Charm: Predatory Instincts
Rank: Common
Description: You are able to sense enemies from a greater distance.
A smile crept across Neptune's face. The charm was extremely useful. With it, he could not only sense corrupted creatures to hunt them but also avoid the stronger ones.
Charms weren't just spells like in the novels he used to read; they were more like superpowers. Some granted the ability to cast powerful magic, while others gave inhuman abilities. Even though his was only of the lowest rank, it was still incredibly beneficial.
Like weapons and creatures, charms had ranks and classes. Common was the weakest, followed by Greater, Rare, Epic, and Legendary. But stronger charms often came with a price—something called a curse.
For now, Neptune had no time to dwell on it. Night was falling, and if he didn't hurry, he would be in trouble. He took one last glance at the dead corrupted creature, muttering:
"Disturbing…"
Then he turned north toward the village.
Fortunately, Neptune encountered no other corrupted creatures on his way back and arrived just before sunset.
Taking a deep breath, he stepped into the familiar small village.
Most of the buildings were made of stone and timber, with steep, shingled roofs, wooden beams, and small windows. The cobblestone street was blanketed in snow, barrels and crates scattered along its sides.
As he walked, Neptune felt the usual stares. Villagers glanced his way, whispering, glaring. Not out of admiration, but suspicion. He was the "weird kid." The one who spent most of his time wandering in the cursed forest. Nobody else dared to go near it, not with corrupted creatures prowling its depths.
Or maybe it was his eyes that unsettled them.
Neptune wore a worn leather jacket stained with blood, winter boots, and a white scarf. His dark-brown hair hung messily, and though his build and height were average for his age, one thing made him stand out: His left eye burned bright orange, while his right shimmered deep ocean blue.
"And I'm pretty handsome, of course," he muttered with a grin.
Ignoring the stares, he eavesdropped on passing conversations. Some spoke of the war. Others traded rumors of a vampire lurking near the village, draining victims in secret. Neptune almost laughed. Vampires only lived in the Realm of Oblivion—everyone knew that.
Shaking his head, he stopped in front of a larger building. With a sigh, he pushed open the tavern door.
Warm air, the smell of roasted food, beer, and smoke rushed at him, making his stomach growl. The tavern was full of laughter and chatter. Heads turned when he entered, eyes lingering, before people went back to their drinks.
The owner, a woman in her late twenties, caught his eye with a cheeky grin. She had long, light-brown hair and striking ember-blue eyes. She was—well, he hated to admit it—beautiful.
Neptune rolled his eyes. She already knew he wasn't here to eat. Not only because he was broke, but because this was the only place that offered him a bed.
He walked up to the bar where she stood.
"Good evening, Sir Neptune. How can I help you today?" Veloria teased, smirk curling at her lips. Her gaze flicked to his bloodstained clothes, but she didn't flinch. She was used to it by now.
"Stop that nonsense, Veloria. I'm here to rent my room, like always."
"Hehe, of course, of course. That'll be… let me think… five gold coins, like always."
Neptune fished through the pouch on his belt, pulling out coins as Veloria leaned forward on her elbows, smirking.
"So… how was your day? You were in the forest again, right?"
"Stop teasing me," Neptune muttered, sliding the coins across the counter. "And yes, I was in the forest." He took the key without waiting for her reply.
"Aww, come on! You're so boring. At least tell me what you were doing," she called after him.
"Hunting corrupted creatures." He smirked faintly and waved as he headed upstairs.
His room was small and plain, but it was all he could afford. That was fine—he didn't need comfort. All he needed was his Soul Vessel for now.
Closing the door behind him, Neptune peeled off his jacket and inspected his injuries. Most were shallow, but his right shoulder was still carved with the beast's claws. He needed to treat it quickly.
After binding his wounds, he collapsed onto the bed and let exhaustion drag him into sleep. But rest did not last long.
BANG!
Neptune jolted upright, heart pounding.
"What the hell?!"