On the streets of the small town at night, aside from the patrolling militia and drunks preparing for a hangover, there were no other pedestrians.
The crescent moon in the sky and the lamplight from the houses added a touch of warmth to Kara Town.
Inside Uncle Ge Mu's family's small house, the bright lights illuminated the entire room, making it feel exceptionally cozy.
"The last dish, flaming pork chops, is here." A moderately stout middle-aged woman, wearing an apron, placed a fragrant and beautifully presented plate of roasted pork chops on a table filled with dishes.
This woman serving the dish was Uncle Ge Mu's wife, Little Ge Mu's mother, Auntie Amisha.
Amisha sat down, wiped the water off her hands onto the apron, which she hung on the back of the chair, and said,
"Alright, let's start eating. Kane, you should eat more."
As Amisha's words fell, the family eagerly began to wield their knives and forks.
Kane cut a piece of the most prominent main dish on the table, the flaming pork chop that was the last to be served, and put it in his mouth.
The familiar slightly spicy flavor invaded his mouth, like a flame dancing across his palate. The juice overflowed with rich meat fragrance.
"Auntie's culinary skills are still so amazing, you could become a royal chef."
Opposite him, Amisha laughed happily,
"Kane's tongue is still as sweet as honey, hahaha."
"Alright, quickly tell us about your dungeon adventure. When I was young, I always wanted to be an explorer, but never had the chance. It's such a pity."
Usually composed, Uncle Ge Mu couldn't help his excitement.
"Yes, tell us about your adventure story." Little Ge Mu had already put down his knife and fork, showing that the anticipated feast no longer held his interest.
"Ahem," Kane cleared his throat and began recounting his first adventure to his family.
········
"In a realm of white mist, I returned to the den of wolves from before."
As Kane's words ended, the family dinner was also drawing to a close.
Little Ge Mu had his eyes wide open, still immersed in the just-told adventure story.
Auntie Amisha had already gotten up and was starting to clear the tableware. Uncle Ge Mu sat quietly at the head of the table, sipping wine in deep thought.
"You are leaving, aren't you, Kane?" Uncle Ge Mu said quietly, fully aware of the dungeon's enchanting allure to the youth.
Even though immense risks accompanied it, people were constantly drawn to it.
Young people with dreams, middle-aged people unwilling to accept their current state, and even some elderly looking to gamble on one last adventure.
When he was young, he too prepared to venture out until he was hit in the knee by an arrow.
"Yes, I want to see the world, meet other races, learn skills, and gain power," embarking into this game-like magical world.
Sword and magic, elves, dwarfs, centaurs. After successfully activating the system, these were what Kane was eager to experience in this fantasy world of his previous life.
"Go, don't let us bind you. We shouldn't be your shackles, but rather family, what you have when everything else is gone." Uncle Ge Mu finished his drink in one gulp, trying to keep his voice calm.
"Of course, you should write home once a month," Amisha said, her eyes red, coming out of the kitchen. It seemed she had overheard the earlier conversation.
"Of course, of course, I'll definitely write to you every month," Kane said happily, his heart brimming with excitement due to his family's support.
Though they weren't related by blood, they were like true family.
"You go first, when I grow up, I'll definitely come to join you in adventure," Little Ge Mu shouted loudly, declaring his adventurous intentions upon hearing Kane's departure.
"Haha, no problem, Little Ge Mu, but you need to train well; otherwise, I won't bring you along," Kane laughed heartily.
Uncle Ge Mu looked pleased, seeing his son inherit his father's will.
Of course, Amisha wasn't as easygoing; she widened her eyes and yelled at Little Ge Mu, "What did you say? You little rascal, watch how I deal with you today," and then went to the kitchen to find a weapon.
Little Ge Mu, shouting, began to run away, chased by Auntie Amisha wielding a wooden stick upstairs.
Uncle Ge Mu came over and placed a prepared bag of gold coins into Kane's pocket. He patted Kane's shoulder and said, "Go back and prepare well; you're leaving tomorrow, aren't you?"
"What's this?" Kane asked, puzzled, looking at the bag of gold coins in his pocket.
"It's your reward for hunting that pack of wolves. Now, young man, don't dawdle, go on; you have plenty to prepare,"
He said and gently pushed Kane out the door.
"Well then, goodbye, Uncle Ge Mu, say goodbye to Auntie and the others for me," Kane said helplessly from the doorway.
"Alright, will do. Goodbye, kid," waving at Kane and closing the door.
Kane felt the weight of the gold coin bag in his pocket. Indeed, it was more than double the weight of 20 gold coins.
Walking slowly on the road, Kane had never felt the crescent moon in the sky so warm.
By the window, Ge Mu and Amisha quietly watched Kane disappear into the night.
"Is it right to let him follow his parents' path?"
"Doesn't he have adventure in his blood? How could we stop the flow of his blood?"
"He will be safe, right?"
"Of course, he is better than anyone else, isn't he?"
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As dawn was breaking, the sun had yet to rise in the sky,
Kane got up early, tidied up his gear, donned a brand-new hunting outfit. Carrying simple luggage, he shut the door.
Stepping steadily towards the future,
When he returned to the camp, it looked like a construction site.
All around were buildings under construction, workers coming and going, moving building materials.
Kane even saw magically constructed creatures resembling robots and some human-like but non-human races.
Dodging the materials scattered around on the way, he arrived outside yesterday's office tent.
He shook the copper bell hanging nearby, quietly waiting outside.
"Come in," Nando's steady voice carried a hint of fatigue.
Kane lifted the curtain and went in. It was the same as yesterday, except that this time, Nando was diligently writing at the desk, and the president was nowhere to be seen.
"Good day, Mr. Nando," Kane bowed politely.
Seeing that it was Kane, Nando seemed a bit surprised.
"Already prepared, Mr. Kane?"
Kane smiled, "I'll be back from time to time; it's not like we're parting for life."
"Hahaha, Mr. Kane is truly confident. I think so too,"
Nando laughed and then stood up to approach.
"Follow me, since you're ready, I hope you like the sensation of teleportation."
After speaking, he led Kane towards the massive teleportation stone in the center of the camp square.
Standing by the teleportation stone, Nando introduced, "The blue edge underneath the teleportation stone marks the teleportation range. If you accidentally touch this edge during teleportation, you will be bounced away. Although it won't be life-threatening, the experience isn't pleasant," Nando said with a lingering fear.
Handing Kane a copper card, carved with the symbol of the Mist Council, Nando continued,
"The teleport location is the Majestic City of the Border City State 'Sokayamas,' also known as Lion City. Upon arrival, the Explorer's House is right next to the teleportation stone, quite conspicuous.
Take this card inside, and the people there will assist you. Step in, and let us know when you're ready for teleportation."
Kane, with a rod wrapped in cloth on his back and luggage in hand, took a deep breath and stepped in.
"Are you ready?" Nando asked.
"No problem, let's begin,"
"Alright, then let's start the teleportation," he said, gesturing to the nearby operators.
A beam of blue light shot skyward, and Kane's figure vanished from the spot.