Shameless wimp.

Luke could already tell that was exactly what was going through Garhan Timberdell’s mind right now. The man’s face was practically carved from stone, his expression locked into a glare so intense it might have pierced straight through him if looks could kill.

But did Luke care? Hardly.

So far, he had slowly pieced together what was happening. From the way Garhan’s eyes flitted between him and the blindfolded woman walking ahead, the truth was fairly obvious. She had been the first one to bid on him, throwing down a hefty 50,000 sils without hesitation. And Garhan? He had only joined the bid because she had. Not because he saw any value in Luke, but because he wanted to take whatever she wanted. Instead of getting someone actually useful, he was stuck with Luke.

Luke’s gaze shifted toward the woman leading the group from a distance, walking alongside the other sponsors and candidates as they moved toward what he assumed was a transportation facility. He hadn’t seen much of this world yet, but it made sense that they had a place to sort out travel.

That aside, he had to admit—he was just as curious about the blindfolded woman as anyone else would be.

I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t curious about the blindfold.

The shocking part was that while Luke could see basic details about others—like their classes and even a few of their skills—with her, all he could see was her name: Sylvi Redfern. No class, no skills, nothing. A complete enigma.

He wondered who she was, why she wore such a long blindfold, and why she carried herself with such an air of mystery. More than anything else, he wanted to know why she had ever bid on him.

For a brief moment, he considered the possibility that it was because of his face. It wouldn’t be the first time someone took an interest in him for his looks. His face was, after all, one of his best assets. He could admit he was a narcissistic guy. But the idea that Sylvi Redfern—who exuded an almost untouchable presence—was interested in him for that? That was ridiculous. There was no way he was the first pretty boy she had come across.

As he absentmindedly walked, lost in his thoughts, his gaze lingered on her a bit too long.

And then, it happened.

A slight smile appeared on her lips. Subtle. Barely there.

Luke didn’t miss it.

A chill ran down his spine.

This world is way too mysterious and dangerous, he thought, and I need to get used to it quick—otherwise, I’m in for a bad time.

Luke's mind was still processing everything as he followed Garhan through one of the designated sections. The recent events had sealed his fate as a Gunner for the rest of his Eldorian life, without even being offered another option—not even something as petty as a thief. With a sigh, he mentally commanded his status window to appear, just to see what had changed since obtaining his class.

Luke Raynott

Alignment: Neutral

Title: None

Class: Gunner (Growth)

Specialty: Instincts of the Weak (Passive)

Strength: 4 | Agility: 7 (+2) | Intelligence: 1 | Divinity: 0 | Luck: 1 | Wisdom: 9 (+2)

Skills: None

Overall Rating: Disappointing

Seeing his new stats, Luke almost halted in his tracks. However, his conditioning to never show surprise in front of others kept him walking in an aloof manner. The most immediate change was his overall rating—it had gone from Extremely Disappointing to just Disappointing. That alone was a significant improvement in his eyes.

But what truly caught his attention was something much bigger. Although his Gunner class was displayed in white, indicating it was only a common rank, the (Growth) in brackets beside it had not been there when he originally selected it. That alone set his class apart. For comparison, Roy’s Sword Apostle class was displayed in dark blue, marking it as rare, and Jasmine’s Holy Maiden was the same. Classes in this world could evolve, but this (Growth) beside his class was something he couldn’t wrap his head around.

None of the others had anything similar. He was sure of it.

He was tempted to ask Garhan about it immediately, but a small voice in the back of his mind told him to hold off. He might just be getting excited over nothing, and he needed more knowledge about this world before jumping to conclusions. If (Growth) truly meant something significant, he would find out soon enough.

Aside from that, he also noted improvements in his stats. Agility and Wisdom had both increased by 2 points, bringing his Agility up to 7 and his Wisdom to a whopping 9. That made his Wisdom slightly above average, while his Agility was now within a normal range. It was a small but meaningful boost.

Lost in his thoughts, Luke didn’t even realize that he had unconsciously reached the end of the hallway—stepping straight out into the world beyond.

The moment Luke stepped out of the grand stadium, he felt the shift in atmosphere like a palpable force against his skin. The cool night air greeted him with an inexplicable richness, crisp and almost luxurious, like something the wealthiest on Earth would have paid fortunes to inhale. This wasn’t just air; it was Eldorian air. Breathing it in, he felt an odd sense of clarity, as if every breath infused him with vitality.

The stadium, now behind him, stood like an ancient coliseum in the midst of a dense forest. Towering trees with luminous leaves swayed gently, their glow resembling distant fireflies scattered in the dark. Above, the night sky stretched infinitely, painting a breathtaking canvas with its celestial bodies. Two moons hung in the sky, their silvery glow casting an ethereal light upon the world. The sight alone was enough to remind Luke how foreign and mystical this place was. The moons—one slightly larger than the other—were mesmerizing, their celestial dance slow and deliberate, as if the universe itself was in no rush.

His moment of peace was interrupted by Garhan’s voice. “Stay here. Our family’s carriage will be here soon. I have some business to take care of.”

Without waiting for a response, Garhan turned on his heel and disappeared into the shadows, leaving Luke alone to bask in the beauty of Eldoria’s night.

Luke took another deep breath, letting the cool air brush against his skin. As the moonlight fell upon his face, it accentuated his striking features for the first time. His soft brown hair, cut just above his ears, swayed gently in the night wind. His sharp facial features held a certain charm, effortlessly refined yet undeniably masculine. But his best feature—his eyes—stood out the most. Crystalline blue, shining like the ocean reflecting the sky, they seemed to capture and refract the moonlight, glowing with an almost supernatural luminance.

He sighed, watching his breath dissipate into the air. This was real. All of it. He had somehow adapted so quickly, and that in itself was crazier than the fact that he was in another world. His gaze drifted back to the twin moons.

‘This is all real, huh?’ he mused internally.

A voice, smooth and melodious, broke through his thoughts.

“It’s calm, isn’t it?”

Luke tensed slightly. He knew that voice. Heck, it would be weirder if he didn’t. There was something so uniquely fascinating about it that even he, someone who had spent his life sucking up to people, couldn’t find the right words to describe or praise it.

He didn’t turn around immediately, choosing instead to keep staring at the moons. “It is. I wonder for how long, though.”

He knew his peace wouldn’t last. It never had, not even back on Earth. There was no reason to think it would be different here. For now, he’d simply enjoy this fleeting moment while he could.

The woman behind him let out a soft chuckle, a barely perceptible smile forming on her lips. “Garhan isn’t a bad man. He isn’t the worst you’d see, at least.”

Luke chuckled dryly at her attempt at reassurance. “That’s comforting.”

Finally, he turned around to look at her. His light brown hair shimmered under the moons’ glow, and his crystal blue eyes—shadowed slightly—still managed to hold a captivating gleam. Any woman would have fallen for such an effortlessly charming face. Alas, the woman before him had her eyes closed. Literally.

“Would you tell me why you bid on me if I asked?” he inquired, knowing full well he wouldn’t get a straight answer.

Instead of responding, she moved slightly to the side. Moments later, Garhan emerged from the gate, his expression irritated as his gaze darted between the two.

He opened his mouth, then closed it, seeming to reconsider his words before finally settling on, “Come with me. We are moving.”

Before Luke could respond, the sound of approaching hooves filled the air. A beautifully crafted wooden carriage, covered in intricate engravings, pulled up before him. The two dark brown horses leading it were unlike anything he had ever seen; their manes shimmered with an otherworldly blue light, pulsating like veins filled with liquid starlight. The carriage itself was a work of art, large and exquisitely detailed, the metalwork reflecting the moonlight in dazzling patterns.

Luke took a final glance at Sylvi, but in the blink of an eye, she was gone.

A strange emptiness filled him, but he shook it off and stepped into the carriage. The interior was luxurious, the leather seats impossibly soft, the air inside carrying a subtle, intoxicating fragrance. It was comfort unlike anything he had ever experienced.

“Don’t try anything funny,” Garhan warned before boarding his own, much larger carriage.

Luke smirked to himself. ‘Don’t worry, old man. I won’t be running away anytime soon. I have too much to gain here.’

He leaned against the window, watching as the dense forest blurred past them, the moons still shining brightly overhead. The gentle rocking of the carriage, combined with the smooth suspension magic, lulled him into a relaxed state. His eyelids grew heavy, and before he knew it, the fatigue of the day claimed him.

Luke Raynott drifted into sleep, the mystical night of Eldoria his last sight before slipping into the unknown realms of dreams.

Timberdell City

It took them approximately four hours to reach Timberdell City from the dense forest they had departed from. The city was located at the extreme west of the Rolhart Kingdom, standing as a bastion of prosperity and refinement.

Luke had woken up an hour ago. His body, accustomed to surviving on minimal rest, had naturally stirred from slumber as soon as it had received the bare minimum of recovery. His mind was still groggy from exhaustion, but curiosity won over fatigue. Peering through the carriage window, he took in the sprawling city before him.

Despite it being well past midnight, Timberdell City was alive with activity. The streets were well-lit, a testament to its developed infrastructure. The lamps cast a warm glow upon the cobblestone roads, and numerous shops and establishments still bustled with business. Merchants haggled with their customers under the starry sky, while groups of well-dressed individuals walked leisurely, enjoying the crisp night air.

Luke couldn’t see everything from the carriage, but what he did observe was enough to give him a rough idea of how well-maintained the city was. He had read enough fiction and history books to understand that a city was a direct reflection of its ruler. A prosperous, secure, and lively city meant competent leadership, and judging by what he saw, Garhan was an exceptional lord.

The well-guarded entrances, the clean streets, the presence of city guards who weren’t just there for show but actively patrolling—all of it spoke of an organized and well-run territory. Even the commoners seemed better dressed than those in typical medieval settings, suggesting economic stability. The infrastructure wasn’t extravagant but functional and refined, designed with long-term sustainability in mind. Timberdell was a city where people not only survived but thrived.

As they passed through the grand streets, Luke leaned back and exhaled softly. Whatever Garhan’s true nature was, it was undeniable that he ruled his land efficiently.

When the carriage finally stopped, Luke opened the decorated wooden door and stepped out. His gaze lifted, and he was momentarily taken aback.

Before him stood the grand Timberdell Mansion, a structure so breathtaking that it looked as though it had been plucked from the pages of a fairy tale. Towering with elegance, the mansion was an architectural masterpiece, adorned with intricate carvings and detailed craftsmanship. Yellow and blue lights illuminated its walls, casting a regal aura over the surroundings. The windows shimmered like diamonds under the moonlight, and the vast gardens surrounding the mansion were meticulously maintained.

The sheer size of the mansion was overwhelming. The carriage had stopped right before the inner doors, but even from here, Luke couldn’t see the full extent of the estate. It stretched far beyond his immediate vision, a statement of wealth and power.

Garhan had already disembarked and was making his way inside without sparing Luke another glance. The man moved with purpose, his long coat swaying behind him.

“Young sir, please follow me. I’ll guide you to your quarters.”

A polite voice snapped Luke out of his thoughts. Turning his head, he found a middle-aged butler standing beside him, his posture impeccable, his expression warm yet professional.

Luke nodded and followed him inside. As he stepped into the grand mansion, he couldn’t help but appreciate its luxurious beauty. The polished marble floors gleamed under the chandeliers, which were adorned with shimmering crystals. Expensive paintings and tapestries lined the walls, depicting scenes of history and mythology. Every step he took reinforced just how wealthy and influential Garhan truly was.

The butler led him up the grand staircase, past intricately designed hallways, until they reached the second floor. Stopping before an elegant wooden door, the butler turned the handle and stepped aside.

“Please rest for tonight. Food will be served in a moment. I will also arrange clothes suitable for your size. Feel free to take a bath if you wish.”

Luke gave a small nod of appreciation before stepping inside. The butler closed the door gently behind him.

The room Luke was offered wasn’t just luxurious—it was opulent beyond anything he had ever seen. The bed was enormous, layered with plush bedding softer than clouds. Velvet curtains framed the tall windows, which overlooked the vast gardens and city beyond. A chandelier of pure crystal hung from the ceiling, casting a soft golden light. The furniture was carved from the finest wood, detailed with gold accents. Even the air inside the room carried a subtle floral fragrance, likely from rare flowers imported from distant lands.

However, Luke was far too exhausted to admire his surroundings for long. With a deep sigh, he trudged towards the bed and collapsed onto it, his body sinking into the ridiculously soft mattress. He barely had time to adjust his posture before sleep overtook him, his breathing slowing as he drifted off.

His snoring was quiet, a result of his head being stuck at an odd angle on the plush pillows.

Unbeknownst to him, a slender shadowy figure manifested out of thin air beside his bed. Cloaked in darkness, the mysterious entity wore a black mask, its presence nearly imperceptible.

Without hesitation, the figure retrieved a small vial filled with a golden liquid and tilted it carefully over Luke’s lips. The liquid slid down his throat effortlessly, its effects unknown.

Moments later, the figure vanished, melting into the darkness as though it had never existed.

Luke, unaware of the intrusion, continued to sleep peacefully, his breathing steady and unbroken.