108 A place to stay (1/2)
With Gray's completion of his personal quest, it was also the moment when he got to level up from 22 to 23. Out of the usual five attribute points that were awarded by the System, he spent two in Intelligence, one in Willpower, and the last two in Endurance. Intelligence for the boost of his spell power and overall Mana, Willpower for his Mana and Stamina Regeneration in addition to having the capability of overcoming mind debilitating spells that's a potential no doubt for extreme danger, and Endurance because more Health is always an assurance.
Gray also asked Ezkiel if he knew someone named Julian. As a result, the Headmaster's eyes widen a bit at how the elf knows the Bard.
”Julian, huh.” Ezkiel inquired with a look of curiosity. ”I know of him, yes. That womanizer is my younger brother, in fact. May I ask how do you know of him?”
”Lady Stephania tasked me to deliver a letter to him on her behalf when my companions and I passed by Einsberg two days ago,” Gray answered. ”Do you know where he is?”
”He's most likely at the Musician's Pub in the district of Devil's Hub drowning himself in mead and wine while indulging in his debased urges of woman touch, haha.” Ezkiel said Julian's whereabouts with a snicker.
'Musician's pub… well, that's convenient.' Gray thought with delight at his two quests that are located in one place.
”Heh, I bet those urges must have run in your family,” Gray smirked in defiance.
”I won't deny that.” Ezkiel grinned in response. ”It's in the Kallistus blood to pursue what your heart desires no matter the odds.”
”Right,” Gray replied. ”Do you also know where we can find the local Jewelry dealer of this town where we can sell some jewelry?”
”Yes, and the shop that you are referring to is called The Velvet Box,” Ezkiel responded with a nod. ”The shop is at Trade Town, and it's hard to miss.”
”I see,” Gray said with appreciation. ”Thanks for the information, Headmaster Ezkiel.”
”A pleasure to help, young elf.” Ezkiel smiled. His attention then turned to Isamu, eyeing at the cat-folk with utmost intent, much to Isamu's wary. ”Isamu Meiyo, is it? Gray mentioned that you are a Knight, yes?”
”Yes, my lord.” Isamu nodded in response, relieved that the Headmaster is not actually going to go back to being a perverted drag again.
”If that's the case, then there will be a tourney exclusive for Knights that will be held on the second day of the four-day festival at the arena grounds located at Trade Town,” Ezkiel said to the cat-folk. ”If you wish to test your mettle against your fellow Knights and participate in the said event, I suggest that you register yourself there immediately, for I heard that today is the last day of registration. Oh, and bring 100 gold for the registration fee.”
”Truly, my lord!?” Indeed, Isamu's eyes widened with excitement at the prospect of attending a tournament and getting the privilege to fight against other Knights to hone his combat capacity. ”I'll head on there in an instant.”
”Alright, I suppose we have our plans set for today,” Gray said with a cheerful tone. He also inquired Ezkiel regarding a vital matter about their stay here in town. ”The guard outside the town gates mentioned that you'll be providing us with somewhere to stay, correct?”
”Indeed,” Ezkiel said in agreement. ”The dormitory is the one at the right side of this building that faces the Grand Auditorium. Simply proceed there and speak with the dorm receptionist. She'll guide you to your rooms.”
And another question.” Gray asked with a slightly worried expression. ”The rooms are free, right?”
”You and your companions are guests here at the University.” Ezkiel chuckled in response. ”It would be inappropriate to charge guests with a rental fee now, would we? You don't need to worry about your finances draining for the duration of your stay here. Although I would naturally require you to pay, should I deem that you're overstaying your welcome here.”
”Neat.” Gray beamed with gratitude. ”Many thanks again.”
Ezkiel simply nodded once more. ”If there's nothing else, you're free to take your leave. I recommend that you get settled at the dormitories for now and tour around the town after.”
”Got it,” Gray answered with approval as he and his companions took their eventual departure from the office.
As per the Headmaster's suggestion, they instantly proceeded back at where they came from, leading to the exit of the Academic Building. On their way out, they also saw Penelope smiling at them in a friendly manner as per her duties as a helpful receptionist.
Following Ezkiel's instructions as well as remembering what the guard escort told them during their initial tour, the gang easily navigated themselves at the Academy grounds, ignoring the stares of curiosity once more that they garner from the Bards at their proximity.
Entering the dormitory, the interior of the building, as per Gray's thoughts, is akin to a luxurious hotel of a sort. A reception counter is right in front of them, the interior designs of the place are almost similar to the Academic building. The only difference probably is that behind the wooden doors at the corridor and hallways are instead rooms where Bards or visitors of the University are staying.