Ouroboros

“Starlight-White, your documents are in order. Take them back.” After a careful comparison, the guard handed the identity card back to Starlight.

The reason it took so long wasn't because of any issue with the documents; it was mainly because the young man's attire was quite mismatched, making him look nothing like a resident of the city. Consequently, the guard had asked a few extra questions.

“You're not a local, are you? What do you plan to do in the inner city?”

“Uh... I plan to register at the Adventurers Guild first, and then I'm going to sell a pelt... By the way, Mr. Guard, may I ask why everyone thinks I'm not a local?”

Starlight asked with some confusion. Back when he joined the caravan, Tara and the others had also asked if he was a local, and being asked again by the guard piqued his curiosity.

“Oh, isn't it obvious? Have you seen many people with black hair and black eyes on your way here? I'm not sure about other places, but in Violet City-State, such people are quite rare.” The guard raised an eyebrow, and though slightly surprised, he patiently answered Starlight's question.

Starlight suddenly realized the truth. He thought to himself, “Right, it seems like from the time I met Uncle Tara until now, I haven't encountered anyone with the same hair color as me. But in the portraits, my father didn't seem to have black hair either. Does my hair color come from my mother? But wasn't her hair deep blue?”

Naturally, the guard didn't know the confusion in Starlight's heart. After briefly looking through his luggage, he signaled that Starlight could pass.

As they parted, the guard kindly reminded him that the cost of living in the inner city was much higher than in the outer city, and he should leave as soon as his business was finished.

This was because from midnight until early the next morning, the gates connecting the inner and outer cities would be closed. If he didn't make it out in time, he would have to spend the night in the inner city.

After thanking the guard for the kind reminder, Starlight walked straight along the main road toward the center of the inner city.

Unlike the dozens of townships scattered like stars, the inner city of Violet City-State was almost a perfect circle. From every gate, a straight main road led directly to the central area, like a giant spiderweb spread across the ground.

According to Tara, the Adventurers Guild he was looking for was located right in the center of this web, making it very easy to find. However, at this hour, the guild should have already closed for the day.

Coincidentally, Starlight was also feeling a bit exhausted after walking all day. Although the various novelties had kept his eyes busy and his excellent physical condition prevented too much discomfort, he still needed to rest.

After a quiet discussion with Noah, Starlight followed his guidance to a small tavern called “Ouroboros.”

According to Noah, this place was a long-standing establishment beloved by adventurers, offering excellent quality at reasonable prices. When Carlos and Arthur were young, they had also visited this place many times.

When Starlight pushed open the aged wooden door, a rich aroma of wine mingled with elegant smoke wafted toward him, instantly enveloping him.

The interior of the tavern was shrouded in dim, mysterious light and shadow, with a few flickering lamps barely illuminating this space full of stories.

On the walls, various maps and weapons intertwined into vivid tableaus, seemingly recounting thrilling tales of past adventures.

Although the place wasn't as glamorous as one might imagine, it didn't affect the lively atmosphere inside. Adventurers sat around their respective tables, their laughter and the clinking of glasses rising and falling.

Some were heatedly discussing their next adventure goal, while others shared what they had seen and heard on their journeys, clearly divided into different small circles.

Starlight, a stranger, immediately caught the attention of many. After all, his simple coarse cloth clothes and strange fur backpack were quite out of place compared to the adventurers present.

Furthermore, with his still somewhat youthful face—while there were young people among adventurers—they generally traveled together or joined a team of veterans.

Therefore, Starlight appearing here alone undoubtedly made him a conspicuous outlier.

A few sharp-eyed adventurers had already noticed the precious pelt behind him, their eyes gleaming with calculating intent, seemingly plotting something in secret.

Feeling the various gazes from all around, Starlight couldn't help but feel his scalp tingle.

But he could only steel himself, walking over to a table in the corner to sit down. He picked up the menu on the table, trying to use reading to hide his inner nervousness.

“Young gentleman, what can I get for you? We have the freshest ingredients and fine wines from all over. The first few items on the menu are the manager's special recommendations.”

Not long after Starlight sat down, a young waiter in a clean white uniform stepped forward politely to inquire.

At this moment, Starlight was feeling confused by the heap of unheard-of food names on the menu. Hearing the waiter's introduction, he quickly pointed to those signature dishes, signaling for him to just bring some out.

After confirming his selection, the waiter hurried away. Starlight's slightly awkward behavior further convinced those observing him in secret that he was a green boy from the countryside.

Before long, the waiter returned with a fragrant plate of sausages and beef. For a drink, Starlight didn't choose alcohol but instead ordered a glass of relatively light fruit juice.

Seeing the delicious food placed before him, Starlight's stomach began to growl uncontrollably. Compared to the prosperity of the big city, his previous life in the valley could indeed be described as meager.

In just a simple serving of roast beef, Starlight discovered several kinds of spices he had never seen before. The enticing aroma filled his nose, making his mouth water.

He had to admit that Noah's recommendation was indeed very good. The recommended dishes at Ouroboros left Starlight exceptionally satisfied; this was a kind of pleasure he had never experienced in his past days.

“Ah, this stuff is really delicious. If I get the chance, I should buy some spices to take with me, so I can make it myself in the wild.”

Just as Starlight was secretly marveling, several tall figures suddenly approached his table and sat down unceremoniously.

“Kid, where did that pelt hanging on your bag come from? Is it for sale?” As Starlight looked at the men before him in confusion, a brute with a long scar across his face spoke up.

Starlight, who had been somewhat worried about how to deal with them, immediately perked up upon hearing they were asking about his Shadow Leopard pelt, completely failing to notice the hostile expressions on their faces.

In his view, how to handle this pelt was one of his purposes for coming to Violet City-State. Since someone had taken the initiative to ask, it would be perfect if he could sell it right here.

So he quickly pushed aside his empty dishes, untied the pelt from his backpack, placed it gently on the table, and began his introduction.

“Um... this is a Shadow Leopard pelt I hunted a while ago. However, a part of it has already been used to make my backpack. If you really want it, just name a price!”

“A Shadow Leopard?! ...You say it is, so it is? A high-tier magical beast like that—have you even seen a live one, you little brat?”

Hearing that the pelt had actually been stripped from a Shadow Leopard, a flash of surprise clearly crossed the scar-faced brute's face, but he then spoke in a gruff voice, seemingly quite dissatisfied with Starlight's introduction.

Starlight frowned slightly and pointed at the pelt, saying, “I killed this Shadow Leopard with my own hands. How could I not know what it is?”

Unexpectedly, the group of big men burst into boisterous laughter upon hearing his rebuttal, causing a stir in the tavern.

“Hahahaha! He actually said he killed a Shadow Leopard himself! That's probably the best joke I've heard all year. Kid, do you even know what that means?” The scarred man spoke loudly and theatrically, gesturing toward the surrounding diners.

“Although I don't care how a country kid like you got your hands on such a good piece of leather, since you've provided me with such a good laugh, I'll be merciful. I'll take this pelt off your hands for five gold coins!”