At training ground.
In the heart of the Steelheart Training Ground, a sprawling expanse of rugged terrain surrounded by dense, ancient trees, a group of aspiring adventurers gathered under the watchful eye of their grizzled trainer. The air was crisp with a hint of morning mist, and the ground was marked with the scars of countless training sessions that had taken place here.
Adrian stood among his fellow students, each clad in a mishmash of padded armor and armed with practice weapons ranging from swords to bows. They formed a semi-circle around the dwarf trainer, his beard as fiery and determined as his gaze. Known as Gruff Ironheart, he was a veteran warrior with a reputation for being unyielding in his pursuit of perfection.
"Listen up, you lot!" Gruff’s voice boomed, cutting through the quiet murmur of the students. "Today, we're back to basics. If you can't handle the fundamentals, you'll be no better than a sack of potatoes on the battlefield."
The training began with simple warm-up exercises, from jogging around the grounds to performing jumping jacks. But the real challenge lay ahead, as Gruff barked orders that put their combat skills to the test.
"Adrian, tighten your grip on that sword! You swing it like a tavern drunkard wielding a broom," Gruff roared, his bushy eyebrows drawing together in disapproval. Adrian's cheeks flushed, his grip instinctively tightening on his weapon as he tried to correct his form.
The scene unfolded in a series of tense moments. Students lunged and parried, their movements a mixture of grace and awkwardness. Mistakes were inevitable, and each blunder was met with a scowl or a thunderous reprimand from Gruff. He spared no one from his critiques, his words as sharp as the blades they trained with.
In the beginning, Adrian felt embarrassed as he had just started his combat journey. But it eventually got better as the trainer dwarf spread his tough love not just for him.
"Liam, by the stones, are you trying to get yourself killed? Keep that shield up, or do you want to lose your head to an orc's axe?"
Sweat dotted foreheads, and heavy breaths mingled with the rustling of leaves. As the training continued, it became clear that Gruff’s harsh methods were meant to instill discipline and prepare them for the brutal reality of combat. The dwarf's gruff exterior concealed a genuine concern for the well-being of his students.
Finally, as the training session drew to a close, Gruff’s stern expression softened. "You've all got a long way to go, but you've made some progress today. Remember, mistakes on the training ground cost you a bruise or a tongue-lashing. Mistakes on the battlefield cost lives. Dismissed!"
As the students dispersed, Adrian wiped the sweat from his brow and exchanged a weary but determined smile with his fellow students. The dwarf's lessons had been harsh, but Adrian knew that he was one step closer to becoming better in combat. At least compared to not knowing about combat at all.
After the training ended, Adrian had lunch somewhere for 5 copper meal. Then he went back to inn, intending to freshen up, and change his clothes. On his way, he asked the innkeeper whether there was someone who was looking for me or giving him a message. Adrian told the innkeeper that he was waiting a news from someone.
The innkeeper nodded and checked a small ledger. "Ah, yes, there was a message delivered for you earlier. A messenger left it here not too long ago. Here you go," he said, handing Adrian a sealed letter.
The letter appeared to be addressed to him, and there was a wax seal with an emblem Adrian did not recognize. From the letter, it seemed that Eliza had some news regarding the purchase of the house. She also told Adrian to bring some form of identification and any relevant documents he might need.
Adrian smiled. It seemed that the object creation cheat quota for today was not wasted.
Flashback
New morning came. With a sense of determination and newfound confidence, Adrian used his creation cheat to conjure a magical identity card that possessed the power to transform him into a legitimate citizen of the kingdom.
Yesterday’s meeting in administration building was still etched in his mind. After some reflection, Adrian realized that the city or the kingdom, actually put a lot of attention to legal works and paperwork. Creating a new identity without proof was difficult. The bad thing was that he failed to bribe the elf. This made him hesitant to go back to administration building again.
The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.
As for why not trying to make other people became his “fake” witness? This solution would be fine if Adrian just wanted to create a temporary identity. However, for a long-term identity which he intended to use? This might leave a flaw that others could exploit some day in the future. Especially considering he would have a lot of secrets and he was also sure that he could become rich and powerful with his cheat. Scratch that, he was already rich now anyway. But he was sure as hell that he would rather use his creation cheat quota for today. This would take care of a lot of problems in the future too, at least regarding identification and paperwork. That was his thought.
The object he wanted to create today was a magical token. Or at least the one-time consumable item. This item would give him an identity card that he could use. Of course, he would also specify that necessary or any relevant paperwork would also be created and transferred magically into necessary administration, tax building, and other relevant authorities.
After some time, the token was conjured in his hand. It appeared like a fragile stone. The appearance was simple enough, as he did not need its appearance to be complicated. Adrian crushed it on his pam, and the stone disappeared.
Upon Adrian’s decision to become the kingdom’s citizen, the token began to work its enchantment. Subtle yet powerful magic courses through him, rearranging the threads of fate and identity in accordance with his desires. Within moments, his appearance, history, and documentation were seamlessly woven into the fabric of this kingdom's citizenry.
On his hand, the stone was exchanged with an identity card. Adrian smiled. The card became a symbol of his newfound status, featuring his image and relevant information. As he examined it, he could not help but feel a mix of excitement and satisfaction. He was now an official citizen of this kingdom, with all the rights, responsibilities, and privileges that came with it.
Flashback ends
The Cozy Cottage's wooden door seemed to stare back at Adrian. He did not know why, but his heart drummed in his chest as he raised hand to knock, the thud echoing through the tranquil surroundings.
Eliza, the middle-aged owner, opened the door with a serene smile. "Adrian, welcome," Eliza's voiced. Beside her stood a dwarf, whom she introduced to be her legal expert she invited today. Grimlin Stoneforge was his name, he had stern demeanor which spoke of years spent deciphering laws and contracts. Eliza gestured for Adrian to step inside, and the threshold of the Cozy Cottage seemed to beckon, promising warmth and shelter.
Grimlin's scrutiny was intense as he reviewed Adrian’s identification card and documents. One could feel his eyes studying Adrian and the documents, assessing his authenticity. The weight of his stare made Adrian felt self-conscious.
After what felt like an eternity, Grimlin grunted in approval. "Credentials check out," he rumbled, his voice carrying an air of finality. A rush of relief washed over Adrian. He felt like he had just won a small victory, but a crucial one.
After filling out everything, taking care of administration and payment at the notaries, Adrian got the house deed. Both Adrian and Eliza came back to Cozy Cottage. Eliza allowed Adrian the time to explore, her presence a reassuring companion as I wandered through the rooms. Every nook and cranny seemed to have a story to tell, a promise of the memories that awaited. The wooden floors creaked softly beneath his steps, almost as if acknowledging his presence.
Adrian then looked around the house which had just been his. “My house,” thought Adrian. As he looked around his newly acquired house, he found himself standing in a cozy and modest living space. The interior had a rustic charm, with wooden beams on the ceiling and warm, earthy tones dominating the decor. Here's what he noticed:
Living Room:
The living room was furnished with a comfortable couch and a few plush chairs, arranged around a small wooden coffee table. A decorative rug covers the wooden floor, adding a touch of color to the room. The walls are adorned with simple paintings and tapestries that depict scenes from nature.
Kitchen:
Connected to the living room was a compact yet functional kitchen. It has all the basic amenities one would need for cooking, including a stove, and a sink. Wooden cabinets line the walls, providing ample storage space for utensils, pots, and pans.
But as Adrian entered the kitchen and take a look around, he did not find a traditional refrigerator or ice box like one might be accustomed to in the modern world. Instead, he saw a large, intricately designed wooden cabinet with various compartments and shelves. Curious about its purpose, he opened one of the compartments and discovered that it's enchanted with a cooling magic.
Bedroom:
A door led to the bedroom, which contained a sturdy wooden bed with a comfortable mattress. A dresser sits against one wall, offering storage for clothes and personal belongings. The window in the bedroom provided a view of the street outside and allowed natural light to filter in.
Bathroom:
Next to the bedroom was a well-maintained bathroom. It featured a modern-looking sink, a flush toilet, and a functional shower. The tiles on the walls were patterned with soothing colors, giving the bathroom a fresh and clean appearance.
Backyard:
Stepping outside through a back door, he found a small but charming backyard. A patch of green grass occupied the center, surrounded by a stone path. There was also a quaint wooden bench where he could sit and enjoyed the outdoors.
Overall, the house exuded a comfortable and homely atmosphere. It might not be grand, but it was certainly a place where he could create memories and made it his own.
As the day's light began to wane, they stepped out onto the porch, the last rays of the sun casting a golden glow. "Thank you, Eliza," he murmured, my gaze shifting from the horizon to the cottage.
Eliza's smile held a warmth that matched the setting sun. "It has been a pleasure, Adrian. Tomorrow, the Cozy Cottage will be in your care."
As Adrian walked the path back to the Silver Moon Inn, the world around him seemed to blur. The whispers of leaves rustling in the breeze and the distant laughter of townsfolk blended into a with the cadence of his thoughts. The reality of what had just transpired felt like a dream.
“Had I truly just bought a house?” The thought echoed within Adrian like a lingering enchantment.
As he walked back to Silver Moon Inn, the weight of his recent actions and the reality of owning a house in this new world slowly sank in. The streets bustled with activity around him, but his thoughts were focused on the future and the possibilities that laid ahead. The sun hanged low in the sky, casting a warm and golden glow over the city.
As he stepped into the inn, familiar faces greeted him, and he was reminded of the people he had met and the connections he had started to forge. The innkeeper gave him a nod of recognition as he approached the front desk.
"Back already?" he asks with a friendly smile. "How was your day?"
Adrian found himself lost in his thoughts for a moment before responding. "It was... eventful. I actually bought a house today."
The innkeeper's eyebrows raised in surprise. "A house? That's quite the step. Congratulations! I hope it meets your expectations."
"Thank you," Adrian replied with a mix of excitement and disbelief. "It's still sinking in."
"Well, if you ever need anything while you're staying here, don't hesitate to ask," the innkeeper offered. "Rooms, meals, or just some company to talk with."
Adrian nodded in gratitude. As the day ended, he enjoyed dinner at the inn. The meal he chose was satisfying, and he found himself feeling content. After dinner, he made his way back to the bedroom, ready to rest and prepare for the next day.
As he laid in bed, he reflected on the events of the day. He drifted off to sleep with a sense of excitement and anticipation for what the future holds.