Chapter 114: Being A Man Is Uncomfortable

POV Eliza

On the way back to Lightburgh, I had enough time to take a good look at my status. I paid particular attention to my level. After the short stay in the Darkness Dungeon, my level in my Acolyte class rose to 42, while my Scout level stagnated at level 43. Apparently the last EXP went completely into the second class. What would happen if both levels were identical? I should find an answer soon.

But I was much more concerned about another point. I knew from Lirella that she couldn't reach level 50 until she was over 30. I was already level 43 and 42 and not even 18 years old yet. Once again, I was surprised at how big an advantage I had in gaining 3 times more EXP than everyone else. This also gave me a head start on the heroes, who I'm pretty sure also have the hero title. They will get at least 2x EXP. Still, I should be in the lead EXP-wise, but since they had significantly better equipment and training, it was uncertain how big my lead was in reality.

But what was the maximum level you could reach? At level 60 you were already considered very experienced and not many ever reached that level. You could also see that in the ranks within the Adventurers' Guild. From level 40, you could apply for the C rank. At level 50, the same applied to the B Rank and at level 60 to the A Rank. At level 70 you were promoted to S Rank. While you had to pass an exam for the B and C ranks, a recommendation from 3 other A ranks was sufficient for the A rank. Lirella didn't know how to reach S Rank, but each one had previously caused a stir with their deeds. They were well-known personalities and were sometimes revered as idols and role models. The only thing Lirella knew were rumors about the differences between the ranks. An A rank was already a very serious opponent, while an S rank often needed entire armies to defeat it. Previously, it was also the case that an increase of 10 levels required about 25 times the EXP. After that, I still had a lot of potential upwards.

The way back to Lightburgh was uneventful and so after three days I arrived within sight of the capital at nightfall. During the return journey, I had transformed into an image of Stevt several times. I had three days to get used to my new appearance, but I found it extremely difficult and uncomfortable. The difference in the genitals alone was extremely unusual and constantly bothered me. How did a man cope with tha thing? Very uncomfortable. And painful in my skin-tight pants.

But I still had to get through it, because I wanted to get into Lightburgh and as Liss I was wanted. So now I appeared as a man, but not as a warrior, this time as a wizard. I should be able to fool everyone who knew Stevt personally. I also used the few options I had to modify the image.

I entered the city unhindered and the first thing I did was sell my spear and all the items I had found in the chests that I no longer had any use for. Instead, I put on a simple robe like the ones used by traveling wizards.

I put up at the inn I had been given as a contact address after my encounter with Dilara. I wrote a letter there and addressed it to Master Freyna. Then I went to the bar and spoke to the innkeeper. I made sure that no one else was within earshot.

“An acquaintance of mine has a message for a mutual friend of yours. How much should it cost?” <Eliza>

“That depends. Who is it from?” <Innkeeper>

“It's from Eliza.” <Eliza>

“Who is it supposed to be for?” <Innkeeper>

“To Master F. The short form of the name should be enough.” <Eliza>

“How are you relating to Eliza?" <Innkeeper>

“I act as an intermediary and bearer of messages.” <Eliza>

“How and when did they break up?” <Innkeeper>

“She was visiting at the end of last year and was asked to leave town because of an incident. Now she wants to know if she can return.” <Eliza>

“Why doesn't she come herself?” <Innkeeper>

“She's not sure what happened and whether she had anything to do with it. She was wanted in Lightburgh last year and can't act openly.” <Eliza>

“Why was she wanted?” <Innkeeper>

“There was an incident with the heroes. Master F. knows about it. That's why she can't enter the city through the city gates openly.” <Eliza>

“Okay, give me the message. It costs a small silver.” <Innkeeper>

“Here they are. I will stay here with you and wait for an answer. If I don't get an answer within a week, I'll have to assume a negative result and leave town.”< Eliza>

I stayed in the inn the whole time afterwards so that the innkeeper could keep an eye on me. During this time, I trained my senses, especially the Sense Life skill that I had just acquired. I didn't have to wait long, because just two days later the innkeeper handed me a letter. Without looking at it, I got up, took my things and left the town. I could feel someone following me. The person followed me within sight, but after an hour it got dark and I set up camp. The person kept his distance. I had a hunch, so I briefly went behind a tree and emerged 3 minutes later transformed back into Eliza.

“Don't you want to come out? I've noticed you. I have hot tea and it's cold outside.” <Eliza>

“When did you get here, Eliza? I didn't even see you come in? And where did the man go?” <Tamina>

My friend Tamina, the cat girl, approached my camp. She was visibly confused.

“Hello Tamina. What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be following the man?" <Eliza>

“Yes, where is he? How did he get away from me?” <Tamina>

“If you find out, you can be proud of yourself. Here's a mug of tea. You must be cold.” <Eliza>

“Thanks, but won't you tell me how he got away? And where did you come from? I didn't notice you either.” <Tamina>

“Don't worry about that. You're not ready for this yet. Let me have a look at the letter the innkeeper sent me.” <Eliza>

I glanced at the letter and raised my eyebrows. Then I smiled.

“So you're my escort and you're to take me to Master Freyna. Is that supposed to happen tonight?” <Eliza>

“Yes, as far as it is possible. I'm glad I met you so close to the city, otherwise I would have had to turn back soon. Master Freyna was expecting you to be nearby.” <Tamina>

“Then let's get going as soon as you've had your tea.” <Eliza>

I quickly packed up my things and was ready to go. After Tamina had finished her drink, I put my cup away and followed Tamina. On the way, Tamina told me that Brinna, who had told me to leave the city after the incident, had been scolded by Master Freyna afterwards. She had made everyone who was there at the time wait until Master Freyna returned. And to this day, the incident has not been resolved. I thought I should clear it up.

We re-entered the city via the sewers and reached the community a short time later. Master Freyna was already waiting for me here.

“Nice to see you again, Eliza. I'd like to talk to you directly. I hope you can help me clear up what happened back then.” <Freyna>

“I'd love to, Master. That's one of the reasons I came back to Lightburgh.” <Eliza>