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.

understand. I'll be up first thing in the

good. Have a

"Thank you."

head to thank Gervis, I rushed out to catch up

reward ceremony had come

***

The next day.

"Huaaaam…"

I

back from the banquet last

like

that I was so excited about my reward, I probably

"You're already up?"

out of my thoughts

the direction of where the voice

"You're finally here."

item resembling a pocket watch and checking the time. "In fact, I'm a couple

waiting for this moment since about a

replied back, walking up

quite a long time? You were that confident in the plan

as good motivation for ensuring that the plan would be

"That's quite smart."

chin. Then, turning around

next destination is quite hidden, so we must be

"Yes."

were headed for the treasure, which was the place where all the most precious equipment and items

His seriousness was understandable.

following Randur from behind, we walked through the streets

silence uncomfortable, I decided to make small talk on our

set up again? The ones that I took

them back up as soon as

"Oh? I see."

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

likely, Jomnuk re-activated the barriers. Since I only disabled the barriers and never actually destroyed them, he was

"That's good."

Randur on our way

"Hey."

that was standing guard of the portal, Randur headed for the portal and started

him from

see, so in order to keep the location of the treasury a secret, the dwarves must've only told the coordinates of the place to a select few

of

"Alright, I'm done."

clapping his hands together, he turned towards me and indicated to me

set the coordinates, you go in first. We can't let others know of

"Okay."

I climbed up a couple of stairs and soon stepped into

on the other

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

*

"Ugh, I hate portals."

took a step out

of them, I still hated the

I had been spun around in circles at

"What's this smell?"

lingered in the air, invading my nostrils. Lifting my head up, my eyes soon paused

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

most likely

"It's nice isn't it?"

A sense of pride could be felt in his

"Yeah."

I softly replied back.