An hour later the siblings had gobbled down their dinner with glee. It only took them a few bites to get lost in its excellent taste. The siblings quickly realized that a high cooking skill also improved the meal all around.

Iain couldn’t get enough from the nourishing and juicy beast flesh, so he even ordered a second portion. Meanwhile Lilly closed her eyes on Deri’s recommendation.

Trying to test the food’s effect she silently circulated her mana throughout her body. She was amazed to find out that it smoothly spread through her muscles and bones. In her estimate it would be way easier to form a spark now, which would let her unleash stronger spells.

Lilly couldn’t stop herself from experimenting with her strengthened capabilities. The young woman gathered mana on her hand, formed a spell and canceled it right after.

While Lilly played around for a few seconds, she didn’t notice the disgruntled gazes she received. Every time she formed a spell the surrounding mana irregularly moved through the room, annoying other guests.

Soon Deri approached the sibling’s table again.

“I’m sorry, Lilly. Could you please not cast spells here?”

Those words suddenly tore Lilly out of her thoughts.

“Ahh, what?”

Only now did the young woman notice their displeased neighbors. An embarrassed smile could be seen on her face.

“Sorry Deri. I didn’t want to annoy your guests.”

“It’s fine.”

With those words Deri benevolently waved her hand and turned around to serve others.

Lilly pondered for a moment before she called out to the still eating Iain:

“I think I’m going home. I want to experiment and read more about magic.”

Iain took a short look around the room. After his meal the young man felt much less exhausted. As he now observed the partying adventurers, he slowly shared their excitement. Thus, he smiled shyly as he answered:

“I will stay for a bit. Let’s meet again tomorrow for training.”

Naturally Lilly wouldn’t patronize her brother. If he wanted to drink something he could do so. Thus, she nodded and stood up.

“Ok. Good night.”

“Good night.”

Watching his sister leave, Iain happily continued to eat while ordering his first yelle beer form Deri. Fortunately, the experienced owner was considerate enough to bring him the lightest version.

A beer which could get even master rank warriors drunk could knock out apprentices in seconds after all.

Thus, Iain continued to sit on his table while trying to learn the increasingly dirtier songs which sounded through the tavern. From time to time some passing adventurers would clink glasses with him or exchange a few words.

An hour later the young man was slightly tipsy as he took in the bright mood.

Suddenly the tavern’s door opened again. Most eyes turned towards the disturbance. However, when they noticed the young man in a white robe entering, the adventures hastily shut up.

Some quickly hid the things in their hands under the table. Others instinctively stood up and thought about leaving. Groob scoffed and grumbled unhappily.

“What is a white-robe doing here? Don’t they have their own fancy canteen?”

Voro hastily elbowed the bald man’s ribs.

The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

“Shut up. Don’t let him hear you!”, he hissed.

Iain also turned towards the door in bewilderment. By now he naturally recognized a soldier when he saw one. Contrary to the adventurers he didn’t have any prejudice, however. He fearlessly mustered the young man who had just entered.

A spotless white robe. A blinding, sharp sword. Short black hair. Rough skin. Exhausted eyes.

All in all, he made a sympathetic and clean, but troubled impression.

As the young man observed the room a quiet sighing left his mouth. He obviously didn’t enjoy the attention and wariness he received. Suddenly his eyes stopped on Iain’s table.

He noticed how the young man only showed some curiosity towards him. Seemingly coming to a decision, he slowly approached Iain.

Just as he opened his mouth, the young soldier’s arm slightly twitched back and forth. Although Iain was taken aback the soldier ignored this matter. He was used to it already.

“Is this place taken?”, he asked calmly.

“No. You can sit here.”

“Thanks.”

Some murmur spread through the room as the adventurers continued talking. The earlier cheerful mood was obviously gone now. Some mercenaries even called for Deri to pay before leaving.

Iain also noticed the dampened atmosphere, but he didn’t dare to question the soldier about it. Thus, the young man tried to start a harmless conversation:

“Hi I’m Iain.”

Looking at the big hand before him, the young soldier contemplated for a second. He wasn’t really in the mood for conversation, but since he took this seat, it would be impolite to decline.

“Emantarel.”

“Nice to meet you. Are you soldier stationed here?”

“No I’m only a recruit in training.”

“Oh interesting. I’m in training too.”

Noticing the genuine smile on Iain’s face helped to improve Emantarel’s mood, too. The two soon began talking about their experiences in the Frozen Hell.

Since he naturally was more knowledgeable Emantarel quickly led the conversation. This helped Iain to learn a lot about the Frozen Hell.

From Emantarel’s narration the Frozen Hell seemed to contain an unexpected variety. Apparently, it contained places like orchards were unique fruits were cultivated or complicated tunnel systems which contained their own mysteries. Even the army hadn’t managed to map out planet Hex yet because the Empta Line proved to be a big obstruction.

As the young men talked happily Emantarel’s arm kept twitching from time to time. Finally, Iain couldn’t hold himself back anymore and addressed the elephant in the room:

“Is it ok to ask what’s happening with your arm?”

At the mention of his sore spot, Emantarel’s mood sank lightly.

“It’s nothing. Just an old injury.”

“Ohh. Can’t someone heal it?”

“Sadly not. If we would have found a healer right after I got injured, we might have had a chance. But by now I would have to find some of the best mages in existence. Planet Hex doesn’t even have one with enough skills.”

Even Iain could tell that this weighed heavily on Emantarel’s mind.

“I’m sorry. If it helps, I think you are really good at controlling your arm. Although it twitches from time to time it didn’t distract you from eating or drinking even once!”

“Yes, I’m used to it during daily activities. But whenever I’m under pressure…”

At this point Emantarel stopped and let out a downcast sigh.

“So your arm twitches more when under pressure?”

“Yes… just like today…”

The young soldier wasn’t sure if he should continue. Although Iain and him had a nice conversation they were still only strangers an hour ago.

Emantarel observed Iain’s expression as he struggled with himself. Suddenly an encouraging feeling hit him as he noticed the absence of any judgement on his opposite’s face. He unconsciously opened up.

“During training today, we faced a herd of spotless Rinns. These beasts are more known for their agility than their strength.

While one team was tasked with stopping their initial charge, I was in the team which had to quickly stab the weak points at their abdomen.”

Iain listened with much interest. This simple explanation had already shown him the difference between the army’s and the adventurers’ styles.

“Unfortunately, my arm twitched when I attacked. I missed the weak spot and the Rinn was able to get away. “

“Ah I’m sorry to hear that.”

“I haven’t even told you the worst part. The Rinn hit my team member in the back and injured him. Our team grew slightly chaotic, and the instructor had to step in.

Afterwards I naturally received a scolding. The instructor is contemplating my punishment right now.

I know he already didn’t like me in the first place. If I get eliminated now, I don’t know what to do.”

Looking at the young soldier’s downcast expression, Iain sighed slightly. He put his hand on Emantarel’s shoulder, but he also didn’t know what to say. Luckily something came to his mind.

“You know. My… I somewhere heard this sentence:

Don’t let the views of others dictate your abilities.”

“This sounds nice but what would it help me?”

“Maybe you only think your arm drags you down because others say so. But what if this is also a chance. Maybe you find many new possibilities if you just accept yourself the way you are.”

Emantarel contemplated those words. Although he wasn’t sure if they would help him, at least he recognized Iain’s goodwill.

Sadly, the young soldier didn’t have many people in his live who didn’t look down on him.

A light smile formed on his face as he let go off his downcast mood.

“Thank you, Iain.”

“Don’t mention it.”

“I guess I should go back now. Let’s connect our SMTs so we can stay in touch.”

“Sure.”

The two young men connected their wrists for a moment before Emantarel turned to leave.

“Goodbye. May the God of Light protect you.”

“Goodbye.”

A quiet voice sounded in Ian’s mind as he watched his new friend leave.

[Well done. I’m glad you remembered my words.]