ferring tranquility for clear thinking, found the constant activity slightly annoying but chose to adapt, viewing it as a new experience. The inn was a meeting place for adventurers from all walks of life, offering Brutols a chance to observe the world's diverse inhabitants.

He noticed a variety of races: green-skinned Orcs, reminiscent of characters from many of his games, Dwarves needing no introduction, and long-eared Elves. There were also mechanical beings, more akin to rune-crafted constructs than sci-fi robots, with sentient intelligence and often accompanied by repair craftsmen, usually Dwarves or Gnomes. Some traveled alone but relied on repair shops in towns for maintenance.

Among the strongest beings he'd encountered, Ogres topped the list. Orcs, while muscular and formidable, were still smaller than Ogres. However, their intelligence and teamwork seemed superior. After resting, Brutols ordered a light wine. The local wine, made from white grapes, was clear, sweet, and refreshing, unlike anything he'd tasted. Savoring every sip, he was cautious about the alcohol content, aware that some wines revealed their strength only later.

He also relished a grilled steak, finding the local beef more delicious than the finest meals from his previous world. The unadulterated cooking methods brought out the meat's best flavors, leaving him feeling as though he were in heaven with each bite. After enjoying his meal and wine, he returned to his room, feeling pleasantly satiated—a fitting reward for his recent adventures.

Upon waking the next morning with a slight headache, he realized the wine's potency. The absence of industrial additives made it dangerously palatable. Shaking off the effects, he centered his mind on upcoming tasks. While preparing, he overheard a conversation that piqued his interest.

“I heard the old, dilapidated chapel is haunted again, with vengeful spirits performing rituals,” a seedy adventurer told a bald companion, who scoffed, “Who told you that?” The dubious adventurer affirmed, “The gravekeeper by the old chapel said so. He was so frightened yesterday that he fled.”

“Are there really ghosts and spirits in this world?” Brutols wondered, amused and slightly skeptical. Despite his skepticism, the mystery intrigued him. To uncover the truth, he'd need to investigate personally.

Over the following days, Brutols gathered more information. The old chapel indeed seemed to hold secrets, with several explorers—children, villagers, and soldiers alike—vanishing after venturing inside, particularly at night. By day, the chapel appeared merely eerie, but at night, it was a different story.

“This is getting interesting,” Brutols thought, his curiosity piqued. Despite his beliefs, he couldn't resist investigating such an unusual matte

 Prev. P 19/103 next