The Author's POV

"Very well, you will be allowed to gain access to our treasure to pick whatever skill you want."

Gervis said. Then, pausing, he looked at me straight in the eyes and solemnly said.

"But I warn you, don't be too greedy. When one must choose a skill, one must choose a skill nearing their rank. If you choose a skill that is far above your rank, it would destroy your body, so be careful."

"I understand."

I replied with a subtle nod.

What Gervis said wasn't wrong.

The only reason why Jin and the others didn't have extremely powerful skills that were far above their rank level with respect to their background was exactly because of this problem.

Their immature bodies couldn't contain the power of the skill.

Most times they'd end up suffering extreme consequences.

As such, one had to be careful when choosing a skill.

"I'm glad that you know."

Smiling in satisfaction, Gervis turned to look at the others in the hall and raised his cup.

"Now then, since we're over with all of that stuff, it's time for us to celebrate our victory! Cheers!"

"Cheers!"

Everyone replied back, raising their cups in celebration.

And so for the next couple of hours, everyone feasted on the delicious food on the table.

I also feasted like never before as I tried all of the food on the table.

It had to be noted that the food was made by cooking special beasts. They weren't simple beasts at that, but vicious and powerful wild ones that had to be hunted beforehand.

Not only did the meat contain mana, but it also had additional effects in helping the body recover faster.

With each bite I took, I could feel myself feeling more and more refreshed.

The feeling felt euphoric to me.

'Since it's free I might as well.'

Without holding back, I stuffed myself with as much food as possible, much to the shame of Douglas and Waylan. But I didn't care. Unlike them, I was still in my growing phase.

It was only after my stomach could no longer hold any more food that I finally stopped.

"I think, I ate too much..." I muttered while leaning back on my seat and rubbing my stomach which was now bulging slightly.

Regret slowly started to seep in.

I had eaten so much that I felt like I could explode at any second.

Aside from that, I also was slowly starting to feel sleepy.

Fortunately, by the time I was done eating the banquet had already come to an end and everyone slowly went back to their residences.

Following Douglas and Waylan out, I also prepared to head out of the hall, but before I could go out, someone tugged my pants.

Lowering my head, I spotted Gervis looking up at me from below.

He was here to remind me about my previous request.

"Ren, I've talked to Randur and he will be bringing you to the treasury tomorrow morning. Go get some good rest."

The moment he mentioned the words 'treasury' my mind sobered up real quick and I nodded my head.

I'll be up first thing in

Have

"Thank you."

catch up with Douglas and Waylan who had already exited the

the reward ceremony

***

The next day.

"Huaaaam…"

outside of my residence, I let

last

like

I was so excited about my reward, I probably wouldn't have

"You're already up?"

of my thoughts was a

the direction of where the

"You're finally here."

do you mean finally? I'm right on time." Randur replied, taking out a small item resembling a pocket watch

to me it's finally since I've been waiting for this moment

back, walking up to

a long time? You

for ensuring that the plan would

"That's quite smart."

turning around he beckoned me to

hidden, so we must be extremely

"Yes."

treasure, which was the place where all the most precious equipment and items were stored, the place was heavily protected

His seriousness was understandable.

behind, we walked

the silence uncomfortable, I decided to make small talk on our way to

the barriers been set up again? The ones

back up

"Oh? I see."

once again tried to attack,

never

"That's good."

continued to make small talk with Randur on our way to our destination. Before long, we stopped in front

"Hey."

portal, Randur headed for

from

location of the treasury a secret, the dwarves must've only told the coordinates of

of

"Alright, I'm done."

Randur went to the portal that, clapping his hands together, he turned towards me and indicated to me to get in the

We can't let others know of the location

"Okay."

step forward and greeting the guard, I climbed up a couple of stairs and

on the other

the last words I heard before my vision blurred and slowly I was enshrouded by a familiar uncomfortable

*

"Ugh, I hate portals."

as I took a

of them, I still hated the sensation I got

had been spun around in circles

"What's this smell?"

invading my nostrils. Lifting my

door, but I knew for a

were most likely

"It's nice isn't it?"

the enormous door in the distance. A sense of pride

"Yeah."

I softly replied back.