Lucian

Meanwhile, Lucian and the Fox walked through the shopping area in awe. People were peddling their wares everywhere, creating a cacophony of chatter and trade that brought a liveliness to the town.

"I got a grade one fire sword here, F rank for only 10 Astral Currency!"

"Grade 1 Ice bow here E rank for 100 Astral Currency!"

"Grade 1 Amulet of Sealing G rank here for 40 Astral Currency."

"This world seems to be similar to the Medieval times back on Earth," he thought as he walked through. The area was full of stores and products, such as swords, shields, knives, and more. Considering the town's size, this shopping area most likely took up the majority of the space in the city.

"Woo!" The Fox suddenly howled as it rushed towards one of the stores. On top of it read 'Pet Delights.' The Fox ran into it with a hungry look, only to be stopped by the shop owner.

The man sternly stared at it as he protected his shop from being ravaged by its lack of control. "Hey, you! Control your pet! It eats anything, you pay for it!" He roared at him, attempting to kick the Fox.

Suddenly, the world turned dark for a split second as the Fox appeared next to him. "What was that?" Lucian thought in surprise. He turned to the Fox.

It looks totally normal apart from its cheeks, which were as full as a groundhog.

Surprised, the shop owner looked around but saw nothing change as he humphed angrily at them and walked back into his shop with a grumpy look on his face.

Lucian turned to the Fox as it turned towards him. Giving him the classic 'puppy dog eyes,' it let out a soft howl before retreating behind him. Munching sounds echoed as Lucian sighed. This Fox...

Lucian continued his exploration with the Fox close by, gaining weird looks in the process. With his lack of decent clothing, he wasn't surprised at their reaction.

Walking towards a weapons shop, he entered and took a look at their items. Studying each, he noticed a slight glow on each weapon that resembled scripts of some sort. Using the system, he identified the specific item he was looking at.

Raging Steel Sword

Durability - Grade 1

Damage Type - Physical

Rank - Physical F

Special Effect - Increase Attack speed by 5%

"It has a special effect!" Lucian exclaimed internally. Weapons here had additional effects based on how it was made! Lucian found this an exciting concept because although 5% attack speed didn't seem like much, five similar weapons or armor with similar effects could be a game changer!

"Most likely, weapons and armors are one of the most important items one would need when adventuring," Lucian thought critically. "Which means they would always be in demand."

Lucian immediately knew he would need to learn to make such weapons in the future. If not blacksmithing, he would need to find a way to make a reliable source of income to survive. Blacksmithing seemed like a great way to start.

Learning what he needed to know from the store, he exited as he explored other stores to learn more.

Passing through, he noticed many different types of stores, including Clothing stores, Armory, Potion, and a unique field Lucian wasn't previously accustomed to.

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They called themselves inscriptionists. They were able to shape and mold energy into a form that creates the desired effect, giving new meaning to it. An example was an inscription that could be used to amplify fire-based attacks that he saw in one of the shops. It was indeed an interesting concept that Lucian would like to explore further. It could even be possible to make custom inscriptions with new meanings! The possibilities could be endless!

"Although, they probably require the use of mana..." Lucian said wryly to himself. It seemed like all the magical things in this world were related to mana in some shape or form. He was optimistic he would be able to survive without mana considering his extraordinary gifts and powers, but he wasn't confident at being stronger than mana users at later levels.

Mana filled the world around him. It was in the air, the earth, the people, and even the weapons and armor people used.

Would he really be able to overcome such a significant disadvantage?

Lucian shook his head. "I can't get so disheartened so easily. I'm sure there are similar situations other people have gone through that I can learn from."

"Maybe I can find a solution to this in this town somehow,"

Walking through, he quickly found a shop trading astral currency for different items. Lucian instantly decided to trade his items for some Astral Currency.

After some time haggling with the shop owner, he traded his items for 30 astral coins, which was not much. Apparently, the value of the jaguar skin and parts decreased due to the damage it incurred. Lucian didn't mind too much. As long as he had some money to spend on supplies and food, he was good to go. Sympathetic to his predicament, the store owner even included three pairs of shirts and pants which Lucian was grateful for.

He quickly changed into his new shirt, finally starting to look like a decent human being. His little fox friend gave him an encouraging howl he didn't know he needed until that point.

"Thank you, Fox. Though I should probably name you by now..." Lucian said as he thought. He wasn't the best at naming things, but it couldn't hurt to try.

"How about Foxxy?"

"Woo..." It immediately shook its head.

"Wooster?"

"....Woo!"

"Sir Woosalot!"

"...." The Fox simply turned and walked away.

"Hey! It wasn't that bad, was it?!"

Lucian sighed. "Well, I think I have gotten a better idea of how this world works. It should be about time.. wonder what's taking so long." Lucian asked out loud.

Almost like clockwork, shadowed men appeared all over the area and surrounded the space around Lucian, preventing him from attempting escape. Each wore a mask covering their whole face and full black attire. They stood in formation as a man slowly broke through the circle. He had a regal air to him as he stood a tall 190 centimeters tall. He looked very similar to Grayson, apart from his grey beard and black and white hair.

Strolling into the center of the circle, he stood face-to-face with Lucian.

He smiled courteously. "Hello. My name is Giffard Ba-”

"Are you Grayson's father?" Lucian immediately interjected with indifference. As he expected, he was tracked down.

Giffard was slightly surprised to be found out so quickly, but he simply smiled wider. The sharper he was, the better. "Yes, I am. Quite astute of you to identify me so quickly. I am the current mayor of Perrnan. Grayson told me about your plight. I have come here to help. With my help, I can help you be ready for this New World," he said with warm air to him. He looked like an amiable person.

Unfortunately for him, Lucian wasn't buying it. "I thank you for your generosity, but as I mentioned to your son, I will be fine without your help," he said nonchalantly, his stance firm. He would be stupid to trust a random stranger begging to help.

"WOO!" The Fox added. This Fox...

Confused, Giffard looked towards the Fox as his head tilted to the side. He shook his head. "Unfortunately, I would have to insist. You are a threat to the civilians of Perrnan, and I cannot let you roam here in good conscience, especially with your current condition. Besides, I can answer your questions and help you grasp where you are."

"As I said I wou-" he began once again.

Giffard got straight to the point. "You have not lost your memory. In fact, I know that you know much more than you let on." his face turned serious as his voice increased an octave.

"I believe you are one of the Chosen ones of the gods. Destined to fight against the other races with the other chosen. "Giffard said as he stared holes into him.

"And you know it too."

Hearing that, he couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. What? Was that a thing here? Was he officially Isekai'd to a different world to fight the demon king?

Turning away, Giffard began walking out as he said, "It is my responsibility to assist the chosen on their mission whether you like it or not, so I will have to ask you to come compliantly."

"I do not wish to force a chosen to comply, but I will if I have to. To be able to stand on your two feet in this new world, you must know how the system works and what your powers really represent for your future." He concluded.

Turning back to him, he said, "Knowledge is what you need right now, and I can give it to you. You only need to trust me". He turned back and walked out of the encirclement.

The men he brought slowly began to enclose the circle as he left. It seemed like he had no choice in the matter.

In the end, he followed willingly as they walked through the town. As they walked, he quickly glanced at Giffard's status, and he couldn't help but be surprised.

[Giffard Balodis (Mayor of Perrnan) - LVL ??? G]

"Yup, definitely a big shot," he thought in alarm, his eyes narrowing. He had the highest level he's seen in this realm so far. He could easily kill him if he wanted to.

"Even if what he says is a lie, I believe he still needs me for some reason, or else this wouldn't make sense. He is far too strong to be playing such games if he were. Based on his story, humans blessed by gods are summoned into this world to fight against the other races, which sounds too elaborate to be a lie. I can use that to my advantage to gain more information.

"This is only going to make me stronger," he concluded as he decided.