The next couple of days unfolded exactly as Andrias expected—eerily similar to how events played out in the game. Nocturne Academy followed a fairly standard structure for an academic institution: a rigid schedule of classes, rotating instructors, and a steady stream of lectures and practical lessons. The primary difference, of course, was the subject matter. Instead of math, science, or literature, the curriculum centered around the fundamentals of mana manipulation, spell theory, magical creature studies, and practical combat training.
What truly caught Andrias off guard, however, was the sheer depth of the lessons on Etheria's history. Reading about the continent's ancient wars, long-forgotten heroes, and mythical catastrophes in the game had always felt like digesting background lore. But now, hearing it from the mouths of professors felt like a whole new experience.
Still, not everything went smoothly. In between classes, Andrias couldn't help but notice the sideways glances and whispered comments that followed him through the halls. It wasn't hard to guess why. His uniform, bright white and pristine, stood out harshly against the sea of navy typically worn by other students. It had been a gift from Liliah, given with kindness, and he wore it with silent pride out of respect for her gesture. Yet to others, it marked him—made him seem like a pretentious outsider or someone flaunting their nobility, even if that title had long been stripped away. Regardless, the professors hadn't mentioned it, nor had they reprimanded him, so he simply ignored the looks and kept moving forward.
After class, Andrias made his way to the Adventurer Bureau, where Liliah would always be waiting behind the reception desk with a new stack of requests. Most of the assignments she handed him were basic gathering quests, usually tied to the alchemy faculty at Nocturne. They often involved collecting rare herbs, enchanted mushrooms, or ingredients that only grew in very specific conditions—sometimes at night, sometimes near springs. It wasn't glamorous work, and it certainly wasn't dangerous, but it paid steadily, and more importantly, it kept him under the radar.
Andrias didn't complain. As long as he was earning enough to support himself and buy the occasional meal, he was content with the monotonous rhythm of it. Every now and then, Liliah would nudge the payment pouch toward him with a knowing smile, and he'd find a few extra copper pieces—or even a silver—nestled in with the standard reward. Whether it was a mistake or intentional generosity, she never said. But Andrias always gave her a subtle nod of gratitude, which she'd respond to with a flustered blush or an exaggerated wink.
Though the tasks were simple, they gave him time to familiarize himself with the surrounding area and hone his senses. Every foraging run, every minor errand, brought him one step closer to understanding how this world truly worked outside of scripted game mechanics. The repetition gave him peace. It wasn't thrilling, but it was stable. And in a world as unfamiliar as Etheria.
Andrias had managed to avoid crossing paths with any of the game's main characters or key protagonists—at least for now. That was a small mercy. He knew from experience that getting tangled in their storylines too early could cause complications he wasn't prepared to deal with yet. There were a handful of individuals he especially wanted to steer clear of, people whose involvement would only bring headaches, danger, or worse.
At the top of that list was the Etheria Prince and Princess the central figures in the game's overarching narrative. According to the timeline he remembered, they would soon begin attending Nocturne Academy in a couple of months as part of her royal education. While they weren't immediately threats, their presence had a gravitational pull; events seemed to twist and shift around them. For now, they remained distant—but their arrival loomed like a storm on the horizon.
One of the highest-ranking nobles in the entire kingdom was also among the primary reasons for the eventual downfall of the House of Kang. In the game's story, this aristocrat held immense political influence and a deep-rooted grudge against Andrias Kang's family—though the exact origins of that hatred were never fully revealed. Whether it stemmed from rivalry, jealousy, or something more personal, their efforts to discredit and dismantle House Kang were relentless and calculated.
Like usual, after classes, Andrias made his way to the Adventurer Bureau. The stares followed him as always—whispers behind raised hands, eyes lingering too long on his white uniform. He was used to it by now. After all, being a fallen noble made him an easy target for judgment.
As he approached the receptionist's desk, something made him slow down. A group of noble adventurers stood gathered in front of the counter, where Liliah should have been. Curious, Andrias peeked around the corner—and sure enough, they were all huddled around her.
They weren't asking for quests. They were flirting.
Liliah looked tense, her shoulders stiff, her expression strained into a forced smile. Her eyes flicked between the nobles, clearly unsure of how to handle their attention. One leaned over the desk far too close, and another offered her a flower with a smug grin.
Andrias sighed, irritated. He stepped forward, cutting cleanly through the group, forcing them to part.
Liliah's eyes lit up the moment she saw him.
"Oh! Andrias, here to take on another quest?" she asked brightly, her voice carrying more enthusiasm than usual as she completely ignored the bothersome nobles.
He gave a simple nod. "Yeah."
As he reached the desk, one of the nobles scoffed and stepped forward, reaching for Andrias's shoulder with disdain. "Hey, fallen. You're in the way."
The noble barely brushed against him before Andrias moved like a flash. He grabbed the man's wrist and spun, flipping him clean over his shoulder and slamming him onto the hard floor. The noble groaned, now pinned with his arm and wrist locked tightly
"Oh, sorry!" Andrias said with feigned surprise. "Working around the Bureau, you tend to stay on guard. Reflexes, you know?"
He twisted the noble's wrist just enough to send waves of sharp pain up his arm—deliberately slow, calculated not to break it, but to make every second unbearable.
Another noble lunged toward him, fist cocked.
–BANG!
The punch landed—but the noble reeled back, screaming in pain and clutching his hand. "What the hell?! What are you made of?!"
Andrias didn't flinch. His head barely moved.
The noble still pinned beneath him growled through clenched teeth. "Do you realize who I am?!"
Andrias leaned in slightly, tightening the hold. "No," he said coldly, "and I don't care."
The room fell into a tense silence. Liliah looked shocked, yet… oddly impressed. The other nobles backed off, helping their groaning companion to his feet as they threw venomous looks in Andrias's direction.
He knew there would be consequences. He had just humiliated nobles—publicly. Even in this world, such actions wouldn't go unnoticed.
After the stunt he just pulled, the entire adventurer bureau went silent. Conversations halted, even the usual background chatter fading away. A few adventurers glanced sideways, trying not to stare, while others quietly nodded in approval. Even some of the instructor-class adventurers, seasoned warriors in their own right, looked mildly impressed.
Andrias walked casually up to the front desk, where Liliah leaned over, clearly relieved.
"Thanks for that," she said, offering a grateful smile.
"They were in the way," he replied bluntly, brushing off the encounter like it was just another minor inconvenience.
Liliah sighed softly, a mix of amusement and admiration in her expression. "Here for another quest?"
He gave a silent nod.
Without missing a beat, she crouched down and began rummaging through the lower drawers. Liliah had gotten used to choosing quests for him—usually straightforward jobs that were good for steady income, nothing too risky.
"Let's see... simple, clean, manageable…" she muttered to herself. "Ah! Here it is." She stood back up, holding out a parchment with an official seal on it.
Andrias took the paper and scanned it. His brows furrowed slightly. "This one's different."
It read: 'Subjugation Request – Goblin Activity Detected North of Nocturne Academy.'
Liliah nodded with a proud grin. "If you complete this quest, you'll qualify for an E-rank promotion."
He looked up, a little surprised. "Already?"
"That's what happens when you put in the effort. You've been completing everything quickly and cleanly. Plus, after what I saw earlier… I'm not too worried about you."
Andrias gave a small chuckle but said nothing. His eyes drifted toward his clothes—particularly the faint traces of dust and dried blood from earlier.
"Do you know any good blacksmiths?" he asked.
Liliah blinked, caught off guard by the question. "Why do you ask?" She tilted her head, genuinely curious. "You seem more like the martial artist type, especially after that throw."
"I'd rather not stain the clothes you gave me with blood," he replied honestly.
That made Liliah's face flush slightly. She waved her hand nervously. "N-no, really, it's fine! You don't need to worry about that for my sake."
"Either way," Andrias said with a shrug, "I need something a bit more effective. Something I can rely on. Other than my hands, it's way too messy."
There was a beat of silence before Liliah straightened up suddenly, her smile returning with a hint of excitement. "Tomorrow's an off-day, right? I'll take you into town! I know a few good places, and I'll help you pick something out."
He nodded. "Sure."
Liliah slouched forward just a little, her smile still lingering but her eyes watching him hopefully—maybe expecting something more from his reaction. But Andrias remained calm, composed as always.
As Andrias left the bureau, Liliah rested her chin on her hand at the receptionist desk, absentmindedly tapping her fingers against the wood. The hum of adventurers chattering around her faded into the background as her thoughts drifted. I've never seen him smile once, she realized, a pang of curiosity tightening in her chest. Something about him felt distant.
The next morning, Liliah arrived outside the academy gates much earlier than necessary—ten minutes early, to be exact. She smoothed out the folds of her green dress for the third time, nervously glancing around to see if anyone was watching. The simple fabric hugged her figure modestly, yet it still felt like a bold choice compared to her usual receptionist uniform. She had spent longer than she'd admit choosing it, wanting to look her best, even if she kept insisting to herself that this wasn't anything serious.
"This isn't a date," she muttered under her breath, cheeks already flushing as the thought betrayed her. "Just two friends… shopping."
But as the words lingered in her mind, another thought whispered back, But isn't that basically what a date is? She quickly shook her head, pressing her glasses back up the bridge of her nose, as though that tiny motion could banish the embarrassment pooling in her chest.
Andrias stepped through the academy gates, his cloak fluttering slightly behind him. His usual calm expression hadn't changed; his expression was unreadable
Liliah straightened instinctively, her back stiffening, though she immediately slouched again when she noticed his attire. He was still wearing the uniform she had given him days ago—the same one she'd fretted over lending him.
Andrias noticed her stare, one brow lifting ever so slightly. "Is there something on me?" he asked flatly.
"Don't you have any other clothes besides that uniform?" she asked, exasperation slipping into her tone.
He shook his head casually, as if it were the most normal thing in the world. "Besides my original Nocturne uniform and my House clothes, No."
Liliah sighed, rubbing her temples. "We've got quite a bit to do today."
The two walked side by side down the main road toward the nearby town, their pace unhurried but not awkward. The town lay about fifteen minutes away—close enough for students to visit on their free days, accompanied only by the distant calls of merchants setting up shop and the faint chatter of other students heading the same way.
Andrias walked in silence, hands tucked into his pockets, gaze fixed ahead. There was a calmness about him, but also a distance—like someone who had grown accustomed to solitude. Liliah stole occasional glances at him, wondering what went on behind those guarded eyes.
The town came into view sooner than expected, bustling with life. Wooden stalls lined the streets, vibrant fabrics fluttering overhead as merchants shouted their wares—enchanted trinkets, freshly baked bread, vials of colored potions that shimmered in the sunlight. The air carried the scent of roasted meat and spices, mingling with the faint metallic tang drifting from the blacksmith's forge deeper inside the market. Children darted between stalls, laughing, while adventurers of varying ranks browsed weapons and supplies.
"First things first, we're getting you a decent weapon," Liliah declared, her tone carrying a mix of excitement and determination.
Andrias gave a slight nod, falling into step behind her as they made their way through the crowded marketplace. Liliah walked with a noticeable pep in her step, weaving confidently through the throng of merchants and adventurers, while Andrias followed in silence, quietly scanning every corner of the lively streets.
The sun had risen high above the town, casting warm light over the patchwork of colorful awnings and bustling cobblestone streets. The clang of metal on metal rang faintly in the distance—an unmistakable sound that grew louder as they neared their destination.
Finally, they stopped in front of a sturdy, stone-bricked building with thick wooden beams supporting its structure. A black iron sign depicting a hammer and anvil swung lazily above the doorway. The faint scent of burnt coal and hot steel wafted out from within.
Liliah pushed the door open, a small bell chiming overhead as they stepped inside.
The interior was dimly lit but surprisingly organized. Weapons of all types hung neatly on wooden racks: swords, spears, axes, and even a few oddities like spiked gauntlets and enchanted daggers. The steady glow of the forge at the back cast flickering light across the walls, dancing on polished blades.
Behind the counter sat a stocky figure with a thick, braided beard and tanned, calloused skin. A dwarf.
In Chronicles of Etheria, other races were common in lore and gameplay, but seeing one up close—breathing, moving, living—was different. There was a raw presence to him, like every scar on his forearms carried a story of battles fought and weapons forged.
The dwarf barely glanced up from his stool, his eyes half-lidded and expression unimpressed, as if every customer that walked in was more trouble than they were worth. "Customers," he grunted, voice deep and gravelly. "What do a couple like you want?"
Liliah froze mid-step, her cheeks flushing scarlet. "N-no, we aren't—!" she stammered, waving her hands frantically. "We're just friends!"
Andrias, on the other hand, stood still, his expression unchanged—stern as ever, though there was the faintest hint of confusion in his eyes. He tilted his head slightly toward Liliah, muttering under his breath, "Why'd he assume that?"
The dwarf rolled his eyes, clearly unconvinced. "Sure. Just friends. I've heard that one before." He leaned back in his chair, crossing his burly arms.
A brief, awkward silence settled between them before Liliah quickly cleared her throat. "We're here to get a weapon for my friend here," she said, motioning toward Andrias. "Something durable, practical."
Brannor—the dwarf, as the nameplate behind him read—finally stood up, his heavy boots thudding against the wooden floor as he approached the counter. "Weapon, huh? Alright, boy. Got any preferences? Sword, axe, spear? Or are you one of those fancy magic stick types? If so, you're at the wrong place."
Liliah turned toward Andrias, expectantly waiting for his answer.
Andrias gave it some thought before speaking in his usual calm, measured tone. "A knife. Sleek, curved blade. Easy to grip. Supported by a hand guard—something similar to brass knuckles but with a blade at the end. Needs to be good for close combat and defense."
Brannor raised an eyebrow at the specificity. "Huh. That's… oddly particular. You plan on fightin' monsters or brawlin' in back alleys?"
"Both," Andrias replied flatly.
The dwarf barked out a low laugh. "I like you, kid." His expression shifted slightly, the boredom in his eyes replaced by a glint of interest. "I think I've got just the thing—or at least, somethin' I can make work." He tapped a calloused finger against his chin, deep in thought for a moment. "Come back later today. I'll have somethin' ready for ya. Can't promise it'll be pretty, but it'll cut and crack skulls just fine."
"Why didn't you get any armor?" Liliah asked as they stepped out of the blacksmith's shop, her curious eyes scanning Andrias from head to toe.
"I already have something to deal with that," he replied simply, referring to his iron ability.
Liliah raised an eyebrow but didn't press further. Instead, she clasped her hands together and announced, "Next thing on the list—tailor shop."
Andrias glanced down at himself. "What's wrong with what I'm currently wearing?"
Liliah sighed dramatically, slouching slightly as her eyes roamed over his outfit—the dirt stains, the faint dried blood from past quests, and the tattered cloak clinging to him like a battle trophy. "Everything," she muttered under her breath.
He followed her gaze down at his uniform, only now realizing just how bad it looked. Torn seams, dark splotches of old blood, and fraying cuffs—it was a mess. "…I didn't realize my uniform was that bad," he admitted.
"You are a mess," Liliah repeated flatly, her tone halfway between teasing and judgment. "Were you really a noble?" referring that most nobles were cleaner and elegant.
Andrias stayed quiet. He didn't have an answer worth giving.
They walked through the bustling streets until the chime of a small bell greeted them as they stepped into a quaint tailor shop. The interior smelled faintly of lavender and warm linen. Bolts of colorful fabric lined the walls, and elegant outfits hung neatly on display racks. Behind the counter stood a young woman with brown hair pinned neatly back with decorative hairpins. She looked up from her work and smiled warmly.
"Well, if it isn't Liliah," the girl greeted.
Liliah waved back. "Hey, Kaileen."
Kaileen, who ran the shop and was one of Liliah's friends, glanced curiously at the boy standing next to her. A teasing smirk tugged at her lips—until realization dawned on her. Her smirk faltered, eyes widening slightly.
"…Liliah," Kaileen said, lowering her voice. "Can you come here for a second?"
Liliah approached, and Kaileen immediately leaned in, whispering urgently, "Do you realize who that is? That's the infamous fallen noble—Andrias Kang."
"I know," Liliah replied calmly, pushing up her glasses. "But… take a good look at him again."
Kaileen hesitated before peeking over her shoulder. Andrias was quietly admiring the shop's clothes, fingers brushing against the fine stitching of a white tunic. His expression was calm and oddly detached, a stark contrast to the cruel figure the rumors painted him to be.
"…Who the hell is that?" Kaileen muttered. "The rumors said he was cold and arrogant."
"I thought so too at first," Liliah admitted softly, "but he's… different."
Kaileen straightened up suddenly and clapped her hands together. "Anyways, what brings you couple to my store?"
Liliah's face turned crimson immediately. "We aren't together!" she exclaimed.
"Sure~," Kaileen teased, drawing out the word with a sly grin.
Liliah cleared her throat, composing herself as she glanced over at Andrias' tattered clothes. "I'm looking for adventurer clothes for him," she said firmly.
"Well then," Kaileen said with a smile, "let me take his measurements and see what I can do. If you could follow me, sir."
Andrias nodded silently and followed her into the back room.
Minutes passed. Liliah wandered among the racks of clothing, brushing her fingers against the fabric absently. She thought briefly about buying something for herself but quickly reminded herself she was here for Andrias. The thought of him trying on clothes, however, made her cheeks warm.
When they finally emerged, Andrias had completely changed. He now wore a sleeveless white top trimmed with faint blue accents, resembling a martial artist's uniform, paired with fitted trousers that allowed for mobility. The material looked far sturdier than his old uniform.
Liliah's breath caught slightly. She hadn't expected him to look… well, that good. His exposed arms revealed toned muscle—not overly bulky, but defined enough to hint at strength earned through training.
"How do I look?" Andrias asked, voice as calm and neutral as ever.
Liliah snapped back to reality, stuttering slightly, "Y-You look great!"
Kaileen smiled knowingly from behind the counter. "The fabric is reinforced. It won't tear easily and will resist shallow cuts. I left the arms sleeveless so you won't have to worry about blood soaking into the fabric."
"While you two are here," Kaileen said with a sly grin, "why don't you try on some different clothes, Liliah? See what suits you."
Liliah blinked, startled. "No, I don't think—"
Before she could protest further, Kaileen was suddenly beside her, draping an arm over her shoulder with a cat-like smirk. She leaned in close, whispering so only Liliah could hear, "How else are you going to captivate him?"
Liliah's face turned bright red in an instant. "W-What are you even talking about?!" she hissed, flustered.
Kaileen chuckled softly, clearly enjoying every moment. "You don't have to say anything. I can see it all over your face."
Liliah stammered, then quickly changed her mind, flustered and caught off guard. "…Fine. If you insist."
Kaileen gently pushed her toward the fitting room. "Go on. Humor me. You might surprise yourself."
Liliah emerged moments later, wearing the first of several dresses Kaileen thrust at her. A simple blue dress with soft lace at the hem. She turned slightly toward Andrias, nervously brushing a lock of hair behind her ear. "What do you think?"
Andrias looked up from where he leaned against the wall, arms crossed. His expression stayed calm, unreadable. "It suits you."
Her heart skipped. "T-Thanks…"
The process repeated again and again. A pale green sundress. A sleek traveling outfit with a fitted jacket. Even a casual academy uniform variant. Each time Liliah stepped out, her cheeks burned hotter, and each time Andrias' answer remained soft but steady:
"It looks nice on you."
"That one works."
"It fits."
Part of her wanted him to say more, to react with surprise, to smile even once. But another part of her—one she didn't want to admit—liked how genuine he sounded, as though he wasn't humoring her, but simply speaking the truth as he saw it.
Kaileen, of course, couldn't resist adding her own teasing commentary. "Ooh, he's definitely looking longer this time," she whispered loudly enough for Liliah to hear. "I think this one's a winner."
Liliah nearly tripped over her own feet.
By the time they left the shop, they were carrying far more than they'd originally planned–a small bundle of accessories and clothes Kaileen had "insisted" they take.
Not once during the entire time had Andrias smiled, Liliah realized as they stepped back into the bustling streets. Not even a small grin. And yet, somehow, she found herself… wanting to see one.
"It was kind enough of Kaileen to let you have the clothes on the house," Liliah murmured, adjusting the bag slung over her shoulder. "And she even gave me a discount for mine."
"But why did you decide to change back into your uniform?" Liliah finally asked, curiosity getting the better of her as they walked through the lantern-lit streets.
"I'll change back once I start doing the real thing," Andrias replied casually, referring to the day he would begin taking on dungeons and harder quests. "For now, this works fine."
Night crept over the horizon as they made their way back toward the blacksmith, hoping to pick up the weapon and return to Nocturne grounds before curfew. The streets were quieter now, most merchants packing up their wares, the chatter of the market fading into the cool hum of evening.
The doorbell above the blacksmith's shop chimed as they stepped inside. The air was thick with the scent of heated metal and soot. Brannor, the dwarf blacksmith, was drenched in sweat, his beard glistening as he wiped his brow with a thick glove. He looked up at them with a grin.
"Ah, welcome back, young couple!" he boomed.
"We aren't!" Liliah shouted almost reflexively, her cheeks flaming red.
Brannor chuckled, clearly enjoying the flustered reaction before waving them toward the counter. "Anyways, youngins, I made those blades to the best description you gave me."
He reached beneath the workbench, pulling out a small chest reinforced with iron clasps. Setting it down with a heavy thunk, he flipped it open. Inside lay two gleaming curved blades, polished to a shine even in the dim firelight.
"Hand protection like you asked," Brannor said proudly, tapping the knuckled grips. "If you feel like bashin' someone's skull in, you can do that just as well as stabbing or slashing. Balanced for speed, sharp edge."
Andrias stepped forward silently and lifted one of the knives. It was light, perfectly balanced in his hand. He twirled it experimentally before gripping both blades in reverse, testing their weight and swing. The motion felt natural—deadly efficient.
"…Not bad," he murmured. It wasn't perfect, but it was close enough to what he envisioned.
After paying for the blades, Liliah stepped outside to wait. The night air was cool, and she found herself rocking on her heels nervously, glancing toward the door every few moments.
When Andrias finally stepped out, she crossed her arms. "You were in there for quite some time."
"I asked him to make something else for me," Andrias replied, adjusting the strap of his cloak. "It'll take a bit longer than the knives."
She raised an eyebrow but didn't pry further.
As they walked back toward Nocturne grounds, the lamps flickered against the cobblestone paths. The quiet was almost peaceful… until Andrias suddenly stopped mid-step. Without a word, he reached over and grabbed Liliah's hand.
Her face instantly turned crimson. "Andria—"
He put a finger to his lips, silencing her. His eyes, cold and sharp, scanned the dark alleyways and rooftops around them.
"We're being followed," he whispered.