From Gamer to Mage: The Reincarnated Hero's Tale

Chapter 7

As we made our way through the gate, a watchman hailed us, his voice carrying across the distance.

"Petre! Is that Miss Lana I spy in your company? So, you managed to liberate her from the clutches of those bandits, did you?"

"Nay, 'twas this very Archmage who came to Lana's rescue!" Petr interjected proudly, his voice resonating with conviction.

"Aye, 'tis the truth!" Lana affirmed, her eyes gleaming with gratitude.

"Wait a momen—"

"Mage, you say? Well, regardless, 'tis a wondrous deed! We offer our thanks," the watchman exclaimed, his tone brimming with appreciation.

"Um...uh...you're welcome..." I stammered, caught off guard by their unreserved acknowledgment. Truly, I found myself perplexed. Should they not wish to keep an individual of dubious reputation such as myself concealed?

"Ild should still be at the Lordly Spoon Inn," Petr declared, resuming his stride with purpose.

The main thoroughfare of the village revealed itself, its path adorned with cobblestones akin to the road that led us here. Horse-drawn carts and figures that bore the unmistakable visage of traveling merchants graced the street. Yet, among them, a select few merchants captivated my attention. Their stout frames, long beards, and diminutive stature, reaching no higher than my chest, marked them unmistakably as dwarves. Engaged in animated conversations with their fellow traders, they maneuvered goods to and fro, seamlessly blending into the tapestry of townsfolk.

"Petr," I inquired, my curiosity piqued, "why do these dwarves play such a prominent role in the village's affairs?"

"Verily, this village stands as the easternmost bastion of the Lumeos Concord, forging a vital nexus of trade betwixt our folk and the dwarves," Petr elucidated.

"Aye, my father has forged numerous trade agreements with these stout folk," Lana chimed in, her voice brimming with familial pride.

"I understand...however, I would prefer if you did not make a spectacle of my humble self," I murmured, directing my words toward Petr.

I had chanced upon Lana through an inconceivable twist of fate, and my intervention had stemmed solely from the incantations I wielded. Truth be told, I had hardly undergone any arduous trials to safeguard her. At this moment, a peculiar sensation welled up within me, a sense of undeservingness that mingled with a subtle, yet undeniable, embarrassment.

"I do apologize for the unwarranted attention," Petr offered sincerely, his voice laced with remorse. "However..."

"But fear not, for it shan't be long ere the astonishing feats of the illustrious Lord Xandros become the talk of the realm!" Greg interjected with unbridled enthusiasm.

"You may speak thus," I interjected, my voice tinged with reluctance, "but I—"

"Enough of your feeble protests!" Lana snapped, her patience visibly fraying. "Come hither and hearken!"

Bewildered, I allowed Eryn to seize my arm, guiding me into the refuge of a nearby building's shadow. Drawing me closer, her face mere inches from mine, she spoke in a hushed yet forceful tone.

"Cease this timidity! Your 'Arcane' powers, or whatever name you ascribe to your magic, possess a potency that is undeniable. Act the part, I implore you! Your current demeanor only serves to stoke further unease. Comprehend the gravity of my words."

"S-she speaks true! You are extraordinary, Mister Ember! Embrace your greatness!" Lana interjected, somehow managing to wedge herself between Eryn and me, her words merging with the fervor of her companions. David and Greg watched on, anxiety etched upon their countenances, but it appeared they hesitated to intercede in Eryn's passionate tirade.