The journey to the lighthouse had been smooth, save for the occasional curious glances from the villagers. Fortunately, they're understandable enough to respect his own privacy, allowing him, Ariella, and Cia to move through without trailing him or striking up conversation.

Kai wasn’t sure if it was just his own self-consciousness or overthinking making him feel overly observed or if his new reputation really had made everyone so interested in his every move. He chuckled to himself; he never wanted or expected this kind of attention. Fame was just… awkward, and he could only imagine how people who dealt with it every day managed not to crack under the constant eyes on them.

Then again, in reality he knew, the majority of peoples aren't really that inclined to their idols to the point of obsession. Added, he doubts Stalkers exist in this dangerous world or these busy villagers had so much free time to stalk him.

Shaking off the unnecessary thought, Kai focused on the trail ahead. Soon they left the busier parts of the village, where families were packing for migration, and entered the quiet, near-abandoned streets. The houses here were mostly in disrepair, some even half-dismantled and near crumbling. Yet for him, he felt at peace. It really felt nice with just the three of them, taking a long stroll together even though the sight around isn't that great. He had this complicated feeling within his heart lately that he can't seem to understand. It's just that, for some unknown reason, Kaiser felt at home with these two as if they're all he needed in life. Though, Kaiser was certain it doesn't concern romance or friendship... Just, something he can't explain for now.

His troubled mind was soon distracted just as they reached the outskirts and caught sight of a familiar figure he never expected to see.

There, near the edge of the settlement, was an elderly man steadily holding a bow in hand, standing with a tranquil expression, calm and intensely focused on an unknown target. His stance was steady, and his gaze was trained on a distant point in the forest. The bow he held looked nothing like the ordinary bows used by the Hunters—it was ancient and intricately carved, made of some dark wood bound with steel that had weathered over countless years yet maintained feral elegance. And despite his age, the chief drew the bowstring with a strength and grace that were surprising for someone so wrinkled and hunched.

Kai and the girls paused, watching as the chief released the string. An arrow shot through the air, vanishing into the woods. For a second, Kai thought it would simply hit a tree, but his expectation was betrayed as a shriek—a piercing cry from some unseen creature — sounded soon after, silencing almost as quickly as it began, implying its death.

Ariella clapped in awe, and Kai couldn’t help but give a respectful clap as well. He had never imagined the old chief was an outstanding marksman even now.

The chief’s hunched frame softened as he returned to his usual posture, short, old and unassuming. An amused, proud glinted in his eye as he noticed the three of them. With a small, wrinkled smile, he shuffled toward them, looking not at all like the fierce archer he had been seconds ago.

“Kaiser,” the chief greeted, his voice rough but warm. “And friends. Enjoying a stroll?”

Kai returned the smile. "Kind of, Chief. We’re on our way to the tower to pay a last visit and ask some questions."

The chief nodded knowingly, his gaze settling briefly on each of them. “Ah, I see. Well, old Keeper Garba has plenty of stories—more than anyone could ever need, I’d say. That man could run his mouth all day, although, sometimes, he forgot his limits. But he’s wise. You’ll learn much if you listen carefully, just make sure to ask the right questions, I doubt you'll appreciate his humor, if not.”

Kaiser can't fully figure out what the chief is trying to say. The tower keeper, Garba, was pretty decent in their last conversation.

He hesitated. “Chief… I didn't know you were so skilled with a bow.”

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

The chief chuckled, his eyes glimmering with a hint of nostalgia. “In my younger days, I was a bit of a hunter myself and earned my position through merits as an excellent marksman, similar to what Alfred is doing now. We didn’t have all these Hunters back then to guard us, so we had to be our own protectors.” His gaze drifted to the forest where his arrow had disappeared. “Old habits die hard, I suppose.”

He turned his attention back to the three of them, his expression softening. “This village may be moving, but you… you and the others here have given it new life, even if just for a short while. For that, I thank you. Especially to you child, Kaiser. I've never thought I'll live long enough to meet a Player and even converse with one. I'm sure like your predecessors, you'll someday accomplish something great in the future. However, I've already lived for a hundred and fifty years, I doubt I'll see you grow into a great man."

'Wait, wait, wait. Wtf? A hundred and fifty years!?'

His jaw dropped. He knew the village chief are old, but over an average human lifespan, yet appeared like in his eighties and were still capable of drawing a bow's hard string, something is definitely wrong here!

Leaning towards Cia's ear, who was similarly surprised by that revelation, he whispered.

"Quick question, what's the maximum lifespan of humans?"

Her soft voice responded.

"One hundred and twenty two years, at best. That's the longest a human being had ever lived, that record hasn't been broken ever since."

His heart skipped a beat. Kaiser had long realized that something is odd in this village since having that brawl with Brick, whose strength was above his masculine build. His suspension was then proven undeniable by Alfred, whose brute force was no way normal, even surpassing Kaiser's own. Were they descendants? No, they're not, because if they are, then Intel of their Player predecessor would have reached his ear. Furthermore, even the Bandits Boss possesses unnatural strength atop his healing ability.Why is that?

Now, lifespan that surpassed the limit? There's something going on here, and Kai had to know it. But how? Well, his Player title isn't just for show, it's time to make use of the privilege it offered.

After some hesitation, Kai reluctantly asks the hunched Chief in a lowered voice.

"Um... Hey Chief, just between you and me. Do you guys take some kind of miracle drugs here?"

He concluded that there might be a power and life enhancing drug, potion or whatever being developed here in Greenland. Available only to the upper society of these land. From the looks of it, the miracle product doesn't seem to have severe side effects. I mean, aside from the Bandits Boss, Alfred doesn't look like an addict, same might not go to Brick, though. Still, whatever sh*t they're taking, Kaiser was interested in it, too. After all, it's a power booster in a container, and he had been sort of troubled on thinking where to spend his golds lately, now that his livelihood is supported by his legendary title.

Kaiser was just about to say money isn't a problem, when the Chief gave him an odd look as if staring at a lunatic, then pity his two, innocent companions. Knowledge of harmful drugs was passed down by Players of old, so did other modernizing information to improve their civilization which is applied to big settlements.

With a sigh, the chief shook his head somberly.

"It's not that... Child, if you're attached to consuming any sorts of prohibited substances, I'm warning you, restrain yourself while you're still young. Don't let addiction ruin your future."

And just like that, the Chief's attitude towards him overturned.

'Wtf, now I'm mistaken for a drug addict? I don't even intake caffeine, let alone, the sh*ts you're talking about.' Honestly, Kai doesn't even like drinking coffee.

Thinking about it, he does sound like someone talking to a drug dealer there and doesn't look like a decent young man, either... But his not, never in his life did he take illegal substances! Not like he had so much money on Earth, his already struggling to make ends meet there!

The problem is, how is he supposed to clear these misunderstandings? A confirmed addict would definitely deny it, which a clean person would do so, as well. Either way, suspicion towards him wouldn't be completely cleared by his own words.

Momentarily lost for words, Cia came to his rescue.

"Grandpa, please forgive my friend's rudeness, Kai's isn't fluent with his tongue, at times. But I assure his a good guy, in fact, his the kindest man I know." The Blind girl spoke with a smile, her voice gentle and tender, intentionally referring to the Chief as "Grandpa" to touch his senile heart.

Even Kaiser felt a flutter within him when inferred as "kind" by that melodious voice.

Most importantly, the Chief seems to completely believe in Cia's words. A far cry reaction compared to what Kaiser's denial could ever achieve. In any case, his glad that Cia was around.

"I see... If the young lady said so, then my worries are gone."

He looked at Kaiser in the eyes, as though contemplating, eventually, he shook his head and walked towards the forest. As he did, he spoke.

"Child, speak clearly next time, because these old head of mine often fail to comprehend youngsters nowadays."

Kaiser walks behind the Chief, listening as he continues.

"You're probably wondering how I've lived so long and the secret behind Alfred's strength. Hmm... Didn't Garba Informed you?" The old man looked over in questions.

"No." Kai shook his head.

The chief sighed, "He's growing senile, too, it seems." Then added. "The answer you're seeking for is actually a secret of humanity itself, forbidden to be known by the majority for that knowledge may bring catastrophe in everyone on these land. However, as a Player, it's your right to know. Be warned, Child, what you'll learn from me could lead to an individual greatness or downfall, including Players and those around you. So keep my words to heart for your own good, understand?"

Kaiser nodded, feeling apprehensive with Cia. The goddess doesn't seem to care, but for mortals like them, such forbidden matters concerning all of humanity was extremely crucial. Then again, although Kai was driven to this point by mere curiosity, why is it that he felt like his about to swallow more than he yearned for?

That said...

'I thought it was just a potion. Why did it turn out like this?'