Zhang Yuan, unfamiliar with the place, chose to follow his cheap captain out to solve the problem of dinner. Skar led his little lackey to a small tavern and flopped into a chair.
"Boss, one onion-and-meat lasagna. And a glass of Golden Sand Wine."
Following Skar's example, Zhang Yuan also ordered a serving of lasagna. However, when he tried to order a glass of Dragon Brand Beer, he was told they did not sell it.
Skar smiled. "You like old Nan Qu's Dragon Brand Beer too? What a shame. Unlike Shadow Ale, which you can buy just about anywhere, Dragon Brand Beer is brewed using the Bairogrin family's secret recipe."
"By the way, do you know why Nan Qu's tavern is called Three Old Barrels?" Having gotten interested, Skar began showing off his extensive knowledge. "Back then, Nan Qu came to Baldur's Gate alone after leaving his family. When his tavern first opened, hardly any customers came by, and it wasn't well known either. So he decisively took three barrels of Dragon Brand Beer that he'd transported from home and placed them outside the tavern, letting passersby taste it for free. From then on, the tavern's reputation spread."
What is this, the other world's version of 'good wine needs no bush'? But to be fair, having this kind of advertising mindset in an otherworld where commercial culture was still underdeveloped was indeed quite remarkable.
"Then I'll have a glass of Golden Sand Wine too."
Zhang Yuan was extremely satisfied with the dinner. The inexpensive meal provided uncompromisingly delicious food, and it tasted even better when the captain was paying.
The lasagna tasted somewhat like the Italian lasagna he had eaten in the past, except it used minced onions mixed with cheese instead of tomato sauce. Minced meat and sheets of dough were layered together and baked until the surface was golden and crisp. He dug in with a spoon... hmmm.
It had less of the sweet-and-sour tang of tomatoes, but more of the rich cheese flavor and the savory fragrance of minced meat and onions.
The Golden Sand Wine looked exactly as its name suggested. The orange-yellow liquor was slightly cloudy, and when he gently swirled the glass, tiny grains rose from the bottom.
Once it entered his mouth, he found that the wine was sweet and sour. The alcohol wasn't strong; instead, it was filled with the fragrance of oranges. The freshness of the fruit wine perfectly eased the lasagna's heaviness.
Fully satisfied, he returned to the base with his captain. As they parted, Skar said, "Most of the team members will be back tonight or tomorrow morning. You'll be joining training tomorrow as well."
"Also, get a good rest."
"You too. Good night, Captain."
After going upstairs to the washroom to take care of his personal hygiene, Zhang Yuan returned to his bedroom and began preparing the next day's spells.
After thinking it over, Mage Armor was still the safest choice, but he hesitated over what to choose for the other spell slot.
Should he continue with Lesser Malison or summon a familiar?
The former's damage and life-stealing properties were quite practical. The latter could summon a magical pet bound to the wizard for life. It not only possessed considerable intelligence and special abilities, but could also provide the wizard with a substantial boost to his vitality during the early stages.
Thinking of how he would train with the other team members tomorrow, the little wizard ultimately chose to summon a familiar so he could show himself off at an appropriate time. After all, he couldn't exactly throw spells at his teammates.
After finishing his spell preparations, Zhang Yuan immediately sprawled out on the bed. Although it was still a hard wooden plank, at least the sheets and bedding had been freshly changed. They were far cleaner than anything at the inn.
Perhaps too many things had happened during the day, because someone was still quite excited. He fantasized about what his teammates would be like tomorrow while imagining the comical scene of himself soaring to greatness after training and crushing his unscrupulous captain.
As he thought about it, he closed his eyes, kicked his legs, pulled the covers over himself, and fell asleep.
He had no dreams that night. Unfortunately, that was what Zhang Yuan thought when he woke up.
Why did he say that? Because this fellow had been wondering whether he could gain special abilities through dreams whenever he began a new chapter, just like Bhaal's Son, the protagonist.
This should count as beginning a new chapter in my otherworldly life, right? Couldn't the system show a little consideration and give me a perk?
Unfortunately, the system played dead as usual. After receiving no response, Zhang Yuan gave up dejectedly. Still, two spell slots really weren't enough, he sighed inwardly.
After washing up and heading downstairs, Zhang Yuan was wondering where he could go for a stroll and breakfast. Unexpectedly, some team members had already gathered at the training grounds to warm up, including his cheap captain.
Skar also spotted his cheap wizard and waved him over. When Zhang Yuan approached, Skar said sternly, "This is the last morning you'll have to take it easy. Starting today, you'll attend team training every day. Start warming up now. Morning drills are about to begin."
The path was his own choice. Although he was somewhat unwilling, he could only obey.
Fortunately, his body had already been enhanced. Someone who used to be left gasping after running two kilometers could now handle five kilometers without trouble.
And that was only the appetizer. More and even heavier training awaited the new rookie.
"Raise your hand a little higher. How many times do I have to tell you? Keep the wrist of your sword hand straight. No, I didn't tell you to use all your strength."
"Your footwork! Your footwork! How many times do I have to emphasize it? Pay attention to the movement of your feet and your lower body. The way you're moving, you're easier to knock down than a woman."
"Where are you looking? Don't just watch your opponent's weapon."
After completing his strength training, Zhang Yuan began practicing footwork and combat techniques. At the same time, he welcomed a day of suffering that left him utterly tormented.
Skar, usually affable, cheerful, and generous, seemed like a completely different person on the training grounds. His demands and standards were harsh, his criticism severe and biting, and he showed no mercy with his strikes. Whenever Zhang Yuan made a mistake, the wooden sword in Skar's hand was always faster than Zhang Yuan's own reactions.
The tormented rookie began to wonder whether Skar was really Skar or an evil doppelganger in disguise. No, even a doppelganger wouldn't be this insane. It had to be some veteran driving instructor from Earth who had transmigrated as well, even possessing this man's body through a soul transfer.
While Zhang Yuan furiously complained inwardly, he unsurprisingly made another mistake. His steps fell into disorder, and before he could adjust, Skar's greatsword came down hard on his butt.
Crack~ It seemed someone had just bitten down and shattered a back tooth...
After throwing caution to the wind, Zhang Yuan finally completed the morning's training, despite stumbling through it and being cursed at until he was dizzy.
As soon as training came to an end, Zhang Yuan had barely taken two sips of water before Skar dragged him back onto the training grounds. "What are you doing? You're not even letting people rest?"
Skar ignored him. Instead, he raised Zhang Yuan's left hand and shouted to the other team members on the field, "Brothers of the Flaming Fist, today, a new member has joined our ranks. The power of justice has grown stronger once again!"
Caught in such a situation without warning, the rookie was also at a loss. He could only pretend to be magnanimous and wave at his teammates in greeting.
Who could have expected Skar's words to suddenly change? "Although Sir Charnem is a spellcaster, he insists on undergoing our melee training as well. Therefore, don't hold back during your sparring sessions. Just treat him like an ordinary soldier."
I'm begging you, please treat me like a great mage and put me on a pedestal instead. The wizard, who could clearly cast spells yet insisted on playing at melee combat, wept inwardly.
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