Chapter 21 - Ethan Under 'Gaze'!
Walking along the bustling streets, surrounded by various vendors calling out their wares, Ethan thoroughly enjoyed this moment, free from the pressures of survival, not having to hustle for money every day.
This feeling made him extremely content with his new life.
Before transmigration, Ethan had always lived under high pressure.
During his school days, he worked hard for his studies, with countless days and nights spent on piles of homework and textbooks for crucial exams like the middle school and high school entrance exams.
After entering university, things eased up a bit, the pressure wasn't as intense, but he still had to strive for various certificates, as they were crucial for his future employment.
After graduation, after many struggles, he joined a moderately sized company.
For the sake of money, he worked tirelessly every day.
Although it seemed like he didn't earn much throughout the year, every single day of the 365 days felt like an endless loop.
After all, as a man, the pressure and burden on his shoulders were too heavy, especially with the things needed for marriage—cars, houses, money—each one felt like a mountain pressing down on him.
After arriving in this world, all those pressures disappeared, replaced by a more primitive need.
To survive, to ensure he wouldn't be thrown out of the inn today, for today's meal, he had to engage in a life-to-death battle against monsters in the dungeon.
Now, all those pressures are gone.
Suddenly relieved of his burdens, Ethan's mood became much lighter, especially this feeling of new-found 'freedom', which truly captivated him.
"Hmm?"
Suddenly, Ethan felt something was off.
It seemed like someone had been 'staring' at him all along.
At first, Ethan didn't pay much attention.
After all, Orario was so big, and there were so many people coming and going out of the streets; it was normal for someone to look at him now and then.
However, some time had passed, and this 'gaze' hadn't disappeared; instead, it persisted.
This made Ethan somewhat wary because, in the past, inside the dungeon, he had been ambushed by other adventurers several times, nearly losing his life.
This was the first lesson the 'cruel reality' had taught Ethan; this world is not an anime.
Behind its bustling exterior lay countless shadows of darkness, unknown to most.
…
Clang—
"Lady Freya, some little mice in the dark seem to be targeting Ethan."
On a high platform in Orario, Freya sat, her gaze fixed on the streets below.
Beside her, Ottar stood guard.
"Well, are you worried about him?"
Freya looked at Ottar with some surprise and amusement.
After all, she had Ottar by her side not only for his strength but also for his absolute loyalty.
Compared to others, Ottar was the most reliable, never causing trouble or starting a conflict.
If it were someone else in Freya Familia, Ethan would have probably been threatened or even punished by now.
After all, Freya Familia didn't prohibit internal conflicts, and fights are even encouraged.
"No, it's just that he is the object of your attention. Lady Freya, if I may ask..."
"No need to worry, Ottar. His 'potential' is not simple!"
Freya smiled as she continued to watch the scene below.
Hearing Freya's words, Ottar nodded and remained silent.
For him, Ethan's affairs were inconsequential; what mattered was his goddess's mood and thoughts.
Freya's 'eyes' also continued to watch Ethan's figure.
For her, Ethan's 'growth' process was akin to the journey of a 'hero', something highly attractive to divine beings.
Moreover, just a few rats in the sewers, a group of waste, couldn't possibly harm Ethan.
As the only goddess in all of Orario aware of Ethan's potential, Freya was eagerly anticipating the day he would shine in this world.
Meanwhile, after noticing something off, Ethan intentionally left the main road.
Heading towards some secluded alleys, his goal was clear: to lure out the figures lurking in the shadows.
As the saying goes, it's easy to dodge a visible spear but hard to guard against an invisible arrow.
Since he had identified the problem, it was best to deal with it soon rather than later.
Delaying might lead to some unforeseen circumstances.
"This kid, where does he think he's going? That's the residential area up ahead."
The person who had been secretly following Ethan, observing his movements, suddenly felt puzzled.
"Hmph, isn't the residential area a good choice? There are plenty of 'corners' there."
"I feel something's off. Could this guy have noticed us?"
"Impossible. We've been cautious all along, and that boy's been indulging himself along the way. How could he have noticed us? I think he might just be lost."
"Lost?"
"That's right. Look at him; he clearly isn't familiar with Orario. Plus, the way he's spending money so lavishly, his family must be quite wealthy."
"A newcomer to the city, huh?"
"To be honest, this labyrinth city isn't as glamorous as it looks outside. Let's give this wealthy newcomer a 'welcome gift' and teach him the hidden rules of Orario."
"Hehe, leave it to me then."
The two exchanged smiles, and their gazes towards Ethan filled with greed and excitement.
The thought of soon making a big fortune uplifted their moods.
There was still some leftover divine wine in their Familia this month.
If they succeeded today, they could have a taste of it again tonight.
Thinking of this, they couldn't help but gulp involuntarily.
Just the thought of drinking divine wine made them salivate uncontrollably.
"Hey, that kid has stopped. Looks like he's observing his surroundings."
"This wealthy guy probably realized he's 'lost.' Get ready; it's time for us to make our move."
"Oh~"
At that moment, Ethan looked around and nodded slightly.
This was a corner of the residential area, similar to a 'back street.'
Compared to the clean and tidy streets just now, this place appeared much more chaotic.
Though it was far better than the 'slums,' it still had its limitations.
And this was precisely the spot Ethan had chosen to deal with the sneaky tail that had been following him behind.
After all, he didn't like the feeling of being stared at.
"Friend, you seem lost. Do you need any help?"
At that moment, a burly man emerged from the other side of the street.
His rough features and the rough stubble on his face, along with his coarse attire, indicated that he wasn't doing well for himself.
---
Read More With Pictures (10+ Chapters In Advance):
https://[email protected]/U22
Replace '@' with 'a' on your web browser.