Veles village may be a small village (in Marquess Immitrex territory it is considered to be quite large, actually),

but its still really easy for someone who doesn't know their way around to get lost,

especially since it was built without any plan, so there are many weird roads.

Between the south entrance that leads to the rest of the Kingdom and north entrance that leads into the abandoned farms

and forgotten valley is a part of the village with lots of stores and workshops refered as "the marketplace".

Near the north entrance is also the small school building with a decently sized training court.

School building has its walls made of stone and with its roof made of wood.

While it was big enough for a village like Veles, after the war,

it was mostly more than half empty since there wasn't enough children.

And while in the last few cycles that was starting to change, there still wasn't enough children,

so now every second generation starts going to school one cycle sooner.

In the past, those that could afford it send their children to school when they turned five cycle old,

however, this was over time changed to six.

But, if there aren't that many children in a generation, children that are five cycles old go to school one cycle earlier,

and then the next cycle there is no new children that start going to school.

They then go to school for 3-4 cycles depending on the classes they take, after that is 1-2 cycles free time

before they can start going to one of the academies in the bigger towns when they turn 10-11 cycles old.

While there are some differences between villages and towns, this school system is mostly identical.

The rest of the village expands west from the marketplace towards the small hill where Marquess Deurius mansion is located.

Most of the houses are made of wood with straw roof, but there are a few ones made of stone with wooden roofs.

As with every settlement in Uruviel Kingdom,

Veles village is surrounded by two meter tall wooden wall to protect it from stray ma.beasts and bandits.

While from the north entrance there are countless abondened farms that coudn't be protected from ma.beasts

that escaped from the dark forest since Veles village was lacking in manpower at the start of the war,

from the south entrance stretches out a few big farmlands

that could even be seen from the hill that the Deurius mansion is located.

Other than cotton, Veles village also cultivates wheat and rye crop for food.

Since wheat seed is somewhat expensive, rye is cultivated about 15-20 % more than wheat.

Other than that, Veles village get their food by hunting in the dark forest, and harvesting rare plants that grow there.

..........

In contrast to the other mansions in Uruviel Kingdom, Deurius mansion could be considered small, or better said, modest.

The mansion is surrounded by tall stone brick walls that is also connected to the villages wooden wall.

Arian was standing in front of a beautifully decorated iron gate that was also apparently reinforced with magic.

Behind the gate, Arian could see the large inner garden with neatly cut grass

and symmetrically planted trees whose leaves has started to turn yellow and fall off.

Next sol is the first sol of Sert, the first Lun in Pluvi (something like autumn) after all.

Across the garden, Arian could see large white two-story building that was connected

to the two rectangular shaped one-story buildings on both sides.

The main building was used for buisniss, visits and the like.

The building on the left side is where the servants quarters are located, with their own bathroom and kitchen,

while the building on the right side is where the residential quarters are located, Abbey's library is also located here.

..........

Walking across the garden, Arian was remembering how he played in it

when he managed to sneak out without anyone noticing him.

His mother Lia was too overprotective because of his constant high fevers,

so she nearly never let him go outside to play...

He thought to himself how funny it is for him to wish for them to return.

Even if they weren't with him for long, it was enough for him to get attached to them.

Especially since they showed him love which he never even imagined to receive, even in this second life.

As someone who cut all his ties with his family and friends the moment he finished college,

fed up with all the pity he received after the accident in high school, he wanted to have a fresh start.

Moving far, far away from the place he lived, he never expected to experience honest parental love again.

So he still have fond memories of them, even if they left his so abruptly...

Opening the large front door made from some kind of sturdy wood, he slowly entered the main building.

Arian was happy that he at least was tall enough to open that door, since he was quite short for his age.

Comparing himself with the children his age, even some of the girls were taller than him and this greatly depressed him...

Just as his feminine look, this was probably a trait be inherited from his mother Lia, an elf.

Elves are quite shorter than humans,

with even an average adult male elf being barely the height of an average human female, which is around 160cm.

Arian was currently standing in a large entrance hall filled with statues

(from which he could feel some kind of strange magical energy), pictures and other such decorations.

In front of him was a large staircase leading to the second floor where Quinn's study was located.

On the right was a door leading into the residential quarters and on te left was a door leading into the servants quarters.

Arian looked around the entrance hall and thought how pointlessly big and empty it felt.

He was also surprised how clean it all looked even though there was nobody staying at this mansion at this moment

since his grandparents were staying in Immitrex city.

Arian headed behind the large staircase, there were another stairs leading down into the treasury.

While he know this mansion like the back of his hands, he never was actually allowed to go near the treasury,

so he was a little bit curious why...

All he know was that there was supposedly some kind of guardian spirit guarding the entrance into the treasury.

Taking a deep breath, Arian headed downstairs...

..........

After heading downstairs, I arrived into a small hallway with stone walls that leads to a metal-looking door.

They look impossible to open normally, but thats not the problem right now.

The problem I'm about to face is a little bit more terrifying... Black as the night itself,

with four muscular arms and large white goat-like horns on top of its head, with long wavy black hair and blood red eyes,

at least two meter tall, it was our treasury guardian, a Demon spirit.

If that wasn't terrifying enough, it was wearing bright pink magical girl-like dress...

What's up with that out of place getup !!!

If it wasn't for the two enormous funbags, you would mistake it for a male and if that was the case,

I would dash away without looking back, like a wind !!!

But still...

[... for someone so terrifying looking, you sure have some very girly hobby...]

Hearing me say that, the black demon spirit just smirked and answered in a unbelievably girly voice.

[Oh, come on "brother", don't be so rude to an lady...]

Lady my ass, don't even pretend you macho woman! Also, what's up with that voice, it doesn't suit you at all...

[Ya, ya... I have many questions, but first what's up with that "brother" thing anyway ?]

[Mou, of course brother is brother, we demons are all brothers and sisters, like a family...

Is this the first time you met a demon? Anyway, what business you have here ?]

Oh, I see. I have no idea what the hell is she on about...

It's good that she is going straight to the point, but first...

[Yeah, this is the first time I met a demon. However, by that logic,

wouldn't the whole Devil race be considered a part of that family as well ?]

[Yes, of course... Well how do I explain this...]

Apparently, for a demon to escape from the "Demon realm" they must either form a contract with a mortal like her

and keep all of their memories intact or reincarnate into a Devil and have all of their memories eresed...

So those from a Devil race are just demon spirits with a mortal body. I see...

I always wondered about that, because Devils are completely different from other races.

First, there are countless Devil tribes and each tribe have a different appearance from each others,

like for example the Beastmen tribe.

Beastmen tribe is split between countless clans and each clan have an appearance that resemble one or more animals.

Some may consider them a completely different race, but because of their soul type and usage of magical energy,

they are considered part of a Devil race.

Then, there is a Vampire tribe. While they look mostly human,

they are actually the longest living tribe that even rivals the lifespan of a dragon.

While they are really strong, they are really weak to sunlight

and need to drink blood of other races or their strength will drop even more (They can eat normal food).

Again, they could be considered a subspecies of humans, yet they are still considered a Devil race.

Then, there is a Shadow tribe. they are a tribe that are similar to fairies

so much that you could consider them their dark counterpart...

Yet, they are also considered a Devil race.

And the list goes on and on...

Interestingly enough, Devil's can mate between tribes or even other races.

If their partner isn't a Demon type soul (Red, dark red and black),

there is 50% chance that their child will also be a Demon soul type.

Also, when they die, their soul won't reincarnate, but be thrown into a Demon realm again...

Uah, don't I also fall into that category ?!

[... so that about sums it up. Understand? Anyway, can we go back to business ?]

Yeah, now I know more about the Devil race, but still, I have no idea how that make us all a family... Well, who cares...

[Yeah. First of, my name is Arian Deurius. I come to the treasury to pick up a few potions.]

I answered. I would like to chat more, but I don't think I have enough time right now.

[Oh I see. Here you go... Anyway, brother sure is lucky to get such a cute mortal body, I'm a little bit envious...]

Yeah, I don't doubt that YOU are envious about my looks, but as a guy, I'm not that much thrilled about it...

Anyway, why did she give me a needle ?

Realising that I was dumbfounded when she given me the needle, she explained.

[You need to put a drop of blood filled with your mana on the door. If you are really Deurius, they will open.]

Oh, so the key is my bloodline? I wonder how can the door recognizes that...

However, I can't understand that "putting my mana into it" part...

As far as I learned until now, every single person has a unique mana.

Soul type, attribute, curses and blessings all contribute to the uniqueness of ones mana.

After all, mana is just a refined magical energy, so how can it be determined whose mana it is ?

Hmmm, is there some kind of pattern that those of the same blood share ? If so, this could be really useful for something...

[Oh, I see. By the way, what will you do if I end up not being from the Deurius family ?]

I asked just in case. If mana doesn't have anything to do with identification,

anybody could open this door as long as they have a drop of our blood.

Putting being a red soul type aside, I'm also a rare halfling, so that may also hinder this identification.

[To prevent any problems, you need to use your own fresh blood and the door will do the trick.

If the door doesn't open, for whichever reason, you will kindly leave or I will give you a big hug.]

She explained, as she was showing her massive arm muscles...

Please no hugs, that would be really embarrassing way to die...

[I see. Well then, here I go... By the way, what's your name ?]

I asked for her name, while I pierced the skin on my thumb with the needle and a drop of blood started to form.

Thanks to the skill [Pain Tolerance], I barely even felt it.

[Samigina the name. However, it's really rare for someone to ask a demon their name.]

[Oh, and why is that ?]

I started pouring my mana into the drop of blood.

[Well, it's not like they will give it to them just like that.

After all, you need to know demons name if you want to form a contract with them.

Not to mention that most mortals don't care about our names...]

[Is that so...]

I learned another interesting thing...

I placed my thumb on the door and they suddenly started to shine, slowly sinking into the ground.

Looks like they opened without any problem.

I entered the treasury, it's a small room filled with chests, shelves filled with expensive-looking junk,

weapons and armor pieces all over the place. Looking a little bit more, I found the shelf filled with potions.

Ok, let's use appraisal to find the ones I need...

Let's see...

Health potions,

Mana potions,

Stamina potions,

various Status Boost potions,

various Disinfection oils,

Antidotes,

various Cure potions like:

cures for Paralysis,

cures for Sleep,

cures for Petrification

and so on...

Oh, here they are...

Name: Soul Strengthening potion

Quality: Very High

Effect: Information not available

Detail: Information not available

Price: 5 Platinum coins

Name: Complete Recovery potion

Quality: Very High

Effect: Information not available

Detail: Information not available

Price: 5 Platinum coins

4 Soul Strengthening and 7 Complete Recovery "miracle potions" left ...

Just how much did grandpa pay to get so many of them?! Not to mention their price, it's completely unreasonable...

I only take 2 Soul Strengthening potions, since they are probably the ones I need the most,

any more and I won't be able to sleep at night...

Haaa, and here I thought that Goldberry juice was expensive...

Anyway, I put them in my magic bag which I started bringing anywhere I go, since it's so convenient.

It's not really that big and you can store a lot of stuff in it.

Based on what I learned from father Killian this sol,

I guess that this magic bag was created by enchanting it with Space type magic circle or something to that extend...

Appraisal also says that its price is 55 gold coins. Expensive !!!

Anyway, with this I only have to pick up that package from granny Alvarez and that's it...

Or maybe I also go and visit blacksmith shop to pick up my sword and armor.

Calvin has sent them for maintenance last Sabb. While it's not urgent to pick them up,

since it's on the way, I guess I can quickly do it.

Well, since I already here in the treasury, I guess I have enough time to look around...

Let's see, other than potions which price does not go above 5 gold coins,

there are a lot of fanci weapons and a few armor sets.

Since I can't appraise them, they are probably absurdly expensive and extremely useful...

I can't even figure out from what material they are made of, ma.beast materials maybe ?

Looking inside the chest, they are filled with gold and platinum coins.

I see that Deurius household is still far from being broke...

Other than that, there are countless other expensive-looking junk,

like cups, plates, vases, rings, necklaces, earrings and amulets.

A few of them have some kind of enchantments on them,

but since even I could see them with my low [Appraisal] skill, there are nothing impressive...

Oh and here's a big mirror, probably around 2 meter tall.

I didn't even notice it since it's completely covered in dust and behind other junk.

Now that I think about it, I never really had a chance to clearly see my own reflection other then on a water surface,

so I'm a little curious.

I take a small rag out of my magic bag and clear the mirror a little.

Hmm, the Appraisal says that it's a magic mirror but since the other info is not available, It's useless to me.

Now that it's clean a little, I can finally see my face clearly...

Geh, I look like a ghost !!!

Girly my ass, I look too pale that someone would think that I sick or something (well, that's not entirely untrue...)

and I still have those bags under my eyes...

I thought that they disappeared since I didn't have those dreams since last Sabb, but looks like I was mistaken...

And because I'm a red soul type, my iris are also red...

Truly like a ghost...

Hmm, my hair is already this long? It's already past my shoulders, so maybe I should cut it down a little ?

There is no mistake that my long silver hair is making me look more feminine than it should

and since I'm starting school next sol, Its would be good to cut it shorter.

Well, since in my previous life I wasn't exactly attractive, having this kind of face isn't that bad, to be honest.

I just need to fix those bags under my eyes...

Well, enough of examining my face, I should get going already...

[I got what I came here for, so I be going now !]

I said that with a higher tone, since I can't see Samigina anywhere.

And then all of a sudden she jumped in front of me with a notebook while wearing glasses... Does she enjoy cosplaying ?

[Two Soul Strengthening positions taken by Arian Deurius, right? Also, is that all? ]

Hee, so she also keeps track of all the items here taken and stored? What a hardworker...

[That is correct and yes, that is all. So then I'll be goi... Huh ?!]

As I was leaving,I stepped on something... Taking a look at what it is, I can see a small black ring.

No wonder I couldn't see it, since the floor is also made of black stone, it camouflaged completely...

Let's see, [Appraisal]...

Name: -?-

Quality: -?-

Effect: Information not available

Info: Information not available

Price: -?-

Huh... Wait, what ?!

[Hey Samigina, what's that ring ?]

After I pointed at the black ring, she picked it up and started inspecting it.

[Ah, I remember this ring, Merlin used to wear it all the time.

I don't know from what it's made of, but it's just a normal ring...]

She answered, still inspecting it. No, there is no way that's just a normal ring.

My appraisal never showed something like -?- up until now, even when I appraised weapon and armor here.

When there is something that I can't see even its name, my appraisal will fail and just show [Appraisal in impossible].

Is it a cursed item? It should not be, I don't sense any magical energy from it...

[Merlin?! Who's Merlin? ]

I asked. I never even heard that name before...

[Ah, that's Quinn's great-grandfather, the one I made contract with.]

Oh, I see. But what is his ring doing on the ground? Did it fall from the shelf ?

[So you can say that he's my ancestor or something ?]

[Yeah, something like that. Anyway, here, you can take it. Although I don't know from what its made of,

it's just a ordinary ring. It doesn't even have any magical energy in it, nor are there any magic circles engraved in it.

Well, it's not even on the list, so who cares, right ?]

Don't you "right" me, this ring is anything but normal!

Well, if even a demon says that it's safe, I guess it's not cursed, at least...

I put it on my finger, but its too big for me...

[Well, it's too big for me, so I don't need it...]

[Try putting a little bit of mana into it, as a high class item, it should have a function to adjust its size to its owner]

Heeh, so high quality items have that kind of function. How convenient...

[I'll try...]

Putting a little bit of mana into the ring, it glittered a little with red light, but that was it...

This sol I didn't use any mana other than opening that door so my Mp should be still around 100%.

If that's the case,then... I start pouring my mana into the ring without holding back, as it glitter more and more.

And then suddenly, it started shrinking to the size that fits me perfectly...

Eh, wait... How do I take it off now ?!

Not to mention, my Mp has fallen to 47%... Isn't that a little bit too much ?

[Oi, how can I make it returned to its original size ?!]

[No idea, I don't wear jewelry...]

Oh, now I get it... This demon just made me do something incredibly stupid, didn't she...

I just hope it isn't really a cursed item just as I have feared...

[And it even took half of my mana just to make it shrink...]

[Eh, HALF ?! It should have taken just 1-5 Mp to make it shrink no matter the size!

The only thing that could add the number is the quality of the material... Boy, how much is your maximum Mp ?!]

Eh, wait, she really didn't know that it would take so much of my mana ?

And what does she mean "how much is my maximum Mp"? Isn't it 100% ?

[Err, 100% ?]

[Yes, yes, isn't that just common sense. I asking how much in numbers, numerical, not percent...]

[ I~ don't think we are on the same page, I can only see my Mp in %]

Can she perhaps see the exact number of her Mp ? If so,

maybe I will be also able to see it when my [Appraisal] levels up a little.

[Oh, I see. Well at average, someone your age has about 50-100 Mp.

So that ring require you to use half of that for something that should require only 1-5 Mp...

Ehh, I just wanted to joke around, because you can't take off a ring so easily once it adjusted to you...

Well, I didn't see anything that could harm you so it should be fine... Probably...]

Wait, so you did this on purpose ?! And it can't be taken off easily ?!

Haaa, never trust a demon, even the one that is under your family's contract...

[So how do you take it off normally ?]

[Normally you just wait until the mana in it disappear and it should fall off on its own.

However this should take 1-5 lun normally...

Now do the math, and you can realize it yourself that this will take a lot longer for you.

Other method is to use a spell [Mana Drain] from [Ater Archive], but can you even use magic ?]

In other words, this ring isn't going anywhere and will stay on my finger for a while, got it.

And magic is completely out of the questions until I absorb at least one soul core....

[No, I don't have any attribute, so I can't use any magic other than something called [Raw Mana technique]... ]

[Eh, that's kinda rare, isn't it? And as an apology, you can come anytime and I will teach you that [Raw Mana technique].

I am a demon spirit, after all...]

Oh ? Looks like I have another teacher to teach me something. With that, you are forgiven...

But still, from what mysterious material is this ring made of to require so much mana ?

I probably learn about it in time, it is my ancestors ring after all.

[Well, if you insist, I gladly take on that offer. Now then, I should get going...]

This whole thing with this ring took more than needed... Haah, I'm hungry...

[See ya around!!! ]

I get out of the treasury, as Samigina said goodbye.

Now then, with this done, now I should hurry to the blacksmiths shop and then pick up a package from granny Alvarez...

Ugh, this has started to feel like a pointless fetch quest, pick this up, pick that up, go and bring me that...

..........

Veles village only has two blacksmiths, but they produce excellent weapons and armor sets.

However, only one of them is officially the village blacksmith, other one is doing it as a hobby or pastime,

since he is already old. That is where I heading...

His shop should be right next to the marketplace.

After I come to my destination, I headed inside the shop. It was filled with various equipment,

however, rather than weapons and armor, it was mostly filled with everyday necessities made out of iron.

Near the counter, I immediately spot the owner of this shop who was currently talking with a man

hiding his face with a cloak, only a large scar near his lips could be seen.

[Good evening uncle Gobban and hello there Scarface.]

I greeted the two who were still talking. Uncle Gobban is a Dwarf from the Dwarven Empire that immigrated here,

so he could spend the rest of his sol's in peace.

He planned to left his blacksmiths sols behind and earn money by helping around on the farms,

however, old habits die hard and in the end, he ended up opening this store.

The other man is a tourist that is staying in Frontos inn. He come to this village at the same time as Baldy,

but is staying a lot longer. Because he never showed his face, even when he is using the hot spring,

everybody in the inn nicknamed him "Scarface".

[Hello Arian, did you come for your sword and armor ?]

Uncle Gobban asked, his voice was deep and rugged.

Dwarves in this world are completely different from the standard fantasy dwarves I remember reading in my previous life,

the only similarity was that they are short.

They are a between 130-140 cm tall, have either brown, red or black skin and they have small pointy ears, similar to me.

Most of them don't grow a beard, rather they become bald by the age of 20.

The only ones that do grow a beard are warriors, adventurers, guards or those that love to fight.

Because not many from their race have a talent in magic, Dwarves mostly use other means to fight.

That's why their metallurgy is so advanced. Actually, their whole culture could be summarized as a steampunk.

Their vehicles are powered by steam.

[Yes, but I'm in a hurry, so I would be really thankful if you could give me right now...]

Uncle Gobban is around 120-130 cm tall red dwarf. Probably as old as grandpa Quinn,

completely bald and has a short, snow white beard. He still looks quite fit for his age.

He also has dark blue eyes, which he is quite proud of.

[Of course, just wait a moment so I can finish things with this gentleman first.]

Uncle Gobban said and then headed toward the workshop. Loud noises could be heard behind the door,

looks like he is searching for something.

[So where were you running around all sol, Arian ? I also seen you going to church this morning...]

Scarface asked me. Since he is staying at the inn, its normal that we met a couple of times.

However, we never really talked, only a small talk when we were in the hot spring at the same time.

[Yeah, I was going for a "Status Check", but ended up talking with the priest there for quite a while.]

I responded, I don't think he met father Killian yet.

[I see.... Wait, "Status Check" ?! Does that mean you leveled up already ?]

Scarface was surprised. Well, I don't think there are many children that leveled up at the age of 5...

[Yes, apparently...]

[Haha, that's impressive. Congratulation...]

As we were having a small talk like this, uncle Gobban returned from the workshop.

[Here you go, enhanced iron Flamberges. And since you paid in advance, my job here is done.]

Uncle Gobban handed a big greatsword to Scarface. It has a serrated-like edges and a big red stone near the handle.

I look at it with appraisal:

Name: Flame Flamberges

Quality: [Normal]

Enchantment: Information not available

Info: Information not available

Price: 17 gold, 60 silver coins

Hooo, that looks like an interesting two-handed sword.

I just don't understand what's the point of hiding its enchantment when it's right in it's name...

Or does it have more than one enchantments ?

[Thanks old man, than I'll be going now.]

Scarface thanked uncle Gobban and headed outside.

[Also, here you go. Since the damage wasn't hard to fix, this time it will be free,

but next time you will need to pay, understand ?]

Uncle Gobban give me my equipment and warned me. He probably already heard what happened from Calvin.

I put both the silver sword and black leather armor into the magic bag... So convenient!

[Yes, I understand and thank you for everything.

Also, do you know where can I buy something to write with and something to write in ?]

While I'm at it, I also asked where I can buy staff for school...

[Hmm, I think lady Alvarez has something like that at her stall.]

Uncle Gobban answered after thinking for a second.

[I also need to pick up a package from her for aunt, so I'll be going there right now...]

I said that and slowly headed outside.

[Oh, and when will you start coming for those lessons again ?]

Uncle Gobban asked. Since I can skip normal classes, I plan to learn from him about weapon and armor maintenance.

[I still don't know when which classes will I have, so I still can't say for sure...]

Well, I sure that I will learn by the start of next sabb, so no problem there.

[I see. Well I have a lot of free time, so it doesn't matter to me, just tell me in advance...]

[I will. Then, goodbye.]

[Say hi to Calvin and Miranda for me !!!]

..........

Well, another fetch quest is finished. One left.

If I remember correctly, granny Alvarez is a old lady from who we always buy salt and other seasonings.

She should still be in the marketplace at her stall with her husband.

Errr, I can't find them, there are just too many people here. Is it because it's the last sol of this sabb ?

This is where my appraisal shines. Let the search begin!!!

15 min later...

[Good evening, I come to pick the package for aunt Miranda...]

I greeted granny Alvarez after finally finding her, looks like she has a lot of customers this sol.

She run a general store with her husband, but they usually set up a stall in the marketplace. I don't know why...

[Oh, good evening Arian. I thought that you will come a little bit earlier. Anyway, here you go...]

As she handed me a giant package that I will not be able to store inside my magic bag, I noticed something strange...

Name: Annet Alvarez

Age: 67

Race: Human

Gender: Female

Level: 11

Attribute: Information not available

Skills: Information not available

Abilities: Information not available

Title: Information not available

Name: Rufus Alvarez

Age: 82

Race: Human

Gender: Male

Level: 18

Attribute: Information not available

Skills: Information not available

Abilities: Information not available

Title: Information not available

My [Appraisal] skill has finnaly leveled up...