Thundering sounds raged through the dungeon. Echoing everywhere in the cave. Metallic clacks accompanied by large screams. A battle is taking place. One with enormous stakes. In the underground tomb where Quant awakened, stood two tall giants. The orc general of the Argracia and the silver wolf alpha. Considered strong leaders of their respective tribes.
The orc general lunged his spear at the silver wolf. Only to be met with despair as the wolf ran passed his guard. Biting his torso, lodging in his teeth. The orc did not utter a word. He dropped his spear and grabbed the wolf's neck. Squeezing the air from its lungs.
This isn't a normal occurrence. Never do these creatures stay within the same area, let alone fight. What could have brought on such a dispute? Oddly enough they were not alone. In the corner laid a bloody figure. Beaten and bruised all over. His blood spattered on the wall. This was not just anyone. This was Quant.
A week prior to this endeavor. Leads us back to Quant unconscious. A day after he repaired the village's tools. He slept in a small room on a single bed in the center. The room covered in light brown walls matched with the wooden floor.
The light glimmered from the window. Reaching his eyes, blinding his view as he slowly awoke from slumber. He arose from his position. Choosing to sit instead of laying. Put his hand on his face.
"System. What happened."
[The host used a low-level skill to repair tools]
[Due to the host's new weak body]
[Not being equipped to handle the aftermath]
[The host fell in an unconscious state for over compensating]
Quant remembered something very important. Although this level of magic is considered low-level in his previous state. In his current body, it is magic above his level. Thus his body needed to overcome its limits forcefully.
[The system recommends reaching level 10]
[The host's body will be strong enough to handle minuscule tasks such as the last one]
[Host will also be able to unlock「Linear Programming」skill]
This brought upon new hope to Quant. Linear Programming is not a powerful skill. Yet, certainly foundational for him. Who wishes to gain his strength back. However, this skill is very useless without magic. His goal was now clear. To learn magic.
[Host is warned! A peculiar aura is being felt from the cave further north]
The system could pick up small traces of magic energy. What interested Quant. Is that it only picked it up now, not before. Making Quant believe something might be wrong.
His chain of thought was broken by the squeak of the door as it opened. It was Jenna. Holding a plate carrying a cup of tea. She looked rather restless. If not worried. She looked up at the bed. Seeing a healthy Quant sitting firm and upright. Her expression changed from concern to cheerfulness. She smiled, walking quickly to the bed. Placing the tea by the nightstand.
"Are you Mr. Quant. I brought you some tea"
Quant took the tea from the nightstand. He smelt it before taking a sip. The taste was rather unusual for tea. Nevertheless, it was pleasant to have.
"Yeah. My body couldn't handle the skill I used."
"That skill was powerful indeed. It must have been eighth rank magic."
Her words were confusing. Eighth rank magic? That term is not one Quant knew. Nor the system.
"Nevermind that. My grandfather wants to meet you. He was overjoyed when he heard the tools were fixed. I didn't tell him the magic you used was of such a high level. You must have a reason for keeping it a secret. "
Hearing this made Quant glad. To know his secret is safe. More importantly, that Jenna is trustworthy.
"Your grandfather wants to meet me you say. Let's go."
He jumped off the bed with haste. Landing perfectly on his feet. Jenna was startled. Not understanding the sudden burst of energy.
"Don't you need to rest. Don't overdo it."
"Nonsense. By the way. How long have I been out for ."
"A day. It's already morning."
This was bad news. Unconscious for a day due to activating a basic skill. If nothing else. It was screaming how weak he is. He has to learn magic quickly before he is ever in actual danger. They walked until the center of the town. Meeting a few villagers along the way.
The land was sandy. Having greenery in the farmlands. Towards the east, south along with the occasional bush. Building sparsely separated with roads meant for carts to pass through. At the center was the old man conversing with the two men.
"I'm guessing you must be the young man who assisted us in our time of need. My granddaughter has told me a lot about you. You can call me Jack"
The old man shook Quant's hand. Giving of a smile. At that moment, He couldn't help but get a mysterious feeling. Not from the old man but. More so that they interrupted an important conversation
"Don't think much of it. Those who help me in my time of need will always receive the favor tenfold. "
"Still we need to reward you for what you have done. We may not have much but please don't hold back."
This was an opportunity Quant was sure not to waste.
"I am not one to ask the hill for a mountain. I only wish that you continue to lend me your granddaughter for a couple more hours."
An absurd request shot right of the bat. He spoke sharply yet modestly. Striking them with an influx of emotions. Each different from the other. Jack ecstatic at his request. A bold display of bravery. A quality he finds appealing for one who wishes to take the hand for his sweet Jenna.
Jenna was red as the biggest tomato in sight. Her heart pounded faster than a bullet. the rise of her heartbeat caused her to hyperventilate. The two men beside Jack had two different reactions. One was proud to see a young man who sees what he wants and takes it.
The other one, however, didn't like it one bit. Anger filled his head as he clenched his face in disapproval. He shouted loud for all to hear
"I disagree with this. How can we allow a random stranger to continue to stay with lady Jenna? He has already intruded into her home. For fixing our equipment. We shall forgive his transgressions but no more should we indulge him."
This man short in stature. Wearing a black tanktop accompanied by grey shorts. He had short brown hair. Holding a blade on his right hand.
His intentions were clear. This was jealousy at work. He didn't feel right seeing another man staying with her. The grandfather did not like what he heard. He had crossed a line.
The other man felt embarrassed to hear what had been said.
"Farlor show some respect this man is the savior of this village."
This tall man stood as high as a giant. A true warrior to its name. It's obvious to tell that this man has fought in many battles. His face, manly with scars. On top, his short brown hair being blown side to side by the wind.
"But father. This man does not have good intentions. He wishes to his small good deed to defile lady Jenna. Are we going to let that happened?��
This accusation was greatly disrespectful. His jealousy has caused him to go to such lengths. The others understood his reasoning for saying what he said. But not Quant. To him, this was a childish squabble of a person as intelligent as a tree branch.
His face showed disgust. Appalled by the sight of that young man. His eyes went cold. Showing no emotion as he spoke.
"Your face. Is rather vexing. Seal it."
A menacing aura came from him. One which Jack and his companion knew. This was murderous intent. It wasn't vile enough to be dangerous. Yet, obvious enough for even an intermediate warrior to tell. This man was not one to be messed with.
The boy's legs shook from his frightening look. He knew this adversary is dangerous. Still, he couldn't yield from this. Not in front of Jenna. He foolishly attempted an attack. One which was spotted by his father. A sloppy slash from up high. An attack that would not hit his mark. It was stopped before it was seen by Jenna and the villagers.
He stopped the attack before his hand reached upwards. Holds his head. Forcing him to bend over.
"My apologies for my son's behavior. He is only nineteen years of age. I am sure he did not mean it. My name is Foxor. Please, accept my apologies"
Quant's face did not change. The previous insult still bothered him. To think a mere boy would raise his voice at him. Jenna was in the background still astonished from what she saw. The biggest surprise being Quant's face. She didn't know he could make such a face. One full of evil intentions.
"To clear the misunderstanding. My only goal is to have her teach me magic. As a good gesture for your kind hospitality, I'll forgive your son. Just this once."
The dark aura seeped out again. Clearly meant to threaten them.
"Let's go Mr.Quant. I'm not very good at magic but I'm sure I can teach you something."
Jenna used this diversion to decrease the tension of the meeting. She grabbed his hand. Dragging him back towards the house. This was not expected by Quant. Causing him to nearly fall multiple times along the journey. Creating a funny imitation of a wife pulling her husband.
They had left the area. Leaving the jack Farlor and Foxor.
"What do you think of him Foxor."
He said slowly. Looking back Quant as he gets dragged like a doll. Smirking from the display of affection between the two.
"He looked nothing more than a helpless man. Following a woman. But after the feeling I got. I could tell that he is a monster. He didn't show any signs of being strong. I doubt he's ever carried something as small as a knife. Yet the aura he gave was of an assassin."
Foxor was confused. A man that can give off murderous intent but has never held a weapon. That also brings the question of how he fixed the tools.
"He isn't an ordinary craftsman. He was able to fix demolished, rusted, molded tools to brand new. Better yet, in greater condition than originally bought. That doesn't make sense."
These Questions were the right to ask. They chose to let it be. They didn't sense any horrid intentions. They trusted Jenna. Knowing that she wouldn't have brought an evildoer to their home.
"Farlor you've had a crush on her for years no. just because you can't make a move doesn't mean you can shout at others who do so."
Foxor said mocking his son. Attempting to lighten the mood.
"Father stop your childish games. This is not a crush but undying respect."
The old men laughed at that response. Walking away from the central village point.
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