What a reassuring face.
Without warning, this idea popped up in Annan’s mind.
In front of Annan was a “classic” face of a mercenary middle-aged man. A healthy gleam appeared on his dark brown skin, and his tea-colored pupils shone brilliance.
This person’s body was so robust that even when wearing a leather coat, the muscles on their shoulders could push the fabric outwards.
The man’s right hand supported Annan to get up. Annan did not even feel any pressure and was lifted up directly.
The mercenary middle-aged man’s forearm muscles were so strong that they felt like steel hinges as if they had to firmly lock the bones in place. His palms were scorching hot, and even after he withdrew his right hand, Annan could feel a wave of heat steaming from his shoulder.
“Oh.” Watching Annan open his eyes, the corner of the man’s mouth raised, “You’re awake.
“I told you, didn’t I? How does the taste of ‘Dragon’s Drink’ feel?”
“…It’s not bad when paired with grilled meat. But please spare me from drinking it straight.”
“Annan” shook his head and spoke in a gentle voice.
He found a glass of warm water from the table and gulped it down. His dry eyes finally felt some relief.
At this moment, Annan immediately discerned that these were the two voices he had heard when he entered the nightmare.
Could this be Frederick and Justice?
Is the body I’m using actually in the identity of Frederick?
Annan thought at first that Frederick should be a boss here.
However, speaking of it, if I am Frederick…
So could the soul in Justice’s body now be Miss Nefertari, who is unaware that she is in a dream?
Annan did not think about what to say, but a tired-sounding voice came out of his mouth, “…I’m fine now.
“When I just finished drinking, I felt like someone was dancing in my head…”
“Ahahahahaha! Men have to drink strong alcohol!”
The man let out a hearty laugh, took out the jug tied around his waist, and raised his head to take a sip. Then, the man handed it to Annan, raised his eyebrows, and made a nasal sound as a gesture.
“Nah. Not for me. Forget it.”
“Annan” issued a series of unswerving and triple rejections in a gentle tone, “I am also a wizard to some extent… Please let me sober up.”
“Ahahahahaha! With me here, what are you afraid of!?”
Hearing “Annan”, the man just laughed out loud.
He grinned, reached out his right thumb, and picked out a heavy gold chain that looked like a mahjong tile from his neck, “Look clearly, Freder—it’s gold now! I’m not the same now as before. Do you know what it means to be fearless?!
[TN: Freder is an abbreviation of Frederick.]
“Right. Even if you fall into the magma, you will never die!”
He seemed to pronounce some sort of nickname for Frederick.
After laughing, the man suspected of “Justice” raised his head and took another sip of the strong liquor.
Annan still could not control his actions and words.
However, he was only able to adjust his gaze.
He noticed that there seemed to be something written on the “card” on the heavy gold chain. It appeared to be densely packed with short text… However, when Annan glanced at it, he couldn’t make out what was written on it.
“Ha…”
“Annan” sighed deeply and helplessly, “It’s all good, but let’s forget about the wine.
“When this thing falls on the skin, it will feel a burning pain. How did you drink it? The alcohol is so strong that it is already poisonous.”
“It’s poison. You can treat it that way.”
The man unscrewed the wine bottle nonchalantly and stuffed it into his waist, “But don’t worry. I’ve already transferred all the poison you took back to me.
“This is the magic wine that can make dragons drunk… It’s a good thing you can’t find it outside. It’s a rare experience to drink this thing and not die.”
The man said and sat down beside Annan.
He used his forearm to clamp Annan’s neck.
“Hey, Freder. You are a busy person. I don’t get to see you many times. It’s a rare opportunity. Do you want to try suicide?”
“What?”
“Freder” and the Annan in his heart exclaimed confusedly in unison.
“Let me tell you. I can even reverse death now.”
The man patted his chest and made a sound like metal clashing.
He spoke in a low and proud voice, “It would be great if I was so strong back then. Ingrid, she…”
“—Justice.”
“Annan” spoke suddenly, interrupting Justice’s words and confirming that Annan’s guess was correct, “Before you drink too much, tell me about the mission goal first.
“You brought me to Cinder Barren, so what do you want me to find for you? I can’t find it if it’s buried under volcanic rock.”
He rubbed his temples and said in annoyance, “I’m busy, Justice… unless it’s a ‘lost item’ with clues. I don’t want it to be a treasure that can’t be found in a short while.
“In three days, I have to return to the family to participate in the next ritual cycle. If you are not in a hurry, I will come to you next week?”
“I didn’t overdrink…”
Justice muttered in a low voice and patted “Annan” on the shoulder hard, making him feel a tinge of pain, “I won’t delay your things. It’s a simple job, and I won’t let you do it for nothing. You will be rewarded accordingly.
“But before that, you have to sign a non-disclosure agreement.”
Justice said, reaching out and groping in his arms.
“Annan” stared at Justice.
After about three or four seconds, the high-spirited and confident expression on Justice’s face became a little embarrassed, “Hey? Wait…Maybe I fell downstairs when I was drinking yesterday. Maybe I didn’t bring it… Don’t panic. You rest first. I’ll look for a contract—oh, I can order lunch. What do you want?”
Justice’s tone was casual.
“Annan” sighed and said casually.
“Seared lamb with black pepper pesto… Don’t bring me wine. I want a glass of orange juice. It’s better to be iced.”
“Understood, black pepper steak and— I don’t want orange juice. Let us each take a step back. How about orange wine?”
Seeing “Annan”‘s expression, Justice raised his eyebrows and grinned happily, “I’m just kidding. Don’t mind me. Seared lamb with black pepper and pesto and iced orange juice. I remember it very clearly.
“Stay here and don’t move around. You can also read the newspaper in the room. I’ll be back soon.”
After saying that, Justice left the room without a word.
The scenes so far had been completely out of control. It should be regarded as the opening CG part.
After Justice left, Annan’s body was finally able to move freely.
The next moment, the introductory plot of this dungeon instance just appeared in front of his eyes.