Chapter 8 - Day off

Today, Kenji wasn't going on a quest. Instead, he planned to spend the day training and shopping — a rare break from fighting monsters.

At 9 AM, the morning air was cool and fresh, carrying a slight crispness that hinted at the coming change of season. The pale blue sky stretched overhead, dotted with soft, drifting clouds that allowed warm sunlight to filter through in gentle beams. The scent of wet grass and towering trees filled the air, a comforting reminder of the forest's quiet strength. Kenji walked steadily toward the forest, his sword resting comfortably at his side, ready to try out his new spell: Water Cannon.

The forest was peaceful. Birds chirped in the distance, their melodies weaving through the gentle rustling of leaves stirred by a faint breeze. The ground beneath Kenji's feet was soft and damp, muffling his steps as he moved deeper. After a short walk, he found a tall tree that looked full of life — strong, ancient, and unshaken by time or weather.

Kenji stepped in front of it, steady and confident. No fear. No doubts. Just focus.

"Water Cannon!"

A huge bomb made of water formed in front of Kenji's outstretched hands. It shot forward at high speed like a rushing torrent, striking the tree directly. The impact exploded outward, sending splinters of bark and sprays of water flying everywhere. The tree shook and cracked, pieces falling to the forest floor.

Kenji looked at the damage, he was kinda surprised but he still expected something like this to happen. "Just as I thought."

He was shocked by the power a bit. He had trusted the spell from the start. But still, watching it destroy something so solid and alive felt deeply satis, like proof of his growing strength.

Then, the forest suddenly went quiet. The birds stopped singing mid-song. The gentle breeze faded, and the leaves hung still. Everything felt frozen, almost like the world itself had paused to hold its breath.

But Kenji didn't care. He sheathed his sword and began his training.

Each swing of his blade sliced sharply through the cool morning air with precise control. His arms moved on instinct, flowing naturally with the sword's weight and balance. The weapon felt perfect — balanced, deadly, almost like an extension of his own body. He still didn't understand why the shopkeeper had called it cursed. To Kenji, it didn't feel cursed at all. It felt powerful. And that was enough.

After training until sweat dripped down his face and soaked his clothes, Kenji headed back to the guild. The smell of food — roasted meat sizzling on open flames and fresh bread baked just that morning — filled the warm halls. The sound of laughter and chatter echoed all around, lively and comforting.

Waiting at the entrance was Akarui, smiling as always with his usual bright energy.

"Kenji! You're off today, right?" he asked excitedly.

"Yeah. Off today. Maybe tomorrow too," Kenji answered, scratching his head.

"Perfect! Let's go shopping! I want to buy swords, knives, armor, clothes, food — everything! You're coming with me, right?"

Kenji hesitated. "I wanted to, but I'm broke. I bought a sword yesterday and now I've got nothing left so I can't go with you this time."

"No problem!" Akarui said, patting his pouch confidently. "I came prepared. I'll pay for what you need. Just repay me when you get money by a quest. Deal?"

Kenji thought for a moment, then nodded. "Alright then. Thanks."

"Great! First stop — the weapon shop! You need anything from the Weapon shop?"

"No. I'll buy just clothes and food. I don't need weapons for now I have this sword for now."

"Okay!" Akarui said, already walking ahead with a grin.

At the weapon shop, the air smelled sharp with metal and oil. Akarui picked out two throwing knives, their edges gleaming in the dim light. Then they moved to a sword shop where he bought a golden sword with clean edges and a sleek, cool design that caught the light with every turn.

Next was the clothing shop. The scent of new fabric mixed with fresh-cut wood filled the room. Kenji chose a black outfit that felt light and fit his style perfectly — simple but effective.

Akarui grabbed a dark green hooded cloak lined with light leather armor. "What do you think?" he asked with a mischievous smile. "I look cool, right?"

Kenji laughed. "You look like you're trying to sneak into a castle."

Their last stop was the bustling market. The streets were packed and loud, full of life. The smells of grilled food, ripe fruit, and exotic spices mingled in the warm air. They bought enough food to last for days — dried meats, fresh vegetables, and sweet fruits.

By the time they finished, the sky had turned a deep orange, the sun dipping low behind the horizon. Stars began to twinkle faintly in the darkening blue above.

"Thanks for today," Kenji said as they walked back through the quiet streets. "Really."

"You're welcome!" Akarui replied, his smile wide. "See you tomorrow!"

Kenji returned to his room, carefully putting the food away in the small fridge. The room was silent except for the soft creak of the wooden floor beneath his feet.

He sat on his bed and looked at his sword one more time.

Kenji wanted to look at the dark sky one more time before going to bed. Outside, the full moon shone brightly, its silver light painting the empty streets in soft, glowing beams.

The roads were empty — or so it seemed.

Then, a girl appeared, moving silently in the shadows.

His heart skipped a beat. Wait... Isn't she the same girl I saw the day before yesterday, back in the forest?

What is she doing, wandering anole at this hour?

Kenji's mind filled with questions, but a strange feeling held him back. He didn't want to know who she was — not yet.

He lay back on his bed, the image of the mysterious girl lingering in his thoughts as sleep slowly took him.