Chapter 9: Goodbye…For Now
The sun was already high when I finally dragged myself out of bed, its light pouring through the shutters like it had something to prove. I blinked, stretched, and stared at the ceiling for a moment, letting the quiet sink in.
No training today.
Not because I couldn't—M. Soul, and Conditioning had me bouncing back from even the worst soreness—but because I didn't want to. Today wasn't about improvement. It was about saying goodbye.
By the time I made it to the bathhouse, the morning rush had already cleared out. The steam clung to the tiled walls like fog, and I soaked in the silence, letting the heat work its way into my bones. No reps. No laps. Just a long soak and some space to breathe.
Breakfast followed—a quiet meal from a small stand tucked between a cloth vendor and a cobbler's stall. Egg on bread, with a smear of soft cheese and a drizzle of honey. Simple, but it tasted great.
It was nearly noon when I stepped through the tall doors of the Guild Hall.
And there she was.
Ariel stood behind the counter, sorting through a stack of quest reports. Her hair was done in that neat twist she always wore on long shifts, a few strands falling loose as she read through parchment with a practiced eye. Even surrounded by paperwork and half-scribbled requests, she made the place organized.
She looked up as I approached—and smiled.
Warm. Genuine.
But not quite whole.
There was a shadow in her expression, tucked just behind the curve of her lips and the glint in her eye. A sadness she was trying not to show.
"Look who it is," she said, setting down her quill. "Big-shot adventurer has come to grace us with his presence."
I chuckled. "Hardly. I'm still technically falna-less."
Her smile stayed, but she tilted her head, curious. "So you accepted then?"
I nodded. "Yeah. We're heading out tomorrow. Once we reach the Wheat Manor, they'll perform the ritual. I figured…I should say some proper goodbyes before I leave."
Ariel looked down briefly, brushing a finger over the edge of her desk. "So you're really leaving."
"I am," I said. "Spent last night drinking with Cole—figured it'd be criminal to head out without giving him one last chance to hang out with someone as magnificent as I am."
That earned a light laugh from her. Not forced. Not fake. Just…smaller than usual.
"And now?" she asked.
I stepped closer to the counter. "Now I was hoping I could steal you away for the afternoon. Nothing fancy. No schedule. Just you and me, doing whatever comes to mind."
Her eyes met mine, wide for a moment—then she nodded slowly.
"I could use a break," she said. "Give me an hour to wrap things up. I'll put in for the rest of the day off."
My lips tugged into a grin. "Perfect. I'll be waiting."
Her smile returned in full, that flicker of sadness still lingering at the edges. But she turned away, preparing to end her shift early.
I may be anxious about today, more so than yesterday, but I'll make the most of it. I'll enjoy every moment.
——————————————————————
She met me outside the Guild Hall an hour later, her usual uniform still crisp despite the morning shift. The sunlight caught the strands of her hair, and for a second, she looked more radiant than I'd ever seen her—maybe because I knew this would be our last day together. Maybe because I didn't want to waste any of it.
"You ready?" I asked, hands tucked in the pockets of my black trousers, casual shirt loose in the breeze.
"Lead the way, adventurer," she said, the corners of her lips lifting.
We wandered. No real destination, no plan. Just the streets of Trellis, warm with life.
The market was alive with the usual chaos—vendors calling out deals, fabrics fluttering from awnings, the scent of spices and baked bread drifting on the breeze. We strolled side by side, close enough that our arms brushed now and then.
She stopped at a jewelry stall, picking up a tiny silver bracelet adorned with light green glass beads. I raised a brow as she turned it over in her hands.
"Oh those are nice. They would match your eyes." Her eyes were a brilliant bright green, and it would definitely make the accessory pop more.
"Hmm," she said, smirking. "I think you're right."
I ended up buying her that bracelet. In return, she made me try on a plain white headscarf at another stall. I wouldn't say it looked awful on me, but it wasn't to my tastes.
We laughed. A lot.
Talk flowed easily—stories from our pasts, like the time she snuck into her town's library after dark to read about monsters and old legends, or when I tried to fish with my bare hands and fell face-first into the river. She told me about her little brother, how he always chased after stray cats, and I told her about the wooden sword my father made for me, which I used to carry everywhere as a kid.
It wasn't anything grand. Just shared memories, exchanged between smiles.
The sun was dipping lower, painting the sky in soft gold and pink, when our stomachs finally caught up to us.
"Dinner?" I asked.
"Please," she said with mock desperation. "If I don't eat soon, I'm going to turn into one of those grumpy support clerks."
We both said it at the same time: "Wren's Hearth."
We shared a glance, then laughed. Unanimous.
So we turned toward the quiet stone-paved street that led there, walking a little slower now. Not out of weariness—but because neither of us wanted the day to end too soon.
——————————————————————
Wren's Hearth was cozy as ever, its warm lighting casting soft shadows across stone walls and wooden beams. The scent of roasted garlic, baked cheese, and herbs drifted from the kitchen, wrapping the place in a kind of rustic comfort that made it hard to feel anything but at ease.
We were seated at a table for two by the window. Outside, the last light of day gave the cobbled street a soft glow, the bustle of Trellis fading into the hum of conversation and clinking cutlery.
When the waitress arrived, I ordered the chicken parm—breaded, smothered in sauce and cheese—while Ariel went with tomato-sauced pasta, sprinkled with fresh basil and slivers of cheese.
The food didn't take long, and when it arrived, it looked better than I remembered.
I took a bite of mine and let out a soft groan. "Okay, I'm not saying I'd die for this dish, but I'd definitely risk a papercut."
Ariel laughed and stabbed a piece of her pasta. "Try mine."
We exchanged plates briefly, passing forks like old friends sharing secrets.
She hummed at the taste of mine, eyes closing for a second. "Gods, that's good."
"Yours is amazing too," I admitted, wiping sauce from the corner of my mouth. "Could eat this every day and not get tired of it."
For a little while, we just ate. Quietly. Content.
It wasn't awkward. It was peaceful. That kind of silence that says more than words, that sits between two people who don't feel the need to fill every second.
Then she spoke.
"So," she said gently, setting her fork down, "what are your plans in Orario?"
I wiped my hands, leaned back slightly. "Firstly I want to get stronger," I said, honestly. "I want to get ready for the early floors of the dungeon. That means pushing myself harder than ever. Physically, mentally…especially with the blade. I've got a long way to go."
Ariel nodded, her fingers tapping the rim of her glass. "Early floors are deceptive. People think it's easy because the monsters are weaker—but it's not. They come fast, sometimes in packs. Don't underestimate the kobolds, especially when you're tired. And watch for dungeon lizards. They're quiet, and they can fall straight from the ceiling."
I nodded quickly, absorbing every word. "Anything else?"
"Don't go in without a clear route. Know your exits. And—always bring at least two healing items. Even if you think you won't need them."
"Got it," I said, committing it all to memory. Her voice was softer than usual, but the care in it was unmistakable.
Then, to lighten the mood, I leaned forward, grinning. "Also, I plan to hit the casinos."
She blinked. "You what?"
"Casinos," I repeated. "Orario's supposed to have some fancy ones, right? I'm telling you—I'm ridiculously lucky. I'll win big."
Ariel stared at me for a beat.
Then started laughing.
Not the small chuckles from earlier—this was louder, genuine, from the belly. "You're serious?" she managed between laughs.
"Dead serious," I replied, puffing out my chest. "I've got luck running through my veins, and 'Luck' happens to be my middle name."
That made her laugh even harder. She reached for her drink, trying not to spill it from shaking.
"I can prove it," I said, reaching into my pocket. "In fact…let's bet on it."
Her eyes narrowed with amusement. "Oh?"
I pulled out a single bronze Vali and placed it on the table. "Here's the game. We take turns flipping. If I can guess correctly ten times in a row, I win, and I get to make any request."
Ariel arched a brow. "Any request?"
"Well, nothing outlandish. Something within reason."
"And if you're wrong even once?"
I shrugged. "Then you win. You get to ask something of me—again, within reason."
She leaned in, smiling mischievously. "You're actually serious about this."
"As serious as I am lucky."
She eyed the coin. "Alright then, 'Luck-san.' You're on."
I grinned, picked up the coin, and gave it a little spin between my fingers.
This was shaping up to be an unforgettable night.
"I'll start, we'll switch after 5 flips." She gave me a determined yet mischievous nod in return.
"Ready?" I flipped the coin. Caught it and placed it on my hand. Covering it.
"Heads." I revealed it, it was heads.
I flipped it again. "Heads." It was once more heads.
Prepared it once more. "Hmmm…heads." Again
The coin was ready to be flipped once more. "Let's switch it up. Tails." I was correct once again.
One final flip and it'll be her turn to flip. "Heads." Coin up in the air…and she snatched it up. Covered it on top of the backside of her hand. And revealed it as heads.
Ariel held the coin now, flipping it between her fingers with a growing smirk. "Alright, lucky boy. Let's see if that confidence holds up."
"Confidence?" I grinned. "This is destiny."
She rolled her eyes, flicked the coin high into the air, then caught it and slapped it down on her hand. "Call it."
"Heads."
She lifted her hand.
Heads.
She didn't say anything, just narrowed her eyes and flipped again.
"Tails."
Tails.
Another flip. "Heads."
Correct.
She let out a breath. "Okay, that's eight."
I gave a lazy shrug, as if this were the most natural thing in the world.
Another flip. "Tails."
She glanced at me, then revealed it.
Tails.
Now her lips were pressed tight in a flat line, trying to hide a smile that kept creeping in at the corners.
She spun the coin one last time, faster than before. "Last one. I'll allow you to back out. Last chance?" She said in a mock nervous tone.
"I've never been more sure of anything."
With a flip, she caught it with a little flourish and covered it dramatically. "Then let's hear it."
"Heads."
She uncovered the coin—
Heads.
She groaned, tossing the coin onto the table and slumping forward. "You've got to be kidding me!"
I leaned forward, smug. "I believe that's my win."
Ariel sat back in her chair, crossed her arms, and gave me a long, slow stare. "You actually guessed ten in a row."
"Didn't doubt myself for a second."
"You're infuriating," she said flatly, but there was laughter behind her voice. "You don't have a falna…but with that kind of luck, maybe you don't need one."
I just smiled.
She watched me for a moment, tilting her head. "So. What now? What's your big, mysterious request?"
I tapped the table. "At the end of the night."
She raised a brow. "You're going to make me wait?"
I shrugged. "Builds suspense."
Ariel groaned but smiled anyway. "You're the worst kind of person."
"And yet," I stood and extended my hand with a mock bow, "you still haven't stormed off."
She slipped her hand into mine and rose to her feet. "Only because I'm curious."
Dinner was done, paid for—Ariel tried to split the bill, but I insisted—and we stepped out of Wren's Hearth into the cool night air. The town had mellowed to a calm buzz; lanterns lined the streets, their golden light pooling like warm stars scattered across cobblestone.
"So," she said, tugging lightly on my sleeve, "what's next?"
"There's a bar a couple blocks down," I said, nodding toward the lantern-lit path. "Quiet, good drinks, and who knows, might see new faces."
Ariel laughed softly and fell into step beside me. "Then lead the way, 'Luck-san'."
And just like that, the night kept going—our steps unhurried, our laughter blending into the rhythm of the street. The city felt smaller, softer, like it was giving us just a little more time.
Not a date.
Not quite.
But something close.
Something important.
And the night wasn't over yet.
——————————————————————
The bar was a low-lit, lively place tucked between a bakery and a tailor's shop. It had an aged charm—wooden beams overhead, walls cluttered with old weaponry and faded guild flags, and a steady murmur of laughter and music that felt like it had been echoing there for years. Ariel and I didn't drink much—just enough to get that warm haze going—but it was enough to loosen up the room.
We joined a few conversations, mostly harmless banter with other adventurers and townsfolk. Ariel introduced herself to a few familiar faces, while I leaned into my luck. A handful of coin flips later—my now-signature game—I was up maybe two hundred valis. Not life-changing, but I wasn't doing it for the money.
I was doing it for the grin Ariel tried to suppress every time I won again.
Eventually, the bar started winding down. We slipped out just past midnight, the streets of Trellis nearly empty now, wrapped in the hush of late hours. The lanterns flickered. Crickets began to chirp in the distance.
We walked without speaking for a while, just side by side, content. The air was cool and clean, the stars overhead crisp like scattered gemstones. I caught her watching the sky more than once. She looked peaceful.
But something was tugging at me.
"Come with me," I said softly, finally breaking the silence.
She blinked, turning toward me. "Where?"
I smiled. "It's a surprise."
Ariel gave a long look—half suspicion, half amusement—before falling in beside me again. "Alright then. Lead the way."
We left the cobblestone behind, wandered through quiet grass fields and shadowy trails that led gently upward. The town slowly shrank behind us. Finally, we crested a small hill, the slope leading to a rise where the world seemed to open.
Below, the town of Trellis sat tucked among hills and winding rivers, glowing with soft orange light like embers in the night. From here, it looked like something out of a dream.
I sat down in the grass, legs stretched out before me, and Ariel lowered herself beside me with a soft sigh. We didn't speak for a moment. Just watched.
Then I spoke, my voice quieter now, almost unsure.
"I'm…glad I came here."
Ariel looked at me, but didn't interrupt.
"I didn't know what I'd find. Or if I'd find anything at all. But somehow, I found this town. And somehow, I met you. And Cole."
I glanced down at my hands, then at the flickering lights below.
"These past two days," I continued, "have been some of the best days of my life. It was so much fun."
A soft breeze passed over us.
But my smile faltered. A sorrowful look crept into my face before I could stop it.
Ariel noticed. "Chico…"
I looked away.
"What was your request?" she asked, her voice low, cautious.
I opened my mouth…and then closed it again. The words caught in my throat.
So instead, I said, "I want to be selfish."
Her expression softened.
"I want you to come with me," I said, finally turning to look her in the eyes. "To Orario. I want you to be my…dungeon advisor. To help guide me through it all. I want you there…with me."
I swallowed. "I want us to stay close."
For a moment, Ariel didn't say anything. She just stared at me, eyes wide, lips parted. The wind tugged at her hair, the strands catching the moonlight.
Then, slowly, she smiled. Warm. Soft. Real.
"That's your request?" she asked gently.
I nodded.
She leaned back into the grass, eyes on the stars above. "There isn't much tying me down here. No family here. No big ambitions in Trellis. I'd have to submit a transfer request to Orario's guild, and it'd be up to them to approve it. But…"
She turned her head toward me, her eyes meeting mine.
"If I'm accepted…I'll go."
A pause. Then her smile turned a little sly.
"After all…I did lose a bet." Yes. That was all…just for a bet…
I let out a breath I didn't know I'd been holding, heart pounding louder than it should've. "That was within the rules."
She chuckled, laying her head on my shoulder gently. "Barely."
We both laughed, not loudly, just enough to chase the tension from the air.
And for a while longer, we sat on that hill, overlooking a sleeping town and speaking nothing at all—because we didn't need to.
The night had said everything for us. Just two friends…for now.
——————————————————————
The morning sun crept in through the inn's modest window, golden light spilling across the wooden floorboards like a quiet invitation to begin the next chapter.
Chico stood by the edge of his bed, rolling up his final set of clothes into his travel pack. His black boots were already laced up tight beside the bed, his crocs dangling lazily from the side of the bag with a tied strap. The rest of his belongings—a half-used notebook, his old phone (still stubbornly unresponsive), a few sentimental trinkets from Trellis—were all accounted for. The town was beginning to stir below, but his room was quiet, save for the sound of folding fabric and the soft creak of leather straps.
And then—
Feat Achieved! Not Date!
Description: Spend a day and night with someone of importance…tho it was definitely not a date.
Reward: Silver Item Gatcha Ticket
Chico stared for a second. "…'Not Date?'"
He couldn't help the small laugh that escaped his lips—equal parts amused and touched. His fingers hovered mid-strap as he sat down on the edge of the bed, letting the moment wash over him.
The Gatcha system had always been unpredictable, but it was never unfeeling.
'Roll Gatcha.'
Rolling…
Bellowing Dragoncrest Ring (3.6 Rarity, 0.21% odds)-Rare Item-
Dark Souls - A special ring granted to only the most accomplished sorcerers at the Vinheim Dragon School. The ring is engraved with an everlasting dragon and boosts the strength of magic cast by its wearer.
'Wow!'
I immediately pulled out the ring from my Gatcha inventory, and I saw an absolutely beautiful ring.
The ring shimmered in the morning light, cradled in my palm like a secret treasure the world wasn't meant to know.
Bellowing Dragoncrest Ring—a name that sounded grand, and the design matched it. A band of dark, almost smoky silver, etched with swirling runes and crowned by a raised insignia of a dragon mid-roar. The creature's wings wrapped around the band like protective arms, and its mouth, open in eternal fury, glinted with faint magical light. There was power in it—I could feel it. Raw, arcane energy quietly humming through my palm, like a sleeping storm just beneath the surface.
I didn't know how much it boosted magic, or if I even had enough magic to make use of it just yet—but I knew one thing:
It was rare.
It was beautiful.
And it was mine.
I slipped the ring onto my right hand. It was cool to the touch at first, but then…warm. As if it were greeting me.
"Alright," I muttered, smiling faintly. "Let's go."
——————————————————————
The bathhouse wasn't too crowded that early in the morning, so I took my time. Let the heat soak into my muscles. Let my thoughts drift a little. Afterward, I threw on a clean shirt, tightened the straps of my pack, and headed to grab breakfast at my usual spot. The lady who ran the stall gave me a pastry for the road and wished me safe travels.
By the time I reached the Guild Hall, the sun had risen fully, casting long shadows across the front steps.
I stepped inside.
It was quiet.
No Ariel.
I stood there for a moment, just long enough for the silence to sink in. I didn't ask around. I didn't need to. Last night had been more than enough—a perfect sendoff wrapped in laughter, silence, and the glow of city lights from a hilltop.
Besides…
I had a feeling I'd see her again.
——————————————————————
The gates of Trellis stood tall, flanked by a few guards and the morning traffic of farmers, travelers, and traders making their way in and out of the town. But I wasn't looking at them.
I was looking at the woman with golden eyes and soft honey hair standing calmly by a black carriage.
Lady Demeter.
She wore a light traveling cloak today, elegant and practical, her expression warm and serene as always. Her attendant, the same adventurer I saw when I first met Lady Demeter before, stood just beside her, arms crossed and gaze sharp.
I started toward them, ready to greet them—
And stopped mid-step.
A familiar voice cut through the hum of morning wind. "About time."
I turned.
Cole Landen leaned against the nearby stone wall, arms crossed casually over his chest, but I could tell from the tilt of his mouth that he'd been waiting there a while. He pushed off the wall and walked toward me.
And beside him—was Ariel.
Wearing her guild uniform. A subtle smile played on her lips, eyes bright beneath the morning light.
I blinked. "You're…here."
"I said I'd try, didn't I?" she replied. "Guild's already sending the transfer request to Orario. Just have to wait for it to go through."
I didn't have words at first. Just…a smile.
Cole stepped forward and offered a hand. "Don't die on the way there. I'll be escorting Ariel-san should she be transferring."
I shook it firmly. "Wouldn't dream of it."
Then Ariel stepped close and handed me a small cloth bundle—inside was a charm. Simple twine, with a small carved stone at the center. It was shaped like a tiny flame.
"Something to keep you safe in the dungeon," she said softly. "You know. When I'm not around to lecture you."
I tied it to my pack, near the crocs. "I'll keep it close."
"Better."
Demeter approached at last, her eyes full of amused understanding. "Finished your goodbyes?"
I turned and gave a deep nod. "Yeah."
"Then let's be off." She turned with a flourish of her cloak and climbed into the carriage. Her attendant opened the door with a small bow.
I glanced back one more time.
Ariel waved.
Cole gave a nod.
And then I turned forward, stepping into the carriage, toward a city of gods, monsters, and glory.
Toward Orario.
Chapter 9 End