Chapter 1685 New Spectral Screen
Eren finally managed to get Menaka's Blessing for himself.
Though he caused a bit of commotion inside the city administration, it was dealt with rather peacefully.
The operability problems in the runic circles used to claim Menaka's Blessing weren't common. However, it was also the fact that the runic circle break would occur on rare occasions. As such, Eren was considered an isolated case before he was relieved.
Eren chatted with Akel for quite some time before deciding to head to the temporary residence Archpriest Jivem had arranged for himself. He promised to meet up with Akel in a couple of days before bidding him goodbye.
Serene Solitude!
Nestled in the heart of a bustling city, the inn named Serene Solitude emerged as a tranquil haven, cradled within the embrace of a lush garden. The inn's exterior, adorned with creeping vines and delicate blooms, offered a serene welcome to weary travelers seeking refuge from the outside world.
As Eren entered the inn, a subtle aroma of exotic herbs and fragrant blossoms enveloped him, adding a touch of natural allure to the air. The interior, a seamless blend of rustic charm and comforting elegance, boasted wooden furnishings embellished with intricate carvings that told tales of the land's history.
'People in Labh Salem seem to cherish all that is vintage it seems,' Eren had a random thought as he surveyed his temporary abode's surroundings.
The inn's common area featured large, arched windows that opened to the garden, allowing a gentle breeze to caress the space. Illuminating the winding ways of the garden were enchanting yellow magic lamps suspended from twisted iron stands. Their soft glow cast a warm hue upon the verdant surroundings, creating a peaceful ambiance.
'This inn has to be sponsored by Ishgaar's temple. Some intent-based magic is at play. They have done something to the inn so that it makes you seek peace and solitude here.
Not that I'm complaining. The less I talk with people the better would be my chances of not blowing my cover.'
***
Serene Solitude, with its enchanting garden and magical atmosphere, stood as a testament to the art of hospitality, offering respite and a touch of mystique to those seeking solace in the heart of the bustling city.
Eren greeted the passerby with a smile and nod as he carried on.
By the time Eren had reached the inn, the daylight was nowhere to be found. When the starry sky adorned the heavens, the garden became a mesmerizing sanctuary for the patrons of Serene Solitude.
Eren observed as individuals, under the celestial canopy, engaged in the intricate use of their Tantras – mystical techniques that allowed them to progress further in their respective Paths to Power.
'This world really is diverse,' Eren thought to himself as he watched people practicing their Tantras openly without worrying about anything. It seemed that there were special arrangements they could use through Menaka's Blessing, which would assure them of their safety while allowing them to focus on their techniques with no disturbance from the outside world.
'Or maybe it is because I come from Anfang that I find these things odd. Maybe the Tantras are not as restrictive as I thought them to be.
Then again, it is odd for people worshiping Ishgaar to seek company while practicing their Tantras. There's something I'm not aware of about Tantras I guess,' the butcher concluded in his mind.
Being from Anfang, Eren was like any other Ranker in his world. In his homeworld, the Ranker preferred practicing their Ranking Techniques in seclusion. He had never seen people here and had considered it to be a group activity.
'This is yet another culture shock. I may never get used to things like these. Especially considering the kind of Tantra I'll be required to practice. I should stick with my customs from Anfang for the time being– stay alone.'
Eren thought to himself as he walked ahead while observing his surroundings.
The winding paths meandered through the garden, revealing hidden alcoves and secluded corners where patrons could find moments of solace or engage in quiet conversations. The symphony of nature, amplified by the occasional soft melody of a harp or the gentle hum of distant laughter, added to the enchantment of the inn.
Eren found himself drawn to a quaint wooden bench nestled beneath an ancient oak tree, its sprawling branches creating a natural canopy overhead. From this vantage point, he could witness the celestial spectacle above.
'Labh Salem and Anfang.... This... this is indeed a different world. And I can see that the sky is different from what I used to see in Anfang. Yet, for some reason, it is not that different. I guess the sky, the suns, and the moons of the worlds all across the boundless cosmos have become Existential Concepts. They are the same yet different.'
Eren wanted to chat with Reen for a while while looking at the stars. However, she had fallen asleep. It seemed that even as an Elder Seed Artifact, she could not keep her consciousness active all the time.
Eren didn't mind. He let her sleep and indulged in the feelings of solitude that the inn had to offer.
***
As the night deepened, the patrons of Serene Solitude continued to explore the garden's wonders. Some practiced their Tantras with focused dedication, while others revealed the magic-infused camaraderie that flourished in the inn's tranquil outdoor space.
The innkeeper, a genial figure with a twinkle in her eye, approached Eren and offered a steaming mug of herbal tea, its aroma carrying hints of lavender and chamomile. With a knowing smile, the innkeeper gestured toward a small wooden table adorned with a vase of freshly picked wildflowers, inviting Eren to bask in the serenity that the inn so aptly promised.
The innkeeper of Serene Solitude was a vision of beauty and charm, a woman who appeared to be in her early thirties by mortal standards. With auburn hair cascading down her shoulders like a river of burnished copper and captivating red eyes that seemed to hold the warmth of flickering embers, she exuded an air of allure.
[ Ranking Status: Grandmaster / Grand Knight ]
[ Special Status: Demi-god, Elder Seed, True Inheritor of Elder Ichor's Divine Throne ]
[ Divinity: Edict Over Water (elemental) ]
[ Tantra: Unavailable ]
[ Current Affiliations: Ishgaar's Temple (non-restrictive) ]
[ Base Attributes:
Vigor: 400
Mind: 400
Endurance: 400
Strength: 400
Dexterity: 400
Intelligence: 400
Spirit: 2000
Faith: ????
[ Active Profession: Close Combat Warrior ]
[ Passive Professions Available: Summoner (Varied), Runemaster (Varied), Berserker, Assassin, Ranger, Potioneering Warlock ]
[ Greater Skills: Domain of Wrath, Domain of Gluttony, Domain of Lust, Domain of Pride, Domain of Greed, Domain of Envy, Domain of Sloth ]
[ Bloodline Skills: Memory Extraction, Expedited Regeneration, Life Drain, Devour, Shapeshift, Partial Shapeshifting ]
[ Skills: Instant Reset, Unlimited Weapon Works, Potioning (varied), Hero's Heart, Demi-god's Gaze ]
[ Equipment:
Elder Seed Artifact– Shallot's Mirror (Wielder-defined name) ( Inactive )
Elder Seed Artifact (?) – Reen ( unrecognized / Unknown )
Elder Seed Artifact (?) – Shura ( inactive ) ]
[ Currency Available:
Menaka's Runes– 10,000 (Recent History: 10,000 Meroons Credited by Jivem
Onianum's Direm– 500
Extols (Anfang)– 67312946 (unusable in Labh Salem)
Jolan (Echidna)- 4775 (unusable in Labh Salem) ]
[ Personal Storage Access: Granted– 295 Out of 300 Slots Used ]
[ Communication Access: Granted ]
[ Menaka's Market: Granted ]This material is rooted in n0velbin★