As we make our way to Nexen’s home slash restaurant, I am given an impromptu tour of the city. All the more interesting establishments on our path are pointed out, with Erysis throwing in places she has fond memories of.

“Nexen and I used to play in that park all the time.” They are walking hand in hand, and she starts jostling him. “There was this huge slide, but some assholes complained, and they removed it. I only skinned my knees ten times, tops...” She grumbles some more complaints.

Nexen chimes in, “That thing was a death trap. I still wonder who even okayed it in the first place.”

Erysis tries to do a spooky voice, “Maybe it just appeared one day.” The illusion is broken when she starts giggling. “My mom would always scold me and then heal me when I hurt myself. She never really forbade me from going on it, just told me to be more careful...”

I am not the perfect option for this— Scratch that. I am the opposite of perfect for this, but I will try. “You guys must live close together, right. Want to swing by your place so you can tell them the good news, Erysis?” There we go, like fifteen assumptions crumpled up in an incredibly oblivious statement. Should get the ball rolling though.

She stiffens up for a moment, but a sigh loosens her back up again. “It wouldn’t be good news for my parents.”

“Oh, I am sorry, I didn’t me—”

She graciously pulls me out of the hole I threw myself in, “Don’t worry about it. They never really supported me.” She takes on a resolute look. “Whatever, I got all the support I need right here.” She squeezes Nexen’s hand a little tighter.

I really miss that hole. “The hall master’s right, adventuring’s dangerous work. I wouldn’t want my hypothetical kids doing it either.” I shrug. “If someone has to kill a bunch of monsters, I’d rather it be me.” How much I wish it would only be me. ...One day.

My therapeutic gamble has paid off somewhat. “I guess I could...”

Nexen finishes for her, “We do live close to one another. It shouldn’t be too much of a detour.”

“Cool.” I try to look like I have no idea what is happening.

The rest of the short walk proceeds in silence. As we arrive in front of Erysis’ house, she pauses. It is a cozy two-story with a small garden. There is a low ornate fence, not really blocking access, just marking the boundary and giving the plot a neat and tidy appearance. The gate is left ajar. The garden has a couple of trees that would make perfect shade when the sun is high in the sky, keeping both the house and anyone outside cool. The grass is trimmed and healthy, with the occasional flower bed positioned around. It is her home. She takes in every single detail. The inviting sight might as well be an impassible chasm.

Nexen breaks the standstill, “Do you want me to come with you?”

Erysis shakes her head. “I’ll be quick.”

I lean on the fence, listening to the sounds of the nascent evening. The sky is still bright, and people are walking about, conversing. Erysis knocks on the door. Some are going out to eat, not bothering to cook or just craving something different. Her father answers, his face is shocked, they haven’t seen her in months. The shock is quickly tempered into indifference. I can hear his heart beat faster and faster. A woman passes by, walking a pet that carries a remarkable resemblance to a dog. The curious creature sniffs the air and turns to me, trying to approach. He invites her in. The woman tries to reign in her furry companion, but I crouch down low, extend my hand, and give her a reassuring smile. Erysis’ mother has joined them, and they are sitting down. Erysis on one side, her parents on the other. She tells them. I let the friendly animal sniff my hand, and after it’s satisfied, I gently stroke its fur. “Friendly little guy, aren’t you.” After a bit, I stand up and nod towards the woman. She smiles back and they go on their way. Soon after, the door opens back up and Erysis walks out.

Nexen wipes at his eye and asks her, “You okay?”

Erysis nods, “I’ll sleep here tonight.” Every muscle in Nexen’s body appears to relax.

You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

“Are you okay?” She notes the slight dampness.

“Something in my eye.”

We continue on.

***

As the famed establishment comes into view, Erysis’ stomach rumbles. She tries to cover it up with a fake cough, unsuccessfully. I make my own stomach rumble too. Erysis laughs at the perfect timing. I hope I didn’t push her too hard.

We arrive in front of Nexen’s home. The first floor is a rustic-looking eatery. There is no outside seating, but the interior is spacious enough. There is a plain sign hung above the door with the name ‘Brinn’s’ painted on. The second floor is the living quarters. Convenient.

As we step inside, I take in the atmosphere. The decor is simple but pleasing. The walls are a warm beige color, with various live plants arranged along. The floor is made out of dark brown wood, polished to perfection. The tables are a lighter shade of wood, same as the chairs. Each chair has thick burgundy padding, providing a complementary accent and tying up the color palette. I wonder what they used to dye the fabric. Hmm... Ah, ingredients for the dye can be found in elemental and nature dungeons. Interesting.

There are ten tables, and three booths lining one of the walls. The restaurant is not full, but there are a fair number of people. It’s close to dinnertime, after all. The kitchen is open concept. Nexen’s dad can be seen manning an impressive number of burners and a surprisingly large wood fired oven. A dish has just finished and is promptly sent flying to the expectant customers. The open concept is not merely for the ambiance.

Erysis and Nexen point out a booth and go to speak with the chef. As soon as he spots them, he thrusts his hands down—magically cleaning any residue—and runs up to them. Their goofy smiles immediately confirm the positive outcome. He smiles wide and starts ruffling their hair. Both take the act of affection with pride. Nexen summarizes how everything went down. Erysis mentions our detour. There is a flash of anger in Brinn’s eyes, but he hides it well. Erysis receives a hug and some reassuring words back. As much as they want to continue, something is on the edge of burning. Brinn resumes cooking. Nexen deftly assembles our dinner—with the occasional request from Erysis—and slides it into the blazing oven. With that done, they head back to our booth.

“Should be done soon,” Nexen says as he sits down.

“Can’t wait,” I reply and continue with my new favorite pastime, psychological manipulation, “Now that you are adventurers, got any plans? I still don’t really know how the whole dungeon situation is around here.”

Erysis immediately perks up. Here we go. “You know how it is around big cities, the closer dungeons are managed like they might break every other day, while the more distant ones just get forgotten.”

Nexen interjects, “The Adventurers’ Guild can’t be everywhere, Ery.” They’ve had this discussion before.

“They should try harder. Recently, they’ve been really pushing the limits. We even had a full-on break, for Goddess’ sake!” The Big Wolves. The adventurers were spread a little thin, true. But that is not as big of an issue anymore. The Personal Defense Network is fully operational.

“Well, they just got three more of the finest warriors they can ask for, right?” I give them a smug smile.

Nexen takes the wind out of my sails, “Don’t you have another exam to pass?”

“Psh, easy.”

Erysis continues, “Nexen and I... We are going to focus on the more distant dungeons.” Nexen nods along. “Someone has to.”

“I get you. And, hey, if you ever need some help, give me a shout.” Seed planted.

Nexen nods, but Erysis is surprised. “Really? I thought you wanted to go solo and rank up fast. There isn’t any glory in managing small dungeons.”

“Come on, if there’s any monsters that need killing, I am your man. Plenty of glory in saving lives.” Glory... There is no glory for me. “I am currently in dorm building two, room three-o-eight. Or you can leave me a message at the Guild.”

Erysis looks me in the eyes for a moment. “I will keep that in mind.” Projections shift to slightly better outcomes. Good enough.

A welcome distraction arrives. “You must be Lucius. Thanks for keeping an eye on these two.” He places the long-awaited delicacy on the table together with three plates. “Now, eat up.” We have been served a fairly large square tray. The food inside is reminiscent of a deep-dish pizza. Fermented dough on the bottom, generously oiled. Followed by red sauce, its main ingredient being the local equivalent of a tomato. Though, there are differences. It also includes some other root vegetables, giving it a heartier yet sweet taste. And finally, topped with a nicely melted mound of local cheese. The pizza equivalent has been cut into squares.

Erysis lunges at the unfortunate dish like a starved animal, tearing out a piece and practically inhaling it. Nexen and Brinn shake their heads in unison. The former cautiously tries to grab one for himself, while the latter beats a hasty retreat. The beast will require more.

As I grab a slice, Nexen informs, “We call it Loaded Bread. This is the Erysis edition.” He mocks a conspiratorial whisper, “There is a lot more cheese.”

I slurp up an impressive stretch. “I noticed.”

Erysis lectures with a full mouth, “You should make ‘em all like this.”

“I am afraid there is not enough cheese in the city for that, Ery.”

“Excuses.” They both laugh.

I polish another slice. “I am with Erysis on this one. Gimme all the cheese.”

She nods sagely. “Another person with refined tastes.”

“Please don’t encourage her.”

We continue having a nice talk, and the pleasant dinner eventually ends. With our goodbyes said, we separate. Nexen is walking Erysis to her parents as I head back to the dorms. I can only hope it goes well.