Chapter 8:Beginnings of a New Quest

At dawn, David wakes up to begin his morning routine. He washes his face, does warm-up exercises, then runs ten laps around the yard. After that, he moves on to his main exercises: a hundred push-ups, crunches, and sit-ups. He maintains this routine because his body needs to stay prepared. After completing his morning exercises, a delicious aroma wafts from the house. Emma and Morgan wake up, drawn by the smell of Lily's cooking. Though Morgan doesn't need sleep or food, she always joins them for breakfast. Emma isn't much of a morning person—when she wakes up early, her hair is messy, and her clothes are disheveled. Every day, Lily prepares breakfast with her unparalleled cooking skills, making consistently delicious meals. This morning, she made pork sandwiches—perhaps not the fanciest option, but they were very delicious. During breakfast, Morgan began her conversation.

"My esteemed disciples, on this day you shall embark upon a noble quest. Emma, I entrust you with the guardianship of young David—your wisdom shall be his guide. And for David, I present..."

She gives a little blue bundle.

"I present to you this magic bag, which I have prepared with care. Inside you will find an enchanted dagger, thirty vials of healing and magical potions, and a special gift from me. By channeling your magic, you may peer inside and withdraw these treasures as needed."

It was such a huge gift that even Emma felt jealous—something David had never dreamed of receiving.

"I shall take it as an honor, Master."

With these words, David began channeling his magic power into the magic bag. When he closed his eyes, he could see everything inside—it was like peering into another world. He spotted a black hooded coat with blue lines and pulled it out. It was like a houppelande crafted specifically for David. The masterpiece of both protection and power. Made from dark, enchanted fabric, it was sleek yet battle-ready, fitted at the waist with a flowing lower half for agility.

Glowing blue lines ran from the shoulders down the length of the coat, pulsing with arcane energy that enhanced mana flow and spellcasting. Light armor plating reinforced the sleeves, while the hood cast an air of mystery, shrouding the wearer in shadow.

Resistant to fire, frost, and shadow magic, this coat was more than mere clothing—it was a symbol of arcane mastery and deadly precision.

"Master, is this what I think it is?"

He said with sparkling eyes, excited and happy about the gift. Morgan smiled gently—she was pleased that he liked it.

"Yes, child, it is what you're thinking. It's an enchanted magic coat, but it may be closer to a relic or artifact. Take care of it, child. It's a little early, but it's my birthday gift. Be careful on your adventure."

It was a precious gift. According to the books David had read, an artifact of this level was not easily obtained. If the wrong people learned he possessed it, they might see him as a threat—or a target. After realizing this, David felt a bit uncomfortable. It wasn't just power that determined the fate of the world, but numbers as well.

David's expression turned emotionless, making it impossible to read his thoughts. Then, in a formal yet noble manner, he asked:

"Master, this gift is far too precious for someone like me. If word of this houppelande were to spread, I dare not imagine the consequences."

Hearing his words, everyone almost burst into laughter. The way he spoke was like a child scared of the outside world. It was almost unbelievable—someone with such overwhelming talent and a terrifying mindset now acting so childlike. A sight this rare was enough to make anyone chuckle. For Emma and Lily, it was beyond adorable. The way he behaved made it impossible for them to hold back. In their eyes, David wasn't the cold, untouchable genius—he was just a cute, innocent child at this moment.

Emma, unable to contain herself any longer, felt something inside her snap. Without thinking, she leaped forward and wrapped her arms around David, hugging him tightly.

"HOW CUTE! I can't bear this, Lily! He's too cuteeeee!"

Lily saw Emma jump on David, and she, too, couldn't hold back. Letting out a small gulp, she followed suit, jumping on him as well. Meanwhile, Morgan watched them with a gentle smile as she took a seat in her chair.

"Emma, Lily, let him go now. You two have an adventure to go on, right?"

When Emma heard Morgan's words, she realized the time. She quickly went upstairs to change, while Lily busied herself preparing food to take with them. In time, David wanted to ask his question. Morgan was also reading him through his eyes. She said in a gentle voice:

"David, this was crafted specifically for you. Even if another were to wear it, they would be unable to activate its power. It is known as a bounded item. Though it may be sold, none would dare purchase it. David, you are my student—no teacher wishes for the demise of their pupil."

Hearing her words, David felt disgusted with himself. His expression said it all. He stood up and bowed, not saying a word, but his gesture carried the weight of his meaning.

Morgan smiled gently.

"It's okay, my pupil. Now, fulfill your adventure."

Soon after, Emma put on her gear, and Lily finished preparing the food. Emma hurried.

"David, let's go! We're late!"

Lily handed her food to David and kissed him on the forehead. David and Emma both said, "Goodbye, see you later," before heading out quickly. Lily and Morgan watched them go, both silently wishing them good luck on their adventure.

At almost 9 am, Lily and David arrived at the front gate of the town. Everyone except Parzival was there. Emma took her break and said:

"Sorry I'm late. I slept in."

Gus said:

"Do not worry. Even our leader is late."

Gus looked at David. David was sweating slightly, while Emma was nearly collapsing from exhaustion. He thought to himself, How much stamina does David have? Thirty minutes later, Parzival arrived.

"Guys, sorry I slept in. Let's go!"

Emma was furious with Parzival, but she couldn't do anything about it after he arrived. Then, they moved on to a new adventure.

David adjusted his new coat, feeling the energy pulsing through it. Emma walked confidently beside him, her usual bravado returning.

And so, they set off on their next adventure, but for David, it was the first time he had ever truly experienced one. As they walked through the town gates, a cool breeze brushed against them, carrying the scent of damp earth and distant fires. Parzival yawned as he stretched, while Gus kept a careful eye on their surroundings. Emma, ever the tease, was already giving Parzival a hard time about his late arrival, and he was responding with exaggerated excuses. Gus, as always, tried to keep the mood light, cracking jokes to lift everyone's spirits. Meanwhile, Hakuren remained silent, her thoughts unreadable, as usual.

David couldn't help but smile gently, feeling the warmth of their companionship.

The road ahead stretched into the unknown, and though their destination was clear, what awaited them was anything but certain. What did matter, though, was that they were all together, ready to face whatever came next.