Chapter 16: Noticed

— That's enough for today… — Chuck said, looking at the sun, which had almost disappeared beyond the horizon.

— But I can keep going! I feel like I'm almost there! — Nor said, stretching his arm.

— You said that three boulders ago… — Chuck replied, glancing at the piles of cracked stones. — But to be honest, yes, you did improve a little. Still, that's enough for today. Remember, training isn't only about physical effort. It's also important to use what you have up here.

With those words, Chuck tapped Nor on the head.

— Hey! — Nor shouted, quickly pushing his hand away.

— That's it. I'm leaving. Same time tomorrow, — Chuck said.

Then he disappeared.

— Ah…

Nor stared at the empty space in front of him for a few seconds.

— He could've at least taken me back… — Nor muttered, lowering his gaze to his clothes, torn from the training.

A heavy sigh.

— Man… At this rate, I'm not going to have any clothes left…

Rustle.

The leaves whispered softly around him.

Nor stood there for another minute, listening to the sounds of nature. Then he decided it was time to head back.

But before that…

— Status.

He thought the word while looking ahead.

However, what he saw made him frown.

— What is this?..

— Roy… That's the man in the black suit…

Nor slowly raised his eyes and looked straight ahead, toward the dense trees.

— But I don't see anyone…

At that moment, the owner of those cold eyes, hidden in the shadows, frowned.

The boy was looking directly at him.

Did he notice me?

The thought flashed through Roy's mind for only a moment before disappearing.

No. That's impossible.

A pause.

But just in case…

The next second, his figure vanished from the spot where he had been standing.

Meanwhile, Nor decided to check the status again.

But this time, a different window appeared in front of him.

— And now it's my status…

Nor frowned even more.

— Strange. The system has never been wrong before…

He cautiously began stretching his neck.

At first glance, it looked like he was simply loosening his muscles after training. But in reality, every time Nor turned his head, he tried to check the status of his surroundings again.

Nothing else appeared.

— Nothing…

He was still tense, but after noticing that it was already getting dark, he finally decided to head back.

After Nor left the clearing, a man in black appeared where he had been standing.

The same man Nor had seen several days ago at the guild.

Roy silently stared in the direction Nor had gone for a while.

— Interesting… — he muttered.

Then his figure disappeared from sight once again.

Only after reaching the city did Nor finally let out a breath.

The entire way back, he had tried to scan everything around him with the system, but he hadn't seen anything suspicious again.

When he entered the city, he was greeted by the noise of the evening market. Music filled the streets. People danced, some sang, and others laughed loudly. A few passersby threw strange glances at Nor because of his torn clothes, but only for a second before returning to their own business.

— I need to change as soon as possible…

With that thought, Nor quickly headed toward the inn.

When he stepped inside, the owner greeted him.

— Oh, dear customer…

The man paused for a second and looked Nor up and down. Then he continued with the same polite smile.

— I would like to remind you that your room is paid for until tomorrow at noon.

— Damn it! I completely forgot about that.

Nor tensed slightly, but quickly answered.

— Could you hold the room for me? As it turns out, I'll need to stay here for a while longer. I'll pay for everything tomorrow.

— Yes, of course. Have a good night, — the owner replied.

He watched Nor as he went upstairs.

Once Nor disappeared onto the second floor, the owner's assistant approached him.

— Father, what are you doing? — she whispered into his ear. — It's obvious he doesn't have any money. Did you see how he looks?

The owner slowly turned toward her.

— Olivia, listen carefully, — he began, his voice now much more serious. — If a person treats you like a human being, then be kind enough to treat him the same way.

The girl froze.

— If I ever hear you say something like that again, you'll be out of here faster than a cork from a bottle. Do you understand me?

He looked her straight in the eyes, and there wasn't even a hint of a joke in his gaze.

— Yes, Father… — she said quietly, lowering her head in shame.