Eric hesitated for a moment, wondering if he should ignore the figure or investigate. His curiosity got the better of him. He grabbed a candle and crept downstairs, careful not to wake Lila.
The front door creaked softly as he opened it. The figure stood closer now, just outside the shop. Eric raised his candle, casting flickering shadows on the ground.
The figure stepped forward, revealing a young woman with piercing blue eyes and raven-black hair. She wore a hooded cloak, and a silver necklace glinted in the candlelight.
"You're the transmigrator," she stated, her voice low and mysterious.
Eric nodded, unsure what to say. The woman glanced around cautiously before focusing on him again.
"My name is Aria. I've been watching you, Eric. I know why you're here in Tenria."
Eric's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean? I'm just a botanist who got transported here by accident."
Aria smiled, her eyes glinting with amusement. "That's what they want you to think. But you have a crucial role to play in Tenria's future. One that could change everything."
Eric's mind reeled. What was Aria talking about? He thought back to Lila's words about being a transmigrator with a greater purpose.
"What role? What are you talking about?" Eric demanded, his voice barely above a whisper.
Aria glanced around nervously again before leaning closer. "Meet me at the old windmill on the outskirts of town tomorrow night. Come alone. I'll explain everything then."
With that, she turned and vanished into the night, leaving Eric staring after her.
Eric stood there for a moment, trying to process what had just happened. The mysterious woman, Aria, had revealed that he was in Tenria for a reason – a reason that could change everything.
He looked around cautiously, wondering if anyone had seen their conversation. The streets were empty, save for a few stragglers heading home from late-night revelries.
Eric returned inside, locking the door behind him. He crept back upstairs, careful not to wake Lila. Back in his room, he sat at the desk, quill in hand, and continued writing in his journal.
...
As he wrote, Eric's mind wandered back to Aria's words. What role could he possibly play in Tenria's future? He was just a botanist, not some hero destined for greatness.
The candle burned low, casting flickering shadows on the walls. Eric blew it out, plunging the room into darkness. He lay down on the bed, his mind racing with thoughts and questions.
Tomorrow, he would meet Master Edwin, the alchemist. And tomorrow night, he would sneak out to meet Aria at the old windmill.
Eric's eyes closed, but his mind remained awake, lost in the mysteries of this new world.
Hours passed, and the first light of dawn crept into the room. Eric woke with a start, feeling groggy and disoriented.
He remembered his meeting with Master Edwin and quickly got dressed. Downstairs, Lila had already prepared breakfast – a hearty meal of eggs, bread, and cheese.
"Good morning, Eric! Eat quickly, then head to the market square. Master Edwin will be waiting for you," she said, handing him a small pouch containing a few coins.
Eric nodded, wolfing down his food. He grabbed the pouch and headed out into the morning light.
The market square was bustling with activity. Merchants set up their stalls, selling everything from fresh produce to rare artifacts. Eric looked around, trying to spot Master Edwin.
A tall, slender man with a long white beard and piercing brown eyes approached him. He wore a pair of wire-rimmed glasses perched on the end of his nose and a long, black coat with leather gloves.
"Ah, you must be Eric Lee, the transmigrator.
...
I'm Master Edwin, the alchemist. Lila told me about your background in botany. I think we can work together quite well."
Eric nodded, still trying to process everything. Master Edwin led him to a nearby stall, where various plants and herbs were on display.
"These are some of the rarest plants in Tenria. I use them to create potions and elixirs. But I need someone with your expertise to help me identify and cultivate them," Master Edwin explained.
Eric's eyes widened as he examined the plants. Some he recognized, while others were completely foreign.
"I'd be happy to help, Master Edwin. But I have to ask, what kind of potions and elixirs are we talking about? I'm not exactly familiar with magical botany," Eric said.
Master Edwin chuckled. "Ah, yes. Well, let's just say that our potions and elixirs have... unique properties. But don't worry, I'll teach you everything you need to know. You'll be creating magical potions in no time!"
Eric nodded, feeling a mix of excitement and trepidation. He was about to embark on a journey into the unknown, and he wasn't sure what lay ahead.