Watching her master's recent display, Rin's earlier confidence nearly crumbled.
She wasn't sure if she could ever learn such powerful skills. What she truly feared was disappointing her master with her own uselessness.
Seeing her tearful expression, Tris asked: "What's wrong?"
Rin: "Rin is afraid I won't be able to learn them."
Tris: "It's fine if you can't. Just give it your best effort, and slowly find what suits your abilities."
Hearing this, Rin's worries eased, and she nodded slowly.
Tris: "It's already late. That's enough training for today. Let's go eat dinner."
At the mention of food, Rin's face lit up.
...
On the way to the restaurant, Rin suddenly remembered something she hadn't asked earlier: "Master, when you used Iron Wall, what was that?"
Tris: "A magical item, which can be used as a weapon."
Rin: "There are magical items shaped like humans, too?"
She was surprised by this new knowledge.
'In fact, I've already been making one shaped like you,' Tris thought silently. Such things were excellent for surprising enemies, as he had proven not long ago.
Rin: "So it's possible to make a magical item shaped like Rin, or even like you, Master?"
Tris: (⊙_⊙)?
'Did you just learn how to read minds?'
After thinking that, he replied evasively:
"With magic, almost anything can be created. It just depends on whether you can do it."
Rin: "Magic is amazing. Rin wants to learn it soon, too."
Tris: "For now, you should focus on mastering the skills I taught you. Don't be greedy."
Rin: "I'll try my best."
She continued practicing enhancement even as they walked, making her steps a little clumsy, almost tripping.
Tris noticed and helped her keep her balance whenever she stumbled.
To outsiders, they might look like two close children walking and playing together. But in reality, both were training themselves in ways few could imagine.
While Rin practiced body enhancement, Tris continued honing his magic and concentration through various methods, including controlling puppets from afar.
Especially after being stalked and attacked, Tris never let his guard down, using many tricks to observe his surroundings.
At that moment, he noticed two suspicious figures watching him intently from not far away. Their gaze was too fixed to be mere curiosity. Moreover, their position was both hidden and strategically placed for movement. Ordinary observation wouldn't have revealed them.
Tris kept walking beside Rin as if nothing was wrong. But silently, he commanded his "Feathers" to gather around the area and act discreetly.
...
This time, instead of dining at their usual restaurant, he bought food from random street stalls and brought it back to their inn.
Though not high-class, Rin happily devoured every bite. Her cheeks puffed out like a squirrel stuffed with nuts, looking adorable.
Enjoying fragrant street food had once been one of her many dreams.
In fact, Rin had countless wishes, many of which had already come true since serving her master.
Though she never said it aloud, she was deeply grateful for his kindness.
Tris: "Eat slowly, don't choke."
Rin: "Hehe, the food is so tasty, Master." With her mouth full, she could only nod and mumble.
Having lived long in danger, Rin was keenly perceptive of others. She sensed that, despite his stern and cold exterior, her master cared deeply for her, even in small things.
Even while eating, Rin kept practicing. Effort was the only thing she could give now.
'I will surely become a worthy servant by his side, she reaffirmed silently.
Holding a skewer of grilled meat, Tris ate slowly, unaware of her thoughts. Most of his mind was focused on what was happening outside.
'No further moves from those two yet. Besides...' he observed.
Ordinary townsfolk wouldn't notice, but Tris, watching from multiple angles, including above, realized the town was unusually restless today.
The adventurers' guild seemed busier and noisier than usual.
The town guards were also more active for unknown reasons.
He even saw a luxurious carriage with escorts heading to the count's residence not long ago.
'What's going on? Could it be related to the special mission Coris mentioned this morning?'
Lacking enough information, all he could do was keep watching carefully, not missing any detail.
Late at night, the lights in houses went out. The townsfolk drifted into sleep after a long day. Only a few magical street lamps lit the roads, powered by magic crystals.
Here and there, guards patrolled on their night duty.
In a dark room, two figures looked out the window, whispering:
"Did you notice the atmosphere feels a bit unusual today?"
"Really?"
"Yes, like the town guards on the streets."
The other glanced outside.
"Hmm, I don't see much difference."
"Normally, those on night duty look tired and sleepy. But tonight, they seem more alert." "Maybe so."
"Have you heard any special news lately?"
"No, I've just been gathering info on the boy and checking for any trace of that missing bastard. Found details on the boy, but the other seems to have vanished."
"I heard rumors the guild might have a special mission for rank C adventurers."
"Rank C? Any news of strong Magical Beasts appearing?"
"None."
"Then it's worth being cautious. Did you report this?"
"Yes. By tomorrow morning, the priest will know."
"So what about the boy's mission?"
"Wait for now. Better avoid drawing attention at this time."
"Alright."
Though their voices were mere whispers, they were still overheard by a bird perched on the nearby roof.
Another peaceful night passed.