With the Guild's bronze plaque hanging around his neck, Alex headed to the large bulletin board. It was covered in scrolls, each detailing a different mission.
There was everything from "Pest Extermination (Field Rats)" to "Exploring the Sleeping Dragon Mountain Dungeon." Excitement flooded him, but the memory of his near-fatal encounter with the giant rats grounded him. Caution was key.
His eyes scanned the low-ranking missions. He didn't want to take too many risks on his first official outing.
*Quest: Moongrass Harvesting
* Rank: Bronze
* Description: 10 stalks of Moongrass are required. They grow in the clearings east of the village. They are vital for healing potions.
* Reward: 500 HP (base 5), 5 silver.
* Notes: Moongrass glows in the moonlight. Harvest at night
*Quest: Deliver Supplies to Theron Brothers' Farm
* Rank: Bronze
* Description: Take a wagon of grain and tools to Theron Farm, a half-day's journey south.
* Reward: 300 HP (base 3), 3 silver.
* Notes: The path may be somewhat rocky.
* Mission: Young Wolf Elimination
* Rank: Bronze
* Description: A small group of young wolves is lurking near the northern road, scaring livestock. Eliminate 3 wolves.
* Reward: 800 HP (base 8), 8 silver coins.
Alex weighed his options. The herb quest was a nighttime one, which made it a bit more complicated for a newcomer. The delivery was safe, but it didn't offer much combat experience. The wolf quest... that was a risk. He'd been tricked by rats once; he wouldn't be tricked by wolves.
He decided to go for the Moon Herb Gathering. It was low risk and would allow him to familiarize himself with the forest at night, using his new Keen Sense skill he'd gained from Elara. Plus, it could be sold for a good price.
He approached Genesis and pointed out the quest. "I'll take this one, please."
Genesis nodded. "Excellent choice, Alex. It's a simple but important quest for the village apothecary. Be careful when gathering at night; the forest always holds surprises." Her smile was encouraging.
[Quest Accepted: Gathering Moon Herbs.]
After securing the quest, Alex decided to go to his room and take a break before nightfall. Upon returning to the Oak Inn, the atmosphere was more relaxed. Dinner was in full swing, and the aroma of stew filled the air.
He saw Sayaka sitting at a small table, sharing a meal with Kael. He hesitated for a moment, but the Primary Romance Objective with Sayaka in his mind compelled him. He had to interact with her.
He approached their table. "Good evening, Sayaka, Kael."
Sayaka looked up, a warm smile lighting her face. "Alex, how nice to see you. Have you registered with the Guild yet?"
"Yes, I just did. And I took my first quest," Alex replied. "Gathering Moongrass."
Kael grunted, but nodded approvingly. "Good choice. Safe quest to start with. You don't want to run into a boar on your first night in the forest."
Sayaka gestured to him with her hand. "Come, sit with us, Alex. There's room and enough stew for everyone. You shouldn't be alone on your first night in Oakha."
Alex agreed immediately, feeling a pang of satisfaction. Sitting with them gave him a sense of belonging, something he hadn't anticipated in this new world. The food was simple but comforting, a thick stew with chunks of meat and vegetables that tasted like home.
As they ate, Sayaka asked him about his day, and Alex cautiously told her about his run-in with the rats, omitting details about the system and the multiplier, but emphasizing how close he came to death.
"It was a tough lesson," he admitted, looking at Sayaka. "I thought my... strength would be enough, but the cunning and ferocity of the creatures of this world are different."
Sayaka listened attentively, her hazel eyes fixed on him, filled with deep understanding.
"That's right, Alex. Nature is relentless. It's not just about muscle power, but about mind and experience. I told you before, don't rush in lightly." Her tone wasn't scolding, but genuine concern. "But I'm glad you learned your lesson without worse consequences."
[Affection level with Sayaka has increased to 20/100.
Alex felt the notification, a small nudge in the right direction. Her honesty and vulnerability had resonated with her. She was different from Elara and Genesis; her affection seemed to be based more on emotional connection and trust.
"Thank you, Sayaka," Alex said sincerely. "Your words mean a lot. They helped me choose a safer mission for tonight."
Kael, who had been listening silently, nodded. "Prudence is a virtue for an adventurer. Especially at night."
They spent the rest of dinner talking about trivialities, the village's customs, and the peculiarities of the weather. Alex felt more comfortable than he had in a long time, a sense of belonging beginning to take root. Sayaka, with her warmth and understanding gaze, made him feel less like an outsider and more like someone welcomed.
As the night wore on, Alex realized it was time to prepare for his mission. He said goodbye to Sayaka and Kael, promising to be careful.
"May the gods guide you, Alex," Sayaka said, a last look of concern in her eyes.
Alex nodded. He headed to his room, the guild's bronze medallion gleaming in the inn's light. His first gathering mission awaited him, and with it, the chance to continue growing stronger and, perhaps, move closer to the romance goals the Milf System had set for him. This world was dangerous, yes, but it was also full of opportunities and unexpected connections.
The full moon rose over Oakhaven, bathing the town and forest in a silvery light. Alex had retired to his room at the inn, with the Moongrass quest on his mind, but his thoughts were more occupied with the new Romance Goals and the intriguing System Shop.
Sitting on the edge of his bed, Alex opened the Milf System interface. He'd gained 100 HP from the goblins and 100 HP from the rat quest, plus 300 HP from Elara's affection boost and 500 HP from Sayaka. He had a total of 948 HP. Enough to start playing.
He headed to the [Miscellaneous Items] section of the shop, with a bold and slightly embarrassing idea in mind. He knew it sounded shady, but in isekai manga, these things existed. He scrolled through the list until he found it.
* Pheromone Potion (Basic): 200 HP
* Description: A small vial that, when applied or sprayed near a target, releases pheromones that subtly increase the target's attraction and receptivity for a limited period. Moderate effect.
Alex felt a shiver of anticipation. It was straightforward, almost too much. But the system offered it. It was a tool for his purposes.
"Buy Pheromone Potion (Basic)," Alex thought.
[Purchase confirmed. -200 HP (Pheromone Potion). Current balance: 748 HP.]
[Item: Pheromone Potion (Basic) (1) added to Inventory.]
Along with pheromones, he knew that good courtship in a medieval era wasn't just about nice words, but about gestures and gifts. He returned to the Shop.
* Simple Silver Necklace: 150 HP
* Description: A delicate silver necklace with a small pendant. Pleasing to any woman.
* Fine Silk Scarf: 100 HP
* Description: A soft and elegant scarf.
"Buy Simple Silver Necklace and Fine Silk Scarf," Alex ordered.
[Purchase confirmed. -150 HP (Simple Silver Necklace), -100 HP (Fine Silk Scarf). Current Balance: 498 HP.
[Item: Simple Silver Necklace (1), Fine Silk Scarf (1) added to Inventory.]
With his new tools and gifts in his inventory, he prepared for the evening. Herb gathering would come next. First, he needed to further his romance goals. He decided on Sayaka first, as the system had marked her as his Primary Target.
He went down to the inn's common area. Sayaka was finishing clearing some tables, her back slightly hunched from work. Showing off her large, exquisite rear end, Alex didn't miss it. It was an image of beauty he wanted to imprint firmly on his mind.
Alex approached, the Fine Silk Scarf tucked into his hand. "Sayaka, do you need help with something? I know it's late, and you've been working hard."
Sayaka turned around, her face lined with exhaustion. "Oh, Alex. Don't worry, I'm almost done. You should be getting ready for your mission."
"I can't focus on the mission knowing you're working so hard," Alex said, her voice intentionally deep. She unfurled the handkerchief. "Please take a break. I've been thinking about how kind you were today, and how worried you were about me. So… please accept this. It's a small token to wipe the sweat off your forehead when you're working. It's nothing, but I hope it helps."
Sayaka looked at him, her hazel eyes slightly surprised. A faint warmth appeared in her cheeks. "Alex… you didn't have to bother. That's very kind of you." Her fingers brushed over the handkerchief, which was a soft blue color and simply embroidered.
[Affection level with Sayaka has increased to 30/100.]
Bingo! A gift and a direct compliment did the trick.
""It's the least I can do for someone as… thoughtful and hardworking as you,"
Alex continued, his voice lowering slightly. He leaned in, lowering his tone to a murmur that only she could hear, his gaze fixed on her eyes.
"In my lands, a woman with your strength and mature beauty would be revered. There aren't many women like you, Sayaka. You are… captivating and very beautiful."
It was a brazen statement for a first encounter, blatantly crude, as she'd seen in many novels of this ilk, but Alex hoped her Luck and the presence of the system would back him up.
Sayaka stood still for a moment, her hazel eyes slightly wide, a mixture of surprise and something deeper within them. A deeper blush colored her cheeks. She wasn't an inexperienced young woman; she had lived.
"Alex... what are you saying?!" She said, her voice a little choked, but not in rejection. There was a faint laugh in her. She covered her mouth with a hand, but didn't look away from him. She felt embarrassed, but the attention and the brazen words had affected her, and a long-extinguished flame had been awakened within her; the seed had already been planted, only the bud needed to be born.
[Affection Level with Sayaka has increased to 40/100.]
Another ten points! This was easier than he thought. Alex felt euphoric. The pheromones were ready for the right moment.
Now, with the words and the gift settling in, it was time to let them process as he headed off on his mission.
""I'm only speaking the truth, Sayaka," Alex whispered, a confident smile on his face. "And the truth is rare to find. Good night. I'm off on my mission." He pulled away, but not before taking a look at her plentiful cleavage and beautiful breasts.
He bowed goodbye and headed toward the door, leaving Sayaka with flushed cheeks and a thoughtful look. His brazen courtship had paid off, and that look hadn't gone unnoticed.