Chapter 1.27 — What Was Gained & What Was Lost

  A few weeks later I was told to come to the orphanage.

  It’s been a while since I’ve been here.

  I walked carefully through the yard, hiding my face under my hood. However, to my surprise it stood empty.

  Huh? Why’s no one here?

  Are they out on a field trip or something?

  A short while later I finally arrived at the designated area. It was on the other end of the orphanage in the old building.

  I walked into the dark room, a weird sensation crept through my body as if I wasn't completely alone—suddenly.

  The room lit up in a blinding light—as voices boomed through the air.

  “Congratulations Leo!!” They shouted in unison.

  I instinctively jumped back, only to realize that I was surrounded by familiar faces.

  “Ohh, it's just you guys!” I exhaled in relief.

  Jen and Grey pulled me in for a hug.

  “Well done, you finally got your new rank!” Grey ruffled my hair.

  Jen nodded. “It's about time you got some recognition! This is a step forward.”

  “Ohh, it's not a big deal!” I grinned.

  “I only went from being rankless to an F-rank adventurer.”

  Apparently, when the guild introduced the favor quest system. It became possible for me to become an adventurer without needing a Discipline. However, that meant I started without a rank and only had access to low-risk, low-paying quests.

  But that changes today, since I've been at the guild long enough to finally be given a proper rank.

  I felt a hand on my shoulder.

  “Ohh, don’t be modest Mr. Leo. It still counts as rank up—so you should be proud!” Mirra reassured.

  I sighed. “Hmm, I guess you're right.”

  “By the way Mirra, do you know where everyone is? The yard was empty when I arrived?” I looked at her curiously.

  “Huh? What do you mean? They’re all back in the village to celebrate the founding of FeuerHartz!” Mirra said surprised.

  “Wait, isn't that every five years or so?” I scratched my head.

  Mirra nodded. “Yes, but I'm surprised you didn't know. Didn't you participate last time?”

  I stared at her, my lips curled into an awkward smile.

  “Well you see… I was sort of busy with all the studying Tess gave me, so I didn't have time to go.”

  “But next time you should go! It's really fun!” Mirra’s eyes shimmered.

  “I would love to! However, considering what happened at my appraisal ceremony… I don't think it's a good idea for me to participate.” I furrowed my eyebrows.

  Mirra lowered her gaze. “Ahh, that's right, I forgot… I'm sorry… I do hope one day you’ll somehow be able to!”

  Mirra looked at me with a hopeful expression on her face. I couldn't help but smile.

  “You know what. I hope you're right, thanks Mirra!” I grinned.

  Her smile grew bigger while she nodded.

  Suddenly, I heard a man’s voice call out.

  “Congratulations, you've now taken a huge step into adulthood.” Simon folded his arms.

  “Even though you already proved your maturity, the moment you decided to take care of your family.” Simon nodded.

  Grey grinned. “Yes, actually we have something for you.” He pulled out something wrapped in cloth.

  I unwrapped it. “Huh? It's a belt and a pouch?” I said, surprised.

  “Ohh it's much more than that!” Grey laughed.

  I looked inside the pouch.

  “Ahh I see, this one contains the regular Manashells, and the others… ohh I see, you also crafted the Type Two Manashells?” I looked up at him.

  “You do realize I can't use those, right?” I raised a brow.

  Grey scratched his head.”Yes I know, I just wanted to show you the ones I made as a surprise… you know, from me to you.”

  “Remember Simon’s instruction not to push yourself… right?” I said in a firm tone.

  “Don’t worry Leo,” Jen grinned, “I’ll make sure he doesn't.”

  I nodded. “Well, considering this is your first attempt, they’re really well made.”

  “Ahh thank you… Well, since you can't use them. I was thinking you could sell them to Giselle… Actually, I already sent her a small sample, she did seem very interested.” Grey explained.

  “Really! That's good to hear.” I rubbed my chin.

  Yes, it can be another source of income for us… however.

  “I think, I’m gonna keep these since you made them specifically for me.”

  Grey's eyes widened. “Ohh, of course, they’re yours to do as you please.” His smile grew bigger.

  “But you know… Giselle did write how amazed she was at my apprentice, inventing this new type of Manashell.” Grey chuckled.

  “At first she congratulated me, then she proceeded to scold me about how I let my own apprentice surpass me!”

  Grey folded his arms. “As if she could have done it any better herself?!”

  Huh? Wait a minute?

  Didn't Giselle in the game's timeline say that it was her friend who originally invented the Type Two Manashell?!

  You know, Grey… I mean, Father seems to be very familiar with her?

  Hmm… Could it be?

  “Alright, that's enough about that woman, it's my turn.” Jen pouted.

  She also had something wrapped in a cloth, but bigger.

  “Ohh wait, is that?” I gasped.

  I removed the cloth only for it to unveil a new sword.

  “Ohh, wow! This is amazing.” My eyes sparkled.

  The sword looked like a traditional medieval sword with a cross guard, with a more slick Manashell socket design… the sword looked amazing.

  “Wait, this couldn't have been cheap? How did you afford this?” My face turned uneasy.

  Jen smirked. “No worries, I got a good deal from an old friend. He made it specifically for you.”

  “Ohh?” I examined the sword.

  “We wanted to give you something that'll help you in the future. Not because you’ve chosen to stay here… But, because you’re our son!” Jen smiled, she placed a hand on my shoulder.

  I stared at them both for a moment, a smile crept on my face as I slowly nodded.

  “Alright! You should try swinging your shiny new sword!“ Jen's face lit up.

  “Ahh! No, not in here!” Grey shouted nervously.

  I looked around the room. "Shouldn't Tess also be here?”

  “Well, she's sort of in the middle of something!” Mirra grinned awkwardly.

  “Huh?” I scratched my head.

  ***

  Inside the orphanage, a rustling sound could be heard coming from the headmaster's office.

  “Hmm… do I need this?” Tess examined a book. “Well, might as well take it with me.”

  She drove the book down into her backpack, the office filled with books and papers laying around the entire room.

  I knocked at the door.

  “You may enter.” Tess said.

  Suddenly, she stopped and turned around with a surprised look on her face.

  Ehh! She’s not in her usual outfit?

  Tess stood with her silver hair flowing. She was in lightweight gear, with leather armor pieces, cloak and boots for long distance travel.

  For a moment she looked like a completely different person, like a real adventurer.

  “Uhmm… hey, why are you here?” Tess’s expression turned confused.

  “I could ask you the same? What are you doing, Tess?” I stood with my arms folded.

  She furrowed her brows. “What does it look like, I'm packing my things!”

  “Ehh! Why?” I asked.

  “I need to confirm some things, that's why I have to leave.” Tess explained.

  “Leave? For how long?” I raised a brow.

  Tess suddenly stopped, she turned her head toward me.

  “I don’t know how long, it could be months, it could be years.” She explained, with a hint of hesitation in her voice.

  “Wait, so… what about the orphanage, what about the school and… me?” I lowered my head.

  “Is it because I was going to leave? I know I don't have the right to ask… but—”

  Suddenly, Tess closed the distance between us. “No, it's not about that… it's something else, or rather it's not just a single thing.”

  “Huh! Then what is it?” I blinked, confused.

  Tess lowered her head. “I can't really say… just that, I need to go.”

  Huh? She looks very concerned, did something happen?

  My mind raced for a moment.

  Did this ever happen in the game?

  I’m not really sure?

  Hmm… I guess it can’t be helped.

  I sighed deeply and looked at her. “I… think I understand.”

  “Huh! You do?” Tess stared in surprise.

  I looked to the side.

  “Well, of course not… but if you say it's important, then I'll support you… No, I want to support you!” I explained, reluctantly

  Tess sighed in relief, her expression softened.

  The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.

  “Thank you Leo, and don’t worry. Tina will take care of the orphanage, the school, and everything else in my stead.”

  “Tina? Isn't she your old maid?” I scratched my chin.

  Tess nodded. “Yes, she got married a few years ago and retired, that's when Mirra took over her duties as my maid.

  “But, can Tina actually do that kind of job?” I nervously rubbed my neck.

  Tess hid her mouth behind her hand, she chuckled softly.

  “Of course, she's helped me out plenty of times and knows what must be done.”

  I raised a brow. “Wait, what about Mirra? What's gonna happen to her?”

  “Ohh, isn’t it obvious? Mirra will help Tina of course, just like she helped me.” Tess grinned.

  “Besides, I’ve already instructed Tina on how to support you in your further education.”

  I broke out in laughter. “Haha, my education? Is that what you call translating ancient language for you?”

  “Of course, that's only part of your education.” Tess leaned in.

  “Who was it again? That wanted me to teach them all those different languages in the first place?” She said teasingly.

  I scratched my chin. “Yeah I get it… I do appreciate you keeping your promise to me, even under these new circumstances.”

  Tess kneeled down and looked me in the eyes.

  “I too appreciate how much you've helped me with the translations… it's honestly baffling how much we’ve been able to accomplish in just a few years.”

  I stared at her with a surprised look on my face.

  Tess lowered her gaze. “Don’t worry. I have complete faith that Tina will do a good job… It’ll be like I was never gone.”

  I lowered my head slightly.

  “But, I’ll know! So don't be gone too long ya hear!” I turned my head away in protest.

  “Ohh… I'll do my best.” Tess smiled.

  “By the way Leo, I got this for you.” Tess pulled out a small round device.

  I stared at it while she handed it to me. It was a golden pocket watch.

  “Congratulations on achieving F-rank.” She smiled brightly.

  “Ohh, you didn't have to.” I looked up at her.

  Tess pouted, “Ohh, did you think only Jen and Grey were allowed to give you a gift, aren't you my apprentice too?”

  I let out an awkward grin, scratching my head.

  “Ahh no, I didn't mean it like that… Uhm… thank you Tess, I do appreciate it.” I said softly.

  Tess nodded, she then stood up and turned around.

  “I need to finish packing, then I’ll leave first thing in the morning… so you should go and enjoy your celebration.”

  I folded my arms. “On one condition!”

  “Huh? What condition?” Tess looked back.

  “You're not allowed to leave without saying goodbye!” My voice was firm.

  Tess blinked, processing my words. “Huh? You really think I would do that?”

  I stared at her with an unconvinced expression.

  “You were considering it, right?”

  Tess froze, she then slowly knit her brows together and turned her head away.

  “I don't know what you’re talking about.”

  I grinned. “I see… my mistake.”

  “I'll see you later then.”

  Tess turned her head toward me and slowly nodded.

  I turned and left the office. I could feel Tess’s gaze linger on me as I walked away, as if she was thinking about something.

  ***

  The next day at dawn on the north side of the village.

  “Wait, why am I the only one here?” I looked around in confusion.

  Tess let out a small chuckle.

  “Because you insisted on being here. Besides, I already said my goodbyes.”

  I let out a sigh and pulled out a piece of paper with Tess’s handwriting on it.

  “You know, a goodbye in the form of a letter doesn't count!”

  Tess looked away, her face turned slightly red.

  I leaned in. “Are you that scared of facing people?”

  She shot me a sharp look. “Hey! That's going too far! I’m not—”

  I flung both my arms at the back of my head. “Yeah, yeah… I get it. You got your own way of doing stuff!”

  Tess glared at me with a sharp look, only for her depression to soften and turn into a pout.

  “You! Sometimes you can be soo… mean!” Tess said annoyingly, but with a slight tremble in her voice.

  She then turned her back to me and began to walk. “I’m going, goodbye!”

  I looked away. “Fine!”

  As she walked further away I forced myself not to look at her… however before I realized it, my eyes slowly traced her back.

  No, don’t look at her!

  I forcibly turned my head away, refusing to look at her.

  My body shook, I felt anger stir up inside of me.

  Tess is only leaving for a while, but why?

  Why do I feel so angry?

  Did I feel like this because of what had happened with Ann?

  Did I feel like this because I had finally found a family?

  Did I feel like this because I felt abandoned by Tess?

  My mind began to spin. I instinctively grabbed my head with both hands, as if I was trying to prevent it from falling off.

  Suddenly, Tess stopped. She sighed and turned her head back toward me.

  “You know… there's something I wanted to ask you.”

  I blinked a few times, processing her words.

  “Ehh? You… want… what?” I stammered in confusion.

  Tess turned and quickly walked back to me.

  “Why do you need to make things difficult?” Tess shook her head.

  “I don’t know what you mean?” I looked to the side and pouted.

  Tess suddenly flicked my nose with her index finger.

  I leaned back in shock. “Auch! Why did you—”

  She then pressed her finger into my chest.

  “Fine… act like a kid for all I care! But I’m not gonna leave in anger! Not when I don’t know when I’ll be back again!” Tess’s voice cracked.

  My eyes shot wide. “Huh?”

  Tess glared at me, she then took a deep breath.

  “You can be a real jerk sometimes, you know?” Her expression softened.

  I pressed my lips together, feeling somewhat ashamed for the way I acted.

  “Yeah I know… I’m sorry… It’s just…” I lowered my head.

  “No need to explain… with everything that’s happened, with Anja, with Grey, with Jen and now this…”

  Tess lowered her gaze. “I understand, Leo.”

  She took a step back and was about to turn around.

  “Wait, what did you want to know?” I asked curiously.

  Tess stopped for a moment. “Ohh… uhmm… nevermind it’s not important."

  She turned and walked away, but I immediately reached out and grabbed her hand.

  “Huh? What are you doing?” Tess looked at me with a confused expression.

  “Please, tell me?” My voice was firm.

  “Uhm… no it's fine… I don't need to know.” She smiled awkwardly.

  I don’t know why, but for some reason I couldn't just let her leave, not without knowing what she wanted to ask.

  “Come on Tess… please don’t just leave like that.” I lowered my gaze.

  “Ahh… fine, you win!” Tess pressed her hand against her forehead.

  She leaned in really close to my face, my heart began to pound.

  Her long silver hair flowed gently down her face, covering over her right eye. She stared at me with a serious expression.

  I felt the pressure in the air intensify. A bead of sweat rolled down my face.

  Tess stared me in the eyes, then she slightly looked away.

  “The thing you said the other day… about my home village.” Tess bit her lips.

  I blinked. “Ehh? About your home village?”

  She nodded. “Yes, the thing… you know, about the names?”

  I stared at her with a blank expression, it was like my mind stopped… suddenly I realized what she was talking about.

  “Ohh, yeah… you mean the stuff that happened in the guild? With the guy who couldn't guess your full name?”

  “Ahh, I see… yeah, what about it?” I tilted my head.

  “Well, I was just a little curious… since you knew about that! Would you maybe know about… my full name?” Tess's face turned slightly red.

  “Huh! Are you asking me if I know your full name?” I scratched my chin.

  “Well… Uhm… yes, I guess that’s what I’m asking.” Her voice trembled, slightly.

  I scratched my head, then my eyes looked to the right, then to the left.

  Hmm… why does she want to know?

  Tess's fiddled with the tip of her hair with her fingers. Her face slowly turned nervous, like something was making her uneasy.

  My eyes went wider, I could believe what I was seeing. She always seemed composed and in control, but right now she acted more like a nervous school girl.

  For some reason I let out a soft laugh. Tess’s eyes shot wide and she glared at me in disbelief.

  “Hey! What's so funny?” She raised her brows.

  I shook my head and calmed down. “Sorry… I’m not laughing at you.”

  I folded my hand into a fist and pressed it against my mouth, I let out a light cough.

  “Ahem… I was just a bit surprised.”

  “Ohh, really?! You don't laugh at this stupid old lady?!” Tess turned her head away and pouted, seemingly not believing my words.

  Ahh, seriously—she’s just too cute right now!

  My lips curled into a grin. I hit my chest with my fist.

  “Alright! I'll tell you!” I proclaimed.

  Tess froze, then turned her head toward me in anticipation.

  I leaned in closer. “When you come back… then I’ll tell you!”

  “What?” Tess gaped.

  I nodded. “I’ll tell you what I think your full name is, but only when you come back!”

  Tess facepalmed herself and gave me a dead-eyed stare.

  “Are you serious? Don't tell me you're serious?! Leo!” She gritted her teeth.

  “I'm dead serious… If you really want to know, then you’ll have no choice but to come back!” I said in a teasing tone.

  Tess widened her eyes. She shook her head and let out a long sigh.

  “Seriously?! That’s really immature of you! You know!”

  My gaze met hers as my expression turned serious.

  “Tess, please come back home when you can…”

  Tess froze, then a moment later she smiled softly and gently patted me on the head.

  “Yes… I promise.” She said gently.

  I lowered my gaze, and slowly nodded my head.

  “Don't worry, Leo. I’ll only be gone for a short time, and be back before you know it!”

  Tess ruffled my hair and let out a huge smile. She then turned around and walked away and disappeared into the horizon.

  My gaze dropped to the ground as I let out a sigh.

  “A short time, huh? Time for you is not the same as time for me you know.” I muttered to myself.

  I looked up toward her to see if I could catch one last glimpse, but she was long gone.

  “Haa… she’s really gone!” I sighed, and turned around.

  ***

  I walked deep in thought up a hill overseeing Heimzuch. I had been here many times before but this time it felt a bit different.

  My eyes drifted around the area, I looked down toward the village that was buzzing with life.

  I looked at the orphanage where I met Tess and Ann, my eyes then shifted toward the Drachj?ger’s noble mansion.

  “It feels like only yesterday that I was tutoring Ann in that mansion.” I chuckled.

  I looked at Cleinwalth Forest, it was filled with danger but also opportunities. Simon clinic at the edge of town and of course my eyes drifted to the house that I live in.

  Without realizing it a smile formed on my lips. I looked down at my new sword, loaded with the new manashell.

  I unsheathed it, holding it in front of me.

  “It really does feel good to hold, I can’t believe Jen—I mean… Mother, got this custom made for me?”

  I swung around the sword for a while, only to lower it down to my side.

  “The Manashell that Father made, fits perfectly with this sword… I don't care if I can’t use it, it's too precious for me to sell.”

  I raised my head and looked ahead.

  “So many things have happened.”

  I remembered the time when they found me on that field, the time I spent in the orphanage and noble manor.

  My appraisal… The dungeon…

  My three crazy masters…

  Runix…

  And of course, ShellCrafting!

  I paused and took a deep breath.

  My time with Father and Mother…

  My time with Ann…

  My time with Tess…

  I tightened my fist. “Why? Why does it still… sting?”

  I pressed my hand into my chest, only to be reminded of the accessories around my neck.

  “Ohh yeah, I almost forgot!”

  I pulled out the necklaces in front of me. The name tag that Tess originally gave to me.

  “Tess giving me the nickname Honeypoo? Yep—she was probably bored, what a stupid nickname” I shook my head.

  My eyes drifted to the Crest with the sigil of the Drachj?ger's embedded into it. I felt a slight pain in my chest.

  “Haa! I guess… I'm just a human.” I sighed.

  I then tighten my grip around the item that frustrated me the most, the pendant I had in my hand from the moment I entered this world.

  Normally, I would feel frustration, annoyance and even a surge of anger whenever I looked at it.

  However, this time I didn't feel any of that.

  “I thought that knowing more about you would reveal why I am here!” I took a deep breath.

  “But honestly… I don’t need to know anymore.”

  I pulled my arm back, ready to throw the pendant away… but when I tried, for some reason I couldn't. It was like I didn't want to throw it away, or more like I shouldn't.

  “Fine… I guess I’m gonna hold on to you for a little while longer.” I sighed.

  I felt a light breeze on my skin, and I felt at ease.

  “I don’t need to look for answers anymore… this is the place I want to be.” I gazed upon Heimzuch.

  I felt the heat from the sun on my skin as a sense of peace washed over me. A warm sensation surged through my body…

  “Finally… I’m home…”

  I took a deep breath, taking in the entire scene.

  I closed my eyes and felt the ground beneath my feet.

  It was as if time stood still…

  As I stood there with my eyes closed, one of my eyes suddenly twitched.

  Ehh? Why does it feel like I got something in my eye?

  I slowly opened my eyes, only to feel a sharp light coming from below.

  I lowered my head as I tried to locate the light source.

  Suddenly—my eyes widened.

  My mouth dropped, “Noo way! I don't believe it?!”

  I stared at my sword in utter disbelief.

  My brows knit together—my body trembled.

  “It cannot be! It’s Impossible?!”

  “The Manashell!“

  “It’s—”

  “Glowing?!”

  —Eighteen years later—

  This concludes Chapter 1 — The Arrival.

  The story will continue after the timeskip in Chapter 2.

  Chapter 2.1 will begin next week at the same time.

  Thank you for reading.