Chapter 125 – The Base for Freedom Party
Chapter 125
The Base for Freedom Party
Date : Day 23 of Grimleaf 1024 Aethellgard Concord Year.
Hyoren's eyes slowly opened the next morning. His mind felt clear. The sleep had been deep and restorative.
The bright morning light streamed through the window, warm and clean, while his body felt completely rested.
The exhaustion from the two-day scouting mission had vanished, leaving behind only comfort and lightness. His muscles no longer ached. His joints no longer protested movement. The bone-deep weariness that had become his constant companion had simply evaporated. The sunlight painted golden patterns across the bedsheets—illuminating dust motes that drifted lazily through the air.
He turned his head slightly. Elise was already awake.
She lay beside him, propped up on one elbow while quietly watching him with a soft and content smile.
Her silver hair was disheveled from sleep—strands falling across her face in a way that seemed deliberate rather than accidental. Her emerald nightgown had slipped slightly around the collar, exposing part of her fair skin carelessly.
Her voice was still husky from sleep. The sound was low and intimate—carrying the softness of someone who had not yet fully transitioned from dreams to waking.
"Morning, Hyoren."
Then she leaned forward and gently kissed him. The contact was brief but tender—her lips pressing against his with the ease of familiar affection. The gesture carried no urgency—only the simple pleasure of greeting someone you loved at the start of a new day.
Hyoren smiled softly afterward.
"Good morning, Elise."
He slowly sat up on the bed, causing the blanket to slide down slightly before stretching his arms overhead. The motion pulled at his muscles—drawing out the last traces of sleep with a satisfying tension that released into relaxation. His shoulders popped softly—the sound barely audible in the quiet room.
"Exciting day today."
A small grin appeared on his face.
"House hunting."
Elise stood from the bed. The motion was fluid—her body moving with the grace that seemed to come naturally to her. Her nightgown settled around her form as she rose—the emerald fabric catching the morning light.
"That's right."
She fixed her slightly messy silver hair with her fingers. The strands were tangled from sleep—requiring several passes of her fingers before they fell into something resembling order. She didn't attempt to fully tame them—instead working with the natural waves rather than against them.
"And Ina is waiting for us too. Let's prepare quickly."
The two started their usual morning routine together. The familiar motions carried them through the preparation—each step practiced and comfortable after days of repetition.
Elise washed her face before deciding to leave her silver hair loose today. Still, she carefully made two small braids framing her beautiful face, giving her an elegant but casual appearance. The effect was understated but lovely—accentuating her fine structure of her face without requiring elaborate styling.
Meanwhile, Hyoren shaved the slight stubble on his face before tying his long dark hair into a knot behind his neck.
Afterward, they changed into more comfortable clothes for the day. The process was quick—both of them familiar with the limited wardrobe they had acquired during their time in Akela.
Elise wore a green blouse paired with a yellow shawl draped around her shoulders. The colors suited her—complementing her silver hair and emerald eyes in a way that seemed almost intentional. The shawl was lightweight—providing warmth without the bulk of a proper cloak. The fabric moved with her—shifting gracefully as she adjusted the drape across her shoulders.
Meanwhile, Hyoren simply wore his usual sturdy tunic. The garment was practical—made from durable fabric that could withstand the rigors of adventuring while still being comfortable enough for a day of walking through the city. The color was muted—a dark brown that didn't show dirt easily and matched well with his storage bag.
Their armor and weapons were stored safely inside their storage bags. There was no reason to carry a sword and shield just to search for a house.
Once they finished preparing, the two headed downstairs together. Their footsteps echoed softly on the wooden stairs—the sound familiar after days of making the same descent.
The common room of the Wanderer’s Rest was already lively with morning activity.
The space was filled with the sounds of conversation and the clatter of utensils against plates. Adventurers filled the tables while preparing for their jobs. Some were eating quickly—fueling themselves for the day ahead. The rich aroma of sizzling meat, bread, and fresh coffee filled the air, creating a warm and grounding atmosphere inside the inn. The smell was inviting—a promise of sustenance that drew the eye toward the kitchen and the counter where food was being served.
Martha was behind the counter, wiping down a mug with her usual motherly efficiency.
The moment she spotted them approaching, her broad face broke into a warm grin. The expression was genuine—the kind of smile that came naturally to someone who genuinely cared about the people in her charge.
"Morning, dears. You two look ten times better than yesterday."
She chuckled.
“I was half worried you’d sleep straight through until next week.”
Elise laughed softly as she took one of the stools by the counter. The sound was light—musical in a way that seemed to suit her.
“We honestly felt like it.”
She stretched lightly before smiling.
“But a good bed works wonders.”
Martha nodded proudly while setting two steaming cups of coffee before them. The mugs were large—filled to the brim with dark liquid that released curls of steam into the morning air. The aroma was rich and familiar—a scent that Hyoren recognized immediately.
“That it does.”
Then her eyes sparkled with curiosity.
“So. The whole city’s been buzzing about it already. The new dungeon.”
Her gaze moved between Hyoren and Elise.
“You two were really in there? With the Guild Master and those specialists from Harvengald?”
Hyoren blinked slightly at the sight of the coffee.
So, coffee really existed in this world.
He had been too occupied with recent events to think much about it before, but now that he smelled the familiar aroma, he mentally noted to ask Elise later about stocking some in their future house.
He genuinely missed coffee from Earth. The taste of his morning cup had been one of those small pleasures he had taken for granted—never realizing how much he would miss it until it was gone.
For now though, he answered Martha’s question.
“We were. Just for the analysis and scouting.”
Martha’s eyes gleamed immediately, a mixture of excitement and sharp business instinct appearing in them.
“I knew it!”
She slapped the counter lightly.
“This is the best thing that’s happened to Akela in a decade. A newly discovered dungeon?”
Then she lowered her voice slightly like she was sharing some huge secret.
“This city is about to become a lot more crowded. Adventurers from all over are going to flock here.”
She paused briefly before continuing.
“It’s perfect training grounds too. Bronze-tier, right?”
Martha shrugged.
“There’s complications from what I heard, but that won’t change the fact that floors 1 to 30 are still amazing hunting grounds for Copper and Bronze adventurers.”
Her smile became proud as she gestured around the bustling inn.
“That means more business for everyone. More rooms filled. More ale sold. More equipment bought. More merchants passing through.”
Hyoren slowly sipped his coffee while listening to Martha speak.
The familiar bitterness spread across his tongue, followed by a rich and earthy aroma. His eyes softened slightly.
It really was coffee.
Of course, the taste was somewhat different from the coffee he used to drink back on Earth. But Hyoren already understood that there were many variations of coffee even back there. Different beans, roasting methods, regions, and preparation styles could completely change the flavor.
This world’s version simply had its own character. Slightly stronger. More earthy. Less acidic.
But this is unmistakably coffee. And honestly… I feel this was delicious in its own way.
Then he nodded slightly.
“It’ll definitely change the character of the city.”
Martha leaned forward slightly, lowering her voice again like she was sharing privileged information. The posture was conspiratorial—her elbows resting on the counter as she drew closer to them.
“And it gets even better.”
She pointed vaguely toward the north.
“I overheard one of the City Knights talking this morning. The Guild and the Baron are already making plans.”
Hyoren immediately paid closer attention. The shift in his posture was subtle but noticeable—his spine straightening slightly as he leaned toward Martha. The mention of official plans carried weight—implications that could affect everything from their future expeditions to the value of property in the city.
“They’re going to build a small town near the quarry. An outpost.”
Martha counted with her fingers.
“An inn. Supply stores. Maybe even a small Guild branch.”
Her grin widened proudly.
“A proper staging ground for the dungeon.”
Hyoren’s mind immediately began processing the implications. An outpost meant infrastructure.
Security. Supply lines. A permanent military and adventurer presence.
The Old Quarry would no longer remain some dangerous abandoned place outside the city. It would gradually transform into a thriving hub centered around the Akela Dungeon.
And more importantly. Dungeon expeditions would become safer and more efficient.
Hyoren muttered
“It makes sense. Secure the resource. Build a community around it. Control the flow of adventurers and monsters.”
Martha nodded approvingly.
“Exactly.”
Then Hyoren smiled faintly before shifting the topic.
“But enough talking about the dungeon.”
He looked toward Martha.
“We’re planning to go house hunting today. Could you prepare breakfast for us first?”
Martha laughed heartily.
“Of course. Wait a bit, okay?”
Then she disappeared into the kitchen. The swing of the door marked her departure—the sounds of cooking drifting through the opening before it swung shut again.
Not long after, she returned carrying two plates piled high with sizzling sausages and toasted bread. The aroma preceded her—the smell of cooked meat and fresh bread filling the space around the counter. The portions were generous—reflecting Martha's understanding that adventurers needed substantial fuel for their days.
She placed them proudly before Hyoren and Elise. The plates landed on the counter with soft thuds—the ceramic meeting wood in a satisfying way.
“And house hunting, huh…”
A nostalgic smile appeared on her face.
“About time for you two. An inn is fine for a week or two. But a proper home?”
Her expression softened.
“That’s what settled adventurers build.”
Then her business instincts surfaced again.
“And honestly, it’s a good investment too. With all the adventurers flooding into Akela soon, property prices are definitely going to rise.”
Martha placed her hands on her waist afterward.
“Though I’m definitely going to miss you two.”
Elise immediately gave her a reassuring smile.
“Don’t worry, Martha.”
She giggled softly.
“We’ll still visit from time to time whenever we miss your stew.”
Then she glanced toward Hyoren.
Hyoren nodded in agreement.
“And I promised Reon we’d continue doing mock battles together sometimes.”
He looked around the inn curiously.
“Speaking of which… where is Reon?”
Martha smiled warmly at the mention of her daughter, her gaze drifting toward the outside streets. The expression was proud—the look of a parent who saw their child doing well.
“Seems like she found another promising kid to partner with.”
Her smile became proud.
“They’re out gathering herbs together right now.”
She chuckled softly.
“Ronald always said beginners should start simple instead of chasing glory too early.”
Then she nodded approvingly.
“And it seems Reon really listened to him. She’s been diligently taking easy quests first.”
Hyoren and Elise could almost feel the warmth radiating from Martha as she talked about her daughter. The pride was evident in every word—in the way her eyes lit up and her voice softened. It was the kind of pride that came not from grand achievements, but from watching someone grow and learn and become better through steady effort.
Hyoren smiled faintly. The expression was appreciative—acknowledging the wisdom of the approach.
"I see."
He nodded. The motion was small—a dip of his chin that carried agreement.
"She's level-headed in that regard."
Then he looked genuinely pleased. The expression was sincere—carrying real happiness for Reon's progress.
"Good for her. I'm looking forward to seeing how far she climbs as an adventurer someday."
A small grin appeared on his face. The expression was playful—carrying a hint of friendly challenge.
"Maybe she'll even follow Ronald's path eventually."
***
The hearty breakfast and warm coffee fortified them, Martha's cooking serving as the perfect start to the day's new objective.
And the coffee had been a revelation—a taste of home that he hadn't known he was missing until that first sip touched his lips. The meal sat comfortably in his stomach—providing a foundation of warmth and energy that would carry them through the morning ahead.
With a final wave toward the beaming innkeeper, Hyoren and Elise stepped out into the bustling streets of Akela's Adventurer's District, the morning sun greeted their faces. The door swung shut behind them—cutting off the warmth of the inn and replacing it with the cool morning air.
Above them, the dual suns of Kresneger hung in the sky. The sight was familiar now—something that had become part of his daily routine rather than a source of wonder.
The dual suns still shone brightly, but Sol—the smaller golden sun—had already shrunk into a tiny speck of gold. Leaving only bigger silver Luna perched in the sky. The change was subtle but noticeable—like watching a coin shrink day by day until it became little more than a bright star against the blue.
In less than seven days, it would disappear completely. The knowledge sat heavily in his mind—a reminder of the natural cycles that governed this world. Cycles that were fundamentally different from anything he had known on Earth.
The sign that winter was approaching. Elise had explained it to him before—the way Sol retreated during the colder months, leaving Luna to dominate the sky. The phenomenon marked the changing of seasons in ways that the people of Kresneger had learned to read and anticipate.
The air already carried a chilly bite because of it, though thankfully Hyoren and Elise wore adequate clothing for the weather. The cold nipped at exposed skin—not dangerous, but noticeable. It was the kind of cold that would deepen as Sol continued to shrink—eventually giving way to true winter when the golden sun vanished entirely.
Hyoren looked at Elise.
“Let’s depart, Elise?”
Elise nodded, her loose silver hair swayed slightly with the motion.
“Let’s go. Hyoren.”
The two walked briskly through the waking district.
Adventurers filled the streets as usual. Some prepared for quests—checking equipment and counting supplies with the focused attention of people who understood that their lives might depend on what they carried. The sounds of the district surrounded them—the clatter of armor, the shout of vendors, the general hum of activity that seemed to permeate every corner of the Adventurer's District.
Vendors loudly advertised breakfast skewers and supplies to passing adventurers. The smell of cooking meat drifted through the air—mingling with the scents of leather, metal, and the less pleasant odors that accompanied large gatherings of people and animals. The calls overlapped in a symphony of competing offers—each vendor trying to outshout the others in a bid for attention.
And before long, they arrived before the Guild Dormitory.
The building came into view gradually—revealing itself between the other structures that lined the street. It stood out from the surrounding buildings—not through grandeur, but through a certain neatness that spoke of regular maintenance and care.
Ina was already waiting outside for them. Her figure was easy to spot—the cat tails that swished behind her marking her as clearly as any sign. She stood near the entrance—her posture relaxed but alert, her amber eyes scanning the street in both directions.
The dormitory building itself was surprisingly pleasant to look at. A wide and spacious two-story structure, well maintained despite housing countless Guild employees.
The walls were made of grey stone—the same material that dominated most of Akela's architecture—but they had been kept clean and free of the grime that accumulated on older buildings. The windows were intact—glass panes reflecting the morning light rather than showing the cracks and repairs that marked less well-kept structures.
Warmth radiated from the place. Not physical warmth—though that too was present—but a sense of comfort and welcome that seemed to emanate from the very walls. It was the kind of building that looked like a home rather than just a place to sleep.
Magic lamps hung near the entrance, their soft glow illuminating the flower boxes beneath the windows.
The flowers were autumn blooms—hardy plants that could withstand the approaching cold. Their colors were muted compared to summer varieties—deep reds and oranges that seemed to echo the changing season.
The atmosphere felt cozy and welcoming—a deliberate contrast to the utilitarian buildings that dominated the Adventurer's District.
The moment Ina spotted them, she waved energetically. Her cat tails swished happily behind her—the motion animated and genuine. The gesture was enthusiastic—carrying none of the restraint that might have accompanied a more formal greeting.
"Morning, Hyoren, Elise."
Hyoren and Elise stopped before her and greeted her back. The words came easily—falling into the natural rhythm of morning pleasantries.
"Morning, Ina."
"Good morning, Ina."
Elise smiled softly. The expression was warm—carrying genuine affection rather than mere politeness.
"Did you wait long?"
Ina giggled lightly. The sound was musical—a bright note that seemed to cut through the morning air.
To Hyoren, her voice already sounded strangely pleasant—almost like music. A voice he unconsciously wanted to keep hearing. The thought surfaced without warning—catching him off guard with its intensity.
"Not too long."
She shrugged casually. The motion was relaxed—conveying that their timing had been perfectly acceptable.
"I just finished breakfast anyway."
Hyoren smiled faintly before getting to the main topic. The expression was small—a slight curve of his lips that acknowledged the pleasantries while steering the conversation toward more practical matters.
"So. House hunting."
He scratched his cheek. The gesture was unconscious—a habit that emerged when he felt uncertain or out of his depth.
"Where do we even start?"
Truthfully, he was completely clueless about this kind of thing. The admission was implicit in his question—a recognition that house hunting was outside his area of expertise. On Earth, he had never owned property. In Kresneger, the process was likely different in ways he couldn't even anticipate. So he naturally looked toward the two women who had already lived in Akela for years—trusting that their experience would guide them in the right direction.
Ina nodded immediately. The motion was certain—carrying the confidence of someone who knew exactly where to go.
"The Merchant Guild should have records for available houses and properties."
Elise nodded as well before adding. The gesture was complementary—building on Ina's suggestion rather than contradicting it.
"They handle official rentals and purchases too."
She adjusted her yellow shawl slightly. The fabric had slipped during their walk—requiring a small adjustment to return it to its proper position.
"So that's the best place to start."
A small smile appeared on her face. The expression was anticipatory—carrying the energy of someone embarking on a new adventure, even if that adventure was something as mundane as house hunting.
"Let's head toward the Merchant District."
With that decided, the three started walking again.
Their footsteps naturally fell into rhythm with one another—three people moving together through the streets of Akela with a shared purpose.
They gradually left behind the noisy and crowded Adventurer’s District and headed toward the calmer, more organized Merchants’ District of Akela.
The transition between the two districts was obvious.
A sloping road and large stone archway separated them like a border between two different worlds.
Beyond the archway, the streets became noticeably wider, designed to accommodate carts and merchant carriages instead of dense foot traffic from adventurers.
They soon arrived at the main plaza of the Merchant District.
At the center of it stood a striking white building made entirely from polished marble. It stood out clearly among the surrounding grey stone and timber structures, radiating wealth and authority.
In front of the building stretched a spacious plaza filled with stalls and shops. Their colorful awnings created shifting patches of shade beneath the afternoon light while merchants and customers moved busily between them.
Above the grand entrance hung a sign bearing the image of a quill and parchment ledger. Below it were the words,“Merchants’ Guild Akela HQ.”
The entire building radiated a different kind of power compared to the Adventurer’s Guild. Not strength. Not violence. But money. Order. Commerce.
When the three entered, the atmosphere immediately changed.
The air inside felt cool and still, while quiet conversations and hushed negotiations replaced the loud and chaotic energy of adventurers.
Behind a polished wood counter stood a familiar young woman. Yellow hair cut neatly into a bob. Spectacles perched carefully on her nose. Stern-looking expression. Bushy fox tails swaying only slightly behind her. Fox ears standing perfectly still atop her head.
Professionalism practically radiated from her. It was Yelan—the same clerk who had helped process their bank accounts several weeks ago.
The moment she noticed them, she gave a bright and practiced smile.
“Welcome to the Merchant Guild. How may I assist you today?”
Hyoren, Elise, and Ina approached the counter together. Their footsteps were soft against the polished floor. The three of them made an interesting group—the dark-haired human, the silver-haired elf, and the cat-clan beastkin—each representing a different aspect of Akela's diverse population.
Elise leaned slightly forward before speaking.
“We’re looking to rent a house. Long-term.”
Yelan’s smile widened slightly.
“An excellent choice.”
She adjusted her glasses elegantly.
“With the recent announcement regarding Akela Dungeon, property investments are expected to rise significantly.”
Then she stood from behind the counter. The motion was fluid—her body rising with the kind of grace that came from years of practice. Her uniform was immaculate—not a wrinkle visible despite what must have been a long morning of work.
“I would be happy to assist you. Let’s move to a private room first. House transactions usually require more detailed discussions.”
The three followed her toward one of the nearby private booths. Yelan led them through a corridor lined with similar doors—each one leading to a private space where business could be conducted without the risk of being overheard.
Inside, dark leather sofas surrounded a polished wooden table. The table between them was large enough to spread documents across. The room was quiet and comfortable, clearly designed for confidential business discussions. The walls were thick enough to muffle sound—ensuring that conversations within remained private.
Yelan sat across from them professionally. Her posture was perfect—back straight, hands folded on the table before her.
Meanwhile, Hyoren found himself seated between Ina and Elise once again. The arrangement had become familiar—happening often enough that he no longer questioned it.
Apparently, this had quietly become the new arrangement the two women settled on. He still did not fully understand it. The logic behind their positioning escaped him—why they insisted on flanking him rather than sitting together. But at this point, he had simply accepted it. Fighting against it seemed more trouble than it was worth.
Yelan opened a thick folder filled with property listings before looking toward them.
“Now then… Do you have any specific criteria in mind?”
Hyoren nodded immediately.
“Yes.”
He started listing their requirements carefully.
“Two bedrooms. One storage room or cellar. A functional kitchen. And a bathroom with a proper bathtub.”
Then he paused briefly before adding.
“And preferably a garden or yard too.”
Elise suddenly interjected. Her voice was calm but carried an undertone of something else—something that suggested she had been waiting for this moment.
“Wait.”
Hyoren turned toward her in confusion.
“What?”
Instead of answering immediately, Elise glanced toward Ina first. The look was brief—a flicker of emerald eyes that conveyed something without words. Ina gave a small nod. The motion was subtle—barely perceptible to anyone who wasn't watching for it.
Only then did Elise continue.
“Make the bedrooms four.”
She paused briefly before adding calmly.
“Or even five.”
Hyoren blinked. His brows furrowed in complete bewilderment. The request made no sense—expanding the number of bedrooms so dramatically when their party consisted of only two people.
“Four?”
His gaze moved from Elise to Ina and back again—searching for some explanation that would make this request logical.
“Elise… it’s just the two of us. What would we even do with four bedrooms?”
He scratched his cheek.
“We don’t need that much space.”
Ina giggled softly. She then lightly touching his shoulder. The contact was brief—her fingers brushing against his tunic before withdrawing.
“Hyoren, you’re thinking too much in the short term.”
She glanced toward Elise. The look was conspiratorial—two people who shared an understanding that he had not yet grasped.
“Right, Elise?”
Elise nodded immediately. Her emerald eyes glinted slightly.
“Hyoren, more people will join us eventually.”
Hyoren still looked confused. Seeing that, Elise continued patiently.
“I’m sure many adventurers will come to Akela because of the dungeon.”
Her voice remained calm and certain.
“And among them, we’ll eventually meet people we can trust. Good people we can call comrades.”
She leaned slightly closer.
“We can’t keep diving into dangerous dungeons forever with only two people.”
Ina nodded in agreement.
“You’re a tank now, Hyoren.”
She counted with her fingers casually.
“Elise is a ranger… scout and archer both. But a proper dungeon party needs more than that. Healers. Magicians. Frontline fighters. Support classes. Maybe crafters too someday.”
Her cat tails swished lightly behind her—the motion reflecting her engagement with the conversation.
“If you plan to tackle deeper dungeons in the future, the Freedom Party will naturally grow.”
Elise quietly placed her hand atop Hyoren’s. Her touch was warm.
“We’ll definitely meet people we want to fight beside. People we’ll trust. People we’ll eventually call family.”
A soft smile appeared on her face.
“And when that happens… two bedrooms won’t be enough.”
Her emerald eyes met his directly. The gaze was steady—holding his attention with the kind of certainty that refused to be dismissed.
“We need a place that can become a true headquarters. A real home for the whole party.”
Hyoren stared silently at Elise. Then at Ina. For a moment, his mind genuinely blanked.
He had only been thinking about practicality. A safe place. A kitchen. Storage space. A comfortable life for himself and Elise.
But the two women beside him were already thinking far beyond that.
They weren’t just planning for a house. They were planning for the future of their party. For the family they would eventually build around themselves. Slowly, Hyoren’s confusion faded. A small impressed smile replaced it instead.
He truly had not considered it before. But they were right. A party of two was fragile. A full party—a true adventuring group—was something entirely different. Something stable. Something powerful.
Hyoren finally nodded.
“Alright. I understand now.”
He looked between the two women with a faint smile.
“Four bedrooms.”
Then after a brief pause:
“Maybe even five.”
He turned back toward Yelan, who had quietly observed the entire discussion with visible interest behind her professional expression.
“You heard them.”
Hyoren smiled wryly.
“We need a house big enough for a growing party.”
For the first time, Yelan’s perfectly professional smile shifted into something genuinely impressed.
“A very forward-thinking decision.”
She adjusted her glasses elegantly.
“That is indeed the wiser long-term investment. In that case… Let me check our larger property listings.”
Then she opened her folder wider and started flipping through several pages. The sound of paper rustling filled the quiet room—a soft counterpoint to the hushed atmosphere. Her eyes scanned the listings with practiced efficiency—looking for properties that matched their expanded criteria.