NOVPUB<Your level is being inspected...>
<Calculating total stats...>
<Your level is: 51>
"It seems like you're..." the receptionist trailed off, her eyes widening. "I apologize for doubting you."
"It's all good. You had good intentions," Neraxis replied with a soft smile.
With that, he went through the usual formalities, confirming his quest and getting a rough location.
It was pretty far away, literally in the next town over. But even so, he couldn't miss this opportunity to go and get something done.
He left the adventurer's guild, and without wasting a moment, looked for a carriage.
The receptionist had kindly given him enough money to travel, more as an apology than anything else. And of course, Neraxis didn't mind and accepted with a not-so-heavy conscience.
It's the orb's fault for being broken... But this really is surprising... Neraxis pondered. They calculate levels by adding up the total stats someone has. With my stats... No, I doubt I'm level 50. Something else must've happened.
He also couldn't rule out the possibility of there being some sort of way to detect his skills, since if that was the case, then it would make sense.
Nonetheless, after a brief walk, Neraxis finally found a man offering carriage services.
He bought a ride directly to the other city, and to his surprise, it cost him the exact amount of money he had, 40 silver.
And with that, he finally set off.
***
Three hours later.
"We're here, young man. You may take your leave," the driver said with a smile. "Since it's your first time in Lumiara, just make sure to not go into the alleyways too much. Most of the scumbag thieves are there."
"Noted, thanks," Neraxis replied absentmindedly and hopped out.
According to the quest, he had to meet Jane at the cathedral in Lumiara.
Even from the outside, it was clear the city struggled with crime just from the foul stench of blood alone.
They had a single entrance, and surrounding it were multiple guards. They were inspecting the people thoroughly, almost as though they were looking for weapons.
Which was likely the case. But thankfully, the weapon Neraxis had was stashed away inside his body.
They shouldn't notice. At least, I hope not, Neraxis thought as he approached the guard post, and of course, went up to the guard who seemed like the biggest pushover.
He was scrawny, and his stance was off. There was also the fact that Neraxis could feel some alcohol in his blood.
Safe to say, he found his mule.
"Hey, can I pass?" Neraxis asked with a smile. "I have a quest I need to take care of inside."
"S-Show me your p-pass," the guard stammered, extending his hand.
However, Neraxis simply tilted his head. "I forgot it inside the city. But you saw me when I left, right?"
"Y-Your pass should be in your status," the guard stated as he placed his hand on the hilt of his sword.
Noticing that this wasn't going anywhere, Neraxis proceeded to take the much easier route.
"I wonder what your subordinates would think if they knew you were drunk on the job?"
The guard flinched. "I-I'm not drunk... I'm just—"
"You're drunk," Neraxis corrected and turned toward one of the guards not too far away.
"Excuse m—"
Yet just as he was about to call out, the guard tapped his hilt a few times, then jerked his chin toward the city.
"D-Don't tell my superiors about this... and p-please, get a pass. It's not very e-expensive," the guard stated.
Neraxis nodded, and with that, walked into the city.
It was a bit easier than he expected, but then again, if the drunk guard wasn't there, it would've been nearly impossible to get in.
He could've just bought the pass, but he was broke, so that wasn't an option.
Nonetheless, Neraxis stared at the minimap he had picked up at the guild.
It detailed the entire city of Lumiara. And while it wasn't as big as his previous city, it was definitely not small by any means.
But where's this cathedral... Neraxis thought, glancing everywhere until eventually, he stumbled upon a giant structure on the map.
He had ignored it since he thought it was some sort of royal castle, but instead, it was the actual cathedral.
So the center it is.
He strolled through the streets, and he could immediately tell the stark contrast between this city and the previous one.
In Lumiara, the streets were filled with trash, and most importantly, Neraxis couldn't spot a single vendor.
Usually, there was someone always selling something. But not in this city, apparently.
I wonder what went wrong? Neraxis thought. Seems like it was a bustling city some time ago. But maybe corruption? Hmm...
As much as he'd like to take his time and ponder over this, he would much rather get started with this quest.
Nonetheless, after several dozen minutes, he finally arrived in front of a giant structure that towered as high as the spires in the outskirts.
The outside of the cathedral was adorned in beautiful runes, etched onto the tall pillars in front of him.
There were a lot of people gathered. Even more than he'd seen in the center of the previous city.
And of course, Neraxis didn't pay much attention to them as he went inside the cathedral.
It had this holy air around it he couldn't quite grasp, but even so, he knew who he was looking for.
Where could you be... Neraxis pondered, when all of a sudden, Evangeline's voice rang out inside his mind.
[Cathedral, right? Just go to where they say their prayers or something. There should be one giant ass room if I recall.]
Neraxis stopped. Oh yeah? Have you ever been to a cathedral?
After a moment of silence, she replied, her tone grim. [I was born in a cathedral. But let's talk about that some other time, okay?]
His brows furrowed as he nodded at the empty air.
Sorry if I brought back any bad memories... he trailed off, taking a glance at a particular fleeting figure who was carrying two golden chalices.
A smirk tugged at his lips.
Gotta go, Evangeline. I found her.
