Velira explained to Mira how she had rushed ahead of her battalion to hunt monsters. She held one of the higher ranks among them—unsurprising, given her status as an expert-level fighter.
"You're an Expert Rank fighter?" Mira gasped, her eyes widening at the revelation. Advanced fighters were rare in the kingdom—exceptional, even. "To achieve something like that so early in life..."
She gave Velira a once-over. The woman looked like she was in her twenties—modest in demeanor, yet her figure was filled out with strength, her curves balanced by taut muscle that marked a true warrior's body.
"No, no. You jest," Velira said with a laugh. "Especially when you already have a grandmaster like that at home." She nodded toward Eren.
Mira laughed, sensing that Velira was simply being modest.
As the conversation between the two women continued, Eren interjected.
"Mira. The whole battalion will arrive by evening. They couldn't exactly afford a tavern meal for everyone... but the elites will eat here." He paused, then added, "You might want to get started now."
Then, glancing down at his bandaged hand, he gave a faint smile. "Sorry I couldn't help."
Mira rushed over, concern flooding her face as she sat beside him, examining his condition.
"Oh, Eren, I'm so sorry. I got caught up... The tavern hearth can wait—you're injured." She reached for his right hand. "Here, let me take a look."
"No need, Mira. The battalion's medics will take care of it," Eren said gently.
Velira stepped in with a warm smile. "Leave it to me."
Mira gave a hesitant nod, quietly fetching a ladle and beginning to clean just the outer layer of the wounds.
Then, standing up, Mira said, "I'll go heat up the hearth," and began to walk away—only for Velira to chime in.
"Want me to butcher the Hornbeasts?"
Mira paused for a moment, then offered a reassuring smile. "Sure."
As the two walked off together, Velira added with a wink, "You just stay put. I'll bring the doctor."
Eren chuckled quietly as he watched her go.
Once they were gone, he exhaled and murmured, "System."
A soft blue chime echoed—only visible to him—as the familiar screen blinked into view.
[System Status]
Host: Eren Voss (Adopted), 18 years old
Current Arts: Lesser Wyvern Sword Arts
Location: Hinterland Village
Guardian: Mira Voss (Adoptive mother's younger sister)
Boosts: Unknown Vitality Pills (Low)
Assignment: In Progress — Learn 2 or more techniques to unlock Inventory
Next Technique: (Choose from the Book)
[@#$%%$#@]
"Well… except for that cryptic message, everything else checks out. Except…" he muttered, narrowing his eyes and hissing under his breath.
Then, tapping on the screen, a new panel appeared.
Inventory Lv.1(Locked)
Store any item—living or non-living—within the available storage space.
Dimension: 2 × 2 meters
"Well... looks like the next step's already planned," Eren muttered, a small glint of a smile forming on his face.
Meanwhile, back at the tavern, Mira had prepared a warm meal for Velira before letting her get to work.
Grrg—
Velira's stomach let out a soft growl.
With an awkward laugh, she scratched her head. "Ehe… sorry about that. And thank you."
Mira replied with a reassuring smile. "No need. Eat up—you'll be helping me next."
"Sure, sure."Velira hadn't eaten since the previous day, and she immediately dove into the food, gobbling it down hungrily.
Mira watched her for a moment, then asked with a hint of curiosity, "Now, can you explain… Did Eren really do all the things you said?"
Velira paused, eyes snapping up to Mira, her mouth still stuffed. "Yeah! Yeah, sure!"Bits of food sprayed from her mouth as she spoke.
"It was Eren? Are you sure?" Mira asked again, slightly disbelieving.
"Yeah! Who do you think I am?" Velira said, still chewing. "Not as good as Eren maybe, but I'm still something, you know!"
More food flew out with each word.
"Alright, alright!" Mira sighed, raising her hands. "First, finish your food. Then we talk, okay?"
Velira gave a quick, dismissive wave without looking up, too focused on her meal to respond properly.
Mira shook her head and walked back toward the kitchen, muttering under her breath, "Never know what that boy is up to…"A worried look crossed her face—completely unaware of what Eren was doing at that very moment.
Then, with a sudden Thud—
CRACK!
A massive bolt of lightning tore through the sky, slamming into the tavern—right where Eren had been laying.
The tavern shook as blinding white light flooded the room, flickering through every window and crack. The air crackled with a strange energy.
Mira and Velira bolted
"Eren!"