Meeting VK

"Notice. The Fortitude Skill has been activated on the lower half of your body. Warning; no offensive attacks can be activated while using this Skill."

Yea, I don't think there's any need to use an attack now unless Vincent has a mob waiting for me downstairs. But even if so, Vania would have alerted me. And even if I couldn't use my offensive spells, I could still handle a couple of men using my physical strength and swordsmanship.

Oh well, here goes nothing. I stopped the descent, pushed my body off the ladder, and started freeing myself vertically downwards into the abyss. And I tell you, it was the best experience I ever had! It was so thrilling, better than the stunt I did on the World Serpent yesterday!

I couldn't hear anything since freefalling caused the winds to roar in my ears. Once my feet touched a surface, I crouched down to follow my body's momentum. My ears were blocked from changing altitudes too quickly, but I solved it with a yawn.

And finally, I could hear Vincent's shouting as he flew downwards.

"Are you insane?! What the hell did you think you were doing?" asked Vincent as he landed beside me.

"Inventing a faster way to go down. I don't have time to climb down a ladder leisurely when monsters are preparing to eat us for dinner. Now then, where's the light around here?" I asked, looking around.

Sure, I had my night vision on, but it was only to see structures and outlines; not very good for seeing people's faces or reading.

"We've got lamps after the next turn for safety reasons. Anyways, how did you survive that fall? You may be a Mage, but you are human, right?" questioned Vincent as he walked onwards.

"I used a Skill to enhance my physical defense to the maximum to negate the fall damage."

When we finally reached the end of the tunnel, Vincent snapped his fingers, igniting two rows of candle-lit lamps. Another long hallway... How big is this guy's basement?! As we walked through, I noticed gaps between each candle.

I blinked to scan for lifeforms, and Vania revealed that there were people behind those walls. Hidden meeting rooms sound better than rooms with magical powers. I know it doesn't sound good but hear me out... I don't like my room to be constantly changing.

I have a hard time adjusting to change, and if I had a room in the Old Chapel, I would go insane after a week.

"The next turn would be our destination, so get ready with what you need to say to VK," warned Vincent.

"Hey! I thought you were going to talk to him?! How did it change for me instead? It was your plan... I'm just the fool being dragged along to this little road trip," I protested, halting in my tracks.

"I was hoping you knew what to say about this plan... But, unfortunately, you know I'm not good with words."

Ah. I forgot he didn't have a proper education. I sighed and nodded, following Vincent's shadow. It was a dead end waiting for us when we hit the turn. Vincent pulled onto the torch, and the wall in front of us divided into two and opened, revealing the best thing I've ever seen so far in this life.

A classy room with a dark oak theme and velvet linings adorned with different weapons all around its walls. There was a towering bookshelf opposite where we were standing.

It took me a while to get over the room's contents before finally seeing the main attraction; the study table with a single person. The man had short, black, and curly hair while his complexion looked snow white. He was probably the only man I've seen in this world who was short.

The guy was busy writing on scattered papers on his desk while referencing another piece of paper. The only thing helping him to see was a small table light with a flickering flame.

I don't think that would be healthy for the guy's eyes, but this is the time before electricity was invented, so he has to make do.

"VK, I've returned from the task you've given me. And I've brought along someone of interest to help me with the next quest," announced Vincent as he strolled in and gestured for me to follow.

"The Otherworlder that appeared a few weeks ago? I'm not interested and thought she's affiliated with the Arks. So why have you brought her into our Headquarters?" questioned VK without looking up from his writings.

"Because this poor man over here doesn't know how to propose a plan with you with words. He ain't got an education, so I'm here to help him and eventually solve the issue with Gorgon."