I suddenly feel a strange weight on my chest and a gentle shake stirring me. I open my eyes to see Nikko with a bright smile on her face, repeatedly shaking me to wake up.


    "Alright, alright, I''m up," I say, patting her on the head. Her ears twitch, and she reacts with delight to the pat. I gently move her aside and sit up, stretching. The light of the rising sun casts the room in a golden hue. I notice Apollo still standing by the window, seemingly having not moved from that spot all night.


    "Did you sleep well?" I ask Nikko.


    "Yes," she replies with a nod. "I had a nightmare at first, but then I slept great. I felt a lot safer with you by my side."


    We head downstairs, where Edith greets us with a warm "Good morning." The dining hall is quaint and inviting, the scent of freshly cooked breakfast filling the air. We sit down to a delicious but simple meal. As we eat, Edith approaches me, holding an envelope.


    "This arrived for you this morning," she says, handing it to me. The letter bears the crest of the Adventurer''s Guild.


    "Thank you," I reply as she disappears into the kitchen. I open the envelope and read the contents. "I figured they''d contact me," I say out loud.


    Apollo, always observant, asks, "What does the letter say?"


    "We''ve been summoned by the guild master of Curville''s Adventurer''s Guild," I reply.


    Nikko, busy eating, looks up briefly but continues her meal. Apollo asks, "Does it have something to do with the recent deaths of our former companions?"


    "Most likely," I answer.


    We finish eating and approach the tiny reception desk, currently manned by Mary. I place a silver coin on the counter, which shocks her.


    "That''s far too much," she says, looking at the coin.


    "We''ll be staying for a couple more days," I tell her. "And this is for the amazing food and wonderful service."


    She hesitates, then smiles and thanks me warmly. As we step out, Nikko insists on holding my hand, and I comply, feeling a sense of responsibility and care for her.


    The sun is just beginning to rise, casting a golden hue over Curville. The town is slowly coming to life, with merchants setting up their stalls and the sound of morning chatter filling the air. Nikko''s small hand in mine, we head towards the adventurers guild.


    The guild hall was as busy as last time as we step inside. However, the hall falls silent when they spot me, Apollo and Nikko. Whispers ripple through the crowd, and I can''t help but think we must be quite the sight— Apollo, a towering knight and me, a hooded figure with my face hidden in shadow, holding the hand of a little girl. I shrug off the thought and head toward the reception area and after a group of adventurers finish, spot Meridith.


    She spots us and greets us warmly. "What can I do for you?"


    Meridith leans over the counter, her eyes lighting up as she spots Nikko clinging tightly to my side. "Well, isn''t she just the cutest little thing!" Meridith exclaims with a warm smile, her voice gentle but filled with curiosity. "What''s your name, sweetie?"


    Nikko''s small fingers tighten their grip on my cloak, and she buries her face into my waist, trying to hide from the attention. I feel her trembling slightly, clearly uncomfortable with all the eyes on us.


    I place a comforting hand on her back, trying to reassure her. "Her name is Nikko," I say softly, looking at Meridith. "We found her in the dungeon. She''s been through a lot."


    Meridith''s smile softens, and her eyes fill with concern. "Oh, bless her heart," she says quietly, her gaze flicking back to Nikko''s small, trembling form. "No wonder she''s shy. Poor thing''s probably seen more than any child should."


    Nikko stays silent, her face still hidden, but I can feel the tension in her body beginning to ease as I gently rub her back. I kneel slightly, bringing myself down to her level. "It''s alright," I whisper to her. "No one''s going to hurt you here."


    Meridith leans back slightly, giving Nikko more space, her tone now softer. "No need to worry, dear. We''re all friends here. You''re safe with him."


    Meridith corrects herself and repeats, "I apologize. What can I do for you?"


    I show Meridith the letter and tell her, "We''ve been summoned by the guild master."


    Immediately, her friendly smile disappears upon seeing the letter. "Oh, it''s you. The guild master is expecting you. Please follow me," she says coldly. She leads us upstairs, the adventurers still staring at us.


    Upon the many whispers I can make out one, "That''s the guy that murdered his companions," but I ignore it.


    Meridith leads us to a door and knocks, stating, "Ryu and Apollo are here to see you."


    A stern voice bellows from the other side of the door, "Let them in."


    She opens the door and lets us in before closing it behind us. The guild master''s office is grand, with high ceilings, large windows that offer a panoramic view of the bustling city center and the dungeon, and intricately carved wooden furniture. There are a couple of couches with a small table between them, creating a comfortable seating area.


    The guild master, stands by the window, watching over the crowd below. Without turning around, he tells us to take a seat. I sit down, and Nikko, a little frightened, sits beside me, holding my hand tightly.


    The guild master turns around, his presence commanding. He is a tall and imposing figure with graying hair and a neatly trimmed beard. "I am Rickston Marshal, the guild master of Curville''s Adventurers Guild," he introduces himself. He then sits opposite us, a serious look on his face. "Do you have any idea why I have summoned you here?" he asks, his focus directed at me.


    His voice is stern, booming with authority. I lean back, trying to remain calm, which in turn helps Nikko to calm down as well. "I do," I reply, "It must have something to do with what happened in the dungeon yesterday, correct?"


    Rickston nods. "The bodies of Wallace Bragg, Eldrin and Aldric Hightower, Talin Swiftfoot, and Wallace''s companions, Darian Black, Loran Stone, and Marik Redspar were found last night by a group of adventurers. At first it appeared as series of unfortune since they were found in a boss room. However, their injuries and the placement of their bodies indicate they were killed by another adventurer. According to guild logs, you and your friend there, accompanied them into the dungeon."


    He then adds, upon noticing Nikko, "I apologize for my rudeness. Would you all care for some tea and cookies?"


    At the mention of cookies, I notice Nikko''s eyes light up with excitement and I suppress a chuckle. "Yes, please," I tell him.


    Rickston gets up, approaches his desk, and rings a little bell. A servant enters the room, and Rickston instructs, "Bring my guests tea and cookies."


    The servant nods and disappears. Rickston sits back down across from us. Shortly after, the servant returns with a clothed wagon carrying a teapot, four teacups, and a tray of cookies, placing them each on the small table between the couches. Nikko stares at the cookies but she hesitates, a sad look on her face. I take one of the cookies and try it. It''s surprisingly good. After I eat one I assure her she can have some. Nikko''s face lights up and her tail starts wagging as she grabs a handful and starts eating them eagerly while the servant pours out tea for everyone. Apollo declines the tea, and the servant nods, not pouring a cup for it. Then the servant leaves.


    Rickston and I each grab a cup of tea and start sipping. Rickston''s demeanor remains unchanged throughout the process. After taking a sip, Rickston asks, "I don''t know what exactly happened in there as I''m merely working with speculations here. If you could tell me what happened I''ll be able to properly put together the pieces."


    I ask, "Are we under arrest?"


    "That will be up to me to decide," Rickston replies.


    I nod and ask, "Do you mind if I smoke?" He shakes his head, taking another sip of his tea but his eyes remained fixated at me. I retrieve my pipe and my herb pouch. After I light my pipe using a flame I make appear on my finger, earning a raised eyebrow from Rickston, I let out a puff of smoke into the ceiling then begin. I began with how I stood up for Eldric against Wallace the day before. I omitted sensing the distress from the children and instead told Rickston I found the bulging bags he and his goons were carrying suspicious and decided to follow them. While I recap, Rickston takes the occasional sip but his demeanor remained the same. When I began mentioning finding the remains of children he raises an eyebrow. I also omitted using the force or my lightsaber. I''d rather not draw that kind of attention to us. When I began mentioning Eldric holding a knife against Nikko and Talin and Aldric raising their weapons against me he sighed a little while still gazing at me.


    When I finished, the room falls silent, the only sound being Nikko munching on another cookie. Rickston leans back in his chair, studying me intently while I let out another puff of smoke from my pipe. Apollo remains silent and motionless, as always, while Nikko sips her tea, enjoying its taste. Finally, Rickston breaks the silence.


    "Why didn''t you come to the guild immediately after the altercation?" he asks, his voice steady but probing.


    I take a moment before responding. "I didn''t think it was best to put Nikko in that kind of spot. I decided to bring her to a quiet inn so she could get a warm meal and a good night''s sleep, away from prying eyes. I was planning to come to the guild first thing in the morning."


    Rickston nods, then shifts from me to Nikko, softening slightly. "I need to hear from her," he says, his voice gentle but firm. "Nikko, can you tell me what happened in the dungeon?"


    Nikko tightens her grip on my hand, her wide eyes locking onto mine for reassurance. I give her a gentle nod. "It''s okay, Nikko. You can tell him."


    She takes a deep breath, trembling slightly as she begins to speak. "I... I was taken from my home, along with three other children. They... they beat us, barely fed us, and gave us almost no water. We were brought to Curville, and Wallace bought us. He said we''d be the perfect bait... and took us deep into the dungeon."


    Her small voice quivers with fear as her tail droops and her ears lay flat against her head. She''s holding back tears as she continues, "I watched my friends die... one by one. I thought I was next. I thought I would die too. But Ryu and Apollo saved me." Her voice cracks, and she begins to sob softly, burying her face in my side. "Wallace''s friends... they were going to kill me... but Ryu stopped them."


    I rub her back gently, my chest tightening with guilt and anger at what she had endured. "You''re safe now," I whisper softly to her.


    Rickston listens carefully, his expression hardening as he absorbs her story. When she finishes, he leans back in his chair, deep in thought. The only sound in the room is Nikko''s soft sobs and the quiet ticking of a clock in the background.


    "Thank you, Nikko," Rickston says after a long pause, his tone sincere. "You''ve been very brave." He looks back at me, his sharp eyes narrowing as he makes his decision. "Based on her testimony and your account, I can''t make a final judgment right now. I''ll need to discuss this with the city''s council and higher authorities to reach a conclusion. Until then, you and Apollo are not permitted to leave Curville."


    I sit up straighter, my brow furrowing. Before I can say anything, Nikko''s voice rings out, strong and defiant. "Papa did nothing wrong!" she exclaims, her small hands clenched tightly into fists. "He saved me!"


    Her words take me by surprise, a wave of warmth flooding my chest, and I see Rickston''s eyebrows lift, clearly not expecting the outburst either. He studies her for a moment, then a soft chuckle escapes his lips as he looks back at me, an amused glint in his eyes.


    "Papa, eh?" Rickston says with a grin. "Seems she''s grown quite attached to you."


    I glance down at Nikko, her face set with determination as she stares directly at Rickston, unwavering in her defense of me. My heart aches with a strange mix of pride and protectiveness, seeing just how fiercely she stands up for me. She looks so small yet unyielding, her loyalty clear in her eyes.


    Rickston shifts his gaze back to her, his tone softening. "Your Papa is not under arrest," he assures her, a faint smile lingering as he nods in my direction.


    The tension that had been building in my chest loosens just slightly, enough for me to focus. "Are we going to be imprisoned?" I ask, keeping my voice steady, though I''m ready for whatever he might say.


    Rickston reaches for one of the cookies on the table, his movements slow, almost deliberate. "For now, no. You''re not proven guilty yet." He takes a bite, chewing thoughtfully before continuing. "However, if you try to leave the city, we''ll consider you guilty, and the punishment will be severe. You may move freely around Curville, but we''ll keep a close eye on you." He glances meaningfully toward Nikko before turning his gaze back to me. "You may also venture into the dungeon, but I''d appreciate it if you don''t stay too long down there."


    I nod slowly, digesting his words. "Understood. May we leave now?"


    Rickston finishes his cookie, wiping the crumbs from his hand before nodding. "Yes, you may. You''re staying at the Whispering Pines Inn, correct?"


    I nod again. "We are."


    "I''ll reach out via letter about your verdict," Rickston says, his tone final. "Until then, stay out of trouble."


    I rise from the chair, helping Nikko to her feet as she clings tightly to me. Apollo stands silently beside me, and we make our way toward the door.


    "Thank you for your time, Guild Master," I say, nodding respectfully.


    Rickston''s eyes linger on us as we leave, his expression inscrutable. "Take care of that little one," he says quietly before we step out of his office.


    As we close the door behind us and make our way through the busy guild hall, the weight of uncertainty settles in. But for now, we''ve avoided the worst.


    ?????


    As we step out of Rickston''s office, I notice Nikko is unusually quiet. Her normal energy and curiosity have been replaced with a nervous tension. Her ears droop, and her tail swishes anxiously behind her. The usually brave, cheerful child looks weighed down by something heavy, something she hasn''t yet shared with me.


    I guide her to a quiet corner at the far end of the hall, away from the hustle of the guild. The murmurs of adventurers fade into the background as we find a spot where the noise isn''t so overwhelming. I crouch down to her level, making sure to keep my voice soft and gentle.


    "Nikko," I begin carefully, "why did you call me ''Papa'' back there?"


    Her ears twitch slightly at the question, but then they flatten against her head, and her tail curls protectively around her legs. Her small hands fidget nervously, and she avoids looking at me. "I... it just slipped out," she stammers. "I didn''t mean to call you that."


    I watch her closely, her behavior telling me more than her words. She''s hiding something, something that''s eating away at her. I place a reassuring hand on her shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze.


    "Nikko, why did you call me ''Papa''?" I press softly, trying to ease her into sharing the truth.


    Her eyes well up with tears, and she glances at me, her small body trembling. "Are you going to drop me off at an orphanage?" she asks, her voice fragile, her words laced with fear.


    I freeze for a moment, taken aback by the question. Guilt washes over me as I remember my conversation with Apollo the night before. She must''ve overheard us. Her wide eyes, full of desperation, pierce through me.


    "You heard us talking, didn''t you?" I ask quietly, though the answer is clear from her trembling form.


    Nikko nods, wiping her tears with the back of her hand. "Are you going to abandon me?" she whispers, her voice cracking under the weight of her fears.


    I sigh, feeling the weight of her question press down on me. "Nikko," I begin, my voice gentle but heavy, "don''t you have a Mama and Papa in your homeland? Maybe we could take you back to them."This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    She shakes her head slowly, her ears drooping even lower. Her tail sways sadly at her feet, and her eyes glisten with more unshed tears. "I never had a Papa," she murmurs. "It was just me and Mama... but she died when I was little. I''ve been living on my own ever since, until..." her voice trails off, her body trembling at the memory. "Until those bad people took me away."


    Her words hit me like a blow. This child had been surviving on her own, enduring more than any child her age should have to. I clench my jaw, forcing myself to stay calm for her sake. I kneel closer, resting a hand on her small shoulder.


    "You''d be safe in an orphanage, Nikko," I say softly, though the words feel heavy in my mouth. "It''s dangerous out here with me... too dangerous for a child."


    "No!" she shakes her head fiercely, her hands balling into fists. "Orphanages are awful! They treat us like we don''t matter... I don''t feel safe there. But I feel safe with you."


    Before I can respond, Apollo steps forward, its voice calm and steady. "Ryu, we are more than capable of keeping her safe. She would be safer with us than in an orphanage."


    I glance at Apollo, surprised by its sudden input. It rarely speaks on matters of emotion, but there''s a sound logic to its words that resonates with me. I turn back to Nikko, who is looking up at me with wide, tear-filled eyes.


    "Is this what you really want?" I ask quietly.


    Nikko''s lips quiver, and she nods, tears still streaming down her cheeks. "Yes," she whispers, her voice filled with quiet determination. "Please... don''t leave me."


    I exhale slowly, the weight of the decision settling heavily on my shoulders. I look into her eyes—innocent, trusting eyes—and I know that I can''t leave her behind. Not after everything she''s been through. Not after she''s placed all her hope and trust in me.


    "Alright," I say softly, finally giving in. "But there are rules you have to follow."


    Nikko''s face lights up instantly, her ears perking up, and her tail wagging excitedly behind her. "I''ll follow any rules!" she exclaims eagerly.


    I can''t help but smile at her enthusiasm. "First rule," I say seriously, "you must stay within my sight at all times. Second, whenever there''s danger, you stay close to Apollo. Understood?"


    She nods eagerly, her face glowing with happiness. "I promise! I''ll stay close!"


    Before I can say another word, she throws herself into my arms, almost knocking me over with the force of her hug. "Thank you, Papa! Thank you!" she says over and over, her small arms clutching me tightly.


    I hold her close, feeling the weight of responsibility settle in my chest. "I will never abandon you, Nikko," I whisper, my voice filled with emotion. "I promise."


    Apollo steps closer, its mechanical voice steady and calm. "And I will protect you as well, Nikko."


    Nikko looks up at Apollo, her smile growing even wider. "Thank you, Apollo!" she says, her tail wagging uncontrollably.


    For the first time in what feels like ages, a sense of peace washes over me. We are a family now, bonded not by blood but by circumstance. And I will do everything in my power to keep her safe from the dangers of this world.


    ?????


    I ponder how to pass the time. Curville, with its bustling streets and adventurers, isn''t known for entertainment. The quests on the mission board are all dungeon runs, but I''m hesitant to take Nikko back into that place. She''s too young, and returning might trigger painful memories. Still, I decide to ask her what she''d like to do.


    Her response catches me off guard. "I want to help you in the dungeon, Papa," she says, her eyes filled with determination.


    I hesitate. The memory of the gruesome remains, the danger we faced, is still fresh in my mind. Before I can voice my concern, she quickly adds, "I''ll be careful. I''ll always stay by your side or Apollo''s."


    I think about it. We could use the coin and experience, and her keen sense of smell had proven invaluable before. Maybe, if we proceed with caution and take it slow, it could work.


    "Alright," I agree, though still unsure. "But we''ll take it slow. No rushing in, and you must stay close at all times."


    Her face lights up with a big smile, and despite my reservations, I feel a sense of pride and responsibility swell within me. Apollo, ever silent, stands by as a steadying presence.


    As we step into the main hall of the guild, the atmosphere shifts. Adventurers and staff send glances our way, whispering among themselves. I instruct Apollo to grab some quests from the mission board, remembering that Talin had the previous mission papers. Nikko holds my hand tighter as we approach one of the reception desks.


    A different woman works the desk today, but her greeting is anything but warm. Her sharp eyes, framed by dark hair tied in a tight bun, regard us coldly.


    "One silver coin per person," she demands curtly, barely meeting my gaze.


    I hand over the money, and without a word of thanks, she gives us the dungeon pass with brisk, dismissive movements. Her clear disdain is unmistakable, and she practically shoos us away, wanting nothing more to do with us.


    Apollo returns, holding an excessive stack of mission pamphlets, earning glares from nearby adventurers.


    "You didn''t need to grab so many," I say with a sigh. Returning them would only draw more unwanted attention.


    After filling out the dungeon pass, I decide it''s best to move on. If Nikko is coming with us into the dungeon, she needs something to defend herself with. A weapon suited for her size.


    We head out, leaving behind the whispers and judgmental stares. The name ''Elara''s Forge'' echoes in my mind from when Meridith had whispered it to me. I decide to head there. As we walk through the streets, the tension begins to ease. The atmosphere outside the guild is far more pleasant; people mind their own business, and I sigh in relief. Nikko seems more at ease too, her grip on my hand loosening slightly.


    After asking for directions, we find the blacksmith shop nestled by the city wall, far from the bustling center. The shop is modest but sturdy, with a glowing furnace and blacksmithing tools scattered about. Hammers and tongs lay ready for use, though no one is working outside at the moment.


    Inside, the quality of the weapons immediately impresses me. Unlike the shop in Arroyo, the weapons here are finely crafted—swords with razor-sharp edges, gleaming axes, and shields that look strong enough to withstand the fiercest of blows. Apollo scans a row of spears while Nikko and I approach the counter.


    Behind the counter, an elf woman is engrossed in a book. She wears a leather apron over simple clothes, her hair tied back in a practical style to keep it out of her face. She doesn''t notice us, too focused on whatever she''s reading.


    Nikko spots a small bell on the counter, a polished brass bell like those found in inns. She stands on her toes and rings it. The chime echoes through the shop, finally breaking the elf''s concentration.


    Her eyes shift down, spotting Nikko, who is just tall enough to peek over the counter. The elf''s face softens, her previous focus replaced with a warm smile. "And what can I do for you, little one?" she asks kindly.


    Nikko, emboldened by the warmth in the elf''s tone, responds, "My Papa wants to buy a weapon."


    The elf chuckles softly. "Your Papa, huh?" Her gaze rises to meet mine, and her friendly demeanor immediately changes. She freezes, her eyes narrowing slightly, her smile fading into a stiff expression. "Can I help you?" she asks, her tone now formal and distant.


    Sensing the sudden shift, Nikko quickly chimes in. "That''s my Papa you''re talking to."


    The elf''s eyes widen slightly, her initial judgment faltering. She clears her throat, a bit flustered. "Oh, I''m sorry. I shouldn''t judge someone based on appearance," she admits, her voice softening once again.


    I nod, understanding her reaction. "It''s alright. I''m used to it."


    The elf offers a slight smile. "I''m Elara," she introduces herself, more at ease now. "Welcome to my shop. You won''t find finer weapons or armor in all of Curville. What can I help you with?"


    I glance at Nikko, whose ears perk up, clearly excited by the idea of getting her own weapon. "I''d like to get something for Nikko," I say, resting a hand on her head. "Something light, easy for her to use in case of danger."


    Nikko''s excitement is evident, her cat ears perking up and her tail swishing with anticipation.


    Elara glances down at Nikko, her expression softening. "How old are you, sweetie?" she asks.


    "Seven!" Nikko responds proudly, her ears twitching with excitement.


    Elara raises an eyebrow and gives me a quizzical look. "Seven? Isn''t she a bit too young to be carrying a weapon?"


    I nod, knowing full well what she''s implying. "She is, but I''d feel a lot safer if she had something to defend herself with."


    Elara chuckles lightly, her eyes flicking over me with a hint of amusement. "You don''t strike me as the sentimental type," she remarks.


    For a brief moment, I hear the echo of the 12th Brother''s cold voice in my mind, mocking me from the past. "Your sentimentality makes you weak." I grit my teeth, shaking the memory away. Now''s not the time for that. I need to focus.


    Elara tilts her head, her fingers tapping her chin thoughtfully as she studies Nikko. "I''ve never crafted a weapon for a child before," she admits, her brow furrowed in thought.


    "It doesn''t need to be anything too complex," I say, keeping my voice steady. "Just something light, strong, and easy to handle."


    Elara nods slowly, her mind clearly turning over the idea. "Well, I don''t usually make knives for children, and if I''m going to meet those requirements, it''s going to take some fine crafting. It won''t come cheap."


    "That won''t be a problem," I assure her, my tone firm.


    Elara studies me for a moment, her sharp eyes scanning me then Nikko. Then she smiles, the professional mask slipping back into place. "Alright," she says. "I''ll see what I can do. Follow me to the back, and we''ll take a look at the materials."


    Nikko beams up at me, clearly excited about getting her first weapon. I give her a reassuring nod as we follow Elara deeper into the forge. A part of me still feels uneasy about arming her, but given what we''ve been through, I know it''s the right choice.


    Elara leads us through the forge, her footsteps sure and confident, guiding us to a back room beyond the main workshop. As soon as she pushes open the heavy wooden door, I''m hit by the scent of hot metal and smoke. The room is dimly lit, the only light coming from the warm glow of a forge set against the far wall. Shelves line the walls, stacked with different metals, each with their own sheen and texture. It''s a craftsman''s haven, filled with materials of varying shapes and sizes, all waiting to be forged into something deadly or beautiful.


    Elara gestures to the array of metals displayed across the room. "These are what I work with," she says, a note of pride in her voice. "Each one has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it depends on what you''re looking for."


    I step forward, drawn to the various materials. There''s a deep, resonant hum in the air—a weight to this place that feels... familiar. My eyes scan the rows of metals, each one distinctly different from the next. I reach out, my hand hovering over the first one, a slab of dark iron with a matte finish. My fingers brush against its surface, feeling the cold hardness beneath my skin. Heavy, durable—this is a metal meant for strength, not speed.


    "Good for armor," I murmur, more to myself than to Elara.


    She watches me, her sharp eyes observing my every move, curious about how I handle the materials. "You''ve got an eye for metal," she says, a hint of respect in her tone. "Not many can tell the difference just by touch."


    I move to the next, a lighter piece—a silvered steel with a polished sheen that reflects the light of the forge. It''s smoother, lighter in my hand, but I can feel the strength in it, like a coil ready to spring. I twist it slightly, testing the give. It''s flexible but still resilient.


    "Silvered steel," Elara explains. "More agile than iron, and it holds an edge much longer. Best for those who need speed and precision."


    I nod, impressed by its balance. It feels right in my hand, but I move on.


    The next material catches my eye immediately. It''s a strange, dark metal with veins of shimmering blue running through it, almost like liquid energy frozen in time. I pick it up, feeling the unusual warmth it radiates. The weight is odd—heavier than it looks but light in my grip. There''s something... alive about it, like it''s humming beneath my skin.


    "Arcanium," Elara says, watching my reaction closely. "Rare and expensive. It''s imbued with magical properties, so it''s ideal for enchanted weapons. But it''s tricky to forge—temper it wrong, and it''ll shatter under pressure."


    I hold the metal up to the light, watching as the blue veins pulse gently. There''s a strange pull to it, something almost hypnotic. But I shake my head, setting it back down. "Not right for Nikko," I say, though part of me considers keeping a note of it for future use.


    Elara smiles faintly. "You''ve handled weapons before, haven''t you? The way you touch the metal... it''s like you know exactly what you''re looking for."


    I glance at her but don''t respond immediately, instead moving to the next material—a chunk of gleaming, almost shimmering metal. It''s impossibly light, almost like holding air, yet I know the reputation it carries. "Mithril," Elara explains. "Strong as steel but as light as a feather."


    "Costly," Elara adds with a smirk. "But for something small, like a blade for Nikko... it could be perfect."


    I weigh the mithril in my hand, rolling it between my fingers. It''s smooth, almost too perfect. The weightlessness could be an advantage for someone as small as her. Yet, I hesitate. Something inside me pulls me to keep looking.


    I set the mithril down and move to a darker metal. It''s rougher, not as polished as the others, but there''s a rugged charm to it. As I pick it up, I feel the density—heavy, but not in a cumbersome way. It feels solid, reliable, like it would withstand anything thrown at it.


    "Elvanite," Elara says, stepping beside me. "A favorite of the elven warriors. Strong but forgiving. It''s not as light as mithril, but it can take a beating and still keep its edge."


    I consider it for a moment, feeling the raw strength in the metal, the sense of resilience. "This... might be the one," I murmur, feeling the weight of the decision in my hands.


    Elara watches me closely, her eyes flicking between me and the metal. "You seem to know exactly what you want. A weapon like this could last her a lifetime."


    I pause, still holding the elvanite. "It''s not just about the weapon. It''s about making sure she can defend herself—without it being too much of a burden."


    Elara nods, a glimmer of understanding in her eyes. "For someone like her... this would be a good choice. Strong, balanced, and durable. She''ll be able to grow with it."


    I study the metal one last time, feeling its potential. Then I look at Nikko, her wide eyes watching us with curiosity. She doesn''t fully understand the weight of this decision, but she trusts me. And in that moment, I realize just how important it is to get this right.


    "This is the one," I say quietly, my decision firm. "The elvanite."


    Elara nods approvingly. "I''ll craft a blade suited for her. It''ll take a couple of days, but when it''s done, it''ll be something special."


    I hand her the metal, feeling a sense of relief as the decision is made. "Thank you," I say, meaning it.


    Elara takes the metal and we return to her counter. "It''ll be a challenge, but I can do it."


    Apollo approaches the counter, holding a mighty spear. "I would like to add this spear to my arsenal," it states.


    Elara examines the spear and nods approvingly. "That one costs eighty-five silver."


    "Eighty-five silver? That''s a bit much for a spear don''t you think?" I ask, a bit taken aback by the price.


    Elara crosses her arms, her expression serious. "That''s because I don''t cheap out on materials or quality. Unlike the other blacksmiths here, I dedicate myself to my craftsmanship. I make weapons that are sharp and durable and armor that can take a beating and not have a mark. I may not get as many customers, but I take pride in my work."


    She gestures to the spear. "The staff is made of ironwood, one of the sturdiest woods in Aranthia. The blade is forged from folded mithrildur, a rare metal renowned for its strength and durability. I don''t make flashy weapons or armor; I make the best, and the best comes with a price."


    I nod, appreciating her dedication. "And the price for the knife?"


    "Sixty silver," she replies without hesitation.


    I reach into my pouch and hand her thirty silver coins. "Half now, half when the knife is finished."


    Elara raises an eyebrow. "And if you''re not pleased with the knife?"


    "Are you selling yourself short?" I counter with a smirk.


    Her eyes gleam with pride. "Absolutely not."


    "Then you have nothing to worry about," I say, smiling beneath the shadow.


    Elara nods, her confidence evident. "I''ll reach out to the guild once the knife is done."


    As we turn to leave, Nikko grabs my hand and looks back, waving at Elara with a big smile on her face. Elara waves back, a warm smile spreading across her face as she watches us go.


    ?????


    Nikko''s excitement is palpable as we step outside the blacksmith''s shop. "Can we go to the dungeon now Papa?" she asks eagerly, her eyes wide with anticipation.


    I shake my head, a smile tugging at my lips. "Not yet," I tell her gently. "We need to get you some suitable clothes first."


    She looks down at her dress, frowning slightly. "What''s wrong with what I''m wearing?" she asks, her ears twitching with confusion.


    "The dress is lovely," I assure her, "but it''s not suitable for dungeon raiding. We need something you can move around with ease and doesn''t tear easily."


    With that, we set off through the bustling streets of Curville. After a bit of searching and asking for directions, we find ourselves standing before a tailor''s shop with a snazzy name hanging above the door: "Elven Elegance."


    The interior of Elven Elegance is nothing short of magnificent. The shop is filled with clothes of all sorts, from elegant gowns to sturdy adventuring gear. Rolls of fabric in every color imaginable line the walls, and mannequins dressed in the latest fashions stand proudly on display. The scent of fresh fabric and the faint sound of scissors snipping fill the air.


    A well-dressed elf man approaches us with a warm smile. He is tall and slender, with sharp features and piercing blue eyes. His hair is a silvery white, pulled back into a neat ponytail. He wears a finely tailored suit in deep emerald green, with gold embroidery along the cuffs and collar. "Welcome to Elven Elegance," he says, his voice smooth and refined. "I am Faelan, the proprietor of this establishment. What can I do for you today?"


    I nod politely and say, "I need some clothes for my daughter."


    Faelan''s eyes widen slightly as he looks down at Nikko, who is standing close to me, her tail swishing with curiosity. "Of course," he says, his smile widening. "I would be delighted to assist. Please, follow me."


    We follow Faelan further into the shop, passing rows of finely crafted garments and rolls of luxurious fabrics. The shop is a symphony of colors and textures, each piece of clothing more exquisite than the last.


    Nikko''s eyes are wide with wonder as she takes in the array of clothes. I can see her excitement growing, and I feel a sense of relief that we are making progress.


    Faelan stops by a section of the shop filled with sturdy yet stylish clothing. "Here we are," he says, gesturing to the racks of clothes. "These are some of our finest pieces. Now tell me what exactly you are looking for?"


    "I need something suitable for adventuring. Clothes that are easy to move in, breathe well, and don''t tear easily." I say, eyeing the many variety of clothing on the racks.


    Nikko''s eyes shine with excitement as Faelan begins to select various articles of clothing. He moves with an elegance and precision that is mesmerizing. As he measures her height, width, and the dimensions of her feet, legs, arms, waist, and neck, Nikko seems a bit taken aback by his thoroughness. Faelan''s hands move swiftly but gently, ensuring every measurement is accurate.


    "Please, have a seat," Faelan gestures toward a row of comfy-looking chairs, "I''ll be right back."


    I sit down, Nikko climbing up and sitting on my lap. Apollo stands beside us, quiet and watchful. We watch as Faelan disappears into the back room, leaving the door open. From my vantage point, I can see Faelan working with incredible speed and grace. The elf''s back is turned to us, and his arms are a blur of motion as he handles the scissors and needle. Pieces of fabric fly away, and soon, the rhythmic sound of stitching fills the air.


    Within moments, Faelan returns with a freshly made set of clothes and a pair of sturdy boots. He presents them to Nikko with a flourish, pointing to a nearby changing room. Nikko blushes, whispering to me that she needs a little help.


    Faelan, noticing her hesitation, claps his hands together. An elegantly dressed elf woman steps out from the backroom, wearing a suit similar to Faelan''s. She introduces herself as Arlo and asks if she can be of assistance.


    Faelan smiles and says, "This young lady would like to try on these clothes."


    Arlo nods and leads Nikko to the changing room, closing the curtains behind them. A short moment passes before they step out, Nikko now dressed in her new adventuring outfit.


    Nikko is dressed in a sturdy yet stylish outfit. She wears a light yellow blouse with rolled-up sleeves, tucked into a pair of brown pants that fit snugly but comfortably. Over the blouse, she has a red leather vest, adding an extra layer of protection and style. A leather belt cinches her waist, holding the outfit together and providing a place for future pouches or a small weapon. The ensemble is completed with a pair of sturdy brown boots that lace up to her knees, offering support and durability for her adventures.


    Nikko stands there, looking both proud and a little shy, her tail swishing back and forth with excitement. Faelan and Arlo look on, pleased with their work, as I smile warmly, admiring how well the outfit suits her.


    "How does it feel?" I ask, standing up and giving her a once-over.


    Nikko smiles brightly. "It feels great, Papa! I can move really easily in it!"


    Faelan nods approvingly. "I''m glad you like it. This outfit should serve you well on your adventures."


    After paying Faelan a whopping seventy silver for Nikko''s complete outfit, we head out towards the dungeon. Nikko, beaming with joy, twirls and skips along the path, marveling at her new clothes. Her old outfit now rests in my bag of holdings. As we walk, I can''t help but chuckle at the sight of female adventurers admiring her cuteness, whispering amongst themselves.


    Nikko''s delight is infectious. She holds my hand tightly as we approach the dungeon gate. The guard there gives us a strange glance when he sees Nikko. She notices his watchful eyes and quickly hides behind me, clutching my cloak.


    The guard shakes his head, then hands back the dungeon pass. "You can pass," he says, still looking bewildered.


    Nikko peeks out, her eyes wide with curiosity and a hint of apprehension. We make our way towards the entrance, and her presence continues to draw attention. Female adventurers in particular seem enchanted by her, exchanging awestruck glances and soft murmurs of admiration. I chuckle inwardly at the effect she has on them.


    Finally, we reach the entrance of the dungeon. The familiar, imposing structure looms before us, its dark stone walls and heavy door beckoning us into its depths. Nikko clings to my hand as we step inside, her eyes wide with anticipation.


    "Ready, Nikko?" I ask, squeezing her hand reassuringly.


    She nods, her ears twitching with excitement. "Ready, Papa."


    With Apollo silently by our side, we venture into the dimly lit dungeon, ready to face whatever challenges await us.