Chapter 455 456-Howard's Decision

Chapter 455 456-Howard's Decision

Howard closed his eyes, the wind carrying a faint scent of fireworks, signaling the approach of dinner time when Breeze City would plunge into the revelry of the evening meal.

This was the most relaxed time for the people here, marking the end of a day's work, followed by unrestrained relaxation.

It felt like a warm ocean, where the minutiae of noise were both amplified and ignored.

Howard felt his consciousness expanding in a fascinating manner, as if observing the world's operations from a divine perspective – life and death, rises and falls, all seemingly detached from him.

This sensation lasted for about fifteen minutes, but sensorially, it felt as long as a day and a night.

As his expanded consciousness retracted, the cacophony of sounds filled Howard's mind.

He frowned, taking a few minutes to adjust before the sounds gradually faded away.

Finally, he opened his eyes.

"What was that?" Howard inquired within, directed at Zero.

He realized that Zero knew even more about him than he did about himself.

"The prelude to the second mode of expansion, current energy insufficient for full deployment."

It didn't sound like something ordinary people, or anyone in this world, would experience.

Howard had his answer but still asked.

"This is an anomaly."

Without further clarification or explanation, Zero provided a definitive response.

Some secret buried within Howard drew the attention of Nula, Dorek, and even the Nameless deity.

This secret made his extraterrestrial identity seem insignificant by comparison.

"What exactly am I?"

"I'm sorry, the current level of administrator access does not permit an answer."

"So, you do know, don't you?

"Yes."

Having something concealed within oneself, yet as an "administrator," Howard lacked the authority to know what it was – this feeling was far from pleasant.

The deity's assurance of Howard's survival was likely tied to this unknown existence.

Or perhaps, it was this very existence that had kept Howard alive through several close calls.

All clues faintly pointed towards this mysterious presence.

Taking a deep breath, Howard stood up and secured his straight sword on his back.

He had finally made a decision.

By the time Howard returned to the tavern, it was nearing midnight.

Walking leisurely under the moonlight and humming familiar tunes, he pushed open the tavern's slightly ajar door.

The hall was filled with a cool silence, a few candles flickering in the breeze.

Ali paused for a few seconds, catching Antalya's somewhat threatening glance and then looking at Vivia, who hadn't said a word from start to finish.

Finally, it clicked.

"My stance was clear just now. Whenever you're ready to go, just call me, and I'll be ready to leave."

No sooner had she spoken than Antalya grabbed Ali by the collar and dragged her out, knocking over numerous tables and chairs along the way.

Now, only Howard and Vivia remained in the hall.

Although not officially a member of the adventure group, Vivia had always moved with Antalya and the others.

She had not left on her own even during Lorinda's quest.

Despite lacking combat abilities, in a team without a proper healer, the role of a potioneer is invaluable.

Scratching his head, Howard's gaze lingered on Vivia's silent face for a few seconds before he awkwardly looked away.

"Uh, the tavern should be getting ready to close. I'll tidy up these tables and chairs."

With that, Howard got to work.

He closed the half-open door, straightened a few chairs nearby, and began stacking the tables one by one.

If there was anyone among the tavern's group that Howard least wanted to follow him, it was undoubtedly Vivia.

This girl, only sixteen or seventeen years old, lacked the combat abilities of Ali or Greg, nor did she have Howard's capability to protect herself.

Though her profession as a potioneer was not insignificant, the journey was fraught with countless dangers, and Howard had no confidence in ensuring her safety.

Howard tidied up for a while, and Vivia joined in silently to help.

Once the tables and chairs were stacked and the entire hall cleaned—a task that had to be done after each day's business and was usually handled by Howard and Vivia, sometimes with assistance from Antalya or Greg, but they certainly wouldn't be around under these circumstances.

Though it was never a complicated job, usually completed quickly amidst playful banter, today was different.

Both worked in silence, their progress noticeably slower than usual.

Each was pondering how to break the silence, yet neither could find the right way to do so.

However, given the workload, their slow pace couldn't delay the inevitable for long.

After more than half an hour, the hall was finally in order.

Vivia stood behind the counter, tallying the day's accounts, while Howard sat at a table near the edge, fiddling with his nails.

"Would you like something to drink? You must be a bit tired."

It was Vivia who eventually broke the silence.

Howard looked up sharply, paused for two seconds, then nodded.

"Actually, I'm fine, but a drink wouldn't hurt, now that we've finished up."

Vivia poured two cups of ale from a wide-mouthed jug and brought them over to Howard.

Taking one cup, Howard watched as Vivia sat down beside him.

"You should know, the last thing I want is for you to come with me," Howard said, taking a sip of the ale, feeling the liquid course down his throat.

This roughly brewed ale was far from delicious, but Howard found himself unexpectedly unopposed to its taste.