Chapter 6: Gathering Information

I nod, thanking them both as I pass through the gate. The streets of Aldoria bustle with activity even at this late hour. Merchants pack up their stalls, children play in the fading light, and townsfolk finish their daily chores. The town feels alive, a stark contrast to the grim scene I left behind in the forest.

I wander through the streets, taking in the sights and sounds. The buildings are a mix of wooden houses and stone structures, with taverns and shops nestled between them. My stomach growls as I pass a bakery, the smell of freshly baked bread tempting me.

Finding an inn seems like the best course of action. I need a place to rest, gather my thoughts, and perhaps pick up on some local gossip. After a few minutes, I find a modest inn with a sign that reads "The Silver Stag." The warm glow of lanterns spills onto the street, inviting weary travelers inside.

I push open the door and step into the common room. It's filled with people of all sorts- merchants, travelers, and a few locals sharing a drink. The innkeeper, a burly man with a friendly face, looks up from behind the bar.

"Welcome to The Silver Stag," he says with a smile. "What can I do for you?"

"A room for the night, and some food." I reply, trying to sound confident.

The innkeeper nods. "We've got a few rooms left. That'll be 14 copper coins for the night, and an extra 9 for a hot meal."

The price is close to what the guard told me, and I'm too exhausted to search for a better deal. I reach into my bag, pulling out the pouch I scavenged from the merchant's carriage. Handing over the coins, I thank the innkeeper and follow him upstairs to a small but cozy room. It's not much, but it's a far cry from sleeping in the forest.

After securing my belongings and hiding my valuables, I head back downstairs. The aroma of stew and fresh bread fills the air as I take a seat at one of the tables. A serving girl brings me a steaming bowl of stew and a thick slice of bread, and I dig in eagerly.

I was pleasantly surprised at how good the meal turned out to be. Honestly, I wouldn't have been surprised if they didn't have salt and pepper to spice their food in this world, but not only did they have the basic flavor boosters but also extra ones. I'm tasting some spicy chili and perhaps onion, garlic and there's a bay leaf in there too. I wouldn't bet on my guess being entirely correct, but the important part is that I'm very satisfied.

As I eat, I listen to the conversations around me, hoping to pick up useful information. Most talk is mundane- discussions about the weather, trades, and local gossip. But one conversation catches my attention.

"Did you hear about the green midget raids near the eastern road? Little rape dwarfs are back in full swing…" a grizzled man at the bar spits. "They've been getting bolder, attacking travelers and merchants in broad daylight. The guards are stretched thin trying to deal with them while also maintaining order inside the city."

Another man slurps his ale and burps loudly, almost making me lose my appetite. "Yeah! The recent border aggressions from the furries also don't help. I bet the city lord is busy writing a few commissions to the adventurer's guild right about now."

My ears perk up at the mention of goblins and adventurers. This could be useful. I make a mental note to avoid the eastern road and focus on strengthening myself before attempting anything risky. I wonder if they've been notified about the merchant carriage yet.

As the night wears on, I finish my meal and retire to my room. Lying on the small bed, I stare at the ceiling, my mind racing with possibilities. This world is dangerous but full of opportunities. I need to be smart, cautious, and always on the lookout for ways to increase my power and wealth.

Before going to sleep I inspect my status screen as a sort of lullaby. I still have a bit of a hard time acknowledging that all this is really happening. I have a very strong fear that I'm dreaming and can wake up at any moment. After experiencing so much excitement and hope in a single day I would probably become suicidal if I got dragged back to that boring hellhole.

I check my attributes and their descriptions.

Strength (STR): Increases physical power and damage with melee weapons.

Agility (AGI): Boosts speed, reflexes, and evasion.

Intelligence (INT): Enhances magical power, Mana Points (MP), and the effectiveness of spells.

Vitality (VIT): Raises Health Points (HP) and resilience.

Wisdom (WIS): Improves mana regeneration, spell casting speed, and resistance to magical effects.

Pretty straightforward. If I want to become a mage-type, then I would need to invest heavily into all besides Strength. If there are mages in the first place that is, and I can unlock such a class…

There's no chance I will not invest in Agility or Vitality, no matter what build I go for. Speed is perhaps the most important stat in my opinion; I would bet on Flashy Flash over Darkshine any day of the week.

And, well, Vitality increases my HP so that is an obvious must. I highly doubt I can just respawn after death so I can't become some glass-cannon type. One trap or sneak attack and I'm a goner.

I drift off merrily into dreamland, with such a happy expression plastered all over my face that I probably haven't wore since I grew up. My childlike wonder and excitement is back in full force.

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