The carriage rocked violently as it hit a pothole. Nathaniel grabbed onto the side, his knuckles turning white from gripping the sides. The ride was killing his back, despite the plush cushions on the seats. Maybe I should develop a proper suspension system. Nathaniel opened his menu.

Nathaniel Light

(Health: 150/150) (Mana: 25/25)

• Class: Inventor Lv.1

• Stats: +

• Talents

o Innovation (Legendary)

o Intuition (Legendary)

• Skills

• Condition

“Why’d I get stuck with the sausage party?” Duncan said from the other seat, “I was hoping to ride with Ophelia.”

“It’s for your own safety,” Nathaniel said not looking up, “Besides, I think Ophelia has seen enough of you.”

Shawn started cackling, “Her face was priceless,” he said.

“She just couldn't handle my manly glory,” Duncan said with a smile.

“No, she was shocked that you answered your door naked.”

“Shut it Light!” Duncan said, “You’re just jealous since I got lucky last night.”

“I don’t know, Dunk,” Shawn said giving Nathaniel a sly smile, “He did have Ophelia hanging all over him, and that smokin’ red head. What was her name again?”

“Gabriella VuRant,”

“Oh yeah, that bitch,” Duncan said, “She nearly clawed my eyes out when I gave her a friendly pat.”

“The women here aren’t like the ones back home,” Nathaniel said. Nathaniel focused on his talents.

[Innovation: A talent that greatly enhances the users intelligence. This talent allows the users to develop new/enhance skills by creating new recipes, styles, and processes to further civilization. The level of the creator, at the time of creation, will determine the level necessary to learn newly created skill. Legendary: User has a success rate of 100%.]

[Intuition: A talent that allows the user to acquire information through the process of observation. Legendary: Talent provides all information requested by the user.]

“Those are some awesome talents,” Nathaniel said.

“You got some good ones?” Shawn said with a large smile, “Same here. I have [Wild Heart] and [Eagle Eye]. I recover one hundred percent faster than everyone else and all my ranged attacks are guaranteed to hit.”

“I have [Herculean] and [Battle Sense],” Duncan said, “I’m pretty much a super soldier with the ability to beat any enemy. My boons, [Keen Warrior] and [Adrenaline], make it so I learn fighting styles faster and give me an extended stamina pool.”

“Nice,” Shawn said, “I just have [Compass] and [Sharpshooter]. I essentially have a built in GPS and learn ranged skills faster.”

Nathaniel looked at his talents and noticed he also had boons. Three in fact.

[Creative Genius: User receives a 100% boost in experience when learning crafting skills. Guaranteed high quality items no matter material quality.]

[Crafter’s eye: User can appraise the status of crafted items through observation. User gains experience when appraising an item using a new technique.]

[Crafter’s intuition: User gains experience through observation and understanding the fundamentals of crafting skills.]

“My talents pretty much boost my crafting skills.”

“That’s…kind of pathetic,” Duncan said.

Nathaniel cocked an eyebrow, “Why is that?”

“You’re a hero, and yet, you can’t fight anything,” Duncan said with a chuckle.

“He’s got a point,” Shawn said, “As a legendary ranked Ranger, I have access to crafting traps, bows, and arrows, and I’m certain the others have similar abilities. It kind of makes you, well…useless.”

“The other’s might be able to craft,” Nathaniel said, “But without [Innovation], you can’t craft new items. You’re unable to make new recipes.”

“And?” Both said.

Nathaniel shook his head, “Never mind.”

Apparently, they didn’t understand. This world looked to be in a time like the Low Middle Ages, meaning that there are plenty of discoveries that can greatly advance this world. Discoveries that were made back in their world he could introduce here and start off a scientific revolution. Not to mention, magic could be the catalyst that introduces new discoveries. As an engineer, the idea of discovering something new excited him. His excitement was interrupted by the carriage coming to a stop.

“We’re stopping for lunch my lords,” the driver called to them.

“Good, my ass is hurting,” Duncan said jumping out of the carriage.

They stopped alongside the road in an open field. A light breeze blew across the field kicking up the sweet scent of flowers and grass. There was a surreal peace to the scenery. Until it was disturbed by a fit of sneezing.

Shizuka held a handkerchief to her face as she sneezed up a storm. “Sorry,” she said blowing her nose.

“I’m certain I can fix that once I learn healing magic,” Maria said rubbing her shoulders.

“Why not have Light whip up some medicine!” Duncan said, “Considering that’s all you’re good for.”

Shizuka ran over grabbing onto Nathaniel’s arm, “You can do that!” she said staring up hopefully.

Nathaniel turned to Ophelia, “Is there a medicine crafting skill?”

“There is,” Ophelia said with a smile, “The [Alchemy] skill is a quite valuable, even if it’s difficult to learn.”

Nathaniel rubbed Shizuka’s back, “Let me get a few levels in [Alchemy] first,” he said with a smile, “Then I’ll try creating a recipe for allergy medicine. Is that good?”

Shizuka wrapped Nathaniel in a tight hug, “Light’s mine! No one can have him!” her shouting caused everyone to stare.

An awkward silence hung in the air. The servants were giving them sly smiles as they set up the picnic. Shawn started mocking them with kissy faces while Maria gave them a thumbs up. Ophelia looked a bit disturbed. What is with everyone? Nathaniel tried prying himself away from Shizuka.

Duncan slapped him hard on the back, “Isn’t that precious,” he said, “I hope you two nerds have a happy life together.”

“We will!” Shizuka said. She quickly let go as she sneezed into her rag again. She blushed, “Let’s go eat.”

Multiple blankets littered the field as the servants and soldiers sat down to eat. The heroes alongside Ophelia sat on a soft velvet blanket with two baskets in the middle. A wide variety of sandwiches were neatly organized in one basket while the other held an assortment of cakes and other sweet treats.

Nathaniel picked up a sandwich with a green filling. It had a cool yet light taste that was hard to describe. Out of curiosity he opened it. The contents consisted of a lettuce leaf and a single cucumber. White and black flakes coated the cucumber, and out of curiosity Nathaniel licked it. He immediately recognized the taste of salt and black pepper. He noticed that there was a spread coating the bread, so he let it sit on his tongue. It had an oily, earthy taste. Is it butter? Nathaniel activated his [Intuition], and it confirmed his guess. The spread was butter with sweet basil and thyme. A message appeared in his vision.

[New skill acquired: Cooking Lv.1.]

[New recipe learned: Cucumber sandwich.]

“I learned a skill,” Nathaniel said.

“Let me guess. Cooking?” Shawn said with chortle.

“He can show the monsters some hospitality,” Duncan said, “Make them a little treat before we kill them.”

“Just shut up and eat you two.” Maria said with a glare.

A strained peace hung over the picnic. Nathaniel ignored the looks from Duncan and Shawn as he picked up another sandwich. This one had a meat and cheese filling. Nathaniel used [Intuition] to break down the ingredients of each sandwich which garnered him a few more levels in [Cooking]. It even helped with learning the recipes for the cakes.

After everyone finished cleaning up, Shizuka started pulling on his arm, “You can ride with us.” She said, “Maybe we can activate your [Alchemy] skill.”

“You two love birds do that,” Duncan said, “We’ll gladly take Maria and Ophelia.”

“No thanks,” Maria said stepping into the second carriage.

“I need to stay with the Archmage Hero in case she has another bout of fits,” Ophelia said following.

Nathaniel stepped in after Shizuka, “Enjoy your sausage party,” He shut the door, but could hear Duncan cursing at them which brought a smile to Nathaniel’s face.

Nathaniel pulled up his menu when the carriages started moving. He was a bit disturbed that a recipe menu didn’t appear. How am I supposed to check out my recipes? Immediately a recipe tab appeared at the bottom of his menu. Neat. What about an inventory menu? Again, another tab appeared for inventory. He opened it and noticed that there were items in the field.

You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

[Summoned Hero’s uniform: A uniform worn by heroes summoned from another world. (No status affects)]

I wonder if I can rearrange the tabs. Nathaniel focused on the Inventory tab and noticed it separate from the others. Using his eyes, he was able to place it right under the skills tab. After some time, he rearranged his menu to his liking.

Nathaniel Light

(Health: 150/150) (Mana: 25/25)

• Class: Inventor

• Stats+

• Talents+

• Skills:

o Cooking Lv.4

• Inventory+

• Recipes+

• Condition

“My [Cooking] skills already level four,” Nathaniel said in awe, “The legendary ranked talents are no joke.”

“Right,” Maria said, “My talents [Blessed] and [Sainthood] make all my divine spells more effective and help me learn new blessings fasters. Then there’s my boons [Graceful Touch] and [Anointed]. [Graceful Touch] makes my healing spells more effective and [Anointed] makes me pretty much immune to negative effects.”

“The perfect healer,” Nathaniel said, “What about you…Shizuka?” Shizuka leaned against him, her face turning green.

Maria quietly whispered, “Motion sickness,”

Nathaniel wrapped an arm around Shizuka, and she cuddled into his side, “So-umph-sorry,” Shizuka said, “I’m not…up for ta-hic¬¬-talking.”

“Give me some time and I’ll create motion sickness medicine too,” Nathaniel said, Shizuka buried her face into his side.

“That’s so sweet,” Maria said with a giggle, “You two look like father and daughter.” Nathaniel gave her an awkward smile while Shizuka growled. “So, Nate, what did you do back on earth?”

“Mechanical engineer,” he said, “I worked for a company that made industrial robots. What about you?”

“I was going to be a school guidance counselor,” Maria said with a sigh, “It was my first day too.”

“I know the feeling,” Nathaniel said, “I was leaving for a big conference to show off our latest robot.” Nathaniel looked to Shizuka, brushing the hair out of her face, “What about you Shizuka?” She mumbled into Nathaniel’s coat. “What?”

Shizuka lifted her head, “Second year student.”

“In…college?” Maria said with a small smile.

“Highschool,” she said. Maria gave her a sad smile, “Don’t give me that look,” she said with a glare towards Maria and Ophelia, “Not all of us are built like you two.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about?”

“Oh yeah, D-cup!” Shizuka said looking to Ophelia, “And I don’t want to guess your size.”

“I’m an E-cup,” Maria said glaring back, “And there’s no need to get defensive.”

“You should apologize,” Nathaniel said.

“I’m sorry,” Shizuka said.

Ophelia started giggling, “I’m glad you all are getting along well with each other,” she said, “I’m curious, what’s a mekanik ingenair? I’m familiar with a counselor and student, but not that.”

Nathaniel scratched his chin, “It’s a crafter of sorts,” he said trying to find the right words, “Engineers try to make life easier by building new items, like this carriage.”

Ophelia gave him a sly smile, “So an inventor.”

“Exactly,” The two started laughing.

“Looks like someone else is into Nate,” Maria smiled towards Ophelia which caused her to blush and Shizuka tightened her grip.

That night the carriages stopped in front of a walled off building alongside the main road. It was a simple wooden two-story building with a wooden barn in the back. The servants quickly entered the building.

“There are roadside inns here?” Shawn said.

“There are many hostels on the main road,” Ophelia said, “A hero summoned over two hundred years ago suggested it. Carriers can use these hostels to pass on messages so that they can get to their destination. He called it a pony esspress.”

“I think you mean pony express,” Nathaniel said.

“So, you’re familiar with it?” Ophelia said in awe, “It was a truly magnificent concept that helped Gilbrant grow into the kingdom it is today.”

“Why don’t you introduce cell phones, Light?” Duncan said with a snicker, “It’ll be the only way you’ll be recognized.”

“Enough Duncan!” Maria said, “Let’s just go inside. I’m hungry and tired.” She stomped into the hostel.

The main floor of the hostel was a large dining room with a bar that separated the kitchen from the dining floor. The servants were busy helping the hostel staff set up. Nathaniel along with the other heroes were sat at a table closest to the bar. He sat between Shizuka and Ophelia and across from Duncan, Shawn, and Maria.

A maid approached them, “What would you like to drink?”

Duncan looked to Shawn and they both nodded, “We’ll take the strongest drink you have.”

“Would you like to share a bottle of wine, Saint?” Ophelia said. Maria nodded, “A bottle of wine for the two of us.”

“I’ll have a beer,” Nathaniel said.

“Me too!” Shizuka said with bright eyes.

Nathaniel shook his head, “She’s having water.”

Shizuka glared at him, “No, I want a beer,”

“You’re, what, sixteen years old?” Nathaniel said. “You’re not old enough to drink.”

“I’ll be seventeen in a few months.”

“Nathaniel, she’s old enough to drink,” Ophelia said petting his shoulder.

Nathaniel sighed heavily, “Fine, get a beer,” The maid nodded and ran off.

Silence overcame the table until Duncan started smiling mischievously.

“So, sixteen,” Duncan said, “That make you the baby of the group.”

“Shut up,” Shizuka said grabbing onto Nathaniel, “Besides, you’re not much older than I am.”

“At least I’m twenty-one,” Duncan said, “And how old are you Light?”

“Twenty-seven,”

“Looks like you bagged yourself a sugar daddy, pipsqueak,” Duncan said slapping the table. Shawn joined in causing everyone to look at them.

“Maybe I like mature men,” Shizuka said blushing heavily. This caused the two of them to laugh harder.

Nathaniel held his head. This is getting out of hand. A hand brushed his shoulder.

“You have nothing to be ashamed of,” Ophelia said, “She’s of eligible age.”

Nathaniel whispered to her, “That might work here, but where I’m from, it’s illegal to have romantic relationships with individuals under eighteen. And it’s often frowned upon if there’s a large age gap.”

Ophelia looked between the two of them and nodded in understanding, “I’ll see if Maria and I can talk with her.” Nathaniel smiled in gratitude.

The maid returned with their drinks and the staff started loading the table with food. There was a large bowl of stew, a basket of freshly baked rolls, sauteed vegetables, and two richly seasoned roasted chicken. Duncan and Shawn started digging into the chicken. Nathaniel ladled stew into everyone’s bowls while Ophelia filled his plate. The food was delicious, but the beer was stronger than what Nathaniel was used to.

“Can I get a glass of water as well,” Nathaniel asked the maid as she passed, then looked to Shizuka who was downing her drink, “Make that two please.”

“So how much longer until we reach Fort Cadarn?” Maria said wiping her mouth.

“It should be another nine days,” Ophelia said.

“Damn,” Duncan said with a full mouth, “Isn’t there any way we can get there earlier?”

“Well, there are transportation spells,” Ophelia said looking to the floor, “But they require a lot of energy, and there’s a chance you won’t reach your destination.”

“So, they’re unreliable,” Shizuka said finishing off her first mug of beer.

The maid placed a mug of water in front of Nathaniel and a mug of beer and water in front of Shizuka.

“Take it easy on the beer,” Nathaniel said pushing the water in front of her, “Make sure you drink plenty of water too.”

Shizuka’s face looked flushed, “I can…handle it. Trust…me.” She drank half of the second mug then slumped against him. “I’m…feeling…”

“I told you to take it easy,” Nathaniel said holding the water mug, “Drink.”

Shizuka started sipping on the water. Nathaniel gently brushed her head trying to comfort her. Eventually, Shizuka set the mug down and buried her face into his arm.

“Helmer,” Nathaniel called to his attendant. Helmer quickly walked across the room and stood next to him, “Do you know if Shizuka’s room is ready?”

“Let me check,” Helmer ran off to speak with the owner. After a few moments he returned, “Yes, it’s ready.”

“Then let’s get her to bed,” Nathaniel said. He picked Shizuka up, finding her surprisingly light, “Can you lead me to her room.” Helmer nodded.

They headed upstairs. The second floor consisted of a single hallway with six rooms along one side and three on the either. Helmer led Nathaniel to the third room of the six. It was a small room with a single bed, storage chest, and washpot. Shizuka started struggling in Nathaniel’s arms.

“No…d-don’t leave,” she said wrapping her arms tightly around his neck.

“I won’t be gone long,” Nathaniel said brushing her hair, “I’m going to get you some medicine.”

Shizuka looked up with tears, “Promise,” she said.

Nathaniel smiled, “Promise?” Shizuka released her grip and allowed him to cover her up. Helmer quietly closed the door when they left.

A woman in an attendant’s uniform approached. “I’ll take care of the Archmage from here,” she said with a bow.

Nathaniel nodded and headed back downstairs. Everyone started getting rowdy now that alcohol started running through them. Duncan and Shawn were sitting with the soldiers, arm-wrestling each other. Maria sat alone at the bar nursing her wine glass.

“How’s the Archmage?” Ophelia said standing at the foot of the stairs.

“Drunk,” Nathaniel said with a chuckle, “You don’t know where I can get some medicine for her, do you?”

“Of course,” Ophelia said taking his arm, “All hostels have a guild alchemist available for services.”

Ophelia led Nathaniel outside. Ophelia rubbed her arms as the chill of the spring night touched her. Nathaniel undid his coat and wrapped it around her shoulders. Despite the chill, the night was beautiful. Nathaniel couldn’t help but be reminded of last night. Ophelia led him to a wooden shack at the back of the hostel and knocked on the door.

“Come in.”

The shack smelled of dried herbs that were hanging from the ceiling. A middle-aged woman sat on a stool grinding dried herbs with a mortar and pestle.

She glanced at the two of them, “Fertility or contraceptive?”

Ophelia blushed, “Pardon?”

“Do you two want a fertility draught or a contraceptive?” The alchemist turned to them, “That’s what lovers such as yourselves usually want.”

Ophelia cleared her while trying to hide her face, “We’re not…lovers,” she said.

“Our friend’s drunk and needs medicine to deal with a hangover,” Nathaniel said, “Also, is there anyway you could teach me [Alchemy]?”

“Sorry son but I can’t teach you,” the alchemist said, “I can only teach you if you’re a guild member.”

“You don’t mind if we watch do you?” Ophelia said giving Nathaniel a knowing smile. Nathaneil smiled back and activated [Intuition].

“Are you sure you’re not lovers?” the alchemist said, “Never mind, You’re free to stay.”

The alchemist pulled out two jars. One containing dark brown wood shavings that reminded of Nathaniel of cinnamon and the other a dried flower with white weeping petals. [Intuition] labeled them as [bitter bark] and [grace willow]. She took out two pieces of the bark and one flower and ground them into a fine powder. The alchemist filled a kettle with water and sprinkled in a spoonful of [mineral salt] before setting it on the stove to boil. She then poured the ground [bitter bark] and [grace willow] into the boiling water. The mixture gave off a pungent smell that hung at the back of the throat. The alchemist let the solution cool before pouring it into a small waterskin. Nathaniel received a message.

[New skill acquired: Alchemy Lv. 1.]

[New recipe learned: Bitter willow tea.]

“Give this to your companion when he wakes tomorrow,” the alchemist said, “Make sure they take this in small sips alongside water. It’ll help with the headache and thirst.”

“I get it now,” Nathaniel said, “[Bitter bark] and [grace willow] must have properties that alleviate pain, and the [mineral salt water] will help rehydrate,” Another message appeared, “My [Alchemy] is now level two.”

The alchemist went pale, “What?”

“Nothing to concern yourself with,” Ophelia said placing two gold coins down, “You were a great help.” She took the waterskin and walked out with Nathaniel.

Nathaniel couldn’t help but laugh when they stepped into the night air. “I feel sorry for the poor lady,” he said.

“It’s important for you to learn new skills,” Ophelia said laughing alongside him, “As a hero, you’re exempt from guild laws.”

The two slowly made their way back to the inn but stopped in front of the door. Nathaniel couldn’t help but stare into the night sky. It was a sight that would never get old to him.

“Are you enjoying our world?” Ophelia said brushing her fingers through a lock of hair.

“I am, but I won’t lie, I am a bit homesick,” Nathaniel said with a deep sigh, “I miss my family.”

Ophelia stared at her golden lock she was playing with, “You were married?”

“No, but my parents were still alive,” he said with a pensive smile, “I was supposed to help my dad work on the house. I bet they’re worried about me.”

Ophelia stared at the ground, “I’m sorry…for spiriting you away,” she said, “Please forgive me.”

“Why should you be sorry?”

“As the Oracle, I have the ability to foresee the future,” she said, “And with my unique talent [Fate Weaver] I can even make small alterations that will change it.” Her hair blocked her face, “I foresaw a future where the summoned heroes lost, so I altered it so that there were five heroes, but each vision resulted in the same, defeat. So, I made the greatest change I could make. I was unconscious for four days, but it was worth it.”

“What did you see?” Nathaniel said wrapping an arm around her.

“Victory,” she said leaning into him, “A hero clad in armor the likes no one had seen before. This hero had three companions that wore similar looking armor, but I knew they were of this world. I then spent an entire week locating the five of you, and I made sure the fifth summoner wouldn’t make any mistakes. So, you see, All those deaths, your lives being changed forever. They’re my fault.”

Nathaniel pulled her closer, “Everything will be all right,” he said, “I’m sure everyone will understand once you tell them, and if not, then at least you’ll have me.”

“Thank you,” Ophelia said wiping her eyes. She passed the waterskin to him, “Would it be alright if I left the Archmage to you? As much as I loathe the idea, I need to spend some time with the Champion and Ranger.”

“By yourself?”

Ophelia smiled devilishly, “I have the Saint join me.”

“Okay, I’ll take care of Shizuka,” Nathaniel said taking the bottle.

“Thank you…Nathaniel,” she said kissing his cheek. Ophelia gave him a bright smile before heading inside.

Nathaniel smiled as the door closed and stared up into the sky, “My pleasure.”