Akeru was in a new outfit, waiting on her companion in the throne room alongside Aurora one month later. Her new outfit was a white dress with a yellow vest over the top, alongside her regular amulet. She wanted the white dress specifically to honor Matsuri and her mother.

Akeru: Sure is taking his sweet time…

Aurora: Oh, I'm sure Benjiro is involved with his delay somehow, probably wanted to squeeze in another training session.

Akeru: Ugh, hasn't he trained enough?!

Aurora: True, he did train for four months -

Akeru: Excuse me? Are you alright? It's only been a month!

Aurora: Oh, I never explained to you…did I? I possess special magic that allows me to make a magical barrier that allows training to go by…faster, I could say. I can multiply the amount of progress made for each person in the barrier, so in this case, instead of 1 month, he has four months of progress. I don't have a name for this, but I was thinking Growth!

Akeru: Maybe…work on that name a bit there…

As she stopped talking, Benjiro walked in with Itsuki. Itsuki looked more muscular than before, with a new outfit on him. He had on a navy blue button-up with the top 3 buttons undone. He had a white shirt underneath and tan pants.

Aurora: Ah! Well, you finally showed up!

Benjiro: Yeah, someone wouldn't get out of bed.

Itsuki: I've been a bit sore from yesterday. You nearly killed me!

Benjiro: And yet you didn't die, so I call that a victory.

Itsuki glared as he walked up to Akeru. At first, the two looked away from each other, but Akeru looked at him and lightly fist-bumped his chest.

Akeru: You look…different. Not the innocent boy I met a month ago, that's for sure.

Itsuki: Yeah? Not bad yourself; you're still the short stack that I met-

Akeru punched him hard in the gut and huffed at him. Aurora giggled before clapping once.

Aurora: Well, I have information and gifts for you two before you leave.

Akeru and Itsuki turned to her and raised their eyebrows. Aurora smiled at them and signaled Benjiro to go and grab the gifts.

Aurora: I've looked into your venture to the northern country, and while I cannot stress that I am unable to fund it…I do have a person who willfully does so. Over in the western country of Polisha, inside the city of the same name, there lies the Sand Witch. Through some…intense negotiations, we agree that she can help out. However, there is an issue that you must be at least a Gold Rank or are accompanied by one to leave any country.

Itsuki: That shouldn't be too hard then; I think I can handle some heavy hitters.

Aurora: Well, good! I would have Benjiro accompany you, but he declined due to your training with him. He felt it would be in bad faith for him to carry you, so to speak.

Benjiro came back with two boxes and gave the two one each. Itsuki's box held a book, while Akeru's held a ring.

Aurora: Itsuki, that book is very precious, so please take good care of it! It is a spellbook that holds multiple spells and combinations on its pages. It is the first volume of three, so it only holds up to Grade 4. However, find the other two, and it will benefit you greatly. Akeru, that ring holds an enchantment on it that will shield you from most types of magic. I know you have no magic and limited ways to protect yourself. This way, Itsuki won't have to worry about you getting hurt.

Itsuki: As if…

Akeru: Thank you, Aurora; I don't believe I deserve such a blessing.

Aurora: Nonsense! Now you two best be on your way! Safe travels…and please visit sometime when you are around. I will miss both of your companies.

Itsuki: Thank you…and Benjiro-

Benjiro: C'mon, we have things to do.

Benjiro took the two and was shoving them away. They were squirming and bickering as they were thrown out the door, and Benjiro closed it. Itsuki and Akeru groan but walk to the Guild for the first time in a month. Once there, they were greeted by the same girl.

Woman: Well, long time no see!

Itsuki: Don't they have anyone else working here besides you?

Woman: Not behind this counter, we don't. Anyways, are you here to look for a quest?

Akeru: Naturally, give us the best you got. We need to get to Gold!

Woman: My, such motivation! Well…we have a Silver 3 Star here.

Itsuki: Give it to us; we will take care of it!

Woman: You know the drill~

Itsuki handed over his Magica to the woman who updated it and handed it back. The two walked away as Itsuki checked what the quest was.

Itsuki:...So we finally get some payback.

Akeru: Payback? What do you mean?

Itsuki: The Quest…is to take care of the Orcs and the Orc King.

Akeru: The same ones that ransack the village, I suppose?

Itsuki: It has to be…Akeru, let's go.

Akeru: Yeah…

The two with the newborn ambition set out to the Orcs' base. It was made of wooden stakes and newly painted blood on them. The two stood before the closed gates, ready to take them on…to avenge what they did to the village.