We entered a large tavern we had passed earlier this morning leaving the wagon parked outside, the tavern is two stories tall with a large parlor with tables surrounding a large fit pit in the middle. There’s not many people in here, just a handful of people eating lunch.
We take a seat at one of the tables while Malter goes up to the bar to order some food and drinks, the walls are covered in paintings that move, showing the spray of the ocean or a fishing boat catching a massive marlin-looking fish. Hanging from the roof are all sorts of creatures including one of those marlin-looking things.
It does not have as big of a fin and a slightly bigger body but not too much difference, fish are not that different from home. At least, nothing too crazy looking yet.
A waitress appears bringing some food out to another table as we look around, Abcier is just happily sitting while Aikoki is leaning back in his chair looking at the ceiling. Yea, turns out I had committed a mini-treason when lying to the Head, it could have had serious consequences.
“Hey Abcier, when did Knowledge tell you we were visiting the Head?” “When you had left from Malters, it does take time to take the boat across.” “But we knew about visiting the Head the day before, why didn’t Knowledge tell you sooner?”
“I don’t know” he replied with a shrug, a bit interesting but my thoughts get interrupted with Malter coming back with drinks. Water for Abcier who doesn't drink (not for religious reasons), and a beer for the rest of us.
I wonder if the process to make beer is similar here as on Earth, it's not that difficult to make an easy beer on Earth. And we have magic here, there's gotta be a way. Might ask the barmen later.
After drinking a fruity tasting beer our food arrives, a mixture of grilled fish, vegetables and salty soup with a few more glasses and a jug of water brought in by one of the staff. A quick round of thank yous and we dig right in. Silently thinking how close a call that was with the Head.
I would like to experience the alcohol and the buzz but it looks like the Protection of Body is stopping that, can I change that from here?
Focusing I reach out to the Protection of Body part of the Gifted Power and try to slide the protection down a little. I don’t want to disable anything or make it easier for me to become infectious, but a little something to feel that buzz.
Gifted Power active: Protection of Body/Protection of Mind (Rank D)
Current Abilities:
System Interface.
Protection from Bodily damage.
Protection from Mental damage.
Biological seal: Active.
Ah, that might be it, can I change Protection from Bodily damage? Pressing on it a new window appears
Gifted Power active: Protection of Body/Protection of Mind (Rank D)
Ability: Protection from Bodily damage.
Used by the body to translocate damage to the HP stat, no current settings created. Level up base Gifted Power to increase abilities.
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Create Settings?
Yes, that’s what I want! Funny how it wasn’t there last time I had a look through my Interface, it must be reading my mind and adapting a little. But its gotta have a limit with these things right?
Gifted Power active: Protection of Body/Protection of Mind (Rank D)
Ability: Protection from Bodily damage.
New Setting (1/5):
Low alcohol intolerance. (On/Off)
When this setting is enabled, its user is able to enjoy the feeling and drunkenness of alcohol with its drawbacks and hangovers. Level up base Gifted Power to increase setting amounts and total new settings.
Alright! Looks like that on top of a new window and setting I have four more I can add, I wonder why this is here now and not earlier.
After some food and drink our mood gradually shifts, and soon we are all giggling remembering Illiard’s face of shock when Abcier appeared. Maybe that's the beer talking but in hindsight it was funny.
We continued drinking for a bit but we do plan on leaving soon so I went up to the barman to get another round and to ask some questions. “Hi mate, can I get four of those beers again?” holding up four fingers. We’re the only ones drinking this early and ill be honest I don’t have a habit of drinking this early but this is a slight cause for celebration.
“Sure, are you guys having a celebration or something?” This guys a regular mind reader “Yeap, we had a meeting with Lord Head, was a bit worried there but it got all sorted in the end. I do actually want to ask you a question about beer if you're free?”
“Congrats with Lord Head, and sure what's on your mind” he replies, refilling the mugs from a tap. “How is beer brewed here? Like the process, I’m interested to compare how it's done here versus back home.”
“I’d guess it's not that different from yours, preparing the grains, boiling, fermenting and the like. I don’t know the exact process as everyone in the business has Powers relating to brewing so that might be the main difference. That’ll be four Nulapeta.”
The main currency in the region, Nulapeta. You can think of it as a dollars for now, I’m still learning how currency works here! Speaking of, might as well ask now. With a thanks and a few small coins passed I bring the drinks back, we have been here for nearly two hours and should be heading out soonish.
After smashing down the last of the beers we wave a few thank yous to the barman and wait staff and head off back to the wagon. Thankfully the animal tied to it knows where to go.
As we all jumble into the back I sit across from Dr Rath and ask the wagon a question “I know this might be a weird request, but would you be able to buy some stuff for me? I’m willing to pay you back once I’m adventuring”
“Depends on what you want and the cost but I don’t think we mind, this is preparation for your heading to the continent?”
“Kinda, I’d like to get these before leaving to speak to the gods and ask my Rule of Three Questions. If all goes well, phase two of my plan can get started.
I’d need camping gear and sets of clothes for ten people, toiletries, stuff to clean clothes and a way to dispose of waste, something to cook food and an item of some kind to generate food by adding Mana to it. I'll also probably need some books or a music instrument as well to keep me sane”
“How long are we talking about before you start adventuring? It might be better to buy a generator but those are expensive.”
“Let’s say a year or two, maybe sooner, maybe longer. I’m not sure. And I also don’t want you to break the bank helping me”
“Oh nonsense, I think we can handle a generator and some basic gear. And with your Powers I don’t doubt you could do well, thinking about it with your clones in mind you could take on multiple contracts at the same time!”
“I was thinking about that to be honest.” “What's the second phase of this plan?” asks Malter, I’ve not yet told anyone of my plan yet and I might keep it that way. If in the future the Institute find out I arrived here they might come around asking some awkward questions.
“Ill keep that a secret for now, not that I don’t trust you guys or anything but for right now the less who know about this the better. Abcier might already know?”
“No, I have no clue what you are planning. This is certainly going to be interesting to see this plan come to fruition.”
Looks like they are all Ok with dipping into their savings for me which is very touching to say the least. But before I leave for the gods there are two things I need to finish.
After discussing a bit more and agreeing that Dr Rath will have a look at procuring the stuff I need we soon arrive back at the Coans home. It's very late and a bit drunk, Epego was waiting for us outside and is a bit annoyed that we’re back several beers deep.
After a short dinner we head to bed, with Abcier, Dr Rath and Aikoki sleeping with me in the spare room or in the lounge room.