8. Dynamic Duo part 1

Newt does not have any memory of being his real family. He grew up in a church. Sheltered by the kind nuns. And at the age of 6, he began going on a journey. It has been almost two years since then. He came from the farthest city of the Auslixeoris Empire. And also the most unprosperous land. Eating two times a day would be considered a blessing. In order to save the dying land from poverty, Newt ventured into a new world. Fights monsters for money. Accept quests that have the risk of losing his life.

Whilst on his way to a C-grade quest, along with other adventurers whom he can trust. They are on a raid mission. A bunch of orcs was lurking near around the City of Vel. They were kidnapping alone humans kills them and eat them. A nearby village chief reported the incident and have the orcs eradicated as soon as possible. It's causing a lot of trouble for them.

Newt's party had successfully eliminated all orcs. They found out bones of the abducted humans inside their nest. There are adults' and kids' skeletons lying everywhere. Their priest prayed for the dead and have them rest in peace.

Inside the orcs' treasure room, there was the holy sword of Aegeus, nailed down to the ground. It was said that only the next in line of being a hero could pull the sword. Or those who have been blessed by the Hero, Aegeus himself. Newt's interest was piqued by the holy sword.

"You wanna try pulling it out, Newt?" said one of his comrades.

He smiled, thinking that he could do it. He placed both hands on the hilt. He breathed in first and began pulling the sword. He was gritting his teeth.

"Hey, hey, hey!"

Slowly, the holy sword was getting pulled up by Newt. He completely pulled the sword from the ground. It glows on his hand. Then the ground began shaking.

"The cave is collapsing. We better get out!"

They rushed out of the orcs' camp. Brought the good news with them and went on their separate ways. And that's how Newt got a hold of the holy sword. News circulated around the empire. Many adventurers tried to steal the holy sword but failed to do so. Newt was being protected by Aegeus. His blessing was.

***

Since Newt helped Fritz eliminate the skeletons, Demiurgus invited him for dinner in his place. Newt gladly accepted the offer and went with them. Demiurgus' place was from other humans nor monsters. He's isolated himself from others.

Newt arrived at Demiurgus place. It was just like any other house he had seen in his life. Well, he did not expect anything luxurious about the man. He was too quick to judge. Newt was. Just because Demiurgus was wearing normal human clothes, he assumed that his house wouldn't be anything like the nobles. The three entered the house. It was dark inside, and everyone couldn't see anything.

*Snap*

With just a snap of Demiurgus' fingers, the dark house was now filled with lights. Lights that are powered by magic crystals. It supplies magic to the lights. It blinded the two kids, blocking their eyes with their hands. And when they came to it, Newt was dumbfounded by what he was seeing.

Every item inside the house was high-grade. From the floor and the walls, it was made of rare metal, the displays too. He couldn't believe how much every item would cost.

"How come? I mean, the inside is so spacious, whilst the outside looks normal." Newt said, astonished.

Demiurgus glanced at him, "I put a barrier around the area. Did you sense it right? When we first step in here. This house, from the outside, can't be seen unless they enter the barrier. And the exterior of the house was just an illusion." Newt remembered the feeling he had when he first stepped in. He felt the chills run down his spine. "It's to fend off outsiders."

"Ahh... Can I have a look around the house?"

"Sure, feel free."

Fritz accompanied Newt around the house. The interior of the house was really big. One could get lost if he does not know his way around. It was truly mesmerizing. There are things that don't exist outside of the world, only inside Demiurgus' house. Newt took his time roaming. He was still a child from after all.

After an hour of looking through Demiurgus' house, Fritz decided to invite Newt for dinner. "You'll take forever to look at everything." Fritz grabbed him by his hand and pulled him to the dining room.

"Oh, you're done already? Thought it would take you two a bit."

The food was ready. Dry-Roasted Phase Fawn, Deep-Fried Giant Ram, Ice Oregano Doughnut, Basilisk Milk, and Brijeoflower Bread. It was a feast. Newt's and Fritz's eyes sparkled at the sight of the delicious food. The two pulled their chairs and sat down impatiently. Fritz reached for the Fawns and filled his glass of milk. Newt filled his glass too and took bread. And chose the giant ram instead of the fawn. Demiurgus served three bowls of soup. They can use it to dip their bread.

"Where are you going next, Newt?" Demiurgus asked. They were enjoying their food so far.

Newt and Fritz were both gobbling on their food. "I don't know. I go where there's money." After pausing for a second to speak, Newt continued guzzling.

"Then you should go with Fritz here. He'll be going on a journey too." 

Newt glanced at Fritz. The latter nodded at him. "You should join him in his practice. It will help you improve a lot."

"Yeah, you should join. I'm learning a lot of things from Demiurgus. I'll be staying with him until I'm good to go." Fritz added. The three were almost done eating. It was just Fritz and Newt who literally ate all of the food.

"Fritz, go take a bath with Newt. Have him freshen up."

The kid accompanied the other to the large bathroom Demiurgus had. Fritz prepared their change of clothes and went directly to the bathroom. It was a wide hot spring. It's what Newt never had. Nice and refreshing bath.

"Wow! What a large hot spring! Hey Fritz, I'll be going first!"

"Wait!" Stopping Newt, "you need to wash first before going in."

"Oh y-yeah, I know that much, haha" Newt scratched his head.

"Here, you can use this soap to wash your body."

"Thanks!"

***

"Whooo, that was really refreshing!"

It took an hour for the two of them to finish taking a bath. They wore their change of clothes and went to their bed. Since the house was big, Newt and Fritz decided to share a room. It would be too boring for them to have separate rooms. They want to share each other's stories.

"What a fluffy bed. It's my first, lying on a soft and white bed." Newt was staring blankly at the ceiling with a smile on his face. "Fritz, you know..."

And their night was spent with Newt talking about his life.

***

After eating breakfast, Fritz and Newt went out by themselves. On their way to clear an iron-level dungeon. Fritz has stored their food inside his inventory. It would be less hassle that way. What's awaiting them? Will they be able to clear the dungeon, or will they fail?

~