[You find an outpost, and suspect you are close to one of the entrances of Lang Town. Having confirmed the location, you go down the road, away from the town, and wait a few steps off of it…]

Lem’s simulated self waited quietly. He was tucked out of the way, crouching in between bushes, but his view of the road was unobstructed.

The day passed by slowly, before a few small sounds drifted through the air.

Lem’s simulated self perked up.

It seemed that there were travelers coming down the road. He craned his neck in either direction, but he couldn’t see anything.

The noises slowly increased.

“...at the feast. It was only because…that he got the job…first place…”

A second voice broke in.

“I agree, but you have to understand…in the past…you lose a friend and you realize how little it means.”

“But still even if his father is an immortal, he should understand that he is still a mortal.”

“Even if he is a mortal, he still has an immortal father. You should not speak ill of the kin of such a character. If you truly offend him, who knows what he could do to you. Getting a bad shift would be the least of your concern.

“In any case, you should be careful when we get closer to the traps. Occasionally, there are foxes or other small beasts that get caught. Their teeth are not merely ornaments, I assure you.”

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“I know, I know.”

It became clear that they were coming from the direction of the town. Lem’s simulated self adjusted his gaze in anticipation.

Shortly after he had done so, a man and a woman came into view. Both were armed with a spear and shield, and clad in leather armor, however, their demeanors were surprisingly relaxed.

“I’ve heard that he is getting married soon,” the woman said.

“What does that have to do with it?”

“Maybe after having a child, he’ll stop taking his anger out on me.”

“Or he could take his anger out more.”

“I heard that before taking the job, Lorn was known for his temper. He got married, and look what happened. If you could find someone who could put up with you, it wouldn’t seem so strange…”

As the pair passed in front of where he was hiding, Lem’s simulated self tensed up.

Should he approach?

Lem understood his indecision.

His sense of danger did not flare up. They also did not notice his presence, and their conversation seemed like pure gossip.

None of it was apt for a pair of martial disciples.

On the other hand it was the first time he had seen people on the road. He did not know how long it would be until another group passed by.

He had also heard them mention an immortal…

In the end he did not get up, and the pair slowly walked away.

“If Lorn jumps off of a roof, will Jospel break his legs?”

“What could that possibly mean?”

“You cannot judge Jospel by the standard of Lorn. Who knows why he changed, or if he even changed to start with. You can never trust the rumors you hear. I only believe in what my own eyes see and what my own hands touch.”

“How will you ever learn anything if you don’t trust others? Will you touch all the trees in the forest before you think it exists?”

“In your world…”

[As you wait, a few passersby travel past you without noticing your presence. They do not look like martial school disciples, so you do not disturb them. You are aware that if you begin disturbing people, you could be chased away, so you are content to be patient…]