Rising of the Running God

The Banquet

"Are you sure this was broken?"

"...Yes?"

In almost a complete contrast to the vast hall before, Vayne was now inside an immaculate ward; the scent, similar to Sheera's clinic. But of course, that is to be expected, because that is exactly what it was— a medical hall for those that were injured from the previous exam.

Unlike Sheera's rundown clinic, however, this one had all sorts of apparatus that Vayne had not seen before, even in books— fortunately for Vayne, unlike a handful of those that passed the exam, he wasn't in need of their services.

"I think it's just a sprain,"

"Hm?"

Vayne was currently being assessed and examined because of his broken arm… or perhaps not? He was sure the bones in his arm were completely fractured, the fact that it was dangling like a wet noodle earlier was proof of that.

But now, as he checked it again, all that was left was a swollen arm that looked like a bloated sausage.

"..." From the previous test, as well as being transferred to a different area; only 2 hours should have passed… and his bones have already mended themselves? If Vayne was right, even the likes of Valerion would take at least half a day to heal a broken bone. His Blessing… wasn't it too strong?

…But then again, with the likes of Valerion, it would take an entire mountain crushing down on him to even put a crack in his skull.

"But if you think it's truly broken, I can put a cast on it to—"

"I think I may have overreacted," Vayne then suddenly pulled his arm away as he stood up from the chair, "Still, I thank you for assisting me, doctor. It is much appreciated in these trying times."

"...Sure?" The doctor could really only look at Vayne weirdly as he walked away in a rush. If it wasn't for his next patient replacing Vayne on the chair, he would still probably be staring at the weird boy.

Vayne then quickly made his way out, trying not to make eye contact with any of the other medical practitioners there. And soon, he found himself inside another hall— this time, however, there was no field of grass or any mold.

It was just a hall, a vast extravagant hall with layers and floors of mezzanine on top of each other that Vayne found somewhat mesmerizing. If Vayne was to build a library, then it would probably look like this.

There were tables set up on the ground level, with lavish foods and beverages on them— enough to feed probably more than 300 people, the number of examinees left. There was also some sort of stage at the end of the hall, but no one was there yet.

As soon as Vayne entered this hall, however, everyone's eyes suddenly landed on him. The once joyous hall filled with laughter and cheers, now replaced with whispers.

Of course, everyone would be staring at him— he was the first one in the race.

"..." Vayne no longer knew what was more drowning; the towering floors above him, or the stares of the people. He didn't mind the whispers, however, he was used to it— it was everything he heard back in the Valentine manor.

Only this time, the whispers were different. There were still whispers that almost judged his entire person, but there were also whispers of awe and amazement.

"Pft," a small chuckle escaped from Vayne's lips. This… is dangerous, fame really does something to one's ego.

He… should probably just eat before he gets intoxicated by this newfound popularity.

But alas, before he could even take a single step forward, he saw his brother approaching him from afar.

"Hey, y—"

Fortunately for Vayne, before he could get near, the two green-haired siblings, Mattheus and Mathilda, surrounded him from both sides; Well, more like ambushed him on both sides.

"There's the man of the hour, come on! Have a drink with us!" Mathilda wrapped her arm on Vayne's shoulder, the cup of alcohol she was holding, dripping everywhere as she burst out in laughter.

"I apologize for my sister, Vayne," Mattheus could really only just sigh and shake his head, "She becomes a disappointment whenever she's drunk— No, wait. She's always a disappointment!"

"What was that!?"

"..." And then, once again, the siblings began arguing with Vayne caught in the middle.

"Lady Mathilda, Lord Mattheus," Vayne could really only just bow as he greeted the two, causing them to finally stop trying to hit each other.

"See? This is how a gentleman should act," Mathilda then let out a small scoff, "You should be embarrassed."

"You're the one that should be embarrassed, acting like a pig in front of a gentleman," Mattheus clicked his tongue several times, "Anyway… you didn't tell us you have a Blessing."

"I believe that is… not really something that should be easily divulged to strangers," Vayne scratched his chin as the three of them started walking to one of the tables. There seemed to be other people that also wanted to approach Vayne, but for some reason, they all walked away as they got near.

"Strangers? I thought we were friends," Mattheus blinked several times as he got food from the table.

"...We barely know anything about each other, Lord Mattheus."

"Well, that's about to change."

"..." Vayne could really only take a step back as Mathilda suddenly placed a cup on his chest.

"Let us drink to our new friendship!"

"...I am afraid I do not really want to drink alcohol right now," Vayne, however, gently pushed the cup away, "But I would… gladly eat to it."

"That's what I'm talking about!" Mattheus then said as he handed a large piece of what seemed to be a chicken leg, "Food before drinks, yo!"

"...Thanks," Vayne let out a small chuckle; and soon, the food and drinks that were prepared for them faded away like magic. And judging by their numbers, it was actually a miracle that the food lasted that long.

Vayne initially thought that the food might have tranquilizing properties on them, but it appears not.

"So, why do you want to become an Explorer, Vayne?"

"...Hm?"

"As for me, I want to become rich! Have my own castle!" Mattheus said as he rubbed his stomach, "Have meals like this every day, you know— like, the life."

"I want to open a restaurant in the Dark Continent," Mathilda also joined the conversation as she finally let go of her cup— the content, of course, was now just water,

"Build a name for myself and all that."

"Don't listen to her, she can't even cook."

"Say that again and I am never going to cook for you again."

"...Sorry," Mattheus quickly looked to the side as he forced a quiet chuckle, "So, what about you, man?"

"I… just want to walk to places I have never been before," Vayne closed his eyes as he took in a deep breath.

"..." Mathilda and Mattheus could really only look at each other,

"...Isn't that a given? That's what being an explorer is," Mathilda blinked a couple of times as she looked at Vayne.

"...I suppose it is," Vayne smiled, "I want to be an Explorer…

…for the sake of being an Explorer."