In the morning, sunlight slowly filled the room.
Lyra: "Good morning, Altair."
Altair smiled faintly.
Altair: "Good morning to you too, Lyra."
Lyra: "What's our destination now?"
Altair: "I want to meet Caelis first. There are a few things I want to ask him."
Lyra: "Are you sure you want to see him after last night's conversation? If you want to rest a little longer, I understand."
(She spoke with concern, worried about what might happen to Altair if he met Caelis again.)
Altair: "Last night's talk was heavy and hard to believe, but he's the only one who might know about my past."
Lyra: "If that's what you want, I'll follow you."
Altair: "Alright, let's get ready. And also… umm…"
(He turned his face away, trying not to look at Lyra.)
Lyra: "And also… what? Why aren't you looking at me? Is there something on my face?"
Altair: "Uhm, Lyra… aren't you embarrassed?"
Lyra: "Embarrassed about what?"
Altair: "Wearing your sleepwear in front of a man you just met?"
Lyra: "U-uhm! Don't look over here!"
(Her face turned red as she realized what she was wearing.)
Altair: "S-sorry, I won't look!"
After Lyra finished changing into proper clothes, she said,
Lyra: "Let's go."
Altair: "Uhm, y-yeah. Oh, before we meet Caelis, let's walk around the village first."
Lyra: "Okay."
They walked around the village, looking for anything useful.
Lyra: "What are you looking for, Altair?"
Altair: "I just want to walk around because I'm curious about this village."
Lyra (inner thoughts): "I-is this a d-date? N-no, I'm just accompanying Altair on a walk… yeah, just a walk…"
After that, they headed to the place where Caelis worked. When they arrived, they immediately met the old man.
Altair: "Oi, Caelis!"
Caelis: "Yes, my lord. What do you need from me?"
Altair (still not used to being called 'my lord'): "Uhm, okay… do you know how to get equipment for adventuring? Like swords and things like that?"
Caelis: "I know where to get them, but I'll just give you mine."
Altair: "A-are you sure? I feel bad taking your things."
Caelis: "It's fine, my lord. I've already retired from being an adventurer. Those items are no longer in use."
Altair (in awe): "Wow, you were an adventurer too? Then may I know your rank?"
Caelis: "Before I retired, I was around Rank S. But that was when the adventurer system had just been established. Now, it would probably be equivalent to Rank A."
Altair: "That's amazing! Alright, if you don't mind, I'll borrow them."
Caelis went to the back to retrieve his adventuring equipment: a sword, armor, and several other items.
Caelis: "Here you go, my lord. As requested."
Altair: "Wow, this sword is incredible! It's very light and sharp. This armor is great too. Are you really sure you don't mind?"
Caelis: "Not at all, my lord. As long as you're happy, I have no objections."
Altair: "Thank you very much."
Caelis: "And this is for Miss Lyra."
He handed her a bracelet with several magical attributes, such as mana conservation, magic enhancement, and healing for non-fatal wounds.
Lyra: "Wow, this bracelet is beautiful! Thank you."
Altair: "It looks very suitable on you."
Lyra: "R-really?"
(She lowered her head, slightly embarrassed.)
After Caelis explained the bracelet's functions, both of them were surprised.
Lyra: "W-wow! Are you sure you're giving me something this powerful? I feel bad accepting it."
Caelis: "It's fine, miss. I won't be able to accompany you for a while. Please accept this and protect Lord Altair for me."
Lyra: "Understood! I will protect Lo— I mean, Altair with this! Thank you, I'll accept it."
Behind them, Altair was still admiring the armor and sword he had received.
Altair: "Woah…"
He felt the special metal of the sword and held it tightly. Although there was still a little doubt in his heart, Lyra's presence by his side slowly eased it.
Altair: "This armor feels a bit too big… W-woah!"
Suddenly, the armor shrank automatically to fit Altair's body.
Altair: "H-how can this happen? And why does this sword feel light yet heavy at the same time?"
Caelis: "That's because the sword grows stronger over time and absorbs a small amount of mana from its wielder. The sensation of weight and lightness shows that you have a large mana capacity."
Lyra gazed in awe at the magic on the armor.
Lyra: "Adjustment Magic? Isn't that quite rare?!"
Caelis: "Yes, it's rather rare, though many people used it in the past. So, my lord, is this enough?"
Altair: "Thank you, Caelis! You really are the best!"
Caelis smiled sincerely. He was glad he could still be useful to Altair.
Altair: "Thank you so much for everything, Caelis. But we must prepare for our journey tomorrow. Don't worry, I'll call you when I need you."
Caelis: "Very well, my lord. I will be ready whenever you call. May your journey go smoothly, and good luck."
(He bowed respectfully, like a personal butler.)
Altair: "Alright, we'll be going now!"
Lyra: "Goodbye, Caelis! And thank you very much!"
Altair: "It seems we should stay one more day, right?"
Lyra: "Ah, yes. Just one room, okay? We'll rest for only twelve hours, then depart tomorrow morning, alright?"
Altair: "Yeah, let's go."
They returned to the inn. While paying for one room, Altair heard something.
… (whispering): "Altair… I will be waiting for you… in the west…"
Altair turned around.
Altair: "Who's there?!"
Woosh! The presence vanished.
Lyra: "Is something wrong, Altair?"
Altair: "N-nothing."
(He tried to hide it from Lyra.)
Altair's thoughts: "Who was whispering to me? Why are they waiting for me in the west?"
That night, Lyra had already fallen asleep, but Altair was still thinking about what had happened.
Altair: "Who was whispering to me earlier? Ah, forget it. Tomorrow morning, Lyra and I will head north."
He soon fell asleep.
In the morning, gentle winds blew, the air felt refreshing, and the warmth of the sun embraced them.
Altair: "Are you ready, Lyra?"
Lyra: "I'm ready."
Altair: "Shall we go?"
Lyra: "Let's go."
They arrived at the main gate of Oakhaven Village. The air was bright, the sky was blue, and the fresh breeze soothed their hearts.
Altair: "Are you ready?"
Lyra smiled confidently. In her heart, she promised to continue following and supporting the man beside her.
Lyra: "Always ready, Altair!"
They stepped out of the village. A journey that might seem endless had begun. However, Altair and Lyra had already strengthened their resolve. Whatever awaited them ahead, they would remain together and trust each other.