"Your Highness," we all bow before Horroundeous, who stands at the foot of the stairs accompanied by two guards.

"General Alpha, I need an explanation for your abrupt intrusion earlier," Horroundeous states with authority.

Alpha lifts his head, a sense of duty in his eyes. "Your Highness, it seems the reports of a mage infiltrating the castle were accurate. Witnesses claim the mage summoned an orc and vanished through magic. I believe she's nearby."

"Have you resolved the matter?" Horroundeous inquires, concern etched on his face.

"Certainly. The orc has been defeated," Alpha confirms.

A palpable relief washes over Horroundeous. He shifts his attention to me and Duke, who stand before him. "I understand you both overcame the trial by defeating the troll. I apologize for this unexpected turmoil. Rest assured, you'll be compensated for the inconveniences caused by this incident."

"Thank you, Your Highness," I respond respectfully, my eyes respectfully lowered.

"You may all stand."

We straighten our postures, standing tall and proud.

Horroundeous steps closer to me, his glaive gently touching my head before resting on my shoulder. He repeats this gesture with Duke.

"With the triumphant fulfillment of this trial, I doth confer upon thee both the noble rank of knights. Ye shall stand as revered guardians of the kingdom, defending cities in times of peril. Thy gallant exploits shall be lauded across the realm. Hail to thee for thy bravery and valor."

Duke and I place our right hands over our chests in acknowledgement.

"Now, concerning the wizard issue..." Horroundeous shifts his gaze to Alpha.

"I'll take it upon myself to delve deeper into this matter. I'll keep you updated on any progress. It's possible that the new knights and the archer are involved," Horroundeous reveals.

Alpha and Josh both nod in agreement.

"Alright, you're all dismissed!" Horroundeous announces as he, along with the two guards, departs.

"Now that we have some spare time, how about a visit to the tavern?" Josh suggests with a mischievous grin.

I nod in agreement and then turn to Duke.

"I'll pass this time. You go ahead and have a good time. I have to catch up the carriage to Matyr City."

"Your choice," Josh smirks as Duke heads for the corridor. He pauses for a moment, glancing back at me.

"I'll catch up with you later. Stay safe until then, comrade."

"I will. Thanks for your assistance, Duke."

Duke raises his hand as he continues on his way.

"Shall we?" Alpha leads the way down the corridor, with Josh and me following closely behind.

...

On our way to the tavern on the eastern side of the City...

"So, what did you think of the trial?" Josh breaks the silence, curiosity lighting up his eyes.

"Not much, really. The troll happened to be slaying all the creatures at the entrance. I only had to face off against the troll alongside him," I reply, recalling the intense battle.

"Honestly, I'm surprised you managed to defeat the troll. How did you do it?" Josh inquires, genuine wonder in his voice.

"I simply severed its head while Duke provided a distraction with his lecturing. That creature's regenerative ability was quite annoying," I explain, still reminiscing by the troll's resilience.

"They didn't include the troll for nothing," Alpha comments with a nod. "The objective of the test was to defeat it in a single blow. Not everyone is capable of accomplishing that. We were genuinely impressed with your rapid progress."

"Thank you, I suppose..." I reply modestly, feeling a mix of pride and gratitude.

"We're almost there, the pub awaits! Your reward is ready!" Josh quickens his pace, his excitement palpable as he hurries towards the building, letting out an enthusiastic whistle.

"What reward?" I tilt my head, turning to Alpha with curiosity dancing in my eyes.

"We did some quick shopping while you were occupied with the trial. You'll see for yourself soon enough," Alpha replies cryptically, a playful glint in his eye.

In a matter of minutes, we reach the tavern. Josh swings open the door, inviting us inside, and a sense of anticipation fills the air.

The tavern exudes an aura of rustic charm. Its walls, built with weathered, dark bricks, stand as stoic sentinels, bearing witness to the passage of time. The stout wooden door, worn and full of character, creaks with every entrance and exit of adventurers and guards.

Inside, the tavern boasts an arrangement of sturdy wooden tables and chairs. The tables, carved from robust oak, are generously spaced, allowing for both camaraderie and privacy. Each table is adorned with flickering candles in wrought-iron holders. The chairs, their backs and legs showing signs of countless patrons, are scattered throughout the room.

The tavern itself is alive with activity, its patrons a diverse mix of villagers and travelers. Muscular figures, thirsty for the rich ales and hearty mead, fill the tavern. They gather in groups, their boisterous laughter and animated conversations filling the air. Some sit hunched over their tankards, deep in thought or conversation, while others engage in lively games of chance at corner tables.

Amidst the jovial crowd, several soldiers in their worn armor and cloaks can be seen. They raise their tankards high, toasting to the end of their shifts. Their voices carry tales of boasting valor and camaraderie, creating a harmonious symphony amidst the merriment.

"Hey, boss! Are the things I requested ready?" Josh calls out towards the bald man behind the counter.

"Well, well, if it isn't the Mighty Hunter Josh after all these years! Step right in! Your order is prepared!" The muscular middle-aged man behind the counter raises his hand in a friendly greeting. He sports a tank top and a sailor's hat, proudly displaying a brand-new polished sword, light armor, and leather pants.

"Finally!" Josh exclaims with excitement as he approaches the bartender. "Come here, Rai. Try these on!"

This dark-colored armor is crafted from hide, but its durability and resistance are impressive against slashes, all while being lightweight and allowing for easy mobility. A distinctive ring adorns the neck to shoulder area, and there are several sturdy plates on each shoulder, enhancing its protective qualities. The front of the armor boasts an intricate muscular pattern, adding to its aesthetics.

Stolen story; please report.

Completing the set, there are matching hide pants, crafted from the same material and featuring convenient pockets. Steel plates reinforce the lower waist and knee areas, offering additional protection.

With anticipation, I shed my worn-out village clothes along with the headband I got from Galvana, and don the armor. As I equip the Sleeveless Hide Armor, a satisfying friction sound accompanies the movement. The armor feels remarkably light, enabling effortless motion and promising a newfound level of security.

image [https://gdurl.com/TDGVW]

"It suits you," Alpha remarks, a hint of admiration in his voice. "You look more like a swordsman now."

"Now, you can discard that Iron Sword and give this a try!" Josh presents me with a leather-sheathed sword, a glimmer of excitement in his eyes.

I hand my Iron Sword to Alpha, but he declines, saying, "No, it's yours now. I have no use for it."

"Thank you, but how am I supposed to wield two swords simultaneously?" I ask, puzzled by the offer.

"Give me that scrap. I'll help you sell it later," Josh says, taking my soon-to-be-broken Iron Sword and offering me the Bastard Sword in return.

I unsheathe the sword from its leather scabbard, examining its weight. It's slightly heavier than the [Iron Sword] but boasts a thin, unique blade.

What a distinctive weapon!

I resheath it, and Josh proceeds to fasten the sword to my back using a chain and leather strap, ensuring it's within easy reach.

"You can put on the pants once we reach the inn. Let's not embarrass ourselves!" he says with a playful grin.

"Right," I reply, nodding in agreement.

"Alright, let's celebrate your new title! Bring out the menu!" Josh calls out, signaling for a feast to commence, and the anticipation of a celebratory meal fills the air.

The next few hours are filled with indulging in a delightful variety of meals, and we take the time to reminisce about the past. Occasionally, my thoughts drift towards Amy, but I make a conscious effort to redirect my focus to the present moment, cherishing the time spent with my old friends.

As we finish our feast, the three of us bid farewell to the pub.

"Rai, it's time for you to rest. The inn is in the western part of the city. I've already booked a room for you. Just mention 'Yellow Broom Swordsman' to the innkeeper, and they'll give you your room," Josh kindly informs me.

"The yellow WHAT? And where is this ‘west’ located, I only understand right and left!" I exclaim in frustration, my hair being playfully tugged by Josh.

"Your messy hair looks like a broom, making it easy to recognize you!" he says, chuckling, while Alpha smirks in agreement, “Also, remember the place we came from the plains? Just go to the left after that. You’ll notice it!”

"Let's meet again tomorrow morning at the guild house. It's the wooden building on the right side," Alpha adds, pointing towards a wooden structure in a distance with a sign that reads [Guild].

I nod and wave as they depart, then make my way towards the inn, a mixture of emotions swirling within me.

"He's quite peculiar, wouldn't you say?" Josh remarks to Alpha as they walk away.

"Yeah, but still a crybaby in my eyes," Alpha responds in a nonchalant manner.

"Don't say that. I believe he'll surpass you one day!" Josh says optimistically.

"Let's hope so. He still has a long journey ahead of him," Alpha acknowledges with a hint of pride.

"Alright, I'm off to explore the city for a while. It's been a while since I last visited. See you later, Alpha!" Josh says as he dashes off separately, leaving behind a sense of camaraderie and anticipation for the adventures to come.

...

As I push open the door, a bell cheerfully rings, announcing my arrival.

"Welcome to the finest inn in the capital! Are you in need of a place to stay tonight?" a young man in his twenties, dressed in casual blue attire, greets me with a warm smile from behind the counter, just a few steps from the entrance. My gaze drifts to a rack of trinkets and a decorative hanging lamp behind him. A large flower pot graces an end table between two doors—one leading left and the other being the entrance I had just walked through. Stone stairs ascend beside the counter, adding to the inn's quaint charm.

"As a matter of fact, I have a reservation under the name... uh, Yellow Broom Swordsman?" I respond, slightly embarrassed by the unusual moniker.

"Oh, certainly!" the man exclaims, his eyes twinkling with recognition. "You certainly fit the description! Your room will be the second one after you ascend the stairs."

You can say that again...

"Thank you. I wish you a pleasant and peaceful rest," the man says with a friendly tone, and I offer my gratitude before making my way towards the stairs. As I ascend, I catch a faint murmur from the man behind the counter.

"Hmm, this is odd. The reservation book indicated that the room was already booked..."

...

On the second floor, I carefully count the rooms, ensuring I choose the correct one as instructed.

Once I'm certain, I push open the wooden door, only to be greeted by a faint mumbling sound emanating from within.

The inn room proves to be small yet cozy, with a charming wooden ceiling and a stone pattern on each of the walls. Dominating the room is a large single bed adorned with a soft feather mattress, occupying most of the available space. A petite wooden table and two chairs nestle in one corner. Unfortunately, there's no window to provide a view of the outside. A sturdy wardrobe stands against one wall, while a mirror stands proudly in front of another. A small wooden chest at the foot of the bed houses the belongings of weary travelers.

The air within the room is warm, carrying a faint scent of wood smoke from the fireplace. The bed itself is irresistibly inviting, with its soft feather mattress and plush pillows, tempting me to sink into it and fall into a deep, dreamless sleep.

However...

My attention is drawn to a young teenage boy seated in a small chair, facing the end table within the room. His presence adds an unexpected twist to the cozy ambiance.

image [https://gdurl.com/dGD0]

He sports a dark gray shade leather headband, His hair is styled into spikes on the right side, with a striking hue of dark yellow. His light armor, made from an unknown and intriguing material, features a long collar that extends from his neck to his waist, giving him an air of uniqueness.

The boy notices my presence shortly after I enter the room.

"Oh, hi!" he greets me with an easy smile.

"Um, what are you doing in my room?" I ask, puzzled by his unexpected presence.

"Oh, so you're the 'Yellow Broom Swordsman' who reserved this room?" the boy questions with a knowing look.

"Uh, yes... that's me."

"I knew it! It seemed odd for me to get a free room from her!" the boy clarifies, realizing the mix-up.

"Her?" I inquire, remembering that the innkeeper was a man. They must have been changing shifts.

"I mean the innkeeper!" the boy clarifies.

"I see..."

"Anyway, the name's Edabara Rue. You can call me Rue instead, nice to meet you!" he introduces himself, rising playfully from his chair and extending his hand.

"Raiken J."

"Sounds like a name from the southern continent, I'd say!" Rue remarks with curiosity.

We shake hands, and Rue heads toward the door, his demeanor light and carefree.

"I'll book another room for myself then. See you around!"

"Okay..." I reply, still a bit bewildered by the unexpected encounter.

As he leaves, I catch him mumbling something under his breath, his tone indifferent.

"How can you be sure he's not the one?" he mumbles in his usual manner.

"I sense no other presence here," he later mutters, his voices turns deep and tinged with bitterness.

Rue closes the door behind him, leaving me alone in the room.

"What a long day."

I set my new sword aside, collapse onto the bed, and close my eyes, thoughts of the day's events swirling in my mind.

"I should try out this new weapon tomorrow, I suppose..."

#

End of Chapter 14