Rinsing off all the dry blood in the steamy shower, and feeling all the wounds that had now completely scarred over, I thought to myself “Odelia’s just the best.” Remembering how when I collapsed and ran out of Stamina and Mana after trying to level up Sprint and Archer’s Dash, Odelia happily carried me on her back and brought me to town in less than 3 hours. “I was expecting to camp out for the night again, but my god is she so fast. And too bad I could only level up the Skills by 1 level because of it though.” Swiping the notifications closed.

Sprint increased by 1 Level. Archer’s Dash increases by 1 Level.

“Also I can't believe how badly Lord Creedmor fucked me up with one attack. I mean he totally broke all my old armour, and even the new Lv.20 chestpiece I just bought.” Deciding, “I should wait to buy new armour in Ven’Thyl, I don’t wanna let Drune know I already broke the armour I just bought from him in less than a day.”

Stepping out of the shower and wrapping a towel around myself, I walked over to the large window overlooking the partially lit town square, and reminded myself “I’ll be leaving Asheton in 2 days after tonight, so I better get everything sorted before then, and also remember to buy some supplies for the trip.” Walking past the closet on the way to bed, something strange caught my eye in the mirror, so I doubled back to have a look.

Getting closer to the mirror, I realized what I saw was a tiny little twinkle and shine coming from my eyes. “I don’t remember seeing other eyes have a shine before, but maybe it’s because I’ve always subconsciously suppressed the shine so much.” But as I stared into my beautiful green eyes, the thought of never actually seeing how the other eyes looked on me popped up in my head. So wanting to personally see them, I actively switched to the Eyes of Goblinkind, and I watched my eyes be swiftly wiped by a golden light; as the light passed over them, I saw my eyes had completely changed. Appearing as a putrid greenish-yellow eyeball with a small vertical black slit pupil, I couldn’t help but be in disgust when I looked at myself with them on. “Ugh, that does not look right at all.” Quickly switching to the Eye of an Elder Cyclops, I was surprised to see that only one eye changed instead of both. “Well I guess that makes sense since I only collected one of them, but man does this eye look so cool.” Admiring Oros’ vibrant blue iris eye, and the lively mana arcing inside of it—which occasionally escaped and shot out from the eye.

Being way too amused by such a trivial thing, I spent the next few minutes switching between all the different Eyes inside of the Collection. Some eyes looked to perfectly fit my appearance—like the Human and Dwarven eyes—while almost all the animal ones looked off putting at first—like the Rabbit, Deer, and Wolf eyes—but actually fit pretty well when I gave them a second look. However the ones that actually turned out to look the best were the undead ones—the Ghost and Skeleton eyes—as they both hollowed and blackened my eye sockets, and simply appeared as glowing ethereal lights within them. Having gone through all the Eyes in the Collection, I suddenly remembered one last one, and thought “Oops, I almost forgot the most important ones.” Activating the Eyes Of A Seer.

Happening in less than a split second; I watched two blank eyeballs fill my eye sockets again, with a small golden pupil and iris appearing in each, as they then rapidly expanded from the center and occupied almost the entirety of the eyeballs—only leaving the corner of the eyes white. Immediately after, 13 large golden circles barely became visible orbiting clockwise around the irises, with a few golden ethereal tendrils extending out from the center, and a surprising appearance of the roman numeral VI in both the pupils. “Huh? What’s all that?” Taking a closer look, I realized the 13 large circles were actually each of the Unique Eyes I’ve collected so far—clearly appearing as such when I really took the time to inspect them—and that the roman numeral VI was actually the current Level of Eyes Of A Seer.

“Interesting…” I thought, finally heading over to the bed. “I’m not sure how to feel about the look of the Seer eyes, but it’s not like I can do anything about that, and I think they’ll still continue to change anyway.” Laying on the bed, wondering “Will they just get filled with more golden circles if I collect more types of—” yawning from the tiredness, “...and the Skill is only at Lv.6 right now...will the roman numeral change to VII when it levels up again? Then what’ll happen...when it reaches...Max Level?” Falling asleep in thoughts.

Waking up to the sun shining through the uncovered window, I found myself only wearing a towel, so I casually dressed myself with my sweats and t-shirt from the Inventory to cover up; though when I saw the different holes on my shirt, I also put on the Cloak of Colour too—remembering to put up the hood to cover the crown. Going down to the first floor, I told Rayna and the other girls—who were worried about the state I was in last night—that I was completely alright while I ate for the first time in hours; and wanting to get the ‘Separated Lovers’ Quest finished as soon as possible, I headed straight for Drune’s shop right after breakfast.

Before I opened the door to the shop, I noticed that it was already the afternoon, and thought “I guess I was more tired than I thought if I slept in all morning.” When I finally opened the door, I saw Odelia was already kneeling and waiting for me to arrive.

With Odelia making a big fuss about my arrival, Drune in the back—overlooking Mako hammering a piece of armour—noticed, and shouted to me “Eyes! I see you didn’t turn into a zombie afterall!”

“Looks like it!” I shouted back, walking past Odelia’s display.

Leaving Mako to continue working, Drune walked over to the counter, and said “O’de tells me you want to talk to us about something, so what is it?”

“Mako!” I shouted to her, waving for her to come over.

Mako turned to look but quickly turned back, and shouted “I’m busy!” as she continued to hammer away.

“Okay, but I guess I’m doing the Quest you wanted help with without you then!” I mentioned, this time grabbing hold of her attention.

“Already? How’d you find a way to bring them together, I couldn’t think of anything?” Mako questioned, halting her work and walking over to the counter too.

“I have my ways.” Smirking at her.

Drune seemed confused, and asked “What’s this about, Eyes?”

“This is about you and Odelia.” I replied with a smile.

“Odelia and I?” Drune reiterated, looking to Odelia for some answers, but with her just pointing for him to listen.

“Mako told me about your...marriage problems, and don’t try to deny it, cause I already had a conversation with Odelia about them.” Drune looked to Odelia again who nodded it to be true. “Mako asked me to help because she cares about your happiness, and 'cause she thought I’d be the best person to—since you’re my personal blacksmith, and cause Odelia’s going to be my new archery teacher.” Drune gave Mako a stern look as I continued, “You both want a place to call a Home, but with no place really safe to have one, or no place where you don’t have to leave family behind, or even one free of the discrimination I’m sure you’ve received…” Odelia and Drune’s faces were disheartened, “...but lucky for you, I have such a place.” Causing them both to quickly express their intrigue and curiosity. “Completely separate from any of the Kingdoms, protected by an incredible and selective Barrier, and easily accessible to you at any time from anywhere.” I described.

“I don’t quite understand what you’re talking about, but a place like that doesn't exist.” Drune stated, being kind of lost from my words.

“That is untrue, my Love.” Odelia interjected, “What Lord Eyes speaks is truth, though I do not know how exactly he came to own such a place.”

“Huh? What are you talking about, O’de?” Drune asked, being even more lost.

Odelia smiled and explained, “From what I observed, it was an area secluded in the middle of a mountain range, with a Barrier Of Protection encompassing the entirety of the mountains, which appeared to be as strong or stronger than any of the barriers protecting the major cities, and was seemingly all controlled by Lord Eyes.”

“What? That makes no sense, what are you even talking about right now?” Drune questioned, being completely lost. “Isn’t he just a Lv.23 Archer?”

“I’m actually Lv.24 now.” I corrected him.

“Who are you?!” Drune exclaimed, struggling to understand any of it.

“Don’t worry about it. Just know you can trust me, as I can trust in you, and that all I want is the best for all of us.” Assuring him, before saying “It’s probably easier if I just show you guys.” Opening up the Home Menu, I sent all 3 of them an invitation to become Residents of the Homestead, but when I saw that I forgot to invite Goblex, I sent him one too. “Now accept the invitation, and you’ll have a place to call a Home.” Watching Drune and Odelia be taken back by what appeared in front of them, while Mako tilted her head in curiosity. Giving them some time to process the invitation, I patiently waited for their response; and after a few moments, the notifications I expected pop up in front of me.

Goblex has accepted your Invitation, and has become a Resident of your Homestead. Mako Nomura has accepted your Invitation, and has become a Resident of your Homestead. Odelia Ven’Thyl has accepted your Invitation, and has become a Resident of your Homestead. Drune Stoneheart has accepted your Invitation, and has become a Resident of your Homestead.

And I could see all their names appear in the Menu.

Homestead

[Settings]

Owner: Eyes Thalion Level: 1 Perks: [Aura Of Allurement], [Barrier Of Protection] Residents[Invite]: Drune Stoneheart, Goblex, Hestyat Creedmor, Mako Nomura, Odelia Ven’Thyl Guests[Add/Requests]: None Intruders: None

“Ooh, so this is the new Skill we get.” Mako said, mumbling the description to herself.

“What an odd name for a Skill.” Odelia commented; asking “Is this what used to disappear yesterday, Lord Eyes?”

“Yup, and it instantly brought me to the castle, but too bad it has a 24 hour cooldown.” They looked surprised to hear that, “But I don’t think it’ll be a problem if I can just find someone who can use the Teleportation Circle inside the castle for me.” I stated.

“And again I ask, who are you?” Drune questioned, looking me up and down. “I have never heard of anyone but the Gods gift out Skills before, especially not to someone so...unknown.” Gesturing to unimpressive clothing.

“He does not mean to sound so ungrateful, my Lord.” Odelia smacked Drune’s hands from touching my shabby clothes, “Drune, like I, is just in awe of your great power as the Heir.” She said, bowing to me. “Right, Drune?” Nudging Drune in the side with her elbow.

“Y-Yeah, that’s right! I’m just in awe because I don’t understand how we were so fortunate to have met you.” Drune smiled fakely, forcing himself to kneel down too.

“Suuure, you are.” I said, not believing him at all; but still saying to them “I just hope it’s enough to be called your Home.” Really hoping it was enough to finish the Quest.

“Of course it will be, Lord Eyes, and I want to really thank you for being so accepting and considerate of our relationship.” Odelia thanked me earnestly, “No one really other than the House of Ven’Thyl has truly shown their kindness and support towards us, and for that I am ever grateful.” As she then gave me such a genuine heartwarming and happy smile.

Seeing Odelia’s bright smile, Drune nodded his head, and said “Well if Odelia is happy about it, I’m sure I’ll like it too.” Strongly shaking my hand, “Thank you, Eyes.” They also thanked Mako too, who smugly looked at me knowing she did nothing but tell me about the Quest.

Quest Completed Separated Lovers has been completed. Reward: ‘Romantic’ Title You have gained the Title: [Romantic]. Romantic: Helping distant love to be together again, you have become more charming to those who hear you speak, and even to those who see you from afar.

“What a random and quirky title.” I thought, getting a message from Mako.

Mako Nomura Mako- Do I seem more charming to you?

As she struck a little pose behind Drune and Odelia.

Definitely, your messy singed hair has never looked better. Not to mention using all that soot on your face as makeup. I think it really brings out your eyes.

Mako- Adinrhxijrhsjf

She panicked, hiding herself behind the counter.

Mako- Forget what I looked like!

Forget who looked like?

Mako- :) Now how’d you find a way to complete the Quest so fast?

To be honest, I wasn’t really sure that was gonna work, it was just something I came up with after getting the Homestead.

Mako- Yeah, what’s that about?

I’ll tell you later, I don’t think it’s that big of a deal.

Mako- Okay, and hey I’m glad your idea did work, I mean look at them.

We both admired the sight of Drune and Odelia being overly happy together.

By the way, I think you do seem more charming than before.

Mako- fjdksndjskxsnshkiwci

Mako?

And I saw that she disappeared behind the counter again. Then not really knowing what else to do for the rest of the day, I just decided to spend the rest of the evening at Drune’s shop.

After talking to Mako about what happened in the castle, she eventually went back to her work, and I walked over to Drune and Odelia still discussing plans on going to spend the day at castle tomorrow. I then remembered to inform Drune not to accidentally kill the Ghost Goblin who was actually the Castle Keeper, and he just stared at me with confusion. Odelia reassured me that they won’t, and I told them to make sure he’s cleaning all of the castle properly. When they’re discussion finally ended, I convinced Odelia to show me the basics of how to make arrows, and she happily taught them to me.

You have learned the Proficiency: [Fletcher]. Fletcher: Making or modifying an arrow, you naturally start to understand and develop ways to better do so. Skill Level based on your ability to make or modify an arrow, and the methods you choose to do so. You have gained the Title: [I'm A Fletcher]. I'm A Fletcher: With the ability to make an arrow, you better understand how to treat and take care of them for your own benefit. Arrows you use and make are now less likely to completely break and are more durable.

Then before leaving for the night, I remembered to check if their levels got raised because of the crown, and I found that they did. Odelia being Lv.85—opposed to Lv.80—and Drune being Lv.75—opposed to Lv.70. “It seems like everything except for Players get 5 levels from the crown’s effects, but I wonder how big of a boost that really is for them?” I thought to myself, leaving the shop with Mako.

Awaking the next day still needing supplies, and having nothing else to do while I waited for Odelia and Drune to return from the castle; I boringly spent the whole day preparing and getting things sorted out.

I first spent the morning buying a lot of food that was easy to roast on a campfire; along with 10 jugs of water, and some quality butchering, skinning, and cutting knives—storing the food and water in my Inventory, and the knives in Infinity. I then spent the rest of the morning selfishly scrounging through all the weapons shops in town for any leftover or restocked arrow supplies; finding a total of 327 arrows of various make and conditions, and bringing my spent total to: 11 Gold, 82 Silver, and 65 Copper.

When I went to visit Hensley at the graveyard to say my goodbyes to him, he insisted on inviting me out to a late lunch with his wife Beatrice, and I gladly accepted his offer. They then brought me to a quiet old shop tucked near one of the corners of town, and I was absolutely blown away by the best food and dessert I’ve ever tasted before. It was so addictively delicious that I couldn’t help but ask for another order of food, but to my surprise the shop had a strangely adamant rule of only allowing one meal per day per customer, and I was then promptly kicked out for not knowing such a pivotal rule. Hensley and Beatrice both apologized for forgetting to tell me, but I already pretended to brush off the whole incident, and they both wished for my safe travels as we said our goodbyes and went our separate ways. Though actually being way too shaken up by the whole strange encounter, I took a mental note of the shop’s name, “Ambrosia’s.”

Returning to the Sleeping Forest Inn, I handed over my room key back to Rayna by the bar, and explained to her that I was leaving town tomorrow. She looked saddened by the news, as well as Sherry who overheard the conversation. I assured them that I would promise to visit again in the future, but refusing to let me go without a proper send off, Rayna decided that she wanted to have a party in my room; inviting Kassa, Sherry, and even Mako who returned early for the day. After the girls agreed to meet up after they freshened up, they all forced their way inside my room. We all spent the whole evening and night eating, drinking, partying, and having fun. Then at some point I lost track of the number of drinks they forced me to have, and they clearly lost track of how many they had a long time ago, and the whole rest of the night ended up becoming a blur before I finally blacked out.

Coming to consciousness with a throbbing headache, I found myself shirtless laying on the floor with just my sweats on. Groggily getting up, I saw that all four girls were sleeping soundly on my bed—barely covered up by the large blanket—with all their clothes scattered throughout the room. “I can’t remember what happened last night...but seeing that I’m still wearing pants...I don’t think anything too bad happened...” I slowly thought to myself, picking up my shirt and seeing that it was completely ripped open. Throwing it into my Inventory, I picked up the Cloak of Colour instead, covering myself before quietly exiting the room.

Leaving the Inn after having a small breakfast, I was shocked to see that Odelia was already waiting to greet me outside. “Good morning, Lord Eyes.”

“Good morning to you too, Odelia.” I greeted her back, “How was the castle?”

“It was amazing, Lord Eyes!” Odelia answered, brightly. “Drune and I got to spend a lot of quality time together after we kicked out Goblex for the day.”

“Oh I’m sure you did, you even have that glow about you.” I teased, causing Odelia to get hilariously embarrassed. Laughing at her reaction as we headed out of Asheton together, I smiled at the horizon and thought “It’s finally time to move on...I can’t wait to see what Ven’Thyl has in store for me!”

Stats

Name: Eyes Thalion

Race: Wood Elf

Level: 24

Class: Archer

Subclass: Seer

[Titles]: 22

Health: 3,720 (20% Regen/hr)

Mana: 2,480 (11% Regen/min)

Stamina: 2,480 (11% Regen/min)

Vitality: 248[50] Magic: 248[50]

Strength: 285(+25)[52] Agility: 290[58]

Intelligence: 240[48] Endurance: 240[48]

Sense: 254[51] Luck: 173[35]

Available Points: 40

Status: None

Bonus: 25 Strength, +25% of Base Stats, +10% to Base Regen.

Skills

[Sort]

Class Actives: [Archer’s Dash Lv.7], [Arrow Shower Lv.7], [Charged Arrow Lv.8], [First Aid Lv.5], [Leaping Shot Lv.6], [Power Shot Lv.9], [Rapid Shot Lv.7], [Spread Shot Lv.7], [Turning Arrow Lv.6], [Twin Arrow Lv.7] Class Passive: [Archer’s Confidence Lv.3], [Archer’s Stride Lv.Max] Subclass Active: [Seer's Eye Sacrifice Lv.1] Subclass Passives: [Eyes Of A Seer Lv.6], [Seer’s Eye Collection(15,367) Lv.6] [Seer's Visions Lv.6] Active: [Sprint Lv.6] Passives: [Dodge Lv.9], [Fitness Lv.5], [Natural Tracker Lv.1], [Sneak Lv.5], [Perception Lv.6] Racial Passives: [Elven Physiology Lv.Max], [Keen-Sighted Lv.Max] Weapon Proficiency: [Archery Lv.30] Crafting Proficiency: [Bowyer Lv.1], [Creature Harvest Lv.2], [Fletcher Lv.1]