Soren took a few turns through the streets to shake off the guards. Only after making sure no one was following him did he slow down and continue at a normal pace. A few minutes later, he reached his destination.
He looked up.
In front of him stood a two-story building made of dark wood and aged stone. Hanging above the entrance was a slightly crooked sign:
The Drunken Boar Inn.
Soren pointed at it with a faint smile.
"See, my friend? This is our destination."
Grim wagged his tail happily as he walked beside him, stretching his neck to sniff the wrapped grilled squid Soren carried in his hands.
Since arriving in the city, Soren had noticed something curious—he could understand the written language.
The alphabet was extremely similar to the one from his previous world. The letters were nearly identical; the only difference was stylistic. On the inn's sign, for example, every consonant had a small hook at its ends, especially noticeable in letters like r and p.
Rather than a different language, it felt more like a decorative variation—a different style, but perfectly readable.
Soren stepped forward and pushed the light wooden doors open. They swung easily and closed behind him.
The first floor was clearly a tavern.
Many tables were occupied—common townsfolk drinking quietly, along with a few apprentice Seekers. He also spotted several experienced ones; their clothing and gear gave them away immediately. Still, each group kept to themselves.
The air was thick with the smell of ale and soup. In one corner, a small group laughed along with a lively tune playing softly in the background.
It wasn't a luxurious place, but it felt warm.
No one turned to look at him. Among so many people, Soren was practically invisible.
Near the back wall stood the counter. Behind it, a plump woman with an eyepatch wiped glasses with a damp cloth.
Soren approached.
"Ma'am, I'd like a room for the night," he said calmly.
The woman glanced at him briefly, then returned to her glass as if he barely mattered.
"No rooms right now, kid," she replied casually. "I'd rent you one, but we're full tonight."
Soren didn't move. Instead, he leaned his elbows on the counter, relaxed.
"Ma'am…" he said, "have you ever tried hot potatoes from a Hot Potato Nest singularity?"
The woman paused mid-wipe and looked up.
"Of course," she said. "Anyone who's worked in a tavern has."
Soren nodded.
"Then you know one potato is basically a full meal. And you also know that in the city, each one can easily sell for one or two bronze coins."
The woman narrowed her good eye. Now she was paying attention.
Soren gestured lightly toward the tables.
"I count about twenty-three people down here," he said after a brief pause. "What if I give you twenty-five hot potatoes… and you let me stay the night?"
The woman studied him.
"Where exactly?"
Soren shrugged.
"The stable, maybe. I just need a roof and a place a Seeker can rest for a few hours. Me… and my companion."
She looked down.
Grim lifted his head and gave her a surprisingly friendly smile, his tail swaying gently.
She watched him for a moment, then let out a soft snort.
"Fine," she said. "But you'll add three bronze coins."
Soren tilted his head slightly.
"Does that include the soup?"
The woman smirked.
"And a couple of drinks."
Soren didn't hesitate.
He summoned the Hot Potato Nest and began pulling them out one by one, placing them neatly on the counter.
One. Two. Three…
Steam quickly filled the air of the tavern.
When he finished, a small steaming pile sat in front of the woman.
"Twenty-five," he said calmly. "Exactly twenty-five."
The woman picked one up, sliced it in half with a small knife, and placed a piece on a plate. Then she grabbed some butter from behind the counter and slowly spread it over the hot surface.
Steam rose instantly.
She took a bite.
Her expression tightened slightly… then relaxed.
"Delicious… truly delicious, kid. I've had potatoes from this type of singularity before, but these are especially good."
Soren smiled faintly. He agreed.
His own potatoes were far superior—even better than Audrey's.
So far, the Hot Potato Nest had been his best asset: it had earned him money… and now, a roof.
"I'm glad you like them. If you need more, just let me know," Soren said.
The woman nodded, visibly more friendly now.
"Come on. Around the counter—I'll show you the back."
She grabbed a wooden tray and placed two large bowls of soup on it. She added a small portion of butter and two drinks that looked like wild berry juice.
There was no meat in the soup, but it was packed with vegetables and herbs. It smelled wonderful.
Soren and Grim stepped behind the counter and followed her into the back courtyard, where the stable was located.
Hay covered the ground. Two sheep rested in one corner, a few chickens pecked at the dirt, and a horse chewed lazily nearby.
"You're lucky," the woman said. "We just cleaned this place, and the hay shipment came in today. You can use it for a bed. I'll bring you some blankets… maybe even a pillow."
Soren nodded gratefully. He handed over the three bronze coins and waited while she returned with bedding.
With clean sheets and fresh hay, even the stable began to feel comfortable.
Soren and Grim sat down.
Because of their shared curse, they needed more energy than usual, so Soren summoned three hot potatoes for each of them and prepared the squid using the remaining butter.
They ate in silence.
After a while, Grim curled into a small ball. Soren lay back, staring at the wooden beams above as his thoughts began to settle.
There was much to do.
First—rest.
If he maintained a good relationship with the innkeeper, he might be able to negotiate a fixed price. In a place like this, information flowed constantly—and she could become a valuable source of rumors.
Soren pulled the bronze coins from his pocket.
He had started with eight.
Spent three on food. Three on shelter.
Two remained.
He held them up, letting the dim light reflect off the metal.
Grim watched with curiosity.
Soren extended his hand.
"Keep them," he said with a faint smile. "These two coins… are just the beginning. The foundation of our treasure."
Grim stared at them, his eyes shining.
"Treasure…" he repeated softly.
Then, in an instant, he opened his mouth.
His translucent purple teeth gleamed in the dim light—and the coins vanished.
Soren gently patted his head.
"Good boy."
He looked back up.
Tomorrow would be long. He needed to officially register as a Seeker and learn about the guild's benefits.
There was also the matter of the two level-one singularities from the Blade Spine Rat. According to Audrey, each was worth around twelve silver coins.
But his plans ran deeper.
He needed to contact the Red Fox Group.
And more importantly… begin his investigation into Rusett.
Soren pushed himself up slightly and pulled the wrinkled paper from his boot.
It contained the name of a writer:
Silas V.
At first, he had dismissed the idea of visiting him.
But writers lived on information.
Silas would likely be interested in the story of the fifty-seven days Soren had fabricated. If played right… that fiction could turn into real gold.
Finally, Soren turned toward Grim and extended his hand.
"It's time to study the two level-two singularities."