Chapter 285 - 281: Can Look, But Can’t Use

Chapter 285: Chapter 281: Can Look, But Can’t Use

For a moment, it seemed even the tavern had gone quiet, making the crackling of the firewood clearly audible.

"Maki, since you’ve decided to leave..."

Valles gently swirled the cup in his hand. "Have you thought about where you’ll go?"

"I’ll head south."

Maki answered without hesitation. The thought had been on his mind for a long time.

"First, I’ll find a warmer town and stay there for a while. I don’t have to worry about money for the time being, anyway."

"After a little while, I’ll see if I can catch a ride with a merchant caravan and just travel around, wander a bit."

"Yeah, that sounds nice," Valles said with a slight nod.

Marcus said nothing, simply clapping Maki firmly on the shoulder.

"When are you leaving? I can see you off."

"Spare me."

Maki waved his hand dismissively. "No need to see me off. I hate those sappy goodbyes. We’re all men; no need for that."

"Alright, no need to get so gloomy."

Zelir clapped his hands and raised his cup.

"It’s a big world, but who knows what fate has in store? Maybe we’ll meet again someday."

"Well said."

Maki raised his cup with a laugh. "We’ll meet again."

"Cheers!"

Another round of cheers and drinks followed.

"Gray..." Maki wiped his mouth. "Seriously, I’m a little jealous of you. Next time we meet, I’ll definitely be stronger than you."

"We’ll see about that. When it comes to talent, I’ve got you beat."

"I reached Middle Level Swordsman first."

"That’s only because I haven’t really been trying..."

"You little brat..."

"You big lug..."

...

「The next day.」

Sunlight pierced through a gap in the curtains, spilling onto the soft, large bed.

"Ugh..."

Zelir struggled to pry his eyes open. He rubbed his head, slowly coming to his senses.

After a moment, he glanced outside.

Judging by the sunlight, it was already noon.

Zelir pushed himself into a sitting position but felt the world spin.

’The hangover’s still giving me a headache...’

The memories started coming back.

As the tavern was winding down last night, Maki had gotten wasted. He’d jumped up, slammed his hand on the table, and bellowed for the owner to bring out their strongest Firetongue Liqueur.

Then he’d shot a provocative look at everyone at the table. The meaning was obvious.

’Who dares to drink with me?’

Zelir had been a little drunk himself. Confident in his impressive 104-point Constitution, he’d gone up and downed half a cup in one go.

The moment the liquor went down his throat, it nearly did him in.

The burning sensation was like swallowing a red-hot blade, an unbearable, piercing pain.

It had sent the others roaring with laughter.

’Damn it... Even now, Zelir couldn’t forget that feeling.’

He lightly touched his forehead with a fingertip. Without using Night Peace, he cast Vitality Granting on himself barehanded.

HUMMM...

A cool, vital energy flowed in from the point between his eyebrows, spreading through his body like ice-cold mint water.

Soon, the dizziness from the hangover began to fade, and his exhaustion eased considerably.

Zelir let out a sigh of relief.

A new notification popped up on his data panel.

[Magic Barrier, Analysis Complete]

’Ah...’

’This was the Magic Mage Haddley used when we were on that mission together.’

Zelir was quite interested in Magic Barrier.

According to the spell’s description, Magic Barrier was different from Fog Flowing Gauze.

It was a defensive spell that could block both physical and magical attacks.

Being so versatile meant that in the specific domain of physical defense, Magic Barrier was surely inferior to Fog Flowing Gauze.

As for how well it defended against magical attacks...

That was something he’d have to find out through experimentation.

After collecting his thoughts, Zelir washed up, put on his gear, donned his Magic Robe, and headed downstairs.

"Good morning, Aurora."

Just as he reached the main hall, Zelir spotted a familiar figure weaving between the tables and chairs. He waved a greeting.

"It’s already noon, Zelir."

Aurora turned around, an empty tray in her arms. Her ponytail swung in an arc behind her as she smiled.

"Madam Dejian said you came back very late yesterday."

"Yeah, I had some drinks with friends."

Zelir walked over to the counter to look at the menu.

The hangover had ruined his appetite. He didn’t even feel like eating his usual favorite, beef shank in red wine sauce.

After some thought, Zelir ordered meat congee with pickled radishes and bread—a rare, light meal for him.

"You got it. It’ll be right out," Aurora replied, turning to call the order to the kitchen.

As he walked to his usual seat, Zelir clearly felt more eyes on him than usual.

A few Adventurers, huddled together drinking and boasting, glanced at him out of the corners of their eyes.

The pure black, high-quality fabric seemed to shimmer with a faint, dark light.

Its exquisite cut, and the Rune Circuits that occasionally became visible on the Lining of the hem, all proclaimed the Magic Robe’s expense and its owner’s status.

There was a new, faint hint of respect in their eyes. They didn’t dare stare for long and quickly looked away.

’I guess clothes really do make the man,’ Zelir sighed to himself.

He had barely settled in his seat when his steaming hot brunch was served.

"Here we are! Steaming hot congee and bread."

Aurora deftly set the food down. "Careful, it’s hot."

"Thanks."

Smelling the fragrant food, Zelir felt his taste buds start to revive.

Aurora didn’t hurry away. She wiped her hands on her apron.

"You know, Zelir, you always seem so busy."

"Busy? It’s not so bad."

Zelir picked up a small shaker and added pepper to his congee. "That’s just the life of an Adventurer."