My Charity System made me too OP

Leon nodded. "It's the closest thing to a hub for this floor. The central teleportation station, the best guild halls, and the stairs to the next floor—it's no surprise the strongest gather here."

They passed by a smithy, where the clanging of hammers on metal echoed. Inside, a burly blacksmith with soot-streaked arms worked on what looked like a blade imbued with fire essence. Nearby, an alchemist's shop emitted colorful smoke from its chimneys, drawing a steady stream of curious customers.

As they moved closer to the central plaza, the air seemed to shift, becoming heavier with an aura of power. Leon could sense it immediately. "This must be where the strongest congregate," he said, motioning towards a colossal guild hall that dominated the area. Its entrance was flanked by statues of legendary adventurers, their weapons raised in victory.

"Impressive," Roselia murmured, her eyes narrowing slightly as she studied the imposing structure.@@novelbin@@

Leon smirked. "We'll need to gear up and plan our next move here. But first, let's get something to eat. Exploring takes energy."

With that, the trio headed towards a bustling tavern, the sounds of music and laughter spilling out into the streets. The Imperial City promised adventure, and they were ready to claim it.

Inside the tavern, the atmosphere was lively and welcoming, a stark contrast to the calculated chaos of the city streets. Wooden beams supported the ceiling, adorned with glowing orbs of light that bathed the room in a warm, golden hue. The aroma of roasted meats, spiced stews, and freshly baked bread filled the air, making Leon's stomach rumble.

The tavern was packed with adventurers, mercenaries, and traders, all sharing stories of their exploits. A bard strummed a lute in the corner, weaving a tale of heroism that captivated most of the patrons. The sound of clinking tankards and hearty laughter created a vibrant symphony.

Leon led the group to a table near a window, giving them a view of the bustling central plaza. "We'll grab a meal first," he said, motioning to a passing barmaid. "Then we'll start figuring out where to gear up."

Roselia glanced around the room, her sharp eyes scanning the patrons. "This place is a treasure trove of information. People talk more freely when they're relaxed."

"True," Roman said, leaning back in his chair. "I bet we could overhear some useful tips about the True Undead King or the higher floors."

" that's not possible remember its an hidden Quest" leon said as Roselia nodded " yep forgot that"

The barmaid returned with their food—plates piled high with sizzling roasted meats, steamed vegetables, and thick slices of buttered bread. She placed a pitcher of frothy ale in the center of the table, along with three wooden mugs.

"Enjoy, travelers," she said with a smile before moving on to the next table.

Leon dug in without hesitation, savoring the rich flavors. "Not bad for tavern food," he said between bites. "We'll need this energy."

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As they ate, they listened to the conversations around them. One group of adventurers at a nearby table discussed their failed attempt at clearing a dungeon rumored to house a powerful artifact. Another spoke of a bounty placed on a rogue mage wreaking havoc in the outskirts of the city.

"Seems like there's no shortage of quests here," Roselia noted, taking a sip of her drink.

Leon nodded. "That's expected. This city is a magnet for adventurers. Everyone's either climbing the ranks or trying to make a name for themselves."

Roman gestured subtly towards a pair of robed figures sitting in a dark corner. They were whispering to each other, their eyes occasionally darting towards the group. "We might already have eyes on us," he said quietly.

Leon smirked, unfazed. "Let them watch. We're not here to hide."

After finishing their meal, the trio left the tavern and began their exploration of the city. They visited a sprawling marketplace filled with exotic goods, from enchanted weapons to rare potions. Leon haggled with a merchant over a set of lightweight armor designed for agility and purchased a map detailing the key locations of the city.

Next, they stopped by the central guild hall. Its massive doors opened into a grand interior, where adventurers registered for quests, formed parties, or reported their achievements. A large board displayed an array of quests, from hunting monsters to escorting caravans.

"Let's see," Leon said, scanning the board. "No mention of the True Undead King yet. Either it's a well-kept secret, or no one else has gotten far enough to trigger the quest."

"That makes sense," Roselia replied. "Most adventurers here are probably focused on advancing floors, not hunting hidden bosses."

Roman nodded. "It works to our advantage. Fewer people means less competition."

After gathering more supplies and information, they decided to head towards the residential district to find an inn. The Imperial City buzzed with life even as the sun set, the streets illuminated by magical lampposts casting a soft glow.

As they settled into a comfortable inn for the night, Leon reviewed the map Theodore had given them. "Tomorrow, we'll start heading toward the location marked on the map. It won't be a direct route, but we'll manage."

Roselia leaned against the window, watching the city lights flicker. "This place feels like the calm before the storm. The real challenge starts now."

Leon grinned. "Exactly. "

With that, they turned in for the night, ready to tackle the journey ahead.

They decided to rest for the night. Leon and Roselia shared one room, while Roman had his own separate room. Roman enjoyed a full night's rest, but Leon and Roselia spent the night having fun, leaving them with less than an hour of sleep. Despite this, they emerged from their room in the morning and joined Roman at the table for breakfast.

"So, what's the plan for today?" Roman asked, taking a bite of his sandwich.

"We'll move on to the next floor," Leon replied, nodding. "We've spent enough time on the first floor. It's time to progress."

Roman nodded in agreement, finishing his sandwich. "Good. I'm ready for whatever comes next."