Alice received several gold coins from Erik—her share from the loot their former party had sold. She stared at the coins for a moment, then turned to Zeo.
"I want you to have this. As a thank-you… for saving me and staying with me all this time."
But Zeo simply shook his head.
"That's yours. We helped you because you deserved to be helped. Not because we wanted anything from you."
Alice gave a faint smile, though her eyes still held guilt. "Alright… But at least let me pay for tonight's inn. You've all traveled so far just to take me home. I can't let you keep covering the cost."
Zeo nodded. "Deal."
"Fael," he called. "Take us to a suitable inn."
"Yes… Sir, um—I mean, yes, Master," Fael replied politely, still not used to calling Zeo 'Master.'
They walked down one of Leymora's main alleys. The streets had grown busy, filled with merchants, travelers, and adventurers.
Soon, they arrived at a two-story inn marked with a wooden sign showing an owl symbol. It looked simple, but clean and tidy. A small garden sat beside it, and the scent of food from the back kitchen was inviting.
"Considering the amount of coin we have and the journey ahead... I believe this inn is ideal for us, Master," Fael said as he pointed to a board listing the prices and amenities.
Zeo smiled and nodded. "Nice calculations."
"Of course." Fael puffed out his chest proudly.
But Ravyn frowned. "Doesn't Alice still have money left from her party's loot? Why are we cutting costs?"
Zeo replied calmly, "She does. But first, Alice's money is hers. We shouldn't treat it like it's for the group. And second, there's no guarantee they'll give her the rest of her share."
"Ah, I see…"
They stepped inside and approached the front desk. A middle-aged woman greeted them with a tired smile.
"Welcome to our humble inn. I'm sorry, but due to Prince Romania's upcoming arrival, nearly all our rooms are booked. Only one room remains."
They exchanged glances.
Zeo raised an eyebrow. Sharing a room with two women? That could get… awkward.
Before he could respond, a loud voice cut in.
"I'll take that room!"
A young man with blue hair burst through the entrance. He wore silver armor, a light yellow cloak, and a long spear slung across his back. Behind him stood four women in flashy adventuring gear—one wielding a staff, two with swords, and one carrying a massive bow.
"Excuse me, but we got here first," Ravyn said irritably.
"But you haven't paid yet, have you?" the man countered, slapping three gold coins on the desk. "I'll pay for a full week."
The innkeeper froze. "T-Three gold coins…"
Everyone eating in the lobby turned their heads.
Alice stepped forward, her expression unreadable.
"Shirone. Don't act like you own the place," she said coldly.
The blue-haired man turned and grinned.
"Oh? Isn't this Golem Master Alice? I heard you were still alive. Managed to get out of the Forbidden Forest all by yourself… you've really come a long way," he said mockingly.
"Don't be arrogant. We asked for that room first," Alice replied. "Move aside."
Shirone chuckled. "Move aside? You think you're something just because you escaped that forest? Please. Even a baby could get out if they knew the way."
The girls behind him laughed.
Ravyn looked ready to explode, but Zeo raised his hand to stop her. He stared at Shirone... and smirked faintly.
Pffftt. Zeo held back a small laugh.
He activated his Dimensional Eye. The data on Shirone and his party instantly filled his vision.
Their strength was average… At best, they might survive 24 hours in the Forbidden Forest.
"You laughing at me?" Shirone stepped toward Zeo in anger—but Alice quickly stood between them.
"Shirone, don't be stupid. Don't start a fight here."
"You think I'll stay quiet after being insulted?!" Shirone shouted, magic beginning to gather in his hand.
But before he could release it, a voice called out from the door.
"Oi, folks… Sorry to interrupt, but if you want to fight, take it outside. This is a public place."
Everyone turned.
A tall, tan-skinned man with messy, half-tied hair stood casually at the entrance. His face was tired but confident. A large bag hung over his shoulder, and he wore a worn-out cloak like a seasoned adventurer.
"Jack!" both Shirone and Alice said at once.
Jack laughed. "Haha! You two still remember me, huh?"
---
Jack strolled in casually. Without hesitation, he slung his arms around both Shirone and Alice.
"Come on now," he said easily. "We've adventured together before. Is this really the time and place for a fight?"
But Shirone brushed off Jack's arm.
"Tch. Like I'd be proud of ever being in the same party as a girl who only knows how to summon rock monsters," Shirone sneered.
Jack grinned awkwardly. "C'mon, Shirone… We helped each other out back then. Don't be so harsh."
But Shirone had already lost his patience. He flicked his cloak and turned away. "Let's go, everyone. We'll find another place."
Before leaving, he pointed at Zeo with a sharp glare.
"You. Just wait. I'll slice you up later."
Then they left the inn, leaving the room heavy with tension.
"Wait! Sir, don't go!" the innkeeper cried in panic. "My three gold coins...!"
Her face twisted in anger. "This is your fault! If you hadn't interfered, I would've gotten that money! Now you're paying me the difference! I'm not giving you the room unless you match the price!"
"What?" Ravyn blinked in confusion. She didn't understand how much three gold coins were worth—but judging by everyone's reactions, it clearly wasn't small.
Jack raised a hand, trying to defuse the situation. "Come on… you can't just change the room rate like that."
"But I was this close to earning that much! Now it's gone because of you!" the innkeeper snapped, desperate.
Jack sighed. "Alice… I don't think I can help much with this one."
"That's alright, Jack. Thanks," Alice replied.
Zeo stepped forward. His expression was flat.
"In that case, we're leaving. Whether you get your three gold coins or just the standard rate—that's your business, not ours."
Ravyn, Fael, and Alice followed him out the door.
"Go then! I don't need you!" the innkeeper shouted one last time.
Jack hurried after them.
"Alice! I actually came here looking for you!"
Alice turned. "Ah, Jack. Thanks again for earlier. What's going on?"
Jack looked serious. "It's about a mission. When I heard you were back… I thought it would be perfect for you. High-level mission. Big reward. Risky, yes—but it's—"
"Sorry, Jack," Alice interrupted softly. "I've decided to stop adventuring."
"What?" Jack stared in disbelief. "You're serious? But you're one of the rising stars among adventurers. With your pace, you'd reach Rank A in no time. How can you just quit?"
"I'm serious. My mind's made up. You might not know... but what I went through in the Forbidden Forest… it was more than enough for me."
Jack fell silent for a moment, then sighed.
"…Alright. I won't force you. Oh, right—do you guys need a place to stay? I might be able to help find one."
"Really?" Alice smiled faintly.
Jack nodded eagerly, and they began wandering the streets of Leymora together.
Evening fell. The sun dipped below the horizon, and the city lights began to glow.
But the reality was grim: every inn was full. Not a single room remained.
Jack finally stopped, gazing at the darkening sky.
"Looks like the prince's arrival really stirred things up. I guess… you'll have to camp outside tonight."
Zeo nodded. "Thank you, Mister Jack. You've helped us a lot."
"Haha, no need to be so formal. Alice and I go way back. Of course I'd help her."
"Thanks, Jack," Alice said sincerely.
Night had fallen.
"Sorry I couldn't do more."
"It's fine. You've done plenty," Zeo replied.
"Well then, I'll take my leave. Stay safe."
Jack turned and walked off.
Zeo looked at Fael. "Any campsites around here?"
Fael shook his head. "Unfortunately… the city doesn't allow camping within its walls. So… we'll have to camp outside. The most ideal spot is to the south of the city. Sometimes, there are beasts or wandering Djinn—but usually just small ones like goblins or low-grade beasts.""
"Are you two okay with that?" Zeo asked, looking at Ravyn and Alice.
They both nodded.
"Well, it's not like we have any other choice," Fael added softly.
"Alright," said Zeo. "Prepare for the night. We'll set up camp outside the city."
---
They moved quickly. Before long, night had fully settled in. A small tent had been pitched, surrounded by protective earth walls Alice created with her magic.
In the distance, the forest's silhouette darkened as night birds and insects began to sing.
But no one was afraid.
This kind of life had become a part of them.
And so the night went on…