After the noble Valis's carriage disappeared from our sight, the place remained captive to silence for a few moments—as if even the air itself had paused out of respect for a farewell no one had been ready for.
But the employer's voice cut through that silence, firm and decisive:
"Alright, it's over. Let's head back now. Come on, to the carriage."
We exchanged brief glances before all of us made our way toward our assigned carriage.
We climbed in one after another, and the moment I sat down, I realized the extent of the disaster… there wasn't enough space for all of us.
Legs tangled, shoulders collided, and breaths overlapped in a cramped space that seemed to swallow the air itself.
I tried to shift slightly, but every attempt failed.
And on top of all that, the return journey would take a full two hours!
Two hours in this moving cage, packed like sardines, was not exactly an encouraging thought.
I let out a deep sigh and decided on the safest solution… sleep, and let time handle the rest.
I don't know how much time had passed, but a familiar voice pierced through the veil of my sleep:
"Hey, wake up. We're here."
I slowly opened my eyes. Drowsiness still weighed down my eyelids, and there was Cairo sitting in front of me, staring with a faint smile. I stretched a little and asked:
"Where is everyone?"
He replied, gesturing outside:
"They all left. It's just me and the boss now. And since you're awake, my job here is done."
He stood up, patted my shoulder, and added:
"See you tomorrow."
He walked away lightly until he disappeared from sight.
I sat for a moment, regaining my focus, then stepped down from the carriage, the night's cold biting at my face.
I was in the work area. The few scattered lights along the walls cast long shadows over the stone path.
I began walking calmly toward the inn.
The streets were nearly empty, and the soft sound of the wind accompanied me like a faint farewell melody.
I walked and walked until I reached that familiar wooden door.
I knocked three times, and it was quickly opened by Liana, her wide smile lighting up the place.
She jumped toward me, saying with childlike joy:
"Uncle!! You're finally back!"
She hugged me so tightly I almost suffocated from her excitement.
I laughed and patted her head, saying:
"Yes, I'm back, Liana."
Moments later, Aunt Melissa appeared from inside, a genuine look of relief on her face. She said softly:
"Good to see you safe. Welcome back."
I smiled and replied:
"Thank you. I'm back."
She nodded, then added:
"You came at the right time. I just finished making a warm, delicious soup. Come and try it."
The smell of food drifting from the kitchen erased every trace of exhaustion. I went in with them, and we sat around the simple wooden table.
Steam rose from the dishes, and the kitchen felt warm, in contrast to the cold outside.
I took the first spoonful, and the taste of the soup warmed my stomach, filling me with a deep sense of comfort—so much so that I felt my fatigue slowly fading away.
We exchanged light conversations as we ate, and Liana's laughter filled the air, as if chasing away every trace of sadness left behind by the farewell.
After we finished, I thanked Aunt Melissa for the meal, then headed to my small room.
I opened the door, took off my coat, and collapsed onto the bed, surrendering to the softness of the pillow.
I stared at the ceiling for a while, thoughts racing through my mind: my companions' faces, the sound of the door on the third floor, the luxurious carriage, and the small gift from Roshin… but I let all those images melt into the darkness.
I just wanted to rest.
I slowly closed my eyes, and with one last deep breath, I slipped into a heavy sleep—quiet, like the silence that follows chaos.
After a deep sleep, I woke to a soft sound pulling me from my slumber. I rose from the bed with slight heaviness, yet with a sense of refreshment.
I went straight to the bathroom and splashed my face with cold water, washing away the weight of sleep and sharpening my awareness.
I took a deep breath and began preparing myself for a new day in this strange world that had now become my home.
In the kitchen, breakfast had been carefully prepared by Aunt Melissa, who never held back her care and kindness from anyone in the inn.
I ate quietly as sunlight slipped through the small windows, filling the room with a gentle warmth. The smell of fresh bread and coffee filled the air, making the morning unusually comforting.
After finishing my meal, I bid Aunt Melissa farewell with a smile and headed toward my workplace.
Nothing particularly noteworthy happened.
The work hours passed slowly, filled with repetitive tasks and light conversations with my colleagues: Zairos, Knox, Luxian, Tyros, calstir, Cairo, Sirion, and Marcus.
Over time, we began forming a stronger bond, sharing conversations and laughter during breaks, and supporting each other through moments of fatigue.
The hours dragged on, exhaustion weighing on my shoulders, until the end of the workday approached.
As the shift neared its end, a strange thought crept into my mind—a faint feeling that something important had slipped away from me…
Why do I feel like I forgot something important?
…Wait a second.
I forgot!
It's Sunday!
Which means it's a new week… which means I can obtain a new skill today!
The moment I realized it, my heartbeat quickened, and my excitement surged unexpectedly.
I began looking at the sky, counting time eagerly. Every passing second brought me closer to the moment of gaining the ability I had long awaited.
My patience began to fade, replaced by a deep longing to discover what my new skill would be.
At that moment, the employer announced in a firm voice that work had ended. I quickly took my pay, said goodbye to my colleagues, and hurried toward the inn.
Night had begun to fall quietly, and the streetlights dimly illuminated my path, making it feel as though everything around me shared in my anticipation.
Aunt Melissa welcomed me at the door with a warm smile. After a simple dinner filled with comfort, I quickly went up to my small room.
I closed the door behind me and sat on the bed, taking deep breaths, preparing myself for the long-awaited moment.
I raised my voice slightly, filled with restrained excitement, and said softly:
"Status Window."
In an instant, the familiar transparent blue window appeared—as if it were an irresistible invitation to discover something new.
I stared at it with anticipation, curiosity filling my soul.
I wonder… what skill will I obtain today?