I Don't Need To Log Out

Chapter 15 Administrator (1)

There were no politicians in Trion. While some families were influential due to their wealth from administrative roles, there was no system akin to the British peerage. Wealth could be passed down to kin, but not power. Every administrator was chosen based solely on their ability to perform the job.

Although this system generally worked in Trion's favor, not everyone appreciated it. Children without any notable skills of their own often wished to inherit their parents' positions, and many parents were reluctant to relinquish their authority.

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Arlon headed to the only inn in the town. Inside, the place was bustling with activity—people were drinking, laughing, and chatting in lively clusters.

He made his way to the counter, where a bald Beastman was in the middle of a conversation with another customer. Arlon didn't want to care about the man's baldness but when a hairy dog Beastman didn't have hair at some place on their body, it would draw attention.

"Hi. Do you have any spare rooms?" Arlon asked directly.

The man froze, his expression turning to surprise, and a hush spread through the area around him. Conversations nearby died down, and heads turned to glance at Arlon.

He was puzzled by the sudden attention but dismissed it, assuming they were simply curious about a new face. However, Arlon overlooked an important detail: Trion was currently under strict instructions. Before the saviors arrived and the game began, citizens had been told to stay near their homes unless absolutely necessary.

This policy meant that most inns were typically empty as players logged out at fixed times. Innkeepers had even been compensated for potential losses, though most inns operated more like pubs or restaurants and hadn't suffered much.

With the players logged out for now, the townsfolk quickly reached a conclusion: Arlon wasn't a player. They couldn't know Arlon didn't need to log out.

So they thought the only possible explanation. This man was someone important, probably an administrator coming from Kelta.

Unbeknownst to Arlon, there was already an administrator staying at this inn. She had come here to ensure everything remained under control after the saviors appeared last week.

The people nearby exchanged uneasy glances. Having this many administrators in one place was never a good sign—it often meant trouble. The whispers began, speculating about a possible conflict brewing near Oceina. Could there be a war coming to their peaceful town?

Sensing the tension, the bald man at the counter adjusted his demeanor, treating Arlon with a cautious respect.

"Yes, sir. Please come with me. You can choose any room upstairs," he said, his tone deferential.

Arlon blinked, momentarily taken aback. This wasn't how innkeepers usually treated him—or anyone else, for that matter. Still, he kept his composure.

"No need for that. Just give me a room with a window," he replied, brushing off the man's eagerness.

Merchants rarely stayed in inns since they preferred to camp outside towns near their wagons. And Arlon's lack of expensive attire ruled out the possibility of him being a wealthy traveler. Adding all this up, Edrich had no doubt this was the "friend" Charon had mentioned.

Edrich gestured to Arlon with a knowing grin. "So, what brings you to my shop? Just passing through, or are you here on business?"

Arlon glanced around the shop as Edrich's words hung in the air. The interior was just as grand as the exterior. There were a lot of items like polished trinkets, shimmering fabrics, rare potions, and even a few weapons and armor pieces that looked like they belonged to a collector rather than an adventurer.

These weapons and armor were probably just for show. Rich people would love to wear them to show off even though they didn't provide real defense.

Edrich observed Arlon's wandering eyes and grinned. "Quite the setup, huh? Everything you see here, I've either traded for or bartered over. This isn't just a shop, kid—it's a gallery of opportunities."

Arlon was impressed. "It's more refined than I expected. Charon didn't mention you were running such a... I don't know how to describe it, so let's say successful place."

"Ah! Well, that's Charon for you!" Edrich said with a shrug. "He's got his mind wrapped up in his little alchemy world. He probably thinks I'm still haggling for fish down by the docks!" He chuckled.

The merchant leaned forward. Arlon could see that his eyes twinkling with curiosity. "So, what brings you here? I doubt you've come to marvel at my fine establishment. Charon must've sent you for a reason." He was obviously born with a merchant's hunger for information.

Arlon hesitated for a moment. He hadn't thought too deeply about what he wanted from Edrich, but this seemed like a good opportunity to gather information. "Charon mentioned you might be able to help me. I'm new to Oceina and could use some guidance and maybe even some supplies."

Edrich stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Guidance, huh? Well, you've come to the right man. Oceina's a fine little town, but one thing I learned as a merchant is nothing can be too good and there is always a downside. Here, the people are cautious by nature. Especially since the saviors came around. They stick to their routines, and outsiders like you... well, they tend to draw attention."

"I've noticed," Arlon muttered. He recalled the whispers that followed him wherever he went.

Edrich chuckled again. "Don't take it personally. They're just trying to figure out who you are and whether you're a threat to them. Now, as for supplies," He gestured to a corner of the shop filled with practical adventuring gear. "I've got potions, rations, tools, whatever you might need. Also, since Charon sent you, I'll give you a discount. What're you looking for?"

Arlon scanned the goods. A small case of neatly labeled potions caught his eye. But he decided it wasn't the time yet. He would buy anything he might need when leaving the town. For now, he asked:

"Before I buy anything, what can you tell me about Oceina? Anything unusual I should know?"

Edrich raised an eyebrow and his demeanor shifted slightly. "Unusual? Well, that depends on what you mean. There's been talk of strange occurrences near the cliffs lately like lights in the sky and eerie noises at night. Some folks say it's just the saviors causing a ruckus, but the saviors aren't here at night. Others think it's something worse. Well, you know. These kinds of conspiracies are always rumored in towns." He leaned in conspiratorially. "And then there's the woman who arrived yesterday. She's staying at the same inn as you, isn't she?"

Arlon stiffened, remembering the Magus he'd encountered on the stairs. "You know about her?"

"Of course I do. It's my job to know. She's an administrator, isn't she? But what she's administrating, no one seems to know. And trust me, that's unusual. Administrators rarely leave their regions without good reason."