Ruel's senses warped briefly before settling, and he found himself standing in an unfamiliar room.
"This is the home they've prepared for you in this world," Muriel said, falling on the floor.
'It's all actually true…'
Ruel, who was still unsure a moment ago, was certain all Muriel had said was true.
With wide eyes, he began surveying the house.
Right now, he was in the main room which was linked to the kitchen.
There was also a single bedroom and bathroom.
"The plumbing of this place is like the cities'…" he muttered.
After wandering through the house, he concluded that while it was better than his home back in Talia, it wasn't anything extraordinary.
"Huh, what do we do next?" Ruel asked, "We are to buy items for the ritual, right?"
"Yes, but before that, there's more to this place," Muriel said, noticing Ruel's disappointment.
Ruel was led to a part of the kitchen that had a cupboard.
He was told to pull it to the side, and when he did, he saw a wooden trapdoor with iron hinges and a metallic ring to lift it.
As he held the ring a strange energy tickled his fingertips as he reached for the ring—something more than wood and iron waited below.
The enchantments linked to the trapdoor came to life with a small golden glow, confirming his identity and letting him in.
Stairs that led downward into a basement opened up to Ruel's amazement.
'I knew this place was oddly normal,' he thought.
As they walked down, the lamps on the walls were lit up as if waking up to their presence.
Ruel arrived in an underground chamber with walls plastered with cream.
The chamber was lit up by a center light with a table beneath it.
He could see a map with unfamiliar terrains and names which he subconsciously believed to be Enma's world map.
"This is the map drafted back in the days," Muriel said. "It's incomplete as it only covered how much was known then."
Ruel nodded in understanding as he continued surveying the room.
He saw a bookshelf and was immediately attracted to its content.
There were weird wide subtly glowing tablets arranged on the shelves.
"What are these? Why aren't there books here?" Ruel asked.
Muriel explained calmly:
"Just as I was created in haste, so too was this place—far from the Ancestors' main territory. Much couldn't be moved.
"As for what books have to offer, I probably know it now or will learn it in the future."
Listening to her, Ruel stretched his hand to the tablet after he confirmed she had no problem with it.
Muriel then remained quiet, knowing he'll naturally understand what they were.
As Ruel touched one, his screen opened with a notification.
[Quest "Visit Edari's Lair" is available.]
"These are related to this system thing?" he asked himself as he kept touching them.
"Yes. They are called Quest Tablets or Quest Pads," Muriel replied as she watched him.
[Quest "Path to PyroKnight" is available.]
[Quest "Obtain Key" is available.]
[Quest "Reach the Depths of Galdan Reach" is available.]
Ruel swallowed as he touched the last tablet that was there, glowing brighter than others.
[Quest "Obtain Royal Status" is available.]
Seeing the title of this quest, Ruel immediately willed it to open.
- - -
Quest: Obtain Royal Status
Type: Unrelinquishable. Non-transferable. Chain.
Objective: In whatever world, let your name be linked to Royal Status.
Rewards: 200,000,000 En Coins. The Last Piece. Sacred Weapon, "Zaliyath."
Accept Quest: Yes/No
- - -
Muriel also read this with her gaze softening.
"This is the main quest the Ancestors prepared. I believe the title is needed for future tasks. I'm sorry, my memory is not of much help."
"It's fine, Muriel."
Ruel stared at the line of text for a while, letting it sink in.
"The quest is grand and too ambitious," Muriel said, falling to her knees by his side. "I, on behalf of your– our forefathers, apologize for burdening you… but please, accomplish this quest."
Ruel remained silent as he shot a glance at Muriel before turning back to the screen.
With a wide smile, he said:
"I always wanted to restore my family to the Noble status, aiming for Royalty is just a step higher.
"Muriel, please stand up. You don't need to convince me. I'll do it!"
Muriel showed a slight smile for the first time as she bowed, "Thank you."
[Quest "Obtain Royal Status" has been obtained.]
[Quests: 0/4→1/4]
With a deep breath, Ruel immediately accepted the Quest.
"Something like this can't just collect dust on a shelf. It'll serve as a constant reminder of my goal!"
"I suggest you leave the rest for now. Until after we've settled our primary goal," Muriel advised.
"No problem," Ruel said.
On the lower shelf, he saw a box that held a weird red and blue crystalline heart that was heavy with mana and it was wrapped in a paper that held runes.
"That's a beings soul fragment sealed within its heart. The ritual main requirement," Muriel said. "The paper are for the Runic Patterns for the ritual medium."
"I see," Ruel said less, and pushed it into his inventory.
"There's still one more thing…"
His voice trailed as they both stared at the sole door on another wall.
The door looked strong as it reflected the light of the room and exuded a strong wave of energy.
Ruel stretched his hand to the handle, making Muriel say, "It's locked."
But Ruel touched the door handle nevertheless, feeling the repelling force, confirming Muriel's words.
"Is the key related to that Quest, Obtain Key?" he asked.
"You are correct. It holds treasures and has been sealed until you have proved worthy."
Ruel pondered for a second and said:
"It's like you said, I should focus on my primary goal. Where to now?"
"We need to find a shop that sells the materials needed. Most can be gotten from the System Shop, but a few can't."
"Do you know the way?"
Muriel shook her head in denial.
"Probably not. The memories I have are from years ago, I don't know how much has changed. However, it won't be hard to find."
"Alright then."
"Also, why not dress looking better?"
Ruel didn't see a problem with that but he was still asked, "Why exactly?"
"It garners respect," Muriel said.
Ruel remained silent, implying he wanted more explanation.
"It's related to the explanation I have for how you suddenly appeared in a Haven, owning a house that has been sealed for ages and has money.
"I want you to act like you have been in this world for a long time, but you were in the Wild—the regions beyond the safety of havens. It was a quest reward that led to you being here."
"I had no idea things were this complex," Ruel admitted, a glimmer of understanding in his eyes. "You are very helpful."
With another slight smile, Muriel led him to the wardrobe in the room, opening it to reveal normal outfits and a few sets of armor.
He changed into a fitted black shirt and high-quality black pants. He put on armor of mainly beige color with green patterns.
He put his low-end dagger in his inventory as it was not rare to move around unharmed.
After that, he walked out of the streets with Muriel turning into a tiny ball of green light in case someone was skilled enough to perceive her.
In a corner of the wardrobe, Ruel also saw a chest holding multiple circular silver coins, prompting Muriel to tell him that not everyone could transact with the System.
With preparations complete and purpose renewed, Ruel stepped into Enma's civilization.