The next morning was peaceful. Ren was already in the courtyard, practicing with his new sword. Lyra was in the house, organizing their supplies.
After breakfast, Ren looked at Lyra. "A hero is only as good as his team," he said in a serious, dramatic voice. "And your shield is still cracked from our last adventure. This is not acceptable."
Lyra laughed. "My professional reputation as an F-Rank is on the line!" Ren said. "We are rich now. We must look like it. To the shops!"
He took a protesting Lyra back to the market. They did not go to the cheap shops. They walked right into the expensive weapon shop where the owner had laughed at them before.
The owner saw them and smiled a mean smile. "Ah, the boy with expensive taste. Have you come to look at the pretty things you cannot buy?"
Ren smiled back. "Actually, yes. My partner needs a new shield. Please show us your best one."
The owner, thinking it was a joke, showed them a giant, beautiful tower shield with a glowing blue jewel in the middle. "The 'Aegis of the Guardian'. A B-Rank masterpiece. The price is seven gold coins," he said, expecting them to be scared by the price.
"Excellent," Ren said. "She will also need a full suit of B-Rank steel plate armor. And a new sword."
The shopkeeper's mean smile disappeared. Lyra was pulling on Ren's arm. "Ren, stop! We can't afford this!"
Ren ignored her. "What is the total price?" he asked the shopkeeper.
The shopkeeper, who thought Ren was a crazy person, said, "Twenty-five gold coins."
"A bargain," Ren said. He held up his hand. The simple ring on his finger glowed. He used his System Wallet to transfer the money.
A bright light flashed on the shopkeeper's desk. [You have received 25 Gold Coins.]
The shopkeeper's monocle fell from his eye. His face changed from smug, to shocked, to very, very humble. "My lord! I am so sorry!" he said, bowing very low. "I will have your new equipment ready right away!"
An hour later, they walked out of the shop. Lyra was wearing a full suit of shining, new steel plate armor. She had the new shield on her arm and a beautiful new sword at her hip. She looked like a true hero.
"Ren, this is... too much," she said.
"Nonsense," Ren said kindly. "We are a team. We protect each other. It is an investment."
They spent the rest of the day getting ready for their long trip. Ren used his "magic pouch" to get all the supplies they needed.
The next morning, they stood at the northern gate of Eridon. They did not look like two poor adventurers anymore. They looked like an elite team. As they left, Ren saw Borin watching them. Borin's face was full of hate and jealousy. Ren just gave him a small, happy wave.
The city was behind them. The open road was in front of them.
"So," Ren said. "A seven-day trip. Plenty of time to think of a new title for me. I was thinking 'The Gilded Ghost'."
Lyra, happy with her new, strong armor, just smiled. "Just focus on the road, Ren. Just focus on the road."
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