Chapter 2: Beyond the Borders (Part 1)

Part 1

Haruto descended the stairs, still shaking off the last remnants of sleep. The villa was quiet, bathed in the soft morning light streaming through the windows.

In the main hall, Melodía was writing on a parchment with elegant strokes. Upon hearing Haruto's footsteps, she lifted her gaze and gave him a lighthearted smile.

—Well, you finally woke up. I was beginning to think you had become part of the furniture.

—After yesterday, I think I earned it —Haruto replied, returning a tired smile.

Melodía let out a soft laugh before turning her attention back to the parchment.

—I'm writing to my father. It's important that he knows what's going on. Though, to be honest, I doubt he'll be thrilled to hear that I'm traveling with a human.

Haruto sighed, his tone laced with irony.

—Great. More reasons for him to hate me.

Melodía set the quill down and looked at him, resting her chin in her hand.

—Don't worry. My father is complicated, but he's not irrational. And, let's admit it, you're interesting.

—Is that a compliment or a warning?

She ignored his remark with a smile and rose gracefully from her seat.

—The Valdurn mountain range is cold, even in spring. We'll need proper clothing and gear. I don't want us freezing to death up there.

—Snowy mountains? Fantastic.

—Stop complaining, misfit —Melodía retorted, gathering the letter before heading to another room—. We have work to do.

Haruto glanced at Melodía's desk, wondering whether her letter would help their situation or make it worse. "Interesting" isn't always a good thing, he thought, sighing.

Soft footsteps interrupted his thoughts. He turned just in time to see Yuna descending the stairs, tousled and rubbing the sleep from her eyes.

—Good morning, Haruto.

—Morning... Though it looks like you're struggling to start the day too —he teased, motioning to her messy hair.

Yuna glared at him, her cheeks flushing as she tried to fix it.

—Not everyone wakes up looking perfect, you know?

Before Haruto could retort, Melodía reappeared, as immaculate as ever.

—Ah, you're both up! Perfect. —She glanced at Yuna and frowned at her disheveled hair—. Though someone could use some help with her hair.

—Don't start, Melodía! —Yuna protested, frustrated.

Melodía waved off the complaint with an airy gesture.

—For now, I thought we could have breakfast in the city. There's a charming little place near the market that serves incredible fruit cakes.

—Fruit cakes? —Haruto raised an eyebrow—. Can't we just start with something simple, like coffee and toast?

Melodía rolled her eyes.

—You should learn to appreciate the finer things in life.

—Fine, I just hope they don't serve anything weird like "petal soup."

Melodía chuckled as she grabbed her cloak.

—Don't worry, misfit. We wouldn't want you starving before we even reach the mountains.

Yuna sighed, crossing her arms.

—Breakfast in the city? Wouldn't it be better to avoid drawing attention?

—Oh, please, Yuna. You can't start a shopping trip without a proper breakfast. Besides, the place is quiet. —Melodía smiled confidently before glancing at Haruto—. Right?

—As long as there's food, I won't complain.

—Then it's decided! Let's go before you two change your minds —Melodía declared enthusiastically.

The group walked through the streets of Stonehollow, wrapped in light cloaks to fend off the morning chill. Though it was spring, the breeze rolling down from the mountains cut through their clothes with an icy edge.

The streets, paved with polished marble, reflected the glow of magical lamps suspended from ornate posts. The white stone houses, adorned with engravings of trees and celestial figures, embodied the refined style of the light elves.

—No matter how many times I see it, this city is impressive —Haruto commented, glancing around.

Melodía smiled proudly as she led them toward a cozy café in a quiet corner of the market.

—It has its charm, I won't deny it. Though it's even more beautiful in winter.

As they stepped inside, the warmth and aroma of freshly baked cakes welcomed them. Polished wooden tables and large windows filled the space with a comforting glow.

However, the atmosphere shifted the moment the customers noticed Haruto. A group of elves exchanged glances before silently getting up and leaving.

Haruto watched them go, letting out an ironic sigh.

—What a welcoming atmosphere.

Melodía frowned, her tone laced with irritation.

—Hmph, ignorant fools.

They took a seat by the window, where they could watch the market outside. Familiar with the establishment, Melodía took the initiative.

—House special tea, fruit cakes, and a selection of toasted bread with jam, please.

The attendant, an elderly elf with slow, deliberate movements, nodded with professional grace. His brief inspection of Haruto did not go unnoticed, though he avoided looking at him directly.

Soon after, he returned with a meticulously arranged tray, placing the cups and plates with precise care.

—Here is your order, Miss.

—Thank you for your excellent service. —Melodía took out 10 Gold Yue, a sum far exceeding the actual cost, and handed it to him with refined poise—. A little extra for the inconvenience.

The elf bowed his head politely.

—I appreciate your generosity, Miss. —He withdrew with the same elegance that defined him.

Haruto observed the exchange in silence before smirking slightly and lifting his tea.

—Do you always know exactly what to order?

Melodía cut a piece of tart with her usual grace and returned his smile.

—Of course. Someone has to maintain a level of sophistication in this group.

Yuna, after taking a sip of tea, changed the subject.

—After breakfast, we should head to the adventurers' guild. If we're traveling together, the two of us need to register our adventurer plaques.

Haruto raised an eyebrow.

—You two need plaques as well?

—It's mandatory for any adventurer who wants to take on missions or cross regions under guild jurisdiction —Yuna explained.

Melodía placed her cup down softly.

—And after that, we'll need proper clothing. The mountains are cold even on their best days, and I refuse to freeze because of you, misfit.

Haruto sighed, slumping back into his chair.

—Again with the "misfit" thing? Can't you give it a break for once?

—And miss out on all the fun? Not a chance. —Her playful smirk made it clear she had no intention of stopping.

As they finished breakfast, the bustling sounds of the market filled the air, reminding them that there was still much to do before they set out.

—Well, I think it's time to move on —Melodía announced as she stood with effortless elegance, as if following a strict itinerary.

—Of course, we wouldn't want to fall behind our packed schedule —Haruto replied with a sarcastic smile.

Yuna let out a small laugh, following them as they stepped back into the fresh market air, their determination cutting through the morning chill.

The chatter of merchants surrounded them as they made their way toward the guild.

Upon entering, they were greeted by the constant murmur of conversations and the rustling of parchment. Adventurers of various races examined maps and discussed strategies in firm, focused tones.

Ludmila, the receptionist, was at her desk, filing documents while exchanging quick words with a merchant. Noticing the group, she lifted her gaze with a professional smile.

—Welcome back. —Her eyes briefly flicked to Haruto before settling on the elves—. How may I assist you today?

Melodía stepped forward, confidently placing her hands on her hips.

—We're here to obtain our adventurer plaques.

Ludmila nodded, retrieving the registration tablet.

—Please place your hands here to complete the registration.

Yuna was the first to register. She placed her hand on the tablet, and a soft light illuminated the hall as her information appeared:

Name: Yuna Kazeharu

Race: Wind Elf

Level: 25

Rank: D

Ludmila recorded the information before handing Yuna her plaque.

—Everything is in order. Now you, Miss Luminis —she said, turning to Melodía.

Melodía placed her hand on the tablet. Once again, the light shimmered, displaying her stats.

Name: Melodía Luminis

Race: Light Elf

Level: 32

Rank: C

Ludmila gave a small smile.

—Impressive as always, Miss Luminis. —She handed her the plaque.

Melodía nodded with a triumphant air.

—Naturally.

Haruto, who had been silently observing, rolled his eyes.

—Do you always have to be this theatrical?

Melodía ignored him with a smirk before turning back to Ludmila.

—Will this be enough for us to travel with our companion?

Ludmila glanced at Haruto for a moment before nodding.

—Your records are complete. However, I advise caution. Outside of Stonehollow, the situation for elves isn't the most favorable.

Yuna inclined her head slightly in gratitude.

—We understand. Thank you for your help.

Ludmila handed them a sealed parchment.

—This document will allow you to pass through any checkpoints in the region. Take care of it.

The group left the guild and headed toward the market for their final preparations.

Haruto glanced at his plaque, noting how plain it was compared to those of his companions.

—Rank E... Lowest in the group —he murmured, slipping it into his pocket.

The Stonehollow market was at its peak.

Stalls overflowed with magical jewels that shimmered softly, weapons imported from Molgorath, and exotic spices that filled the air with a rich aroma.

But the group had a clear destination—a shop specializing in winter gear.

The store, though modest, had a cozy charm. Coats, cloaks, and boots were meticulously arranged in the displays, showcasing durable and high-quality materials. Above the entrance, a golden-lettered sign read Elven Threads.

—This is where we'll find what we need —declared Melodía confidently, pushing the door open with elegance.

An elderly elf, wearing round glasses and a modest robe, greeted them with a slight bow.

—Welcome to Elven Threads. Looking for something in particular?

—Clothing for the Valdurn mountain range —Melodía answered, dropping a few gold coins on the counter—. Something functional, but with style.

Haruto, standing behind her, sighed.

—Can't we just prioritize functionality? I mean, as long as I don't freeze…

Melodía shot him a glance—somewhere between exasperated and amused.

—Misfit, survival does not mean neglecting aesthetics.

The merchant chuckled softly, clearly accustomed to this type of exchange, and began pulling out various garments from a nearby shelf.

—Here we have reinforced wool cloaks and waterproof boots with anti-slip soles. They're the best for extreme weather.

—Perfect. —Melodía inspected a dark blue cloak with silver embroidery before holding it up to Haruto with a teasing smile—. What do you think? Maybe it'll even make you look presentable.

Haruto took the cloak, eyeing it skeptically.

—It's fine, I guess. But if this turns into a fashion show instead of an expedition, I'm out.

Meanwhile, Yuna was examining gloves and hats in a corner of the store, carefully assessing the quality of the elven fabrics. Though her expression remained calm, her thoughts were focused on what lay ahead.

"The mountains will be a challenge, but nothing we can't handle. We've faced worse together."

She selected a pair of tall, fur-lined boots and placed them on the counter.

—These seem ideal.

The merchant nodded.

—They've been treated with thermal protection magic. They'll retain heat even in the harshest temperatures.

—Perfect. —Yuna offered a slight smile, her gaze briefly drifting toward Haruto, who was still bickering with Melodía over the cloak.

"No matter our differences, we're a team. And it's my responsibility to keep us together."

As they left the shop, the sun was dipping below the horizon, casting long shadows over the streets. Haruto carried the bags with a resigned sigh.

—How much more are you planning to spend before we even reach Valdurn? Pretty sure the mountains don't charge an entrance fee.

Melodía shot him a sideways glance, a playful smirk curling on her lips.

—Don't think you're getting all of this for free, misfit.

Haruto stopped in his tracks, incredulous.

—What? You were the one insisting on spending extra!

—Nothing in life is free. —Melodía's tone was light, though her gaze held a flicker of something deeper as she turned forward.

As the magical city lights flickered on, they bathed the streets in a warmth that belied the increasing cold.

Haruto adjusted his grip on the bags, his movements clumsy due to the Nulite cuffs. The cold metal against his skin served as a constant reminder that, despite everything, he was still an outsider under watch.

—Great. I feel like a shackled servant. Stonehollow tourism: five stars.

The irony in his voice failed to completely mask his discomfort.

Yuna shook her head, her gaze steady yet warm.

—You're part of the team, Haruto. We'll get those off as soon as we can.

Haruto glanced up, slightly surprised by the sincerity in her voice.

—Well, if I'm part of the team, can we talk about sharing the load? Because this is starting to feel more like forced labor than camaraderie.

A few steps ahead, Melodía turned around, her cloak swaying slightly with the breeze, a playful glint in her eyes.

—If carrying a few bags is too much for you, misfit, maybe you won't survive the mountains after all.

—Thanks for the vote of confidence. Always so inspiring.

—Enough. —Yuna stepped forward decisively, grabbing several bags from Haruto and distributing them between the three of them—. We're a team. None of us will get far if we don't work together.

Haruto sighed, but his expression softened as he saw Yuna's determination.

—Fine. At least now we actually look like a team.

As they pressed on, the night air grew heavier, laden with unspoken tensions. Yuna glanced at her companions, sensing both their differences and the bond that was slowly taking shape.

"This won't be easy, but staying together is all that matters."

In the distance, the warm glow of the villa's lights came into view, guiding them home. Despite their exhaustion, a faint spark of camaraderie had begun to form among them.

Just as they neared the entrance, the air around them seemed to thicken, carrying something more than just the cold.

From the shadows, Simo descended from one of the villa's walls and perched on Haruto's shoulder, his head tilting restlessly.

—What's wrong, buddy? —Haruto murmured, gently stroking his feathers. He reached into one of the bags and pulled out a small sweet biscuit—. Look, I got something for you. Couldn't leave you empty-handed.

Simo let out a soft caw and took the biscuit in his beak, settling into his usual spot. Haruto smiled faintly, noticing how the gesture seemed to calm the raven.

Walking a few steps behind, Yuna lifted her gaze toward the mountains. For a moment, her expression darkened, as if something in the icy wind whispered a warning.

She shook her head, pushing the thought aside.

—We should hurry.

Her quiet urgency didn't go unnoticed by Melodía, who raised an eyebrow but kept her thoughts to herself.

The group quickened their pace toward the villa, the warm lights beckoning them home. Behind them, the cold wind howled, carrying whispers of the challenges yet to come.