The administrator's key... huh...

Gordan's eyes widened in panic. He tried to think, but his stomach churned.

Okay, key. I can find a key. He seemed pretty damn sure I had something to do with this... So, it should be possible.

A heavy sigh escaped him as he dropped his head back, staring at the ceiling.

Why is my life so hard... Can't I make money in peace?

What Gordan didn’t notice whilst lost in thought, was his mother peeking into his room. She was trying to be quiet in case he was still asleep. Seeing him awake, she entered.

"Oh, good morning. I'm glad you're already up. Breakfast is ready."

"Ah, thanks, Mom. I'll be down in a second..."

Gordan's expression darkened. His furrowed brow and tense posture made the room feel heavy.

His mother had learned it was best to wait for Gordan to open up about his problems. Prying in the past had only brought frustration for both of them.

As she left for the kitchen, Gordan took a moment to squeeze the last bit of brainpower into his thoughts.

I know exactly what's happening right now.

Gordan smirked.

I'm screwed.

He shuffled downstairs, his steps as lifeless as his mood, and slumped into his chair at the table.

His parents exchanged confused looks. His father finally broke the silence.

"I just remembered I have... work to do!" His dad stood up and shuffled out the front door, a natural movement for him in situations he wasn't a part of.

Gordan’s mother, bemused by his father's sudden exit, chuckled.

"Ah yes, work. Well, I'm off too. Thanks for breakfast, Mom."

Gordan left the table without touching his food. He left to work with an absent-minded wave.

After setting up at the shop, the day dragged on, serving a customer every now and then. Morning faded into a slow afternoon, then into an almost barren evening.

It was around closing time when Gordan finally snapped out of his funk. Glancing left and right from the stall window, he decided to call it a day. As he moved to undo the latch holding the counter window open, a voice called from down the street. Afterall, Lee and him had plans for the evening.

The sky, now a canvas of soft purples, fiery ambers, and deepening blues. Thus, a faded rainbow created a glowing dusk that contrasted itself against the figure of a young girl. She was running toward him.

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"Hey! Wait!" she called out breathlessly. "You're still open, right?"

Gordan froze, his hand lingering over the latch. He recognized her.

That's the girl I conn— I mean, sold the skill crystal to! His thoughts stuttered, interrupted by the way the fading sunlight painted her features. And under this light...

He hadn’t noticed before, but now, under the soft glow of dusk, she was mesmerizing. Her long, light brown hair, pulled back into a sporty ponytail. She shimmered in the evening light, catching the gold and copper of the sunset.

Her skin had a healthy glow. Still flushed from running it complimented the adventurer's outfit she wore. The tight-fitting leather armor that clung to her toned body emphasized her athletic build. She came closer, and Gordan’s breath caught in his throat.

The tight-fitting leather armor that clung to her toned body emphasized her athletic build. In a way, her posture and outfit made her look both fierce and elegant.

Upon closer examination, the leather scabbard at her hip hinted at her strength. She had a clear aura of capability that surrounded her.

Man, is this what they call love? Gordan thought, lost in her muse. And she can fight... Maybe I should hire her...

His heart thudded, a strange mixture of panic and intrigue swirling had beset him. He registered her words, but didn't attend to them.

"I'm so glad you're still open!"

For a second, he stood there, mouth slightly open. His pulse quickened as he took his hand away from the latch. He couldn't help but notice delicate yet confident smile. She radiated a raw, untamed energy that made Gordan’s thoughts scatter.

How did I miss this the first time?

As he started to lose himself in his daze, her voice broke through his thoughts.

"Hello?" she asked, leaning closer, her brow furrowing as she met his gaze.

"Oh!" Gordan jolted back, his composure cracking.

"Yes, yes, yes! We are definitely open! Very open. So open. Yes." He stumbled over his words, trying to reign in his embarrassment. His face flushed under her amused stare.

"Right..." she replied, a small smile on her lips. "Anyway, I’m looking for a replacement sword. Just a backup. Do you have anything?"

Adventurers often left old swords at the shop, and he quickly thought of one roughly the size of hers.

"Certainly, miss. I'll be right back." He disappeared into the back, still reeling from the encounter.

Her smile was warm, disarming, and Gordan struggled to regain his focus. He cleared his throat, attempting to act normal. His mind raced, torn between thinking of the girl and the more practical matter at hand.

When he returned, a long black blade with a silver edge glimmered in his hands. Her expression shifted to one of mild disappointment as she eyed the blade.

"Is this all you have?" she asked, unimpressed.

"It's one of the best we’ve got, but the others are too large for your frame," Gordan explained, trying to sound professional. Sill experiencing his heart pounding from their earlier exchange. He just couldn't get the image of her face out of his head.

She got so close... It's not my fault she's pretty. Is all Gordan could think to excuse his thoughts.

"Well, I’m looking for something to grow into. A master’s sword, if you have one."

A flicker of recognition flashed through Gordan's mind. Well, there is that...

"I do have... some," he said cautiously, "but I can’t give them to you right now. Could you come back in an hour?"

She raised an eyebrow, skeptical. "Uh, sure... but what’s going to change in an hour?"

He flashed her an over-the-top thumb-up, trying to exude confidence despite the fluttering in his chest. "No need to worry, I've got just the thing!"

As she turned to leave, Gordan let out a small breath of relief, watching her silhouette disappear into the twilight. He felt his heart skip when she waved back at him, a subtle gesture that sent a thrill down his spine.

"See you soon!" he called out, his voice cracking slightly as he waved back. He stood there for a moment longer, shaking his head with a smirk. Beautiful, dangerous, and a potential ally... what more could I ask for?

As the quiet settled back over the shop, he couldn’t help but feel that things were about to get very interesting.