On a bright morning, birds chirped, and the sun shone brightly. Someone was knocking on the door of Kaizoku's and the others' room.

Because Gabriel's bed was right by the window, the sunlight shone directly into his eyes.

When Gabriel opened his eyes, he was immediately blinded by the bright sunlight. "Ehh... HAH!"

Startled, Gabriel fell out of his bed. "Oww... That hurt."

The person knocking at the door was still there, speaking up. "Hello? Is anyone in there?"

The voice sounded like a young man.

"Ah... My eyes... Yeah, yeah, I'm coming... Ugh..." Gabriel rubbed his eyes, still groggy as he opened the door.

Standing before him was a teenage boy with short, choppy orange hair. He had bright orange eyes full of energy, a dirty white shirt, black jeans, and a pair of dusty gloves.

The boy introduced himself energetically. "Hello, sir, my name is Nakamura Hizoshi, but you can call me Hizo. I work in the central part as a blacksmith, in the forge my father built. I heard you encountered one of the members of Ebonlight. Is that true?"

If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

Gabriel, still sleepy, tried to focus on what Hizo was saying. "Huh, what? Yeah, yeah, we met them. How do you know?"

Hizo chuckled and answered enthusiastically, "Well, it's true! The rumors around here are always accurate. I heard from the townsfolk near me, and I was curious about your presence, sir...?"

"Oh, Seinaru Gabriel... Just call me Gabriel."

"Well then, welcome to Aetherforge, Mr. Gabriel, where nearly everyone here works as a blacksmith and machine maker. It's the hub for iron, steel, bronze, aluminum, titanium, ceramics, cobalt, and more." Hizo looked very excited to meet someone who had encountered one of the dangerous member of Ebonlight.

"I already know this village... But not for them."

Hizo was confused by Gabriel's words. "Them?"

"Eh... Forget it. What do you need from me?" Gabriel tried to block Hizo's view of Kaizoku and Sylphy, who were still fast asleep.

Hizo replied with enthusiasm. "We need your help, Mr. Gabriel... My father is in need of materials to make something. Would you be willing to help us? We can pay you handsomely."

Gabriel glanced back at Kaizoku and Sylphy, who were still sleeping.

"Sorry, Kaizoku, Sylphy. I don't want your identities to be revealed. I hope you'll be able to find me." Gabriel thought to himself.

He turned back to Hizo. "Alright, show me the way."

Gabriel stepped out of the room, closing the door tightly behind him to ensure no one could enter.

With excitement, Hizo bowed and led the way to his family's blacksmith shop.

.

.

A few hours later, at precisely 9 a.m., Kaizoku woke up, rubbing his eyes as he looking around.

"Huh? Gabriel?" he only saw Sylphy, who was still sound asleep.

Noticing Gabriel's dissappear, Kaizoku tried to wake Sylphy. "Oi, Sylphy! Gabriel's gone!"

Sylphy opened her eyes, but she was still very sleepy. "Huh? Just leave him... Gabriel likes doing quests, he loves golds, just let him be..."

"Heh! You're so useless." Kaizoku quickly stormed out of the room, searching for Gabriel in the village he didn't know.