RowanWood stared at Rain and Luna his eyes widened, the lines on his weathered face deepening.

  Monitoring our village? He echoed. You truly believe that?

  His brows drew together. The thought unsettled him more than he cared to admit.

  So our hunch was right all along, he muttered. We've noticed it too. They strike when our patrols thin out... when the torches burn low. It's as if they're watching. Waiting for the perfect moment.

  Rain folded his arms, glancing at Luna. You said you wanted the goblins to keep monitoring us. That means you have a plan.

  Luna gave a single nod. A cold glint shimmered in her emerald eyes.

  Of course. We'll give them something worth reporting.

  She turned to the village chief.

  Gather every man still capable of bearing arms.

  A murmur rippled through the room.

  Tria leaned closer to Luna, whispering behind her palm. So what's the actual plan?

  Give me an hour—perhaps two, Luna replied.

  Rest. Tomorrow will demand everything from us.

  She looked at Rowan. May I borrow a room to strategize?

  There's a small chamber upstairs, Rowan said apologetically. Not exactly fit for honored guests.

  Luna's lips curved faintly. No worries. We're not here for leisure.

  She ascended the stairs.

  Rain watched her climb. Don't you need rest too? he called, genuine concern in his voice.

  Without turning, Luna answered, You needn't worry about me, slave. Conserve your strength. If you wish to survive tomorrow, you'll require it. She paused just long enough to add, lightly mocking, It might be your last night, after all. Enjoy it.

  Rain's eyebrows twitched in irritation.

  With my level and stats, he muttered, I'm the only one here guaranteed to survive.

  Seraphine stepped beside him, her voice gentle. Pay her no mind. Luna carries the weight of leadership. She grows sharp when tense. If anything happens, we will protect you.

  Rain glanced at her. Is she truly that capable—or just full of herself?

  Seraphine smiled softly. She can be harsh. But she is deeply caring. And terrifyingly competent. Tria and I would never follow someone unworthy.

  At times? Rain grumbled inwardly. Since I was summoned, she's done nothing but insult me.

  Still, a small smile tugged at his lips.

  Glad to hear she's not what I assumed, he said quietly.

  The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

  Upstairs, Luna's footsteps faded.

  Below, Rain, Tria, and Seraphine sat near the hearth. The fire crackled, casting flickering shadows against the wooden beams.

  Rain cleared his throat. Ladies. May I ask something?

  Tria arched a brow. If you're planning to ask me on a date, I don't entertain slaves, weak men, or paupers.

  Rain stared at her. Can you be serious for once?

  She smirked. Fine. What troubles our Level 20 familiar?

  Rain exhaled slowly.

  You summoned me into this world. I know nothing of it. Where I come from, magic exists only in stories... and something called television.

  Both girls blinked.

  Tele... what?

  Never mind. The point is—skills, levels, mana. These concepts were fiction where I lived.

  Can you explain them to me properly.

  Seraphine's eyes brightened with curiosity. A world without magic... How fascinating.

  Tria leaned forward eagerly.

  Very well, little familiar. Consider this your first lesson.

  She spoke with theatrical authority.

  Skills are the body's manipulation of mana—the ambient energy saturating our world. Every living being possesses a Core, a reservoir of inner mana. Most never awaken it. Fewer can shape it.

  Seraphine continued smoothly, her tone more academic.

  Magic requires four disciplines. First—Perception. The ability to sense mana's flow. Second—Circulation. Guiding mana through the body's pathways without rupture. Third—Formulation. Constructing the spell's structure—through chant or visualization. And finally—Release. Stabilizing and discharging shaped mana into reality.

  Tria added. And of course, your level and stats amplify everything. Greater foundation, greater output.

  Magic serves many purposes, Seraphine added. Offense, defense, surveillance, healing. Even simple utility—lighting hearths, purifying water, mending tools.

  Rain absorbed every word.

  I understand the theory. But when you summoned me, you knew my level was 20.

  How?

  Visualization Crystals, Tria replied. Common in guild halls. They display a person's status in detail.

  Seraphine nodded. There are also Visualization Lenses. Smaller devices. They reveal only level—but that alone can determine someone's strength.

  Rain leaned back. And what levels are you two?

  I am Level 58, Tria declared proudly. Sera is Level 55.

  And Luna?

  Level 62, Seraphine answered softly. She stands in another league.

  Rain frowned. Isn't that... relatively low?

  Tria's jaw dropped. Relatively—said the Level 20 peasant.

  Slave. Familiar. Peasant...

  Rain lowered his gaze, shadows pooling beneath his eyes as though the weight of each title pressed upon his shoulders. A faint, bitter smile touched his lips.

  What nefarious honorific awaits me next, I wonder? He murmured, voice tinged with theatrical despair, as though fate itself delighted in renaming him.

  Tria pointed sharply at him. People above Level 50 are B-Tier Adventurers. Above 70 are A-Tier. Above 80 are S-Tier—warriors sought by the nobility. And above 90 are Double S-Tier.

  Seraphine folded her hands calmly. Level 90 alone can alter the balance of a kingdom.

  Rain blinked. Then what, exactly, does Level 200 make me? he wondered silently, the question echoing in the quiet chambers of his mind.

  So... does that make this a B-rank party?

  No, Tria said firmly. We are already considered A-Rank.

  Seraphine elaborated, her tone firm now.

  An individual's strength is not determined by level alone. Status—the culmination of birth, training, discipline, and combat experience—matters equally. Our attributes surpass most at our tier.

  Rain gave a thoughtful nod. So I at least understand magic and status now.

  Tria leaned back, folding her arms. You understand the basics.

  The air grew heavier. Beyond the village walls, somewhere in the darkness, unseen eyes were likely watching.

  Rain stared into the flames, half amused, half uneasy.

  A Level 200 slave in a world where Level 90 was legendary.

  He wasn't sure whether to feel powerful—Or terrified.

  Party Members' Status and Information

  Name: Lunaria Moonbough

  Race: Elf

  Level: 62

  Job Type: Scout

  Strength: 80

  Defense: 60

  Agility: 140

  Mana Recovery: 100%

  Physical Attack: 110

  Name: Seraphine Wavecrest

  Race: Human

  Level: 55

  Job Type: Water Mage

  Strength: 40

  Defense: 40

  Agility: 60

  Mana Recovery: 100%

  Magic Attack: 140

  Name: Tria Silverayne Ashcroft

  Race: Human

  Level: 55

  Job Type: Water Mage

  Strength: 90

  Defense: 60

  Agility: 110

  Mana Recovery: 70%

  Physical Attack: 130

  Name: Rain Heartnet

  Race: Human

  Level: 200

  Job Type: Familiar

  Strength: 200

  Defense: 200

  Agility: 200

  Mana Recovery: 200%

  Physical Attack: 200

  Magic Attack: 200