The next morning, we ventured into the wasteland to collect scorpion blood. I was the one entrusted with the task of extracting the blood while Elvie and Ella hunted the scorpions using their magic. But, trust me, my job was not as easy as picking up trash. It was overwhelming, like picking up dog poop. However, it was my first time witnessing magic in action, and I was both amazed and bewildered. Elvie wielded fire magic with sharp precision, though I was expecting her to enchant some silly magical incantation like what I was used to seeing in those isekai anime; to my disappointment, she wasn't as cool as those harem beauties. Yes, her fire magic was fantastic, but it was rather chaotic, and Jesus, it was very hot.
On the other hand, Ella controlled the earth, using moderate stones and dirt to trap and pin down those scorpions. Their teamwork was seamless, as if they had been doing this for years, but apologize to those male authors because, as Elvie and Ella fought those ugly creatures, their breasts didn't boobily tilt up and down. And though what I mistook as bad writing was actually soul-baring bullcrap! I thought I could just sit on the sideline with popcorn and enjoy their boobily. Boy, was I wrong. I ended up picking scorpion shit!
But fuelled by a hearty breakfast of five cans of Filipino corned beef, soft mamon, and instant coffee, they moved with practised ease. Though their magic wasn't as magnificent as I had imagined, it was still an impressive display of power unlike anything I had ever seen. What surprised me most was when Elvie mentioned that her magic felt stronger after consuming my otherworldly food.
After gathering two vials of scorpion blood, the quest on my GUARDIAN screen was completed, and the award was one level higher, but unfortunately, my level was still three question marks. Ignoring the screen, I closed it as the two decided it was time for a break and immediately started arguing about what to have for brunch.
"So, Dirk, what do we have for lunch?" Ella asked, eyes sparkling with anticipation.
Before I could respond, Elvie playfully smacked the back of her head. "What? I'm just excited!" Ella pouted, rubbing the spot where she was hit. "It seems like Dirk here has a magical bag with mana-infused delicious food."
I smirked, pulling out instant noodles and a pack of hotdogs from my bag. "I know you both have been suspecting it, so I won't pretend anymore."
Ella leaned closer in curiosity, while Elvie, pretending not to care, kept her distance but subtly glanced in my direction.
"What's that?" Ella asked, watching intently as I peeled open a cup of instant noodles.
"This, my friend, is the best thing from my homeland. All we need is hot water." I laid six cups of noodles on a flat rock. Thankfully, I had remembered to stock up during my last grocery run. While small in size, these portions were convenient for travel.
Within minutes, Elvie had conjured a small fire, and I demonstrated how to prepare the noodles and cook the hotdogs. As the rich aroma filled the air, the two eagerly dug in. Their expressions shifted from scepticism to pure delight as they savoured the flavours.
"This is amazing! I can't stop eating, and by gods, my diet – I can't just gain weight," Ella gasped between bites. "I thought about losing weight once, but I don't like losing."
I chuckled; the girl sure loves to eat. But I didn't miss those times, though. It was like me eating junk food after watching ten minutes of something on Netflix that took me an hour to choose.
Elvie, though more composed, nodded in agreement. "I can feel my mana replenishing even faster... This food really is something else."
After finishing our meal and packing up, another quest popped up on the GUARDIAN screen.
New Quest: Register to a Guild
Reward: +1 Level
I ignored it again as we made our way back to the Elven town. Along the way, Elvie and Ella discussed how they could help me sell my goods at the merchant guild. Although, before anything else, Elvie insisted that I register with the guild first. She also warned me to keep my magical bag a secret, as such an item was rare and highly valuable.
"Only high elven nobles can afford magical items like that," she explained. "Something like your bag would be worth thousands of gold coins."
That revelation made me pause. I knew my bag was convenient, but I hadn't realised it was that rare in this world. If word got out, I could become a target. Taking Elvie's advice to heart, I decided it was best to keep it hidden for now. I hid it under my tunic that was given by Ella.
Arriving in the town, I couldn't help but marvel at its grandeur. Even though it wasn't located on the mainland, it was still an impressive sight. Towering walls, covered in vibrant green vines and enchanted flowers that moved as if alive, surrounded the town. Some of the flowers turned to face us as we passed, as if curiously watching newcomers. But the most breathtaking sight was the town's entrance—an enormous, ancient tree with twisting branches and glowing runes etched into its bark. The tree wasn't just massive; it was alive in every sense of the word. Its branches swayed despite the absence of wind, and as we approached, it moved its roots slightly, shifting its position like a guardian waking from a light slumber.
A deep, resonant voice rumbled from the tree. "Travellers, present your identification."
The guards stationed near the tree glanced at us, waiting for us to comply. Elvie and Ella casually handed over small, glowing cards, and when the guards turned to me expectantly, I hesitated. I had no such ID.
"He's new to town," Elvie quickly informed them, slipping me two silver coins. "Here, give these to the guards for the entrance fee."
I handed over the coins without question, watching as the magical tree's glowing runes flickered. A low hum reverberated in the air before the roots slightly retracted, making way for us to enter.
Once inside, I was immediately overwhelmed by the town's beauty. It was a perfect blend of medieval architecture and magical modernisation. The buildings were mostly made of polished stone and intricately carved wood, their rooftops adorned with glowing glyphs. Magically enchanted lamps lined the streets, floating midair, casting a warm, steady glow despite the daylight. The roads were immaculately clean, and a gentle breeze carried the scent of fresh bread, herbs, and something floral that I couldn't quite place.
As we made our way through the bustling market district, my eyes darted everywhere. Shops lined the streets, selling all sorts of exotic goods—elixirs in shimmering bottles, weapons imbued with faint magical auras, and intricate fabrics woven with silver and gold threads. Merchants called out their wares, some using minor magic to display floating text above their stalls, while others demonstrated their products with illusions.
I caught sight of a baker selling pastries that glowed faintly, a blacksmith hammering away at a blade that sparked with lightning, and even a potion vendor whose bubbling brews changed colour every few seconds. The town wasn't just thriving—it was alive with magic.
After several minutes of wandering through the marketplace, we arrived at a grand stone building with a massive wooden sign that read "Town's Adventurer's Guild" in glowing golden letters. The entrance was lively, with warriors, mages, and beastkin mercenaries gathered in small groups, discussing their quests and contracts. Some carried massive weapons on their backs, while others had familiars perched on their shoulders.
Elvie and Ella flanked me as we stepped into the tall, arched entrance of the Adventurer's Guild. The building was grander than I'd expected—white stone pillars etched with swirling magical runes framed the interior, and the air buzzed with the energy of seasoned fighters, mages, and rogues. The walls were lined with quest boards and trophies of beasts, some of which I hoped I'd never have to see in real life. A faint scent of steel, parchment, and dried herbs lingered in the air.
The main hall was alive with chatter and clinking armour. A group of adventurers argued loudly over loot distribution in one corner while a mage polished her staff, her robes sparkling with subtle enchantments. As we approached the front desk, I tried not to fidget.
Behind the reception counter stood a sharp-eyed elf, her silver hair tied into a loose braid that shimmered under the lantern lights. Her green eyes scanned me up and down with mild curiosity before settling into a neutral expression.
"Newcomer? " she asked, her voice smooth and professional.
"He's with us," Elvie answered before I could speak.
"We came to pick up the payment for that scorpion blood quest," Ella added with a bright smile.
"Ah, yes. The rare venom request." The receptionist nodded and reached under the counter, retrieving a small pouch. "Here's the payment—2 gold and ten silvers. Thank you for the quick turnaround."
Ella took the pouch and handed me ten silver with a wink. "Your first quest reward!"
I grinned sheepishly. "I didn't really do much..."
"Don't be modest," Ella replied. "You helped. Besides, that scorpion nearly took a chunk out of your foot."
Elvie crossed her arms and tilted her head. "Since we're here, why don't you try registering?"
I blinked. "Registering?"
"You never know," she said casually. "Might be good to have your name on the books. Even if you're not an adventurer, the guild has its uses. Access to maps, updates on dungeon shifts, that sort of thing."
Ella nodded enthusiastically. "And it's fun to see your stats!"
She was really mocking me. With a resigned sigh, I let them guide me over to the mana evaluation station. A tall, glassy crystal orb sat atop a metal pedestal, pulsing faintly with inner light. I placed my hand on it, half-expecting it to explode or call me a fraud.