The whispers and stares gradually centered on Zelir, making him a little uncomfortable. He was also confused by some of the things he overheard.

’Is it really that strange for a Mage to take on a quest?’

"Can the Association buy this Fog Demon Core from us?" Marcus asked.

For spoils that were easy to sell, Adventurers could sell them directly to the Association. The price was typically close to market value, and it saved them the trouble of finding a buyer.

"Of course you can. Please wait a moment!"

Eira carried the Fog Demon Core into the room behind the counter. A moment later, she came hurrying back.

"After an evaluation by our appraiser, the Association is willing to purchase the Fog Demon Core for sixteen gold coins. Do you wish to sell?"

Marcus glanced back at the others. After receiving their unspoken, unanimous approval, he nodded.

"It’s a deal."

"Here is your payment. Please take it."

Eira pushed a cloth pouch filled with coins in front of Marcus and said respectfully,

"Furthermore, the Adventurer’s Association would like to thank you again for the information you provided. We will issue a risk warning to the Adventurer squads heading to Gray Wood Forest."

"Whew... Finally free."

After leaving the Adventurer’s Association, Zelir let out a sigh of relief and gave a great, big stretch.

Marcus handed Zelir the pouch containing four gold coins and eleven silver coins.

"This is your share. Hold on to it."

Zelir carefully tucked the pouch away, glancing around cautiously.

’This is my entire fortune.’

"Well, that officially ends the mission. It was a pleasure working with you all."

Marcus said, "By the way... Zelir, have you considered joining a permanent party with me?"

The Marcus Squad wasn’t a permanent fixture; it was just a temporary group.

This was Zelir’s first mission with him. Gray and Valles had worked with Marcus a few times before, but they had never formed a permanent party either.

"Me?" Zelir pointed to himself, a little surprised.

"Trying to recruit Zelir already, huh?"

Gray chuckled. "He is a Mage, after all."

"Hmm... I appreciate the offer, but I’m not looking to join a permanent party right now."

Zelir thought for a moment and shook his head. "However, if you have other missions in the future that require a party, feel free to ask me."

"Alright..." Marcus looked rather disappointed.

’To be honest, my impression of Marcus is excellent.’

’He distributed the rewards fairly, he’s skilled, and he remained calm even during an emergency like the Fog Demon encounter.’

’But I don’t want to be tied down to a permanent party; it would slow my personal growth.’

’Besides, my goals extend far beyond just getting by in Black Stone Town. I have much greater ambitions, and leaving the party later would be a hassle.’

"Alright, I’m off to the clinic... Hope there are no lasting injuries."

Gray grimaced in pain and waved to the others. "See you all later."

"See you."

Marcus and Valles also departed one after another.

The sky gradually darkened as the curtain of night descended.

Zelir wandered the streets for a while before settling on a place to stay—the Night Flower Inn.

The decor wasn’t luxurious, but it was a clear step up from the simpler boarding houses. Plus, the Night Flower Inn was located near the center of Black Stone Town, so the security was likely decent.

’After all, this is an Otherworld where I don’t know anyone or anything. Safety has to be a priority.’

A few people were scattered about the first-floor lobby, eating their meals. Judging by their attire, some of them were Adventurers.

"Hello."

The girl at the front desk was quite cute, with a smile that revealed a charming little fang. "Hello, are you here for a room or for a meal?"

"I need a room."

"Alright, we have two options. One is a spot in the common room upstairs for thirty Copper Coins a day."

The girl explained, "The other is a private room for two Silver Coins a day."

Zelir narrowed his eyes slightly.

’A common room...’

’A bunch of people crammed into one big room. It would be so inconvenient.’

’And who knows if I could even fall asleep surrounded by snoring. The thought alone gives me a headache.’

’After roughing it in the wild to finish a mission, I need to get some proper rest. A quiet, comfortable environment is essential.’

’But a private room is two Silver Coins a day... That’s a little steep.’

’If I hadn’t just gotten paid, I’d be turning around to find a cheaper inn right now.’

"If I stay for a month, is there a discount?" Zelir asked tentatively.

The girl’s eyes brightened, and her voice became a little sweeter.

"Of course! If you choose a private room and pay for a full month up front, we can reduce the price to Fifty Silver Coins."

"Alright, I’ll take a private room for a month," Zelir said.

He chose a room at the end of the fourth-floor hallway. After paying, Zelir had three gold and sixty-one silver coins left.

"Welcome to the Night Flower Inn. My name is Aurora. If you have any questions, you can always find me at the front desk." Aurora smiled.

GRUMBLE...

Zelir’s stomach rumbled inopportunely.

He’d only had a piece of black bread dipped in hot soup today, plus some dry rations on the road. After the intense battle with the Fog Demon, he was starving.

The smile on Aurora’s face didn’t waver. "Before you head up to your room, would you like to get something to eat? We’re serving dinner right now."

Zelir took the menu and looked it over.

The menu had everything, from low-end options like stewed beans with black bread and pickled vegetables to high-end meat dishes.

After working hard all day, ’Master Ze’ certainly wasn’t going to skimp on his appetite. He steeled himself and chose the dish he wanted most.

"I’ll have the Beef Shank with Red Wine Sauce, please."

’It sounded delicious, and the price was just as impressive.’

’Three Silver Coins.’

He didn’t have to wait long before his meal was served.

The rich aroma of the food assaulted Zelir’s senses, and his mouth began to water uncontrollably.

The main course was, of course, a large, tender, and juicy cut of beef shank, roasted to perfection and brushed with a layer of tempting, rich sauce.

Zelir eagerly cut off a piece and put it in his mouth.

The texture of the beef, the slightly acidic and fruity notes of the red wine reduction, and the blend of black pepper and various spices—every element combined to give Zelir a top-tier culinary experience.

The richness from the hearty bites of meat was perfectly balanced by the roasted asparagus and soft bread that came with the meal. Everything was just right.

’To be able to sit down and enjoy a meal like this after such a long day... it’s enough to make a man cry with happiness.’

After finishing dinner, Zelir went up to his room.

There was a single bed, a table, and a chair. The bedding was reasonably soft—worth the price of two Silver Coins a day.

Exhaustion washed over him, and the weary Zelir quickly drifted off to sleep.