The darkness had wrapped the city in its cloak by the time I returned from the orphanage. Miach met me at the doorway, his face etched with concern as he asked where I'd been. I told him everything that had happened that day, sparing no detail. Then I asked the question that weighed most heavily on my mind:
— Where will I sleep?
— Of course, in your room, — Miach replied gently. — Come, I'll show you.
We climbed to the second floor, and he led me to a door. The room looked a little neglected at first glance, but it had been tidied up. There was a solitary wardrobe, a simple bed, and an old desk tucked into the corner. But I liked it immediately — it was mine.
— Is this my room?
— Yes, — Miach confirmed with a warm smile.
Later, I lay on the bed, sinking into the softness of the old mattress. It cradled my body gently, lulling me after such a long and eventful day. Fragments of the day flashed through my mind like scraps of dreams: the orphanage, Miach, the new room… Suddenly, a cool breeze drifted in through the open window, brushing my face with a pleasant chill. The curtains swayed lightly, as if inviting me into the world of dreams. I felt a deep sense of peace, as though I'd finally come home after a long journey.
— A new day… a new beginning, — I whispered into the quiet.
I rose from the bed, did a light warm‑up, and stepped out of the Blue Apothecary. The early morning greeted me with a crisp freshness. I took a deep breath, feeling the air fill my lungs and chase away the last traces of sleep. The cool air prickled my skin, bringing a surge of energy. I set off jogging along the familiar streets, glancing at the passersby. Life around me buzzed as it always did.
The sun rose slowly over the horizon, painting the sky in delicate watercolor shades of pink and orange. I felt a rush of strength and vitality. I picked up the pace, savoring the morning coolness and the cheerful trilling of birds.
When I got back home after my run, I found Naaza bustling in the kitchen, preparing breakfast. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and warm bread teased my nose pleasantly. I happily joined Miach and Naaza at the table, sharing my impressions of the morning run.
After breakfast, I decided to tidy up my room. I sorted through my things, folding them neatly into the wardrobe. I wiped the dust off the desk and the windowsill, then mopped the floor. The room transformed, filling with cleanliness and coziness. I felt like a true master of this little space, building my own world. Every object found its place, and the air carried the scent of freshness.
Then I started helping Naaza in the apothecary. I decided not to rush to the Guild just yet, mindful of the dangers lurking in the dungeons. Several days passed, and our bond grew stronger. I began to understand Naaza better and to see the reasons behind her frequent scolding of Miach. Miach, handsome as all gods are, was too friendly with women, often giving them potions for free. Because of that, it was hard to pay off the debt for Naaza's arm.
«Well, I won't interfere in a god's affairs,» I thought. Still, watching how many beautiful women surrounded Miach, a tiny spark of envy couldn't help but flicker inside me.
Sitting on the bed, I pondered the day ahead. The Guild, the dungeons — they beckoned me, but the cautious voice that had taken root after my talks with Naaza wouldn't let me go. I decided to spend the day exploring the city's outskirts, to get a better sense of the area and perhaps uncover some useful information.
I already remembered most of it, though I hadn't tried too hard before — back then, all I cared about was earning favor.
Stepping outside, I gave Naaza a friendly nod as she went about her work. I spent the whole day wandering the city.
And so, two weeks passed in Miach's household. My days blended into one another: I'd wake up, train, and help Naaza in the apothecary. After hearing Naaza's stories, I decided to put off the day I'd become an adventurer and gather more information about the dungeons. The more I learned, the more immense they seemed. During this time, I grew closer to Naaza and Miach. The awkwardness of those first days had faded away.
Over time, I noticed that Naaza harbored romantic feelings for Miach. I saw the way she grew jealous when other women surrounded him.
«I'm not the least bit envious. He is a god, after all,» I told myself every time I saw Miach surrounded by admirers and the sharp looks Naaza shot at him.
I also asked Naaza what kind of weapon would suit me best, and we settled on a short sword. I also learned that Naaza was level 3. That news set my heart on fire with the desire to spar with her, to feel the difference in our levels for myself. Before I knew it, I'd lost the match. And to be honest, my confidence took a hard hit after that humiliating defeat.
Gradually, I became part of their daily life, feeling like a member of this small but warm family. Miach, clumsy yet kind, always ready to lend a hand; and Naaza, hiding a tender soul beneath her cynical mask. I loved watching them interact, seeing how Naaza quietly looked after Miach, trying to make his life a little easier.
«And I wasn't the least bit envious of Miach… not even a drop,» I repeated to myself.
Putting off becoming an adventurer felt like the right choice. I understood that to explore the dungeons successfully, I needed not just strength, but knowledge as well. So I started asking Naaza everything she knew about the dungeons. Who better to tell me than her — she was level 3, after all.
I soaked up every piece of information she shared.
My training with the short sword was in full swing. Naaza gave me several valuable tips on how to hold the weapon, how to move, and how to strike. Even though her main weapon was a bow, she knew the basics of swordplay inside and out. Yet every time we sparred, I ended up on the losing side. She was as fast as lightning, and her blows always found their mark.
I even started to suspect she enjoyed beating me up, though I had no proof to back it up.
Defeat after defeat taught me to accept my weaknesses and work through them. I knew that to reach my goals, I had to grow stronger. And I was ready to train tirelessly until the day I surpassed Naaza and became a worthy adventurer.
Naaza had become the first wall I needed to climb over. Recently, my birthday had come and gone, and we celebrated it together.
It was the best day of my life — the best birthday I'd ever had.
Two months had passed since I arrived in Orario. A lot had happened in that time, but I didn't regret a single moment. I'd turned fourteen and grown taller thanks to constant training.
— So, everything's fine with me. Your apprentice, Kopii, — I read the letter again and felt fully convinced that my life had changed completely in such a short time.
That was why I decided to write a letter to the one person I truly cherished — my nanny from the orphanage.
«It's been almost a year… How is she doing?»
The realization that I'd simply run away from the village without telling her a word, and that I hadn't sent a single letter all this time, brought a wave of shame. But then I remembered her smile, and, almost involuntarily, a smile crept onto my own lips.
«She'll understand.»
With nothing much to do, I later decided to update my stats. I got up from the bed, left my room, and headed to Miach's chamber.
— Good morning, Miach‑sama.
— Hi, Kopii. What's on your mind? — he asked, glancing up with a questioning look.
— I'd like to update my stats, — I said with a smile.
— Alright. Take off your top clothes and sit on the chair.
I did as Miach instructed, and I felt his blood touch my back.
— Solid results… — Miach said, handing me the paper with the data he'd written on my back.
Strength: I 87
Endurance: H 102
Agility: I 99
Dexterity: H 104
Magic Power: I 0
[Magic]
[ ]
[Skills]
[Copying] "You can be anyone you want, just not yourself."
I stared at my stats, disappointed by how little they'd grown.
— Is this normal, Miach‑sama?
— … Yes, — he replied.
His pause and the thoughtful look on his face unsettled me, but I decided not to dwell on it.
I left the Blue Apothecary and headed straight for the tower.
— I'm ready! — I declared, quickening my pace, my body buzzing with excitement and adrenaline.