, I saw several women changing. "Oh, I should probably leave," I mumbled to myself. But before I could notice, an elf raised her hand and uttered a word: "Ventosus!" Suddenly, I was caught by a strong gust of wind and thrown out of the building. I collided with something hard and groaned in pain.

"Ouch, why do I have to fulfill every cliché? I even managed the one with toilet paper stuck under the shoe," I thought to myself. But then, I heard a voice saying, "What are you doing here? This is the women's changing room!" I looked up and spotted a lizardman scrutinizing me. "Oh, sorry, I couldn't read the writing," I replied quickly. The lizardman seemed unconvinced. "Could it be that you're a demon?" he asked suspiciously. I hastily shook my head. "No, I'm sorry, but I'm not a demon." Just as I was about to turn around to leave the building, I saw an angry group of women approaching. I felt I had gotten into trouble, and this was only the beginning of my problems.

I ran as fast as I could, and when I finally reached an alley, I couldn't go any further and hid behind some wooden crates. Suddenly, I was kicked forcefully against the crates, and before I could say anything, I felt something sharp at my throat. "Give me all your money!" said a young woman with blond hair and blue eyes, covering her chest with just a bandage. Her pants and shoes looked stolen and worn out. I knew I couldn't resist; otherwise, she would cut my throat. So, I complied and said, "Let me at least take out the money." The girl nodded, and I sat down, rummaging in my shoulder bag. I gave her everything I had, but it wasn't much. "Here, take this shirt. A young girl shouldn't walk around like this. And I currently have no money myself," I said to her. The girl looked at me suspiciously and asked, "And what are you doing in this alley?" I handed her the green shirt and explained, "I'm just passing through and currently looking for work. Is there a guild nearby?" She looked at me questioningly and said, "Guild? What's that?" I was surprised by her question and explained that a guild is a group of people who work together and support each other. The girl thought for a moment before answering. She had obviously understood what I meant. "Ah, I see, you mean those big houses in Astea, Erokun, and Rontikel. But they're not called guilds; they are the houses of the market counts." I was surprised by this information. So, in this world, there was no term for guild, only market counts? That probably meant there were no guild masters or guild regulations here. Perhaps there were kings or monarchs, which I found very interesting.

"Oh, I see," I said. "And what is the place where I am right now called?" The girl looked at me bewildered. "Didn't you read the signs? We are currently in Worel on the continent of Drokin. Even small children know that." I felt the blood rush to my face. It was somewhat embarrassing to be lectured on geography by someone younger. I had to admit that I didn't navigate this world very well. Everything was so different from my own world. But I was determined to continue making an effort to better understand and navigate this new world.

She took the green shirt I had given her and put it on. It suited her well, emphasizing her slender shoulders. "Thanks again," she said, smiling at me. "I won't watch over you. Don't let yourself get robbed again in an alley. The others are definitely not as nice as I am." Then she stood up and skillfully jumped against the walls until she was on the roof. I watched her and was impressed by her agility.

I decided to head to the main street now and ask a few people. Perhaps this way, I could learn more about this world and its inhabitants. I was still fascinated by the fact that there were no guilds here, only market counts. It all sounded very medieval, and I was eager to learn more about it.

As I walked along the main street, I could perceive the various smells and sounds of the city. There were many stalls with fresh fruits and vegetables, but also many craftsmen offering their goods for sale. I also saw some guards attentively patrolling the streets, ensuring that no one caused trouble.

I decided to approach a man who was currently forging swords. He looked at me curiously as I asked him about the market counts and their houses. He explained that the market counts were the nobles in this world, and each house had its own market count. He also gave me some hints on where I could find more information. I thanked him and continued to ask more people. I was still fascinated by this world and its history. It was so different from anything I had experienced before. I decided to keep exploring and learning as much as possible to better navigate this world. I spotted neatly arranged garments behind a glass case. The idea of securing a source of income urged me forward. Upon entering the shop, a delicate chime echoed. I turned around and noticed a small bell above the door. When I turned back, my eyes fell on an peculiar figure resembling a gnome. "Um, can I work here?" I cautiously asked. The gnome pulled out a piece of paper from his brown apron. "Can you read this?" Curiously, I accepted the paper, but the large characters on it remained incomprehensible. "No... What does it say?" The gnome pointed at the door. "Men are not allowed here, so scram!" he suddenly yelled, making me startle, and I hastily left the shop.

Continuing down the street, I resumed my journey. The dull clanging of iron reached me from a blacksmith's forge. Perhaps I had a talent for blacksmithing. As I entered the forge, a wave of intense heat hit me. A tall, red-haired woman was working on glowing iron. "Hello?" I called timidly, but she paid me no attention. "Hello!" I called again as she continued hammering. Determined, I approached her. When she stopped hammering, she placed the hammer on the ground and looked at me. "What do you want? Can't you see I'm working?" She went to a bucket, dipped her head in the water, and continued, "I'd like to work here." She laughed heartily and handed me a small hammer, barely larger than a book. When she let go, I felt the incredible weight of the hammer. I couldn't hold it anymore and dropped it with a thud. "That was the lightest of them all. You're just too weak," she remarked dryly, picked up the hammer, and placed it on a table.

Lost in thought, I walked down a street when suddenly, someone hastily pulled me back. "Are you suicidal? Do you want to get trampled?" asked a silver-haired man in a fancy suit. Initially confused, I didn't understand what he meant until I looked forward again. There were many carriages, pulled by various creatures that looked like large wolves, lizards, or wingless dragons. "Oh, I wasn't paying attention," I said, apologizing to him. The man explained that this was the carriage path, and if I wanted to go to the other side, I had to wait or use the wooden bridge, pointing it out to me. The bridge was adorned with golden decorations and sheltered by a roof. I followed his instructions, climbed the stairs, and crossed the bridge.

On the other side, I saw a large, white building in the middle of a street, leading up to a pointed tower reaching towards the sky. "Wow, we didn't have such buildings in my world," I thought, impressed. I stopped for a moment to admire it, trying to imagine who might live in such a building. I decided not to dwell on it further and instead enjoy my time here and discover as much as possible.

I was on a shopping spree, and my eyes could hardly believe what they were seeing. An elf was shopping with four children, while gnomes in suits roamed around, and some animal people were chasing a fish. As I observed all this, I noticed a crest that looked like a monster's tooth. I wondered if it was the emblem or flag of a specific empire or just decorative.

As I turned around, I saw an older man who had apparently listened to me. "Excuse me, can you tell me what this crest means?" I asked him. "Oh yes," the man replied. "That's the crest of the Sword and Mage Saints who protected the Holy Empire above the clouds." I looked up, but I couldn't see any floating islands. "I don't quite understand," I said. "Where is this empire?" The man laughed and explained that the empire had been destroyed by sinners centuries ago. "Sinners?" I asked. "Who are they?" The man sighed. "The sinners are witches. They also created the monsters, from which impure demons later emerged." I was confused. "So there are good and bad demons?" I asked. "Yes, that's right," the man replied. "But unfortunately, the pure demons have disappeared without a trace."

I thought for a moment and then remembered the minotaurs. "How strong are the minotaurs? Those monsters with bull heads?" I asked the man. The man thought for a moment. "They are quite weak. An amateur can defeat about two without getting hurt. But we still don't attack them because they rarely approach humans. If they do, we should just stay calm and only attack if they attack someone." I finally understood why the villagers made no attempt to attack the minotaurs. The creatures were neither powerful nor dangerous, and it would also lead to no war. I thanked the man who provided me with this information and set off to look for work.

I pondered where I could best look for work when I passed by an inn. The laughter and shouting from inside were unmistakable, and I decided to go in and see if they had any work. I entered the inn and looked around. There were many different races gathered here, and I felt a little uneasy. I went to the counter and stood there, realizing that I had never asked for work before. I wondered if I was even allowed to work here, and the pressure began to eat at me. At that moment, a tall, muscular woman approached me: "What can I do for you?" I was so nervous that I thought my head might explode at any moment. "I wanted to ask if you have any work for me," I replied. "I need money to survive here." The woman looked at my hood and then said, "Wait, kid, I'll get the boss real quick." She gave me a glass with an orange liquid. I drank it in one go. I sat down at a table, trying to mask my nervousness. It didn't take long for the huge woman to return with the lilac-haired boss. "What kind of work are you looking for, kid?" the boss asked me with a stern look. "I'm ready to do anything," I replied quickly. "I need the money to stay here and survive." The woman frowned and thought for a moment. "We have a lot of work here at the inn," she finally said. "But we have to make sure you work hard and earn your share. No slackers here." "I understand," I replied quickly. "I will work hard and do whatever is necessary." The woman nodded, seeming satisfied with my response. "Good," she said. "You can start tonight. We'll keep you on a trial for a few days and see if you meet our standards. You can sleep and eat here." I felt relieved and grateful for the opportunity to work here. But I also knew that I had to work hard to earn my place. I vowed to do everything to survive and start a new life.

The last rays of the day bathed the inn in a warm, golden light as I settled at an empty table, enjoying the increasing buzz around me. The air was filled with voices, laughter, and the clinking of dishes as more guests entered the establishment. I looked around and noticed that the inn was already so full that several tables and chairs were set up outside to accommodate all visitors. I approached the counter and began taking orders, while the inn's boss handed me a cap to hide my horns. I was grateful for her consideration, knowing that my appearance could evoke fear and distrust in some guests. As I delivered the first orders to the guests, I noticed some of them wearing armor, apparently on their way to battle. Some seemed relaxed, enjoying a final meal before heading out, while others appeared tense and nervous. I distributed the orders with a smile, trying to make the guests' evening enjoyable. The hours passed quickly, and before I knew it, the sky in the east began to glow, and the sun slowly rose above the horizon. Finally, my shift ended, and I could finish my work at the inn. I was relieved that I had overcome my nervousness and that my work was a success.

"Good job, nya," said the cat-eared woman as she patted me on the shoulder. I felt my heart leap with joy. Finally, I had done my job well, and hearing praise from someone with obvious experience felt great. I felt proud and content as I looked at the woman with a wide smile. When she told me it was time to finish, I was relieved, but I was also curious about where I would sleep. The boss explained that I would sleep in room three, and Mirajane would give me the key. I thanked her politely and headed to the back door to get my key. As I stepped through the door, I saw the muscular woman I had met before. I remembered she was the one who had fetched the boss when I asked for work. She nodded at me friendly and handed me the key. I accepted it gratefully and thanked her politely.

But then she gave me important information for the next day: "Tomorrow, there will be some important guests, so please wear the suit in your room." I immediately knew that I had more work to do tomorrow and that I had to work hard to make a good impression. The woman also gave me advice I wouldn't forget. She said I should learn some camouflage magic to conceal my conspicuous eyes. I nodded and thanked her for the advice. I was really excited for my new job, but I was also nervous because I still had so much to learn.

As I opened the door, I was greeted by a pleasant smell of fresh wood. I looked around the room and noticed the simple but cozy furnishings. The bed was equipped with a warm blanket and fluffy pillows, giving me a sense of comfort and security. My eyes fell on the suit lying on the bed, and I recalled the words of the cat-eared woman that I had to wear it tomorrow. I approached and examined the suit more closely. It was black and looked very professional. I could hardly believe that I had an opportunity to wear it tomorrow. I lay down on the bed and closed my eyes. The excitement and nervousness I had felt all day began to slowly subside. I was tired from all the walking and working, but I was also excited about the challenges ahead. I knew I had to work hard to be successful and make a good impression on the boss and the upcoming guests. I closed my eyes and fell asleep.

After sleeping for a few hours, I opened the window and saw the sun already high in the sky, with many creatures bustling on the streets. I decided to put on the suit I received from the boss and then went to the inn.

There, I was greeted by a catwoman with black hair, a brown cat tail, and red eyes. She asked, "Oh, is this the new one, nya?" I nervously replied, "Yes, I'm Zero, the all-around temporary maid." I quickly put on my cap to hide my nervousness. Then the boss handed me a note and said, "Buy all of this." When I looked at the note, I had to admit that I couldn't read the writing and felt somewhat embarrassed. The boss looked at me annoyed and finally said, "Hmpf, alright, then go shopping with Shinoa."

Suddenly, a wolf girl with black and white hair and ample b*som appeared, looking about nineteen years old. Her cobalt blue eyes stared directly into mine. "I have to go shopping?" she asked. The boss gave a thumbs up and replied, "Yep." Shinoa's tail wagged wildly as we set off.

As we walked along the market street, Shinoa instructed me to buy Rieen, some Reusal, and Epfol juice. I asked her where I could find these things, and she led me to various stands where I could find them. I went to the stalls and bought fourteen kilograms of Rieen, twenty-three pieces of Reusal liver, and nine bottles of Epfol juice. It wasn't easy carrying everything, but I managed, while Shinoa only carried two small bags. "Is that heavy?" she asked me. I nodded, but I didn't want to admit that I could barely go on. Shinoa came with three boxes, and I packed the items, which were previously in various fabric bags, into the boxes. "Let's go back, newbie," she said. I agreed and carried the heavy boxes, while Shinoa only carried her two bags. It was quite a challenge, but I wanted to make a good impression and do my job as a temporary maid as well as possible. When I arrived at the inn with Shinoa, we unloaded the items in the kitchen. As the sun slowly disappeared behind the horizon, I suddenly felt a painful slap on my back. I yelped, grabbing my back reflexively. It was Mirajane, cheering me on and saying, "Come on, little one, the guests are about to arrive, so put on your cap." I nodded in agreement and pulled my cap over my horns. The boss clapped her hands three times and announced, "Get ready, Pristella will be here in a few moments!" I looked at Mirajane inquisitively and asked, "Pristella, who is that?" My curiosity was piqued, wondering who this person might be and what her visit meant for us. Excitement hung in the air as we all prepared to welcome Pristella. I was eager to find out who she was and what she brought to us. My thoughts wandered, contemplating what the upcoming hours would entail. It felt like a special event where we would showcase our best and present ourselves in the best light.

After a few minutes of waiting, the inn's door suddenly swung open, and a group of soldiers in silver armor entered the room. They made an impressive entrance with their heavy weapons and armor, shining in the dim light of the inn. They took seats and settled in a corner of the room. Soon after, two women entered, approximately my age. The first woman had beautiful crimson hair framing her face, falling gently in waves. She wore a black and yellow uniform, and two heavy swords hung at her waist. Looking into her emerald green eyes, I was almost hypnotized. She appeared to be a fearless and battle-hardened warrior.

The second woman, following her, had silver hair tied in a tight ponytail. She wore a scant bikini-like armor and a tight shirt accentuating her curves. My gaze lingered on her as I noticed her eyes were covered by a red cloth. Despite her apparent disability, she navigated the room, carrying a wooden bow on her back, indicating her skill as an archer. I was impressed by her courage and ability to overcome her limitation, remaining fearless and ready for battle.

Shortly after, I noticed the red-haired beauty approaching me. Her red hair cascaded in gentle waves over her shoulders, and her gaze was intense and unforgettable. She stood in front of me and asked, "I've never seen you here, are you new?" I felt my heartbeat rise, unable to help but become nervous. Suddenly, she came very close to my face, and I could already feel her breath. I was mesmerized by her gaze and didn't know how to react. "Uh... yeah, I'm just working here as a temporary maid," I stammered finally. But then I heard the voice of the silver-haired woman behind me. "Man, Pristella, I told you not to get so close to men. It always makes them nervous," she said. I wondered how she knew I was embarrassed, as her eyes were covered. It was strange, but I couldn't help but believe her. "Sorry, but I was just curious about who would be working at Asia's," explained Pristella. But before I could react, the boss approached Pristella and raised her arm. Shortly after, Pristella fell to the ground, and I was paralyzed with shock. What was happening here?

The boss's words sounded angry, and I noticed that I had drawn her attention. "Stop influencing the kid with your dominator magic just because he didn't come to you and lick your shoes," she said with a stern tone. I looked at Pristella, still lying on the ground, trying to understand what was going on. "Huh, dominator magic? Wait, should I lick shoes or something?" I asked confused. The silver-haired woman sat down on a chair and explained, "Well, kid, dear Pristella is, let's say, a bit stubborn. But you better keep that dominator magic to yourself; otherwise, it can be dangerous." Her voice was sarcastic, but I sensed a threat in her words.

The boss pressed Pristella to the ground with her magic, forcing her into submission. Pristella groaned and then spoke with a weakened voice. "Even though you're already 160 years old, your gravitational magic is still as precise as it was four years ago. One might think you should be retired by now. And by the way, when I addressed the boy, I by no means intended for him to lick my shoes. I simply wanted to find out from him what those eyes were." The boss replied, "I'm still quite young for my race, and you don't have to use magic all the time. Just ask him in a conventional way; it wouldn't be hard at all." While the boss spoke, Pristella muttered something, and a yellow magic circle formed in the air. The middle ring of the magic circle shaped into a spear with purple inscriptions on the handle and spikes on the blade. Suddenly and without warning, the spear pierced Pristella's head at lightning speed. The act of violence was swift and cruel, abruptly ending Pristella's life. The action was so fast and unexpected that the boss and other spectators might have had little time to react. It is crucial to emphasize that using violence and magic in this way is not acceptable and does not provide a solution to conflicts. Such actions can have serious consequences and lead to irreparable damage.

I stood completely stunned, unable to believe what was happening before my eyes. The strength in my legs left me, and I felt my body slowly sinking to the ground. The blood flowed in thick rivulets over the floor, and I could perceive the metallic smell of it in the air.

At that moment, I realized that it was a suicide. But how could this be? Why would someone do such a thing? There seemed to be no apparent reason for such a drastic step. I was completely overwhelmed and didn't know how to react. My thoughts raced, wondering what I should do. Should I scream, cry, or collapse? Should I try to run away or just hide and ignore everything? I felt utterly helpless and paralyzed. My thoughts circled around the scene before me, and I simply couldn't believe what I saw. It was as if the world around me had come to a standstill, leaving me alone with my thoughts and emotions. It was a moment of utter despair, and I didn't know how to handle it. I couldn't even scream as I fell. The only thing I felt was the unbearable emptiness inside me, making me feel as if I were falling into a black hole.

Suddenly, a deafening sound of bells filled the air, and I could hardly believe it – the spear disappeared, and the blood that had just flowed over the floor flowed back into the woman's body. I stared in disbelief at the unbelievable event I had just witnessed. How was this possible? But then Pristella turned to me and asked why I was on the floor, concerned. I mumbled something about her just dying, and she confirmed it with a smile. "It's one of my abilities, to come back from death and negate any magic cast on me."

I was still completely confused as she extended her hand to help me up. It felt like waking up from a nightmare, and I was incredibly relieved that Pristella was alive. But still, I couldn't grasp what had just happened. My head was spinning, and I struggled to organize my thoughts. However, I slowly regained composure and eventually asked if everything was resolved or if there was still a dispute. Pristella and the boss faced each other, looking deep into each other's eyes. Suddenly, both burst into loud laughter, quickly escalating into hearty laughter. Even the other soldiers, who had filled their mugs with alcohol, joined in. It was an incredibly lively and cheerful sight.

But then, the silver-haired archer approached me, leaning on me. "This is normal between those two," she whispered to me, her warm breath on my ear, and the smell of alcohol reaching my nose. "So don't worry, even if it was quite shocking as a newcomer." I stared incredulously at the crowd as the laughter grew louder. Was this really normal? Could people interact so casually and freely with each other, even in such a serious situation? I had never experienced anything similar and was unsure how to deal with it. But then, I too started to smile as I heard the carefree laughter of others. It was contagious, and I felt myself slowly relaxing. Maybe it was genuinely normal to interact in this way here.

I walked towards the group of soldiers, laughing loudly and enjoying their drinks. There were about six of them, all dressed in uniform. One of them immediately caught my eye – he had dark green hair and a small scar on his ear. His distinctive silver ring gleamed in the sun, and his eyes had a silver hue. I approached them, and he spoke to me, "Hey, kid, can you bring us Rulo?" I nodded and went to the counter, where I met Shaula. She was a woman with black hair and a red streak. She was quite tall, almost as tall as I was, and I had to tilt my head slightly to look at her. I politely asked her to prepare six Rulo for the soldiers, and she nodded. While she prepared the drinks, I noticed the soldiers at the table discussing something. I couldn't hear exactly what it was, but they seemed very excited. I just hoped they weren't having trouble. Shaula returned with the drinks, and I went back to the soldiers. I handed each of them a glass of Rulo, and the soldier with dark green hair and silver eyes thanked me. I smiled politely and was about to leave when I heard something that piqued my curiosity.

I stood there, listening to the soldiers' conversation, realizing that one of them was talking about a dragon that had reappeared. "Hey, have you heard that this dragon is said to have reappeared?" he asked excitedly. I remembered the serpent-like dragon I had seen a few days ago and murmured absentmindedly, "Ah, I think it's the one I saw a few days ago."

Suddenly, I felt a presence behind me and turned around. Before me stood the silver-haired beauty, walking directly toward me. Her blindfold covered her eyes, yet she seemed to be looking at me. "How is he..." I began to ask but was interrupted by her. "Did he have brown scales and green spines on his back?" she asked with a serious expression. I nodded slowly and uncertainly about her knowledge. "That's not good," she said, concerned. "This dragon was created by one of the Sinners." I could feel her serious tone and worried expression, intensifying my own uncertainty. I looked again at her blindfold, wondering how she could see me. It was a strange situation between her and me.

With a slight smile on my lips, I tried to lighten the mood and addressed her, "Um, what's your name, by the way?" She took a step back uncertainly, and her blindfold caught my attention. Nevertheless, I tried to maintain my friendly demeanor. "My name is Lilly," she replied. My gaze rested gently on her blindfold as I responded, "Nice to meet you, Lilly. I'm Zero." Before I could say anything else, the tranquility was interrupted by Pristella calling for Lilly. She seemed a bit tipsy. Lilly went to Pristella, and I returned to the counter, patiently waiting. The noise of the surrounding guests blended with the sound of music and laughter as I collected my thoughts and absorbed the scene.

After what felt like hours, the soldiers, Lilly, and Pristella bid farewell. I began to tidy up the wooden mugs and the three round glasses. Each time I placed one of the glasses down, it produced a peculiar humming-like sound. Fascinated by this acoustic phenomenon, I listened attentively as Mirajane suddenly warned me, "Ah! Be careful with those glasses; they're made from the scales of a whale." Confused, I looked at Mirajane and replied, "Huh? They look like they're made of glass, though." To reinforce her statement, Mirajane took one of the glasses and began to wash it gently. "Of course, they've been melted and processed. Imagine if you take a piece of paper and put it on an oil-smeared surface; it becomes translucent." I looked at her puzzled and struggled to understand the analogy. But I decided to change the subject and asked her, "How are these glasses made, then?" Mirajane patiently explained, "The scales of this whale can't be melted so easily. You need high flame magic to melt and work with them. Anyone can learn this kind of magic, but it's challenging to control." I examined the glass in my hand more closely, trying to discern the difference. "Strange, but it still looks like regular glass to me." Mirajane carefully placed the freshly washed glass down and took the glass

from my hand. "Although these scales are very sturdy, they are incredibly thin. That's why they look like glass. But don't let their appearance fool you."

Exhausted, I threw myself onto my bed and stared thoughtfully at the ceiling. Pristella's suicide deeply troubled me, and I couldn't stop wondering what had driven her to such a terrible act. Thoughts whirled in my head as I took off my jacket and kicked off my shoes. I longed for peace and sleep, so I closed my eyes and slowly let myself drift into well-deserved rest. Suddenly, a hard knock on my door shattered the silence. "Hey Zero! Are you there?" called a familiar female voice. With a sigh of exhaustion, I went tiredly to the door and opened it. Before me stood Shinoa, with a broad smile on her face. "What's going on? I just wanted to sleep," I said somewhat irritably. She smiled unchanged and replied, "I wanted to ask if you had time. I'd like to go to the city center with you." I eyed her skeptically and asked, "Is there a special occasion or event there?" Shinoa nodded excitedly. "Yes, there's supposed to be a fireworks display and a parade! It's going to be a real spectacle," she explained enthusiastically. The idea of a lively and exciting event piqued my interest, and I couldn't help but wonder if it would help distract me from my thoughts, even for a moment.

Energetically, I put on my jacket and pulled the hood over my head. Slipping into my shoes, I was ready to go down the stairs when Mirajane noticed my attire. She looked at me in surprise and asked, "Why are you dressed so strangely?" I looked her directly in the eyes and replied, "Shinoa invited me to a festival." Mirajane frowned and retorted, "And that's why you look like you want to kill someone?" I shook my head and explained, "I can't just walk around without my hood or hat. I don't want to be recognized." Mirajane sighed in frustration and tossed me a black bracelet with a green gem in the middle. "That should change your appearance as long as you wear it," she said. I wondered why she hadn't given me the bracelet earlier. Nevertheless, I accepted it gratefully and slid it onto my wrist. It fit perfectly. Suddenly, I felt a temporary heat flow through my body and noticed that my horns, usually on my forehead, were gone. Surprised, I examined one of my strands of hair and found it was now brown.

The diversity of creatures around me fascinated me. Elves in glittering garments danced gracefully, while lizard-like beings in splendid robes swayed their majestic tails. Animal-human hybrids in intricately designed costumes roamed through the crowd, accompanied by half-animal beings with their unique features. Dwarves and gnomes strolled with their gnarled faces and twirling beards between the stalls. It was a true spectacle of creatures bringing the streets to life. The music emanating from various directions created an exhilarating atmosphere. The sounds of drums, flutes, and string instruments blended into a harmonious melody that set hearts dancing. People of all races and kinds joyfully danced and sang along as the music ignited their spirits. Shinoa led me through the vibrant bustle, and I couldn't help but be fascinated by the diverse impressions around me. The stalls were filled with tempting food and colorful goods. The aroma of fried dough and exotic spices wafted through the air, tickling my senses. I could hardly resist the temptation to indulge in the various treats. There were also numerous attractions and games where different races lined up, enjoying themselves. Carousels spun with laughing children, jugglers and acrobats performed impressive feats, and fortune tellers invited the curious to glimpse into their future. The atmosphere was filled with laughter, cheering, and excited whispers. Suddenly, I heard a distant sound, and I saw the sky above us filled with sparks and glowing colors. A breathtaking fireworks display began, illuminating the night sky, and the crowd around us marveled and applauded. The colors exploded in a magical spectacle, emphasizing the beauty of the night and captivating us all. Shinoa smiled at me and said, "See? The fireworks are even more spectacular than expected." Her tail wagged with excitement, and I could feel her radiance.

Back in my room, I noticed with horror that the green stone from the bracelet was missing. "How did this happen?" I wondered in confusion. I left my room and walked along the street. After some time, I noticed something green sparkling in the glow. Curious, I approached the spot, only to find a broken glass. I continued my search and suddenly found myself outside the city. "Maybe I should turn back," I muttered and turned around. But before I could take the first step back, it started to rain. I pulled my hood over my head and continued my way. But then a pungent smell reached my nose. "It smells so strange," I whispered as I walked on. Suddenly, I stumbled over something and fell ungracefully onto the wet ground. "Ouch! What did I run into?" I wondered as I picked myself up. When I looked closer, I froze in horror. In front of me lay a severed leg. I widened my eyes and tried with all my might to run away, but my steps were uncoordinated, and I kept falling. "Hel... help! Someone was murdered here!" I screamed frantically into the silent night. When my hood fell off, I saw that the ground around me was completely soaked in blood. The rain, which I had previously thought was ordinary precipitation, turned out to be blood soaking me now. Disgust and horror filled my body. When I looked up, I froze for good.

A gigantic figure rose there, taking the form of a colossal snake. Its red eyes stared relentlessly towards the capital. I was paralyzed at the sight. The countless corpses spread on the ground around me intensified my fear. Nausea overwhelmed me, and I couldn't hold it back. I vomited on the blood-soaked ground. The smell was unbearable, and the warm feeling of blood on my hands made me shudder. In this nightmare of blood and death, I was trapped, unable to escape. Desperately, I tried to move my trembling legs and get away from this terrible place. But it seemed hopeless, as the giant snake loomed over the city, and its red eyes seemed to burn into my soul. The cruel reality of what had happened here overwhelmed me, plunging me into a sea of fear and terror, yet despite all, I smiled.

The serpent-like form turned its gaze to the moon and let out a deafening roar. The noise penetrated my bones, and I instinctively covered my ears, but even that couldn't fully dampen the sound. The scream was so piercing that I thought my skull would burst. When the scream ended, it suddenly became eerily silent. I could barely bring myself to open my eyes, but when I did, the gigantic snake was right in front of me. I fought against the panicked urge to scream. My cheeks were streaked with tears as I tried to control my fear. But then I suddenly felt a warm touch on my leg. In horrified disbelief, I looked down and saw that my leg was missing. It wasn't just gone; it had been literally devoured.

A blood-curdling scream escaped my throat: "AAAAAAAAAAHHH! My leg, my leg has been eaten!" I could feel the pain in my head as I repeatedly exclaimed how much it hurt. The world around me blurred with my tears, and I felt trapped in a surreal nightmare. Reality seemed to have distorted itself in a cruel and painful way. The shocking encounter with the monstrous snake and the loss of my leg were more than I could bear. Fear and pain permeated my body and consciousness as I desperately sought an escape from this terrible situation, hoping for rescue and redemption. "There's a survivor here!" suddenly, a deep voice echoed in the distance, the words resonating heavily in my head. My consciousness was hazy, and I felt a pulsating pain preventing me from moving freely. With all my effort, I slowly opened my eyes and found myself in a spacious hall. My surroundings seemed to be sprung from a dream as I attempted to orient myself. In the hall, a person with skilled movements and a focused expression sat beside me, their hands glowing with a shimmering light. It was a healer using magic to channel their powers for healing. The gentle energy flowed through my severed leg, alleviating the pain and initiating the process of restoration. A mixture of relief and admiration filled me as I observed the fascinating sight of the healer at work.

I wore a loose, emerald-green shirt that draped comfortably around my body, adorned with skillful blue stitches. It was a striking garment that emphasized my personality and gave me a certain confidence. My eyes roamed across the room, settling on the ceiling adorned with a plethora of intricate drawings. These images gradually seemed to converge into a circular pattern, with each line and arc harmoniously merging into one another. In the center of this fascinating circle were seven doors depicted in a deep black color. Each door had its own unique design, appearing mysterious and alluring. Their shadowy outlines starkly contrasted with the vibrant green of the shirt and drew my attention like a magnet. It was as if they were inviting me to explore the unknown and have new experiences. While I still focused my gaze on these mysterious doors, suddenly the sound of one of them penetrated my ears. It was a dull creak accompanied by a gentle breeze.

Amidst the treatment, the boss of the hall, a determined woman with a concerned expression, approached. She leaned over me with worry and asked softly, "Kid, what happened?" My thoughts were still chaotic, but I tried to find the words to describe the horror I had encountered. "There was a monster," I uttered laboriously, trying to organize my memories. "It looked like a giant snake, and it swallowed my leg." A moment of silence followed, where I wondered why no one in this hall had heard of the monstrous creature. The monster's bone-chilling roar shouldn't have gone unnoticed. Finally, the healer broke the silence and declared that the treatment was complete. He cautioned me not to put too much strain on my leg for the time being, as there was still a risk of fractures. He recommended taking it easy for a few days to aid the healing process. I stared at him confused, unable to comprehend the sudden recovery of my leg. "But my leg... it's..." I stammered incredulously. When I directed my gaze downward, my breath caught. To my amazement and joy, my leg was indeed fully restored. A wave of relief washed over me, and I felt a deep gratitude toward the healer who had used his magical powers to save my leg. The boss approached me, assisting me in standing up. "Thanks again, Garfield," she said with a faint smile as we slowly moved out of the healer's view.

As I looked around inquisitively, I couldn't help but ask the boss about our location. "Where are we actually?" I inquired cautiously. She led me to the window and opened it slightly to let in some fresh air. A gentle breeze brushed against my face as I looked down at the city. "We are in the residence of an old associate," the boss explained softly. Her words left a sense of mystery in the air. I sensed that there was more here than she was willing to reveal. "When I was informed that you were found by the guards in the slums, I came here as quickly as possible." Her voice sounded serious and emphasized.

Suddenly, I noticed that her gaze was as cold as ice. In her eyes, there was a mixture of determination and mysterious darkness. An uneasy feeling slowly crept up my spine, and I couldn't help but wonder what she was hiding from me. My gaze shifted to the sky, noticing dark rain clouds looming on the horizon. A shiver ran through my body as if I had an ominous premonition. The atmosphere seemed to thicken, and I sensed that something in the air was changing. Images of the previous night flashed before my mind – the monstrous snake, the bone-chilling roar, and the blood soaking the ground. The memories were still fresh and vivid, sending a shudder down my spine. I turned to the boss, ready to ask her questions, but her gaze told me to remain silent for now. It was as if she was saying with her eyes, "Don't tell anyone what happened yesterday."

Back in the cozy tavern, Shinoa suddenly pounced on me, and I stumbled to the ground. "Ouch!" I exclaimed, looking into her concerned eyes. Her voice sounded worried as she said, "I was so worried when you went out in the middle of the night." In a comforting gesture, I gently str*ked her head, and her tail wagged excitedly like a dog's. "I'm sorry, I just wanted to find the green stone embedded in the bracelet," I explained. Mirajane sighed and replied, "The stone disappears after a while." Confused and alarmed, I looked at her and asked, "You mean the stone is gone?" She corrected me, "Rather, the stone transforms into mana and restructures itself into transformation magic."

After laying down in my room to process the dreadful event with the monster that swallowed my leg and part of the slums from the previous night, I noticed heat spreading in my body again. Simultaneously, the tips of my hair changed from brown back to their usual white. It was a clear sign that my mana was nearing its end, and my powers needed to regenerate.

As I slowly sank onto the bed, I felt my eyelids getting heavier, and I slipped into a deep sleep. When I woke up, I felt the warm evening breeze blowing through the open window into my room. The gentle breeze carried the scent of the approaching evening, pleasantly tickling my skin. The radiant evening sun shone so brightly that I was blinded and instinctively squinted my eyes. "Wow, it's bright," I murmured softly to myself. I rose from the bed and shuffled to the window to open it further. The mechanism squeaked softly as I pushed the window wings wide open. With a deep breath, I enjoyed the fresh air flooding the room, feeling the pleasant lightness of the summer evening. My gaze fell on my hat lying on the table. I reached for it and put it on my head to shield my eyes from the glaring sun. Then I went to the door and put on my shoes, neatly lined up next to the entrance. A dull creak accompanied the opening of the door as I slowly pulled it open.

As I reached the door threshold, cheerful voices and the infectious laughter of the tavern emanated into my ears. Curiously, I stepped out of the house and found myself in a lively scene. The tavern was full of people engaged in lively conversations, filling the place with life. The warm, subdued light of the lanterns gave the place an inviting atmosphere. I had just entered the tavern when the enticing smell of juicy, fried meat surrounded me, awakening my senses and making my stomach growl. My taste buds came to life, and I could almost taste the delicious aromas in the air.

It was a moment of pure temptation. Lia, a lovable cat girl with brown hair, stood behind the counter and smiled at me. "Finally awake, little one?" she teased, winking at me as she handed me the orders. I returned her smile and nodded in response. It was pleasant to be greeted by her friendly presence. "Great, your food is behind the counter. Please handle the orders, okay?" she instructed. I gave her a thumbs-up to show that I understood her directive and went to the counter. I sat on one of the comfortable stools and assumed my position, ready to assist the guests. On the counter in front of me were three artistically arranged plates. The small plate contained a fresh, crispy piece of bread that smelled enticing and tempted the first bite. Next to it was a dark brown sauce, resting like a mystery in its container, making me curious. The large plate presented a juicy steak, perfectly cooked and alluringly fragrant. It was accompanied by golden potato slices that appeared both crispy and tender. The whole dish was crowned with a delicious-looking white-green sauce, making the creation complete and making my palate jubilant with anticipation. My stomach growled in anticipation of this culinary temptation as I thanked Lia. "Thank you very much, bon appétit," she said, handing me the orders before tending to other guests. I thanked her again with a broad smile and began taking the guests' orders. The evening promised to be enjoyable and sociable. The tavern was filled with cheerful laughter, the clinking of glasses, and the pleasant hum of animated conversations. It was a place where people gathered to enjoy good food.

As I looked around the tavern, I noticed some imposing men entering. They wore long black jackets that reached their knees, giving them a mysterious aura. I couldn't help but ponder over the significance of these jackets. "Are these some special jackets?" I wondered quietly. The men took their seats and removed their jackets, revealing their impressive muscles that stood out under the tight-fitting clothing. It was obvious that they were physically well-trained and embodied a certain strength. The presence of these powerful figures created a tension in the air. Shinoa, a serving staff of the tavern, boldly approached the men to take their order. She moved with a certain ease and confidence as she assumed her role as a waitress.

The men placed their order, and Shinoa turned to me to relay the information. "They both want Haroke with Keron," she informed me. I nodded in understanding and passed the order to Lia, the owner of the tavern. It was interesting to observe how the atmosphere in the tavern changed. The presence of these muscular men brought a certain energy that transferred to the other guests. The clinking of glasses and the lively chatter intensified the feeling of enthusiasm and curiosity.

As the last guests left the tavern, Mirajane approached me with a jug in hand. The liquid inside foamed and bubbled enticingly. A curious look was in her eyes, as if she wanted me to drink it. Without further thought, I took the wooden jug in my hands and brought it to my lips. After taking a hearty sip of the foaming liquid, I felt the malty taste unfold on my tongue. It pleasantly tingled and generated a sparkling feeling of refreshment. The delicious drink was a true taste experience. "Is this ber?" I asked Mirajane, who looked at me with an incomprehensible gaze. Obviously, she didn't know the term and couldn't properly place my question. With a shrug, she explained, "I don't know what ber is, but this is Burd." It dawned on me again that I was in a completely different world where things had their own names and meanings. It was understandable that the designations for drinks and other elements were different here. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the malty beverage and drank the jug completely. Afterwards, I

handed the empty jug to Mirajane as a sign of my satisfaction.

Suddenly, Mirajane reminded me that I would have reading and writing lessons with Lia tomorrow. Learning these skills was crucial to navigate this world better. Additionally, I was to receive combat training from Shinoa until I was ready to move on. Her words sounded like a clear instruction, and I nodded affirmatively to show my readiness. "Thank you for the information," I replied politely before Mirajane went to the kitchen. After sleeping in until noon, I heard a determined knock on my door. I went to answer it and found Shinoa standing there, dressed in a leather breastplate with bandages on her hands, almost resembling boxing gloves. Despite her serious expression, she could barely contain a smile. "Get dressed; we're going to train now," she said with feigned seriousness.

I followed her advice, putting on my shoes and pulling my hat over my head. Together, we headed to a huge house, where a man with gray hair and a black suit opened the door for us. "Please, come in," he said politely. Shinoa grabbed my hand and pulled me with determination into the house.

We entered a vast meadow behind the house that stretched before us. Suddenly, a small maid in a maid outfit approached us, handing Shinoa two giant wooden scythes. Shinoa took the scythes and grinned challengingly. "Zero, catch!" she shouted, hurling one of the scythes in my direction. I narrowly dodged it and was surprised by her sudden aggressiveness.

"Are you trying to kill me?!" I exclaimed angrily, recovering from the shock. However, Shinoa just smiled and aimed the scythe at me again. "Try to attack me," she challenged me. Her eyes sparkled with energy, and her entire body radiated fascinating combat readiness.

Though initially confused and irritated, I also felt a certain excitement and curiosity. It was evident that Shinoa wanted to put me in a training situation to challenge and improve my abilities. Determined to engage in the training, I assumed a fighting stance, preparing to attack Shinoa.

As I was about to take my first step, Shinoa suddenly stomped forcefully on the ground. The ground beneath us trembled, cracks formed, and before I knew it, I was lying on the ground. Confused and surprised, I tried to get up as Shinoa looked down at me.

"Your stance is quite ridiculous," she scolded me with a serious expression. "You feel the weight of the scythe more at the front when you hold it all the way back. The way you held it, you wanted to make a downward strike. But a scythe is not swung like a sword." She patiently explained while helping me up and assisting me in orienting myself.

"Hold the scythe so that you can make a powerful but straight swing at any time," she asserted. I nodded and tried to internalize her instructions. Still completely bewildered, as I couldn't see how she approached me or how I ended up on the ground, it seemed like Shinoa possessed amazing abilities that she used in combat.

I slowly stood up and took the scythe in my hand again. This time, I attempted to follow Shinoa's instructions, holding the scythe to enable a powerful and precise movement.

As I pondered on the best way to train, Shinoa had an idea. She signaled the little blonde maid who had been watching the training all this time to come over. "You surely master field magic. Can you make the grass grow up to our necks?" she asked the girl. To my amazement, the girl nodded and approached. How did Shinoa know she had such abilities?

The little girl touched the ground and whispered with a gentle voice, "Or zurt." Suddenly, the grass around us began to grow rapidly, reaching our necks within seconds. It was an impressive sight that left me speechless.

"From today on, you'll trim the grass with the wooden scythe until it's only ankle-height," Shinoa explained to me with a serious tone. She showed me how to hold and swing the scythe correctly to cut the grass.

As I continued trying to cut the tall grass with the wooden scythe, Shinoa suddenly yelled at me. "Cut the grass, not the air!" she exclaimed in frustration. I was confused and frustrated at the same time. Holding the wooden scythe was already a challenge for me, and now I had to be quick too?

Frustrated, I admitted that it was difficult for me to cut the grass effectively. "Can I have something sharper, please?" I whined as Shinoa approached and took the scythe from me. She looked at me with stern eyes. "You're doing it wrong too," she stated firmly. "How can the grass be cut if you're only after strength? You need to be fast too." Shinoa swung the wooden scythe with one hand, which seemed almost impossible to me. Her movements were fluid and effortless. With a powerful swing, she split the grass in half, and it fell like a wave. I was impressed by her speed and precision.

"You need to improve your technique," Shinoa explained patiently. "It's not just about pure strength but also about speed and control." She took my hand and guided me through the right movements, showing me how to hold and swing the scythe to combine both strength and speed in my cuts.

Suddenly, she reminded me of how I had changed my form to keep the hair out of my face. "Hey Zero, try to remember how you changed your form. This hat must be annoying while swinging the scythe, right?" Easier said than done, but I imagined the warm feeling again. I felt warmth inside me again, and I noticed my hair changing color back to white. "It works! Now you can concentrate even better," Shinoa encouraged me. I took off my hat and threw it towards the estate. I felt liberated and ready to focus entirely on the training.

The little maid made the grass grow again up to neck height. I solidified my stance, drew back widely, and swung the scythe with full force. This time, I tried to rotate a bit during the swing to increase the speed. Finally, I managed to cut a piece of the grass, but the cut was still not as precise as Shinoa's.

"Not bad," she commented approvingly. "Try to crouch a bit more this time so you can also reach the low grass. Enemies aren't always as tall as a human."

Her words made me thoughtful. "What do you mean by 'not always'? Are there really strong monsters that are as big as my arm or even smaller?" I asked curiously.

Shinoa raised her thumb, confirming my suspicion. "Exactly, take the Magic Beast from the North, for example. It may look mega cute, but it's damn brutal. It eats its enemies, converts what it ate into mana, and keeps duplicating. That makes it an extremely dangerous and challenging opponent."

A shiver ran down my spine as I imagined having to fight against such a monster. It was a reminder that I had a lot to learn and needed to evolve to face various opponents.

Shinoa noticed my contemplative face and smiled encouragingly. "Don't worry; we'll continue to train you and strengthen your abilities. Over time, you'll get better and be ready to face such challenges. But for now, let's focus on the training here. Try to improve your technique and become faster and more precise."

I nodded determinedly and refocused on my movements. With each subsequent cut, I tried to follow Shinoa's advice, deepening my crouch to reach the low grass.

After several hours of intensive training, I finally fell to the ground, exhausted. Frustrated, I cursed under my breath, "Damn, I can't even cut the grass

precisely." Shinoa approached me and took the wooden scythe from my hand. "You have enough strength, but we still need to work on your technique," she explained calmly. "But now it's time for a break and something to eat. After that, Lia will teach you reading and writing, and then we need to take a closer look at your leg." Surprised, I looked at Shinoa. "My leg? What's wrong with it?" I asked confusedly.

"The healer definitely said you should take it easy on your leg," Shinoa said with concern. I nodded and replied, "But my leg is fine, at least I don't feel any pain or anything." Shinoa offered me her hand, I took it, and I stood up slowly. "It's still important not to push it too hard. There's always a risk it might break again if you're not careful," she warned me seriously. I nodded and suddenly noticed something above me. Before I could voice my question, a large amount of water poured over me, and I was completely drenched. Confused, I looked up and asked, "What the hell...?" Shinoa and the little maid burst into laughter while I complained about being completely soaked. My hair stuck to my face, and I tried to brush it away from my field of view.

"Did you enjoy the shower?" Shinoa chuckled. I stared at her with an open mouth. "No, what was that? I'm completely soaked now!" I exclaimed angrily. Shinoa and the little maid could hardly contain their laughter, while I tried to dry my clothes a bit and regain my composure. It was obvious they had played a prank on me, even if I couldn't really laugh about it. After my anger subsided somewhat, I eventually laughed about the situation myself. It might have been an unexpected prank, but it had distracted me for a moment and lightened my mood. "Sometimes, it took these little moments of fun to forget the seriousness of training and challenges," Shinoa said.

On the way back to the tavern, I was observed by many passersby with amused smiles. My clothes were dripping as if buckets of water had been poured on me, and I could feel the gazes directed at me. Back in the tavern, I saw Pristella, who had just turned around and was laughing heartily. "Did you get caught in a Logu prank?" asked a woman sitting next to me, enjoying her meal.

"Logu?" I repeated, confused. The tavern owner, Aisa, intervened and explained: "Logu used to be the prank king. Today is the Logu's Memorial Day, and it's customary for someone to play a prank on you." She threw me a towel, adding: "Dry yourself first, and then you can mop the floor." "Oh, Aisa, let it be," Pristella said, snapping her fingers. The water puddles disappeared as if they had never been there, and my clothes dried at an astonishing speed. I marveled at her magical abilities and thanked her.

After finishing my meal, I heard a knock on the door. "You can come in!" I called. Lia entered the room with three books in her hand and a quill. "Today, you'll learn how to read and write our menu," she explained. I nodded, and she handed me the quill and a piece of paper. "Okay, first, copy 'ri,' then write 'ri' correctly five more times," she instructed, pointing to the top dish on the menu. I began writing the word 'ri' nine times on the paper. Afterwards, Lia sat on my bed, opened a book, and read a little. Meanwhile, I tried desperately to understand the menu. Occasionally, I asked Lia about the meaning of individual words and how to use them in a sentence.

After approximately two hours flew by, Lia suddenly stood up from the bed and looked over my shoulder. "You've switched 'er' and 're.' The str*ke is on the left side for 're' and on the right side for 'er'," she explained. I corrected my mistake and wrote the meaning of each word in my native language below. Lia examined the sheet more closely and asked, "What kind of scribbling is this?" I replied, "That's Japanese; it's the script used there." Lia nodded and continued to look at the paper. Suddenly, she said, "Has anyone ever told you that you have terrible handwriting?" I lowered my head and replied softly, "Several times."

After about three more hours, during which I could write and read some words, I decided to take a break. "I'll take the dishes back. Do you want something to drink?" I asked Lia. She turned a page in her book and replied, "Bring me some water." I nodded in agreement, took the plate on the table, and left the room. As I walked through the corridor, I pondered on how similar the word "water" was in my native language and in the new language. It seemed like it was also called "water" here. As I found myself in the kitchen, I noticed the hustle and bustle going on there. Quickly, I placed the plate on a tray and approached Mirajane, who was busy cutting meat. In a hurried voice, I said, "Mirajane, could you please bring me a glass of water? I don't want to get in your way." Mirajane paused her activity and came towards me with a glass of water. While she continued cutting the meat, she handed me the refreshing drink. "Thank you," I politely replied and left the busy kitchen.

Upon entering my room, something extraordinary immediately caught my eye. Before me, small frost-flower-like formations danced in the air in various vibrant colors. I was fascinated by this unexpected sight and couldn't take my eyes off it. Suddenly, I noticed Lia creating a beautiful ice meadow. Her skilled hands shaped the frosty blades of grass, conjuring a frosty spectacle into my room.

Upon witnessing the captivating ice sculpture, I couldn't help but exclaim, "How beautiful." Slowly, I placed my glass of water on the table and took a seat to examine the icy landscape more closely. The frost-flower-like formations seemed almost majestic in their grace and variety. I was completely captivated by the sight and savored every moment of observation. Suddenly, Lia snapped her fingers, and the icy artwork crumbled into fine ice powder. I was surprised by the sudden transformation and looked at Lia questioningly. "Did you bring my water?" she asked me. I nodded and turned around to grab the glass of water. With a gentle handoff, I presented her the refreshing drink. "You're welcome," I said with a smile as I handed her the glass. Lia graciously accepted the glass and thanked me with a "Danke sehr."

I settled back into my chair at the desk when Lia unexpectedly took the quill from my hand. Confused, I looked at her and glanced at the empty table where she had also removed the paper. "Huh?" I exclaimed in surprise. Lia looked at me seriously and explained, "Please stop giving me everything all the time. I only had you fetch water to give you a break." I didn't quite understand what she meant. "But it's just reading and writing," I replied confusedly. Lia sat on my bed, crossing her legs. "Yes, it may be, but forced learning is not good for the psyche. There's a saying, 'A swordsman should sheathe his sword when it's not needed,'" she calmly explained. Her words made me contemplate, and I nodded slowly as I processed her statement. "What should I do then?" I asked uncertainly. Lia pointed to the window and answered, "Just go outside and run a few errands. Do something that distracts and relaxes you." Her gaze was encouraging, and I felt that she had my best interests at heart. I stood up and prepared to leave the house for a small break from learning. Sometimes, a change of scenery was needed to recharge.

I put on my shoes, grabbed my shoulder bag, and my jacket. It was a typical evening as I prepared to leave the house. "Uh, Lia, don't you want to go back to your room?" When I turned around, I saw that Lia had fallen asleep in my bed, bathed in the warm evening sun. She looked so peaceful, and I wondered if I should wake her. Should I wake her up? It didn't matter; I didn't have anything valuable that could be stolen. Right, cats like warm areas. I pondered on it for a moment. I closed the door and went to Aisa, who was sitting in the hallway on a chair. "Little one, catch!" A small black bag flew towards me, and I caught it, hearing something metallic inside. I held the bag in my hands, which my superior handed to me with a satisfied smile. It was the moment I eagerly awaited every week - the unveiling of my hard-earned salary. With curious eyes, I examined the bag, containing the result of my hard work.

Carefully, I opened the bag, and a sparkling shimmer met my eyes. I could hardly look away as I discovered a series of gold and silver coins. Each coin bore the impressive relief of a majestic dragon's head. Its powerful mouth almost seemed to come to life, with sparkling eyes and intricately designed scales. Examining the coins more closely, I noticed small crowns elegantly attached to the side of each dragon's head. They symbolized the value and significance of these coins, signifying my performance. The crowns were artfully crafted, giving the coins a royal aura. Looking at the edges of the coins, I noticed fine grooves running along the circumference. They perfectly resembled the sharp claws of a dragon, adding a touch of wildness and strength to the coins.

Every aspect of these coins seemed to suggest that I should accept my pay with reverence and pride. The golden coins in my hands were not just a simple reward for my work but also a symbol of my achievements and my value to the company. They embodied the luster and appreciation I had earned through my efforts and dedication. With a sense of satisfaction and acknowledgment, I looked at the coins again. They were not just a means of exchange but also proof of my skills and value as an employee. I was proud that my hard work and commitment, even after these incidents, were rewarded in the form of these impressive dragon coins.

My superior's words echoed in my mind as I stowed the coin in my shoulder bag. I was aware that the value of the money wouldn't change, no matter how long I stared at it. With a slight smile of contentment, I set out to run my errands. I politely thanked my boss for the salary and left the office, descending the stairs. Standing in front of the tavern, I decided to simply walk down the street and enjoy the lively scenery of the city. During my stroll, I noticed a few well-dressed women coming out of a shop. A sign above the entrance revealed the store's name: "Mother's Clothing." Curious and with a desire for change, I entered the shop. A male elf and a female elf warmly greeted me. "Welcome to Mother's Shop!" they exclaimed synchronously. Their melodic voices added a pleasant atmosphere to the room. I returned their greeting and let my gaze wander over the diverse selection of clothing. "Um, do you have clothes in my size, preferably in a slightly darker color?" I asked politely, trying to express my desire for a stylish but somewhat understated look. "And if you don't mind, I'd also like some underwear." The two elves nodded kindly and began to guide me through the store. They showed me various fabrics, colors, and styles while attentively addressing my preferences. It was evident that they mastered their craft, and their passion for fashion was palpable.

After a while of browsing, I finally found a selection of garments that matched my vision. The dark colors and carefully chosen cuts gave the dresses a certain elegance and sophistication. The elves helped me find the right size and also advised me on selecting the appropriate underwear. "That will be one and twenty golden coins," said the elf. I handed him twenty-one golden coins and received nine silver coins in return. "Please come back tomorrow to pick up your items."

With a sense of satisfaction and anticipation for my new look, I left the store. I couldn't wait to try on my new clothes and feel comfortable in my altered appearance.

As I walked along the main street, I curiously let my gaze wander over the familiar streets. It had been a week since I last visited this area. I couldn't help but feel a slight sense of excitement as I headed towards the imposing White Tower that loomed at the end of the street. The sun was slowly setting on the horizon, and the shadows grew longer as the warm light of the light stones gradually illuminated. The sight was enchanting, giving the street a magical atmosphere.

After about half an hour of leisurely walking, I finally reached the large gate that marked the entrance to the White Tower. It was an impressive structure adorned with intricate ornaments. Fine carvings adorned the massive gate, telling stories of times gone by.

I stopped for a moment, letting my gaze wander over the ornate details. The ornaments displayed mysterious symbols that sparked the imagination. Dragons, floral vines, and other abstract forms added an aura of mystery to the gate. It was evident that much care and craftsmanship had gone into designing this entrance.