AuthorNote:
• Sorry if there are grammar/word mistakes, it's the second day of Eid al-Fitr holiday and i didn't get much time to do a thorough edit for this chapter.
• If you notice any, just comment on them and I'll fix them.
Thanks for reading and Eid Mubarak!
---<>---
[ Time / Location ]: Mid-day / Vale Pavilion.
[ Pov ]: Theo Mercer.
Easily finding the familiar inn I was looking for, I promptly entered. " Hello, "
" Welcome to the Vale pavilion, I'm Belno and I'm the owner of this inn. " Said the man waiting on the counter.
The moment I saw his face, I knew I was at the right inn. Although he looked human, he wasn't.
He belonged to a race called Emaro, a race that is well known to run almost all hotel establishments as it aligns with the fact that they don't need much sleep to function normally.
Using Analysis, i checked out his status.
[ Status ]
Belno
< ♂ •Age 31 >
Hotel lv 28
Equipment:
- leather Boots
' Hah, it's actually a job called Hotel. wonder what's their racial job though, definitely more dignified than Sex Maniac... ' I thought in defeat.( A/N: every species in this new world has a race specific job, a human's race job is Sex Maniac. )
Imagine being so horny and lustful all the time, the world itself labels it as your racial job. God or whoever created this world really cooked with that one, a genetic L from birth.
" Sir? Are.. you here to rent a room? " Seeing my absent look, the innkeeper Belno asked me in confusion.
" Ah yeah, just remembered something. Yes I'd like to rent a twin bed room. " Waking up from my habitual spacing out, I asked.
" Yes we do... " He confirmed, raised one eyebrow and looked behind me in question.
Getting his meaning, I explained. " I'll be bringing a companion from tomorrow on, so I'll rent the room in advance. "
That quickly cleared his confusion, instead he gave me a smirk and said. " I see, than would you be interested in a double room, it's the same price. "
" No, the twin room will do. " I flatly said, my demeanor changing from hearing his suggestion.
Enjoying watching something and imitating it are two completely different things, I'm not interested in buying Roxanne for her body.
Sure, I think she's hot and all sorts of stuff, but the moment I choose to partake in this new world's day to day questionable practices, I would lose any sense of morality that i have.
If I wanted Roxanne to be with me romantically, I'll have to do it the old way, the right way.
" R-right, and would you like breakfast and dinner to be included? " Belno said, flustered by my sudden change.
Seeing his reaction, I felt a little bad. " Sorry, it's just that didn't have the best day. And yes, breakfast and dinner for two included, I would like to stay for 10 days. "
" Ah, no worries. I too was a little presumptuous. Your tolal would be... 3250 Nars. " He said, accepting the apologie.
' Damn, I saved 1750 just like that. This 35% discount skill is the best. ' I thought in delight.
Originally it would have cost me 500 Nars per day for a twin room including breakfast and dinner.
Bringing me to my room, he gave me the key and said. " Here it is, you can also ask for either a lamp or hot water, they don't come with the room so you'll have to pay extra for those. "
" Got it, thanks. " Saying that, I closed the door.
Setting my things next to one of the beds, I laid on it. " *Sigh*... Finally, a real bed. That clunky bed in the village almost killed my back. "
Staring blankly at the wooden roof, I couldn't stop my self from thinking about my apartment bedroom.
It felt so weird. Just a day ago, I was getting angry at the fact that a chapter of a manga not being posted. Now I'm in said manga.
The first day I slept at the village and woke up, it took my brain a few minutes to figure out that I wasn't back on earth anymore, and I was grateful that it didn't happen.
That world took way too much from me, to much that it was hard to exist there without distracting my thoughts with different media just to stay sane.
Here, I don't feel that kind of pressure. Sure, I feel like I don't know what I'm going to do half of the time, and it's like I'm fallowing someone else's footsteps.
But at least there's a path to follow. On earth, every path feels the same. They all end-up in you having to sacrifice a part of yourself just to fit in.
Closing my eyes from all those heavy thoughts, I thought out loud. " It'd be nice to have quick nap... WAIT NO! "
" Sheesh, almost forgot about visiting Allen. These beds are good. " I said, patting down the white linen sheets covering the bed.
" Before that, let's see how much money I've accumulated so far. " I said, rubbing my hands in anticipation.
I had definitely made more than what Michio did with is 30% compared to my 35% and the generous funds The village Chief gave me.
Calculating the gold first, followed by silver than finally the copper. My whole was a crisp 485680 Nars, 48 gold, 56 silver and 80 copper coins.
" *Whistle*... That is beautiful, money does fix everything doesn't it. " I said, looking at the neatly stacked coins.
" Now, I better go to Allen's store before he thinks I made a run for it. " Storing the money back in the satchel, I hid it under one of the beds.
" Hopefully it doesn't get stolen, or that belno guy will be in deep shit. " Giving it another thorough check, I went out.
---<>---
[ Time / Location ]: Early-evening / Allen's slave establishment.
[ Pov ]: 3rd person.
Standing in front of the front door of the slave establishment, Theo took a deap breath to steady his nerves than knocked.
*Inhale*...
Knock. Knock.
After a couple of seconds of waiting, the same blonde teen who had welcomed him and Bikka the first time, opened the door. " Oh, it's the sir from before. Master Allen told me to bring you in when you arrive, please come with me. "
Theo simply nodded and followed him, they arrived at a different reception room from when he came with Bikka. This one looked fancier and more decorative.
" Please wait here, I'll call for Master Allen. " Said the blonde teen, bowing in courtesy.
Taking a seat in one of the fancy looking leather chairs that were facing each other, Theo thought while taping the armchair.
*Tap*.. *Tap*..
' Wonder if I could still use my character rest feature If I unexpectedly became a slave? And what if I had a job that could manipulate the slave status, could I manipulate mine? ' the question itself resembled the age-all dilemma of who came first, the chicken or the egg.
But there was a big chance that he wouldn't be able to interfere with his Social Status using character reset seeing as it does not show up when using the skill Analysis.
Click. Creak.
Hearing the door behind him, Theo shelved those thoughts for another time and got up from the seat. A simple juster like that showed more than respect, it was a display of formality between individuals.
" Sorry to keep you waiting sir Theo, take a seat. " Allen said, sitting in the opposite seat to Theo.
" I didn't wait long. On the contrary, sorry for taking long to arrive. " One of Theo's habits is that he apologies whenever someone apologizes first to him, even if he didn't do anything to warrant it.
Allen smiled, Theo was unlike any customer he had ever hosted. Although he did transactions with all kinds of people in the years, Theo didn't seem to fit in any stereo types he knew of.
It was rare to find someone who gives off the intimidating vibe of a warrior and still act so polite and kind, even the lust that is shown in young teens didn't appear on him. ' That remains to be tested for now. ' Allen thought.
Nodding in acceptance, Allen said. " Hmm, before we get to the main subject of the day. You mentioned previously that you are an explorer, do you plan to enter the new labyrinth that had appeared in this territory? "
Knock. Knock.
Click. Creak.
" Excuse me. " Said a feminine polite voice as they entered.
" Yeah, I do plan to. Can you tell me anything you know about it. " Said Theo, focusing on Allen's question.
" For starters, it appeared in the western side of town, when you enter the forest, you'll easily come across it... " Allen started to explain.
When the girl reached their table to serve the tea, Theo looked to the side meeting her eyes, thinking. ' She's more beautiful than I had anticipated. Hmm let's see, Analysis. '
[ Status ]
Roxanne
< ♀• Age 16 >
Beast warrior lv 6
Equipment:
' Hmm, so the name of a person appears if I already know it? Interesting. ' Theo thought while looking at her with an astonished look, a look that Allen mistaked for something else.
" Here you go. " After serving the tea, Roxanne excused herself from the room.
" Thanks. " Theo said with a nod.
' As expected, no one can be unflustered when a beauty comes around. ' Allen thought while having this smug smile, this small test proving he was right... Or so he thought.
When Theo looked back at Allen and saw that smile, he immediately figured it out, thinking. ' As expected of a lv 44 slave merchant, he has a lot of tricks up his sleeve to entice his customers. Unfortunately for him, I already knew he would do this. '
Sipping from the tea he was served, Theo didn't let Allen drop the hat on him and asked an abrupt question that even flustered the slave merchant himself.
" So, what did you thi- " Allen tried to say, but got interrupted halfway.
" How much? " Theo asked without flinching.
" Pardon? " Allen asked, he looked out of his element at at that moment.
' That's what you get for trying to set me up, hahaha. ' Theo thought, laughing inwardly at Allen's reaction.
" The girl just now, you made her serve us tea so you could show her to me, correct? If so, than how much is she? " Theo said, keeping the same straight and serious face.
" *Sigh*... Seems like I've been completely seen through, sorry for showing you this disgraceful side of me. " Allen said, bowing his head in defeat.
' Seems like I really can't treat this person with the same norms as other customers, it feels refreshing to actually interact with someone that isn't predictable. Feels like I'm back in my younger days. ' Allen thought, a genuine smile gracing his face.
' Ugh, what's with that smile? Did I make him mad, hopefully he doesn't bump the price on Roxanne just because of that. ' Theo thought, completely misunderstanding Allen's thoughts.
" Seeing as you set your eyes on the girl that I was going to recommend for you, originally her market price is between 600.000 and 550.000 Nars. I'll include the imitation royal maid outfit, and drop her price to 365.000 Nars. " Allen proposed, acting like he's giving Theo a special price.
' Yeah right, drop the price my ass. That's just my 35% discount skill at work. ' Theo thought to himself.
Not finished with his sales pitch, he continued. " But as I'm obliged, I have to tell you all about her to both warrant her price and usefulness to you. ".
This time Theo didn't interrupt him although he wanted to, he didn't want to hear about someone being talked about like some merchandise. But that was too late to refute, he himself asked the price of said person.
Nodding for him to continue, Allen first called out for a lady from outside and told her to bring Roxanne in.
After that, he started to truly explain about Roxanne's background and everything.
Theo tuned all of that down as he already knew her better than Allen or anyone ever could. When he saw he was done, he said. " Before we go with the transaction, I'd like to wait till tomorrow morning. I first need bring my funds, I don't have them on my person right now. How does tomorrow morning work for you? "
Although he could easily buy her right and than, he first wanted to check out the labyrinth and secure extra funds from the slums... Bounty money.
Seeing no waverness of someone who wanted to run away from a deal, Allen easily accepted. " Whatever you think is appropriate, dear customer. "
---<>---
[ Pov ]: Roxanne.
After changing my clothes to casual ones, I followed the nice lady that always took care of me in these past 6 months to the customer that was waiting.
Seeing me silent, she said. " Don't worry, Master Allen won't sell you to someone who he thinks isn't good enough. "
I knew she was trying to comfort me but I wasn't naive as I looked, I knew for a fact that it's not how it works.
I was nervous because when I met that customer when I served him and master Allen tea, I could smell the scent of blood from him.
Other than that, he looked tall and strong. I could also tell that he looked about my age.
Another thing that surprised me was he didn't look once at my breasts the whole time, a contrast to all other men I've met.
' It did look like he recognized me somehow, does he know me from somewhere? ' While I was thinking that, we reached the reception room.
Knock. Knock.
Knocking on the door, we heard master Allen call out. " Come in. "
" Excuse us. " Said the nice lady accompanying me.
Entering, I saw him standing up. I had to look up to see his face. ' He's so tall, even though he looks so young. Is he not a human... No, he smells like a human. '
" This customer took a liking to you, but he won't buy you until tomorrow. For know you'll be in the sold slaves section, go greet him. " Master Allen told me.
Looking back to the customer, I bowed my head and said. " Thank you for choosing me. "
Raising my head back up, I saw him give me a kind smile and said. < There's no need for too much formality, we'll soon be partners in the labyrinth. >
" I - wha... " I was going to answer him and say that I couldn't possibly be disrespectful, when it dawned on me that he didn't speak to me in Brahim. He talked to me in my native language, Burner.
---<>---
[ Pov ]: Theo Mercer
Looking at Roxanne's cute shocked face, I couldn't hold my laugh. " Hahahah, was my Burner bad or did I say it wrong. "
I knew for a fact that what I said was correct. Just like Brahim, Burner too was uploaded to my brain fully.
' I did a great job by choosing Burner in the language settings. ' I mentally gave myself a thumbs up.
Getting her composure back, she quickly said. " Ahh, no. Infact, it was so seamless I thought you spoke Brahim at first. "
While we talked, Allen gave this side-eye look that practically said * What else are you hiding. *
" Well, I'll have to go now. Tomorrow I'll be here to pick you up Roxanne. " I said with such confidence, I couldn't believe I was the one actually doing the talking.
That's when it Dawned on me, the level 6 accessory that I was wearing The Ring Of Absolute Determination had a Charisma enhancement skill.
' Weird, I'll have to look into it some other time. ' I thought, giving the ring a casual glance.
" Yes, thank you again for choosing me. I'll be waiting for your arrival. " She said, giving me another bow.
---<>---
*Exhale*...
Exiting the slave establishment, I exhaled a breath I didn't know I was holding. Everything I did since I entered this world was unlike my personality in a big way.
It's not that my personality changed, I just felt like I was more sure of my actions then I've ever was before. And the likely culprit was my level 6 accessory.
It was once revealed in the manga that even though Fragrash, a level 5 weapon had almost the same skills as the Holy Sword Durandal except for one. It's power was noticeably weaker.
As in the latter could dispatch a monster in one strike while the first would need more than one strike, meaning the level the equipment wasn't just related to how many skills it had.
That proves that the Charisma enhancement on the accessory of level 2 is far weaker than that of level 6.
" I really need a note-book to write this shit down, this info could come in handy one day. For now, why don't I check out that labyrinth. " I said to myself.
Following the direction Allen told me about, which was the same place I entered the town from with Bikka.
Tracking into the woods for a while, I used the landmarks and signs most likely left by the order of knights for other explorers to find.
Reaching the labyrinth, which was a black void looking door.
It's existence deforming the earth and plants around it like a black hole.
' Huh... Kinda looks like a less fancy Minecraft nether portal. ' I couldn't help myself but think that.
Ignoring the guy that was laying his back next to the labyrinth door, I unconsciously closed my eyes and promptly entered.
When I opened my eyes, the scenery changed drastically... Well dah.
The environment was dimmer yet still lit well enough for you to see. Entering the portal on the other hand didn't feel as I thought it would.
It felt like I was passing through a denser air, like when you notice that the air is kind of heavier in a kitchen for example.
" Know to to check the most crucial part, the explorer job. " I said, not waiting a second and summoning my job settings.
< Job Settings >
[ Equipped jobs ]
• Villager lv 11
• Thief lv 11
• Hero lv 1
• Vacant
• Vacant
• Vacant
[ Available jobs ]
• Merchant lv 1
• Explorer lv 1
< Confirm >
" Hmhum, there it is and it looks like I unlocked Merchant too. " I thought out loud, happy to see that I unlocked two more jobs.
Not hesitating for a second, I equipped both jobs making sure to put Explorer as the first one. That way it would be displayed on my intelligence card whenever people checked it.
< Job Settings >
[ Equipped jobs ]
• Explorer lv 1
• Villager lv 11
• Thief lv 11
• Hero lv 1
• merchant lv 1
• Vacant
[ Available jobs ]
< Confirm >
Next, I checked Explorer's available skills.
< Job Settings >
[ Equipped jobs ]
• Explorer lv 1
Skills:
- Item Box
- Party Formation
- Dungeon walk
" Item box, one of the most useful skills out there. Let's see. " I thought out loud, than called out to the skill.
Because I had both IncantationShortening and IncantationOmission bonus skills unlocked, I didn't have to say the skills name out loud or utter an in incantation... Pretty convenient.
A square space opened at my midsection Infront of me, if one looked at it from the side they wouldn't be able to see it.
Spending a couple of minutes like that, just fascinated with the wonders of the item box. It passed my mind that I was forgetting another useful/goated skill, or should I say spell.
Warp, a Superior version of both the Explorer's dungeon walk skill Plus the adventurer's Field walk skill.
Unlike those two, Warp had no inherent disadvantages. It could be used anywhere, even in the labyrinthian itself. Plus, shield cement which usually blocks the adventurer's Field wallk, has no affects on Warp.
' Character rest. ' I mentally called out.
< Character Settings >
[ Status ]
[ Bonus Equipment ]
[ Bonus Spells ]
• Warp
○
• Meteor Crash
○
• Equivalent Exchange
○
• Gamma Ray
○
• ... etc
[ Bonus Skills ]
< Confirm >
There was an array of different spells to unlock. For now, I chose to only unlock Warp, and it only cost me one bonus point as do all other spells.
< Character Settings >
[ Status ]
[ Bonus Equipment ]
[ Bonus Spells ]
• Warp
●
• Meteor Crash
○
• Equivalent Exchange
○
• Gamma Ray
○
• ... etc
[ Bonus Skills ]
< Confirm >
One thing that's different about Bonus spells from bonus skills is that they don't have levels, meaning unlike skills where the more BP you put in them the better they become.
Bonus spells rely entirely on your attributes. Attributes such as MP, Intelligence and finally Spirit.
Each attribute playing a role in the strength, time and amount of spells you can cast freely.
MP: How much Magic Power used on skills and magic. Running out of it, you become really depressed and even suicidal.
Intelligence: How much magical damage you can deal.
Spirit: How fast your HP and MP regenerates.
And with 99 bonus points each spent on those attributes plus the level 6 MP recovery skill, i practically have an infinite amount of mana to spend on any magic spell I want.
Putting the pieces together in my head, I thought in excitement. ' Holy... shit! I have a never ending battery of mana. '
Feeling a childlike giddiness rising up in my chest, I tried using Warp for the first time.
Thinking of my destination, I got close to the labyrinth's right wall and called out to the spell in my head. ' Warp. '
To be continued...
***
Thanks for reading.