Zairon stepped into one of the more luxurious inns near the heart of the city, tossing a few high-grade spirit coins on the counter with a casual air. The receptionist bowed quickly and handed him a crystal room token—his room was on the top floor, with a view that overlooked the glowing skyline of the city.
"Hmm. Not bad," he muttered, eyes scanning the polished interior before heading to his room, placing his things down, and letting out a sigh. "Time to explore."
He stepped back out into the streets, weaving through the crowd with practiced ease. The city was alive—marketplaces buzzing, warriors boasting about their latest dungeon hauls, and refined individuals from all races walking with elegance and grace. Just then, as he turned a corner near a spiritual tea shop, two women walked past him.
They were breathtaking.
One was an elf, tall and serene, with silver hair flowing like a river of moonlight, and eyes that looked like they could pierce through lies. The other was a fairy, slightly shorter, her wings tucked and glowing faintly, her every movement graceful and light, as if the wind itself obeyed her.
Zairon slowed to a halt, watching them walk into a high-end boutique, heads turning as they passed.
He blinked, his thoughts racing.
"Damn... Okay, okay—what's the best way to talk to a girl like that?" he thought, glancing down at himself.
"Should I play the humble guy? Soft voice, gentle smile, respectful words—'May I offer you tea, Lady Elf?'" he mimicked quietly, then immediately shook his head. "No, too boring. What if they like someone obedient? Loyal? The quiet support type?" He tried standing still, shoulders slightly hunched, giving off a humble aura—then snorted. "Yeah, no. Not me."
He perked up again. "Maybe… macho? Alpha male? Walk in like thunder, say something bold like, 'Hey, I'm Zairon. You've probably heard of me.'" He puffed out his chest, flexed a bit—then winced. "Too cringe. Too much."
He began pacing, muttering to himself. "What about charm and mystery? Strong rhythm? Like… speak with few words, stare deep into their eyes and say something enigmatic like, 'I saw you in my dreams before I came here.'"
He stopped and groaned, palming his face. "No no no, I sound like an idiot. What am I even doing?!"
He looked back at the shop window, catching a glimpse of their reflections as they browsed inside, seemingly unaware of the chaos going on in his head.
Zairon let out a sigh, scratching the back of his head.
"Ugh... I don't know... maybe I should just... be myself?"
He paused.
Then frowned deeper.
"…Wait. Who even is that?"
With a dramatic sigh, he turned around and muttered, "I need to slay ten A-rank beasts just to recover from this embarrassment…"
And yet… he found his feet slowly drifting back toward the shop, curiosity and mischief sparkling in his eyes.