“My compliments to the chef. I’ll be back for dinner.”

Viers paid for his meal and left the restaurant with a full stomach, a satisfied palate, and a happy mood. On his way out, he made way for another visitor. He couldn't sense the other party’s Level but Viers was sure he was a Level 5.

Viers did not bother him and he did not bother Viers.

The second rule of the restaurant: Do not bother other customers.

The Glutton Whale was one of those places, places that looked mundane but were actually super special sites where experts hung out. The food that Viers ate was highly beneficial for Pathseekers, the weirdly occult kitchen, the skilled chef surrounded in mystery, the signs were there.

A shame that the local whose soul Viers read was not a man of culture like himself. He disregarded this eatery which had been open and unchanged since the day of his grandpa’s grandpa.

With the price of that one meal that Viers paid the chef could easily turn this place into a luxurious and exclusive restaurant but clearly he simply had no interest in such things.

Viers suspected the rugged-looking chef was similarly extremely strong or a special being since he couldn't sense anything from the guy. He didn't feel danger or had a gauge of his abilities. Truly a mysterious expert. Which didn't bother Viers in the slightest. He was there to eat and not make trouble.

After satiating his hunger for the time being, Viers searched for a place to stay. He picked a middle-upper-class inn with a good reputation then he went to look at the shops. Mostly only window shopping. He wanted to buy souvenirs for the others but he was in no hurry. When he got tired of the shops, he visited the local landmarks.

When it was time for dinner, he returned to the Glutton Whale and chose a different dish. It was as good as the one he had in the afternoon. He burned a few hours strolling and returned to the inn. He had a long hot bath and laid down, watching the ceiling with empty eyes and mind until he eventually fell asleep.

The whole day he didn't think about his cultivation improvement or work. He just relaxed his mind. This day might have been the most unproductive day Viers ever had since he awakened his other world’s memories eight years ago. He was fifteen years old at the time.

After three years of constant stress and pain, Viers felt he was entitled to some downtime.

I’m just going to be like that guy from Office Space. Fuck Mr. Lumbergh, amiright?

During the end stages of the training, Viers destroyed his body from the neck down, only his head remained. With careful preparations and a fully primed Unreality Field, he was somehow able to cling to life until his healing factor finished regenerating his body. It took days until he saw his toe again. After he finished his preparations, the cycle continued.

He went so far above the forbidden method’s intended standard that his actual breakthrough to Level 4 was as smooth as silk. The Biome breach was unexpected and expected at the same time. In the end, Viers Ascension to Level 4 was concluded with the highest degree available to him.

The sun’s rays peeked through the window and Viers woke up. There was no feeling of his bones being struck by a hammer, his heart was not crying in pain, his brain was not on fire, and his Victa pathways were not congested like the road of London during rush hour.

In other words, Viers felt fantastic.

…Mmmh, hello sunshine.

Viers greeted the sun while he stretched, welcoming the second day of his vacation.

After shutting down his brain for a period of much-needed mental recovery, he booted it up again. His three years of psychological damage had not recovered in one day but he couldn't forgive himself for indulging too much.

I suppose I should begin the Countess’ sidequest early. It’s a long chain.

Viers had breakfast and went to the city.

On the outside, he was still a tourist doing what tourists do, but his mind had begun processing cultivation-related matters. It was on low power mode though; he was still on vacation.

Viers watched a group of kids playing a kid’s game, observed a teacher teaching her disciples, discussed fruits in season with a farmer as they picked ripe apples, leisurely read letters and reports while sitting on a stone garden chair, and so on. In a sense, he was like back then, when he tried new and mundane things to increase his Horizon.

At lunch and dinner though, he never failed to show up at the Glutton Whale.

He was in no rush and was waiting for an opportunity to present itself.

Celedony had two prominent Houses, the Fioret and the Geneb. They basically ruled the city. These two houses were not on the best of terms, quite the opposite in fact. They were like cat and mouse. Viers’ aim was to get closer to the Geneb.

The two houses were old and prestigious but currently, they did not have a Level 5 in their ranks. Usually, Viers would use his Soul Mind Trick and whatnot, get what he wanted, and return home. As a newly minted Level 4, he was tempted to barge in from the front door all YOLO-like to get what he needed with force. A fun thought to entertain, but not wise.

Level 4s were much rarer than Level 3s. If they rampaged, a city or two could easily be erased from the map. The villain Viers was already at that level. His combat ability was even higher than what his Level suggested.

Fortunately for the Genebs, Viers was on vacation. They did not share the ill fate of the Chevrys of Valkut. The Serene Thunder Aviary Viers acquired from them was still put to good use by Viers.

Finally, on day four, opportunity showed its elusive form.

***

“Fuuh, he’s gone. Anyway, thank you for your assistance.”

“No need. I’m just passing by,” Viers said.

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“I’m Jonah, Jonah Geneb. A pleasure to make our acquaintance.”

“I’m Avel,” Viers shook his hand back. “But even if I don't do anything, this lady here would have taken care of that hooligan.”

The young woman Viers mentioned shook her head, swaying her braided hair. “I’ve got my hands full defending my friend. If you hadn't acted, surely there would have been more wounded amongst the crowd. I’m Mary by the way.”

“How frightening,” a young lady beside Mary tried to get her breathing under control. “Who was that guy?”

“He’s a guy that called himself the Shadowhand,” Jonah replied. “Both of our houses are on alert. He announced that he would attack. I suppose such a thing is beneath the notice of Alice Fioret.”

“I’ve been busy being a good host to my friend here,” Alice grabbed Mary’s hand. “Besides, it’s your action that made the thief aggressive. That’s what you get for trying to catch him by yourself despite not having the ability. I shudder to think what would have happened if these two heroes weren't around!”

“What did you say, spendthrift woman!?”

“Already having hearing problems like a grandpa? Fine, I’ll say it again. It’s all your fault!”

Two bickered while the other two looked at each other with an awkward gaze. The four were soon joined by the city guards. They began to take care of things. With the young master and young mistress from the two major houses, Mary and Avel weren't getting wrapped up in such troublesome things and were allowed to leave.

Viers’ stomach growled.

“Apologies. I was on my way to dinner. I’ll take my leave then. Ladies, gents.”

“Wait Avel. I’ll treat you to a meal. It’s the least I can do. You saved my people. Come on. My proud family’s chosen restaurant is not far,” the black-haired Jonah smiled.

“Nonsense! Allow me to invite you to a place of my recommendation, Avel. It is well known the palate of the Fioret is much more sophisticated than the Geneb. Their silk fish’s taste is heavenly,” Alice challenged Jonah’s bid then looked at Mary. “You’re also going to love it.”

“Is vitriol all your mouth can spew, loud-mouth?”

“Blame your own lack of refinement, block-head!”

They bickered until Viers said he would try both.

Then they argued again which was first.

It went on until Viers decided by a coin toss.

Mary seemed surprised at her friend’s attitude. Perhaps this was her first time seeing this side of her friend.

The group went to the place Jonah recommended first. It was a barbeque-style eatery. Dirty, greasy, and hearty. Viers ate a lot, the other three ate modestly. Alice’s place was like a high-class French restaurant. The meals were intricate and delicately made with exotic ingredients. Once again Viers ate a lot, the other three ate modestly.

“Wow, you sure can eat, Avel,” Jonah said.

“I must agree. I suggest reducing the portion of your meal from now on. Eating so much surely can't be healthy,” Alice followed.

Jonah was easygoing and wore his emotion on his sleeves. Meanwhile, Alice was always ladylike on the outside but hid her true feelings. The veil seemed to come down when they bickered with each other though; they were like cats and dogs.

Or were they?

“So, Avel, Mary, which of the two places is more to your liking?” Jonah asked.

“Both places are nice, right Avel?”

“True, but I shall be a good sport and tell them honestly which I like more. You should too, Mary.” He put his hands on the spoon and the fork. “If I hold the spoon, then Alice wins, if the fork, Jonah wins. No hard feelings?”

“Hehehe, that’s what I’m talking about,” Jonah slapped Viers’ shoulder.

“Go ahead,” Alice nodded to Viers and Mary.

“But…” Mary hesitated.

“Now, now, this is just a little game. Surely Miss Alice and Mister Jonah are both not childish enough to begin a round Arte showdown just because we like one place more than the other? We are in honorable company,” Viers made a confident smile.

“O-of course.”

“A lady will not do such a thing,” Alice pulled a folding fan and shook it at herself.

Mary played along, putting both hands on the spoon and the fork.

“It is a close match. Both places gave a good fight but my tongue hath chosen. Three, two, one.”

After Viers’ countdown, he raised one hand while the other hand stayed. Viers’ hand stayed at the fork while Mary at the spoon. Viers inclined to the barbeque more than the fine dining.

“Ha! Avel knows what we boys like,” Jonah said.

“Humph, I’m not convinced. Unlike you, I saw a touch of elegance in Avel’s way of eating. Besides, my good friend here sides with me,” Alice pulled Mary’s shoulder closer to her own.

“Ahaha,” Mary laughed awkwardly. “It’s a tie then.”

“A tie indeed. The status quo is maintained and a war is averted, the delightful evening goes on. Thank the gods.”

After the meal was done, they ordered more drinks as they chatted. The four looked like college students after campus.

“Mister Avel, you said you’re a traveler, yes? What brings you to our fair Celedony?”

“I’m on vacation, Miss Foiret. I’ve been here only for a few days and certainly the city’s fame did not disappoint.”

“Call me Alice, please. And I'm glad to see a traveler from afar find this city pleasing.”

“As you wish, my lady.”

Behind her glasses, Mary’s eyes observed Viers with scrutiny, but only when she thought Viers could not see her.

“Hey, you called Alice lady but me without the title?” Jonah snipped the conversation.

“That’s Lady Fioret for you,” Alice said but Jonah ignored it.

“I believe you would hate it so I didn't.”

“Ha! How do you know? Are you a mind Pathseeker or something?” Jonah seemed genuinely happy.

“So earlier, the Shadowhand, was it? What’s up with that?” Viers asked.

“Just a lowly thief,” Jonah scoffed as he crossed his arms. “Some say he’s Tanael under a new name, another thief from the south. Their way of doing things are similar. Calling cards, shadow-based movements, and have no morals, yes.”

“Oh?” Mary and Viers were piqued.

“Fear not. The Genebs are aware and ready. Next time we’ll end his menace.”

“I wish you luck,” Viers raised his glass.

“Shadowhand’s Arte from earlier somehow feels different from shadow or darkness,” Mary voiced her thoughts.

“So you think so too!” Jonah was invigorated. “I think he used a space affinity. You see, from the edges of the shadow on his feet-”

“Neeeeeerd!” Alice stopped him. Something told Viers this wasn't her first time listening to Jonah’s interest in Pathseeker things.

The conversation continued progressing.

Alice and Jonah were both heirs to their Houses. They had known each other since they were children, apparently. An unfortunate state of affairs, said Jonah, to which Alice agreed. Mary said she was Alice’s old friend. She was in the area so she came for a visit. She was staying at the Fioret estate at the moment.

“It has been delightful to meet you all,” Mary said.

“Yes, it is. Thank you for your time and fine dining.” Viers tried to pay for the meal but he was rejected by both Alice and Jonah.

“Come on, Alice. You drank too much,” Mary tried to steady her friend.

“I do nooot… Wow?”

Alice rose from her seat suddenly and got wobbly. Jonah caught her before she fell but she was halfway down already.

“...You’re slow, block-head,” Alice said with a slurry voice and unfocused eyes.

“Tch. Enjoy your hangover tomorrow, feisty cat,” Jonah replied.

Alice and Mary got on a noble carriage together and Jonah entered another. Viers refused the lift Jonah offered and went back to the inn on his own.

The first contact was a success.