-Tavern-

It's too loud in here. People are cheering and laughing. It's quite the scene you always see inside a tavern in a big city like this.

I approached the tavern keeper to ask what is happening. I sat one of the chairs and relaxed for a bit.

"Hello Mr. Tavern keeper, I can see that people here are cheerful. So, what's going on?" Maybe the arm wrestling is a contest or something. The Tavern Keeper is wearing a simple uniform, common for shopkeepers. He looks decent and has a beard too.

(TAVERN KEEPER / MERCHANT: A

EQUIPMENT: HAT OF SPEECH / TAVERN KEEPER CLOTHES

MASTERIES: SPEECH / COOKING)

"Oh, it's just a simple arm wrestling and adventurers make a bet, earn some extra cash and have fun at the same time. New face huh, is this your first time here?" He asked. He's smiling having fun watching the match. Though, he sounds feminine...

"Yes, that's right. So, is there any news going around lately?" I asked, looking for information I might need.

"Oh, I will answer that question if you order a drink first." It looks like I'm obliged to order. Well, it's common to buy something first before asking stuff. I have lots of gold coins right now so it wouldn't be a problem.

"Of course, give me the best drink you've got. Oh, and please no alcohol. I will meet my friends later," I laugh. Gaining a tavern keeper's favor is really important. The more they're close to you, the more they give you valuable information.

"Here you go, Light's Berry Juice! This is the best juice here in Order light city. It will melt your brain!" He proudly presented the juice and the color is kind of weird. Doubts embraced my feelings.

"Did he just say Light's Berry Juice?!"

"Yeah, I heard it too!"

"Isn't that the legendary juice they're talking about?!"

"Yup, that's right! Even the Guild leader loves it!"

"You must have heard it wrong! It was the most expensive juice in the city!"

Ehh? People suddenly are talking about my order. I'm pretty sure I said the best drink, but I didn't expect I would get this much attention. They suddenly came to check it out and waiting for me to drink it.

"Hey boy, you should drink it, people are getting excited you know," The tavern keeper insisted.

"Well, if you don't mind me asking. Just how much is this juice?" I shyly asked hoping that I can afford it.

(BERRY JUICE: Currently the best tasting drink in Order of Light City that is famous around the world of NLO. Price: 10 gold coins.)

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"It's ten gold coins. I'm pretty sure you have that kind of money, right? You even asked for the best," He smiled. I felt like I was scammed! But it's partly my fault. Ten gold coins for a drink? Are you joking? It's half of my money, damn it and it took me a whole day of farming for it!

"Can I just give it back? I realized I am not that thirsty. Ha ha-" I tried to laugh but my throat can't. I checked the tavern keeper's face but it was like he is getting serious now. Damn it!

"Ha ha- It was just a joke. Ha ha- Alright, I'll give it a shot!" I slowly drink the freaking expensive juice.

The smell is really good tickling my nostrils! The juice has tangy, viscously fresh, naturally sweet and has a sharp taste which made my tongue melt in enjoyment! This is the best juice I've ever tasted. Though, I think ten gold coins for the price of it is too much.

"So how was it? I can see on your face that you really enjoyed it. You're even blushing!" He smiled knowing I was satisfied.

"Yeah, it was great! Thanks! So, I guess it's your turn to answer my question, right?" I grinned. You won't get away this time.

"Alright, alright,"

"Well, I heard a rumor that there is an undiscovered dungeon if you cross the lake near the hobgoblin's area. Players are scared to get near it because there's a rumor that a madman will kill anyone who gets near it, even hundreds of hobgoblins didn't make it," Yeah, of course, it was me. But I'm pretty sure I didn't see any entrances to a dungeon there. Maybe I missed it. Better check it out later with the party.

"There are also sightings of a giant bear west of here. They said it was so big and considered as a Rank C Boss type and even as strong as the Goblin Chief. Better stay away from it. Hunters failed to hunt it and died. They just leave it alone after that," A Giant bear! Sounds nice but it would be a pain if I go there unprepared.

"Also after the coming tournament, there will be a new update to the game. I haven't heard any solid proof but it wouldn't hurt to prepare for it right? It's an uproar now on the internet," Well technically it would be the game's anniversary after the tournament.

"And because you did buy the most expensive drink here, I will tell you a big secret. Order of Light is secretly recruiting military forces because nearby cities are aiming to capture Order of Light city soon. Order of Light city is the biggest, richest and at the center of the grassland so it would be the number one target. Better leave the city when the time comes. That's all I have, boy. I hope you get that all," Well, that's unexpected. I thought the cities are peaceful but of course, there are always going to be a greedy one, right? I shouldn't join the political affairs, it's troublesome.

"Thanks, Mr. Tavern keeper! I'll make sure to visit you from time to time!" I bid my farewell. Well, I think it's worth it.

-Order of Light's South Road-

In the meantime, a group of travelers saw a giant wall made of rock blocking the way.

"Holy crap! That's a giant wall! It's incredible!" A shout from a familiar face, it was Elou.

"Yeah, it was really awesome right, Lili? Should be many spellcasters had built it," Akko said who was really amazed by the wall.

"You're right. It is in the way, though. They should remove it somehow because it's troublesome," Lili said but wasn't really that much interested.

They didn't know that Scy was here when it was erected.

"We should hurry up. Scy is waiting for us. I guess that he is now stronger than any of us." He surely loves to laugh.

"You know that you are with two young maidens, right?" Akko frowned.

"Yeah Yeah- Sorry." He said while smirking.

-Order of Light City-

They arrived at the gate of the city in no time.

"WOOOOOOAAAAAH! This place looks amaaaazing! I should have brought a camera!" He laughed earnestly.

Both of the girls were amazed too. The gate is so high even a bird needs to fly higher to just pass.

They were amazed when they entered the city. Outside the city was so dark because it's already night but inside is really bright. The roads have a lamp post everywhere. Shops, houses, and other buildings are also bright, attracting customers even at night time.

Unlike in the real world, players are more active around night time because most of the people are at home and probably playing while sleeping.

They spent their time trying to check shops and visiting tourist spots.

They forgot to contact Scy that is waiting for them.