Town

[No. This connection serves as both an emotional exchange and a method to increase your bond faster. A higher bond leads to a higher chance of successfully acquiring their skills.]

"You mean those stats?" Aldebaran asked.

[Yes. At the very least, ensure that trust, affection, and sexual desire reach a strong bond. Otherwise, the chance won't occur at all.]

"Fair enough."

Austin's nature remained rooted within him. Throughout his life, he had often been patronized by women, not considered attractive, and at times even avoided. This constant dismissal left him self-conscious and wary of having too much hope for romantic relationships.

He could still recall the sting of public humiliation when, as a teenager, he offered a simple chocolate to his crush. Instead of appreciating it, she mocked him, ignoring the effort behind it. Aldebaran chuckled at how naive and foolish he had been.

But how long would he stay like this? Could he afford to let his insecurities and self-doubt hold him back? He had been granted a second life—a chance to rewrite his life. Would he let his old self, that loser, resurface? No, Aldebaran couldn't allow that to happen.

[Objective: Establish a Follower! (Completed)]

[Congratulations! You are now level 13!]

[New Objective: Follow Alissa!]

"That's our first destination!" Alissa exclaimed, pointing toward a cluster of houses nestled in the center of the hills. "We might be able to find some food there. What do you think?"

The recent events had distracted him from his hunger. He should have received the food from Meadow, but... well, it didn't matter now. "You know, I didn't bring any provisions for this adventure... so..."

Alissa blinked in surprise before bursting into a sweet, melodic laugh. "Don't worry about that! The most important thing is that you don't start this mission on an empty stomach. Let's go!"

Aldebaran froze for a moment. She impressed him. This was the first time someone had treated him with such warmth and care, and he could feel a comforting sensation blooming in his chest. "That's kind of you. I won't ask for much, then."

"What? No! Please, don't hold back with me!" Alissa said cheerfully, her enthusiasm unshaken as she led the way toward the main road.

This time, the landscape was different—no tall trees or strange foliage, but instead vast rice fields and rolling hills. Grasslands stretched wide on either side, with a serene river flowing beside them. The atmosphere felt calmer here, and unlike in Oakspire Village, the citizens seemed far more friendly.

Of course, they still cast skeptical glances at unfamiliar faces, but their overall demeanor was far more welcoming. As Aldebaran observed the villagers, he realized what made them so warm, it was Alissa. Everywhere she went, she seemed to draw attention.

"Can't blame them," Aldebaran muttered under his breath, his gaze fixed on her radiant face. "She's beautiful as heaven… while I look like a vagrant."

"Is that Alissa?"

"Oh Goddess! Yes, it's her! She's back!"

"Alissa! How have you been?"

"I've got some sweet potatoes at home! Stop by anytime!"

Alissa, overwhelmed by the flood of attention, replied politely to each greeting, carefully declining their invitations. "Maybe next time. We have something important to do."

All eyes turned to Aldebaran, their expressions shifting to suspicion and disdain.

"Who the hell is he?"

"Look at his clothes," a mature woman added with a sneer. "He must be from the forest."

"Don't tell me it's another Mystical Beast?" a voice speculated, tone laced with fear.

A shirtless man, drenched in sweat under the blazing sun, stepped forward, smirking as he sized Aldebaran up. "Geez, what kind of creature comes out of the forest? Alissa must've brought it here for examination."

Aldebaran bristled at the remark, his temper flaring. "You brat! I can hear you! Take it back!" he shouted, his voice sharp with irritation. Pulling his hood lower over his face as he entered the village, he had inadvertently fueled the townsfolk's wild imaginations.

"Damn, this monster is out of hand! Get off me!" the shirtless man screamed dramatically, escalating the situation further.

"Calm down, everyone!" Alissa intervened, her voice firm yet soothing, accompanied by a sweet smile that shifted their focus. "This is Aldebaran, and no, he is not a beast. He's much more than that!"

"Huh? What's that supposed to mean?"

Alissa cast a brief check at Aldebaran, seeking his approval. She knew this wasn't the time to reveal the full truth. Hilver Town, being a dead-end destination often frequented by merchants, was known for spreading rumors like wildfire. Unlike Oakspire Village, nestled deep in the forest and isolated, Hilver's murmur could easily travel and endanger Aldebaran.

Understanding the stakes, Alissa smiled and said, "He is my mentor. So, please, show him the respect he deserves."

The crowd fell into silence, exchanging puzzled looks.

"Since when?" asked the shirtless man, his disbelief evident.

Aldebaran chimed in, forcing a grin. "It's… it's centuries ago! But I decided to meditate and woke up now! Well, excuse us, we're looking for something to eat."

Alissa was speechless, taken aback by his ridiculous claim. Yet, she was amused, and she followed him before the villagers could question further.

The town was bustling with noise, the shouts of merchants echoing along the narrow streets as they scrambled to hawk their wares, oblivious to anything but their business.

As they wove through the crowd, Alissa instinctively raised her arm to shield her chest, having been bumped several times by passersby. Finally, they stopped in front of a simple, rustic wooden building with a sign that read Meat and Grill Inn.

"Here we are! Let's head inside," Alissa said, stepping through the door.

Aldebaran, feeling an odd tension in the air, followed closely behind her. The interior was dimly lit, with most of the room shrouded in shadow. Only the areas near the windows had enough light to see clearly, while the rest relied on a few flickering candles that barely illuminated the space.

In the dim corners of the inn, Aldebaran noticed several sets of eyes fixed on Alissa.

"Oh, long time no see," a deep, gruff voice interrupted the room's unease as a large, muscular man rose from his chair and sauntered toward them.

His scarred face twisted into a mischievous smile, and his imposing figure was made even more intimidating by the battle-axe strapped to his back and the armor plating on his right shoulder.

He stopped in front of Alissa, his tone laced with ridicule.

"How are you, beautiful kitten?" he sneered, leaning in closer than necessary. Without hesitation, he wrapped an arm around her waist, his hand creeping lower with a smug chuckle. "You haven't changed at all."

Before he could go any further, Aldebaran stepped in, his hand clamping down on the man's wrist like a vice. His sharp glare met the man's eyes as he uttered, "Cut that out, bastard!"