Morning sunlight spilled across the streets of Rivershade, glinting off wet cobblestones and sleepy shutters. Kaito rolled his shoulders as he stepped through the Adventurers' Guild doors, the faint ache in his muscles a reminder that no amount of tactical training prepared you for wrestling half-rabid rodents.
Inside, the guild was alive as ever — laughter, metal, and the smell of ink and sweat. He walked up to the same silver-haired clerk from yesterday, dropping the signed quest sheet and a small sack of proof — five rat tails wrapped neatly in cloth.
"Morning, ma'am. Barn's clean, and the locals can stop jumpin' at squeaks."
She inspected the tails, then nodded approvingly.
"Efficient work, Mister Mercer. Payment: ten small copper Gil."
He accepted the coins, weighing them in his palm. Not much, but the jingle was satisfying.
"Guess it's a start. You got anywhere in town that sells blades tougher than kitchen knives?"
"The Ironflame Forge," she said. "Two streets north. Tell Master Dorn I sent you."
He tipped his head.
"Much obliged."
Outside, the morning crowd was stirring. Market stalls clattered open, hawking everything from bread to enchanted trinkets. He found the forge easily — a squat stone shop with a roaring chimney and the sound of hammer on steel echoing from within.
Inside, the heat hit him like summer in Texas. A barrel-chested man with arms like tree trunks glanced up from his anvil.
"What can I do for you, traveler?"
"Need somethin' that won't bend on the first swing," Kaito said, placing his knife on the counter. "This one's been doin' the Lord's work, but she's about ready to retire."
Dorn grunted, rummaging through a rack before pulling out a short sword with a plain leather grip and a faint shimmer along the edge.
"Steel-edged, tempered with low-grade mana. Won't slice stone, but it'll keep you breathing."
Kaito tested the balance, giving it a few practice swings. Smooth. Honest steel.
"Feels right. How much?"
"Twenty small copper."
Kaito blinked. "Twenty? Hell, I just made half that killin' rats."
The smith shrugged.
"Then kill more rats."
Kaito sighed, then pulled out his coins.
"Alright, you win. But if I come back rich, you're knockin' ten off my next purchase."
"Deal."
Sword belted at his side, Kaito left the forge and headed back toward the guild. His reflection in a shop window caught his eye — young face, brown hair catching a faint crimson glint, hazel eyes steady. He still wasn't used to that kid staring back.
"Eighteen again," he muttered. "Goddess, you really had to reset my back pain too, huh? Guess I'll count that as a blessing."
When he reached the guild, a familiar voice called from the counter. The clerk lifted a parchment.
"You're back early. There's a new C-rank escort posting to Brisden Village. The road's not safe — bandit sightings. Pay's fifty copper."
Kaito whistled.
"Now that's more like it. Sign me up."
She handed him the notice.
"You'll meet the caravan at the west gate tomorrow at dawn."
Kaito tucked it away, a grin creeping up.
"Time to earn a livin' proper. Let's see what this world throws my way next."
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