The first rays of morning slipped through the window, painting the room in gold. The air carried a quiet stillness, the kind that comes only after a long night.
Henry stirred awake. He stretched his arms above his head and arched his back, bones popping as he yawned deeply. His body still ached faintly from yesterday, but the rest had done him some good.
"You're awake," Juliet said. She walked toward him, balancing a wooden tray in her hands.
Henry rubbed his eyes and gave a small nod. "Yeah."
Before he could say more, a notification popped up.
[Your HP has been fully restored]
[Status Updated]
[Name: Henry]
[Race: Goblin (High-End)]
[Class: Marksman]
[SP: 0]
[Level: 5]
[EXP: 465/500]
[Evolution Crystals: 15/500]
[HP: 20/45]
[Strength: 16]
[Agility: 29]
[Stamina: 14]
[Vitality: 28]
[Skills: Inspect Lv.2, Bouncing Arrows, Night Vision, Transformation Lv.1]
[Traits: Extraordinary Body]
[All stats reduced to 50% due to Transformation]
Juliet set the tray down before him. "Here. Breakfast."
"Thanks," Henry said, pulling it closer before sinking back into the chair.
Juliet folded her arms, studying him. "You must've made quite a lot of coin last night. That's why those three E sisters tried to rob you." Her eyes narrowed. "Its seems like they got your ass kicked. For someone who claims strength, you looked weak, Henry"
Henry tightened his jaw. "I told you before, Juliet, I wasn't weak. I just wasn't ready." Deep down though, the words stung but Henry couldn't do anything but work hard because fighting at half strength wasn't something he could easily adapt to.
"In Penta, you don't get the luxury of being unprepared," Juliet said firmly. "There are always people looking to take what's yours. Coins, crystals—it doesn't matter. I've dealt with plenty of them myself. That's why they don't dare come near me anymore."
Henry looked at her, remembering last night. "Now I understand why they called you that," he said softly.
Juliet only gave a slight nod.
Henry turned his attention to the tray. A loaf of dark brown bread sat in the center, its middle stuffed with a thick sausage. He broke off a piece and bit into it slowly. The flavor surprised him, rich, savory, with a faint sweetness. His eyes drifted closed as he chewed.
"This tastes just like an American burger," he murmured without thinking.
When his eyes opened again, Juliet was staring at him, her brows furrowed. "What's an American burger? Are you mocking my cooking?" Her voice carried a sharp edge.
Henry froze. 'Damn… this isn't Earth.' His mind raced for a way to fix his slip.
(Tell her it's a nickname from the capital. Meals like this were called that among your friends.)
Henry forced a smile. "No, not at all. Back when I was in the capital, my friends had a silly nickname for food like this. They called it an American burger. It was meant as a compliment."
Juliet held his gaze for a long moment. Her suspicion softened, and eventually, she let out a small smile. "I see. It's seems you've made a lot of coins here in Penta, why haven't you gone back to the capital?"
Henry chewed slowly, buying time. I should just give her part of the truth. He swallowed, then said, "I stopped by a weapon shop and saw a flintlock. I couldn't bring myself to leave without it."
Juliet tilted her head. "Makes sense. You're a ranged fighter, after all. Your bow says as much. But…" Her lips curled in a mocking smile. "Where are your arrows, or have you waste them all on the E sisters last night?"
Henrys eye narrowed in shock 'Whats she saying, do she not know about whisperfang'
(She might have heard about it but might I've not seen it. It's an ancient weapon and only few own it)
'Should I let her know it's a whisperfang' he taught.
(That's your choice to make)
Henry set the tray aside and reached for his bow. The wood gleamed faintly in the morning light, smooth and strange to the touch. He held it carefully, then spoke.
"This is a Whisperfang bow. It doesn't need arrows. It generates them on its own."
Juliet's eyes widened, her jaw dropping as her hand reached out to brush the weapon. "Incredible… I've read about Whisperfangs in old texts, but I never believed they truly existed. They're ancient weapons. And they don't just appear to anyone—they choose their owner."
'It chooses its owner'. The words echoed in Henry's mind, he wants to know more about the bow.
Juliet pulled her hand back, her gaze never leaving the bow. "With such power at your side, Henry, why are you still so interested in a flintlock?"