Arlon, now with his real face, sat on a wooden chair inside the small potion shop, mirroring Charon across the table.
Charon stroked his long beard, studying him with those sharp, knowing eyes.
"Sir Charon, you haven't changed much either." Arlon smirked. "But I should correct you. I didn't level up that much… but I trained a lot."
Charon let out a low chuckle. "Good for you. Though I imagine that only ans you've been doing things the hard way."
Arlon shrugged. "Isn't that the best way to grow?"
"Tch." Charon shook his head. "Do you need to ask that? If you didn't know the answer, you wouldn't do it."
Arlon simply smiled but didn't argue.
Charon leaned back in his chair. "So? Why are you back here? I doubt it's just for a social visit."
"We were close by, and I wanted the others to have a week off. So, we ca here."
Charon raised an eyebrow. "A week off? From what, murder?"
Arlon didn't flinch, but he could tell the remark wasn't entirely a joke. Charon would probably know about things Zephyrion knows about.
"From fighting," Arlon corrected. "They need to recover, and Istarra is as good a place as any."
Charon humd in thought. "I suppose I should be honored that you brought them here, then."
He stood up and walked over to one of the shelves, grabbing a small, dark-colored vial.
Charon leaned back in his chair, his fingers idly tapping against the wooden table.
"I feel like listening to sothing. Since I'm in the mood, tell what you've been up to these past few months while you weren't here," he said, his voice calm but expectant.
Arlon nodded, already having expected this. Charon wasn't the type to ask out of simple curiosity.
And that was fine.
Arlon needed to be closer to him anyway.
So, without hesitation, he began recounting everything that had happened since he left Istarra.
He spoke about their first week of training, their battles, and their first Demon kill.
Charon listened in silence, his sharp gaze never wavering. Though his expression was unreadable, Arlon knew he was absorbing every detail.
Then, Arlon moved on to the banquet.
"After that, I t Lady Birna and Sheila..."
The mont Birna's na left his lips, Arlon noticed a change in Charon's face.
It was slight, but unmistakable.
A flicker of sothing buried—perhaps recognition, perhaps sothing else.
"Birna and Sheila, huh?" Charon said, his voice devoid of emotion. "How were they doing?"
Arlon studied him for a mont before answering.
"They were strong. I couldn't asure them, no matter what I did."
Read exclusive chapters at My Virtual Library Empire
Charon let out a low chuckle. "Hah! That's only natural. She is one of the strongest—"
But then, he stopped.
Cut himself off.
Arlon raised an eyebrow. One of the strongest… what?
Was he talking about Birna? Or Sheila?
It was the first ti Arlon had seen Charon hesitate.
Instead of finishing his sentence, Charon casually shifted the topic.
"How was Zephyrion?" he asked, as if the previous mont hadn't happened.
Arlon didn't press further.
Not yet.
But now he knew.
There was sothing between Birna and Charon.
And whatever it was, it wasn't sothing he wanted to discuss.
Arlon made a ntal note to look into it later.
For now, he answered the question.
---
Shirl walked ahead of the group, her steps light as she led them down the bustling streets of Istarra.
The sun had dipped lower, casting a warm orange glow over the town. Lanterns flickered to life, lining the streets with soft, golden light.
The mix of Trionians and players created an unusual but lively atmosphere—locals running their evening stalls, players checking gear, discussing quests, or simply relaxing after a long day.
Shirl turned slightly, glancing at Maria, Carn, and Evan.
"So? What do you think of Istarra?" she asked with a grin.
Maria looked around, taking in the sights. "It's different from what I expected. More… welcoming."
"Yeah," Carn agreed. "I thought a major hub like this would be more chaotic, but it feels like an actual town, not just a savior zone."
"Ah, there used to be a lot more saviors. But that was the effect of the Legendary Guide Sir Arlon.
Since he isn't here anymore, fewer people co. But still, it had beco the biggest frontline thanks to those tis," Shirl answered.
Arlon's affect on the town was big. Since he was here, more and more players ca to receive advice.
And in turn, this developed Istarra's economy even further. New markets opened and current stores thrived.
So, even though Arlon wasn't here anymore, the open places pulled custors, turning Istarra into the most developed starting town.
Evan, however, had a different kind of excitent in his eyes. "I like it. It's got everything—food, gear, people to ss with. Might be my kind of place."
Shirl laughed. "You better not cause trouble. Istarra doesn't take kindly to reckless players."
Evan smirked. "? Trouble? Never."
Maria and Carn gave him a pointed look but said nothing.
As they walked, Shirl continued pointing out notable locations—the market square, where vendors sold rare materials, the training grounds, where players sparred, and the grand hall, where officials and higher-ranked NPCs gathered.
Of course, that gathering place was fake for the tis administrators ca. The real etings were still held under the Moonlight Potion Store.
But her real excitent ca when they arrived at their first stop—a small, cozy café nestled between two larger buildings.
Shirl turned to the group. "This place is my favorite."
Carn tilted her head. "A café? I didn't expect that from you."
Shirl puffed up her cheeks in mock offense. "Hey! Even I need a break sotis!"
June chuckled. "I guess if we're going to chat, this is as good a place as any."
The group entered, the scent of freshly brewed tea and baked goods instantly filling the air.
As they settled into their seats, Shirl finally leaned forward, her eyes gleaming with curiosity.
"Alright. Now spill. I want to hear everything that's happened since we last t."
---***---***---***
Hi everyone. As a thank you for your continuous support on this novel, here is a redeem code for 10 FP per user:
ABDHY4QNGY5LGW3DB
Reviews
All reviews (0)