"Also, that's not the point," I clarified, a smile tugging at the corners of my lips. "If you grab it, you'll be able to sense the other wearer's mana and location, no matter where they are."

"Really?" She sounded skeptical as she wrapped her fingers around the pendant. "And how do I use it?"

"Yep, exactly like that. Keep holding it and you'll soon be able to sense Gareth's mana and mine," I told her while observing her trying to concentrate. "Tell me once you can sense it."

"YES YES!!! I could faintly sense someone's mana from that direction," she finally replied and sounded excited being able to sense mana for the first time. "But how do I know it is Gareth?"

"That's a valid concern. Don't worry, I'll explain further tomorrow when all three of us are around each other" I told her, making sure that she doesn't fuss over the details for now.

At last, we decided to head to her home as it was getting kind of late and she needed to prepare for tomorrow's practice. on the way home, we continued chatting as always, though she gradually became silent as we approached her home.

When we got to her home, I was ready to bid farewell for now, but when I looked in her direction, she looked down, hesitating to open her mouth. "What's the matter?" I broke the silence without waiting any longer.

"Nothing much. See you tomorrow, Eric. Thanks for today; I enjoyed being with you." She replied to my question while trying to force a smile.

"Alright, if you don't have anything else to tell me, I will slowly back away and let you rest." I knew something was afoot. I could've pressed her right away, but I wanted her to be more open with me on her own accord.

"Wait!!!" She raised her tone while grabbing my hand. "Can you stay longer? I'm afraid to be alone."

Those words were enough for me to realize what she must be feeling at that moment. She just recently lost her entire family; her normal demeanor today might have been there to mask her true feelings at the moment. Leaving her alone was clearly not a good choice, but I also didn't want to spend the night at her place.

"Ah, maybe you like me so much that you want to spend more time with me. In that case, you can stay the night in the Yellow Pine Inn with me and Gareth," I offered her a solution while pulling my hand to scratch my neck.

She looked surprised by my statement; of course, I was kidding when I said that. "But, I don't have money left to spend." She looked at me with pleading eyes.

"Who do you think paid for your things today?" I grinned at her trying to provoke her. "God you're helpless without me. Don't worry, I'll pay for it. Just remember to pay me back later."

She smiled, and her eyes beamed with excitement upon hearing my offer. We then went back to the Inn, which was not that far to be fair, but the night was getting late and I was really tired and wanted to rest as quickly as possible honestly.

After a 15-minute walk, we finally reached the inn. Surprisingly, there were still people outside the establishment, including Gareth, who was sitting on the bench playing a card game with some of the locals. He waved at me, albeit with little to no expression.

"Busy day, huh?" Gareth greeted me with a knowing smile as we approached.

"It was alright," I replied with a nonchalant shrug.

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His attention shifted to Erina, his gaze filled with curiosity as he tried to recall who she was. "A new girl, eh, Eric? She's gorgeous; your standards have indeed improved," he joked while sipping his drink.

"No, she's Erina, the one we saved from Archy and Gideon." I facepalmed at his comment and tried to clarify the situation.

"Oh God, so you manipulated her at her lowest point? That's low, dude." Gareth continuously teased me.

"No, you've got it wrong, Mr. Gareth. Eric visited me today and accompanied me home. He just made sure I was okay," Erina interjected, not realizing that Gareth was joking.

"You even managed to make her think that way," said Gareth while chuckling. "Also, Gareth is fine. I'm no older than this red-haired brat you know."

We continued the chit-chat for a moment when I turned my sight somewhere else momentarily, where a familiar face caught my eye. It was the lady from the tavern, the one who had winked at me earlier and she happened to look towards my direction this time too. I surely wouldn't let this second chance slip.

"Yeah, can you help her set up a room in this inn, Gareth?" I asked him, cutting our light chatter. "She'll tell you the details. I have something important to do." Gareth smiled again as he ushered Erina inside.

"Sure, consider it done. And good luck," he called after me as I dashed across the street, determined not to let this chance slip away.

"Where are you going, Eric?" Erina's voice drifted to me, filled with curiosity and concern. "Nothing important," I replied as it was, not wanting to disclose my true intention.

"Now go with Gareth. I'll be there with you guys soon." She nodded and went into the Inn with Gareth.

With that, I hurried off crossing the street where I could see her clearly now under the dim street light. She stood tall with her dark, long hair cascading down her back.

She wore a classy black mini-dress that hugged her figure perfectly, accentuating her slender silhouette. The dress, simple yet sophisticated, highlighted her grace and beauty.

"Took you long enough," the lady remarked with a playful smirk as I approached her. I returned her smile with a wry grin, feeling a rush of excitement at the prospect of our unexpected encounter.

"Well, you know, I had to take my time; I couldn't rush the chance to meet someone as stunning as you," I said trying to find the best line I could string together.

"Why are you outside late at night, though?" "You know, I was disappointed that you didn't come over at the tavern. Fate might have truly brought us together," she said while looking away and playing with her hair. "Right now I'm just visiting this town. But I still don't have a place to sleep."

"In that case, you can rent a room in that inn across the street," I suggested, gesturing in the direction of the establishment. "I'm also visiting, and I rent a room there."

"Or, maybe I can just stay over in your room tonight?" Her bold proposition caught me off guard, my mind momentarily reeling at the unexpected turn of events.

"Pardon?" I stammered, struggling to process her audacious request.

"Oh, come on, you know what I meant," she teased, her voice dripping with amusement.

"I just need shelter for tonight. I'm leaving tomorrow anyway, and tonight we can have fun together."

Her words sent a thrill coursing through me, my heart pounding with a mixture of excitement and uncertainty. Her boldness was both alluring and intimidating, and I found myself momentarily at a loss for words.

"Um, I... I don't know," I managed to stammer out, my mind racing as I tried to make sense of the situation.

She chuckled softly, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she leaned in closer, her breath warm against my ear. "Come on," she whispered huskily, sending shivers down my spine. "Don't you want to take a chance and make tonight unforgettable?" Her enticing offer hung in the air between us, tempting me with the promise of adventure and passion.

I felt myself teetering on the edge of indecision, torn between the thrill of spontaneity and the rationality of caution. In the end, curiosity and desire won out over hesitation, and with a hesitant nod, I found myself agreeing to her proposition, eager to discover what the night held in store.

We introduced ourselves to each other as we stepped closer to the inn. As we got into the building, Gareth's presence in the corridor brought a brief moment of clarity amidst the chaos, and he greeted both of us.

Beside Gareth, Erina stopped her preparation with her own room and seemed to be at a loss for words. I also tried to smile at her though she didn't really respond to it. Whatever, Gareth could be her guardian for tonight, I had my turn earlier today and now I want to have some relaxation.

I entered my room with the lady right behind me. her words stirred a sense of anticipation within me. "Finally, I have a place to relax. Now what do you want to do first, Eric?" she smiled with a mischievous glint in her eyes.