Upon leveling up the “Deceiver” skill by three tiers, Tyler’s intellect attribute increased by 30 points, correspondingly boosting his maximum magic energy by 300 points.
Moreover, the efficacy of the “Deceiver” skill itself improved, with the positive modifier for persuasion checks rising from “+5” to “+8”. Although Tyler currently lacked the means to comprehend how these calculations were determined, he believed that as the level of his Divine Eye of Transcendence advanced, he would eventually discern the underlying principles governing this world.
Now, while retaining 210 points of life-saving magic energy, Tyler could consistently enhance his skills by one level every two days through grinding proficiency. It’s worth noting that when he set out from Ira Village, his maximum magic energy was a mere 210 points; now, it has reached an impressive 810 points.
Ironically, the advancements Tyler gained from his life-and-death battles paled in comparison to the progress he made leisurely grinding proficiency along the way.
As in any world, choosing the right approach proved significantly more crucial than sheer diligence and effort.
On his 35th day in the Prison Star world, Tyler finally grasped the first secret pathway to growing stronger: honing skill proficiency!
.
“You’ve worked so hard, Moto-chan! You’ve truly accomplished great feats!”
Tyler led Moto-chan into Sunny Town, and in recognition of her outstanding contributions, he sought out the finest stable in town.
After using his mind-reading ability to confirm the stablekeeper was a good person, he entrusted Moto-chan to their care, even offering a small tip for their attentive supervision.
Later, Tyler dined at the familiar Cat Girl Restaurant for his evening meal.
While there, he learned that the Travelling Merchant Caravan had yet to return to Sunny Town, indicating he would have to proceed alone for the time being.
The proprietor of the Cat Girl Restaurant was a remarkably young catgirl with silky silver-pink hair and unforgettable crimson eyes.
According to Granny Kasi, the catgirl’s name was Tribe Ruri, an accomplished young girl who had founded the restaurant through her own entrepreneurial prowess.
Despite the discrimination against demi-humans, she had managed to firmly establish herself in Sunny Town.
Including tonight, Tyler had only seen Tribe Ruri twice at the Cat Girl Restaurant. They hadn’t even exchanged words, let alone shared a glance.
— (Silly Nissen: You’re really keeping a close eye on her, Tyler… Are you planning to win her over?)
(Tyler: No… Strong, independent women like her might not be so easy to conquer given my current status and abilities.)
Tyler averted his gaze from Tribe Ruri, knowing he must choose his next romantic target with the utmost care.
His greatest obstacle at present was time, and urban girls were inherently more challenging to win over compared to their rural counterparts.
In the world of Earth, an individual’s emotional selectiveness increases with their level of education and exposure to information, resulting in the postponement of marriage among young people.
This phenomenon applied equally in the Prison Star world, and Tyler believed that strong, independent young women would be even harder to conquer.
Nonetheless, Tyler wasn’t in a rush to make a decision, and Tribe Ruri remained a potential option.
He planned to spend the evening observing more young women in Sunny Town before selecting the one he felt most confident in pursuing.
.
Following dinner, Tyler ambled about Sunny Town for a visit.
Sunny Town was relatively affluent, with magical stone lamps illuminating the main streets. Pubs and restaurants remained open until around eleven or twelve at night, providing the townspeople with a semblance of nightlife.
From a distance, Tyler spotted a freshly decorated two-story building adorned with a brand-new sign.
(The Adventurers Guild… Sunny Town branch…?)
The Adventurers Guild was a staple in other worlds, and Tyler found himself instinctively drawn to the building.
As he walked, Tyler recalled the words Viviana had spoken, and something struck him as peculiar.
—”Take this with you. If there’s a Quest Guild in Sunny Town, show it to them, and they’ll help you.”
Tyler halted in his tracks, doubting that Viviana had mistakenly referred to the Adventurers Guild as the Quest Guild.
(Viviana suggested I go to the Quest Guild, not the Adventurers Guild…)
(What exactly is the Quest Guild, then?)
At first glance, Tyler felt their functions seemed to overlap.
His inner doubts kept Tyler from entering the Adventurers Guild straight away. Instead, he opted to observe from a distance.
(This Adventurers Guild seems to have been established quite recently…)
Tyler stopped a passerby and inquired, only to find that no one knew what the Adventurers Guild was for. This implied that the very concept of the Adventurers Guild was new to this world!
— (The scent of suspicion grows stronger…)
(Silly Nissen: What’s so suspicious? Most-o of the worlds I’ve been to have Adventurers Guilds, you know~)
(Tyler: Yes, and that’s precisely what “the enemy” is counting on.)
(Silly Nissen: Huh? Enemy? Where’s the enemy?)
Lately, Tyler had been pondering whether the purpose of this stupid loli was to serve as a counter-example.
Her reactions allowed him to understand how simple-minded people thought.
Tyler continued to watch the Adventurers Guild from afar, noting that the staff were recruiting potential adventurers at the entrance. They informed everyone that the rewards for adventurers were similar to those of the Quest Guild’s bounty hunters.
“Join the Adventurers Guild now and enjoy a lifetime of waived membership fees and commissions! Don’t miss this one-time opportunity!”
“Sign up as an adventurer and receive a free class identification for your battle prowess!”
Indeed, some were enticed by the calls and went inside to register, while many others gathered outside to spectate.
After observing for a while, Tyler slipped away.
·
During his observation, Tyler had gleaned the true objective of the Adventurers Guild through mind-reading.
Upon discovering young individuals who were exceptionally strong or weak, the staff would immediately report them. Also, those dressed in unusual attire would be reported as well.
To Tyler, it seemed as if they were searching for otherworldly travelers.
Although he was unsure why they were doing this, Tyler decided to steer clear of the suspicious Adventurers Guild. He had to protect the secret of his otherworldly identity at all costs.
· 𝒐𝗏𝑙ℯxt.𝐜𝑜𝔪
Subsequently, Tyler arrived at the Quest Guild, located just a street away.
The Quest Guild was housed in a somewhat aged two-story building. The worn-out sign read “Quest Guild – Sunny Town Branch.” Despite its appearance, the establishment was precisely to Tyler’s liking.
Upon entering, he found himself in the reception hall, where eight or nine individuals were engaged in conversation.
The only other person present was the receptionist at the front desk.
(…Hmm?)
At first glance, Tyler thought his eyes were deceiving him. Astonishingly, the receptionist sported a pair of soft, furry fox ears atop her head, proudly on display.
Upon closer inspection, Tyler confirmed that he was not mistaken. The receptionist was indeed a young fox girl belonging to the fox tribe.
The little fox maiden possessed a mane of resplendent golden hair, with her fluffy fox ears peeking through. They would occasionally twitch. ?(? ???ω??? ?)?
The aged guild’s reception area was brightened by her presence, her exquisitely sculpted features leaving an indelible impression on anyone who laid eyes upon her.
Regrettably, the delicate face of the golden-haired fox maiden lacked the amiable smile typically expected from a receptionist. Instead, she stood expressionless, her gaze downcast as she perused the thick book in her hands.