Chapter 15: Exploring the City and Dinner

Two hours had slipped by since the group settled into the Golden Willow Inn. As twilight softened the edges of Qingshen Town, Su Yan, Zeref, August, and Bulat stepped out into the cool evening bustle, leaving Sheele, Lione, and Mavis to browse the vibrant markets.

The air hummed with life: torches flickered from doorways, vendors called out their last sales, and bursts of laughter echoed between narrow alleyways. The four moved in easy silence, absorbing the unfamiliar rhythms of this world. Their path took them along cobbled lanes, past a smith hammering a glowing blade, then beneath banners advertising martial competitions and auctions.

As they walked, Su Yan reached out telepathically, his voice echoing quietly in the minds of Zeref, August, and Bulat.

"How is it? Exploring a new world? Although my previous world was one I created, a place I called home, this one… This world feels unique. What do you three think?"

Zeref's response was calm and contemplative. "Interesting. It's a new and fascinating experience to explore a different world. New customs, cultures, power systems—everything feels different. I find it refreshing."

August's voice carried warmth tinged with curiosity. "Yeah. Lots of new things to learn. I like it—even if this world is bloody, there are lessons in every corner."

Bulat grinned as they passed a group of armored mercenaries loading crates. "I like it, but I also hate this world. Bloody, with that 'strength is everything' mindset. But I respect their discipline and devotion to their goals. There's something admirable in that."

The four continued their slow circuit of the town, letting silence settle—a quiet understanding growing among them. This world was not home, but its uniqueness sparked something in them all: curiosity, wariness, and the thrill of shared discovery.

Meanwhile, in the glowing lamplit market district, Mavis, Sheele, and Lione explored with their own sense of wonder, weaving through colorful stalls filled with spices and baked goods. Mavis's eyes shone softly.

"It's refreshing, exploring a new world and experiencing it firsthand," she said with a gentle smile.

Lione grinned, her gaze sharp and eager. "Yeah. And I want to fight some of these Dou practitioners—to see just how strong they really are."

Sheele shook her head with a small smile. "Musclehead lioness."

"HEY!" Lione snapped, puffing up proudly.

Mavis giggled softly. "Yeah, a lioness. But our lioness."

Lione sighed dramatically, an affectionate smile tugging at her lips. "Anyway, let's keep exploring—I'm going to find a bar, drink, and party."

Sheele rolled her eyes fondly. "You're impossible, Lione."

Lione laughed heartily, Mavis giggled again, and Sheele smiled quietly as they continued deeper into the vibrant market—their easy camaraderie a warm thread of friendship woven through the unfamiliar crowds.

Later, the group reunited at the inn's dining room, the warm glow of lanterns casting soft shadows on the wooden walls. The aroma of freshly cooked food filled the room as plates of steaming dishes were placed before them. They ate in comfortable silence, savoring the meal after a day full of new experiences.

Breaking the quiet, Su Yan looked across the table with a faint smile. "Lione, Sheele, Mavis, what's your impression? How do you find this world?"

Mavis smiled warmly. "Wonderful. I've learned much—new customs, cultures—it's fascinating to see how things differ from my world."

Lione leaned back slightly, a mischievous spark lighting her eyes. "Not bad at all. Though, I'm still planning to visit those brothels one day—and of course, I want to fight some Dou practitioners and test my strength."

Su Yan's eyes narrowed, voice serious as he raised a finger. "Absolutely not. Or else..." He paused, eyes locking onto hers, "I'll turn you into a cat. Understand, dear Lione?"

Lione's face twisted into mock horror. She shivered theatrically, then gave him big, pleading puppy-dog eyes. "Y-yes, Sir! I promise I won't visit any brothels ever again. Please don't turn me into a cat—I'm such an innocent girl!"

Su Yan met her gaze with a perfectly deadpan look, tone flat but amused. "Good. Kitty."

A deep blush flooded Lione's cheeks as she lowered her head, shoulders shaking with suppressed laughter.

The table erupted in laughter—Zeref's quiet chuckle, August's warm guffaw, Bulat's hearty laugh, Mavis's soft giggle, and Sheele's gentle smile mingling with the moment's warmth.

As the laughter faded, Su Yan shook his head, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Focus on training and exploration first. The rest can wait."

Lione looked up, still blushing but grinning fiercely. "Yes, Sir. Training first. Brothels? Maybe never."

The group returned to their meals, the bonds between them growing stronger with every shared moment. 

After finishing their meal, the group quietly rose from the table. Su Yan, Zeref, and Bulat made their way upstairs to their rooms on the second floor, while Mavis, Sheele, and Lione headed toward their rooms on the first floor. The inn was quiet now, the hum of the town outside settling into a more restful rhythm.

Once inside their room, Su Yan, Zeref, and Bulat each settled on their respective beds. The soft creak of the wood and the faint rustling of their clothes were the only sounds as they relaxed after the day's long activities.

Zeref was the first to break the silence, his voice low and thoughtful. "I never thought I'd experience something like this. Being summoned… living a peaceful life with people I consider family. It almost feels like a dream, a wonderful dream. But it's real. Thank you, Su Yan, for giving us this life."

Bulat nodded solemnly. "He's right. After shedding so much blood and facing endless battles, I didn't expect to have something this… calm. This life is something I never thought possible."

Su Yan looked at them both, a gentle smile on his lips. "You two deserve this peace. Remember this—sometimes, we do wrong. Sometimes, those wrongs are unforgivable. But doing the right thing isn't always clear-cut. It depends on the situation and the decisions we make in those moments that define who we are. Doing the right thing doesn't always mean acting kindly. It means doing what needs to be done."

He paused, gathering his thoughts. "Take killing, for example. It's wrong, that much is clear. But if the choice is between killing one to save a hundred, or killing a hundred to save one — most would choose to kill one. But that's only half of the truth. We must understand the cause and effect of those actions, why killing one or a hundred happens to save the other. Without that, the choice loses meaning."

Bulat let out a hum of approval. "You know, sometimes I wonder… are you some kind of sage? Hearing words like that come from a teenager is surprising. But yeah… you make sense."

Su Yan chuckled softly, shaking his head. "And this 'sage' advises you both to be respectful when speaking to him."

The room fell silent for a moment, tension giving way to warmth. The three of them shared a quiet laugh, for the first time relaxing fully.

"Goodnight," Su Yan said, closing his eyes and lying back on the bed.

"Goodnight," Zeref and Bulat echoed almost in unison before settling into their own rest.

The peaceful night folded over them as sleep claimed them one by one, carrying their dreams toward the promise of tomorrow. At the same time, downstairs on the first floor, Mavis, Lione, and Sheele were lying comfortably on their beds, the gentle glow from a lantern casting soft patterns across the ceiling.

Mavis stretched her arms above her head and sighed contentedly. "What a wonderful day. I enjoyed myself a lot today. What about you two?"

Lione propped herself up on an elbow, a grin on her face. "I liked it too. It was refreshing, exploring a new world, meeting new people, and getting to see all the different customs, cultures, and power systems. Visiting new places just never gets old."

Sheele nodded softly, her voice calm and quiet. "Yeah. I also liked it a lot."

Mavis turned slightly, her tone playful. "But Lione, you should be careful. If Su Yan finds out you're actually visiting brothels, he'll turn you into a cat for real. So behave, kitty."

Lione puffed her cheeks, pouting. "Come on, Mavis! Whose side are you on?"

Sheele spoke up, lips curving in a gentle smile. "Mavis is right, Lione. But I wouldn't mind. I can hold you if Su Yan turns you into a cat."

Lione let out a groan, flopping back onto her pillow. "Stop it, you two. Stop teasing me!"

Mavis giggled, the sound light and infectious. Sheele only smiled softly, obviously amused.

Mavis let her eyes drift shut, her voice a soft whisper. "Alright, alright. Goodnight, you two."

"Goodnight," Lione and Sheele replied, their teasing replaced by quiet comfort. The room fell into peaceful silence as the three drifted into sleep, their dreams filled with the promise of more adventures to come.