Infinite Evolution: Return of the Talentless Mage-Chapter 33 - 0. Night in another City

The warning was unclear and left him in the dark, because he didn’t know what he was supposed to be staying silent for or what the stranger was warning him against.

He stood at the front porch for a while, rethinking his decision but it was already late and it was way too dark for a change of mind.

’If they’re serious about what they’re saying then leaving now would be a death wish.’ He sighed, turning around and making his way through the streets.

He followed the clear directions she gave him and found himself in front of the tavern minutes later. The lights were on, shining through the window.

The window was placed high up, so he couldn’t see what was inside, unless there was a way for him to grow taller or fly.

He stepped forward and gave the door a casual, yet loud knock to inform those inside of his arrival. There was no response, but he stood quietly outside for a while before he tried again, giving the door another knock.

It took a second knock before someone opened the door, a huge figure stepping through and staring down at him with a stern expression. "What do you want?"

’I was expecting that, but his figure is low-key scary and intimidating..’

"Sorry for the inconvenience sir, someone directed me here to stay for the night until sunrise." He didn’t add the part where he didn’t know what he was supposed to be worried about to avoid any ideas from the man.

He glared down at him with a commander’s look, then stepped aside for him to go through. "Step inside quickly.." he glanced behind him, noticing the cub following close behind.

"The pup stays out, no animals allowed in here."

Ralph turned to him, flustered by his words with a raised eyebrow. He glanced at the man with a slightly annoyed expression. "Why’s that? The pup is an emotional animal, I promise it will not cause any trouble" he pleaded.

The man shook his head, refusing his plea "Sorry, no animals allowed in here, it’s house rules." He pointed at the sign with no animals allowed.

Ralph stared at the sign and realised there was nothing much he could do. He had to let the pup stay alone for the night if he was going to stay in the shelter.

He still felt a bit of emotion for the pup since it hadn’t been alone for days, and it won’t obviously be happy staying alone all night.

"Alright buddy, sorry about it but you have to stay here alone for the night." An idea struck him and he realised something.

’There should be..’ he turned to the man standing behind him. "There isn’t a place to keep animals or rather pets? There should be, he can’t stay out here alone, it’s not safe."

"Yes we do, but it’s on the other street and it’s not safe for you to be moving about at this hour. You should just let him stay outside, nothing will happen to him."

Ralph couldn’t accept empty words from a stranger, though risking his life for an animal he barely had any relation to was just as crazy. But for some reason, he was alive and survived the cold.

He knew the pup had something to do with it, but he didn’t have any proof yet. So he couldn’t just let it spend the night alone outside when he was warned of danger.

He turned to the man, "I’ll be back soon, wait for me."

The man tried to stop him but he ran off with the dog chasing behind, he left his bag at the entrance for the man to carry in, hoping he would return soon enough.

The man stood close to the entrance with the door closed, waiting for Ralph to return. Time was passing and Ralph still hadn’t returned, and midnight was drawing closer.

He turned away from the door, walking back inside with a sigh. He didn’t take another step when he heard a knock on the door.

When he opened the door, he saw Ralph standing outside but before he could fully open the door, he first had to shine a lantern light on him, making sure he was the one.

"Alright, come in quickly". Ralph hurried in, his breath stuck in his throat as he panted for air, his lungs dry and deflated.

"What took you so long? Did something happen along the way?" The man couldn’t help but ask.

Ralph shook his head, "No, he just couldn’t see me go. He caused a ruckus for a while before they forced him to sleep with a pill."

"Ahh, I see. Come in, there’s one empty room you can stay in."

Ralph raised his head and picked up his bag, noticing the interior of the tavern. He hadn’t been in a tavern before, only heard stories from his uncle anytime he returned from his journey.

Round tables sat at different corners, and stools circled around them, about seven stools on each table. The tables were made of wood and the stools were made of iron.

There was a wooden table perfectly constructed for the bartender, with stools gathered in front of it. A shelf was behind, housing bottles and wines of different varieties.

The man led him through a door to another room. It was a corridor leading to several different rooms, about five of which had doors.

"In there, you can stay there for the night. Do not forget to remain quiet, even if you hear strange noises outside, turn off the lights before sleeping " He pointed to a door toward the end of the corridor.

"Thank you for your hospitality." He bowed in respect and headed for the door.

Inside the room, it wasn’t what he was expecting. It was empty, the only items filling it were the light bulb and a well-laid mattress, tucked and prepared for use.

He set his bag by the door and walked up to the windows. ’I wonder what is out there, and if Ash will survive the night.’