[Eden's POV]
"Yawn..." As I went through the dimly lit hall of the inn, I couldn't help but yawn. It's early in the morning, and today marks the 15th day since I arrived in this city, and I can't say it's been the most interesting adventure.
The majority of my days were consumed by two activities: hunting in the vast, beautiful forest and constant training with my spear.
The forest had become my second home, a place where danger lurked beneath every rustling leaf and great rewards awaited. Countless beasts had fallen to my spear, each combat adding to my arsenal of experience and generating a big stack of experience points sufficient for me to look into the items in the shop, but I refrained because I had been saving them to buy the "Elixir of Arcane Resonance" from the system shop.
'Edda, please show me my status.'
[Okay].
She responded, and a translucent screen appeared in front of me, displaying a stream of data.
=====================
Name: Eden Morton
Experience Points (XP): 11,850
Gold Coins: 197
Health Points (HP): 120/120
[Status]
Mage Path: Origin Level 1
Mana Points (MP): 99/100
Knight Path: Origin Level 2
Strength: 105
Agility: 103
Defense: 101
Endurance: 100]
[Hidden Status:
Luck: 9
Charm: 23
Charisma: 6 (locked)
Bloodline: partially locked
[Affinities: fire, water, wind, earth, space-time].
======================
A satisfied nod slipped my way as I stared at the system screen, like an indirect affirmation of my work. The continuously rising numbers on the display gave me a sense of accomplishment and purpose.
My path as a knight had risen a level just two days before, an important event on my journey to becoming a strong warrior. Although it was common knowledge that progressing from origin level 1 to origin level 2 was the easiest part of the journey, it still felt like a huge win, a testament to my growth.
My mage path, on the other hand, was on the verge of a breakthrough. There is a possibility of progressing from origin level 1 to origin level 2 in the next day or two.
Dressed in a brilliant blue pant and a crisply fitted grey shirt. A sleek black belt constricted my waist, providing a functional accent to my outfit. My face remained hidden under a mask, an intriguing look that hinted at my preparation for training.
A strong spear sat snugly in its holster across my back, a mute monument to my tenacity.
As I arrived at the regular training place, I was struck by an unexpected sight that piqued my interest right away. A figure stood in the center of the grounds who was anything but ordinary.
Sylvia, a mesmerizing image of contrasts, stood at the very heart of the training ground.
As she observed the familiar scenery, her hands were gracefully clasped behind her back, her gaze piercing and unyielding. The typical kitchen outfit and apron had been replaced by a stunning combination that grabbed attention.
She wore black shorts that emphasized her slim physique while displaying a glimpse of her thigh. A spotless white sweater clung to her figure above, contrasting with the dusky richness of her flesh. Her ebony hair was artfully put into a high ponytail, proving her effortless grace. Her feet were dressed in thick, high boots, ready for whatever the day had in store.
' Ahhh ,She looks sexy as hell.'
As I observed Sylvia's remarkable appearance, I silently complimented myself for choosing her as my master over some stuffy old man, relishing the unexpected benefits that came with my decision.
"You're here, kid." Sylvia's voice broke through my thoughts, her gaze focusing on me as she approached with a smooth stride. Her eyes were amused, as if she had already deduced the ideas that had flitted through my mind.
"Yes?" I responded with a slightly confused tone. I couldn't figure out why she was here or whether her presence was intended for me personally.
"You've been working diligently for the past week, so I thought I should help you a little in your training."
She repeated herself, her words full of promise. Her lovely perfume swept over me as she drew to a standstill just in front of me—a sweet fragrance that reminded me of honey.
"So, are we heading to the kitchen?"
I tried to react, trying to seem as natural as possible given the unusual circumstances. Despite my efforts, it appeared that my words didn't exactly communicate the correct emotion.
[You're fucked, aren't you?]
Edda joined in, and now that I think about it, my statements did sound a little bad.
"Haha..."
Sylvia laughed, her laugh as enticing as her presence. But, as her laughter filled the air, I felt an unanticipated wave of pressure on my shoulders. It hit me so hard that I found myself bending one knee and battling to catch my breath.
"Argh..."
I groaned as I tried to raise my head, but
My attempts were unsuccessful, as if an invisible force held me in place.
"Is that enough to prove I can train you?"
As she posed the inquiry, Sylvia's voice had a tinge of sarcasm, her presence projecting an evident aura of dominance.
"Y-yes, ma'am," I replied, with my voice slightly trembling as I recovered my breath. The pressure that had engulfed me had vanished almost as fast as it had arrived.
"Good," Sylvia said warmly, her manner transforming from imposing to encouraging.
I collected myself and carefully rose to my feet, her patient eyes set on me.
"You know, kid, there are far more women at the top of the world's hierarchy, whether it's strength or power, than men. Could you explain why?"
Her unexpected and thought-provoking question hung in the air, demanding my attention.
'Because this world is based on a game made for men?'
My mind lingered on the subject, and I couldn't think of a better answer, but I couldn't say it aloud, so I simply demonstrated ignorance on the subject.
"I don't know," I said, my words colored with interest in her point of view.
"Whenever there is conflict, for whatever reason, it is often men who pay the highest price. Their recklessness, unshakeable adherence to honor, and willingness to engage in combat can all lead to their demise. So, here's my first lesson: never be reckless, and keep your mouth shut if you don't know anything about the opposing side."
She clarified and helped me comprehend what she meant.
I nodded in agreement, fully aware that my perspective was very different from the people who lived in this world.
I give zero fuck about ideals like honor or pride that may push others to dangerous behavior. I had learned to value knowledge above boldness a long time ago and to avoid fights if the chances were stacked against me.
"Now let's talk about the main topic" .
She said to bring attention back to her, and I listened intently, waiting for her words.
"I will be teaching you how to master mana sense" .
She stated, and my vision changed, as I found myself in complete darkness.