If he excluded the time he spent unconscious and trapped in the void, Joe had only been in this world for about five hours. In that short span, not only had his colleagues died in front of him, but he had also managed to draw the attention of both his employers and the town guards. That had to rank somewhere in the top five mistakes to avoid when getting reborn in another world. As someone who took pride in reading portal fantasies, he was deeply disappointed in himself. He could not even keep a low profile for half a day.

  Back on Earth, he had been a background character. He doubted more than ten people on the entire planet even knew his name. Now he had attracted the attention of two of the most influential groups in Suveny.

  He sighed and looked up at the healer. “Did they mention what each of them wanted?” He already had a clear idea why the Guild required his presence, but he did not understand why the town guards were involved.

  The healer wore a thoughtful expression. “The Guild sent someone to inform me that they need to speak with you once you regained consciousness. They did not explain the reason. They only said they wanted a meeting.”

  Joe assumed it was about the quest. He did not mind meeting the Guild since he had important information to share regarding the Lord of the Woods. He only hoped they would not accuse him of abandoning his comrades. Even if he had no choice, it would not look good to the other adventurers.

  “As for the town guards,” the healer continued, drawing his attention back to her, “they ordered me to inform you that you are to report to Suveny Station when you wake up. They did not provide a reason either, but they were serious. They even threatened to take you there by force if you did not show up within a day. The only reason they did not drag you there while you were injured is because I insisted you be given time to recover.”

  Joe was surprised to hear the guards were that aggressive. He must've done something horrible for them to be so determined to capture him, but he could not remember what it was.

  Joe smiled to the healer. “Thank you, Miss Sophia. I owe you another favor on top of saving my life,” he said earnestly.

  “A healer’s duty is to protect the lives of those in their care. I was only fulfilling my responsibility.”

  “I still appreciate it.” Joe lowered his head respectfully.

  “With the Guild involved, I assume you are an adventurer,” Sophia said.

  “That’s right,” Joe replied. “Although it is more accurate to call me a porter. My job was to carry equipment.” There was a hint of disappointment in his voice. He was not proud of his role in the group and how little he had contributed in battles.

  “Were you injured on a quest? Is that why you came here in such a rush?” Sophia asked.

  “Yes.”

  “Where are the rest of your party members? Why did they not bring you themselves?”

  “They’re dead.” Joe did not try to soften the truth. His expression remained composed. “I was the only survivor.”

  Sophia’s eyes widened. “An Unawakened survived while all his Awakened companions died?” Her voice rose louder than usual, which likely disturbed the sick man in the room, a low groan sounded from his bed.

  “That’s correct,” Joe said calmly. “They sacrificed themselves so I could escape Evergreen. They trusted that I would make it. If not for them, I would have died.”

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  “But why place their faith in you? Even with enhancements, an Unawakened could easily perish on the way. It sounds reckless.”

  “Trust,” Joe said simply. “They believed I would survive. As you can see, they were right.”

  Sophia studied him. “You are an unusual boy. I have never heard of Awakened placing such faith in someone without mana. You must have done something to earn that trust.”

  “I did not do anything special,” Joe said modestly. “They were just good people.”

  “To think an Unawakened could sprint from Evergreen to Suveny and still have enough strength to destroy part of my house,” she added. “Perhaps I understand their confidence now. You are clearly abnormal.”

  Joe smiled faintly and stepped out of bed. “I should visit the Guild now that I am healed and see what they want.” He slipped his feet into the boots beside the bed.

  “If you are only an Unawakened porter who failed the quest, you do not need to worry about payment,” Sophia said. “I will handle the damages myself.”

  “No.” Joe turned to face her. “I do not break promises. I said I would compensate you, and I will. I will earn the money to fix everything.”

  “You truly do not have to.”

  “I want to.” His voice grew firmer. “I am tired of being someone who only causes trouble for others. Even if you do not expect it, I will keep my word.”

  Sophia sighed, realizing he would not budge. “Very well. I will not place a deadline on your debt. Pay me whenever you can. Even if it takes ten years.”

  “I will bring it within a week.”

  Sophia nearly choked. “Are you insane? Do not make promises you cannot keep. My door and counter were enchanted with Middle Grade Talismans. Even an Awakened would struggle to break them. They are expensive.”

  “How much?” Joe asked.

  “Were you listening to anything I said?”

  “Just tell me the price.”

  “One thousand gold pieces,” she said in resignation.

  “A thousand. Understood. You will have it in a few days.”

  Before she could respond, Joe rushed out and slammed the door behind him. The hinges tore free from the frame, taking part of the wall with them. Sophia stared in shock, mouth open.

  Joe peeked his head back through the ruined doorway with a sheepish smile. “Let’s make that another five hundred,” he said before hurrying away.

  Sophia could only mumble incoherently.

  Joe sprinted down the stairs, still adjusting to his enhanced body. He had nearly collided with the wall but managed to stop himself at the last second. The last thing he wanted was to cause Sophia more trouble. Adding to his debt would only make things worse, especially since he had no idea how he would gather one thousand five hundred gold. His pride had pushed him into a reckless promise, and now he would have to work hard to fulfill it.

  Begging was no longer an option. He looked presentable now, and even if it worked, he would never earn that amount in seven days. His only real choice was to somehow secure work as an adventurer despite being Unawakened, which would not be easy.

  ‘Why is my second life already this complicated? Back on Earth, my biggest concern was how many chapters I could read in a day,’ Joe thought, remembering one of the few comforts of his old life.

  He leapt down the final stair and burst through the entrance. The moment he stepped outside, a girl with purple hair appeared directly in his path. He could not stop in time. He braced for impact as he crashed into her.

  She fell backward and landed hard on the ground. Joe managed to remain standing, though he staggered slightly. He quickly crouched. “Are you okay?” he asked, reaching out to help her up.

  “Don’t touch me.” She slapped his hand away and clutched her forehead. Blood trickled down the center of her face as she glared up at him with watery, furious eyes. “Can you not watch where you're going?”

  “I am sorry,” Joe said sincerely.

  “Just go!” she snapped, waving him away.

  Joe noticed several red flowers scattered on the ground and tried pick them up, but she struck his wrist again. “Don’t touch those with your filthy hands. Leave. I can handle it.”

  He straightened, feeling worse. Her short red skirt and jacket were stained with dirt, and the flowers clearly mattered to her. He bowed his head in apology once more before jogging off.

  As she gathered the flowers, the girl frowned. “Is he made of stone?” she muttered. “And why did I not sense any mana from him? Is he Unawakened?” She scoffed. “No, that can't be right. I would not have hurt my head from a simple collision. He must be wearing something that conceals his mana.”

  She hesitated, recalling the impact. “Although… he does have a very solid chest.” Her cheeks flushed, and she shook her head quickly. “Focus, Rachel. You need to give these flowers to Miss Sophia before it is too late.”

  With that, she hurried into the healer’s residence.