Chapter 112 – Two Walls Standing
Chapter 112
Two Walls Standing
Date : Day 20 of Grimleaf 1024 Aethellgard Concord Year.
The dual suns of Kresneger slowly ascended to their zenith. The morning had stretched into midday—the cool air warming as the two suns climbed higher in the sky.
And inside Hyoren's chest, he felt triumph growing. The skills had settled into his mind—knowledge that felt like it had always been there, waiting to be unlocked. The shield and sword in his hands no longer felt like foreign objects. They were extensions of his body—natural and familiar.
And it seemed it was not only him who was awarded with something. At the same time, Reon in front of him jumped. Her eyes were wide with surprise and joy—her mouth open in a grin that threatened to split her face. She quickly went to Ronald.
"Papa! I got the skill! Sword Mastery! And Shield Mastery!"
She looked so happy and smug. Her chest was puffed out with pride. And hugged him.
Ronald praised her. Patting her short brown hair.
"You worked hard, Reon. This is the result of training."
His voice was gruff—but the warmth beneath it was unmistakable. This was a father proud of his daughter's achievement.
Hyoren watched them with a warm expression. He had trained alongside Reon for five days. He had seen her determination, her frustration, her progress. And now he was seeing her joy.
Ronald then looked at him. His eyes shifted from his daughter to his other student.
"And Lad, you've been silent and smiling. Don't tell me. You also got the skill?"
Hyoren nodded. The motion was calm—but the satisfaction was evident in his eyes.
"Yes Ronald, I finally got Sword and Shield Skill."
Ronald let out an exasperated sound. His hand came up to rub the back of his neck—a gesture of disbelief mixed with resignation.
"You two are really something. I already knew one of you is going to learn the skill today or tomorrow at most. But for you two to get them at the same time."
He shook his head—his expression caught between amusement and admiration.
"That's... that's not normal. Most trainees take weeks to acquire a single skill. You two got two in five days. And at the same time no less. For Reon, I could understand, she definitely already trained a lot by herself. But you… but oh well."
He separated from Reon and straightened his posture.
"Okay you two. Congratulations. I did say you two was really fast, but talk about good timing. I will go out with my party the day after tomorrow. I was almost afraid I will leave you two before you properly learn the skill. But I think I could leave with an easy mind now."
He crossed his arm. The posture was familiar—one Hyoren had seen countless times during their training sessions.
"Lad, I don't have anything left to teach. From now on, use those swords and shields well. Rely on your Skills. Train by yourself in your free time. Keep using the shield to protect your important party members. And remember, always become an immovable wall!"
His voice carried the weight of experience—of battles fought and won, of comrades protected and saved. It was more than advice. It was a mandate.
Hyoren nodded. And bowed. The motion was deep—respectful.
"Will do, Ronald. I will always remember your teaching. Thanks for teaching me."
The words were simple—but they carried the weight of five days of grueling training. Of aches and pains and frustration. Of progress and growth and achievement. Ronald had given him more than just skills. He had given him a foundation—a path forward.
Ronald was satisfied. He looked at Reon. His eyes softened—the stern mentor giving way to the loving father.
"And Reon, for you. This is just the start. If you really want to become an Adventurer. You need to learn more things and gather party members."
His voice was gentle—but serious. The reality of the adventuring life was not lost on him—and he wanted his daughter to understand what she was getting into.
"The skills are just the beginning. The real challenge is finding people you can trust. People who will watch your back. People who will become your family on the battlefield."
He then turned, and gestured for Reon.
"Let's go. I will teach you about how to behave like an Adventurer and how to read other people so you could get good party members. We have time before I departed the day after tomorrow. Prepare yourself."
Reon straightened her posture. Her earlier excitement had tempered into something more serious—more determined.
"Alright Papa! I understand!"
She then ran towards the Inn. Following Ronald.
Hyoren watched as the father and daughter left with warm expressions. A teacher and fellow student. They might still train together in the future, but definitely not as intense as the current one.
***
He contemplated what he should do next. It was not even midday—he had hours of free time stretching before him like an open road. Elise should still train to get Mapping until evening. Maybe he would just go to the guild to look for information, or he would go to the Residential's District, to look for Elise.
“Wandering Elf she said. I really want to look how she sneaking around the Residential’s District. Or should I went to guild to look for information about dungeon?”
He chuckled. The sounds was soft, he was amused by the thought.
“But I think, for now, shower and lunch first. Haha.”
He only trained for half a day today—and the winter was coming in less than 10 days—but he was still sweaty.
He climbed to their room and quickly took a shower. The hot water cascaded over his body—washing away the sweat and grime of the morning's training.
After the shower, and with brand new clothes, he went back to the communal room. The sounds of the inn grew louder as he descended.
Martha was busy tending to the guest who asked for lunch. It was a crowded time. The communal room was filled with the lunch crowd—adventurers and travelers alike seeking respite from the cold.
"Martha, lunch for me. And chilled ale please."
Martha smiled at him. A bit tired, but she still gave a motherly smile. The lines around her eyes were more pronounced than usual—the sign of a long day already in progress. But the warmth in her expression was undiminished.
"Wait a bit okay?"
She went back to the kitchen preparing his order. Hyoren then looked for a seat. There was an empty table on the corner, and he sat on it. He settled into the seat.
Martha came with his order not long after. A piping hot Ramtauro steak and chilled ale. The steak was thick and juicy—cooked to perfection with herbs and spices that made his mouth water.
"Here, Hyoren. Enjoy your lunch."
With a purposeful step, she went back to counter tending other guests.
Hyoren watched her with warm eyes. The innkeeper had become something of a maternal figure during their stay.
In the middle of eating, he heard the door open. He glanced up, expecting another patron. And was surprised Elise was there. She saw Hyoren, smiled, and approached him. Her steps were light—her silver hair catching light as she crossed the room.
She sat in front of him. Hyoren put down his fork. The metal clinked against the plate.
"Elise? Back early? Did you also get the skill already?"
Elise tilted her head. The motion was slight—her pointed ears twitching with curiosity.
"Also?"
Then realization dawned over her. Her emerald eyes widened—the confusion giving way to understanding. A smile spread across her face—bright and genuine.
"Ooh, you finally got sword and shield skill, Hyoren? Congratulations!"
Hyoren smiled. The expression was warm—tinged with the satisfaction of achievement.
"Thank you, Elise. It was only possible because you kept supporting me."
He picked his fork again. He speared another piece of steak.
"So, if not because you got Mapping, why did you come back early?"
Before Elise could answer, Martha passed them after she was done taking orders from a nearby table. Her round figure wove between the tables with practiced ease—her arms laden with empty dishes.
"Elise dear, lunch?"
Elise looked at Martha. Her expression shifted—warm and appreciative.
"Thank you Martha!"
Martha nodded and disappeared into the kitchen—the door swinging shut behind her. Elise turned her head to Hyoren. Her silver hair swayed with the motion.
"I wish I already got the skill, but no. Guild messenger sought me when I was in the middle of training. He was sent by Ina to tell me the Harvengald dungeon scout party will arrive tomorrow. So she wants us to prepare."
Her eyes lit up. The emerald depths sparkled with excitement—her pointed ears perking forward.
"We will accompany them as promised, Hyoren. Becoming the first one to scout the dungeon was a privilege!"
Hyoren was also excited. The news sparked something in his chest—a thrill of anticipation that had been dormant since their quest ended.
"Tomorrow. I almost forgot, but now we need to rush to prepare."
He forked another chunk of meat. The steak was delicious—the herbs and spices Martha used complementing the rich flavor of the Ramtauro. He chewed quickly—his mind already racing through the list of things they needed.
"You need a new bow and armor. I need to buy a sword and shield."
Elise nodded. Her expression was serious now—the excitement tempered by practical considerations.
"And supplies. Potions, rations... everything we might need for a dungeon dive."
Martha came at the same time. Bringing similar Ramtauro steak and chilled ale. Elise thanked Martha before focusing on Hyoren again.
"That's why I'm rushing back. Let's use this afternoon to prepare."
Her expression softened. The excitement faded into something gentler—more intimate. She reached across the table and touched his hand briefly. Her fingers were cool against his skin—the contact light but meaningful.
"And one more agenda."
Hyoren tilted his head. The motion was curious—his dark eyes questioning.
"What is it, Elise?"
She smiled. The expression was playful—tinged with affection.
"We need to celebrate. For someone to successfully change their own roles. Fufu."
Hyoren was embarrassed. He touched his nose with his hand. The gesture was awkward—his cheeks warming with a faint flush.
"That's... unnecessary, Elise. But, that actually sounds nice. We haven't celebrated our successful quest either right? We earned over 13 Million Kres. Also, celebrating your complete recovery... triple celebration!"
Elise's smile widened. Her emerald eyes sparkled with amusement at his flustered reaction.
"Now that you mention it. Triple celebration. Then we should go to a more fancy one. Bertho's Dining was nice but for this kind of celebration..."
She tapped her chin, thinking of options. Her pointed ears twitched slightly—a habit he had come to recognize as a sign of deep thought.
"I think The Silver Chalice on Merchants' District was a better idea. It was catered to wealthy merchants and nobles."
The mention of nobles darkened Hyoren's expression. His brow furrowed—the excitement giving way to concern.
"Is that place fine, Elise? It will let us commoners in? Also, it won't be expensive?"
Elise giggled. Her pointed ears twitching with amusement. The sound was light—musical.
"Fufu. Don't worry, as long as we are not dressed poorly, they won't turn us down. And we earned it, we could splurge from time to time. Of course we couldn't eat there everyday. But once in a while should not hurt our wallet."
She looked at Hyoren. Her expression was reassuring—the concern in his eyes mirrored back with understanding.
"I already own good dresses. But maybe you need to buy formal clothes, Hyoren. Let's go to Uncle Boram after we finish with our gear."
Hyoren agreed with her. The plan made sense—they needed gear for the dungeon, and formal clothes for the celebration. The afternoon would be busy, but it was a good kind of busy. The kind that came with anticipation.
***
They finished eating. The plates were empty—only traces of sauce and crumbs remaining. The ale mugs were drained—condensation pooling on the wooden table. They thanked Martha, then left. Her motherly smile followed them out the door—a warm farewell that lingered in the cool air.
Their steps were steady. They went from a sparse side street, to the main street of Adventurer's District. The transition was gradual—the quiet of the side street giving way to the bustling energy of the main thoroughfare. The bustling streets greeted them. Vendors called out their wares—voices overlapping in a cacophony of commerce. Adventurers walked with purpose—their armor clanking with each step. The smell of roasting meat and fresh bread wafted from nearby stalls—mingling with the earthier scents of leather and metal from the smithies.
Elise turned to Hyoren. Her silver hair caught the light—shimmering as she moved.
"For my armor, it was already done, Hyoren. I already went to Jena 4 days ago before I went my Mapping training and ordered custom armor. It should be done today as promised. And for potions, we should be good. I met Oria yesterday and she gave me some potions."
Elise giggled. The sound was light—musical. Her pointed ears twitched with amusement.
"That pipsqueak said it was leftover. Though of course I knew it was not."
Hyoren smiled at her. The expression was warm—tinged with gratitude and something softer.
"Oria... she was too kind..."
Hyoren's gaze wandered toward the north side. The district where Oria's shop was located. He was really astonished with that small elf. She was healing both Elise and him. Without payment. And now seems to be giving away potions for free.
He looked at Elise. His dark eyes refocused—returning to the present.
"And for armor. You are thoughtful as usual. So, we only need to fetch it. We could do it when we go to a restaurant later, as both are in the same district. So for now, focus on buying supplies in this Adventurer’s District?"
Elise nodded. The motion was slight—her pointed ears bobbing with the movement.
"That's right, let's go to Uncle Boram first. Then we will go to Borin. And we will finish our shopping spree by buying supplies from the grocery store."
Both of them walked. Their footsteps fell into an easy rhythm—the kind that came from days of traveling together. The crowd parted around them—adventurers and merchants alike giving them space. And not long after, they reached Boram's Used Clothes.
The shopfront was unassuming. The windows displayed a few garments—dusty and worn but serviceable. It was not a place that drew the eye. But for those in the know, it was a treasure trove.
The two entered the store. The door creaked as it swung open.
The familiar interior was a small and cramped space filled with the musty smell of old fabric and leather that greeted them. The scent was not unpleasant.
The smell of many clothes—of cotton and wool and silk, of leather and thread and dye. The interior was a chaotic mountain of clothes. Shirts and trousers and dresses were piled on every available surface—tables, chairs, even the floor. The organization was incomprehensible to the untrained eye—but Boram knew where everything was.
"Uncle Boram!"
Elise called out. Her voice was bright—cutting through the musty air of the shop.
"I want to buy stuff again!"
From behind a mountain of trousers, a figure emerged. the familiar figure—a grumpy old man—with a white beard and a perpetually scowling face. His brow was furrowed. His mouth turned down. The expression of a man who was permanently annoyed. Or at least pretended to be. His clothes were simple—worn but clean.
"Elise."
He spoke. His voice gruff—the words like gravel scraping against stone.
"Back again to bleed me dry?"
The words were harsh. But the tone carried familiarity. A kind of rough affection that was uniquely Boram's.
"You already robbed me last time."
He crossed his arms. The gesture was defensive—but his eyes twinkled with something that might have been amusement.
"So what do you want now?"
Elise smiled. The expression was playful—her emerald eyes dancing with mischief.
"Don't worry. I will pay properly this time! Fufu."
She then gestured over Hyoren. Her hand swept toward him—presenting him like a specimen to be examined.
"Hyoren needs new clothes. Formal one which is not going to make him ashamed of high society."
Boram snorted. The sound was derisive—but not unkind.
"You again. So how's the last piece of clothing for you?"
Hyoren smiled. The expression was polite—respectful of the older man's craft.
"That was good, Boram. And now I need formal clothes."
The old man—Boram—just grunted. His eyes gave Hyoren a once-over. The gaze was both dismissive and calculating—measuring him with the practiced eye of someone who had spent a lifetime fitting clothes to bodies. He looked at his shoulders, his chest, his waist—assessing his size with a glance.
He snorted again, then he went back to fetch a stack of clothes. His movements were surprisingly quick for a man of his age—he navigated the chaotic piles with practiced ease. And put it on the table nearby. The wood creaked under the weight of the garments—a small mountain of fabric and color.
"Here, let's pick."
And then—the picking began.
Elise moved to the piles of clothes. Her hands reached out—fingers dancing across the fabric with the confidence of someone who knew what she was looking for. She would pull a shirt from a pile. Hold it up against Hyoren's chest. Assess the fit. The color. The style. And then—judgment.
"Too drab."
She'd mutter. Discarding a brown tuxedo. The garment was serviceable—but serviceable was not what they were looking for. It fell to the side—joining the pile of rejected options.
"This one!"
Her voice would brighten. The excitement was palpable—a hunter who had found her prey.
"It looked good. Formal, there is a hint of luxury. But not overly gaudy."
She'd hold up the chosen garment. A black tuxedo. With silver trim. Simple decorations, but the fabric looks high quality. The black was deep and rich—the kind that seemed to absorb light rather than reflect it. The silver trim was subtle—a thin line along the collar and cuffs that caught the light when it moved.
Hyoren just let Elise. He stood still as she worked—turning when she asked him to turn, holding his arms out when she needed to check the sleeves. He will follow what she picked. Her taste was impeccable—and he trusted her judgment far more than his own when it came to formal attire.
Elise asked Boram the price. Her voice was businesslike now—the playful tone replaced by something more practical.
"200K Kres. And please don't haggle. I already give you a lot of discount.”
Boram's voice was gruff—but there was a hint of weariness in it.
Elise smiled. And quickly produced her Guild Card to pay. She held it out—ready for the transaction.
"I won't. That price was reasonable, Boram."
Boram quickly processed the transaction and packed the tuxedo. His hands moved with surprising speed—folding the garment with the care of someone who respected good fabric. It went into Hyoren's storage bag. The void took it in—the garment disappearing into the dimensional space with a soft shimmer.
Both of them then exited the store. Satisfied. The door creaked behind them as they stepped back into the bustling street. The afternoon suns were still high—casting their mixed light across the city. They had more shopping to do—but this was a good start.