“What is it, Lapuk?” Arsha asked, her tone instantly serious and cold. It was clear they were not on good terms.

  “Yes, that’s him!” Eira said proudly.

  Dain met Lapuk’s stare, his expression unreadable.

  “Join our clan instead,” Lapuk offered, his eyes flicking dismissively over Eira before returning to Dain. “We’re planning an expedition to the Kulawa Ruins. We need more participants, especially a healer… and a supporter.”

  “You’re funny, Lapuk,” Arsha laughed, a sharp, mocking sound. “You want to make him a supporter? He’s far stronger than you.” She grinned tauntingly at him.

  “What did you say?” Lapuk’s face flushed with anger.

  “Stop it, Arsha,” Dain said, cutting off her teasing.

  “Sorry, everyone,” Eira said firmly, “but we’re not interested in joining a clan right now.”

  “Hear that?” Arsha said, her smirk widening at Lapuk.

  Lapuk let out a disgusted grunt. “If you change your mind, you know where to find me,” he said, turning and stalking away. The two women with him offered polite, slightly disappointed waves before melting back into the crowd.

  “Keep away from that man,” Arsha warned in a low voice as soon as he was gone. “There’s nothing good he can offer you.”

  Eira nodded, confused but trusting, as she finished her meal.

  “So, what are your plans for tomorrow?” Arsha asked, changing the subject.

  “We’re taking a day off,” Dain replied.

  “We’re going to explore the city!” Eira added excitedly.

  “Ho?” Arsha smirked. “Well then, the day after tomorrow, shall we party up again?”

  “Sure!” Eira agreed immediately. “I still have questions about lightning magic.”

  “Alright then!” Arsha said, happily pushing back her chair. “See you then!”

  Eira waved goodbye, feeling a genuine warmth inside the tavern. Unlike before, her shyness was fading, replaced by a growing comfort in interacting with others.

  It really is fun to be an adventurer, she thought, a quiet smile on her lips.

  The sun had not yet fully risen when Eira awoke, her mind already racing with anticipation for the day ahead. She hurried downstairs to find Dain in the middle of his stretching routine.

  “You’re early,” Dain greeted.

  “Excitement woke me up,” Eira answered, bouncing slightly on her heels.

  “Wash your face and then start stretching,” Dain instructed. “It’s a great time to improve your stamina.” He grinned knowingly.

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  “Training? I thought we were taking the day off today?” Eira groaned, her shoulders slumping.

  “We’re taking the day off from questing,” Dain clarified. “Training never waits.”

  “Seriously?” Eira whined.

  After a thorough stretch, the two walked to the public park. At this early hour, it was peaceful, with only a few dedicated joggers and elderly walkers. The playground stood empty, waiting for the daily influx of children.

  “Whoa! A park! A real park!” Eira cheered, dashing forward to inspect the swings and slide. She had read about them in books but never experienced one herself. She flew on the swings, slid down the slide, and tried every piece of equipment while Dain watched with the quiet patience of a parent.

  “That’s enough exploring, Eira,” Dain finally called out. “The sun’s almost up. It’s time for training.”

  “What kind of training are we doing?” Eira asked, her curiosity cutting through her disappointment.

  “It’s simple…” Dain replied, a wide grin spreading across his face.

  And with that, they began to run. Their feet pounded a steady rhythm on the gravel path as they circled the park again and again.

  After several laps, Eira was groaning in exhaustion, her face flushed red and her body slick with sweat. Dain handed her a bottle of water and left her on a bench to recover while he finished his own, much longer routine.

  When he was done, they returned to their apartment. Dain immediately started preparing breakfast while Eira lay collapsed on a chair.

  “My head aches,” she complained. “I don’t wanna do that again.”

  “You’ll get used to it soon,” Dain said from the stove.

  “How soon?”

  “Very soon, if you stop complaining,” he replied, placing a plate of eggs and toast in front of her.

  “Thank you for the food,” Eira and Dain said in unison before digging in.

  After breakfast, the two prepared to explore the city. They bathed and changed into their everyday clothes. Dain carried a bag containing their hard-earned quest rewards and the proceeds from the Goblin Emperor’s magic crystal. His sword, now well-cleaned and sharpened, hung at his side.

  “Where are we going first?” Eira asked, practically vibrating with energy.

  “The armory shop,” Dain answered. “Buying your rod is our priority.”

  A high-pitched squeak escaped Eira’s lips. “Hhhmmmmpppp…!” She could barely contain her joy.

  The armory was as impressive as a museum. Polished marble floors reflected light from crystal sconces, and gleaming weapons were displayed like works of art, sorted by type and price.

  A gentle old woman greeted them. “Welcome, Adventurers. May I ask what kind of equipment you are looking for?”

  “We’re looking for a rod,” Eira answered, her eyes already darting around the magnificent space.

  “Rods are located on the third floor,” the woman stated, gesturing toward a grand staircase. “Enjoy your shopping.”

  The third floor was a sorcerer’s paradise. Glass cases held wands, staves, and intricate magic scrolls that pulsed with a soft, inner light. A young attendant stood ready.

  “Welcome, customers–”

  “We’re looking for a rod!” Eira interrupted, her excitement getting the better of her.

  The attendant smiled indulgently. “Well, follow me.”

  “Wow!” Eira gasped, taking in the displays. “So many… and they’re all so pretty and shiny!”

  “Yes,” the attendant said. “You have a ton of choices here.”

  Eira’s gaze swept the room. “You sell magic scrolls, too!” Her eyes sparkled as she pressed her nose against a glass case, only to recoil in shock. “Whaaaaa!!! Why is it so expensive?!”

  “Those are made by top-tier scholars,” the attendant explained proudly. “The magic contained is rare and powerful. Even high-ranking adventurers purchase them for dangerous expeditions.”

  The massive price instantly deflated Eira’s interest in the circles. But her excitement returned in full force as they arrived at the rod section. Her eyes gleamed as they scanned the assortment, but one, in particular, captivated her. It was crafted from a pale, almost luminous white wood, polished to a silky sheen. It was about a meter long, tipped with a perfectly spherical violet magic crystal that seemed to hold a tiny, captured nebula within.

  “A great choice,” the attendant said, noting her fixation. “This rod is made from Shiro wood, a rare timber with one of the highest natural mana conductivities. The focus crystal is a high-grade Amethyst, said to be mined from the heart of the Mishura Desert.”