Laughter filled the common room at Robert''s bold claim, but it quickly died down as they realized the unwavering determination in his eyes. Orin, his smile fading, leaned forward. "Are you serious?" Robert simply smiled, a glint of mischief dancing in his gaze. He turned to Ayna, his expression softening. "We start tomorrow. First, we''ll focus on acquiring your essential skills. Then, the day after, Elara and you will join me for a trip to a level 10 dungeon." He paused, anticipating Orin''s concern, and added reassuringly, "Now, before you start worrying, Orin, I''ll be right there with them for the first few runs. Truth be told, I could probably take a nap in the boss room and be in no danger. The girls will be perfectly safe, and it''s the fastest way to get them some initial experience."


    Anya and her father slipped away for a private conversation, leaving Robert to retreat to his room. He intended to rest and reflect, the events of the day swirling in his mind. Several hours later, a gentle knock roused him from his thoughts. Elara stood on the other side of the door, a hopeful gleam in her eyes. "Fancy an early dinner? I seem to have skipped lunch entirely," she suggested, a hint of mischief in her voice. "Sounds perfect. Let''s see what culinary delights await us," Robert replied, rising to join her. They made their way downstairs to the bustling common room. The room was alive with the chatter of patrons, nearly every table filled. They spotted a single empty table tucked away near the kitchen entrance and settled in, anticipating the arrival of a server. "So," Elara began, leaning forward with curiosity, "what adventures did you have after we parted ways?"


    Robert chuckled, a warm sound that filled the small space between them. "Well, let''s just say it was a productive day. I joined the guild and, quite unexpectedly, found myself with a new student." Elara''s eyebrows shot up in surprise. "A new student? What on earth are you talking about?" A fond smile touched Robert''s lips. "It seems Anya and I had a rather enlightening conversation. Apparently, her aspirations extend beyond inheriting the inn. One thing led to another, a quest was undertaken, and now, it seems, I''m helping another bright young mind find their path, and hopefully, a class."


    A flicker of surprise crossed Elara''s face. "Anya? Orin''s girl? What quest are you talking about?" she asked, leaning in. Robert chuckled. "It all happened rather unexpectedly. She was asking about you, and I mentioned you were out of commission after some rigorous skill training. The concept of a Teaching skill seemed quite foreign to her. She practically lit up, wondering if she could afford such training herself. One thing led to another, and it turns out our little server has a thirst for adventure. She doesn''t want to be stuck behind a counter for the rest of her life; she wants to be a ranger, to explore the wilds." Elara absorbed this, a thoughtful expression settling on her face. "I see," she murmured, "But what about this quest you mentioned?" A wry smile touched Robert''s lips. "Ah, that. It seems the System has a peculiar fondness for nudging me into the lives of others. Let''s just say a little guidance was required to set her on the right path and the System provided the means to do just that."


    Before they could delve further into the topic, a young girl, no more than twelve or thirteen, with bright eyes and a smattering of freckles across her nose, approached their table. "Good evening," she said, her voice clear and surprisingly confident for her age. "I''m Mary. I''m taking over for my sister this evening. May I tell you about our specials?" Without waiting for a reply she continued, "Tonight we have a hunter''s stew, slow-cooked with venison, root vegetables, and barley—a truly hearty dish. We also have a roasted chicken with herb-roasted potatoes, and for a lighter option, a fresh-baked vegetable pie with a delicate, flaky crust." Elara smiled warmly at the young server. "The stew sounds delicious, Mary. And a mug of cold water for me, please." "A fine choice!" Mary exclaimed, her eyes sparkling. "And for you, sir?" "The roasted chicken sounds tempting," Robert said, after a moment''s thought. "And a mug of your best ale." "I''ll bring those right out," Mary promised, giving a slight, almost formal nod before heading towards the kitchen.


    Robert chuckled, watching Mary bustle off. "Well, she''s certainly full of energy. It seems Anya isn''t the only spirited child of Orin''s." Elara smiled in agreement. They fell into easy conversation, reminiscing about their day until their meals arrived, carried by the capable young Mary. As Mary placed the steaming bowls and plates on the table, Elara asked, "So, where is Anya this evening?" Mary, after setting down the last mug of ale with a soft thunk, replied, "She''s at home with our mother. It seems Father is concerned about her decision to strike out on her own instead of working at the inn, and Mother wants to make sure Anya''s making the right choice for herself." Robert nodded thoughtfully. "That''s wise. It''s good for parents to look out for their children. What about you?" he asked, turning his attention to Mary. "Do you plan on working at the inn when you grow up?" Mary grinned, a flash of white teeth against her rosy cheeks. "Father''s out of luck on that front unless he plans on having more children! I''m following in my mother''s footsteps. She''s the town midwife." She announced this last part with a clear sense of pride.You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.


    A warm smile spread across Robert''s face. "That is indeed a worthy profession," he said, his eyes twinkling with interest. "Perhaps, when the time comes, I could offer you some guidance as well, just as I''m doing for your sister." Mary''s brow furrowed in confusion for a moment, then her face blossomed into a wide grin of understanding. "You''re Robert!" she exclaimed, recognition dawning on her. "Anya''s new teacher! Oh, please, any help you could offer would be wonderful. I know I don''t unlock the System for almost two more years, but Anya said I can still learn skills before then, just not as many." She practically bounced in place with eagerness. Robert chuckled, charmed by her enthusiasm. "Yes, I imagine I can help you get a head start. I''ll speak with your mother about it when the opportunity arises. Perhaps we can find some foundational skills that will serve you well in your chosen profession." He paused, then added with a thoughtful look, "And of course, I''ll need to clear it with your mother anyway as she might already have plans for your early training."


    Mary beamed and thanked Robert profusely before scurrying off to attend to another table. Elara chuckled, shaking her head. "You really need to stop taking on new students," she teased. "At this rate, you''ll never have a moment to yourself." Robert just smiled, unrepentant. "It''s hardly any trouble, and I enjoy helping these youngsters get a good start. Besides," he added, a strategic glint in his eye, "if we''re planning on staying here for a while, having connections with various townsfolk could prove quite useful. Now, regarding our plans for the next few days..." He leaned forward, lowering his voice conspiratorially, even though the nearest patrons were well out of earshot. "I believe I''ve found a suitable house and a shop we can use. We''ll inspect them tomorrow, and you can give me your honest opinion." Elara nodded, her full attention on him. "And after that?" she prompted.


    "After that," Robert continued, "I''ll be assisting Anya with some of her prerequisite skills. I also intend to visit the general store to inquire about their stock of skill tomes. Once we''re adequately prepared," he pulled out the guidebook he''d received from the guild and opened it to a page marked with a worn leather strip, "we''ll head to the White Stone Dungeon the day after tomorrow." He tapped the page for emphasis. "It''s listed as a level 10 dungeon, so it should be an appropriate starting point. I''ll guide the two of you through it initially to give you some practical experience. Then, we''ll run it a few more times until you''re both comfortable. Once you''ve mastered that, we''ll move on to the Twin Falls Dungeon. It''s a level 18, and we will use that one to get you to level 20 and if all goes well Anya to level 10. Any questions?" Elara shook her head, a smile playing on her lips. "No, that sounds like an excellent plan."


    After finishing their dinner and lingering over a bit more conversation, they decided to call it a night. Elara announced her intention to take a relaxing bath, while Robert headed to the bar, hoping to have a word with Orin. He found the innkeeper polishing tankards, the picture of contentment. Robert leaned against the bar, a casual smile on his face. "So," he began, "I hear Anya''s mother might have some reservations about her daughter''s current plans?" Orin let out a hearty chuckle, though it held a touch of ruefulness. "Reservations? That''s putting it mildly. Let''s just say she''s not exactly thrilled. But," he added with a wink, "she''ll come around. Anya has a way of twisting her mother around her little finger. Now," his gaze sharpened as he turned to Robert, "I overheard you talking to Mary. You planning on making a habit of collecting my children?" Robert laughed, shaking his head. "Not at all. Though I suspect you lost both of them to their own ambitions long ago, even if you only just noticed." Orin shrugged, a wry grin replacing the earlier frown. "You might have a point there. Listen," he said, his voice turning serious, "nobody offers this kind of help for free. What''s this going to cost me, in the end?" Robert''s smile widened. "Oh, it''ll be costly, let me assure you," he said, enjoying Orin''s growing unease for a moment before continuing. He held up a hand to forestall any outburst. "But not in the way you think. No money involved, and certainly no souls," he added with a chuckle. Then, extending his hand towards Orin, he said, "Truthfully, I''m new to this town, and I could use a friend. Someone to show me the ropes, perhaps. Think you could help me out?"


    Orin considered him for a long moment, his gaze searching. Then, a grin broke through. He reached out, gripping Robert''s hand in a firm shake. "You''re a sly one, aren''t you?" he said, not unkindly. "That''s the most expensive offer I''ve had in a while. But," he conceded, "it''s one I can''t refuse. Welcome to Oakhaven, Robert."