Vol 3 Chapter 2: The First Quest

"Notice! A new quest has been issued!"

Foin couldn't help but stare at the notification before his eyes. Since he was the only one who could see the floating panel, from an outsider's perspective, it seemed as if he was glaring at Linyer's breasts, which made Énilo feel uneasy. She even puffed up her cheeks and flew over to the restrained girl to cover a certain area. And just as she flew over there, Foin sighed.

"Tasks: Impress Linyer by showcasing your current wealth and power. Instigate her next visit by any means!"

Seeing the tasks given by the system, Foin started thinking as to how he could execute them, so he turned around, looking at the flickering bonfire.

"So, Linyer, you said you are hungry... Fine, I guess..."

He said and took a pause. He had thought of a quite bold action, but he saw that it would be one of the only viable options. While he was taking a dramatic pause, he dropped a few smaller branches onto the fire, and only then did he continue.

"You see, although I am a benevolent man, still, what you have done is quite an inapposite act, and since I need to feed you as well...I presume you currently have nothing of particular value on you..."

He said while still facing away from the girl. He hid his hands in front of him as they were shaking due to his nervousness.

"I am willing to feed you and overlook your previous transmigration, but... BUT... You have to swear on your life to come back in about a week to compensate..."

He once again paused as he was too nervous about keeping up the straight and serious tone, so he waited for the girl's response.

"I...I see! I...I swear on my life that I would come back in a week..."

She said while gritting her teeth. She knew that she would not be able to teleport Foin away in this state as she had too many eyes on her, but at least she was given a second chance to execute her mission. Still, her pride was greatly damaged in the state. The only thing comforting her was that no important figure heard it or saw her current situation.

As soon as Foin heard her response, he sighed loudly. Since the panel regarding the quest was still floating before him, he felt a boulder fall off his heart. As soon as the girl responded, the second task's text turned green and got much dimmer.

"Alright then... Énilo, Gobu, let us eat in that case..."

Foin mumbled as he walked quickly into the storage room and grabbed the blade which he had pulled out of the dragon's back. Althoguh Foin couldn't see it the blade was giving off a powerful purple aura, which was instantly noticed by everyone else.

"Wait... Isn't that my mother's blade? I thought only the most powerful beings could carry it around... Is he planning to kill me? This doesn't make any sense!"

Linyer thought as she tried to break free from her restraints, but she was unable to break the vines. As Foin walked closer and closer to her, she glared into his eyes as hard as she could. She tried to signal that she would not give her life that easily; however, as soon as Foin moved his hand, bringing the blade with it, she closed her eyes and pulled her head away.

She felt a sudden gust of wind, but no pain came. For a brief moment, she thought she had already died, but then she opened her eyes. Foin was walking away from her, but she was free. The vines restraining her were all cut down.

She couldn't believe it. The blade which she had feared so much was used to merely cut down plants, which normally could drain a man's stamina and energy just by holding it. Yet Foin seemed quite happy and not one bit tired. He learned the blade against the wall of the cave and sat down beside the fire.

Gobu and Énilo started preparing sticks for the food, and Foin took out a large number of potatoes and peppers from his inventory, but then something hit him. Though he had no salt, he could spice things up with a bit of a mint flavour.

"Wait... Is that some sort of subspace? How did he summon those things from thin air?"

Linyer wondered as she sat still, stunned by the events that had transpired. Even after Foin had returned with a handful of leaves harvested from the élion flowers planted in the bathroom, Linyer still sat without moving while leaning against the wall.

"Linyer, why don't you come and sit by the fire with us?"

Foin asked as she put a few leaves on each of the peppers and potatoes prepared by Énilo and Gobu. The girls started roasting the food as soon as Foin had put the extra herb on them, but Linyer was still unsure how to cope with the current situation.

"I will bring some more wood and put the weapon back in its place."

Foin added as he stood up and grabbed the blade. He quickly walked back to the firewood place, and just dropped the blade onto the ground, and sat down. And just stared blankly in front of him.

"Impress her with my wealth and power, my ass... I don't even know her status or the structure of this world! How am I supposed to impress her? I have four plants which I have tested and could be used for food."

He muttered quietly as he shook his head. He kept thinking about how he could finish that mission; after all, he had no real power or wealth. In his opinion, he was nothing more than a peasant in terms of status. As he was thinking, he could feel himself get more and more nervous, and his breathing got ragged and slightly irregular.

"Notice! Perfect Breathing has been activated!"

A new panel appeared before his eyes, and he instantly calmed down. In a split second, his breathing regulated, and his head cleared out.

With his newfound calm, Foin stood up, grabbed a few larger and a few medium-sized pieces of firewood, and was ready to keep going; it was almost as if his previous whining hand had never even happened.