Alex had learned quite a bit from Joel.
For one, the status screen could only be seen by the individual. There was a skill that let people see others' or creatures' levels—and it wasn't that rare. He could probably find it in town.
But to get it... he needed money.
And money was something he didn't have.
This world used a different currency system—Copper, Silver, and Gold Coins.
He wasn't too worried, though. Joel had mentioned that animal parts could be sold for money.
Alex didn't have any on him now, but he could return to where he fought.
The Rat King's body was gone—but the Alpha Wolf and the others were still there.
After several days of hunting, Alex had reached Level 8.
He noticed that the experience points needed to level up increased by 100 with each level.
And weaker creatures barely gave him any XP now.
He needed stronger creatures. But finding one in this forest was difficult.
"Status."
[Name – Alex Liefield]
[Race – Human]
[Age – 21]
[Class – Not Awakened]
[Exp – 50/900]
[Attribute Points – 6]
[Skills – Dash (Beginner Mastery), Stealth (Competent Mastery)]
[Level – 8]
Strength – 18+
Constitution – 17+
Dexterity – 18+
Speed – 15+
Intelligence – 8+
They arrived at the inn.
It was a two-story wooden building with a thatched roof, the scent of roasted meat and ale spilling into the cool night air.
The distant chatter of patrons, the clinking of mugs, and the occasional bursts of laughter made one thing clear—this was the heart of the village.
In Alex's old world, the inn had always been the best place to gather information.
Apparently, that hadn't changed. There was something about the relaxed atmosphere that made people talk.
Alex and Joel found an empty table near the back.
A serving girl approached and placed two mugs of ale down before either of them could order.
"Oh, it's you, Joel. You're underage! How many times do I have to tell you?" She turned to Alex, frowning slightly. "And you, sir? Joel?" she asked expectantly.
Joel didn't answer.
"Umm… sir, may I know your esteemed name?" she asked again. "You're wandering around the village drinking with him and don't even know his name? Joel, when will you grow up? No offense to you, sir."
Alex chuckled. "No worries. My name's Alex. Don't mind me—I'm just passing through. Might stay a couple of days at most. Then I'll be gone."
The girl shot Joel an annoyed look and walked away.
Joel eagerly reached for the drink left on the table.
"Don't worry about her," he said. "She lives in my neighborhood."
Alex merely glanced at him.
At a nearby table, a group of merchants were engaged in a hushed conversation.
Their voices were low, but Alex could hear them clearly.
"Near the old ruins… strange lights at night..."
"It can't be humans… must be treasure. We need to check it out."
Alex's eyes narrowed.
He glanced at Joel. The boy was gulping down his ale, completely oblivious.
Alex leaned forward, his voice low. "What are they talking about?"
The young warrior wiped his mouth and blinked.
"Oh, that? Just some rumor about the ruins north of here. Some say there's a treasure, but if you ask me, it's probably bandits spreading stories to lure people in. They say the treasure only appears at night. A few people went there to check it out but never came back. Some think it's cursed. If you ask me, best to stay away."
Alex wasn't sure.
Everything since he had woken up in that forest was new.
But one thing was certain—he didn't feel like going back to his old world.
There was nothing left for him there.
But here… he felt alive.
Even if I die again—feeling like this would be better than anything before.
He stood up. He needed to secure funds first.
He walked toward the door.
"Hey! Where are you going? At least finish your drink!" Joel called after him.
When Alex didn't respond, Joel gulped down the rest of his ale in one go.
"Hey, sir—at least pay for your drink!"
"You drank it," Alex replied flatly.
Joel grinned. "There's nothing interesting in our village anyway. You, sir, seem interesting. Please—let me accompany you. I'll guide you around!"
Alex sighed. "Fine. Do what you want."