“Ethan, why did you fall silent all of a sudden?” Aria asked, noticing his stiff movements.
“No-nothing,” he stammered, trying to sound casual. “I was just thinking about what to do next. ”
“Don’t worry, Ethan. I’ll help you out. Didn’t you mention wanting to become a hunter? I’ll help you register with the Hunter Guild using my recommendation,” she added with a cheerful smile.
He could only smile back in gratitude. He always thought assassins were emotionless creatures, but Aria was clearly built different.
“Plus,” she added, her eyes twinkling, “if you register with the Hunter Guild, they’ll give you one F-class skill book for free.”
“Oh, they give free skill books as well?” he asked, surprised. Skill books were so rare; why would they give them for free?
“Yes, Ethan, they do. You don’t even remember that much?” Aria ask, raising an eyebrow.
“No!”
“Ohh, that serious!” she said in surprise.
“You’re just a level 0, right? You must have been a sheltered kid from a very young age. Were you some kind of royalty or something?” Aria asked suspiciously, her eyes narrowing as she studied him. She found Ethan very handsome and charming, despite the commoner outfit he wore.
“A royalty? I actually don’t know myself. So I can’t deny the low possibility,” he replied, his words were true in a sense. So, it wasn’t a lie.
“I am trying to find my identity actually.”
Aria looked a little Concerned as she warned, “But embarking on an adventure at level 0 is dangerous. Araknis isn’t as safe as it used to be; I’ve heard rumors of demons on the rise. You should be cautious.”
He nodded silently, feeling a chill run down his spine at the mention of demons.
As they approached the city gates, he marveled at the grandeur of Arcadia—the Dungeon City. The walls were 50 feet tall and imposing, crafted from white stone that gleamed in the sunlight. Guards stood at the entrance, clad in shining armor and bearing the kingdom’s crest.
“Halt! Everyone, line up and present your Identification Emblem. It’s 10 copper coins each,” a tall, imposing guard boomed, addressing the crowd outside the gate.
“Hey, Aria, will they let me through?” he asked nervously.
Aria flashed him a reassuring smile. “Of course they will. I’m with you, remember?” Her confidence eased his apprehension.
After a while, it was finally their turn. As they passed through the heavy gate, the guards nodded respectfully, allowing them entry without hesitation. He couldn’t help but feel amazed by the efficiency.
“Hehehe..” Aria couldn’t contain her amusement, letting out a mischievous laugh as she noticed his stunned expression.
Embarrassed by his reaction, he quickly composed himself. It was obviously because of Aria’s silent influence.
—
Inside the city, the streets were bustling with activity. Merchants called out to potential customers, hawking their goods from colorful stalls. Children ran through the streets, laughing and playing.
The buildings were a mix of old and new, with ancient stone structures standing alongside modern, intricately designed houses. It was a vibrant, lively place, and he felt a sense of belonging he had never experienced before.
“Hey, Aria, is your quest complete? Wanna go for a dungeon dive today?” a muscular man interrupted as they passed by.
“Yes, it’s all wrapped up, Jerald. As for the dungeon dive, maybe another time. Take care!” Aria replied cheerfully.
“Aria, is he your new boyfriend?” another old woman teased with a wink.
Embarrassed, Aria replied. “No, Grandma, he’s just a friend. See you later!” She waved off the teasing remark with a laugh.
“Hey, good day, Aria.”
“Good day.”
“Good evening, Aria.”
“Good evening to you too, Mat. Better hurry home, or your mom will come after you with her trusty pan again,” Aria teased with a playful grin.
Many passersby greeted Aria with warm smiles, and she responded in kind, her own smile genuine and infectious.
He couldn’t help but be astonished. Was this how people interacted here, creating such a warm and welcoming atmosphere? It stood in stark contrast to the loneliness he had endured before. Perhaps the suffocating atmosphere of his previous life, where everyone was engrossed in their own affairs, contributed to that sense of isolation.
“However, now I am certain I will find my happiness sooner or later,” he murmured to himself, feeling a glimmer of hope.
Aria led him to a cozy inn nestled near the city center. The innkeeper, a kindly old woman named Greta, greeted them with a warm smile.
“Hey, Aria, how have you been? It’s been a while since I’ve seen you. Have you forgotten about this old lady already?” Greta teased affectionately.
“Haha, you jest, Aunt Greta. How could I forget you? Look, I’m right here,” Aria replied cheerfully, her smile revealing pearly white teeth that shone in the warmth of the inn.
“I can see that, dear. Who’s he? Your boyfriend or husband?” Aunt Greta asked with a mischievous twinkle in her eye.
Aria’s ears and neck flushed a deep crimson at the question.
“Aunt Greta, you jest. You can stop you teasing, can you?” Aria replied trying to act natural, as she fixed her loose silvery hair with slight arc.
Ethan was left speechless at the scene. Why did everyone assume they were a couple?
Innkeeper Greta chuckled softly. “Alright, I won’t tease you anymore. What can I do for you both today?”
Composing herself, Aria answered, “Aunt Greta, let me introduce you. This is Ethan, he could be considered as my new friend. He needs a place to stay. Can you see if there’s a room available for him? Price is not an issue.”
“Hello, Aunt Greta!” Ethan awkwardly introduced himself, raising his hand for a handshake.
But Aunt Greta stood there with no reaction whatsoever; instead, a frown etched her face.
“Did I make some kind of mistake?” Ethan wondered.
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