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.

be up first thing

good. Have

"Thank you."

rushed out to catch up with Douglas and Waylan

the reward ceremony

***

The next day.

"Huaaaam…"

residence, I let out a long

banquet last night, I fell asleep almost

like a

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

"You're already up?"

of my thoughts was

my head in the direction of where the voice sounded, I spotted Randur in

"You're finally here."

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

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

walking up

quite a long time? You were that confident in

it served as good motivation for ensuring that the

"That's quite smart."

Then, turning around

quite hidden, so we must

"Yes."

where all the most precious equipment and items were

His seriousness was understandable.

from behind, we

decided to make small talk on our way

the barriers been set up again? The

up

"Oh? I see."

this part just in case the demons once again tried to attack, but

Jomnuk re-activated the barriers. Since I only disabled the barriers and never actually destroyed them, he was able to set them back up in

"That's good."

talk with Randur on our way to our destination. Before

"Hey."

portal,

him from behind,

the dwarves must've only told the coordinates of the place

me of what

"Alright, I'm done."

couple of minutes after 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

"Okay."

a step forward and greeting the guard, I climbed up

you on the other

the last words I heard before my vision blurred

*

"Ugh, I hate portals."

a step out

them, I still hated the sensation I

as though I had been spun around in circles at extreme speeds. Nauseating to say the

"What's this smell?"

a rustic scent lingered in the air, invading my nostrils. Lifting my head up,

outside of the door, but I knew for a fact that there were

most likely hiding

"It's nice isn't it?"

at the enormous door in the distance. A sense

"Yeah."

I softly replied back.