The architecture of Seiren's Red District was, to Dev's fascination, immaculate and beautiful. The district employed all it had in creating the most memorable piece of location for any tourist, imbibing in sex and alcohol as if this place was Heaven itself. Golden lights flushed the roads with a warm and friendly hue, hanging above everyone's heads with wires and magic powering it all. The smiling faces of the sex workers and bartenders, waiters, and waitresses all lent a hand in creating the perfect situation to let go and have fun.
The even brick road under his boots creates a surreal and organized little district, the dark wood of the buildings creating such a homely feel that everyone just feels comfortable walking around in a place that encourages letting go.
But to Dev Montryse, the mage that had served in the party as their best monster dispatching unit capable of wiping out dozens of monsters with a single spell, obfuscating them from enemy sights with invisibility, or distracting enemies with illusions, none of the people here care about those. Even with his robes denoting his spellcaster capability, he could only focus on the muscular warriors happily being accepted for a one-night stand.
"Hey, wizard! Can you cast a spell for us?" Dev glances over to the voice calling for him. One of the drunk barbarians laughed at him when he answered the call, and Dev couldn't help but scowl. "Shower of sparks? Ice needle?" The muscular and drunk male slings an arm onto his equally muscular friend, laughing without any remorse. Envy of their physique blooms in his heart and Dev mutters a short incantation to the beer the guy was holding. It bubbles slightly, turning warm.
As the mage walks away with the seed of envy growing even bigger in his heart, forlornly wanting to be bigger and stronger than they had been. Not wanting to think about it too much, he notices a bar that looks like it fits royalty. Just what he needed. Walking in, Dev noted the high-class decorations and fancy cups in this particular bar. The envious wizard agrees with this place.
"Welcome, sir. What do you want to have for this fine evening?" One of the bartenders standing by the counter asks, smiling. Dev grins, liking the service here. "The strongest one you can get, even if it is expensive."
It is to be noted that most wizards would be light drinkers, and it would be partially true with Dev. Oh, how he wished he could drink those beverages and only be tipsy. A waitress with a classy red dress comes by from another area and beckons him to follow.
To a table particularly lonely, just what he needed. Some peaceful alone time to ruminate and brood. Unfortunately, the people here are not his maids. "Lovely one, can you get me some... steak?"
Dev pauses in his decision. Sure, he ate plenty of steaks back with his family at the time before he ventured forth. But the sudden craving for beef was uncalled for. Shrugging it off, Dev Montryse only smiles at her when she nods and walks away.
Strength was something Dev didn't value much. It was why he chose to pursue magic at the academy. Strength didn't have much to offer to his considerable intellect, as he knows to use his advantages better than to chase something he had nothing on. But it was true that he was deeply jealous of all the brawny and muscular people around him, even the squire Asher Balric was buffer than he was!
They could be less intelligent than he was, that was what he went along in trying to reason with himself, to convince that he wasn't lesser than them. That a single stab to his abdomen could bring him down for the count and need emergency healing from Lissa Fierre. He pats the scar, feeling the phantom pain and the screaming he did. Anger grows in him. His party only got cuts and lacerations because they were strong enough to wear the heavy iron armor. He could only wear this cloth that offered enough flexibility for him to cast his spells and move freely.
His anger dissipates when the delectable steak and the strong wine was placed on his table. How long had he been brooding?
Whatever, Dev Montryse thanks the waitress and takes a sip of the wine. It tastes incredible! And the steak was mouth-watering that he could not stop himself from cutting a piece and taking a bite.
It was a while that the mage was full and drunk, walking out of the establishment after paying in gold. He was feeling good, and high. Maybe he could try some of the sexual services around here, and in his drunken sights, he could see the brothel he could try out. Magic shows are something he could do after all.
"Feels... good." Dev grins as he sees a woman in a dress in front of the brothel selling her looks to attract customers. Unbeknownst to him as he walks swaying side by side, his body grows under his clothing as the robes get tighter. He could not feel it much, especially when his skin turns leathery and thick, growing a thin and unnoticeable layer of fur.