Kaiser’s beast-like instincts, a gift granted by Sacred Bond with Zara, gave him a significant advantage in combat. His heightened senses allowed him to react faster than most and evade attacks better. Mr. Alfred, the veteran hunter, had praised the ability to dogde as a fighter’s greatest defense. And he agreed with that. After all, no matter how powerful an attack is, it's useless if it can't hit.

It wasn't every day that someone with Alfred's experience offered free tips, and Kaiser wasn’t about to let that wisdom go to waste.

So, despite his own self-confidence, Kaiser chose to heed Alfred's advice, opting for attire that would allow him more flexibility and agility by disregarding most defense a full armor offer. All the while preferring his new attire to be dark in color, to fit his taste. Furthermore, it won't easily be stained.

Moreover, Alfred’s advice opened Kaiser’s eyes to things he hadn't considered before. The hunter’s practical insights highlighted the vulnerabilities of armor, not just its advantages. He pointed out that if armor got damaged, it could crumple or tear, restricting movement and potentially obstructing his focus. However, it's more to Kaiser because his immortal. That problem would hinder his body's regenerative ability. Worse still, it could trap his flesh, twisting into his wounds and amplifying his agony as his immortality kicked in to heal. The image of that painful scenario made him shudder. He was grateful that Alfred had shed light on these drawbacks, making him reconsider the kind of protection he needed.

'Full armor is a big no.'

The guidance didn’t stop there. When it came to weapons, Alfred recommended that Kaiser stick to the basics. Understanding that Kaiser was still developing his skills, without proper understanding of combat style, let alone technique. He suggested a conventional dagger, versatile for throwing or close-quarters tasks, paired with a medium-length, double-edged sword. These were straightforward tools—reliable and practical, nothing too flashy. Though, despite his overflowing budget, the quality is merely mundane due to the humble settlement limited resources. Still, they were a clear step up from the poorly made blades Kaiser had looted from the bandits. At least they were brand-new, and in the hands of a quick learner, they’d more than suffice. Hopefully.

Kaiser would have loved to learn more from the veteran Hunter if they had more time, but as the head of the Hunter squad, Alfred had pressing duties to attend to. With a nod of respect, the two parted ways, each silently acknowledging the other's path.

Led by Ethan, the group continued their shopping spree through the village. They restocked their survival gear, replacing their worn-out equipment — The items he stole from the bandits — with new and better-quality items. Kaiser even purchased a sturdy leather travel bag, big enough to carry all their essentials and more. It was a huge upgrade; they could now mount sleeping bags on it, making sure they wouldn't have to sleep on the bare ground anymore.

Although Kaiser knew they were heading to a more developed settlement soon, where survival gear might not be necessary, he didn’t mind the expense. He was wealthy now, and when you’ve got money to spare, it’s best to be prepared for anything. Practicality and peace of mind were worth the splurge.

Such as the luxury of the rich.

By the time they made it back to the inn, night had draped the village in darkness.

Surprisingly, what had been a quiet and empty space earlier was now bustling with life. The inn was packed with locals unwinding after a long day of work, their laughter and lively conversations filling the air. Mugs clinked, and the aroma of warm food and strong ale made the atmosphere feel vibrant and welcoming. The costumers quantity required Ethan's assistance immediately, leaving them alone.

Stolen story; please report.

Kaiser's entrance with his companions immediately drew attention, his unfamiliar presence igniting curiosity.

The rowdy patrons, already a few drinks in, couldn't help but notice the unfamiliar group. Whispers turned to grins, and soon enough, the comments started rolling in.

"Hey, kid, come have a drink with us!" a flushed-faced man hollered, waving his mug like he was greeting an old friend.

"Yeah, what’s with those ladies? Why’re their faces all covered up? C’mon, let us get a look!" another guy jeered, laughter in his voice as he nudged his buddy.

A third man, even more inebriated, leaned back and chuckled, "Haha, watch yourself there, pal! One woman’s more trouble than you think, take it from me!" His comment was abruptly cut off as a stern-looking woman, clearly his wife, marched over and yanked him up by the ear. "Drinking again! Enough! Home, now!" she snapped, dragging the poor guy out while the room erupted in laughter.

"See what I mean?" the man called back with a sheepish grin, wincing as his wife pulled him away like a misbehaving child.

Ariella chuckled behind the mask, Cia smiled and Kaiser didn't know how to react.

The inn roared with laughter, the drunk costumers spirits high as they continued to enjoy their night. The teasing and camaraderie washed over Kaiser, lightening his mood a little.

"Come on, kiddo, have a drink! This is the best booze in town!" another voice boomed, the speaker's grin almost infectious.

"Yeah, spill it! Tell us about your adventures with those beauties! Don’t be shy!" another called out, his eyes twinkling with mischief as he gestured toward Cia and Ariella.

He shuddered, feeling a mix of delight, infected by the surrounding liveliness. However, all this attention was uncomfortable. Fortunately, it was simply curiosity about the new guys and town. Perhaps it's their unconscious act of welcoming them to their community. Instead of dubious malice, or too much doubts to strangers.

The words of them being sent by old man Garba, the Tower Warden had probably spread already. Or perhaps the chief confirms they're not hostile or poses harm to their village despite their unknown origins.

'Did they trust that old dude that much?'

Kai didn't know why, but the lighthouse keeper seems to be respected by the villagers a lot. To the point his approval alone is enough to turn a stranger to a local villager in their sight.

"Quit yapping, would ya! Leave the kid alone, you bunch of lonely drunkards!" Maber’s voice boomed through the inn, cutting through the laughter as he stepped up to defend Kaiser from the rowdy patrons.

"We're just teasing the newcomer! What’s wrong with that?" one of the men protested, a playful smirk on his face.

"I don't know, maybe because the kid doesn't like talking?! Just back off and let him head to his room!" Maber shot back, folding his arms and staring them down.

Kai and Ariella stood there, wide-eyed and a little dumbfounded, watching as Maber argued with the patrons. The whole scene seemed ridiculous, yet somehow fitting, as the inn’s atmosphere remained lively and full of good-natured jabs. Even as they exchanged heated words, the joy in the air didn’t fade; the patrons seemed to enjoy the banter just as much as the drinking.

"I'm so sorry about that, dear," said Miss Lina, the innkeeper, stepping in with a kind smile. "The folks here can get a bit rowdy at times. They don't mean any harm, really, they just wanted to get to know you."

With Miss Lina's and Maber’s help, Kaiser, Ariella, and Cia managed to weave their way through the sea of curious faces. As they climbed the creaky wooden stairs to their room, they could still hear the laughter and teasing from below.

The inn erupted into even louder cheers when the three of them entered the same room. Whistles and playful jeers echoed up the stairs, filled with exaggerated winks and jokes.

"Three in one room, huh? Now that’s what I call an adventure!" someone shouted from the crowd.

"Don’t wear yourselves out too much kid! You're still young!" another hollered, followed by a wave of laughter that seemed to shake the very walls of the inn.

"That guy will be coming out thin tomorrow!"

Slam!

He slammed the door shut, and covered his hot face with both hands. Burning with embarrassment thanks to the drunken jesters thrown at them, mainly to him.

Kaiser didn’t mind the teasing much, but what made it worse was Ariella and Cia were hearing it too! It's as if his dirty thoughts are speaking out loud, making it awkward for the three of them.

How is he supposed to face them now?

Kai can't. He bumped his head on the wall, hoping pain would be of help. However, it only made the folks outside cheered harder, misunderstanding the bumping sound for something else.

'Damn those bastards, don't they have anything better to do with life?!'

Cia's melodious giggles sounded in the room, taking his attention. She lingered for a moment, then said in a wistful tone.

"This village is really lively, don't you think so too?"

Thankfully, she seems to not mind the jesters, too much. Though, her cheeks are a bit red. While Ariella already lay on the bed, in deep thought as she tried to understand the earlier jokes. Though, her pure mind is not getting it.

Composing himself, Kaiser lips curved.

"Yeah, but too much for me. It's kinda strange how people of this world - Ahem, Dimension, I mean. Seems happier than advanced society on Earth... It felt nice." His gazed outside with a distant look on his face upon remembering his old home.

Moonlight showers through the balcony's door, chasing shadows in the dim room.

After a while, he sighed.

"In any case, it's time for bed."

With that, their first day in the village passed.

In the morning, however, they were awakened by news of a Villager disappearing.