"The early bird gets the worm..."

"Yeah, but what if I don't like worms?" Daion grumbled, irritated.

A loud laugh echoed through the room. "I'd say that's deep, but it's just dumb," Jack chuckled. "Funny how says like that exists in every world. Anyway, get up, rookie. We need to talk."

Daion groaned. He had learned something new about himself—he hated being woken up.

His body felt like lead as he forced himself to sit up. His sword was lying on the floor, and a dull headache throbbed behind his eyes. Damn alcohol. Turns out, the gauntlet didn't filter out the effects of drinking. Meaning he could absolutely get drunk. A nice little touch from the idiot god who brought him here.

Dragging himself to the mirror, he took in his reflection. He looked like a wreck—messy hair, ragged clothes. Up until now, he hadn't paid much attention to what he was wearing: a black jacket over an orange shirt, with torn pants. In a fantasy world, he must've looked like a complete idiot.

Sighing, he didn't bother fixing himself up too much before heading downstairs.

The tavern was nearly empty, save for a few unconscious drunks sprawled across tables and the bartender cleaning mugs behind the counter. She didn't even spare him a glance, blonde hair shifting as she worked. Something about her nagged at Daion's mind. Was it attraction? Or did she remind him of someone? Someone from… before?

Trying to shake off the strange feeling, he cleared his throat. "Rough night for some, huh?"

"Looks like it," she replied flatly, not looking up.

Daion watched her for a moment. Eventually, she noticed.

"Are you ordering something, or just planning to stare like a creep?"

"That happen to you a lot?" he asked, half-joking.

"Yeah, turns out being 'blessed' with beauty is a curse," she said dryly. She set down the mugs and pulled out a few knives, cleaning them with a rag. "Idiots think they can take advantage."

Daion tensed. This conversation was going in a direction he wasn't expecting.

"Got anything for a hangover?"

"In a bar? Monster piss," she said, smirking. "Heroes like you drink it all the time."

Daion frowned. "I was just trying to be nice. No need to be a—"

Before he could finish, the bartender grabbed him by the collar and pressed a knife against his eye.

"Listen, kid," she hissed, voice dripping with venom. "I don't give a damn how you think you should be treated. To me, summonded ones like you deserve only one thing—contempt, like the rats you are."

A chill ran down Daion's spine. He swallowed hard but clenched his fists in anger.

"What's your problem with heroes?"

"Heroes?" She spat the word out like poison. "Yeah, right. You're just toys sent by the gods. Disposable entertainment before the monsters swallow us whole."

Daion's stomach twisted. He felt frustration. Helplessness. Why the hell was he being blamed for things that had nothing to do with him?

"Something wrong here?"

Haruka descended the stairs, dressed simply but radiating sharp authority. Her piercing gaze locked onto the bartender like a blade.

The woman let go of Daion without a word. He dropped back onto his stool, heart pounding as if something dark was trying to claw its way out of his chest.

"Not really," the bartender muttered, unfazed. Then, as if nothing had happened, she poured two drinks and placed them in front of Daion and Haruka. "On the house."

Before either of them could respond, she turned and vanished into the back room.

Haruka took her seat and downed her drink without hesitation. Right then, Jack and the others strolled down the stairs, grinning like they had just witnessed the best show of the century.

"Well, that was entertaining," Jack said, laughing. "We were just betting on whether Dan could charm the bartender. Turns out, he's terrible at it."

Haruka shot him a death glare.

"You really are an idiot sometimes, boss," she muttered, taking another sip.

"Ouch," Jack smirked, entirely unfazed. Then he turned to Daion with amusement. "What's the matter, rookie? First time getting shot down by a hot girl?"

Daion wordlessly downed his drink in one go.

"You guys were watching the whole time?" he finally asked, voice dry.

"More or less," Jack admitted, shrugging. But then he noticed Daion wasn't just annoyed—he looked genuinely troubled. "Oh, don't worry. She didn't reject you because you're ugly. Heroes just aren't exactly popular around here. But hey, I'm sure some village girl still thinks you're cute."

Jack grinned, clearly enjoying himself. Daion wasn't sure whether to take it as a joke or an insult, so he just stood up.

"You wanted to talk to me about something?"

"Yikes, looks like we hit a nerve." Jack raised his hands in mock surrender. "Alright, fine. Yesterday was only half the job. This afternoon, we have another task—some soldiers went missing."

Daion grabbed his sword and nodded, ready for orders.

"Hold on," Jack eyed him up and down with a raised brow. "You're not exactly dressed for combat. With yesterday's earnings, go buy yourself some proper armor. If you wanna survive, you need to learn how to bargain. Haruka and Finn will go with you, give you some pointers. Minjae and I will check the forest."

With that, Jack turned and headed for the exit, leaving Daion with Haruka and Finn.

"Have fun," he called over his shoulder. "Oh, and Daion—don't worry about people hating heroes. No one hates gold."

With a lazy wave, he disappeared out the door.

"Bye," Daion and Finn said in unison.

Haruka stood up, grabbed Daion's hand with one of hers, Finn's with the other.

"Alright," she said in her usual tone. "Let's get you something decent to wear."