Jotaro stared at Ronin, surprised by his proposal.
—Turn my clothes into armor? —he asked, half-doubtful, half-curious—. Is that even possible?
Ronin, with his usual calm expression and steady tone, replied:—Yes. It's not that complicated. We just need to find a craftsman and ask him to do it. If you're going to be an adventurer, you'll need proper armor.
Aiko, who had been listening closely, nodded with a smile.—Ronin's right. Armor will protect you from monsters.
Jotaro looked down, feeling a little uneasy.—Maybe you're right… but there's a small problem.
—What is it? —Ronin asked.
—I don't have enough money to buy armor —Jotaro confessed.
Kira looked at him in surprise.—That's true… I totally forgot we're broke.
Ronin sighed, then extended his hand forward. A small leather pouch filled with coins appeared in his palm.—Well, if there's no other option… —he said, offering it to Jotaro—. Take it. Use it.
Jotaro stared at him in disbelief.—You're giving this to me? Shouldn't you use that money to repair your own armor?
Ronin shook his head calmly.—Don't worry. I still have plenty left from the monster-hunting jobs I took. What matters now is that you get yourself some armor. —His tone was firm and certain.
Jotaro hesitated for a moment, then accepted it.—Thanks, Ronin. Really.
Kira raised her fist excitedly.—Then let's head to the kingdom and get Jotaro his armor!
The four of them set off toward the kingdom. During the trip, Kira couldn't stop talking about how Jotaro should also buy a better sword—maybe even a cloak to look more heroic.—Why do you seem more excited than I am? —Jotaro asked, laughing.
After a long walk, they finally arrived at a small workshop with a sign that read "Loran's Blacksmith & Forge."
—Is this the place? —Jotaro asked.
—Yeah —Ronin confirmed.
—Then let's not waste time! —Kira exclaimed, slamming the door open.
Inside, the shop was empty. Kira looked around.—Huh? There's no one here?
—Did you try calling out? —Jotaro asked.
—Ah, right. Hello! We're customers!
—Don't shout so much —Jotaro muttered.
A noise came from behind the counter, and a sturdy man with a soot-stained apron stepped out from a side door.—Who's making all that racket?
Ronin spoke up.—Sorry about that, Loran.
The craftsman immediately recognized him.—Ah, it's you, Ronin. No problem. Here to fix your armor again?
—Yes, but I also have another favor to ask. —Ronin pointed at Jotaro.— I want you to turn his clothes into armor.
The craftsman crossed his arms, examining Jotaro's outfit carefully.—His clothes, huh? Hmm… —He thought for a moment.— I suppose I can do that. When do you need it?
—If possible, by today —Ronin replied.
—All right. I'll start right away —Loran said with a nod.
Ronin removed the chest plate from his own armor and handed it over.—Perfect. Here, repair mine too while you're at it.
Loran nodded, but then noticed Jotaro wasn't giving up his clothes. He raised an eyebrow.—Something wrong?
Jotaro looked away, blushing slightly.—It's just… I don't have any other clothes to change into.
—Oh, right —Ronin said calmly.— We didn't think of that.
Loran chuckled.—Don't worry. I can lend you something. Wait here a moment.
He disappeared through the back door and returned a few minutes later with several garments: a cream-colored cloak, a light-brown leather jerkin, a matching shirt, navy blue pants, a dark leather belt, and tall gray boots.
—Here —he said, handing them to Jotaro.
—Thank you so much —Jotaro replied gratefully.— Is there somewhere I can change?
—Yes, use the room in the back.
Jotaro nodded and disappeared behind the door. Meanwhile, Loran chatted with Ronin.—Do your other companions want armor as well?
Ronin shook his head.—No, just mine and Jotaro's. And for the record, they're not my friends.
—Then why bring them along if they're not your friends? —the craftsman asked curiously.
Ronin looked serious.—They may not be my friends, but I'm not letting a rookie adventurer walk around unprotected. He could die.
The craftsman smiled.—You've got a good heart, Ronin. Even if your face doesn't show it —he joked.
Ronin blinked, confused.—My face?
Before he could respond, Jotaro's voice came from the back.—I'm ready!
Everyone turned to look. Jotaro stepped out wearing the new clothes, his cloak fluttering slightly as he held his old outfit in one hand.
—What do you think? Does it look good on me?
Kira stepped forward, eyes shining.—It looks amazing!
—Really? —Jotaro asked, surprised.
She nodded eagerly, and the others did too. Jotaro smiled, satisfied.
The craftsman approached.—All right then, give me your clothes. I'll get started right away.
—Of course. —Jotaro handed him his old outfit.
Loran nodded firmly.—Perfect. Come back by sunset, and your armor will be ready.
Everyone agreed and left the shop. Once outside, Aiko looked around.—So, what do we do now?
—No idea —Kira replied.
Ronin crossed his arms.—How about we head to the forest and hunt some monsters? You could earn a bit of money.
Jotaro nodded.—Good idea.
—Then let's stop by the guild first and pick up a quest —Ronin said, and the group set off once again, ready for a new adventure.