I deactivated the NeuroLink ability and returned to my main body. As soon as I took control, I looked around and found myself sitting in an unfamiliar place. In front of me was a plate of food that looked delicious.
A restaurant?
There were many people around, mostly elves.
The plate was full, which meant my body had just arrived at this place. What's going on? Can he not cook? Does he have to eat out every time?
I looked at the food again—it really did look tasty.
I grabbed the fork, picked up the entire steak, and took a bite. The flavor exploded in my mouth—it felt like I was in heaven. While savoring the meat, I opened my status screen.
Name: Zane
Level: 47 (EXP: 74,650 / 470,000)
Rank: B
Clones: 32 / 32
Strength: 1,500
Endurance: 1,500
Agility: 1,500
Dexterity: 1,500
Magic: 1,500
Points: 794
"Cough… Cough…" I started coughing after choking on my food when I saw my level. Level 47!? Isn't that way too high? The EXP needed to level up is insane—how is this possible!?
Okay, sure, I do have many clones hunting in the lower floors right now… but still.
I guess I've been underestimating them.
Could one of my clones be killing humans without me knowing?
When I hunt together with my clones—or even alone—I can see all the notifications, and there are a lot of them. That's why I usually keep them turned off. Could I have missed something?
I re-enabled the EXP gain notifications and was instantly bombarded. Every second a new one popped up. And they all reported large EXP gains, though still within a reasonable range.
Each time I killed a monster on the 24th floor, I'd get around 1,000 EXP. Thinking about it, I guess it makes sense that I've leveled up this much. "There's nothing out of the ordinary here."
No notification showed more than 1,000 or 1,200 EXP per kill.
I started clearing all the notifications while more kept coming in.
In the end, I didn't find anything unusual.
"This is frustrating…" I need 800 points to upgrade the "Clones" ability, and I only have 794. I need to level up again to get the remaining points. But I still need 400,000 EXP to level up.
We'll have to kill about 400 more monsters.
It might not seem like a lot given how many clones are out there hunting, but it is a lot of monsters.
"Well, I just have to wait."
I finished my meal and left the restaurant. Then I headed to the inn
I went to my room and contacted Frieren to ask what was going on in Orario.
It's been a while since I checked in on Orario. Maybe the Gods' meeting already happened, and I'm now being hunted.
'Frieren?'
[Master? What's wrong?]
'Just checking in. It's been a while since I've visited the city. Has anything changed recently?'
[I haven't seen anything unusual, Master.]
'Are you sure?'
[Yes, I'm sure.]
'Where are you right now?'
[I'm having lunch. I'll be back to work soon. But honestly, I'm thinking of quitting. I wanted to learn how to make potions, but the lady won't teach me. This job takes up too much of my time, and it's getting boring.]
'I figured you'd quit eventually.'
[Well, I'll stick around for a few more days at least.]
'Frieren, do you mind if I take control of your body?'
[Of course not, Master. You can do whatever you want.]
'Alright. Don't worry—you won't be late for work. I just need to check something.'
[You don't need to explain yourself, Master.]
I activated the "NeuroLink" ability and took control of Frieren's body. I looked around and realized she was inside the Hostess of Fertility. I stood up and placed some money on the table before heading for the exit.
But just as I reached the door, people appeared.
It's them.
Ais, Tiona, Tione, and Bete.
What time is it? Shouldn't they be in the dungeon or something?
"Frieren!!!" Tiona shouted and ran over to hug me.
I stood still with a neutral expression, trying not to show any emotion and act like Frieren. Although, the version of Frieren I created does show a bit more feeling.
Tiona hugged tightly. Frieren's body is somewhat frail, so it hurt.
"Hey, Tiona, let her go."
"Oh! Sorry, did I hurt you?"
"No, it's fine." I rubbed my sore arm. Then I remembered the emblem hidden there. I cleared my throat and said, "I have to go. I need to get back to work."
"What? But we just got here! Have you even eaten yet?"
"Tiona, let her go back to work."
"No, I haven't eaten because I don't have enough money. I haven't received my paycheck yet." I said, trying to sound sad. It was an obvious lie, but Tiona and the others believed it.
Frieren's relationship with them is good—I should take advantage of that.
I thought about saying goodbye and heading into the city to see how things were, but it'd be easier just to talk to them. I'm sure they wouldn't mind sharing information.
Could I use this opportunity to try joining the Loki Familia?
"What? You can't skip a meal! Ais, can she eat with us?"
Ais looked at me, and our eyes met. I thought about smiling at her—and did.
She said, "It's fine." That's all.
Bete didn't seem to mind either, so I sat down at a large table with them.
Now, I need to gather information about the Denatus and what the gods decided. I already have an idea based on my talk with Freya, but I need to be sure.
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If you want to encourage me to keep writing and read more chapters, here is my patr eon:
patr eon.com/ZhangYe
Next chapters: Chapter 66 - I want to join the Loki Familia. / Chapter 67 - 64 clones. / Chapter 68 - Well done, Frieren.