endless path, infinite cosmos

chapter 54

Vahn and Lili continued towards the inn with low spirits. Lili was very concerned for Vahn, while he was still focusing his attention towards the dangerous feeling that had penetrated through him. He needed to get stronger, and it seemed as if he was running out of time.

On the route, Vahn also diverted some of his attention towards his stats and resources. Luckily, he had managed to obtain a decent amount of OP for completing the heart's desire quest with the 'eternal flame'. His pool of OP had been running low as of late due to his interactions with Lili and other expenses.

He needed to do his best to earn points to prepare for the worst-case scenario where he and the people he wants to protect are endangered. He started to compile a list of potential life-saving items and resources he could use in conjunction with his skills to protect himself and others. One of the items he desperately wanted to purchase was another [Effigy of the Hero], but they were priced at 100,000 OP each.

After another twenty minutes, they arrived at the inn. Yesterday was Vahn's final day, and as he expected Tina was waiting in the dining area for their arrival. Seeing the two enter with in low spirits, she took a deep breath like she wanted to cry, but managed to swallow her emotions and approach them. She thought they were both feeling down because they were leaving the inn today.

"Are you leaving?" The young girl gave a cursory glance at Lili before staring into Vahn's face. She saw the boy nod his head, and even though she was trying her best to hold back her emotions, she couldn't help but feel her eyes water.

Vahn, perhaps out of habit due to his interactions with Lili, reached out his hand and started gently patting her head. He continued to console the girl until she was able to calm herself. She then moved away from his hand with a blush and gave him a 'mean' look. "My mom says that if a guy ever touches my ears, he has to take responsibility or he isn't a man...so you can't forget~nya!"

Though he felt helpless about the situation, he just nodded away and said he'd do his best. Hearing his response, she gave a happy nod before scampering away. From the side, Lili whispered into his ear, "How many times have you touched my ears Vahn? Does that mean you're going to take responsibility, hmmm~?" Vahn began to sweat while thinking it may be best to interact with fewer women in the future.

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After they collected all of Lili's belongings, they made their way downstairs and were intercepted by both Milan and Tina. Milan was holding a long wooden container loosely wrapped with a ribbon, while Tina held a large embroidered cloth which held various baked goods. Milan had a gentle smile on her face, but Vahn could see a hint of melancholy in her eyes as she cradled the container in her arms.

"I wanted you to have this Vahn..." She handed him the container somewhat reluctantly, and Vahn received it in a reverential manner. He understood it was likely very important to her, and just holding it began to make him feel nervous. Looking towards Milan, he saw her give a gentle nod so he opened the container. Inside he saw a stylish bluish-blake straightsword with the motiff of a golden lion creating a flame-like pattern along the blade.

"It's made of mithril, and is a memento of my late husband. I hope that it is able to protect you from harm so you don't leave painful memories for those you leave behind. Always remember to return to them, and if things get difficult you'll never be turned away from our doors." Each word she spoke directly impacted Vahn's heart. He took the blade from the container and noticed that it was much heavier than he expected...

Tina, who had been standing with her head down hugging the cloth in her arms, walked forward after her mothers urging. Vahn looked towards the girl and saw that her ears were folded down on her head as she refused to look direclty at him. He felt very bad for the girl and slowly reached out his hand...and paused after remembering her earlier words.