A couple of hours crawl by as we trek westward, battling desert marauders – monstrous sand-colored scorpions with tiny heads and one oversized claw. Even though we sever them with ease, a nagging sense of inadequacy gnaws at me. I yearn to prove myself, to slay an Orc solo, to make some tangible progress on this path of vengeance.

Thankfully, Rodger's keen Hunter Instinct steers us clear of most marauders and colossal spiders. We pick off smaller groups, but it feels like a paltry effort.

"Something troubles your mind, dear?" Ruby asks, tilting her head with a concerned frown.

"Nothing much," I reply, gently stroking her hair. "Just wondering how to get stronger. These desert scorpions hardly pose a challenge."

"Don't push yourself too hard," she pleads, her voice laced with worry. "Seeing you in pain scares me half to death."

I manage a smile despite the sigh escaping my lips. "Thanks for caring."

Aveline, on the other hand, hasn't sheathed her sword since our first clash with the marauders. The events at the city gate still weigh heavily on her, mirrored in the flashes of unease she throws my way. Then, her gaze flickers to Ruby, followed by a heavy sigh.

"I… thank you," Aveline says, her voice thick with emotion. "If you hadn't aid him when that guard was torturing General Rai, I don't think he'd be here. I can't even imagine…"

Ruby offers a reassuring nod, her sweet smile softening the edges of her words. "I would do the same for you, Aveline. Don't hesitate to ask for it."

Aveline smirks, closing one eye. "Hmph. Wizards are a curious breed, aren't they?"

Ruby puffs out her cheeks. "Mage, please! Or Ruby, if you prefer."

"Fine then, Mage," Aveline concedes playfully.

Seriously, when did the two of them start getting along?

But at least it’s peaceful now, so I decide not to think about it.

...

A sliver of peace settles over us, a welcome respite from the relentless desert sun and skirmishes. I push thoughts of the city gate further back in my mind.

"Everything alright, Dad?" I ask, glancing at Rodger who scans the horizon with his bow raised.

"Nothing much, kid," he replies, his voice devoid of its usual warmth.

A pang of guilt shoots through me. He pales in comparison to Josh in terms of combat prowess, and the strain of witnessing my fight with Duke is etched on his face, a sickly bluish hue replacing his usual healthy color.

"Are you always this reckless?" he asks abruptly, meticulously polishing his bow.

"…I'm sorry, Dad," I mumble, scratching the back of my head in sheepish embarrassment. "I guess I'm just…starting to get used to these kinds of situations."

He sighs. "The harsh environment seems to be molding you, huh? Just don't get yourself killed by those reckless moves next time."

I nod slowly, the weight of his words settling in my gut.

As we continue our trek, a glimmer of hope appears on the horizon – a two-story sandstone building. A lantern hangs proudly above the slightly protruding front door, beckoning us forward. A stable flanks the building to the right, housing two horses and a mysterious, locked basement door tucked away at its end. Translucent windows peek from the second floor, revealing a glimpse of a cozy bar bathed in a soft, welcoming light. A dark, wooden fence encloses the rooftop terrace, perfect for enjoying the evening vista.

"That must be the inn," I declare, a surge of relief washing over me.

We pick up the pace, hope propelling our weary legs forward. A few short minutes later, we stand before the inviting doorway.

...

A cheerful voice, young and feminine, rings out from behind the counter. "Welcome to the Desert Inn!"

We turn to find a young woman with a bright smile. Her curly grey hair and white head wrap hint at a foreign origin, a stark contrast to the typical Oriean features. Despite the inn's name, the interior exudes a sense of warmth. Sandstone walls provide a sturdy embrace, and sturdy wooden tables invite weary travelers to linger. A staircase spirals behind the counter where the young woman stands. Patrons, presumably adventurers, huddle over meals, the murmur of conversation filling the air.

Rodger, Ruby, and Aveline settle into a four-seated table as I approach the receptionist.

"Good evening," I greet her with a respectful bow. "We'd like to book three nights' accommodation."

"Waiting for an entry permit, are you?" she inquires, her tone friendly. "Alright then! That would come out to eight hundred Cevel. But, if you're planning to stay for three nights while you wait for your permit, it'll be a total of twelve hundred Cevel."

Her words hint at a possible influx of permit seekers, explaining the discount for extended stays.

"Sounds good," I agree, a sense of relief washing over me.

Except...a hitch in my breath escapes before she can fully voice her confirmation. "There might be a bit of a snag," She hedges.

"A snag?" I echo with my brow furrowing in concern.

"See, we only have three rooms available at the moment," she explains. "And there might be some...knocking noises coming from below."

"Three rooms work perfectly. I'll be sharing with my...fiancée," I reply hesitantly, a glance flickering towards Ruby as a blush creeps up my neck. The memory of the Kampungair incident sends a shiver down my spine.

The young woman's eyes widen in surprise. "So, judging from your outfits, are you all some knights from capital, by chance?"

"Yeah, you could say that," I confirm. "Why do you ask?"

Relief washes over her features. "There's an underground area beneath the inn," she reveals. "We were planning on expanding the rooms, but then goblins decided to make themselves at home by punching a hole in the wall. We had to seal the entrance for safety reasons. Perhaps the four of you, with your adventuring skillset, could help us clear them out?"

The author's narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

Just then, a booming voice cuts through the air. "Hold on there, Hill! Our guests are just here for some restful nights!"

A man in his late twenties descends the stairs, his muscular physique evident beneath a sleeveless white suit. A fancy pipe hangs from his lips, and his short black hair complements his striking facial features. His attire and overall appearance scream 'outsider,' much like the receptionist with her foreign features.

"Honey, Xander…" Hill trails off, a pleading tone lacing her voice.

Xander ignores her, striding towards the counter. "You heard me," he declares.

"Actually," I interrupt, stepping forward. "I'm curious about this problem you mentioned. Perhaps we can help?"

Xander casts me a doubtful look, scrutinizing me from head to toe. "Hmm," he mutters, a noncommittal sound.

He then turns his attention to Rodger, Ruby, and Aveline. "Two warriors, an archer, and… never seen your kind before. A new class maybe? That's certainly uncommon around here." He flashes a wide grin. "Apologies for the ruckus. As it turns out, we have a bit of an issue down below. Your group seems like the perfect solution. If you're willing to lend a hand clearing out some goblins nesting underneath the inn, we'd be happy to reward you for your troubles. Thoughts?"

Our eyes meet, a silent conversation passing between us. I offer a shrug and a nod.

Ruby rises from her seat and approaches me, placing a hand on my chest. "Um, if I may..." she interjects gently. "He's still recovering from a serious injury, so… I'd like him to get some rest first."

"O-Of course," Xander stammers, his confidence momentarily shaken. "You're welcome to rest here as long as you pay. Consider it our hospitality."

Relief washes over Ruby's features. She truly cares about me, doesn't she? How fortunate I am.

I hand over three thousand two hundred Cevel to Hill.

"Honey, show our guests to their room, would you?" Hill requests, gesturing towards the back of the cashier's desk.

"Follow me," Xander instructs, leading the way down a corridor to the left of the counter.

He stops in front of a door. "This is your room. Please keep it clean."

With that, Xander strides off, leaving us standing in the hallway.

"Alright, everyone," I announce. "Let's take a short break. We'll regroup on the second floor by evening."

"Get some good rest, everyone!" Ruby adds cheerfully, pulling me towards the door.

The door swings open, revealing Rodger inside. "See you later, kiddo. Think I'll catch a nap on that comfy bed." He shuts the door behind him.

Aveline steps out of her room. "D-don't be late tonight, General! And k-eep it quiet while both of you are doing... that!"

Ruby and I exchange a mortified glance, erupting in unison, "Like heck we will!"

...

A satisfying thud echoes through the room as Ruby flops down onto the bed, a sigh of contentment escaping her lips. "Finally, a comfortable surface for my weary bones!" she declares, leaning her staff against the end table with a clatter.

I follow suit, shedding my armor piece by piece. A crimson stain catches my eye on my sleeveless shirt. With a grimace, I use my thumb to dab at the dried blood, trying to erase the reminder of the day's battles.

"Rai, come here," Ruby pats the spot beside her, a playful glint in her eyes.

I can't resist her invitation, crossing the room and settling down on the edge of the bed. She scoots closer, her head resting comfortably on my shoulder.

"Something troubling your thoughts, dear?" she asks, her voice laced with concern. Her sharp eyes seem to see right through me.

I release a heavy sigh, the weight of my anxieties finally finding voice. "Seeing Duke's power firsthand..." I begin, then trail off. The events of the day continue to replay in my mind. "It made me realize how little I've actually accomplished this past month. Here I am, vowing to become strong enough to defeat Alpha, yet I can't even take down a single Orc on my own."

A light sigh escapes Ruby's lips, her face nuzzling closer to mine. "That's what's been weighing on you, huh? I couldn't help but notice your frown etched deep since this morning."

I offer a small nod. "Yeah, it's been bothering me."

"Remember when we were trapped underground with those Kobolds?" she asks, her voice taking on a gentle, nostalgic tone.

Another nod. "Yeah, I remember. What about them?"

"Well," she starts, a sweet smile gracing her lips, "compared to that Rai back then, I see a vast improvement. You're definitely getting stronger."

My spirits lift slightly at her encouraging words. "I suppose so...but it still feels like a drop in the ocean."

"Don't worry, dear," she murmurs, wrapping her arms around me in a tight embrace. "I have faith you'll achieve everything you set your mind to. I'll be here, cheering you on every step of the way."

She pulls back slightly, her eyes sparkling with a playful glint. "But promise me you won't pull any reckless stunts like the one with the guard earlier. I can't bear to see you get hurt. It takes a toll on my heart."

Her voice cracks slightly, and a single tear rolls down her cheek. Shame washes over me.

"I'm sorry," I mumble, looking away.

"I know you're pushing yourself, but it's important to know your limits," she continues, her voice firm but gentle. "If you reach a point where you've given it your all, take a break. You deserve it more than anyone."

And as the tears well up in my own eyes, I realize just how deeply she understands me. In her eyes, I see not just love and concern, but a fierce belief in my potential. A belief that ignites a spark of determination within me.

Exhaustion hangs heavy in the air, a weight mirroring the turmoil within me. "I'm just so tired, sweetheart," I confess, the words tumbling out in a defeated sigh. "Everything feels overwhelming."

Ruby pulls me into a warm embrace, her touch a soothing balm. "It's alright, dear," she murmurs. "You've done incredibly well. You're putting in the effort, and that's what matters."

I cling to her, seeking solace in her presence. "I just want to be my old self again, the cheerful one who always seems to find a way out," I whisper, a flicker of despair tinging my voice.

"After everything you've been through," she says softly, "it's understandable that some of that light has dimmed. But remember, you're not alone in this. You have me, right?"

A playful pinch on my stomach elicits a weak smile. I lean in, my lips brushing hers in a tender kiss. The touch is electric, a spark that ignites a flicker of warmth within me.

"Thank you, Ruby," I murmur, my voice thick with emotion. "You have a way of making everything feel less bleak."

She hums in response, her lips soft and yielding against mine. We spend a few precious moments lost in a world of our own, tangled limbs and whispered promises.

But eventually, reality asserts itself. Ruby rolls away playfully, sending me tumbling to my side.

"Maybe you should get some rest," she suggests, a hint of mischief in her eyes. "We've got a job to do for the innkeeper, remember?"

My cheeks flush as the memory of our passionate exchange fades. "Right, you're absolutely right," I stammer, forcing myself to focus on the task at hand.

A playful glint sparkles in her eyes. "Let's finish up before nightfall," she murmurs, her voice dropping to a husky whisper. "That way, we can have… plenty of time afterwards."

The blush on her cheeks betrays her playful facade. Her words send a thrill through me, a welcome distraction from the darkness that had threatened to consume me.

I pull her close, burying my face in her hair, the warmth of her body a comforting anchor. And as sleep slowly overtakes us, I hold onto the promise whispered in the twilight – a promise of action, accomplishment, and perhaps, a rekindled spark of joy.

#

End of chapter 9...