The path led me to a small clearing, and there, nestled between the trees, sat a quaint little village. Smoke curled up from stone chimneys, and the soft sounds of daily life drifted through the air — laughter, hammering, the creak of a cart wheel.
I approached cautiously. With 'Unlimited Appraisal,' I could quietly gather information about the place without drawing any attention. As I stepped past the first houses, I let the skill do its work.
[ Village: Eldoria ]
[ Population: 312 ]
[ Known for: Skilled blacksmiths, herbalists, and a small but formidable militia. ]
The village had a rustic charm — cobblestone streets, wooden houses draped in colorful flowers, children chasing each other between the buildings while vendors called out to passersby. There was a warmth to the place, a sense of community so tangible I felt an odd wave of nostalgia, even though I'd never set foot here before in my life — any of my lives.
I kept walking, drawing more than a few curious glances. My clothes and bearing clearly marked me as an outsider in this simple, rustic setting. I made my way toward the largest building in sight, which turned out to be the inn.
Inside, the atmosphere was warm and welcoming, thick with the smell of hearty stew and the low hum of cheerful conversation. I approached the innkeeper, a stout, friendly-faced man behind the counter.
"Welcome to Eldoria, traveler. What can I do for you?" he asked.
"I'd like a room for the night," I said, "and maybe some information about this area, if you don't mind."
"Of course! We've got a room open. As for information — what would you like to know?"
"Anything about local customs, dangers, or places of interest would be a big help."
He nodded and handed me a key. "You're in luck. We don't get many visitors out here, so I'm happy to talk your ear off. Sit, sit — I'll bring you some food."
As I sat, I quietly appraised him.
[ Name: Garret ]
[ Age: 48 ]
[ Occupation: Innkeeper ]
[ Skills: Cooking, Brewing, Local Knowledge ]
Garret returned a few minutes later with stew and a mug of ale. "Eldoria's a peaceful place," he began. "We're far enough from the big cities that trouble rarely finds us. Forest can be dangerous after dark, though — bandits, wild beasts, that sort of thing."
"Anything else worth knowing?" I asked, taking a sip.
"There're old ruins to the north," he said, lowering his voice slightly, like it was half a secret and half a ghost story. "Some folks say they're haunted. Others swear there's treasure buried inside. Not many who go looking ever come back to say which one's true."
That got my attention immediately. Ruins meant a good place to test my abilities — carefully — in this new world.
"Thank you, Garret. That's genuinely helpful."
After finishing the meal, I retired to my room — simple, but comfortable, with a soft bed and a small writing desk by the window. Lying there in the dark, I found myself thinking back over everything: the accident, the training, the years upon years upon years. All of it had led here, to this quiet room in a village that didn't even appear on the map I didn't have. Before sleep took me, I used 'Magic Creation' to lay a few unobtrusive protective barriers around the room. Old habits.
The next morning I woke to birdsong and pale gold light spilling through the window. I dressed, packed what little I had, and headed downstairs, where Garret had breakfast waiting.
"Heading out early, I see," he said.
"Lots to explore," I replied, smiling.
"Take care out there. Forest's tricky. Ruins even more so."
"I will. Thanks again for everything."
I left the inn and made my way through the waking village, an odd excitement humming in my chest. The world was vast, and I'd only just scratched its surface. I turned north, toward the ruins Garret had mentioned, and let Eldoria fade slowly into the trees behind me.