Chapter 150: Thomas was Alone

    Earlier that morning

    Thomas rolled over and stretched. He couldnt remember the last time he had such a comfortable sleep. After some time, he willed his eyes open. Instantly, all he wanted to do was close them again and go back to sleep. He had nothing to do today, so it really wouldnt matter if he slept in.

    Before deciding to resume his slumber, he checked his system clock. To his surprise, it was already well past the time he usually awoke. Then he remembered that there was a free breakfast, made by an offshoot of the Crown Restaurant no less, waiting for him below.

    Finally, after weighing the pros and cons of sleeping versus eating, he decided to get up. The outcome was close, but he knew that breakfast was not served throughout the day, so if he went back to sleep, he would miss out. Thomas didnt know if he would be able to forgive himself if that happened.

    He threw the blanket off his lazy body and saw something fly through the air. Walking over to the floor where the item landed, he realized it was the keycard for the room that he and Derek was staying in. Thomas looked over to the unkempt bed on the other side of the room. When did Derek wake up? I didnt hear him at all.

    Thomas then looked at the small room with the tub inside. Remembering what occurred the previous night, embarrassment fell over the boys face and his cheeks turned a bright shade of red. Thomas looked down and realized he was only wearing a pair of lower undergarments, and to make things worse, they were on backwards.

    He rushed to the bathroom to relieve himself and wash his face. He was tempted to hop in the tub again, but he wasnt sure how much longer he had until they stopped serving the free breakfast. Surely, they will keep serving until noon, at least. He thought and hoped.

    After making himself presentable and putting on his best set of clothing, Thomas stored the keycard and left his room. Before rushing down to the lobby, he knocked on the doors to the others rooms. There was no answer from either of them. Either they all woke early, or they are also still sleeping. Thomas sighed and headed downstairs.

    Once downstairs, he cautiously approached one of the dining tables in the hotel. He wasnt actually sure what to do. He was used to the service from mediocre inns and eating at bars. Luckily, a beautiful girl saw his hesitation and came over to greet him.

    Are you a guest at the hotel? The woman asked.

    Uh yeah. Thomas squeaked out. Looking at the garb the woman was wearing, it was safe to assume that she was a worker at the hotel. Is breakfast still being served? Or did I sleep in too long? He asked.

    The woman laughed. There is still an hour left until noon, so you are right on time. Please, have a seat. She pointed to an empty table.

    Thank you. Thomas sat down.

    What would you like to drink? The woman asked as she handed him a menu.

    Thomas browsed the options, his eyes stopping on coffee. Isnt that what Derek sold to the Crown? Derek had told him about his business with the Crown, but the boy had yet to try the beverage. If it was already on the menu at a hotel such as this, then it had to be quite popular. Ill have the coffee.

    The womans eyes furrowed. The coffee? Are you sure? She asked.

    Yes? Thomas answered cautiously. Why would the lady be so hesitant about him ordering coffee? Thomas couldnt understand.

    Very well. She said. How do you take it? She asked.

    Oh um I dont think I need anything special. Thomas answered.

    She nodded. Very well. She said. What is your weapon of choice?

    Why do you need to know that? Thomas was confused.

    The woman frowned. Even if you are going to rent one of the lesser training rooms, I still need the information to find the one that would suit you well. I wouldnt want to put a tank class in a room with only ranged training, you see?

    Oh Thomas replied. I use a spear.

    The lady nodded and jotted something down on some paper. Would you like a room with a mixture of close and midrange training?

    Thomas thought for a second. He had no idea what the room would consist of. He did need to work on his midrange fighting, though. He nodded. That would be good.

    Alright. Lets see. She wrote something else down, then shuffled through the papers. Room 37 should suit you well. She said. The price is 27 gold an hour. Would you like to pay by the hour or upfront?

    Thomas did his best not to show his surprise at the price of the room. I could train for two days in Torith at the price of one hour here. He thought. Thomas hesitated to say anything. He had enough money for a few hours, but he hated to use it. As he was preparing to buy one hour of training time, and rough hand gripped his shoulder.

    Thomass eyes followed the hand all the way up to a grinning mans face. He was dark-skinned with a completely shaven head. He had brown eyes and a small vertical scar on his left cheek. He was built like Derek. He was a little taller than six feet, with very toned arms. The most surprising thing about the man, however, was the coal black badge pinned to his arm.

    Can I help you? Thomas asked in a low voice. If he wasnt mistaken, this man was an Onyx Ranked Adventurer.

    The mans smile grew wider. I couldnt help but overhear that you use a spear. He said. Spears are typically used by lowly guards and soldiers. He continued. There arent actually that many adventurers that choose to wield a spear of their own volition.

    Thomas nodded. He had seen many spear users in Torith, but they were mostly part of the guards. From what he gathered, it was because basic spears were easy to mass produce with little need for metals and time. Because of this, many adventurers had an innate dislike for spears and preferred to use other weapons.

    It is especially rare to see a youngster like you already using a spear. You wouldnt believe the amount of people I see avoid using the spear, even though they are obviously best suited for the weapon. The man explained.

    Thomas blushed. Did he not do the exact same thing that the man was describing? What does an Onyx Ranked Adventurer want with me? He wondered.

    Sorry Judy. The man apologized to the woman behind the desk. Im taking your customer from you today.

    The woman frowned. Whatever. She said, then looked back at Thomas. Be careful.

    Be careful? Whats going on? For the first time in a long while, Thomas wished Silvi was with him.

    Cmon kid. Lets see what you got. The unknown man pulled Thomas behind him as they disappeared through the training doors in the Adventurers Guild.