endless path, infinite cosmos

chapter 18

After resting for a few hours Vahn awoke to the sound of another notification within his mind.

//Milan Yuel: Intrigue - 1//

Confused, Vahn called up the system log to see what happened while he was asleep.

//System Log//

//Milan Yuel: Affection +1//

//Milan Yuel: Intrigue - 1//

//Milan Yuel: Intrigue +1//

//Milan Yuel: Intrigue - 1//

//Milan Yuel: Intrigue - 1//

("This must be the extra details Sis talked about when I touched the aura of someone using 'View Affection'. It seems to show me whenever the values change. But why would they change when I'm nowhere near them?")

(*The reason is simple Vahn. Imagine if you were really angry at someone, but then they left for an extended period of time. Your anger would diminish over time, and if they were gone long enough it may cease entirely.*)

Vahn had a small epiphany after listening to Sis's explanation. ("So you're saying that peoples thoughts and feelings change based on exposure, time, and other factors?")

(*Yes, but you should keep in mind that everyone is unique. Different people may respond in unexpected ways, and time may even enhance certain emotions.*)

He could understand what she meant. Even though he had never had the opportunity to spend time with his Mother, his affection for her had only grown with time. Other than experiencing everything the 'records' had to offer, it was the primary force driving him forward.

*sounds of stomach-sama demanding your attention*

Hearing the protest of his stomach Vahn quickly left the room, making sure to lock the door on his way out. Though he hadn't left any valuables inside, he actually enjoyed the thought of locking away his own little personal space that nobody had free access to.

On his way down he came across the small girl who was shuffling between several tables serving food to the other guests. Noticing his appearance, she immediately began to back away before saying, "My mother said you were a guest~nya. And to make sure not to let you touch my ears or tail~nya."

Hearing what the girl said, the surrounding customers all burst out laughing.

"Hahahaha, you tell 'im lass. Don't be gettin' handsy now y'hear!" said one man with a deep baritone voice.

"Aye, you tell 'im Jim! Keep yer filthy mitts off our lit'le Tina!" shouted his companion while raising a flagon of ale.

Vahn didn't know what to say in response to the ruckus of the crowd. He looked helplessly at the young girl that seemed to be terrified of him and noticed her aura was a wispy purple color. Though he wanted to 'touch' her and see her values, he assumed it would probably make the situation worse.

Giving up, he waved towards the Proprietress who seemed to be enjoying his misery and left the Inn.

//Milan Yuel: Intrigue + 5//

//Milan Yuel: Affection + 2//

The moment the notification sounded, he almost tripped which caused another round of laughter to erupt behind him.

//Milan Yuel: Affection + 1//

He quickly left the area before asking a passerby for directions. Tonight he had decided to visit one of the more popular places in the manga, the 'Hostess of Fertility'. That was where Bell had met the silver-haired beauty Syr Flova and was also the workplace of Ryuu Lion who was one of his favorite characters. He wasn't sure if they were working there yet, but it would still be worth it to visit. He remembered it being one of the most famous places in the City due to its all-women staff and incredible food.