Chapter 46

New Friends

Adom expressed his gratitude to the elderly lady for the hearty meal placed before him. The dish was a rustic, yet sumptuously prepared venison stew, rich with the flavors of wild herbs and root vegetables harvested from the forests of Old Salamander. The meat, tender and succulent, was complemented by a side of freshly baked bread, its crust golden and crisp, emanating a warmth that filled the air with a comforting aroma reminiscent of a home hearth.

As Adom took his first bite, his eyes widened in surprise and delight. The taste transported him back to Kati, evoking memories of his mother's kitchen. The old lady observed him from the corner of her eye, a subtle anticipation in her posture as she awaited his reaction. The expression of genuine enjoyment that crossed Adom's face brought a broad, satisfied smile to hers. "There you go, lad," she exclaimed with a hearty chuckle, her voice echoing the warmth of her cooking. "Eat up! You're as thin as a reed. We need to get some meat on those bones of yours!"

Adom, caught in the comforting embrace of the meal's flavors, couldn't help but let out a light, appreciative laugh. "Your cooking is truly amazing," he complimented, his voice sincere and filled with a newfound vigor.

Just then, a towering figure approached and settled heavily beside Adom. The man, a giant by any standard, was bald, with a thick beard that seemed to merge with the vast expanse of his chest. His arms, as thick as tree trunks, hinted at a life of physical toil.

"Right you are, lad," the man boomed, his voice deep and rumbling like distant thunder. "Alea's cooking is the only thing in these cursed lands that doesn't want to kill you. It's the best damn meal you'll find for miles."

Adom, his mouth still full from the stew, could only nod appreciatively at his comments. As he glanced around, he noticed a few other patrons, clearly adventurers by their gear and demeanor, settling into seats near him. Perhaps drawn by the inviting aroma of Alea's cooking.

Alea, with a twinkle in her eye, let out a hearty laugh. "Hahaha, Borgen here is just easy to impress! He wouldn't know a fine meal if it danced on his plate. As for culinary taste, he thinks anything not burnt to a crisp is gourmet," she teased, her voice carrying across the room and drawing chuckles from the other patrons.

Borgen, unfazed and still smiling, leaned towards Adom with a conspiratorial whisper, loud enough for Alea and others to hear. "Don't let her fool you, lad. Alea knows she's got the hands of a culinary goddess. She just loves hearing it from us. But beware, compliment her cooking, and she'll roast you next, not just the food. A true sweet and sour lady, she is."

The banter between Alea and Borgen, filled with jests, was infectious, and soon enough, Adom found himself laughing along with the adventurers and Borgen. The laughter escalated when Alea, feigning indignation, playfully tossed a wooden spoon in Borgen's direction. With surprising agility for a man of his size, Borgen dodged the projectile, his laughter booming even louder, showcasing a dexterity that belied his massive form.

As Adom managed to swallow his mouthful of food, he was greeted by the sight of Borgen's large hand extended towards him. The gesture, friendly and open, prompted Adom to reach out in kind, his hand dwarfed by Borgen's.

"You've already caught wind of my name, but I'm a stickler for proper introductions," Borgen declared, his voice a deep rumble that seemed to vibrate the very air. "Name's Borgen. And these fine folks," he gestured broadly to the six other adventurers who had gathered around, "are my comrades in arms. We're a band of adventurers, traversing these wilds and beyond. And you, lad? What might we call you?"

Adom, momentarily caught in the camaraderie, hesitated. The directness of Borgen's inquiry reminded him of the need for caution in this unfamiliar setting. Opting for prudence, he decided to adopt a pseudonym, a layer of protection in a world where names could hold power.

"My name's Rey," Adom replied, the name slipping off his tongue smoothly, as if he had used it countless times before. It was a simple name, unassuming and easy to remember, yet distant enough from his real identity to maintain a veil of anonymity. Borgen's handshake was firm but friendly, and with the flair of a seasoned storyteller, he began introducing his eclectic band of adventurers to Adom, his voice booming yet warm.

"First up, we've got Zara," he said, nodding towards a Tiefling whose horns curled elegantly above her head, her skin a deep shade of blue. "Our sorceress and the wittiest tongue this side of the Great Divide. Don't let her quiet demeanor fool you; she's saved our hides more times than I care to admit with her quick thinking. And never challenge her to a game of wits unless you fancy being the butt of the joke for a fortnight."

Next to Zara sat a figure whose presence seemed to blend with the shadows until Borgen's introduction brought him into the dim light. "This here's Enolar," Borgen gestured to an Elf with piercing green eyes, his lean form exuding a silent grace. "Our scout and the best tracker and marksman you'll ever meet. He's not much for conversation, but he's got a heart of gold. Once, he spent three days tracking a lost child through a blizzard. Found him too, half-frozen but alive."

At the mention of Enolar's name, a hearty laugh erupted from a Dwarf seated across the table. "Don't let Enolar's brooding looks scare you, Rey. He's a pussycat, really. I'm Bruni, by the way," he introduced himself with a wide grin, his beard bristling with laughter. "The muscle and the charm of the group, if you hadn't guessed. And before you ask, yes, I did outdrink a tavern full of orcs. And yes, it ended as badly as you'd think."

Borgen's laughter joined Bruni's, shaking his head in amusement before continuing. "And this radiant creature is Lyria," he said, indicating a Sylph whose delicate wings shimmered in the light, her ethereal beauty a stark contrast to the ruggedness of the inn. "Our healer and the voice of reason when things get... out of hand. Which, with this lot, is more often than you'd believe. Saved my hide with her healing touch more times than I can count."

Beside Lyria sat two humans, their hands intertwined under the table. "Meet Jace and Assia," Borgen said, his tone softening a bit. "The power couple. Jace here is an expert with the sword, and Assia's elemental mastery is unmatched and they're the biggest romantics you'll ever meet. Nearly got us all killed in a dungeon once because they wanted a 'moment' under the water falls."

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Laughter and nods of agreement passed around the table as the group reminisced about the incident, the camaraderie and shared history evident in their interactions.

Borgen, with a final chuckle, turned back to Adom. "And as for me, I'm Borgen, a Giantborn. Descendant of giants, if you hadn't guessed by my modest stature." His eyes twinkled with mischief as he leaned closer. "And before you ask, no, I won't tell you how the first giant managed to woo a human. Some mysteries are best left unsolved."

Adom, caught off guard by the joke, couldn't help but laugh, shaking his head. "I assure you, the thought hadn't even crossed my mind," he replied.

Adom acknowledged each member of the party with a nod or a smile, appreciating the camaraderie evident among them. However, it was Jace and Assia, the adventurous couple, who captured his interest most. Their names, not to mention their physical appearances, aligned too closely with the descriptions of the two adventurers who had famously survived the dungeon in Old Salamander. The coincidence was too stark to ignore, stirring curiosity within Adom.

As he mulled over the likelihood of this encounter, Bruni's voice pulled him back to the present. "Not often we see a lad on his own out here," the Dwarf commented with a mix of concern and curiosity. "You sure you're alright, kid? These lands aren't exactly kind to the unprepared."

Adom, masking his sudden intrigue in the couple, turned to Bruni with a reassuring smile. "Yes, I'm quite alright, thank you. I'm not lost; I'm on my way to visit my uncle in the village," he explained, sticking to his cover story. It was a plausible enough reason for his presence, one that didn't invite too much scrutiny or reveal his true intentions.

The information about the adventurers' party size, however, lingered in Adom's mind. The report had indeed mentioned a party of thirteen, a significant discrepancy from the seven present. This raised several questions. Had the others perished, or were they perhaps regrouping at a later time?

Adom decided to file away this discrepancy for now, choosing to focus on the immediate company and the wealth of experience they undoubtedly possessed. Engaging with them could provide valuable insights into the dungeon and its challenges.

As the evening wore on, the conversation flowed freely, and Adom found himself drawn into the lively banter of Borgen's party. Through their stories and shared laughter, he managed to piece together more about their upcoming venture. It appeared they were indeed waiting to reunite with the rest of their group in the village of Samar, the same destination Adom had mentioned. Their offer to let him accompany them the following day felt like a fortuitous twist, providing him with both companionship and a measure of safety on the road.

Borgen, with his booming voice and larger-than-life personality, seemed particularly enthusiastic about their impending expedition. "I won't dive into the nitty-gritty, lad," he said to Adom, a gleam of excitement in his eyes. "But let's just say, we've stumbled upon a lead that might just set us up for life. No more soggy tents or stale bread for us!"

Enolar, the elf who had been more reserved throughout the evening, surprised Adom by chiming in. "Wealth or not, you'll find me chasing the next horizon," he stated, a rare intensity in his voice. "There's something about the unknown that's far more enticing than a mountain of gold."

Zara, the Tiefling sorcerer, nodded in agreement, her eyes reflecting a shared sentiment of adventure over riches. Bruni, unable to contain his mirth, let out a hearty laugh. "Hear, hear! What's life without a bit of danger to spice it up? I'd go mad if I had to settle down to a quiet, uneventful existence."

The conversation then turned to Jace and Assia, the couple whose survival tale had piqued Adom's interest earlier. "If all goes well, we might consider taking a step back from all this," Assia said, her hand finding Jace's. "Perhaps find a little peace and quiet to... grow old together."

Jace nodded, squeezing her hand gently, a silent vow passing between them. Borgen, however, couldn't resist a good-natured jab at their expense. "Ah, young love," he teased, his laughter booming around the table. "Give it a few months of 'normal' life, and you'll be itching for the thrill of the chase again. Mark my words, you two will be sneaking out for midnight adventures before you know it!"

As the night deepened and the merry gathering began to disperse, Adom, feeling the weight of the day's travel and the evening's interactions, decided it was time to retire. One by one, the adventurers bid each other goodnight, their voices a soft murmur in the dimly lit common room. Adom approached Alea to thank her for the hospitality and to inquire about his accommodations.

"Good night, Alea. And thank you again for the wonderful meal and your kindness," Adom said, his voice tinged with genuine gratitude.

Alea, with a smile, responded, "You're welcome, boy. Your room's just up the stairs, second door on the left. Rest well!"

Adom then turned to Borgen and the remaining adventurers, who were preparing to head to their respective rooms. "Thank you for the company tonight. I'll see you all in the morning," he said, nodding towards Borgen.

Borgen clapped him on the shoulder, a broad grin on his face. "Bright and early, lad! We set off right after breakfast, around 7. Don't dawdle, or you'll miss the best part of the day!"

Adom assured him with a nod, "I'll be there. Good night, everyone."

With the goodnights exchanged, Adom made his way to his room. It was modest but clean and well-kept, a testament to Alea's care for her establishment. The bed, while not luxurious, promised a decent night's sleep. Shedding his travel-worn clothes, Adom slipped under the covers, the softness of the linen a balm to his tired body.

Just as he was drifting off, a faint murmur of voices from the adjacent room pricked his ears. It was Jace and Assia, their voices low but discernible through the thin wall. Adom wasn't one to eavesdrop, yet the knowledge that these two were the sole survivors of their last expedition, according to his past life's memories, piqued his curiosity.

He knew the fate that had befallen the rest of their party in his previous existence. While he didn't personally fear death, nor was he particularly invested in the adventurers' fates, understanding their upcoming expedition could prove crucial for navigating the challenges ahead.

With reluctance and necessity, Adom stilled his breathing, allowing the couple's conversation to filter through, hoping to glean insights that might aid him in the uncertain days to come.

To enhance his hearing, Adom tapped into the foundational principles of the magic based on Essentia manipulation. Focusing inward, he drew upon his internal reserves of Essentia. With a concentrated effort, he envisioned the Essentia coalescing around his ears, forming an invisible, delicate membrane designed to amplify sound waves.

This process required a deep understanding of the physical properties of sound and the manipulation of Essentia to alter these properties in a localized manner around his auditory system. By increasing the sensitivity of his ears to sound vibrations, he effectively turned the ambient Essentia into a conduit for enhanced auditory perception. The spell didn't rely on runes or complex incantations but on Adom's adept manipulation of Essentia and his detailed mental blueprint of the desired outcome.

As the spell took effect, the murmur of voices from the next room became clearer. Adom listened intently as Assia expressed her apprehensions about their upcoming expedition. "I've got a bad feeling about this, Jace. Maybe we shouldn't go," she whispered, her voice tinged with worry.

Jace's response was gentle, reassuring. "It'll be alright, Assia. We need this. A stable life... if we're going to raise the children we've talked about, our current lifestyle isn't suitable. This last job could give us everything we need for a peaceful life, far from danger."

Their conversation continued, a tender exchange of hopes and fears, until the sounds shifted. The soft murmur of their voices gave way to something more intimate—kisses, followed by the unmistakable sounds of a couple's private moments.

Adom, realizing the turn the conversation had taken, hastily canceled the spell, a flush of embarrassment warming his cheeks. "Ah, fuck," he muttered under his breath, a hint of amusement in his voice. Chuckling at his own reaction, he mused, "Sixty-five years old and still getting flustered by this kind of thing, huh?"