Mythran's Master Of All

Ren worked hard for the next 2 in game days, while Teepo crawled all over the exterior to point out all the damage that needed to be repaired. Jen and her workers eventually stopped asking why he knew what to replace and just moved to the next section when Ren pointed them to it. He learned several tricks of Jen's woodworking trade and she let it slip where to get the best trees for making lumber planks. Ren tried to pry more details from her but she just shook her head. The building's outside was finally finished at the end of the second day, and part of the inside was done as well. The stairs weren't installed yet; but the main floor was made with thick timber planks, and felt solid when walked on. The empty section for the stone inlay was on the right-hand side, and 2 work benches were made along the walls next to it. Ren looked around the place and smiled.

This is mine. Ren thought. All mine.

Ren waited for everyone to go home and locked the place up when he left. He hung the small golden key around his neck and walked down the street to Donan's shop and to the building right beside it, where Lucy's phantom form still sat. Ren sat down next to her and smiled.

It'll be ready soon, and you won't have to sit out in the open anymore.

“There's nothing wrong with being out in the open.” Teepo said from Ren's shoulder. Ren hadn't been able to wear the cloak around all the sawdust the last few days.

Ren chuckled. Not normally, but sometimes people feel better when we have a roof over our heads and 4 walls to hold it up.

“People are a bit strange. If you lived in a cave, you wouldn't have to worry about walls and a roof.” Teepo said.

We used to live in caves a long time ago; now, we live in houses. Ren thought.

“Is it better?” Teepo asked.

To some extent, yes. Ren said. Anyways, I have to go for the night. I'll see you in the morning. Teepo. Ren thought and leaned back against the building.

“Goodnight, Ren.”

Goodnight. “Logout.”

********

Ren did his usual morning routine of breakfast, therapy, and shower. Denise was on shift today and they made small talk, but Denise kept herself at a distance. Ren wasn't sure why, but he never questioned Denise about it. It was her business, and Ren didn't want to intrude. Ren looked up modern table saw tables, and how to guide the wood properly across it without it slipping or cutting crookedly. When the 3 hours of 'night' was over in the game, Ren logged back in.

********

Hi, Teepo.

“Good morning, Ren.”

Ready to do some more work?

“Of course. What's on the schedule for today?” Teepo asked.

Making stairs! Ren thought and stood up. He gave a look of longing to Lucy. I better check in with Donan first. He stepped into Donan's shop and there wasn't anything that needed to be done. Ren told Donan he'd be right there behind Sally's if he was needed, and Donan nodded. Ren looked at him and thought he looked a little sad.

“Donan, is everything alright?” Ren asked.

Donan nodded but tried to turn away from Ren, who put out a hand to stop him.

“A-a-are you crying?”

Donan shook his head. “These are tears of joy!” He said and grabbed Ren into a back-breaking hug. “My apprentice! Striking out on his own in the big harsh world!” Donan said and tears rolled down his face and let Ren go.

“Donan! I'm right there, in the next lot behind Sally's!”

“Yes, the big harsh world!” Donan said and cried.

Ren consoled Donan as he pat him on the back. Who'd have thought the big guy had such a soft side to him? Then Ren got a popup he didn't expect, and his eyes widened.