Overlord: Welcoming the Birth of the King
Chapter 24: The Unique Tiered Magic of Another World - Zero-Tier Magic

Year 4 Before New Calendar.

[Middle Wind Month], May 30th.

Following the crowd, Tang Zheng walked along the main road. The stone-paved path showed signs of wear in certain spots from heavy foot traffic, becoming slightly concave.

Yet the ground remained remarkably clean overall, with only faint traces of moss visible in the cracks along the street's edges.

The surrounding buildings stood in orderly clusters, featuring light-colored facades with dark-toned European-style roofs.

As Tang Zheng moved through the streets, observing his surroundings, he headed toward the Adventurers' Guild in E-Rantel.

He needed to find proper lodging first after his journey.

Having departed the royal capital on May 17th, thirteen days had passed on the road.

Leveling up had become an urgent priority.

The two key locations near E-Rantel - the Great Tob Forest and Katze Plains - would serve as his primary leveling grounds.

Tang Zheng decided to tackle the Great Tob Forest first.

Not only did it teem with beasts and magical creatures, but the undead inhabiting Katze Plains currently exceeded his ability to effectively combat.

Thus!

Tang Zheng needed to gather supplies - knowledge he'd fortunately acquired from Team Rock's wilderness survival training.

His current destination wasn't the guild, but rather an inn near the Adventurers' Guild, establishments said to have developed specifically to serve guild clientele.

Some high-ranking adventurer teams even enjoyed complimentary stays at these inns.

After over ten days of continuous travel,

Tang Zheng reflected that in his previous life, such a journey would have left his legs nearly crippled.

Yet now,

aside from mild fatigue, he experienced no discomfort - not even blisters.

This made him suspect leveling up enhanced more than just combat capabilities - his physical constitution had clearly improved significantly.

Taking a swig from his waterskin, Tang Zheng located a small inn just one block from the Adventurers' Guild after crossing several districts.

The inn offered two room types:

Dormitory-style accommodations for 4-6 people at 1 copper coin per person daily,

and twin rooms at 5 copper coins per person daily.

Clearly catering to adventurer teams, though merchants occasionally used them too - locals had no need for such lodgings.

Naturally opting for privacy, Tang Zheng booked a twin room for himself alone. Calculating his supply preparation time, he reserved it for two days at a total cost of 20 copper coins - equivalent to 1 silver and 7 copper coins.

Creak!

The aged brown wooden door protested as he pushed it open.

Stepping inside and closing it behind him, Tang Zheng surveyed the modest space - approximately 11-12 square meters featuring two wooden beds with a simple nightstand between them.

The sparse furnishings included nothing beyond these basics, though he took solace in the room's private toilet.

This otherworld generally maintained medieval-level technology, yet magic's presence prevented direct historical comparisons.

For instance!

Both the royal capital and E-Rantel's central streets boasted magical streetlamps called "Perpetual Lights" rather than true electric lighting.

While the journey had been arduous, Tang Zheng adapted well - his greatest discomfort had been sanitation issues.

Paper did exist here!

However, papermaking technology remained primitive with low output, and no one bothered improving it because...

This world possessed zero-tier magic - lifestyle spells nonexistent in YGGDRASIL.

These spells could effortlessly produce abundant paper with minimal mana expenditure, eliminating any incentive for technological advancement.

Fortunately,

As high earners, Team Rock maintained decent living standards - wealth naturally improved one's quality of life.

Otherwise—

"Ahem."

Tang Zheng cleared his throat, dismissing the unpleasant thought.

He'd first learned about zero-tier magic from Team Rock. According to Captain Dosali,

most magic chanters couldn't be bothered learning such convenience spells unless personally needed, preferring to purchase scrolls instead.

This revelation sparked an idea:

Since Tang Zheng learned skills by observing others' techniques then expending skill points,

could he similarly acquire magic through scrolls?

Additionally,

Money posed another concern!

Like it or not, his upcoming preparations required funds.

Before venturing into the Great Tob Forest,

He needed at least basic armor, and especially better weapons - his current shortsword would dull after killing just a few beasts.

While magical weapons remained unaffordable, he could stockpile ordinary blades.

This world's general prices stayed reasonable, but anything magic-related became prohibitively expensive.

A simple cooling-effect mug cost around 150 gold coins,

while even the weakest magic weapons exceeded 1,000 gold -

wealth beyond commoners' wildest dreams!

His current funds only permitted purchasing several decent ordinary weapons.

During the journey to E-Rantel, Tang Zheng had already contemplated income streams. His inquiries to Enfirea about crafting "Recovery Potions" stemmed from this consideration.

However,

After proper assessment, he realized he couldn't dedicate extensive time to herb gathering and pharmaceutical study.

Thus,

His attention turned to zero-tier magic - lifestyle spells.

"Fortunately, Captain Dosali's monetary gift resolves my immediate predicament."

Tang Zheng retrieved the coin pouch from his robe.

His inventory showed 20 gold coins from the gift, plus his remaining savings totaling 22 gold coins, 4 silver coins, and 4 copper coins.

Storing the pouch in his item box, Tang Zheng massaged his temples. Many problems required solutions, but for now...

Thump!

He collapsed backward onto one of the beds.

After nights spent camping outdoors with constant vigilance,

Finally - a proper bed.

What he needed most now was proper rest to recover his energy.

Lying on the mattress, Tang Zheng glanced sideways through the window at the bright midday sun.

The inn's proximity to the Adventurers' Guild and daytime hours promised undisturbed sleep.

With this comforting thought, Tang Zheng closed his eyes.