I wake up to the sounds of birds chirping outside. The sun shines through the curtains slightly illuminating the small, but cozy, room I'm in. I carefully get out of bed still kinda sleepy, and make my way downstairs.

"Oh Y/N ! Here are your clothes, I saw them in the shower last night while I was cleaning the bathroom and decided to wash them for you."

"Oh thank you ! But I'm sorry for the trouble, ah how much do you want as payment for—"

"Ah no need, washing your clothes was no tough task so don't worry. Now go to the kitchen and get your food already."

I smile at Verr's generosity.

"Oh actually before I go I have a question to ask, who's that guy by the balcony ? His name was... Xiao I think ?"

Verr looked somewhat surprised.

"So you've already met Xiao and he told you his name ? He usually won't tell anyone anything unless you give him his favorite food..."

"Which is ?"

"Almond Tofu."

"Ah got it ! I'll make some for him since I would like to chat with him some more.. thanks Verr !"

I quickly run off into the kitchen and am quickly served by Smiley Yanxiao. That man is a culinary genius ! The food he makes is top notch. Makes me feel kinda bad I get to eat these for free...

I finish up eating and run to the bathroom to change into my clothes. And now, I think I'm ready to go out adventuring !

I quickly walked outside after saying goodbye to Verr and take the elevator down. I grab a few silk flowers nearby and then head of to Guili Plains. I walk around a bit looking for some possible treasure, I come across a cryo abyss mage and stealthily walk pass since I don't think I can kill one of those quite yet.

Eventually I do find a couple of chests and I get some pretty nice things. A few artifacts that look like they're powerful. Tons more mora, and some wanderers advice.

Overall, I'm quite tired, I walked around basically all of Guili Plains and this place isn't small. I walk back to the inn right before sun down but as I'm walking to the bridge I catch a glimpse of one those weasels with a bag of mora.

I chase after it hoping to get some more money since I could always use some more. But right as I'm about to catch it, it digs underneath the ground and hides.

Meanwhile I hear machine whirring next to me.

Fuck.

I DID'NT KNOW THERE WAS A RUIN HUNTER HERE—

These things are much faster and stronger than ruin guards despite having less defense, it's weak point is much harder to hit as well because one top of its amazing agility and damage, it floats.

I quickly draw out my weapon since I know I can't run from this. Alright I just have to be very careful not to get hit and somehow get this sword stuck inside its eye.

I can do this.

I can do this.

The ruin hunter just stares at me and my confidence slowly starts to dwindle. Like it's mocking me. My legs are trembling. My lips are quivering. I'm sweating bullets. My mind can't think and my body can't move.

Is this the end for—?

Suddenly a green flash appears in front of me and it forms into the silhouette of a man. The man floats in the air for a bit while he's holding what looks to be a polearm.

Then suddenly he disappears. Where'd he go ? Welp now that he's gone I'm sure as dead—?

I see a green flash reappear behind the ruin hunter and I see the mans eyes glow a terrifying white. The man lands on the ruin hunters back and jams it's polearm into its weak point on the backside of the ruin hunter.

And with that it falls to the ground.

But these little devils don't die that easily. They get back up and won't die until you've hit it so much, it just malfunctions and disintegrates.

I grip my sword tighter and just as I'm about to rush in, I see several green slashes go through the ruin hunter and once it's done, the flying killing machine falls down to the ground cut into several pieces.

In shock I fall back.

I thought ruin hunters were strong but what kind of monster is this guy ?

The dust that came from the pieces of the ruin hunter falling dissipates and I see that silhouette again.

Xiao ?

"You should be more careful next time. If I didn't show up you would be dead where you stand."

I try to stand up again with my feet still shaky and look Xiao in the eye.

"How did you do that ? Aren't you a bit... short to reach that high up ?"

Xiao is taken aback by my comment and seems to get angry.

"Ah I'm sorry I didn't mean to—"

"It's fine. Verr Goldet teases me about my height too."

I chuckle at his words.

"I'm leaving."

"No wait ! I wanted to ask what... are you ?"

"I'll talk if you get me food."

And with that he disappeared. Leaving a green flash behind him. By now the sun has set and I run back to the inn in fear that I'll get ambushed by hilichurls if I stand around there any longer.

"Verr...... Goldet !" I mutter her name between pants.

"Oh ? What happened this time ?"

"Can you... give me the.... recipe for... almond tofu ?" I say still exhausted from running here.

"Uh sure but first, tell me what happened out there"

"I-I woke up a Ruin Hunter and-and Xiao ! Xiao saved me !"

Her eyes widen.

"Xiao ? That loner... saved you ?"

"Yes ! Man he's stronger than I thought... he went all like wOOSH ! and then he went slash ! And— uh... ehem, may I have the recipe now ?"

Verr stifles back her chuckle.

"Sure, you earned it, after all, Xiao isnt normally this friendly with anyone ! You must be special"

She winks at me as she hands me the recipe. I quickly take it from her and go to my room. I leave the recipe on the table beside my bed and take a quick shower before sleeping.

I guess I'll try to befriend Xiao tomorrow. That's the last thought in my head before I drift off into sleep.