Chapter 29 - 28: The Right Time
Two days had passed since Ethan’s intense battle with the special-type Minotaur. His wounds were healing thanks to Hestia’s tireless care. Though the pain still lingered, the fire in his spirit hadn’t dimmed—it had only grown stronger.
Sunlight poured into the old, crumbling church, catching the dust in the air like tiny embers. Ethan stood from the bed slowly, adjusting his bandages before slipping on a clean black shirt. The church was quiet, save for Hestia humming softly in the background as she organized some things in the corner.
She glanced over when she saw him grabbing his bag.
"Heading out already?" she asked, worry lacing her voice.
Ethan gave a soft nod. "Just into town. We need food, and a few things to patch up this place. You’ve done more than enough already. Let me handle the rest."
Hestia frowned, tapping her foot like a disapproving older sister. "At least don’t carry everything back alone."
"I won’t," he promised, and with a faint smile, walked out into the sunlit streets of Orario.
The marketplace was full of life. Merchants were calling out their prices, kids weaved between adults playing games, and the smell of baked bread and grilled meat hung heavy in the air.
Ethan moved through the crowd, checking his short list: rice, vegetables, soap, nails, and maybe a decent pan if he could afford it. His valis pouch was fuller than usual, thanks to the loot he’d sold after his last dungeon run, but he still budgeted carefully. They didn’t have much, but they had enough—for now.
He stopped at a vegetable stall, eyeing some fresh tomatoes when he heard a voice behind him.
"H-Hello..."