Y/n: I think we should head back, we need to get you patched up.

I said to Cole as we began leaving the dungeon.

Cole: Only me? You need help too, you know.

Y/n: No need to worry about that, I'll be fine.

I already felt much better because of Avalon's healing power.

Cole: Fine, don't blame me when your entire body hurts later. You made a pretty deep hole in that wall when you were sent into it you know. I'm amazed that you can even stand right now.

I laughed a little, we were nearly outside.

When the cold breeze of the wind hit my face, I smiled. The calmness of the area was comforting, not a single monster in sight.

After a few minutes of walking, we walked through the gate of the capital.

Cole's condition didn't seem as bad as it did a while ago.

I tossed him a bag with silver coins inside.

Y/n: We'll take it easy today, feel free to enjoy yourself. I think we deserve a break from everything.

Cole: Alright, where are we going then?

Y/n: Go get yourself a healing potion, feel free to use the rest of the money however you like. I have a few things I want to take care of. We can meet in front of the gate in the afternoon.

Cole simply nodded and left my sight.

I decided to visit Erhard, not to buy equipment, but to simply ask a question.

After a moment of walking I was in front of his store. The blacksmith welcomed me as I entered.

Erhard: Hey there! You're alone this time?

Y/n: Hello Erhard, I came over to simply ask a question, not to buy equipment.

Erhard: A question? It must be important if you came all the way over here for that.

Y/n: Do you know when the wave is going to start?

Erhard: I think it starts tomorrow, are you going to fight it?

Y/n: If I wasn't going to, would I be asking about that?

Erhard grinned at me.

Erhard: You're more than capable of fighting it, don't die though.

Y/n: Don't worry, I don't plan on doing that. By the way, do you know where the dragon hourglass is?

Erhard looked surprised at my question.

Erhard: You really don't know where it is?

Y/n: I'm a traveler, remember?

Erhard: Ah right, sorry. It's in the giant clock tower, It should be easy to find.

Y/n: Alright, thanks. I'll be going then.

Erhard: Good luck with the wave tomorrow!

I proceeded to walk in the direction of the tower. I really need to check something. After defeating the golem, something appeared on my menu:

Level cap reached.

Ascension system unlocked.

Ascension requirements:

-Achieve Level Cap: Complete.

-Stand next to a dragon hourglass: Incomplete.

The ascension system increases the level cap. It also comes with different bonuses.

This whole thing got me interested quite a bit, besides it would be wise to increase my maximum level capacity as soon as possible.

After a while of walking I was in front of the clock tower. I walked inside.

A woman with an outfit similiar to a nun welcomed me as soon as I entered.

Woman: Greetings, what do you need?

Y/n: I've come to see the dragon hourglass.

Woman: Follow me then.

After a short walk I was in front of a giant hourglass, it was about 8 meters in size, if I had to guess.

Woman: I'll leave you alone then.

She proceeded to walked away. Honestly, I'm glad that nobody will see this, I'm not even sure what's going to happen myself.

All ascension requirements met. Do you wish to continue?

-Yes

-No

I chose the yes option, I was instantly engulfed in a bright, blinding light. After a short moment, I was back to normal. My armor though, wasn't in the same state. It looked much tougher than before, it also looked as if it was made out of much stronger than before. I was happy with this change.

When I was summoned, the queen mentioned that there was a way to strengthen my equipment, it seems that ascending is the way to do so.

Level cap increased to level 50.

Automatic reload skill upgraded to B rank.

Maybe the latter will be actually useful now.

The next attack of the user cannot be blocked by any means.

Affection of the Holy Grail? Where did that come from? Well, whatever it's quite useful so it doesn't matter. I'm not happy about the drawback, but if me and Cole face an enemy with no magical ability, it will be fine.

Besides that, my stats were increased by quite a lot. All of them nearly doubled. I'm glad I did this before the wave started. Cole is probably still doing his own things. The capital is way too big for me to try to find him.

I walked away from the hourglass, and proceeded to leave the tower. If I want to meet up with Cole, I'll have to wait at the meeting spot until he arrives. I walked over to the gate and waited.

Timeskip

After about two hours it was already the afternoon. I noticed Cole walking towards me.

I decided to walk towards him as well.

Cole: I'm done with everything I wanted to do. Did you wait long?

Y/n: Not at all, only a few minutes.

I lied. He would probably feel bad if I told him how long I waited here.

Cole: Oh, I see. So did you take care of your business?

Y/n: I did, and I'm really glad I did?

Cole: Did it have anything to do with your armor?

He probably noticed that my appearance changed.

Y/n: Yeah, it did. By the way Cole, we're going to fight the wave tomorrow.

Cole: I was already preparing myself for that after you told me that you are a cardinal hero. I'm as ready for it as I can be.

I smiled, although it wasn't visible because of my concealed face.

Y/n: Well then, how do you feel about hunting some monsters? It certainly won't hurt.

Cole: Sure, I don't see why not.

Just as we were about to leave, a masked woman in a black cloak jumped in front of us both.

Cole: A shadow?

Judging by Cole's reaction, whoever this person was, it seemed that they were called a shadow.

Y/n: Who are you and what business do you have with us?

I said to her, I had my guard up, just in case.

Shadow: I have a message from the queen to you, Assassin hero.

Cole just stood there, clearly shocked.

I lowered my guard.

Y/n: If you came all the way over here in the open then it must be important.

Shadow: The queen said that depending on your performance during the wave, you'll be awarded.

Y/n: How will my performance be judged if I may ask?

Shadow: No need to worry about that, we'll be watching you.

Y/n: We? So there are more people like you?

Shadow: Indeed. Now, one final thing. Your reward will be 1500 silver coins at the lowest and 40 gold coins at most.

I was surprised, such an amount of money is a lot compared to what I have left right now.

Before I could say anything else, the shadow disappeared from my sight.

Me and Cole simply stood in place for a moment.

Cole: I know you said that you are a cardinal hero, but you never mentioned anything about the queen.

Y/n: In all honesty, I forgot about that.

Y/n: Now then, I don't intend to sound greedy, but we really need money right now, we don't have much left. Therefore I think we should give it our all tomorrow.

Cole: Yeah, I agree. It's not greedy if we really need it.

Y/n: Now then, I think we were supposed to go hunting?

Cole: Ah, right. I completely forgot about that because of what just happened. In all honesty, I really don't feel like it now.

I sighed and looked at him.

Y/n: Then it can't be helped, but to be fair. I think it would be better if we rest before tomorrow rather than fight and exhaust ourselves.

Cole nodded.

Y/n: Now then, let's go to the inn.

After entering I paid for us both and we got our keys. I entered my room and revealed my face. I looked at myself in the mirror before sitting on my bed.

Y/n: Tomorrow will be a really interesting day.

After saying those words I laid down on my bed and proceeded to sleep.