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.

up first

Have a good

"Thank you."

rushed out to catch up with Douglas and Waylan

like that, the reward ceremony

***

The next day.

"Huaaaam…"

my residence, I

getting back from the banquet last night, I fell

like

that I was so excited about my reward, I probably wouldn't have gotten out of

"You're already up?"

me out of my thoughts was

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

"You're finally here."

right on time." Randur replied, taking out a small item resembling a pocket

since I've been waiting for this moment

back, walking up to

month? That's quite a long time? You were that confident in the plan

for ensuring that the

"That's quite smart."

replied, stroking his chin. Then, turning around

quite hidden, so

"Yes."

treasure, which was the place where all the most precious equipment and

His seriousness was understandable.

we walked through the streets

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

been set up again? The ones that I took

back up as soon

"Oh? I see."

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

disabled the barriers and never actually destroyed them, he

"That's good."

small talk with Randur on our way to our destination.

"Hey."

a dwarven guard that was standing guard of the portal, Randur headed for the portal

from behind, I

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

of

"Alright, I'm done."

only after a couple of minutes after Randur went to the portal that, clapping his

go in first. We can't let others know of the location

"Okay."

I climbed up a couple of stairs

on

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

*

"Ugh, I hate portals."

a step

them, I still hated the sensation

around in circles at extreme speeds. Nauseating to say

"What's this smell?"

in the air, invading my nostrils. Lifting my head up, my eyes soon paused on an enormous ancient door that stood opposite

moment, there was no one standing outside of the door, but I knew for a fact that

most

"It's nice isn't it?"

of the portal, Randur looked at the enormous door in the distance. A sense of pride could be felt in his

"Yeah."

I softly replied back.