By the time they left the tavern, most of them were still sober, especially Merilda, who walked steadily despite the drinks.
Jorah slung an arm over her shoulder, supporting her as they moved down the street.
"Easy," he muttered with a laugh.
Lucivar followed quietly from behind.
"You're staying with us for the night, right?" Jorah asked, glancing back.
"Yeah," Lucivar replied. "I do not really have anywhere else to go."
As they walked, Volric kept glancing back at him, his eyes lingering longer than necessary.
Soon, they arrived before a massive mansion.
Tall iron gates stood proudly at the front. As they opened, a butler stepped forward and bowed deeply.
"Welcome back, masters," he said respectfully.
They entered.
Lucivar's eyes widened slightly.
"This place is huge," he murmured. "Much bigger than any house I have seen."
Jorah chuckled. "We do not worry much about money after slaughtering monsters all day. It comes with the job."
They approached the grand entrance. Two maids stood by the doors and bowed in unison.
"Welcome back, masters."
The doors opened.
Crystal chandeliers glittered above. Polished floors reflected warm light. Paintings and decorations lined the walls with quiet elegance.
This is extravagant, Lucivar thought, taking it all in.
Jorah turned to Volric.
"Can you show Lucivar to one of the empty rooms? I will take Merilda to hers."
Volric nodded. "Follow me."
They climbed the wide staircase in silence. At the end of the hall, Volric opened a door.
"This is your room."
"Thank you," Lucivar said.
Volric paused before leaving.
"I do not really know who you are," he said quietly. "Jorah is kindhearted. He trusts people too easily."
Lucivar tilted his head slightly.
"There's something strange about you," Volric continued. "I cannot quite put my finger on it. But stay out of trouble."
"Oh?" Lucivar replied calmly. "Then tell me. What do you think is strange about me?"
Volric did not answer. He simply turned and walked away.
Lucivar exhaled softly.
Sharp instincts, he thought.
He looked around the room. Paintings, shelves, a neatly made bed. Everything was clean, orderly, and peaceful.
He stepped toward the bed and sat down.
"This is soft."
For the first time in a long while, his body relaxed. He lay back, staring at the ceiling.
Warmth wrapped around him.
Before he realized it, Lucivar drifted into sleep.
The following morning, Lucivar slowly opened his eyes.
He stretched his arms and yawned.
"Hah… that was a really good nap."
He rose from the bed just as a knock sounded at the door.
Opening it, he found Jorah standing there with a grin.
"Morning. Looks like you slept well."
Lucivar nodded calmly.
Jorah raised an eyebrow, eyeing him up and down.
"You're still wearing what you wore yesterday? That long red coat, the gloves. You slept in all of that? Didn't you get sweaty at all?"
"There was no need to take it off," Lucivar replied simply.
Jorah laughed. "Alright, fair enough."
Then his expression shifted slightly. "Say, can you use a sword?"
"Yes," Lucivar answered. "I've used one before."
Jorah's eyes lit up.
"Good. Before we eat, how about a spar? I'll hold back. I promise."
"That's fine with me," Lucivar said.
They headed downstairs and stepped into the wide garden behind the mansion. Morning light spilled across the trimmed grass.
Jorah picked up a wooden sword and tossed another to Lucivar.
"Alright," Jorah said, raising his blade. "Come at me."
Lucivar didn't move.
Jorah blinked. "Not moving? Then I'll take the first step."
He lunged.
Cling.
Clang.
Cling.
Steel rang sharply as their swords met. Jorah struck again and again, quick and precise, but every attack was blocked.
Lucivar's movements were calm and controlled. Each parry was effortless.
Cling. Clang. Cling.
Jorah's eyes widened slightly.
He's good. No, he's very good.
Lucivar deflected another strike, his stance flawless.
Back in Heaven, he thought calmly, the sword was my main weapon. Even stripped of my power, skill doesn't disappear.
Jorah pressed harder, swinging faster.
Lucivar met every blow.
Not once did he falter.
Jorah suddenly increased his speed.
Wham.
In an instant, he vanished and reappeared right behind Lucivar, his blade already descending.
But Lucivar didn't turn.
Without facing him, he raised his sword behind his back.
Clang.
The strike was blocked at the last possible moment.
Jorah's eyes widened.
Lucivar twisted his body, stepped in, bent low, and drove his knee up before snapping a sharp back heel kick into Jorah's stomach.
Thud.
Jorah slid backward across the grass.
"What the hell?" Jorah muttered.
He read my movement.
And countered instantly.
Jorah straightened, staring at Lucivar with a new intensity.
From his presence alone, I can tell he's strong.
But somehow, that never crossed my mind before.
Lucivar turned fully now.
Their eyes met.
"Tell me," Jorah said, lowering his stance. "Where did you learn to use a sword? Who was your master?"
Lucivar shook his head.
"I don't know. As far back as I can remember, the sword has always been my main weapon."
"Really?" Jorah exhaled slowly, then smiled.
"You kept up with my speed. Not even most A-rank adventurers can do that. Even Vonrick can't."
Lucivar tilted his head slightly. "Is that so?"
"Yes," Jorah replied, tightening his grip. "You actually pushed me."
Without warning, Jorah rushed forward again.
Their blades were about to collide.
But at the last second, Jorah twisted and leapt into the air.
Lucivar's slash cut through nothing.
Mid-air, Jorah raised his sword and brought it down.
Lucivar reacted instantly.
He bent his knees, leaned his head back just enough, then kicked off the ground, twisting smoothly through the air before landing several steps away.
Jorah landed as well.
Silence.
Then Jorah chuckled.
"Incredible. You keep surprising me."
He looked straight at Lucivar.
"Why don't you join our party?"
Lucivar paused.
"I don't really have anywhere else to go," he said calmly. "So I don't mind."
Jorah grinned.
"Good."
His presence sharpened.
"I won't hold back anymore. And I know you haven't either."
He raised his sword.
"So give me your best shot."
Lucivar nodded.