Ding

Congratulations, you have learned: Bargaining – Level 1
You have gained 150 bonus XP.

Alice jumped, surprised by the sudden appearance of a system message.

"Is there a problem?" Tom inquired.

"Uh, no. Everything’s fine!"

"That was the last trade, we can finally go eat. You must be hungry."

It was the end of the day, and Alice had followed the merchant through his buying and selling of goods. She had learned a great deal, and now she possessed a valuable bargaining skill. She congratulated herself for enduring the day in light of the reward.

They returned to the inn. Alice, who had learned that the establishment was equipped with baths heated by fire magic, was skipping with excitement at the thought of a good bath after a delicious meal. She screamed with joy when she saw the steaming water, undressed in an instant, and leapt in without hesitation.

"Aaaaaah. I think this is really what I missed the most. It feels like all those years of suffering, washing in icy water, are now just a distant memory…"

She splashed around for about ten minutes before remembering that the old merchant had given her an appointment in his room to examine the gems. She finished washing and reluctantly left the hot water.

A few moments later, she joined Tom.

"So, how was that bath?"

"It was amazing! I feel alive again. Thank you for everything you’re doing for me, Mister Tom."

"It’s nothing, all these little attentions are nothing compared to the debt I owe you. Come on, show me those gems."

She placed the bag on the bedside table. She had taken care to remove Hati’s mother’s gem, far too precious to be sold. The merchant opened the bag and picked out a gem at random.

He looked shocked, handled it for a moment, took another, then another, before declaring:

"This is incredible, I’ve rarely seen gems this pure. I can hardly imagine how dangerous the monsters in the Cursed Forest must have been to produce such gems."

She activated Inspection.

"Well, that one came from an Abyss Hound, level 35, and this one from a Slithering Worm, level 40, and there…"

She stopped when she saw Tom’s expression. He could have turned to stone and it would have been the same.

"Uh… are you alright?"

"Y-you said level 40? Gems like that sell for at least 5 gold coins!"

"Really?! Great, then look at the turquoise ones, they come from level 60 ogres! It’s such a shame I couldn’t keep the one from the Mist Guardian. A level 75 gem from a unique boss, I’m sure it would have been worth so mu—"

The old man had turned to stone again.

"What now?!"

He struggled to find his words.

"You… you… what is your level exactly?"

"Sixty-three, why?"

Third time turned to stone.

"Mister Tom, are you alright??"

She had to wait for him to recover from his emotions and brought him a glass of water.

"I don’t understand why this is so shocking."

He passed a hand over his face and sighed deeply.

"Good heavens… Do you realize that most ordinary people never get past level 20? And even then, that’s at the end of their lives, if they’ve had an active life."

She opened her eyes wide, silent.

"Fighters, they sometimes reach level 30, 50… maybe 60 for the most talented. War heroes, guild leaders, veterans of a hundred campaigns, and so on."

He paused.

"A level 70, that’s the elite. There are barely a thousand of them in a generation. And those who surpass 90… they’re monsters. Geniuses born with years of training, support, artifacts… and often noble blood."

A thin, nostalgic smile stretched his lips.

"The highest level ever recorded was that of Euclis, the Arena Champion. He reached level 112 at the end of his career. And he was over sixty years old."

Alice blinked.

"Oh."

"And you, you’re telling me this as if you’d just won a piece of candy in a lottery?! You’re level sixty-three, and not even old enough to marry yet!"

She looked away, a little ashamed.

"I… I didn’t know."

Tom looked at her for a long time, then sighed again.

"I swear, you really lack common sense."

She lowered her head, embarrassed.

"As for your gems, I’d be completely unable to evaluate them. I can only tell you that you possess quite a fortune. The dwarves are much better at that than I am. By the way, where do you plan to go now?"

"I’m going to the empire’s capital. I have something to do there."

"Bad idea, you should leave the empire!"

"I will, but not before I go to the capital."

Tom jumped to his feet.

"You musn’t go! It’s far too dangerous, even at your level. The troops stationed there are at least level 50. And that’s not even mentioning General Trent and his elite troops, who are much stronger. You’d be unmasked and captured immediately."

Alice stood as well.

"I MUST go, I made a promise and I MUST keep it!"

They glared at each other like stubborn dogs, both standing their ground.

Then Tom sat down again, capitulating with an anxious sigh.

"I’m not sure your promise is worth your life, but… If you change your mind, I advise you to head north to Brassac, the dwarven confederation. There, you could sell your gems at a good price, and register at the adventurers’ guild without your identity being a problem."

"Sorry, I really don’t have a choice…"

"Hmmf. I contacted the adventurers from this morning to offer them an escort quest. I had asked them to take you to Brassac, but it’ll suffice to tell them you’re going to the capital of the empire, Eleryndrak."

"Do I really need them? With their level…"

"It’s mostly your sense of direction that worries me!"

Alice coughed awkwardly. She had gotten lost several times during the day.

"Okay. Thank you very much."

"Now go to bed. Tomorrow, you’ll have to wake up early."

That night, she went to bed with plenty of questions in her head. She thought about the slaves from that morning. The young vampire. Had she done the right thing by ignoring such injustice? She convinced herself that she couldn’t have done anything to help them without endangering herself and old Tom. Her only choice in this empire that hunted her species was to stay hidden.

She then thought back to the conversation she had just had with the old merchant. She was therefore somewhere in the middle of this world’s level spectrum, but in the higher average. That meant she would be safe in most cases. No, what worried her was the capital. Having an entire army of level 50 or higher on her heels was risky, even for her. She fell asleep wondering if it was really wise to trust that divine being.

The next morning, Tom knocked at her door. He had come to give her a new tunic, red with golden trims, her size, and especially less tattered than her old one. She put it on along with a finely braided leather belt, tied twice around her waist. She could easily fasten her rapier there, which she still kept hidden along with her armor, on the merchant’s advice. Finally, she tied her long hair with a red ribbon matching the tunic. She looked at herself in the mirror of her room, satisfied with her appearance.

"After all those years, neglected in the forest, I must say it feels good to actually look like something!"

Once dressed, they had a hearty breakfast and finally went to meet the group of adventurers waiting in front of the inn.

The young blond warrior, Rilian, approached them, teeth showing in a charming smile. He clearly belonged to that breed of serial heart-breakers, with his pretty boy looks, finely chiseled muscles, blond hair tied in a ponytail, and big laughing green eyes.

"Hello, fair lady! I knew yesterday that fate would bring us together again! I am Rilian Thorne, active member of Avalon’s adventurers’ guild, level 27 swordsman, and leader of this group of adventurers!"

He barely hid his pride as he spoke those last words. Alice knew this type of character well. Whatever the world, there were always some. It was better not to play along.

"Nice to meet you… My name is Alice."

The boy seemed disappointed that Alice didn’t react to his charms and titles. But he quickly recovered.

"Hum… Nice to meet you, Alice. We’re the ones who will escort you to Brassac. Let me introduce the members of our adventurer group. Here are Shaeka, Griak, Osim, and Yeoman."

He pointed in the direction of the Faëren woman who waved energetically with a wink, the dwarf who puffed out his chest and raised his thumb, and the mage and tracker who simply nodded politely.

Tom spoke up.

"Change of plans, she has to visit family in Eleryndrak. You’ll take her to Brassac afterward."

"To the capital? Do you have family all over the continent or what?"

Tom shot him a threatening look to discourage further questions. He handed over the payment for the escort mission. Rilian sighed and took the purse before replying:

"Very well, it’s almost on the way anyway, we can make a small detour. If you’re ready, let’s go. It takes a week to reach Eleryndrak, then another five days to reach dwarven territory."

He turned around and began saddling his horse, giving orders to his group.

Tom signaled Alice to follow him aside. She obeyed.

"As long as you’re in Draknar territory, don’t reveal your species or your origins, don’t show your gems either, and… and… In fact, better not talk too much!"

Alice burst out laughing.

"Don’t worry, Mister Tom. I’m more sensible than I look! Everything will be fine, I promise you."

The merchant’s anxious gaze softened.

"I’ll miss you, little one. Above all, take good care of yourself. And if ever your steps lead you one day to the Merchant Republic of Linaria, come see me in Weybalt. It’s a small coastal port all the way to the east."

Alice’s eyes began to shine with emotion. Though short, the time spent with the old man had given her a glimpse of what it felt like to have a grandfather. Golly, then Tom, it had taken her changing worlds to feel that sense of belonging again!

"It’s a promise! Take care of yourself, too," she said, swallowing back her tears. Then she headed toward Rilian and his group, who were finally ready to leave.

"Ah! And if you come, I’ll introduce you to my grandson!"

"Thank you for everything you’ve done for me!"

She waved to him with her brightest smile. The old man blushed and went back to his cart. She had time to hear him mumble:

"As soon as I get home, I’ll register him with the adventurers’ guild. With a little luck…"

When she reached the group, the Faëren woman asked her with a warm smile:

"Did you get to say your goodbyes?"

"Yes, Miss Shaeka, I’m ready to go."

"Miss?! Just call me Shaeka, I’m barely old enough to be your big sister! In fact, consider me as such!"

She didn’t let it show, but Alice was overjoyed at the thought of living among a group of adventurers.

They made her climb onto Shaeka’s horse, seated in front of her. Rilian had offered to take her with him, but Alice had hastily said she wanted to ride with her “new big sister.” The group finally set out.

At the edge of the village, Hati, who must have grown tired of hiding, emerged from the shadows and leapt into Alice’s arms. Shaeka, frightened just behind her, drew her dagger.

"No, he’s my companion, Hati!"

"A monster as a pet?" Osim was astonished. "That’s unusual. He looks like a Fenrir, one of the legendary wolves. But that can’t be, we’ve never had any proof of their existence."

"Hahaha… that would be incredible to meet one like that, wouldn’t it?" she replied quickly.

"BWAHAHAHA! Now that’s a fine and singular traveling companion! I like this pup!"

Griak had come closer to examine the young wolf. The latter licked his face as if to answer: "I like you too!"

[...]

The small convoy advanced peacefully along a forest path. The sun filtered through the foliage, painting moving patches of light on the ground. The wind carried the smell of moss, of damp earth, and the soft clatter of hooves on stone marked their rhythm.

Seated at the front of Shaeka’s saddle, Alice let herself be carried along, her gaze lost among the branches. She never would have thought she could feel such peace, mingled with such excitement. There was no stifling mist, no monsters, just the world, vast and unknown.

She breathed in deeply, as if the very air finally belonged to her.

"Is this your first time traveling?" Shaeka asked gently.

"In a way, yes. And I love it. It’s… new. Thrilling."

Shaeka smiled, her amber eyes shining beneath her russet locks.

"You’ll see, the world is sometimes cruel, but it’s beautiful too. And with us, you’re safe."

"With me especially," added Rilian, trotting up beside them, clearly determined to impress.

He straightened his back, ran a hand through his golden blond hair, and declared in a tone full of confidence:

"You know, Alice, being an adventurer isn’t just about money! It’s a vocation! Protecting the weak, making justice reign, honor, glory…"

Alice shot him a sidelong glance, both amused and puzzled.

"Yes, I see," she answered politely.

Shaeka stifled a laugh behind her gloved hand.

"We can immediately sense the humility of a hero. That’s not how you charm a young lady!"

"Oh, but you know very well you’re the only one I’m trying to charm, Shaeka," he replied with a dazzling wink.

The young woman’s face flushed red as she exploded:

"You little…!"

With a fluid motion, she leapt from her mount. Her tribal tattoos glowed softly, as if the light of the forest had seeped beneath her skin. A surge of energy coursed through her muscles, her body resonating like the notes of a crystalline melody. She seemed lighter, faster, each movement pulsing with animal grace.

Before Rilian had time to back away, she sprang at him with striking speed, as if carried by wind and fury combined. In a flash, she pinned him to the ground, towering over him, fist raised with a feral grin.

"Now you’ll see what it’s like to charm a Faëren without her permission, pretty boy!"

Seeing Alice’s astonished look, Osim leaned toward her, a small smile at the corner of his lips.

"You’ve never seen a Faëren warrior use her wilderness magic? Their energy is etched into their flesh from a very young age. Each tattoo is a channel, offered by the shamans of their people. That’s what makes their strength."

"It’s… beautiful, and melodic," murmured Alice, fascinated.

They all watched the two companions bicker with endearing familiarity.

"You’d better stay humble, Rilian, or someone might want to do more than just ruffle your hair…"

"Come on, Shaeka, I…"

TWIIING

An arrow whistled through the air, grazing the young man’s head before striking the tree behind him.

Rilian paled and froze, his hand still raised in a theatrical gesture.

A tense silence fell over the group. All instinctively reached for their weapons. Yeoman, the tracker, cursed under his breath:

"Ambush!"