Chapter 858 Accident Of Inn Owner
As the vibrant streets of Gloomhaven continued to bustle with activity, Fein and Imeng found a quiet spot to sit and catch their breath. The encounter with the petrified demon still fresh in their minds, Fein couldn't help but be intrigued by Imeng's extraordinary powers. He mustered the courage to inquire about the extent of Imeng's abilities, eager to understand the true extent of his mentor's power.
Fein leaned forward, his eyes fixed on Imeng, his curiosity evident. "Imeng, just how powerful are you?" he asked, his voice laced with a mix of admiration and awe.
Imeng's lips curled into a mysterious smile, his gaze drifting upward to the vast expanse of the Middle Realm's sky. He seemed lost in thought for a moment, contemplating the question. Fein waited patiently, his anticipation growing.
Finally, Imeng turned his attention back to Fein, his eyes sparkling with a hint of mischief. "Ah, young man, power is a tricky thing," he began, his voice tinged with a playful tone. "It comes in many forms, you see. Some measure power by the magnitude of their spells or the strength of their physical abilities. But true power, my dear Fein, lies in understanding oneself and embracing the journey of self-discovery."
Fein furrowed his brow, puzzled by Imeng's cryptic response. He had expected a straightforward answer, a demonstration of Imeng's incredible abilities. But instead, he found himself faced with philosophical musings.
Sensing Fein's confusion, Imeng chuckled softly. "Worry not, my friend. The true essence of power is not easily quantifiable or confined to mere displays of strength. It resides within, in the depths of one's spirit and the choices they make."
Fein nodded, still trying to grasp Imeng's words. He shifted his gaze to the ground, contemplating his own goals and the reason he had embarked on this journey to the Abyss.
Imeng's voice interrupted his thoughts, pulling him back into the present. "Fein, my young friend, why did you come to the Abyss? What is your goal?" Imeng asked, his tone gentle yet filled with curiosity.
Fein looked up, meeting Imeng's gaze with a mixture of determination and vulnerability. "I came to learn magic spells," he replied earnestly. "To unlock the secrets of the arcane and become a skilled mage."
Imeng nodded, his eyes gleaming with understanding. "Ah, the pursuit of knowledge and mastery. A noble goal, indeed," he remarked, his voice filled with genuine appreciation.
A mischievous grin crept across Imeng's face as he leaned closer to Fein, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "But you know, my perceptive friend, I must confess that I have seen through your little secret. Despite your demon form, your soul is unmistakably human."
Fein's eyes widened, surprise and realization dawning on his features. He had hoped to conceal his true nature, but it seemed that Imeng possessed an insight that surpassed his expectations.
Fein chuckled, a mixture of relief and amusement bubbling within him. "Well, I suppose my disguise wasn't as foolproof as I thought," he admitted, his voice tinged with self-deprecation.
Imeng's laughter joined Fein's, their shared amusement echoing through the quiet space they occupied.
The revelation of Fein's true nature had forged a deeper bond between him and Imeng. As they sat there, Imeng's eyes sparkled with a mischievous glimmer. He leaned closer to Fein, his voice barely above a whisper, and made an unexpected proposition.
"You know, Fein," Imeng began, his voice filled with intrigue, "I have an offer for you. How would you like to become my apprentice and learn spells under my tutelage?"
Fein's eyes widened with a mixture of surprise and excitement. The prospect of learning from a master like Imeng was both enticing and intimidating. He paused for a moment, considering the implications of such a proposition.
Imeng continued, a faint smile playing at the corners of his lips. "I must warn you, Fein, the spells I possess go beyond the usual ranks. We're talking S-rank, Satan Level spells," he declared, his voice carrying a hint of pride.
Fein's eyebrows shot up in astonishment. S-rank spells were already considered incredibly powerful, but Satan Level? That was a whole new realm of magic. He couldn't help but wonder just how formidable Imeng truly was.
Fein mustered the courage to ask the question that lingered in his mind. "Imeng, are you an SS-rank mage?" he inquired, his voice filled with curiosity.
Imeng's smile grew wider, his eyes sparkling with amusement, but he didn't provide a direct answer. Instead, he simply leaned back, his expression enigmatic yet inviting.
Fein understood the unspoken message. Imeng's silence spoke volumes, suggesting that he was indeed a mage of incredible power, perhaps even surpassing the boundaries of an SS-rank. The thought sent a shiver of excitement down Fein's spine.
After a moment of contemplation, Fein's gaze met Imeng's, his eyes shining with determination. He had weighed the risks and rewards, and his decision was clear.
A resolute smile spread across Fein's face as he replied, "Imeng, I accept your proposal. I want to learn spells under your guidance."
Imeng's eyes twinkled with satisfaction, his faith in Fein evident. He extended a hand towards Fein, a gesture of camaraderie and mentorship.
As Fein clasped Imeng's hand, a sense of anticipation filled the air. He knew that this journey would be filled with challenges and discoveries, but with Imeng by his side, Fein felt ready to face whatever awaited him.
Little did Fein know that by accepting Imeng's proposal, he had embarked on an adventure that would unveil the true extent of Imeng's power, and perhaps even unravel the mysteries of the Abyss itself. With a blend of humor and magic, their journey together was bound to be filled with surprises, laughter, and a touch of the extraordinary.
Imeng and Fein made their way back to their cozy inn after a long day of exploration and adventure in the bustling city. The sun had dipped below the horizon, casting an orange glow over the cobblestone streets. Their tired feet dragged slightly as they pushed open the heavy wooden door, ready for a hot meal and a soft bed.
But as they stepped inside, a scene of chaos unfolded before their eyes. The inn's owner, a stout and jovial man named Bartholomew, clutched his chest in agony, his face contorted with pain. Imeng's eyes widened, and Fein's jaw dropped, both frozen in shock for a brief moment.