Chapter 18 – Walking with the same direction
Morning sunlight filtered gently through the forest canopy, scattering golden light across the campsite. Dew clung to blades of grass like tiny jewels, and the distant chirping of birds carried through the cool air.
Kaito slowly opened his eyes.
For a brief moment, he didn’t move. The soft warmth of the sleeping bag, the faint smell of last night’s campfire, and the peaceful quiet of the wilderness made him reluctant to get up.
Then reality returned.
They had a long day ahead.
He stretched his arms toward the sky and exhaled deeply.
“Morning already…”
Nearby, Serena sat cross-legged beside the dying embers of the fire, brushing her blue hair. Renna was crouched beside the small river a short distance away, washing her face in the crystal-clear water.
The morning felt calm — a sharp contrast to yesterday’s intense battle.
Serena noticed him waking and smiled warmly.
“Good morning, Kaito.”
“Morning.”
Renna returned from the river, droplets of water still clinging to her short blonde hair.
“The water is cold,” she said calmly. “It will wake you instantly.”
Kaito groaned. “That doesn’t sound appealing at all.”
Serena giggled. “You say that every morning.”
Despite his complaints, Kaito grabbed a towel and walked toward the river. The cold water hit his face like a sudden lightning strike.
He gasped.
“Okay… I’m awake.”
Renna smirked faintly.
By the time Kaito returned, Serena had already begun preparing breakfast.
The sizzling sound of butter hitting the pan filled the air.
Kaito sniffed the air eagerly.
“Omelette rice?”
Serena puffed her chest proudly. “Of course! I try to make since you taught me back then hehe, A victory breakfast!”
Renna tilted her head. “Victory breakfast?”
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“We completed our first party quest,” Serena said. “That deserves celebration.”
Eggs were cracked, rice fried with vegetables and meat, and soon the comforting smell of ketchup and butter drifted through the forest.
They sat together on fallen logs, plates in hand.
Kaito took a bite.
And froze.
“…This is amazing that even better than me”
Serena beamed like the sun itself.
Renna nodded approvingly. “You cook well.”
Serena’s cheeks turned pink. “T-thank you.”
For a moment, no one spoke.
The quiet happiness of the morning wrapped around them like a blanket.
It felt peaceful.
It felt right.
By late morning, they packed their belongings put in kaito item box and began the journey back to the town.
The gates of Stonehaven came into view just before noon, bustling with activity as merchants and adventurers moved in and out.
Their first destination was obvious.
The Adventurer Guild.
The guild was lively as ever.
Sofia looked up the moment they approached the desk.
“Oh! Crimson Blades returns!”
Kaito placed the quest document on the counter.
“Rock Birds exterminated.”
Sofia scanned the paper and nodded approvingly.
“Well done. A clean completion. The guild will handle the materials please put it in the store house”
She placed a gold coim on the desk.
“Here your reward: one gold coin.”
Serena’s eyes sparkled.
“Gold!”
Renna crossed her arms calmly. “Our first earnings as a party.”
Kaito picked up the pouch and smiled.
“Let’s celebrate properly.”
Serena gasped dramatically. “Lunch!”
The restaurant in the guild was crowded with adventurers.
They found a small table by the window on the second floor.
Plates of grilled meat, fresh bread, and steaming soup soon filled the table.
Serena leaned forward excitedly. “This feels like a real party celebration!”
Kaito laughed. “We’re just eating lunch.”
Renna quietly took a bite of bread. “It does feel celebratory.”
For the first time since forming the party, they sat in town together — not as strangers, but as companions.
After lunch, they visited a gear shop.
The bell above the door rang as they entered.
Kaito spoke first. “We need another tent.”
The shopkeeper nodded and showed them a sturdy travel tent.
Renna inspected the fabric. “Durable and weather resistant.”
“Perfect,” Kaito said.
From there, they wandered through the market streets, buying meat, eggs, vegetables, and cooking ingredients.
Serena happily carried bags of groceries.
“It feels like we’re preparing for a long journey!”
Kaito chuckled. “Because we are.”
As the sun began to set, they returned to the Silver Moon Inn.
The warm golden glow of lanterns spilled from the windows.
Inside, Ririna stood behind the counter.
She looked up — and froze.
Her eyes moved between Kaito, Serena, and Renna.
Then a teasing smile spread across her face.
“Ehhh~ Kaito-kun… you got another girl, are you?”
Kaito nearly choked.
“N-No! Don’t joke around, Ririna-san! She’s our new party member!”
Renna bowed politely.
“Good evening. I’m Renna. Nice to meet you.”
Serena spoke quickly. “I want to change my room to another room with two beds. I’ll stay with Renna!”
Ririna laughed softly. “Okay, okay. I understand. Here’s your new key.”
Serena beamed. “Time to move!”
Half an hour later after they help serena move her belonging, they returned downstairs.
The smell of fried rice and fried chicken filled the dining area.
They sat together at a table, laughing and eating.
Conversation flowed naturally.
Stories of Kaito and Serena’s first meeting.
Their early quests.
Their battle with the Lightning Bear.
Renna listened quietly — smiling.
She had found a place to belong.
Later that night, Serena and Renna headed upstairs together.
“Good night, Kaito!”
“Night.”
Kaito remained seated alone in the quiet dining hall.
He looked toward the staircase.
And smiled.
“I never thought I’d get to know such amazing girls like Serena and Renna…”
He leaned back in his chair.
“I wonder what we’ll encounter next.”
The lantern light flickered softly.
And the adventure continued.
