Chapter 8: Opia (Pt.1)

Days passed slowly. Taking orders and demonstrating the potential taste of the Vidar Grape Wine No. 6 earned Yohan the title of "Secretly a Bartender" among his delivery clients. Many esteemed guests hoped to see him deliver their wine, eager to taste his inventive drinks. The collaboration with Paper Moon also boosted the reputation of the "Rejoice with Wine" pub, making business boom as never before.

Then, the weekend arrived. Slacking off in the pantry, Yohan busily chewed on his bread while reading the newspaper.  

With a thud, a heavy ceramic cup landed on the table, and the aroma of coffee filled the room as Eric slapped down a detailed blueprint.  

"Snap, snap!" Eric flicked his fingers to grab Yohan's attention.  

"Now that I've got your attention, let's discuss our abandoned church exploration. Yesterday, I went to Vine's Library and read up on the history of the place we're visiting." His finger guided Yohan to the top right corner of the map.  

"This is Ecclesia de Oraculum, located in the nearby village of Val. It's about a three-hour hike, depending on your stamina. We could also pay for a ride up the mountain if needed." He traced the route to the church with his finger.  

Pulling a scroll from his sling bag, he dropped it on the table and pointed to the itinerary.  

"So, here's what we need: a compass, water, food, an oil lamp, ancient language books to translate inscriptions, and a ringing bell. This bell is connected to my brother's, so if we get into trouble, we can call for external help."  

"I've already visited the church before. It's not a dungeon or a closed space. Most of the architecture has collapsed into dust, with only a few columns and parts of the roof still standing. But be careful of the floor—it's full of sharp shards from shattered windows." He pointed out as he showed Yohan additional items he had brought, like bandages and daggers.  

"I don't know who or what we might encounter, so I'm taking extra precautions. We'll set off on Wednesday morning at 6 a.m., and we must be back in town by 6 p.m. Any later, and it won't be in our favour."  

Pushing the checklist toward Yohan, Eric overturned his bag and shook out a variety of miscellaneous items. One by one, he explained the equipment Yohan would need and even offered extras to help reduce costs.  

"You're very well-prepared and excited for this," Yohan remarked, glancing at the items spread across the table. Despite their differences in personality, the twins shared a knack for thorough planning.  

"Of course I am! This is the first time I've had a buddy to explore places that most people wouldn't dare go. Besides, you have a Calibre, right?"  

"I never mentioned anything about that."  

"I'm just making an educated guess. I also have a Calibre. Tell me yours and I'll tell you mine."  

"Alright. I don't have one, actually. I only have my previous sword training from the Guild at the Empire of Eir before coming here," Yohan admitted, finishing his bread.  

"Huh?" Eric's mouth dropped open. "No way, really? That's awesome, bro! My Calibre enhances physical strength, similar to a berserker's ability. You'll be ten times stronger, but there's a time limit. It's dangerous, though—if you don't revert back to your normal state, you'll lose control and cause mindless destruction. However, if it affects two people, for example, I enhance you and you start losing sanity, I can pull 'it' back and absorb your madness. Don't worry, I won't be affected since I'm the source."  

He lifted his hand, which glowed with a vibrant red aura, offering to test the ability with Yohan to prepare for the worst-case scenario.  

"Even though the ruins are full of debris, there are still active traps, so we need to stay on guard."  

Understanding that the church was once used for demon summoning rituals, Yohan accepted the offer and they headed to the training grounds for a trial run.  

Facing Eric with his sword, Eric closed his eyes to focus on the mana coursing through Yohan's nerves, controlling the properties that would be affected. A faint red aura outlined Yohan as Eric shouted, "start hitting the dummies now!"  

Testing his enhanced strength, agility, and stamina, Yohan went all out, delivering flashing slashes that struck the dummies in every fatal direction. At the one-minute mark, Eric quickly withdrew the shared enchantment and absorbed it. Returning to his normal state, Yohan's hands trembled from the sudden brute force exerted by his enchanted body.  

"Yohan, are you okay? This was your first time experiencing such strength. You shouldn't overexert yourself," Eric said, concerned that Yohan was in shock.  

But instead of a bewildered expression, Yohan was beaming.  

"I haven't felt like this in so long. It was as if my original strength returned to me, even if just for a moment. I've never thought of strength as a part of me, but the vast difference to my current ability makes me realise how important it once was."  

Patting Eric on the back, Yohan thanked him for the trial. As he wobbled down the field, Eric raised an eyebrow in concern. Yohan's balance faltered, and he suddenly dropped to the cobblestone path.  

"Are you okay?" Eric asked anxiously.  

"I'm fine, but it seems my body gave out," Yohan replied, furrowing his brow in annoyance.  

"I'm sorry for not considering your physical state. I know the feeling of regaining your original strength is wonderful, but you need to take things step by step. No matter how refined your technique is, your physical ability must be gradually built up to match your skills."  

Putting Yohan's arm around his neck, Eric helped him up and guided him to the Nurse's Office.  

"I can help you train. We can do this every night. It'll benefit both of us—I'll help you improve your strength manually, while I control my ability more slowly and precisely in smaller amounts."  

When they arrived at the Nurse's Office, Eric explained the aftershock of experiencing Calibre enhancement, only to be scolded for being reckless.  

"Please, Mrs. Marie! Don't tell my brother about this. If he informs the Duke, I'm done for!"  

"Okay, okay, you rascal. Go reflect on your actions," Mrs. Marie shooed him away.  

Entrusting Yohan to the nurse, Eric left to buy lunch for him.