The Dreamer's POV

[00 Months: 04 Days: 03 Hours]

The morning sun cast a soft golden glow upon the town as I made my way through the streets, the remnants of the previous night's chaos evident in the shattered buildings and ongoing repairs.

I was able to talk to a few townspeople and extract a bit more information from them, though most of them were too busy trying to rebuild what the monster horde of last night had destroyed.

Surprisingly, they were in a much better mood than I would have expected

There were a few casualties due to the events of the previous night, and while that was regrettable, it was more of a relief that a vast majority of the people survived the onslaught.

There were many injured, but it was clear that they would live.

As I walked through the village, I couldn't help but marvel at the resilience of the townsfolk as they worked tirelessly to rebuild their shattered lives.

The air buzzed with a sense of hope and unity, their determination a testament to the indomitable spirit that thrived within them.

It truly was Inspiring, all things considered.

'Sometimes I feel like the natives here are even better than the earthlings I know...'

Upon concluding most of my business in the town, I found myself walking in the direction of the inn, where I spotted Tatia not too far off.

The moment she saw me, a brilliant smile formed on her face and she rushed in my direction.

'It seems her sister and friends are fine.' I mused, considering why else she would be able to maintain such an ecstatic smile.

Tatia's voice broke through my reverie, her words laden with relief. "I'm happy to see you're fine."

"Likewise. And how are your sister and friends?"

"O-oh, they're all safe. Thanks for asking." Her cheeks slowly turned pink, and I had to wonder why.

Was she not used to questions of concern? Or perhaps she was unwell.

I wasn't sure, but she seemed energetic just a moment ago, so perhaps I didn't need to think too far about it.

"Rael, everyone in the town is talking about the strange miracle that occurred," she beamed, her voice tinged with wonder.

It seemed her very energetic personality returned as if nothing happened. As it turned out, I was overthinking things, after all.

"They say the monsters were vanquished in a blur, as if by an act of God. No one can explain it."

If I could count how many times I had heard those words from the buzzing townspeople, it would be a chore.

Everyone kept going on about the 'Invisible blur', and the power of the Gods.

Some even reckoned that perhaps a Great King was involved in their salvation.

What Great King? It was just me moving too fast for them to see while also using my Invisibility to cloak my presence.

'This is how rumors start. I hope nothing bad comes out of this.' A sigh nearly escaped my lips.

I offered a small smile, expressing relief that Tatia and her loved ones were safe. "I'm just glad you're all right," I replied.

Tatia's gaze met mine, her expression tinged with a hint of sadness. "You're leaving, aren't you?"

My eyes twitched a little as soon as I heard those words.

'She's very perceptive.'

Who would have thought that she would see through it all.

"Yes, I am. I'm done gathering the information I can gather here. Plus, I found a lead I'd like to explore. It's time to move on." I spoke, a small smile on my face.

Tatia nodded and returned my smile, though I could see some lingering sadness in her eyes.

Why was she looking at me this way, though.

We had barely known each other for two days, and she was acting like we'd been friends.for a while.

'Still, I can't say my time spent with her wasn't pleasant.'

"It's a shame you're leaving so soon," she remarked, a note of longing in her voice. "But I understand that you have your own path to follow."

Here I was receiving mixed messages. I initially thought she was concerned about me because I was her customer, but somehow this felt deeper than that.

"Where are you heading next?" Tatia asked.

I paused for a moment, considering my next move.

"I'll be traveling to the nearest city, Terance." I answered, a sense of purpose driving my words.

"There's a merchant there, a relative of someone I met here. I believe they can provide me with more information about the Wild Lands and the explorations that have taken place."

Tatia's curiosity piqued, her eyes narrowing with intrigue. "Why are you so interested in the Wild Lands?" she asked, a hint of concern coloring her voice.

"After what you've been through there, and also the attack on the village, it seems like a dangerous place to venture into."

'Ah, that's right. It does seem suspiciously obsessive, considering the backstory I gave.'

But perhaps this was a good chance to further establish my story.

A shadow slowly crossed my face as I contemplated her words, seeming as though memories of loss and pain were resurfacing within me.

"I... Iost comrades there," I admitted, my voice tinged with determination.

"I owe it to them to become stronger and seek vengeance. It's a personal journey, one that I must undertake."

Tatia's eyes softened with understanding, sympathy radiating from her.

"I can't begin to understand the weight you carry, Rael," she murmured, her voice filled with compassion. "But I wish you nothing but luck and strength on your path. May you find the closure you seek."

'Looks like it worked!' A grin crossed my face.

Tatia walked with me a little until we reached a considerable distance from where we began to talk.

It was time for our final farewell.

Tatia extended her hand towards me, a farewell gesture. I clasped her hand firmly, gratitude and respect evident in my grip.

"Thank you, Tatia," I said sincerely. "For everything."

'The information and the sex. They were both wonderful and useful.'

"Let's meet again, okay?" She beamed at me, showing more of that cuteness I simply couldn't resist.

"Of course. Till then."

With a nod, Tatia bid me farewell, her presence fading into the background as I ventured forth.

'Alright then... let's focus on the task ahead.'

The road ahead was uncertain, but I knew deep within my core that I was on the right path. Your story source m_v lem|p-yr

'This rumored expedition seems important. If I can find more information about it, I should be able to get access to stronger opponents.'

Based on my experience last night, in order to grow stronger, I needed to work smarter not harder.

'I have to find a place worthy of diverting my attention so I can Level Up.'

And so, if there were any Dungeons or Demons that would guarantee that prospect... I wouldn't mind traveling as far as I could to conquer them.

"Sorry Tatia. We might never see again."

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[A/N]

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