Chapter 24: Chapter 24
"Oh kid, you have arrived?"
"Yes Master Abe," Alex bowed respectfully.
The old man nodded and said, "I just returned from the guild. I have collected the herbs you have collected. They are perfect and I say you have passed the test."
Alex smiled at that. He already knew that he would pass but hearing from someone who is considered a veteran is much better.
"I was also informed of the unfortunate incident. I was happy that you are well."
Tara interjected and asked, "What happened?"
"A 5-star beast showed up and this isn't the only incident. I learned that there are two more incidents. Many adventurers who ventured into those territories died. The guild already issued an alert on this matter."
"Wait, a 5-star beast", she turned to Alex, "and you say it's not important".
Alex could see that she was fuming with anger at him. He knows that he shouldn't have done that but he didn't want to necessarily make her worry, after all, it was past.
The opposite was going on inside Tara's mind. She felt that he is not taking her seriously and decided to up her game to get him.
Both are playing the same game, unknown to one another.
Abe saw the awkwardness in the air and tried to diffuse the situation, "Boy, now that you completed your test, it's time to move on to next."
Abe pulled and handed three more books on common herbs. When Alex saw this he wanted to cry. He thought the first book was scary enough but there are three more and then a sudden realization hit.
"Master, are these three the remaining books on common herbs?"
Abe laughed at Alex knowing well what was going on in his mind. "What do you think?"
Alex wanted to cry and throw a tantrum. Instead of answering he gave back a question. This definitely means that there are more. He felt that the number might not be in the single-digit area.
After speaking with Abe and Tara for a few more minutes, Alex left for the Inn.
<System, should I look for a house to live in?>
[Why are thinking about that now?]
<It would be a waste to live in an Inn. I won't have privacy and the cost is a lot. I can cook, so I thought I should find a place to stay.>
[It would be a waste. After all, you would be here temporarily. Moreover, you have much work to do and cooking and cleaning would only burden you.]
<You are right.>
In a few minutes, he reached the Inn and went straight to his room. He needed a bath after going through the day.
While relaxing in the tub filled with hot water, 'I should look how much I gained after this trip.'
--
Name: Alexander {Von Gestar}
Age: 15
Level: 48 (Pseudo 1-Star)
Bloodline: None
Bloodline Powers: None
Talent: Light and Darkness Affinity (Blocked by Water of Oblivion)
Origin Skill: Moon's Blessing
Rank: None
Skills: Basic Sword Art (Lvl. 7); Basic Cooking (Lvl. 5); Basic Saber Art (Lvl. 5); AOE Buff-Debuff (Lvl. 1); Herbology (Lvl. 1)
Weapon: Crimson Saber
--
'I reached level 48. I did gain a lot of experience when I killed the 5-star beast.'
'Hmm, even my saber art looks improved.'
'Seriously, my herbology is only level 1.'
'Probably because there are a lot of herbs to know and how to collect them perfectly, and I don't even know all common herbs.'
Though plucking some herbs seems common to many, every herb needs a different way to perfectly forage. Some herbs should be plucked to the roots, and for some only leaves are to be taken.
The most common way is to pluck down to the roots. Even that is not done properly.
'Now I have got three more books, I wish it would at least reach level 2. Remembering the expression on the old man, there is no question that there are more books on the topic.'
'I guess reaching level 2 would be considered a great feat.'
'Let's eat and retire for the day. I'm spent. I can start tomorrow.'
---
In the middle of the forest...
"How goes the search for it?" the blue-robed man asked.
"Master, we believe that we are near," one of the grey-robbed men replied.
"At most two days master," said the other grey-robbed man.
"Good, this would get us great benefits. The master would be pleased by this after many setbacks in the past would be forgiven," the blue-robbed man spoke in a solemn voice.
The two grey-robbed men nodded in agreement.
While they were conversing, there was a sudden shout.
A grey-robbed man could be seen running towards them in a hurry. He was panting trying to grasp his breath but calling out, "Master...Master..we.."
The blue-robbed man felt that something important happened.
He tried to soothe the messenger, "Slow down, calm your mind, slowly breathe...", he turned to the two behind him, "Bring him some water to drink."
One of the men immediately ran and brought back a leather sack filled with water.
The one who was out of breath grabbed and drank the water in one turn.
He caught his breath and said, "Master, we think that...that we found it."
From the man's expression, one can tell what the messenger was talking about.
Without wasting a minute they barged toward the digging location.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone