Chapter 20

Heading to the [Ember Tongue] for lunch, the two of them walked in a steady pace since they didn’t have much to the at the moment.

Nearing the entrance, Maria’s figure could be seen, sweeping the front of the store and at times wiping the tables placed in front. As the two drew closer, Maria eventually noticed them and waved towards them.

After the three arrived at the front of the restaurant, Maria greeted them.

“That was fast, what did you two do anyways?”(Maria)

“Nothing much, we just ran an errand for an acquaintance.”(Renya)

With Talia to his side slightly nodding.

Not questioning further about the manner, Maria asked a different question with a smile.

“I see, well did you came here to eat?”(Maria)

“Yes, since it was already noon, we decided to have lunch here.”(Talia)

She said sending Renya a glance.

“Yeah, something like that.”(Renya)

“I see, then please follow me.”(Maria)

Following her instructions, the four of them went inside only to be greeted by a strong smell of herbs and spices as well as the slight rise of temperature that made it quite comfortable.

Inside, the restaurant had a vibrant color scheme of red and a few shades of orange that blended well with its lively atmosphere. Seated in the chairs where people are mostly hunters who are talking amongst themselves whilst eating. There would also be a waiter or waitress carrying meals and bringing them to their respective tables here and there.

The restaurant was lit by a large furnace like object surrounded by a wooden circular counter that had four entrances, emitting a bright orange glow at the center where a few people are using the heat from it to cook.

Seeing this made Renya amazed and understood why it was called [Ember Tongue]. The strong smell of food assaulted their noses as the made way towards a vacant area with a slightly large empty two person table that was against the wall. As the two of them sat down, with Talia sitting across Renya, she spoke.

“This is quite the place I must say.”(Talia)

“Thank you, it’s my dad’s prided restaurant after all.”(Maria)

“He’s quite the clever man isn’t he? Placing the area where they cook the food at the center as well as making it in the open to let the smell emanate throughout the whole restaurant, making the meals all the more appetizing.”(Talia)

She said as she looked at Maria.

“Hahahaha! As expected of an elf, I can appreciate people who can understand such things.”(???)

All of the sudden, a man with light brown hair who had a thick short beard wearing a large brown apron came to their table behind Maria whilst laughing heartily. Seeing him made Maria flustered, causing Talia to smile.

“D-dad?”(Maria)

“Don’t be too surprised, I saw you bring them inside yourself so I decided to drop by. Anyways, what’s your names? By the way I’m Andrew, Andrew Johansson.”(Maria’s Dad)

He said while he wore a wide smile as he sent his gaze to Renya and Talia. Not minding his slightly rash behavior, Renya spoke first.

“Renya, a party member of Maria, pleasure to meet you.”(Renya)

He replied, giving him a slight nod. Andrew strongly nodded.

“I heard about you from Chris and Maria. I must thank you for taking care of them and keeping them out of trouble.”(Andrew)

He said as he gave Renya a deep bow making Maria who was behind him more flustered before moving his gaze into Talia.

“I’m Talia Haeves, an ‘acquaintance’ of Renya.”(Talia)

She said with a sweet smile giving the word acquaintance a slight emphasis. Andrew nodded before he noticed the Owl on Renya’s shoulder

“And what about that fellow on your shoulder. Quite the eye catching one isn’t he? Especially in a place like this.”(Andrew)

He said while he observed Little White whose feathers shone in an orange color and was too busy paying attention to the food that was being made in the middle of the room to listen.

“It’s a she, and she’s Little White.”(Renya)

“I see, haven’t seen a owl like her before, and as hungry as well. Anyways, you came here because for a meal right? What do you want to eat? First meals on the house as my thanks, your meal too Ms. Talia.”(Andrew)

He smiled as he took out a small note pad and pencil.

“Thanks, we’ll just give me two servings of your best meal dish.”(Renya)

“Alright, what about you Ms. Talia?”(Andrew)

“Hmmm…”(Talia)

She hummed as she went through the dishes in the menu on their table. After almost a minute, she finally spoked pointing out a dish that had a balance between vegetables and meat.

Andrew left, leaving Renya and the two girls behind. Picking up a nearby chair, Maria sat between the two before speaking.

“So your name was Talia? Where are you from?”(Maria)

“Yes, and I come from the [Sylva Continent].”(Talia)

“The [Sylva Continent]?! Why are you so far away from your home?”(Maria)

“Well, I can’t tell you about that sadly.”(Talia)

She said as she gave Maria a smile whilst narrowing her eyes easing her doubts a bit.

“I understand, then what’s the relationship between you two?”(Maria)

“That came out of nowhere hasn’t it?”(Talia)

“I’m just curios, Renya made no mention of you before after all.”(Maria)

“I don’t have to mention every person I’ve ever met do I?”(Renya)

“That’s true… But I still want to know.”(Maria)

“We’re just ‘acquaintances’ nothing more. As he’s said before, we’ve just met today.”(Talia)

Giving a glance to Renya who crossed his arms and leaned back a bit, Maria became even more curious.

“I see, then how did you meet?”(Maria)

“You’re a surprisingly nosy person.”(Renya)

“She’s like this when something piques her interest.”(???)

A voice of a boy was heard. Turning around, he saw Chris’s figure wearing similar clothing to Maria’s except it’s style was more oriented for men.

“Hey.”(Chris)

He smiled before coming closer, taking a nearby chair and sitting between Maria and Renya.

“I’m Chris, Maria’s brother. Sorry about my sister’s behavior Ms. Talia.”(Chris)

He said whilst scratching his head.

“I don’t really mind, she’s an adorable one really.”(Talia)

Hearing a beautiful woman compliment her made Maria blush a bit.

“Anyways, you must also be Renya’s party member, am I correct?”(Talia)

“Ah, yes. Did he tell you that?”(Chris)

“Actually no, I just guessed since you’re Maria’s brother.”(Talia)

“I see.”(Chris)

Not a moment after a loud shout coming from the center was heard.

“Chris! Get your slacking bum over here!”(Andrew)

“Ah, yes! Sorry, I need to go.”(Chris)

He said as he placed his chair back to its original spot before walking away in a hurry.

Not long after he left, a waitress came with their meals on both hands, placing them down the table before leaving with a smile. On Renya and Little White’s plate were a rather large slab of grilled pork, topped with diced green onions with a few garnishes to the side. Seeing her meal, whilst being stimulated by the smell of food from all around her, Little White flew down and began to gobble down her meal.

Since he was about to eat, he pulled down the face mask, slightly revealing his face to Talia who was in front of him. Even though she tried her best, Renya noticed that she was peeking at his face as much as possible trying not to be noticed.

Finding this amusing, he decided to tease her a bit.

“Is there something on my face Talia?”(Renya)

“N-nothing.”(Talia)

She said blushing slightly as she ate her meal. Seeing her do so, Renya chuckled a bit before he began eating as well.

Whilst eating, Talia stopped eating and asked Renya a question in a low voice.

“What do you think are the likelihood of the city withstanding the attack?”(Talia)

Hearing her ask, he stopped eating as well. Little White on the other hand, continued gobbling her meal.

“Low… I received news from my sources that they have more Necrotic War Beasts. Not only that but they also seemed to have necromancers, although their number is uncertain, the fact that they are present lowers the chances of survival lower.”(Renya)

He said with a hint of confidence.

“Will the city last if they had more reinforcements?”(Talia)

“Probably, although it’s unlikely that they’ll let them reach this place before they start the attack.”(Renya)

With his words throwing cold water onto her hope. She bit her lower lip as she looked down with a hint of dread on her expression.

“Why go this far.”(Renya)

He asked lightly whilst putting down his utensils, making Talia baffled before replying.

“Excuse me?”(Talia)

“You’re just an Envoy aren’t you?”(Renya)

He said, while looking straight into her eyes, attempting to see through her. Looking straight back, she wore a sad smile before speaking.

“I see you’re still suspicious of me.”(Talia)

“Talia, don’t get me wrong, I’m not suspicious of you, I’m just curious as to why you’d go this far for this city. You obviously don’t have any previous ties with it, why continue to worry about it? You have access to transportation magic right? You can always send your men back the moment it becomes too troublesome.”(Renya)

He said, making Talia silent, making their area quiet apart from the sounds a certain white owl is making while eating. After a short while, she spoke.

“I just don’t enjoy doing nothing whilst innocent people die.”(Talia)

She said whilst returning Renya’s gaze with one that was filled with determination.

“(I think you and Prynn would get along very well.)”(Renya)

Fixing his posture whilst laughing in a non-mocking manner, he spoke.

“I see. *Ahem* Sadly our food is already starting to get slightly cold. We should finish it.”(Renya)

Picking up his utensils, the two of them continued their meals. Without them noticing, Little White has already finished her meals, and was currently lying on the table, sleeping.

Finishing her meal before Renya, Talia leaned on the chair while exhaling a deep sigh.

“How do you even know these things? And who is that source of yours?”(Talia)

“Best if you don’t know. There things in this world best left untouched.”(Renya)

He said in a humorous manner, making her giggle a bit.

“I should be the one saying that.”(Talia)

She said in whisper. Naturally Renya would hear it and wanted to say something but he decided against it as he remained silent.

Finally Finishing his meal he called over a waitress to have the plates taken. The waitress unexpectedly, after picking up their plates, placed the two glasses of iced tea she was carrying on their table. Placing it down with a smile, Talia accepted it with a smile as well. Talia took a sip before Renya followed after.

“So what now?”(Renya)

“What do you mean?”(Talia)

“What are you going to be doing after this?”(Renya)

“Well, I don’t have anything much to do. So I’m at a lost at the moment.”(Talia)

She said whilst placing a finger on her chin.

“*Sigh* I’m quite the same as you. Apart from helping Michael, I don’t have many things to do.”(Renya)

Since it was decided that he will provide help, he doesn’t really care what Michael does. As the two pondered for a while, the sound of Little White flapping her wings as she woke up caught their attention. Looking at the two with slight confusion, Little White stood still and fixed her stare at the two.

After a short while, the three of them heard two sets of footsteps approaching their table, as their area was more quiet than the rest of the restaurant, it became easy to hear them.

Turning their heads, they saw Chris and Maria carrying their meals on trays. After coming close enough, the two of them gave short greeting before the two of them grabbed a chair of their own to sit on, before placing their trays on Renya’s rather spacious table.

“You guys on a break?”(Renya)

“Yes, we’re actually done of the day.”(Maria)

“Is that so? But why sit here?”(Renya)

“Is it bad that we sit here?”(Maria)

She asked with a hint irritation.

Shrugging his shoulders he took another sip of his iced tea, he moved his glance onto Talia who was doing the same.

“Actually, we wanted to ask you two about something.”(Chris)

He said while he picked up his utensils as he began cutting the piece of grilled meat which was similar to the one Renya and Little White had. Taking a bite, Maria continued what he was about to say.

“There were a lot of hunters talking about a mission commissioned by second the prince this morning. It’s about an attack by the demons from the western region isn’t it?”(Maria)

“*Sigh* Best if you don’t join that mission. You’re still so young and that mission is not something you two can handle.”(Talia)

She said whilst giving them a concerning look, Chris, after putting down his utensils, and Maria looked slightly down. But looked back up a few moments after.

“But still, we can’t just sit around and do nothing.”(Chris)

“Right, we’ll do what ever we can to aid in the fight!”(Maria)

They said with a frim Resolve, guessing that the two are not going to back down, Talia heaves a sigh of helplessness before moving her glance to Renya.

“Then you should at least keep a watch on them for the time being.”(Talia)

“For the time being?”(Chris)

“Yes, you should let Renya leave your party afterwards. I don’t think that him staying for a long period of time is beneficial to both sides.”(Talia)

Saying so in a straight face, Chris and Maria was not surprised and replied.

“I understand. That doesn’t mean we can’t remain friends right?”(Chris)

He asked Renya whilst he wore a wide smile that was slightly similar to the one Andrew gave. Without hesitation, he gave Chris and Maria a fierce smile that became visible since he’s yet to pull up his face mask.

“Of course not.”(Renya)

Satisfied from his reply, Chris along with Maria continued their meals while Renya and Talia slowly drank the rest of their drinks with Little White flopped down on the table as she started to to take a nap.

As they were just finishing, Maria gave out a suggestion.

“You mentioned something about having nothing to do after this right?”(Maria)

“Yes, what about it.”(Renya)

“Chris plans on getting a new sword from a nearby smith since his old one is not really cutting it against the monsters we’re up against. Why don’t you tag along?”(Maria)

“I don’t mind, what about you?”(Renya)

“It’s better than nothing. Perhaps we’ll be able to help?”(Talia)

Clapping her hands together after putting down her utensils, Maria spoke.

“Then it’s decided then.”(Maria)

With that, Chris and Maria changed their clothing into something more casual than their waiter/waitress outfits before Maria and Chris guided them to the store.

-•••••-

Passing through several streets, the sight of a large store next smithery that had a couple large men forging can be seen. The amount of people leaving and entering was quite a few.

Drawing closer, Renya asked.

“That’s the smith you wanted to go to?”(Renya)

“Yeah, the weapons there are good, and the store has a great reputation.”(Chris)

“Is that so?”(Renya)

He said with a hint of doubt.

Walking through the double doors that had a guard on each side, they saw a large spacious room filled with a wide variety of weapons and armors displayed on racks with some of them being inside glass casings. There were a total of three counters, each with a beautiful woman behind it as well as a few dozen guards all over the store.

After walking inside, Talia and Renya drew a few gazes to them but they did not mind them at all as they maintained their calm composure. Chris and Maria dragged the two of them to a nearby rack that had a sword on display whilst explaining a few things.

Apparently, the store allowed people to pick up the weapons that were displayed on the racks, that is with the knowledge of having the full responsibility of their action as well as compensating for the weapon in the case that they do break or damage it. As for the ones in the glass casing, you needed to gain the permission of the blacksmith in order to try these weapons.

Grabbing a nearby straight sword made of a shiny silver like metal, Chris swung it in an open area in order get a good feel on it before asking Talia and Maria a few questions.

Feeling that he was being ignored, Renya decided to walk to a nearby rack that caught his attention. The rack had a short sword made with bluish metal, the hilt’s guard appeared to be engraved with a few magic runes giving it an exquisite finish.

He grabbed the sword by the grip before swinging it lightly a few times in an open area, causing Little white to be slightly disheveled. Thankfully, the sword did not break as he only lightly swung them a few times before stopping, any more than that would’ve caused the blade to break as it couldn’t withstand Renya’s swings. He admired the sword for a brief moment before applying a miniscule amount of mana to the sword, causing it’s edges to glow a faint blue color.

Placing the sword back into its rack, he went around the store for a long amount of time in attempt to observe the quality of this world’s common weaponry. Feeling that they weren’t half bad, he noticed that a majority they were slightly better than the ones you can buy from the beginning stores in [Alt Online].

Finishing his inspection, he came back to check on the weapon Chris is using at the moment.

“I think this sword is good.”(Chris)

He said whilst brandishing a straight sword that had a dull dark grey color to its blade, the guard and pommel were made with a black iron with its grip being made of leather wrapped into a spiral pattern.

“It looks strong, and the wright isn’t that bad. What do you two think?”(Chris)

“If you feel that it’s good then you should get it.”(Maria)

“Well, the sword looks as if it was made with good metal and the sharpness isn’t bad. I think that the sword should last a long time.”(Talia)

They said, giving their honest opinion about the weapon. Not a moment after, Renya has arrived before them.

“Don’t get that sword.”(Renya)

“Huh?”(Chris)

He said in confusion as Renya swiftly grabbed the sword from Chris’s hands. Baffled with his sudden actions, he asked him a question while slightly raising his voice.

“What do you mean?”(Chris)

“The sword is poorly made.”(Renya)

He said as he slid his glove covered fingers across the surface of the blade before speaking.

“It’s only been sharpened, the blade has been tempered poorly. I doubt it’ll last after a few dozen swings.”(Renya)

“Really? How can you tell?”(Maria)

“Yeah, the forging process is good enough to hide it from even an experienced blacksmith. If not for the fact that I forge swords myself, I wouldn’t be able to tell.”(Renya)

As one of his classes was the [Blacksmith God], his knowledge concerning weapons and the process of making one is extremely vast since the forging system was as close as one could get when it comes to forging weapons in a virtual environment.

“I see, then isn’t it a fraud to sell weapons like these?”(Talia)

“I don’t know, I don’t have a decent grasp in the laws of this country.”(Renya)

“Then what now? Should we report this to the authorities?”(Chris)

“Nah, it’s too troublesome to do so and as for your weapon, just get that one.”(Renya)

He said whilst pointing his finger onto a nearby sword that was slightly longer than the one Chris had picked. The sword’s blade was made with a steel like metal that gave a faint luster, the hilt was identical to the on from before, only being different in terms of material.

“Alright then.”(Chris)

Trusting his words, he began swinging the sword around, trying to get a good feel on it. Stopping his swings, he gave Renya a suspicious look as he he held the sword with both hands.

“This sword is better than the previous one. How could you tell?”(Chris)

“As I’ve said, forging weapons is a hobby of mine, plus I know a friend who can forge weapons really well. I learned a few things about forging from sticking around him for a while.”(Renya)

Using Borri as an excuse, he managed to dispersed their doubt for now as they went to a nearby counter and purchased the weapon.

While Chris and Maria paid for the weapon, Talia asked Renya a question.

“Is this friend of yours related to the one from before?”(Talia)

“Of course not.”(Renya)

“Then does he belong to the place you’ve mentioned from before.”(Talia)

“You’re starting to sound like Maria.”(Renya)

He said, to which Maria reacted to by giving him a piercing glare. Shaking the glare off, he spoke.

“*Ahem* he does. Are you satisfied now?”(Renya)

“A bit, but If you tell me where that plac-.”(Talia)

“No way.”(Renya)

He replied instantly, making Talia pout.

The purchase ended peacefully as they made way through the exit. But before Renya, who was at the back of their group, could leave, an old bulky man with a strong aura called him back inside.

Seeing that he didn’t appear to have any malicious intent, he asked Chris and the others to go without him if they wanted whilst Talia wore a worried expression as she too felt the old man’s aura.

Following the old man who guided him inside the building with caution, the old man turned around after the door closed.

“First of all I would like to thank you for spotting that disgraceful work of mine!”(???)

He said as he was in the brink of shedding tears while he made a deep and resolute bow.

“Eh?”(Renya)

He muttered out in confusion as he originally thought that he came here to either bribe or silence him about the incident.

“I would like to thank you for managing to prevent this sword from being sold.”(???)

He said as he pulled out the dull gray sword from before.

“I blame my carelessness for placing such a poorly made weapon for sale. A person’s life could’ve been taken due to my fault, so I sincerely thank you for being able to prevent such an event.”(???)

“N-no, it wasn’t such a big dea-“(Renya)

“It is! My and my brother’s prided weapons have earned the trust of the hunters of this city, it’s only natural that we pay back that trust by providing them with only the highest of quality of weapons we can for a reasonable price.”(???)

He said with a loud voice wearing an extremely resolute expression whilst emanating a strong aura, scaring Little White, making her feathers to slightly go up. Renya remained calm as he didn’t feel any murderous intent from his aura as he continued.

“I see, I only did so for a friend of mine.”(Renya)

“Then how can I ever repay this favor?”(???)

“Eh, just don’t let it happen again.”(Renya)

He said as he didn’t feel the need to accept a reward from them. But the old man thinks otherwise.

“That can’t be! At least allow me to give you any form of compensation.”(???)

“Then just consider that you owe me a favor.”(Renya)

“May I know your name then?”(???)

“Renya, a hunter.”(Renya)

“Then I am Darell, a retired hunter. Please do call me should you ever need my help and as long as it is for a good cause, I shall help you with the best of my ability.”(Darell)

He said with a firm voice, as if he was introducing himself to his girlfriend’s parents, which felt uncomfortable to Renya. Calming himself down, he answered back with the same amount of strength.

“Will do.”(Renya)

“Then I won’t take any more of your time.”(Darell)

He said as he guided me out of the store.

To his surprise, Chris and the others are still outside, waiting for him.

“So you waited for me?”(Renya)

“Of course, unless you want us to leave you behind?”(Talia)

She said as she gave him a mischievous smile.

“No, not really.”(Renya)

He replied in calm manner.

“What did the old guy say anyways?”(Maria)

“He thanked me for preventing Chris from buying that sword.”(Renya)

“He did?”(Chris)

“Yeah, had something to do with the store’s pride.”(Renya)

“That’s strange, I could’ve sworn that he’d try to bribe you or something to keep you from spreading rumors about the store.”(Maria)

“Can’t judge a book by its cover now can we?”(Renya)

“I guess you’re right. What was his name? I’ve never seen that old guy in that store.”(Maria)

“Darell.”(Renya)

“Huh? Why does it sound familiar?”(Talia)

She said, making them ponder but to no avail. Seeing that the sky was already dyed in crimson red, they went back to the [Ember Tongue] to have dinner.

Back in the [Ember Tongue], they chatted as they ate, making it a rather calm atmosphere. Finishing their meals, Chris and Maria stayed in the [Ember Tongue] to help out a bit. As the sun has already set, Renya and Talia went on their separate ways after a few words of farewell.

“Well, see you tomorrow then.”(Renya)

“I suppose, today was enjoyable, please do invite me again.”(Talia)

She said with a lovely smile.

“I haven’t even invited you in the first place.”(Renya)

He murmured in a humorous tone as the two went on their way.

Reaching the [Green Horn Inn] he went straight to his room, taking a bath before he and Little White went straight to sleep.

Author Note: I'm back! Stronger(Well I still can't write for extremely long periods) than ever! Back with an even greater vengeance with this refined 4.3k word chapter! The chapter had been worked on by me for the last couple days, so it should have a rather high quality. Theres also that new cover that I worked on in my free time out of boredom! Heres a higher reslolution:

I'm also now eligible to have a donation button so click this if you want to support me!>[Donate]

Author Note: I just checked the view count on the 19th chapter and was shocked to see 6.7k views... It's also a bit f*cked up, I'll fix it if it doesn't fix it self with in 3 days. Might be some glitch in the format...