Altleno made his way to one of the small wooden stalls at the center of the village. The familiar bartender stood behind the counter, the same man who once trembled whenever he entered.
Now, the man smiled nervously but warmly.
> "You've returned… thank the gods," the bartender said, sliding a cup toward him. "This one's on the house. We all owe you our lives."
Altleno stared at the drink for a moment before lifting it to his lips. The cool liquid burned slightly down his throat — a taste he hadn't felt in years.
He set the cup down and exhaled softly. "It's been a long time since anyone's said that to me."
The bartender chuckled. "Maybe you were sent here for a reason. Maybe the gods really did bring you to us."
Before Altleno could answer, noise erupted outside — the sound of laughter, music, and clapping. Curious, he stepped out of the stall.
The villagers were gathering in the square, decorating it with lanterns and food. Children danced, and women brought flowers. Someone shouted:
> "Let's celebrate our hero!"
Another added:
> "All hail the Supreme Adventurer — Altleno!"
The crowd echoed the chant, voices rising in harmony:
> "Supreme Adventurer! Supreme Adventurer!"
Altleno froze, staring at them. For a moment, he didn't know how to react. The same people who once feared him now smiled with gratitude — and pride.
A small smile formed on his lips.
He raised his cup toward the sky.
> "Supreme Adventurer, huh?" he murmured. "I could get used to that."
The music swelled. Laughter filled the air.
And for the first time since Ru's death… Altleno felt something warm bloom inside him — not power, not rage, but peace.
Days passed peacefully in the village.
The people who once hid in fear now worked with smiles on their faces. Under Altleno's guidance, the fields flourished, hunters brought back plentiful game, and the air of despair that once hung over the town began to fade.
Wherever he went, the villagers bowed or waved, their voices filled with admiration.
> "Supreme Adventurer, thank you for everything!"
"Because of you, we can live without fear again!"
Altleno accepted their praise with a quiet nod each time, though deep inside, a small part of him still wondered whether he truly deserved it.
But he continued to lead — and the village continued to thrive.
Weeks passed, while Altleno was helping rebuild the outer fence, a stranger approached him.
He was tall, broad-shouldered, and wore light armor scratched from many battles. His expression carried both respect and determination.
> "Are you the one they call the Supreme Adventurer?" the man asked.
Altleno turned slightly, wiping sweat from his brow. "That's what they call me. What do you want?"
The man bowed his head.
> "My name's Silver. I came from the neighboring settlement. There's a dungeon nearby — newly formed, deep in the forest. Rumors say it's filled with treasure and ancient magic. If we can clear it, this entire region could prosper again."
Altleno's gaze sharpened.
> "A dungeon, huh?"
> "Yes," Silver continued. "But it's too dangerous to go alone. My party's small, and… we'd be honored if you joined us."
For a moment, Altleno said nothing. He looked around — at the villagers rebuilding their homes, the children laughing in the distance, the smiles that had only recently returned.
He thought, If I refuse… will they think I've grown lazy? Weak?
Finally, he nodded.
> "Alright. I'll go."
Silver's eyes widened in surprise and gratitude.
> "You will? Thank you! We'll depart the next two days at dawn. I promise, this will bring fortune to everyone."
Altleno crossed his arms, his voice calm but resolute.
> "Then I'll hold you to that."
As the man hurried off to prepare, Altleno stood in silence for a while, watching the sun sink beyond the forest.
Something deep inside whispered to him — a faint unease.
> A dungeon born from nothing… treasures waiting to be claimed… things like that never come without a price.
Still, he smiled faintly.
> Let's see what kind of fortune this dungeon really holds."