"I intend to spend some time observing this city," Lixuman said, settling into a chair he had found.
"Would you like some tea?"Tedra rose and earnestly prepared a cup, placing it before him, then paused, staring at the cloaked figure.
"…Ah, forgive me, I forgot."She had watched Lixuman for some moments, and only now remembered that beneath the cloak lay a skeleton.His cloak, combined with behavior indistinguishable from any ordinary person, had made her momentarily forget his true form.
The air grew quiet, tinged with a subtle awkwardness.
"Would you like to change into other clothes?"Sensing the silence demanded action, Tedra spoke.
"Hmm… that would be helpful," Lixuman replied, rising.
"Here are the garments you requested, Master."A cat-eared maid swiftly delivered several outfits.Lixuman cast a brief glance at Tedra, his gaze acknowledging her as an ally, before the maid departed.
Tedra sat at her desk, watching him without a hint of avoidance.Though he had been naked moments before, the idea of undressing in front of another—especially a woman—still carried some discomfort.
"Is there a changing room or a partition?""Oh, yes."
The newly donned attire was heavier, and the thick cloak draped over his face, revealing only a shadow in the mirror.In darkness, perhaps the eye sockets might glimmer faintly with ghostly fire, ensuring Lixuman's final exposure risk was eliminated.
Stepping out of the changing room, Tedra stood waiting."Hmm, it suits you well.""Thank you. I need to step out briefly.""Here is some money. Be careful. One gold coin equals ten silver, one silver equals one hundred copper."Tedra reminded him carefully.
Lixuman did not wander elsewhere but walked directly toward the landmark tower.Even within the city's relative safety, he could not relax—only his own strength could grant true security.Hiding might buy time, but it could not protect indefinitely.If Pound attacked this city, where could he flee?
The dungeon offered a crucible for rapid power gain.And the phrase itself—"conquering a dungeon"—possessed an almost romantic allure.
Approaching the landmark tower, the enormity of it struck him.It soared straight into the clouds, like a vine hanging from the sky.Beneath it yawned countless entrances of varying sizes.Scattered adventurers, their equipment meticulously arranged, headed toward the depths, mostly in small teams.By their attire, one could discern swordsmen, heavy-armored warriors, mages, and priests.
Today, he had no intention of entering—this was merely an inspection…
Two flares of soul-fire within his hood suddenly contracted.Following his gaze, two figures approached.One, a golden-haired, blue-eyed man, exuded a charismatic elegance, clad in a preacher's robe.He smiled while speaking to a companion encased in imposing purple armor, who walked with measured indifference.
They were the same preacher and purple-armored warrior who had clashed with Pound before.The giant sword on the armored warrior's back had once severed one of Pound's horns.
Lixuman stiffly averted his gaze, pretending not to notice as they passed.The warrior's helmet concealed their expression; the preacher continued speaking obliviously.Lixuman exhaled quietly, forcing his movements to appear natural.
As he brushed past the preacher, a voice rang in his ear."Stop."The preacher turned, smiling at him."Have we met before?"
If he still had a heart, its beat would have threatened to power a city.He slowly turned, feigning scrutiny."Never seen you before."
"Oh? Your voice is a bit hoarse… unwell?"The preacher squinted, maintaining a smile."No, naturally so," Lixuman rasped, joints creaking under the pressure.
"Oh… then…" The preacher extended a hand.Lixuman felt an instinctive urge to flee but restrained himself.
"Kate, we've delayed long enough," spoke the purple-armored warrior.Not the deep voice he expected, but a clear, commanding female tone.The sheer presence was overwhelming.
"Very well."Kate, the preacher, withdrew her hand.Then she asked, "Do you worship the Goddess of Light?""…No."A skeleton serving a goddess? Preposterous. A single purification would end him.Now was clearly not the time for preaching.
"How unfortunate."The preacher turned away.
Within Lixuman, his soul-fire reignited from near extinction.He silently thanked the purple-armored warrior—clearly his fortuitous color.The first encounter had severed a piece of Pound's horn; this time, he had been indirectly saved again.
He calmed himself and departed from the landmark tower.
Elsewhere…"Iru, that one clearly recognized us. Why did you help him?""Speak, then," came the reply."Surely there must be a reason?""Or perhaps… you fancy him?"
A swift kick sent the speaker flying."Gladly," Iru said, ignoring Kate, continuing forward.Before long, the intact Kate followed.
"Impossible… really taken a liking?""So you prefer those mysterious types, hinting but never revealing?""Anticipation… allure?""From what I see, he's skinny, little flesh despite thick covering. Can't withstand your antics." Another kick sent her flying."I'll sew your mouth shut eventually," Kate muttered, returning to her path, yet kicked once more.