But instead what came next has unquestionably caught the Elf off guard.

The Cat-folk Warrior, in contrast with his intimidating appearance, started laughing wholeheartedly.

'Huh?' Gray tilted his head in genuine confusion. 'What's gotten into him?'

"Hahahaha!!" The Cat-folk puts both hands on his hips as he stood proudly, his posture firm and unyielding like a tower. "No need to be so alarm, my friend. I won't judge someone's character that quickly just because of his Cla.s.s. You have come for my help despite not having the obligations to do so."

The Elf certainly felt at eased knowing that the Cat-folk is actually an individual of good character. As such, Gray's demeanor also changes to match the friendly gesture being treated to him.

"Hehe, well to be pretty honest..." Gray chuckled as he scratches the back of his head. "My actions also led me here due to my Hunger for some Mana Essence."

"Yes." The Cat-folk nods in agreement with a cheerful smile. "But you also had the perfect opportunity of casting your magic at me when you had the advantage of the high ground earlier, feeding on me in the end, in which you deliberately did not. As such, you have earned my trust."

"Wow." Gray was pleasantly surprised at how open-minded this guy is. "You have my thanks then."

- Help the Cat-folk Warrior in defeating the Bandits [✓]

Quest Rewards Granted:

1,500 XP.

LEVEL UP!!

YOU RECEIVED 5 ATTRIBUTE POINTS!!

YOU RECEIVED 1 ABILITY POINT!!

Gray decided to ignore the system notifications for now since he does not want any interruptions in his conversation with the Cat-folk.

"I should be the one saying that to you, friend." The Cat-folk bares his toothy grin. Then his eyes widen as he appears to realize something. "Kah, it seems that we overlooked on the proper etiquette of acquainting oneself. Allow me to go first."

The Cat-folk removes one of his steel gauntlets, offering a handshake as he began his introductions. "The name's Isamu, Isamu Meiyo. In case you are wondering, my Cla.s.s is a Warrior, more specifically, a

."

As the Cat-folk, Isamu finishes his introduction, the said details are now revealed on his status bar.

Isamu Meiyo

Level 14:

Health: 1214 / 1975

Stamina: 724 / 893

Mana: 320 / 320

"Gray, Gray Allister." The Arcanist returned the kind gesture as he accepted Isamu's handshake.

'A

huh?' Gray examined with interest at Isamu's Cla.s.s. 'The name is similar to the t.i.tle that I earned in Oakwood but this one is obviously a Cla.s.s. Since he used that shout skill earlier, perhaps his Cla.s.s revolves around that kind of ability? Let's not jump into conclusions yet. And also... too tight!!!'

Gray is now witnessed to be wincing in anguish at how ridiculously strong Isamu's Beastly hand is, crus.h.i.+ng the Elf's delicate hand during their handshake.

Seeing the progressively paling face of the Elf, Isamu realizes his own actions in embarra.s.sment as he immediately released his hand from Gray.

"Ahahaha, I do apologize, Gray." Isamu chuckled sheepishly at what he shamelessly did. "I tend to forget at controlling my own Strength in these kinds of situations, most particularly in the art of shaking hands, haha."

"Please don't do that again." Gray twitches his head in annoyance as he rubs his aching hand, mentally crying in complete agony. "I don't have huge muscular hands unlike yourself."

Isamu laughs heartily at his reaction.

"Gray Allister." Isamu sounded a bit intrigued by his name. "Your name does not sound Elvish, is there a story behind it?"

"A human parent." Gray, having recovered from the pain of his hand, instantly comes up with the lie that he prepares whenever someone asks him about his name.

"I see." Isamu merely smiles in understanding at the Elf. "Anyways, the roads can be quite a danger, especially to lone travelers such as ourselves. Where are you headed by the way?"

"Chadena," Gray responds, seeing no harm in telling the trustworthy Cat-folk Warrior at where he is going.

"Chadena huh." Isamu smiles. "It appears that fortune has smiled upon us at this meeting. I happen to be a member of the Town's Warrior's Guild and will also head my way over there after I finish my own errand. You seem capable of handling yourself quite well. Perhaps you can help me first?

'Oh great, another Quest.' Gray thought, having played too many games of the RPG genre to know where this is going.

"That depends," Gray replied as he crosses his arms. "What is this request that you speak of?"

Isamu began explaining his story to the Elf. "You see, after this battle, I came to a realization that working alone indeed has its dire limitations, especially when outnumbered. It would be convenient if I can have someone who I can trust watching my back, just for the sake of a.s.surance in my part. I've taken up a quest from the Guild to find out about the Bandit Encampment's location. All that is left now is confirming if what our dead friend said is true. It would be an honor if you'll join me in my task. Don't worry, I'll make it worth your while and also escort you to Chadena after we are finished. After all, it would be beneficial for the two of us being together as we keep each other guarded during our journey to the Town."

Gray rubs his chin in response, seeing the Cat-folk having a point in his statement. Basically, it would be a lot safer if he has someone with him on his side, especially in this fantasy realm where danger lurks unexpectedly around the corner.

With a Warrior on his side, Gray's life as a Mage would definitely be easier.

As per logic and the norm in some RPG games, a Warrior, being a naturally tanky Cla.s.s, can take the brunt of the damage while Gray casts his spells from a safe distance.

"Does this quest of yours involve us confronting the Bandits themselves?" Gray asks for clarification in a cautious tone. "After all, it would be unwise if it's only just the two of us against a band of Bandits that most presumably hold numbers even more overwhelming than our last encounter, especially if it's in their base of operations."

This world, despite its fantasy setting, also adheres to the common sense of reality to some extent. Meaning, Gray should not act rashly and consider his options carefully before making a decision.

Careful planning and arrangement are a must before conducting a raid in such hostile areas.

"No, nothing like that," Isamu a.s.sures the Elf. "Us charging in at their Encampment unprepared is undeniably a death sentence. We are to simply confirm the location. After that, we depart the area immediately and report our findings to the Warrior's Guild before the Bandits find out about their missing comrades that we killed and have the chance of leaving their Encampment.'

[The Cat-folk Warrior Isamu, requests your aid in his quest of verifying the location of the Bandit's Encampment.]

- Accompany Isamu in his task.

- None

- 1200 XP, 700 Gold

Since the Quest does not involve Gray in a direct and suicidal confrontation against a band of Bandits, he agreed with Isamu's request in the end as he clicks YES on the notification screen.

Besides, The XP and gold rewards are a welcome addition to his a.r.s.enal.

"If it's just some scouting, I suppose I can help you." Gray nods in agreement with a shrug.

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"Excellent!!" Isamu replied as he beams brightly at Gray's response. "Here, accept my invite."

A system notification suddenly appeared in front of Gray as he read the contents of the text box.

[Isamu Meiyo has invited you to his party!!]

'So, this world also has a Party system.' Gray thought as he clicks YES to join the party.

Upon his action, another icon suddenly materializes as it joins on his UI. The icon shows the two humanoid heads close with one another. As Gray clicks the icon, he was shown the list of members that are in the party, each with their own status bar.

Party Leader:

#1: Isamu Meiyo

Level 14:

Health: 1416 / 1975

Stamina: 893 / 893

Mana: 320 / 320

Party Members:

# 2: Gray Allister

Level 14:

Health: 815 / 815

Stamina: 790 / 790

Mana: 2253 / 2253

Note: Upon obtaining the consent of the Party Leader or Member, you may gain access to their particular UI by clicking on the name of the individual you wish to check. A Party only has a limit of four members, including the leader.

'Huh, neat.' Gray marvels at how convenient the system is. 'With this feature, I may be able to check vital information about my new companion here.'

"We can share more stories along the road," Isamu said with a smirk while witnessing the enchanting sunset on the horizon. "Evening is going to befall this land in a while. As such, we best should cover more ground before finding a safe spot for us to make camp."

After everything was settled, the pair of Warrior and Mage looted the items from the dead Bandits in the vicinity. They also buried the crystal corpses to not arouse suspicions and alarm from other Bandits.

In their recent actions, Gray also learns from Isamu that the crystals linger for about a month, before finally disappearing forever.

With that said and done, the two proceeded to make their way into their designated location, continuing their chat as they head to the direction of the ever-glorious sunset.