After the night had faded, morning came quietly.
The warmth of celebration gave way to a soft stillness as golden sunlight stretched across the village of Driftwood.
Kael and Julian stood at the gates, ready to depart.
The mayor had already seen them off earlier, gifting them new clothes and fine horses for their journey. Now, with everything prepared.
They rode forward.
As their horses galloped along the stone-bricked road, they didn't get far.
They were stopped.
Not by danger.
But by kindness.
First, the butcher.
He approached them with arms full of provisions.
"Take these," he insisted.
Jerky for snacks. Sausages. Preserved meat.
Enough to last them for weeks, even with rationing.
Julian hesitated slightly.
"…Is this really okay?"
Kael didn't.
He accepted the gifts calmly.
"…Thank you."
Next came the leatherworker.
She handed them belts, newly crafted leather luggage, reinforced pouches, and a saddle better suited to carry their supplies.
Then the farmers.
Feed for the horses.
Fruits.
Vegetables.
Simple offerings.
But heartfelt.
Step by step.
The entire village saw them off.
And at the very end of the road.
Stood Rudus.
"…So," he said, arms crossed, "you're really leaving."
Kael nodded.
"…Yes."
Rudus stepped forward.
"Then I've got something for you both."
From behind him.
He revealed two sets of armor.
And weapons.
All forged by his own hands.
As Kael and Julian equipped them.
Their presence changed.
Kael's armor gleamed under the sunlight.
A pristine white base with flowing red and gold accents, sharp yet elegant—like fire shaped into steel.
On the left side of his chest plate, engraved boldly:
"Hero of the Driftwood, Dragon Slayer"
And beneath it on the ribcage, in smaller lettering.
"Tanker."
Referring to the drinks Kael could tank.
A faint smirk tugged at Kael's lips.
Julian's armor mirrored the design.
But carried a completely different aura.
A sleek black-silver base with white-silver accents, cool and refined.
The same title etched across his chest in shimmering silver.
Though slim.
Both armors were incredibly durable.
Easily surpassing C-grade, possibly reaching the higher range of B-grade.
Their arm guards and leggings were even stronger.
Firmly within mid-tier B-grade, forged from black iron and black silver, giving them a dark, lustrous finish.
Julian flexed slightly.
"…Yeah. These are definitely expensive."
Rudus snorted.
"They are."
Kael bowed his head.
"…Thank you, Rudus."
Julian followed.
"Yeah… seriously."
"…Just don't die wearing them," Rudus replied.
They turned.
Ready to leave.
"WAIT!!"
A small voice echoed behind them.
Jasper.
She ran toward them as fast as her little feet could carry her.
By the time she reached them.
She was out of breath, panting heavily.
Then she looked up.
Angry.
"Why didn't you tell me when you were leaving?!"
Kael knelt down.
A soft smile on his face.
"We tried to… but we couldn't find you."
Jasper placed her hands on her waist.
"…I'll forgive you. Since this is the first time."
Kael bowed his head slightly.
"Thank you for your kindness."
Jasper huffed.
Then.
She held out her hand.
A small red ruby rested in her palm.
"I made it myself… I used my magic to make it."
Kael took it carefully.
As if it were something far more valuable than it looked.
"It's beautiful, Jasper."
He gently placed his hand on her head.
"Keep going."
Her eyes lit up instantly.
She nodded excitedly.
"I also have something else!"
She rummaged through her pocket.
And pulled out a small golden star, crafted from a thin sheet of gold.
She stepped closer.
Placed it on the right side of Kael's chest plate.
And began to chant softly.
The air shimmered.
The star glowed faintly.
Then slowly melted into the armor.
Fusing with it.
Becoming one.
Jasper stepped back proudly.
"Ta-da!!"
Kael looked down at it.
A small, quiet smile forming.
"…It suits me."
"HEY!!"
Julian suddenly cut in.
"I helped the village too! Where's mine?! I want to be cool too, you know!"
Jasper turned her face away.
"…You're boring."
A critical hit.
Julian froze.
His soul practically leaving his body.
"…Kael…"
He looked at him with desperate puppy eyes.
"Say something."
Before Kael could.
"You didn't even talk to me properly."
Julian staggered back.
"I-I'm sorry!"
Then quickly.
"If not the ruby… can I at least have the star?!"
"…No."
Silence.
Kael let out a quiet laugh.
Then grabbed the completely defeated Julian and helped him onto his horse.
"I'll see you again, Jasper."
Jasper waved enthusiastically.
"Bye!!"
Kael mounted his horse.
Julian followed, still emotionally recovering.
And with one final glance.
They rode forward.
Capes flowing behind them.
Armor gleaming under the rising sun.
Leaving Driftwood behind.
Ahead of them.
Ashmorg.