All in Charisma (A LitRPG/Isekai Adventure)

By some miracle, Justin stayed awake for the first watch, waiting about four hours before waking up Lila. Thankfully, she didn't complain, and he fell into a fitful sleep.

When morning came, he felt as if he had been hit by a truck. They had walked some fifteen miles out of town, and that wasn't counting the backtracking they had done.

Justin just wanted to sleep, but he knew they had a decision to make.

"If we keep going," Lila said, "we can't use the road. It seems those bandits went into the woods to the east. Right now, we're west of the road. Therefore, if we go south a few miles, we should come back onto the road and avoid any nasty fights."

"But how will we not lose our way?"

"Don't you have your map?"

"Yes, of course. I'd forgotten."

"We'll use that. Make sure we're heading due south until we're well past that canyon. Then we'll head east until we hit the road. Then we'll head south again, toward Silverton."

"Sounds like a plan."

They packed up their camp and began the day's journey. The walk was grueling, especially given Justin's exhaustion and the endless hills and foliage.

To enliven their spirits, Lila began singing, despite the risk of being overheard. Justin had to admit she had a sweet voice, somewhat thin and trilling, and striking chords in his heart. He couldn't help but have a little extra pep in his step. He wondered if it was her Bardic Inspiration ability and if she had chosen to enhance their endurance attribute.

A quick look at his character revealed that yes, indeed, his endurance attribute was now 12. While the rest of the numbers were black, endurance was green, likely to show that it was being modified by Lila's skill.

But then, after silence, Lila's voice took on darker tones as it spilled forth into a new song, weaving a tale of ancient love and loss. She sang of Elara, a radiant beauty whose presence enchanted Alden, a brave warrior. Alden promised Elara the Sapphire Star of Eyrth, a celestial gem of unmatched splendor. After a year-long quest, Alden returned triumphant with the Star, but their joy was short-lived. As they journeyed to Alden's homeland, they were ambushed by ruthless highwaymen. Alden fought valiantly, but in the chaos, Elara unleashed the Star's magic to save him, only for him to be struck down by a treacherous blow from one of the bandits he believed was dead. With his last words, he claimed that though the Star was broken, he would always keep her safe.

Elara continued on, guided by Alden's love and the remnants of the Star's power. She was ambushed by a cave troll in the Seraphim Range, and her prayer to the heavens was answered by a new star flaring to life in the sky above. With renewed strength, she vanquished the troll and found solace under the guiding star, now known as Elara's Star. This celestial beacon, Alden's promise of protection, led her to a place of peace, where she lived out the rest of her days, where the Star was buried with her.

When Lila's voice faded, it was nearly half an hour later, and Justin marveled at the picture that had been painted in his mind. It was almost as if he were watching a movie, but the melody of Lila's voice made it far more emotive.

A tear, unbidden, fell from his eye. "What was that song?"

"It's called "The Star of Elara." A very old, very famous story from my homeland. You can still see Elara's Star to this day. It's the brightest one in the night sky, and it points directly north. Useful if you ever lose your way."

"You've got a gift for singing."

Lila smiled. "Thank you. Some of it is the class, but I've always been told I'm a good singer."

"Well, is the story true? Is there really a Sapphire Star of Earth somewhere to be found? It sounds like it could be a powerful amulet of protection."

"Some go hunting for it," Lila said. "I have no doubt it exists somewhere. But in these darker days, very few adventure for it in particular. My country, Daeloria, used to host an annual festival where Hunters of the Star would set out every year. Mostly an excuse for adventurers to go off and carouse, but some truly wanted to find it. Most go searching for the Star in Kurath, the land where Elara is said to be buried. The story is at least a thousand years old, and probably more. If it has been found, none have said anything about it."

"I'm sure the Star is worth a fortune!"

"No doubt. But it's probably better to set our sights on more attainable goals. Like finishing this job."

"Of course," Justin said.

It grew quiet after that. Soon after the song ended, Justin felt his limbs grow tired. The going was slow, and it wasn't until late afternoon that they got back on the Silver Road, weaving its way through the hilly, forested landscape. The pair quickened their pace.

"There's an inn and a hamlet on the other side of these hills," Lila said. "In normal circumstances, travelers can reach Whispering Pines from Mistwatch with a single day of hard walking, and then get to Silverton the next day. As it stands, it seems the inn is the only safe place we can stay tonight."

"How much will it cost? I only have a few coppers left."

"Well, that's hard to say. The room and two meals will be at least sixty coppers. Maybe you can try to talk it down a bit with that silver tongue of yours."

"Or maybe you could sing to get us a discount," Justin said.

"Perhaps," Lila said. "It wouldn't be the first time."

Thankfully, they made it to the top of the hills without incident. Once they crested the rise, the misty Wildwood spread before them, and down a few switchbacks stood a cozy-looking inn with yellow-lit windows and a steeply thatched roof. Smoke curled out of the chimney, promising a warm fire. Such was Justin's hunger that the savory smell of stew and freshly baked bread set his mouth to salivating.

As they approached, Justin noted the wooden placard swinging in the cool breeze. "The Whispering Pine," it proclaimed in fanciful letters. Apparently, the inn's name was the same as the hamlet's. Even from outside the door, he could hear the mumble of voices beyond.

The pair entered. The inn's atmosphere was quite different from the Drunken Pixie back in Mistwatch. Instead of merriment and music, hushed conversations filled the room. The central topic soon became clear as they made their way to a table close to the bar.

"...brutally killed, right on the Silver Road!" one man proclaimed.

"He was a regular here, was he not?" a woman's voice asked.

"A regular? Brennan was my brother!" another woman squawked.

"...highwaymen getting bolder by the day! By Arion, what is Aranthia coming to?"

The innkeeper, a pot-bellied man with mutton chops, approached. "Evening. Were you two traveling on the Silver Road yesterday from Mistwatch?"

While his tone was curious, Justin caught the concern on his face.

Justin hesitated, deciding honesty was the best policy. "Yes, we were."

Whispers filled the room as more patrons turned their attention to the newcomers.

A stout woman with graying hair tied in a bun stood up. "Then you must have seen something! My brother was murdered. They left his body there on the road, the devils! Tell me you saw those responsible!"

Justin swallowed hard, feeling the weight of the room's eyes on him. He would have to play this delicately. "We...we didn't see the actual event. We heard voices and hid. I'm a courier, you see, new to the area. I was warned the road was dangerous, so I didn't want to take any chances."

The woman looked at him incredulously. "So, you saw nothing? Did nothing?"

"Well, not nothing," Justin said, realizing he'd have to give her at least something, or it would look suspicious. "We saw them leaving after...after they did what they did. Being just the two of us, we didn't want to get involved. We feared for our own lives. There were four of them, all well-armed with broadswords and leather armor."

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Another man stepped forward, narrowing his eyes. His brown hair was styled in such a way, complete with a red cap, that Justin couldn't help but think of Lord Farquaad from Shrek.

"If you were on that road around that time, you must've seen something more than that!" the man demanded. "Are you sure you didn't recognize anyone?"

"They are new to the area," another woman interjected. "Remember?"

Lila spoke, her voice firm. "We understand your pain and anger. It seems this man—Brennan—was well-liked. But we truly didn't see anything beyond what we've just told you. Like any sensible person, we hid. It all happened so fast."

A tall figure stood up from the back of the room, dressed in a dark green robe embroidered with intricate patterns of silver vines. Over his shoulder, a quiver of black-feathered arrows was visible, complementing the longsword with an ornate hilt at his belt.

"Enough," the stranger said, his voice deep and gravelly. "The blame lies with the highwaymen, not these travelers. Accusations won't bring the dead back. They did what any of you would have done, and that's a fact."

The room was silent, save for the crackling of the fire.

The innkeeper cleared his throat and turned to Justin and Lila. "Apologies for the...interrogation. Emotions are high. Still, if you need a room, we have the space. I'll give you a special discounted rate. Half off. Just for tonight. That's thirty-six coppers for the room and two meals. Least I can do for the information, as little as it is."

"There's something more, now that I remember it," Justin said, realizing that giving any useful information might get them a free room. "We think we went off into the woods by that canyon, heading east. We got past them by doubling back and heading west off the road. We lost a whole day's progress because of it."

"That would put them out by Raven's Rock!" one man exclaimed.

"I don't know this area too well," Justin said. "Just thought that the info might be useful."

"We're grateful for anything," the innkeeper said.

"I'll be reporting that to the county sheriff," the woman said, the sister of the murdered man. "It's something!"

Unfortunately, the innkeeper didn't seem to have a mind to give them the room for free, but he had already left and was bringing back a couple of pints. "Thanks again. I know it's not much, but these drinks are on the house. Hopefully, justice will come of this."

[You have gained 6 experience points. Your experience stands at 30/200.]

Justin wondered for a moment why he'd gained experience until he realized that he'd navigated quite a prickly conversation. He'd balanced giving just enough information to satisfy them while not giving too much to make people suspicious of him and Lila. And he'd also defended their decision not to get involved, even convincing that stranger in the corner to side with them.

His Magnetic Presence boon was helping him once again, perhaps. Maybe being a Socialite had its perks.

He took a swig of the cool lager, feeling it was well-earned.

"Well," Lila said, "if you hand me eighteen coppers, I can go settle up with the innkeeper. I'm heading to bed. It's been a long couple of days."

Lila left to do just that, letting him know before she turned in that they were in room six, handing him a spare key.

Justin looked over in the corner, where the green-cloaked man was now smoking a pipe. Justin gave a grateful nod, which the man acknowledged and returned.

Justin wasn't going to stay long, not really relishing the thought of conversation when the stranger sidled over to his table. The man was tall and lean, with weathered skin that spoke of years in the sun and wind. His hazel eyes were sharp, and his dark brown hair was streaked with gray. He had a trimmed beard, and scars ran down his left cheek, hinting at past battles. To Justin, he was quite imposing.

The stranger took a moment to look Justin over, sizing him up. "You handled yourself well tonight. Few can navigate the emotions of a room with such...precision."

Justin raised an eyebrow. "Thanks for standing up for us."

The man chuckled. "Well, we Rangers have a way of seeing the bigger picture. Like you, I'm a stranger to these parts."

"I appreciate it," Justin replied.

The Ranger leaned in, his voice lowering. "The name's Eldrin."

"Justin."

"Pleased to meet you. I've been tracking these highwaymen for a while. By the Nether, they've become bolder with each passing moon."

Justin nodded. "From what we experienced, it's clear they are not just ordinary bandits."

"You're right. They're organized, have a leader, and worse, they're growing in number."

"Why are they allowed to exist like this? It seems like someone should have taken them out by now."

"Well, you're right. But we live in strange times. The mayor of Silverton has his hands full preparing for the upcoming autumn festival. He has a vested interest in keeping any hint of danger away from the public ear to ensure merchants and visitors still come. As for the Sheriff... let's just say his loyalties lie with those who line his pockets the most."

Justin frowned. "You're saying the bandits are paying him off?"

"Gods, no! I'm saying he couldn't give a flying fig unless someone were to light a fire under his arse. Trust me, that fire is not forthcoming. A lot of money flows out of Silverton. And money has the power to corrupt."

"I can see that."

"Point being, the roads will remain dangerous as long as those bandits are out there. Now, I've been planning to take them out for quite some time, but doing so alone would be risky, even for someone of my experience. You and your friend could be valuable allies. I perceive that you both have a class."

Justin wondered how he knew that. Maybe Rangers had some keen sense of insight not available to others.

Justin hesitated, taking a deep breath. "Look, Eldrin. I appreciate the confidence, but I'm a Level 1 Socialite. My skills involve persuasion and navigating social scenarios, not battle. Lila's just a Level 1 Bard. Are you sure we're the help you're looking for?"

Eldrin regarded him, seeming to size him up. "Well, once you've had as many years as I have under your belt, you learn that level isn't always a measure of potential. You navigated tonight with aplomb. With the right guidance and strategy, even a Level 1 can make a significant difference. And Lila might be a Bard, but I can tell she has the heart and spirit of a fighter. With my experience and your combined potential, we could bring these highwaymen to justice."

Justin looked into Eldrin's eyes, trying to gauge the depth of his belief. He thought of the parcel he was supposed to deliver.

"There will almost certainly be a reward," Eldrin went on. "I'm keeping my eyes on the quest board over yonder. With the information you shared tonight, it's only a matter of time before something becomes available."

He gave a nod toward the wall, a bulletin board filled with quests, bounties, and various odd jobs. A reward would be nice, but then he recalled the fear he had felt hiding from the highwaymen, the weight of the room's eyes on him, and the hopelessness of the woman who had lost her brother. It was by no means an easy decision.

But at last, he decided. The parcel could wait.

"Well, I can't speak for Lila. But if she's in, I'm in."

"Glad to hear it. Let me know in the morning. Sleep on it."

Eldrin left the table, heading upstairs to his room. Justin headed that way a few minutes later.

Justin turned the key in the brass handle. As he walked into the room, closed the door, and dropped off his things, to his surprise, Lila was lounging in a copper tub in the middle of the room.

Startled, he spun away. "Lila! Sorry, I didn't know—"

"Didn't know what?"

"That you were…"

He was about to say "naked and taking a bath," but it seemed she didn't get the point.

He cleared his throat. "Sorry. It's just that where I'm from, things are a bit...different."

She laughed, finally understanding. "Oh, I see. My mother always told me the people in Aranthia were a bit more conservative. Prudish, even."

"Prudish? It's not that. It's just…" He trailed off, not sure where he was going with this. Maybe she was right.

"In Daeloria, shared bathing spaces are common," Lila explained. "I grew up with three brothers in cramped quarters. Privacy was a luxury we couldn't afford. Sometimes in bigger inns, they might have a separate bathhouse or bathroom that is segregated. But a small country inn like this? Almost never."

Justin took a breath. After all, he was in a new world with different customs, and they had just witnessed a murder together. He supposed such experiences tended to accelerate bonds between people. He supposed he should feel good that Lila trusted him to this extent.

Besides, this was hardly the strangest thing he had encountered since arriving here. He had seen literal magic.

He set his pack down, half-turning so that he could see her from the edge of his vision. "I talked to that man downstairs who spoke up for us. His name is Eldrin, and he's a Ranger. He has an interesting idea."

"What idea?"

Justin quickly recapped Eldrin's proposition to go after the highwaymen at Raven's Rock.

From Lila's face, Justin instantly knew she didn't like the idea. "Sounds risky. Are you sure that's smart? We barely escaped them last time, remember? Both of us are just Level 1. And we don't even know this Eldrin. How can we trust him?"

"He reminds me of someone I know."

"Who?"

"Aragorn, son of Arathorn."

"Ara-corn? What kind of name is that?"

"Never mind. Lila, how do you expect to level up if you never take risks?"

Lila's green eyes narrowed. "Careful with your words."

Without warning, she stood and reached for a nearby towel in one fluid motion. Justin politely averted his gaze until she had wrapped it around herself. Such was her matter-of-factness about it that he was starting to accept it as normal.

"The innkeeper only brought one tub of hot water," she said, gesturing to the bath. "You should use it before it gets cold." She gave a slight smile. "After the day we've had, you could use it."

Justin considered this. In his old life, he would have been paralyzed by social awkwardness, but here, practicality and survival took precedence over discomfort. "Makes sense. No point in wasting warm water."

"I'll turn around," she offered, already moving to face away.

"Thanks," he said simply.

He made sure she was really looking away before undressing. He'd been overweight for most of his life, and it was always something he was insecure about. Lila was the exact opposite.

But it seemed all the body shame that existed in his own world, reinforced by mass media, was far more absent here.

It was a silver lining, however small.

He settled into the bath, finding it surprisingly soothing. It was exactly what he needed. He cleaned himself efficiently and dressed in some fresh clothes he had purchased in Mistwatch.

"All done," he said.

"We should catch some rest. We have a long walk ahead of us tomorrow."

She blew out the candle and rolled over in bed.

As Justin made himself as comfortable as possible on the floor, he reflected on how quickly he was adapting to this world's differences. Perhaps it was a necessity, or perhaps it was the strange bond forming between him and Lila after their shared experiences.

He cleared his throat. "Think about Eldrin's offer. We might do some real good and get some experience to boot."

It was a moment before she answered. "I'll think about it. But don't hold out hope. We have a job to do, remember? One that's practically guaranteed not to kill us."

Justin realized she had a point, but all the same, he hoped she would agree with him.

He didn't have the chance to think about it much longer because he fell asleep.