You're Not Wrong...
As soon as the word |Appraisal| exited Adam's lips, an odd transparent panel appeared before him. Even more odd, Adam found it somewhat familiar.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Name: Adam Bricks
Race: Human
Class: N/A
Gender: Male
Age: 16
Level: 1
Health: 37800/37800
Mana: 64150/64150
Strength: 6338
Agility: 4911
Intelligence: 3006
Willpower: 5668
Status: Stable
Skills: N/A
Unique Skills: N/A
Titles: N/A
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Such a panel was unmistakable.
("This is a video game status panel!") [Adam]
Adam kept to himself while Felix and Tiffany entered the village. It was a bit strange to see people wearing very unsophisticated clothing along with the very run-down vibe of the place. Not to say that it was bad to Adam. It had a very serene feeling, accompanied with the cautious gazes of the residents.
"Let's gather some information. Split up and see what we can find out. Remember to use your alias." [Felix]
"Got it." [Adam]
"Understood." [Tiffany]
As the three split up, Adam approached the nearest elderly person.
("The older they are, the more they know right?") [Adam]
He found an elderly man sitting on a wooden bench, just staring into space.
"Excuse me. May I have a bit of your time?" [Adam]
The elder did not reply.
"Hello?" [Adam]
The elderly man didn't seem to be ignoring Adam on purpose. Their eyes were just gazing afar and they simply didn't notice Adam's presence.
"Helloooo?" [Adam]
He waved a hand in front of the elder's face, immediately catching their attention.
"Whuh?" [Elder]
The elder blinked a few times before acknowledging Adam.
"Can I help you?" [Elder]
"Oh, I just have a few questions." [Adam]
"What?" [Elder]
"I have a few questions." [Adam]
"What?" [Elder]
This felt like deja vu.
("I could've sworn I had a similar interaction before.") [Adam]
"I said, I have a few questions." [Adam]
"What? Speak louder." [Elder]
("Ah.") [Adam]
That was when Adam realized the feeling of deja vu came from when he had trouble communicating with Felix when falling from the sky. Raising his voice, Adam tried to get his words across.
"I have a few questions!" [Adam]
"What?" [Elder]
"I! Have! A! Few! Questions!" [Adam]
"Tone it down, boy! You're going to make me go deaf!" [Elder]
"Seriously?" [Adam]
The Elder seemed a bit unreasonable. Regardless, Adam still tried to speak with him. Trying to tune his voice, Adam spoke loud enough for the Elder to hear.
"I have a few questions. Mind answering them for me?" [Adam]
"Hm. Ask away." [Elder]
It was a solid response. Somehow, just that made Adam feel a sense of accomplishment.
"Currently, where am I?" [Adam]
"Do you mean the name of this village? Or the country?" [Elder]
"Both works." [Adam]
"We are within the borders of Hillbrand. I can't say it's the best country out there, but at least it isn't full of war and strife." [Elder]
"Uh-huh. So no demon lords or heroes here?" [Adam]
The Elder waved a hand.
"No no. There are plenty of heroes and demon lords. Old ones die and new ones rise. It's just that there are no strong ones in these lands." [Elder]
"Oh." [Adam]
It was a very direct and perhaps brutal explanation.
"As for this village… It's called Metus. Never has a hero or demon lord risen from here. That's why we're called the village of mediocrity." [Elder]
Then he laughed.
"Better that than getting attacked for birthing a prominent figure though!" [Elder]
("...This guy might have a few screws loose.") [Adam]
"Um… What can you tell me about the Supreme Demon Lord?" [Adam]
"Which one?" [Elder]
("There's multiple?!") [Adam]
That wasn't good news.
"Why are there so many?" [Adam]
"Wait a moment. Are you asking about the one currently alive?" [Elder]
"Y-Yeah…" [Adam]
"In that case, there's only one." [Elder]
That was good news.
"Their location isn't very hidden. They live in the center of Lithik, home of the demons. Actually it's a neighboring country." [Elder]
"Wow, okay. How far?" [Adam]
"Perhaps a few months' walk?" [Elder]
"Great! Do you have a map I can use?" [Adam]
"I do." [Elder]
The Elder placed out an open hand.
"That'll be 20 mel." [Elder]
"Mel?" [Adam]
"Yes. Mel. As in, currency? Will you be buying, or not?" [Elder]
"Er… I'm broke." [Adam]
The Elder clicked his tongue.
"No map for you then." [Elder]
"Wait! Can't you just do me a solid?" [Adam]
"...What is a solid?" [Elder]
"I mean a favor. Please do me this one favor." [Adam]
"Why would I curry favor with you? There will be nothing to gain." [Elder]
"I can help you out in the future." [Adam]
"Future? Look at me. I'm old. I'll probably die next week. There IS no future for me." [Elder]
"In that case, why keep the map? You won't be able to use it when you're dead." [Adam]
"..." [Elder]
The two stared at each other in awkward silence.
"You don't have many friends, do you?" [Elder]
"I can say the same to you." [Adam]
Another moment of silence passed.
"Fine. You win, brat." [Elder]
Standing from the bench, the Elder started strolling away.
"Well? What are you waiting for? Come. We need to pick it up." [Elder]