Chapter 7 (2/2)

After a brief silence, Falken said bitterly, “Those giant spiders are monsters. Ordinary people can’t defeat them. Also, there are too many of them. Only professionals can kill them. But the problem is that I am the only professional in Red Mountain Town, and I’m better at healing than fighting.”

The old man seemed rather helpless. Actually, there were a dozen cases of giant spiders a.s.saulting human beings every year, and most of the victims were children. Adults ran faster and could usually escape from the monsters, but little kids were not as lucky.

“If I could use magic, the battle wouldn’t have been so hard.” Roland was rather angry that he failed to crush the giant spider when he was capable of doing so. “Mister, can you teach me the tricks of magic?”

Falken stared at Roland for a while and smiled. He had the same determination when he was young, but his ambition couldn’t make up for his apt.i.tude, which was too humble. The young man, however, was different. He could tell that the guy was smart and had a decent education.

“There are three types of spellcasters. I’m a Priest, you are a Mage, and there’s also Warlocks. I can’t teach you sophisticated things; after all, I’m only a low-level professional myself,” said Falken slowly. “However, I can teach you some of the basic knowledge. To cast a spell, a Mage has to connect magic nodes. The faster you connect, the less time it will take for you to cast a spell. You can begin with the fundamental spells, so that your head will not explode due to magic recoil even though your attempts fail.”

Falken pointed at his own head teasingly.

Roland could only chuckle. After all, it was a rather embarra.s.sing experience.

“You should go out and eat something. You can consider magic later.” Falken pointed at the gate and said, “Usually, people feel weak when they are hungry.”

Roland did feel like eating something. He was truly hungry. This game was quite real and had simulated the feeling of hunger. However, he smiled bitterly and said, “I don’t have any money.”

“If our great hero starves, it will be a shame upon Red Mountain Town.” Falken helped Roland to his feet and dragged him out. To Roland’s surprise, the old man was rather strong, although he seemed to be on the verge of death.

After they left the temple, Roland discovered in shock that a small cottage had been established to the left of the temple. It was not s.p.a.cious, but he saw a bed, cabinet, table, chairs and other furniture from the window. On the desk was hot food on wooden plates.

A dozen people of different genders and ages were waiting on the way down the mountain. There were three kids who looked rather familiar. Roland recognized them and waved at them. Suddenly, all of the villagers bowed deeply at him. The three kids bent so hard that their heads almost hit the ground.

Roland was somewhat stunned.

Falken patted Roland’s back softly and said, “You’ve earned this.”

“They are all poor people who do not have much money. The only thing they can do to return your favor is to build a cottage and cook some food for you. Don’t be picky.”

The sun was scorching at noon. Roland did not know how he should describe his complicated feelings. He tried to smile while holding back his tears.

After paying tribute to him, the villagers left the mountain road. Falken helped Roland inside the cottage and onto a chair, then took his leave.

Roland gazed at the food on the table, which was still steaming hot. It was not until a long time later that he finally said helplessly, “No chopsticks… I’m really not used to forks and knives.”