A moment later, the two sat down at a table in a corner of the room that seemed to be a gathering place for customers who wanted to have their meal in peace.

Just as Elijah was about to begin eating, Erik called out to a man.

"If it isn't David the legendary treasure hunter!"

Chapter Begin

The man in question turned around with a big grin plastered on his face before he even saw Erik. He was entirely clad in different shades of blue and Elijah had noticed him before Erik called out to him. It turned out they knew each other.

“Didn’t expect you to return so soon! How was the mission?” David exclaimed as he approached their table and sit down next to Erik after a hug.

“It was great,” Erik leaned forward as he whispered. “We found a new rift.”

David’s eyes widened in surprise before his grin widened. “So we’ll have some variety soon?” Erik nodded.

The man’s eyes landed on Elijah next before he offered his hand. “David. We’ve never met, right?”

They shook hands as Elijah answered. “Elijah. We haven’t, it’s my first time in Whisperwind.”

“We met a few days ago during the mission,” Erik explained while he began eating his meal. Elijah also shoved a full spoonful into his mouth. He hadn’t eaten properly for days.

“He’s the brother of my fiancé,” Erik said with his hand covering his full mouth as he nodded at David. “Pretty famous around here.”

David waved his hand. “There’s a Tier 3 rift I’ve been clearing for years. That’s what I do for a living. People started to call me treasure hunter when I started diving into the sea inside the rift and began pulling out new loot.”

Elijah stopped eating for a second as he asked, “What kind of rift?” Maybe he could enter the rift too.

“It’s a Tier 3 rift, don’t even think about going there,” Erik interjected, destroying his idea before David answered.

“It’s called Aquatic Expanse. The rift is basically an ocean with lots of islands you have to cross. Or you can simply swim through the rift. That’s what I do.” He pulled the collar of his sea-blue coat a little down, revealing a few slits at both sides of his throat.

Elijah’s eyes widened. “Gills?”

David laughed at Elijah’s reaction. “Come on, I’m not the one made of wood here.”

Erik almost spat out the water in his mouth while Elijah rubbed the back of his head. “You’re right.”

“I’m basically a fish in water,” David explained.

“Damn glad your sister isn’t a fish,” Erik commented, causing Elijah to laugh.

They ate for a minute in silence before Elijah asked. “Are you a member of Lepus too?”

David shook his head. “I’m part of Amber Guard. We have our base over at Riverdale. I’m only here for the wedding.” His eyes landed on Elijah’s hands. “Are you really made of wood, that’s like crazy.”

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

The comment caused some stares at their group and Elijah saw a few people at their table looking at him. David noticed and rubbed his forehead as he sighed. “Sorry. That was too loud.”

Elijah wiggled his fingers as he answered. “No worries, I don’t mind some stares.” His eyes traced his fingers. “Sometimes I can’t believe it myself either.”

“This is so whack. I’m always amazed at all the different traits. We have a guy in our guild who can cover his fists with light to speed up his attacks.” David said, looking at Elijah’s hands.

“I once met a girl whose trait allowed her to land unharmed on her feet from any height,” Erik added.

They continued to eat and even ordered a second meal before Erik said goodbye and went home. He would come again to pick Elijah up in a few hours and left him alone with David. They chatted for a few more minutes before David also stood up.

“It was nice to meet you, Elijah. If you need anything, feel free to approach me or anyone from the Amber Guild.” David said.

“Thanks, I’ll do that. Take care.” Elijah also stood up and went to the counter where he paid for his room and received the key.

He saw a few other guests on his way to the third floor where he went to the room at the end of the corridor to the left.

321. Here it is. The door opened with a click and Eijah entered the room he would probably be staying at for the next week.

Elijah was surprised. It was bigger than he had expected. A wooden bed stood at the far end of the room, a foot or two away from the window. To his right, he noticed a table with a fitting chair, both of which he probably wasn’t going to use.

The floor was made of wooden planks and squeaked with every step Elijah took. He closed the door behind him and stepped towards the only other door in the room which led him to a tiny bathroom.

He was pleasantly surprised when he saw the toilet resembled modern ones and inaugurated it directly. Much better than crouching in some bushes.

His waste was automatically washed away as he stood up and threw his clothes toward the bed. They landed on the floor before he stepped into the small shower. A small bucket was already filled with water, but Elijah emptied the bucket and filled it with new water that flowed out of a small pipe in the wall after he moved a latch.

Elijah carefully tested the stool and when he was sure it could support his weight, he sat on it completely. He gasped as he tipped the cold water over him but his body quickly got used to it. It wasn't as cold as he had expected, either. Probably an effect of the increased attributes and my new body?

He didn’t know when he had last enjoyed a shower so much but he took his time and washed his entire body thoroughly. The few days in the forest left their mark. Elijah watched as the water removed the dirt from his body and flowed down the drain.

The sound of flowing water calmed him down while Elijah thought about his experiences during the last few days. He cupped his hands and looked at them as water accumulated.

I have killed a lot of people in the last few days. Was that really necessary?

His gaze landed on his legs. Then on his feet. He wiggled his toes and stared at them for a few minutes.

I can't believe I'm in another world. How is that possible? In itself, it makes no difference whether I live here or on Earth.

I was often alone anyway.

But I will miss the gang. At least old John, and Betty.

And Mark.

And maybe Nick, too.

He clenched his hands. I'll miss them all.

He pushed back the latch. The water stopped flowing.

Is there even a way back?

He stood up. Do I even want to go back?

Elijah did not know the answer. But he would at least want to have the option.

The rules in this world seem simple. Survival of the fittest. I am too weak right now and depend on others.

Elijah dried himself with a bath towel and put his underpants back on.

My first goal is to find my way around here. I should avoid unnecessary conflicts for the time being and be careful. If it’s not too late for that.

Maybe it would be smarter to join a guild temporarily. As soon as I am strong enough, I will look for a way to return to Earth. I don't know if I will go back, but I don't like the idea of someone else making that decision for me.

Elijah looked into a mirror hanging on the wall next to the table.

And until then, I will use all available means to become stronger.

For the first time, he saw himself in his new form. He saw the wooden structure of his arms all over his body. His auburn hair. And his minions, the two thin layers of wood that had nestled around one of each of his arms.

Even if I lose my human body for it.