After enjoying their meal, Arlo and Vielle stepped out of the restaurant and into the dark cobblestone streets. Arlo wore a satisfied smile as he carefully balanced two covered bowls in his hands. Vielle walked beside him, her gaze fixed on his content expression.

"Was the stew really that good?" she asked, a hint of amusement in her voice.

Arlo chuckled. "Honestly, it was a bit bland compared to the food back home. But there's something exciting about trying cuisine from another world for the first time. I'm just glad they let us take some to go."

Vielle nodded, her own smile warm and understanding. "You're right. Sylvia and Serena must be famished by now. They've only had breakfast, after all."

"Exactly. We better hurry before the stew gets cold," Arlo said, quickening his pace.

"No worries. If it does cool down, we can easily reheat it with a bit of magic," Vielle reassured him, matching his stride.

"I was counting on that," Arlo grinned.

As they made their way back to the inn, Arlo suddenly halted, his eyes widening in recognition. Just ahead of them walked a familiar figure - a young man with spiky light brown hair and warm brown eyes. He wore well-maintained leather armor with a steel chestplate, a sword sheathed at his hip. It was Glams, the adventurer Arlo had met during his second visit to this world.

"Oh, it’s him." Arlo murmured.

Vielle followed his gaze, her brow furrowing slightly. "A friend of yours?"

"You could say that. He's an adventurer I met a while back. Well, it was only a short time ago for me, but obviously much longer for him," Arlo explained.

Although Arlo felt he had grown slightly more social over the past few days, he still couldn't bring himself to call out or greet Glams. However, as if sensing their presence, Glams glanced over his shoulder. His eyes lit up as they landed on Arlo, and he stopped in his tracks.

"Oh, Arlo." Glams called out, a wide grin splitting his face.

Arlo approached him, returning the smile. "Hey Glams, have you been well?”

"Can't complain," Glams replied, clasping Arlo's hand in a firm shake. "What about you?"

"I'm good. Where are you off to?"

"Meeting up with my party for drinks. Want to join?" Glams offered brightly.

Arlo's smile turned apologetic. "Thanks for the offer, but I'm not much for crowded taverns. Besides, I also have something I have to do."

"No worries, maybe next time." Glams' gaze slid over to Vielle, who had been observing their exchange with polite interest. His eyebrows shot up, recognition dawning on his face. "Oh, I didn't realize you were friends with the Witch of Moonlight."

Arlo blinked, glancing at Vielle in confusion. "Witch of Moonlight?"

Before he could inquire further, Vielle stepped forward, a puzzled smile on her lips. "Have we met before? I'm afraid I don't recall..."

Glams deflated slightly, his expression turning sheepish. "Ah, right. I suppose it was a rather forgettable encounter... for you, at least. It was during the Adventurer's Rank-Up Exam. I was pitted against you in the first round"

Understanding flashed in Vielle's eyes. "Oh, yes! I think I remember now. You put up a good fight."

Glams laughed ruefully, rubbing the back of his neck. "That's kind of you to say, but we both know it was one-sided. The whole thing was over in less than five seconds."

"Adventurer's Rank-Up Exam?" Arlo interjected, his curiosity piqued. "What's that all about?"

Vielle turned to him, happy to explain. "It's a series of tests that adventurers must pass in order to advance in rank. They're only held for those who have already reached D-rank or higher, so you won't need to worry about it for a while yet."

Glams nodded. "And I ended up facing her in the first stage of the B-rank exam."

Arlo took note of the B-rank exam detail. He hadn't asked Vielle her rank before, but based on her power, he figured she must be high-ranked. Her easy victory over a B-rank hunter and Adventurer only strengthened that assumption.

He couldn't help wondering exactly how advanced her rank was as he looked at her. But another detail also caught his attention. "Glams, why do you keep calling her the 'Witch of Moonlight'?"

Glams looked at him in surprise. "You really don't know? It’s-”

Before he could explain, Vielle spoke up with a slight pout. "It's just some nonsensical name people started calling me at some point. I find it rather irksome, to be honest..."

"I can see where it comes from though," Arlo remarked, eying her flowing silver hair shimmering in the moonlight and her long, pointed hat. One could say she did resemble an enchanting witch in some respects. “It might even suit you.”

Vielle shook her head. "Titles like Witch or Warlock are reserved for those who have attained the seventh-tier mana core rank. I'm still a long way from that level. I've barely scratched the surface of sixth-tier magic, and can only cast a handful of King-class spells."

Glams' eyes widened at that, a look of awe and envy flashing across his face. Arlo, too, found himself impressed anew by the depth of Vielle's power.

'As humble as they say,' Glams mused to himself, eyeing her with an appraising look. 'A 6th tier mage capable of King-class spells...that's not something you encounter every day.'

But he kept these thoughts to himself.

‘6th tier mana core…from the moment I achieved tier 1 I could tell, that each new tier was leagues above the previous one… I guess that means that I still haven’t seen what she’s fully capable of.’ Arlo mused.

“I don’t know what the average tier most mages are in but that sounds really amazing…I’m glad you're my ally." Arlo said, clearly impressed as he looked at Vielle contemplatively.

Vielle blushed slightly and averted her gaze at the compliment. "It's really not that remarkable..."

‘Vielle outclasses me in magic and would probably easily beat me in a fight. There’s no doubt about it, if I want to get stronger, I’ll have to practice sparring against her too.' Arlo thought to himself before turning back to Glams.

"Well, it was great running into you again Glams. We'd better get going though since we're in a bit of a rush. Enjoy the drinks with your party."

The three exchanged friendly waves before parting ways, Arlo and Vielle continuing their trek back to the inn. Glams watched them go, a thoughtful expression on his face.

“I didn’t think she could smile like that. The witch of moonlight that I remember was always alone and expressionless…although looking back, it was probably due to how the others ostracized her for being a vampire."

He resumed his walk back over in the direction he was originally heading before looking up at the moons in the sky.

“Her being a Vampire doesn’t seem to bother him at all. Looks like I was right to make you my friend after all.” Glams murmured with a smile.

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

---

"Ooh, food from another world!" Serena exclaimed, her eyes lighting up at the sight of the covered bowls Arlo and Vielle had brought back.

Sylvia inhaled appreciatively, a smile curving her lips. "It smells wonderful."

Arlo set the bowls down on the small table, lifting the lids with a flourish. Vielle murmured a few words under her breath, a magic circle formed beneath the bowl and the stew began to steam gently, wisps of savory-scented vapor curling into the air.

"Don't let the smell fool you," Arlo cautioned as Serena eagerly ladled a portion into her bowl. "It's actually a bit on the bland side, especially compared to what we're used to back home."

Vielle shot him a look of playful outrage. “Excuse you. I'll have you know that's my favorite stew in town. Could you kindly show it some respect?"

"This coming from the guy who would skip out on the meals we worked so hard to prepare. As if he knows anything about good food. Half the time we couldn't even get Arlo to sit down for a proper meal" Serena scoffed before taking a big bite. "Mmmm, it's delicious!"

"Hey now," Arlo protested, affecting a wounded expression. "We both now I was going through a lot back then and still am."

“All I hear are excuses." Serena said, sticking her tongue out at him.

Serena stuck her tongue out at him before digging back in. With a sigh, Arlo glanced over at Sylvia who ate quietly, clearly relishing the meal.

Catching his eye, she smiled at him. "So how was the outing with you two? Did you have fun?"

"It wasn't an outing, it was a business meeting. And it went well, I think we got a good deal hammered out," Arlo replied.

"Glad to hear it. Let us know if you need any help with the business side of things," Sylvia offered. "It does get a bit dull cooped up here all day with nothing to do..."

"I'll say! Can't we go out and explore the city a little? I'm bored out of my mind," Serena groused dramatically. "What’s the point of coming to another world if all we do is stay in our rooms all day?!"

Arlo did feel a pang of guilt keeping them shut in all day.

"Sorry, I was planning to take you both shopping for some new clothes tomorrow. After Vielle and I wrap up our meetings, I promise I'll show you around the city. Sound good?"

"Yes, please!" Serena said around a mouthful of stew. "If I have to stare at these walls for another day, I'm going to lose it."

Arlo laughed. "Then it's settled. We'll head out first thing in the morning, after Vielle and I conclude our business for the day."

Sylvia and Serena shared a look of excitement, already chattering about all the things they wanted to see and do.

"Anyway, I need to go take care of something, so I'll be in my room. When you're done eating, you should probably turn in since it's getting late. There's more food in the inn's dining hall downstairs if you want it - Vielle can fill you in on the rest."

Arlo rose and headed for the door, eager for a chance to seclude himself, redeem his system rewards, and get in some spell practice. The run-in with the butler had left him feeling he needed to step up his training, even if only in short bursts when he could manage it.

Vielle seemed to intuit his intent and made no objection. "Alright, I'll stay with them a bit longer so as not to disturb you."

Arlo gave her a grateful nod. With a final wave, he bid them goodnight. "Sleep well Sylvia, Serena, Vielle."

Serena, having just polished off her stew, flopped back onto the bed, her long hair fanning out around her as she stared after Arlo's departing form. "Wonder what he's up to?"

Although Vielle was tempted to speculate, she held her tongue. Sylvia spoke up with a warm smile instead.

"Who can say? It’s always one surprise after another with him. But while it's just us ladies, I wanted to take a moment to thank you, Vielle."

"For what?" Vielle asked, looking at her curiously.

"Ever since he shut himself away in his room, Arlo had grown so distant and withdrawn... But now it feels like he's slowly opening back up, bit by bit. He's changed, and I'm certain your influence played no small part in that," Sylvia said softly. "So I wanted to express my gratitude."

"Sylvia's right, he definitely seems different these days," Serena chimed in, sitting up. "Not sure how you managed it, but I owe you my thanks too," she said, bestowing a radiant smile on Vielle.

Vielle returned the smile, shaking her head modestly. "I didn't do much. I'm sure Arlo would have found his way with or without me."

Sylvia held her gaze with a gentle, knowing look, while Serena's eyes sparkled with mischief.

'This girl is absolutely perfect for him! They may not be dating yet, but I won't rest until they are...' The wheels in Serena's mind began spinning with delightful schemes.

"Since we're all here, why don't you give us a crash course on the basics of magic, Vielle?" Sylvia suggested. "We'd love to learn, if at all possible."

"I suppose now would be a perfect time.” Vielle agreed readily. "Let's start with the fundamentals..."

—

Arlo sat cross-legged on his bed, his eyes closed in concentration as he gazed at the screens manifested before him. The room was quiet, save for the soft whisper of his breath and the faint hum of magic in the air.

"Show details for my barrier magic," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.

In response to his command, the screen shimmered and shifted, revealing a list of spells. Arlo's eyes scanned the glowing text, alighting on the one he sought.

[Spells.] (12)

[Barrier Magic.]

– [Intermediate-Class Barrier Magic: Barrier!]

[Mastery: 57.60%]

"The mastery is quite high for my barrier spell," Arlo mused, a thoughtful frown tugging at his lips. "It must be because I'm always casting it. I should be able to unlock the chantless version soon..."

With that goal in mind, Arlo took a deep breath and began the incantation for the barrier spell, his gaze never leaving the screen floating before him.

"Heed my call, Intermediate Class Barrier Magic: Barrier!"

As the final word left his lips, Arlo felt a subtle shift in the air around him, a tingle of power dancing across his skin. A shimmering, golden forcefield blinked into existence, encasing him in a protective sphere of energy.

[MP: 9% -> 8%]

The screen updated in real-time, reflecting the slight drain on his magical reserves. Arlo studied the new information with a critical eye.

[Barrier Magic.]

– [Intermediate-Class Barrier Magic: Barrier!]

[Mastery: 58.30%]

'Looks like the mastery went up by 0.70%,' Arlo noted with satisfaction. It was a small increase, but progress was progress.

Dismissing the barrier with a thought, Arlo immediately launched into the chant again, determined to repeat the process until he had exhausted his mana completely. It was a training method he had devised on the fly, but it seemed an efficient way to grind out mastery gains.

As he settled into the rhythmic flow of cast and release, Arlo's gaze drifted to another screen he had left open nearby, its contents clamoring for his attention.

[Mail.]

[You have leveled up!] (x2)

[You have earned a level-up point.] (x2)

[Would you like to exchange your level-up point for rewards?] (Y/N)

[You've completed the 'Emergency Quest: Labyrinth Plague Outbreak!]

[Completion rewards have been sent.]

[Would you like to receive them?] (Y/N)

'It's about time I claim these rewards,' Arlo thought, his lips thinning with resolve. 'Might as well do it while I'm training.'

Selecting the affirmative option with a mental flick, Arlo watched as a bundle of cards materialized in the air before him, their edges limned in a pulsing blue light. Six azure cards hovered on one side, while five crimson cards floated on the other - his level-up rewards and emergency quest payouts, respectively.

Arlo's brow furrowed as he considered his options, his mind racing through the potential outcomes of each choice. After a long moment of deliberation, he reached out and plucked two of the blue cards from their ephemeral deck.

"This one and...this one," he muttered, his fingers passing through the incorporeal cards like a ghost.

As soon as his selections were made, the cards flashed with blinding brilliance, bathing the room in a flow of shimmering light. When the glow receded, the contents of the cards were revealed, etched in glowing script upon their faces.

[+4 Stat Points.]

[+3 Stat Points.]

Arlo couldn't quite suppress the flicker of disappointment that crossed his features. The rewards were useful, certainly - one could never have too many stat points to allocate. But they weren't quite the boon he had been hoping for.

"Two choices, and still no sign of that 'spin' card," he grumbled, shaking his head ruefully. "How many more tries is it going to take?"

With a sigh of resignation, Arlo watched as the cards dissolved into motes of light, their rewards automatically added to his status screen. The display shimmered and reformed, presenting him with an updated breakdown of his attributes.

[Strength: 15] (+)

[Agility: 17] (+)

[Stamina: 12] (+)

[Sense: 12] (+)

[Mana: 5] (+)

[Available Stat Points: 7]