The morning sun filtered through the small window of my inn room, gently rousing me from a night of restless dreams. My head was clear now, the fog of alcohol having dissipated with the rising sun. Today was the day I would explore Eifansdoche, the town that had become my temporary home, in search of errands to help me raise the 10,000 Denarógs required to join the Expedition Guild.
I dressed in simple clothing, leaving my more distinctive attire behind to blend in with the townsfolk. With a pocketful of Denarógs, I ventured out into the lively streets. The town was abuzz with activity as merchants hawked their wares, street performers entertained the passersby, and the aroma of fresh bread wafted from a nearby bakery.
My first destination was the market, where I had experienced the vibrant energy of Eifansdoche the previous evening. The market was divided into various sections, each offering a variety of goods and services. As I strolled through the bustling aisles, I marveled at the variety of items on display, from colorful fabrics and spices to exotic trinkets and magical artifacts.
I approached a vendor selling an assortment of fruit and vegetables. Each item was labeled with a price in Denarógs, and it was here that I learned the value of a single Denaróg. The vendor, a jovial woman with a twinkle in her eye, saw my curiosity and kindly explained the currency system.
"A single Denaróg," she said with a warm smile, "can buy you about 2 Ciloghs of sugar." She later pointed towards a pack of leather sacks by her stall.
I nodded, making a mental note of the exchange rate. It seemed that the locals of Eifansdoche use a weight system called “Eghe”, which was pronounced as Eg. Guessing on the amount of sugar I can buy with a single Denaróg, it must be a pretty heavy coin to carry in pockets. I thanked the vendor and continued my exploration of the market. Also, they have sugar. That in itself is magical, considering that by this time, I can compare this world to the late 1300s.
The realization of the Denaróg's value prompted me to think strategically. If I could earn a few Denarógs every day, it wouldn't take long to amass the 10,000 Denarógs I needed. But where to start?
As I pondered my options, a friendly face caught my attention. It was an old man, dressed in simple farm attire, who looked out of place amidst the market's hustle and bustle. He seemed to be scanning the crowd, and his eyes brightened as they landed on me.
"Ah, there you are!" the old man exclaimed, making his way toward me. "You look like a strapping lad. Are you in need of some honest work?"
I was taken aback by his sudden approach, but I couldn't ignore the earnestness in his eyes.
"I might be," I replied cautiously.
"What kind of work are you offering?"
The old man introduced himself as Seamus O'Reilly, hailing from a faraway village known as Kilarney, and explained that he needed handymen to help him around his farm. He spoke of a place untouched by the bustling life of Eifansdoche, a serene village surrounded by lush fields and rolling hills.
"Kilarney is a peaceful place," Seamus said with a hint of nostalgia. "But the old bones can't manage the farm on their own anymore. We're in need of strong hands and willing hearts."
As he described the village, it painted in my mind a picture of a tranquil, idyllic life far removed from the chaos of the town. It was an enticing opportunity, a chance to escape the whirlwind of Eifansdoche and immerse myself in the simplicity of rural life. But I am still doubtful of my capabilities, knowing that in my previous life, I have never done manual labor.
"What kind of compensation are you offering?" I asked, my practical side kicking in. Earning Denarógs was still a priority for me.
Seamus nodded and reached into his worn satchel, producing a small pouch that jingled with the sound of coins. He poured a handful of Denarógs into his hand and extended them toward me.
"I can offer you 10 Denarógs as an advance," he said, "and a fair wage for your labor. You can stay in Kilarney as long as you like and work on the farm. It's an honest living, and you'll have time to explore the countryside."
The Denarógs glittered in Seamus's palm, tempting me with the promise of adventure and a respite from the daily grind. With a nod, I accepted the advance and shook Seamus's hand, sealing the deal.
"Excellent," Seamus beamed. "You won't regret it, lad. Kilarney is a place of simple pleasures and strong community bonds. We will welcome you with open arms."
As we made our way to the town's outskirts, I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. The prospect of exploring Kilarney, working on Seamus's farm, and earning my keep through honest labor filled me with a newfound excitement. As I followed Seamus along a busy livery yard, I found myself perched atop a wooden wagon, surrounded by a group of fellow handymen, as we set off on our journey to Kilarney. The rhythmic clip-clop of the horses' hooves on the cobblestone road provided a soothing backdrop to our conversations. The landscape unfolded before us, transitioning from the bustling town of Eifansdoche to the serene countryside.
One of the handymen, a bulky fellow named Pádraig, struck up a conversation with me. He regaled me with tales of his previous trips to Kilarney and the charms of the village.
"You'll love it in Kilarney," he said with a hearty laugh. "The air is clean, the people are kind, and the work is honest. Seamus is a good man to work for. But I have to warn you, lad, the journey there can have its surprises."
As Pádraig spoke, my gaze drifted to the rolling hills that surrounded us, a picturesque sight. It was a stark contrast to the busy streets of Eifansdoche, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of calm wash over me. I nodded in agreement, appreciating the change of scenery.
Before long, our peaceful journey was interrupted by an unexpected obstacle. A group of roadmen had blocked our path, their leader, a burly figure, standing in the center. They appeared to be demanding a toll from travelers.
The atmosphere grew tense as the other handymen exchanged uneasy glances. I could sense their anxiety, but I was determined to make it to Kilarney and, more importantly, protect the Denarógs I had earned.
Focusing my [Magic Eye], I activated my ability,
[Ciaran MacPothól]
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[Human]
Level 5
[XP:20/1580]
[Status]
Weariness: 0%
The individual is full of energy, highly resilient, and capable of enduring extended periods of physical and mental exertion. No applicable debuffs are acquired.
Uninjured
Regeneration rate at normal level [100%]
[Attributes]
Strength: 20
Dexterity: 10
Agility: 10
Intelligence: 10
Constitution: 15
Charisma: 15
[Buffs]
[NONE]
With a swift motion, I used my [Wind Magic] to create a strong gust that pushed the roadmen aside, clearing our path. They stumbled and fell, caught off guard by the sudden burst of wind. Witnessing what had just transpired, the rest of their gang split up and ran away from us.
Pádraig and the other handymen stared in amazement as we continued on our journey. Pádraig tapped me on the back, his eyes filled with gratitude.
"By the spirits, lad, you've got away with magic! You saved us from those roadmen back there. Kilarney is lucky to have you join us."
I smiled, appreciating the praise. I was still learning to harness my magical abilities, and it was reassuring to know that I could use them when needed. The Denarógs were safe, and our journey continued without further incident.
As we approached Kilarney, I couldn't help but be struck by the village's beauty. It was nestled in a hill range that offered a panoramic view of the surrounding areas. To the south, we could see the vast sea, its shimmering waters stretching to the horizon. To the north, a majestic range of mountains extended from east to west, creating a natural barrier.
When we arrived, I saw that Kilarney was a fortified village with sturdy palisade walls and vast farmlands that stretched as far as the eye could see. A sign of fruitful lands and hardworking people, it was a stark contrast to the bustling life of Eifansdoche. The peaceful ambiance and the stunning natural backdrop all made the difference.
The handymen and I were greeted warmly by the villagers, who were grateful for the assistance we offered. Seamus welcomed us with a smile, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of belonging in what seemed to be a closely-knit community.
As we made our way through Kilarney's winding streets, I couldn't help but feel a sense of calm wash over me. We were later guided to a quaint set of cottages, which would serve as our quarters during our stay in Kilarney.
Eoin, the headmaster of the farm, was there to greet us as we arrived. He handed us each a set of farm attire and a selection of tools that would be necessary for our work on the farm. Seamus's eyes twinkled with appreciation as he surveyed our group, later discussing matters with Eoin about the farm.
"Welcome, lads," Seamus said warmly. "You're now part of the Kilarney family. We've got a hard day's work ahead, but you'll find that there's satisfaction in honest labor."
Eoin led us to a cozy common area where a simple meal was laid out for us. The handymen and I sat down, enjoying the hearty fare, and Seamus shared stories of the village, its history, and the farming traditions of Kilarney. The food was simple but delicious, and the camaraderie among us grew as we shared a meal.
However, I couldn't help but notice a young lad, who looked about the age of ten, who sat apart from us, his expression sullen and distant. His eyes, filled with a mixture of anger and resentment, were fixed on our group.
Curiosity got the better of me, and I focused my [Magic Eye], activating
The pebbles shot toward us with surprising speed, and I barely had time to react. I instinctively casted my [Wind Magic] to create a barrier that deflected the stones away from us. The other handymen were equally surprised, their eyes wide with amazement and apprehension.
Seamus, who had noticed the commotion, swiftly intervened. He crossed the room and reached for the boy, pinching him firmly by the ears. The boy winced in pain and let out a small cry of discomfort.
"Shane, you mischievous scamp!" Seamus scolded, his voice stern but loving. "What have I told you about using magic like that? It's dangerous!"
Seamus's reprimand was followed by a mixture of sheepishness and defiance on the boy's face. He couldn't have been more than ten years old, but he was determined to assert his independence.
Seamus turned to us, his expression apologetic. "I'm terribly sorry, lads. Shane has a bit of a rebellious streak. He's been trying to use his magic to show off."
Shane, still fuming, was introduced to us by Seamus. He cast a resentful glance in my direction before averting his eyes.
"This is my grandson, Shane," Seamus said, ruffling the boy's hair affectionately. "He may be a handful, but he's a bright lad with a lot of potential."
As I looked at Shane, I couldn't help but sense that there was more to his story than met the eye. His angry demeanor and his magic piqued my curiosity.
With Shane's glare still weighing on me, I finished my meal.
After our hearty meal, it was time to head out to the fields. I glanced at the sun, noticing that it was slightly overhead above us. I leaned over to Pádraig beside me, and inquired about it.
"Pádraig, what time is it?" I asked.
Pádraig chuckled warmly, his voice filled with the charm of Kilarney. “Ah, lad, it’s about half a way of a day’s edge.”
I didn’t get it at all.
With that barely explained, we made our way to the fields, where our work awaited us. The sun was high in the sky, casting a warm and inviting glow over the vast, empty fields. It was time for some backbreaking labor.
Hours passed as we plowed the fields, the earth yielding beneath our efforts. The sweat dripped from our brows, and the rhythm of the work became a comforting background to the day. The other farmhands worked diligently, and my knees groaned with every furrow turned.
As time moved forward, the late afternoon sun began to cast long shadows across the fields. We completed our tasks and made our way back to our quarters. The day's work had left me tired. Out of boredom, I decided to check my stats again. I might’ve gained an experience or two.
[Ferdinand Tamadito]
[Human]
Level 3
[XP:670/948]
[Status]
Weariness: 35%
This person experiences some fatigue but can still handle regular activities without significant strain. Rest and recovery may be required after intense efforts.
Uninjured
Regeneration rate at normal level [100%]
[Attributes]
Strength: 10
Dexterity: 10
Agility: 10
Intelligence: 10 [1,000]
Constitution: 20
Charisma: 10
[Buffs]
[You hail from a lineage of renowned magicians.]
[Intelligence multiplier +100%]
[Attains a heightened state of awareness, granting the ability to perceive and comprehend one's own stats with extraordinary clarity.]
After a short rest, I ventured outside and noticed Shane sitting by a small hut, his eyes intently focused on the farmhands laboring in the distance. I approached him, curious about the young boy's connection to magic.
"Shane," I began, "I couldn't help but notice your magic earlier. It's quite impressive. Can you tell me more about it?"
Shane, initially hesitant, shook his head. "I don't want to talk about it."
I respected his response but was persistent. "I'm not from around here, and I'm curious about magic. Can you share a little bit with me?"
Shane hesitated, his eyes darting between the fields and me. Eventually, he sighed and nodded, seemingly unable to resist the opportunity to share his knowledge.
"Alright," he said, "but you can't tell Grandpa about this. He doesn't like magic."
I nodded in agreement, eager to learn. Shane went on to explain the basics of magic, describing the four fundamental elements: Earth, Wind, Fire, and Water. He told me how they could be harnessed and used in various ways, creating a myriad of magical effects.
Shane's eyes lit up as he spoke, and he mentioned a legendary mage known as "The Great Owl." This enigmatic figure was said to have mastered all four elements, and that his true name was a mystery. Instead, he was known only by his moniker.
All this knowledge came from a magic book that Shane's father had owned. The boy's father had left a year ago and had not returned. Shane's eyes grew teary as he spoke about his missing father, his voice filled with longing.
"He went missing due to magic," Shane said, his voice choked with emotion. "That's why Grandpa doesn't like magic. It took my dad away from us."
I felt a pang of sympathy for the young boy. Shane's love for magic and his father's memory were deeply entwined, and he refused to see magic as the enemy, despite it being the cause for his father’s disappearance. I could only guess what had happened.
"Shane, I'm sorry about your father," I said gently.
Shane looked thoughtful for a moment, his eyes filled with a mix of sadness and determination.
"Magic isn't a curse. It's something we both liked." Shane declared, his eyes no longer teary.
As our conversation reached its poignant moment, a woman approached Shane. She seemed to be his mother, and the two exchanged words. I watched them from a distance as I went back to my quarters.
With a final smile at Shane, I knew it was time to return to the fields and join the others.
As I made my way back to the fields, joining the other farmhands, I couldn't help but reflect on my own journey. Shane's story had touched me deeply, reminding me of the complexities of family and the way magic could impact the lives of those who harnessed it.
I thought about my own life, the one I had left behind, and my parents whom I dearly missed. In a world so different from the one I had known, I wondered how they were faring. Were they doing well, and had they come to terms with my sudden absence?
A sense of nostalgia washed over me, and I longed for the familiar comforts of my previous life. But as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm, golden glow over the fields, I also realized that my journey in Eirelia was far from over. There were still adventures to be had, mysteries to uncover, and more people to meet. The magic of this world, with its four elemental forces, had already shown me its basic intricacies.
As I continued to plow the fields alongside my fellow farmhands, I contemplated the few days that I had been in this world. And in the quiet moments of labor, I couldn't help but feel a little bit of sadness and inquiry, having got no explanation as to why I’ve arrived at this world.