Chapter 1: Would there be a fortune-teller in a small border tavern?
In the frigid northern lands, amidst the Snowbeast Mountains. Eerie howl like baby crying echoed above snow.
Two figures trudged through the snow on their horses, hunched over to shield themselves from the biting wind. The howling gale whipped at their ears, threatening to knock them off their steeds at any moment.
"When will we get there?"
Wendy's black hair peeked out from beneath her linen hood, which in turn emerged from her ill-fitting armor. This set of mercenary armor had been scavenged by Alex from the bodies in the forest, and it hung awkwardly on her slender frame.
Alex glanced down at the soggy parchment map, barely recognisable in the blinding snowstorm. It was their second day heading towards the capital, and they traveled cautiously, wary of their surroundings all the time.
For Alex, second day meant he had never traveled this far before, and he was desperate to avoid another ride on the Ignisar airship.
Wendy nodded without a word, urging her horse to pick up the pace and take the lead, breaking a path through the snow for Alex to follow.
Her lower body was devoid of armor, and the silk fabric tied around her waist dug deeply into the crevice between her buttocks. The bouncing of the horse sent her ass jiggling, making her back view like an angel had fallen from grace, now trapped in the figure of a demon.
Alex's gaze stayed on her, but not out of appreciate beauty. Instead, his thoughts drifted back to Noctis' final words before they left the hell realm.
'Child, in addition to the reward you'll get after completing master's task, I have an extra bonus for you. Here, take it, It's something that every man, nay, every male in this continent seeks. From now on, you'll have no worries when you indulge yourself.'
Alex made a sour face.
Initially, he had assumed that Noctis was referring to something like harder, longer, etc. But after a thorough checking, he couldn't find any noticeable changes.
'I hate it when old bastards only tell half the story. Anyway, as long as he doesn't bother me during my 'good work'...'
As Alex's thoughts trailed off, Wendy came to a halt.
They had spotted the flicker of firelight in the distance.
Emerging from the blizzard, a ramshackle town appeared before them, nestled in the middle of the road like forgotten flagons left behind by mercenaries.
Drawing closer, they fund that it wasn't flagons that had been left behind, but rather a group of horses tethered outside a tavern.
*Ding*
With a creak and bell ring, Alex pushed open the tavern door, fishing out a handful of coins from his armor as he did so.
Among the silent scrutiny of the patrons, he and Wendy stomped their way through the once jovial vibe.
Unfazed by the sudden change in ambiance, Alex knew that once he slapped a silver coin down on the bar, the tavernkeeper would let the harper to strike up a tune once more, and the drunken mercenaries would continue boasting about the ample bosom of the barmaid from the previous pub.
If he were to put down two silver coins, perhaps they would be attended to by an exotic beauty with mixed heritage. But Alex decided to put down three.
"Find us a quiet place."
As he said, he tugged hood while the dim lamplight searched for the right angle to illuminate his face.
Behind the bar stood a burly, bald man, he was polishing wooden mugs.
Upon noticing the gleaming coins, he grinned and waved a hand, then the tavern came back to life, regaining its boisterous atmosphere.
"Would you two like to sit upstairs? For an additional silver coin and twenty coppers, I'll get you one of our servers bring you some bread to enjoy with our house-made milk ale. The taste is simply divine."
The bald tavernkeeper suggested.
Alex nodded, tossing a neatly strung bundle of one hundred copper coins and twenty loose ones onto the counter, and said:
"Leave us alone after food."
With that, they made their way up to the second floor.
Alex actually had some silver coins in his pocket, but since they were near the kingdom's border, he shouldn't reveal his wealth. What was most scarce here wasn't food or women, but money.
That would only bring him death, when he weak.
Yes, he got Wendy, but a demonic dragon only bring more death.
Which was unnecessary.
Boots stepped on the long-neglected staircase, the wooden planks emitting a cracking sound underfoot.
The second floor was empty. They chose a spot could directly see the activity downstairs.
Alex removed his hood, but Wendy kept hers on.
Before long, a graceful and beautiful girl approached them. She wore a waitress's apron, and the ornaments on her ankles jingled pleasantly.
"Your bread and milk ale," she said, smoothly placing the tray on the wooden table. She lit a candle for them, then boldly sat down next to Alex.
Her ample boobs brushed against his face as if by accident.
Her eyes, however, were curiously looking Wendy across the table.
"We're only staying one night, so forget about any tips on this."
Alex said, pushing the waitress away with his shoulder before she could see the pair of horns under Wendy's hood – a remnant from her transformation into a dragon.
He managed to display the perfect amount of annoyance.
The waitress didn't say anything, but informed Alex of the tavern's current special offers before leaving. On her way out, she shot a provocative look at Wendy.
This was life on the border. For a few extra silvers each week, these women didn't hesitate to antagonize the female companions of visiting travelers. If given the chance, they would eagerly drag them into their 'sisterhood'.
Once the waitress left, Alex turned his gaze to Wendy, whose delicate face remained expressionless.
Alex shook his head.
Ever since they left the Hell Realm, their relationship had been like this. The so-called God of Demons had placed a curse on Wendy, making it impossible for him to use the master-servant contract. Alex couldn't break it.
Now, Alex was weak, and he needed Wendy's protection to reach the capital. Wendy, on the other hand, was powerful but not that willing to help Alex on his journey.
She eventually decided to join him, mainly because she could no longer return to the Hell Realm after all.
Now that her sanity had returned, she was starting consumed with guilt for having killed many innocent demons. Alex thought her regret was pointless, even unworthy of explanation. He had asked her if she was willing to sacrifice everything before turning her into a dragon, that is.
If he were to dwell on such matters, they would never reach the capital or complete the nearly impossible task form that god.
Alex downed his cup of goat's milk ale, grimacing.
At that moment, the atmosphere in the tavern below grew more lively. The bustling laughter seemed like a better accompaniment than the wine itself, and Alex felt the bread in his mouth become sweeter.
He freaking loved this kind of bustle.
"Free fortune-telling, free fortune-telling! Find your luck and future!"
A clear male voice rang out amid the laughter and singing, catching Alex's attention.
Fortune-telling?
Predictions?
Future?
In a small tavern on the northern border of this world?
These ridiculous words crossed fast in his mind.
Yea, indeed, the whole bar seemed to hush for a moment.
It was unclear whether the harpist had struck an extra note, or if a waitress just accidentally knocked over a customer's cup with her ass, but the result was an even more boisterous and joyful laughter.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone