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A wooden carved logo, dangling above the double doors, [The Falcon Tavern], with a falcon overwatching it, however, ensured that everyone made it through.

No one was also guarding the entrance.

It seemed there was no need for that since the soldiers of The Warmonger Empire rarely patrolled those areas.

Inside, Jake found out that everyone preferred darkness.

The candles on the tables and the wafting smell of liquor conjured a scene impossible to be seen during daylight. Many residents and players were at the wooden, round tables, enjoying the theme unique to The Falcon Tavern.

They were playing various card games and betting on each other.

Gambling was legal and popular here.

A few men were arguing with each other and threatening to take it outside.

Jake also spotted a few daring ladies playing a blood-rushing type of poker in the corner of the tavern\'s first floor. He could have joined them had he wanted since his character was confirmed to be eighteen years old.

Nonetheless, Jake\'s eyes hadn\'t rested too long on that table. He swept through everyone for at least a second, stopping at an old man with silver hair and an unnaturally red nose.

He was sitting by the bartender\'s counter, drinking a green liquor in a glass. The bartender shook his head each time the old man requested another shot.

Jake was in their earshot and could hear their conversation.

"Why did you work so hard for years? Surely not to end up in this pungent tavern, right, Master Aaron?" the bartender asked while pouring the green whiskey into Aaron\'s glass.

Aaron harrumphed, "People either work hard to change their lives or achieve anything. I failed. And here I am."

"I\'m all ears if you want to pour out," the bartender smiled.

Aaron sneered, "All yer have to do is pour more whiskey to me. Don\'t bother about costs."

"Such a loss," the bartender chuckled. He\'d heard many stories during his time here and surely would hear even more interesting bits soon enough. He was so familiar with defeats that he didn\'t mind Aaron keeping his story to himself.

That was when Jake approached them.

The bartender\'s eyes flicked briefly before he lowered his face and started rubbing a wet glass with a handkerchief.

"Can I sit here?" Jake asked.

Aaron faintly curved his lips, "Only if yer can resist the smell of my stinky breath. Don\'t drop dead next to me—I don\'t need my whiskey sourer."

"Since I haven\'t passed out yet with so many liquors and dirty smells mixed at once, I think I will manage," Jake reciprocated the smile and sat down next to the artisan master.

The bartender offered a drink, "As you can see, the green whiskey is fairly popular here. It has so much ethanol that I wouldn\'t recommend it for any normal young man your age, but you reek of confidence."

"Thanks," Jake shook his head, "I will get a lemon juice today. I wish I could have a drink with Master Aaron, though, but I promised the alcohol virginity to my friends. Can\'t meet them yet in this world."

The bartender and Aaron laughed.

While the bartender turned around to get Jake a drink, Aaron struck the empty glass on the counter and pierced Jake with his old but experienced eyes.

He said, "Yer don\'t hide your intent, kid. What yer need me for?"

Jake passed Viktor\'s recommendation letter to the old man.

After reading through it, Aaron smiled to himself and shook his head. He handed it back to Jake and remained silent. Only when the bartender poured drinks to them did he part his lips.

He said, "I\'m retired. Our last tango was a few months ago when we failed."

"Your last tango?" Jake asked.

"He hasn\'t told yer?" Aaron sneered, "Viktor and I thought we could bring back archery to its prime or at least be strong enough to match others. It was because of yer—players. Yer are a different breed and have much different gifts than ours… yer destiny here is as mysterious as the legendary existences. It was such a flop.

Like my entire career… I believed in a bow and arrow, lost the edge, and was pulled away from my peers.

"Viktor believed many times in his lineage and archery. He even learned my skills when I lost that passion… some time later, he came to me and said that this was the moment he lost. His brothers and sisters kept honing their fighting skills while he spent time crafting and peering into his weapons. I saw myself in him… I understood him so much… he\'s still young and believed for the last time.

He even dragged me with himself… and we received a harsh slap from reality," Aaron sighed and chugged the whiskey in one go.

The old man was sure that Viktor had noticed a glimpse of hope in Jake or perhaps become close enough to him that he didn\'t mind stretching his connections.

That said, Aaron was done with his occupation.

He wouldn\'t work with anyone.

Jake nodded, "A man can only fight for so long, right? But you see, I didn\'t come here to learn about Viktor. If he wants to share his story with me, I\'ll attentively listen."

Aaron narrowed his eyes and shifted them to look at Jake.

Jake smiled at him.

He said, "I came to this world to bring the archery to the top. I\'ll become the master of archery in both worlds."

"In both worlds?" the old man repeated in wonder, not believing whether he heard him right.

Jake nodded, "I\'m practicing in both worlds for this ambition to come true. I\'m also held back by my responsibilities, which helped me understand that time is precious. That we, adults, can\'t waste our years. That\'s why I want you to pass me a quest for the artisan subclass. Your artisan subclass with your library of knowledge and experience. Please, give me a quest."