I squinted at the parchment in my hands, reading over the purchasing agreement for what felt like the tenth time. Maybe it was the excitement, or even the exhaustion of the last two weeks leading up to the dungeon run, and the two days of hard work since, but the letters just kept evading me. The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the newly constructed house—our house—as Madeleine waited patiently, her broad frame blocking half the light.

  "Everything's in order I guess," I said, looking up at the Guild official. "Just making sure there aren't any hidden clauses about mandatory suicide missions and stuff. Would hate to get eaten now that we got this place to ourselves."

  Madeleine laughed, the sound booming across the second ring road. She was built like Knut, all muscle and presence, but with a warmth that made her instantly likable.

  "The only hidden clause is that you bring some glory to Dawnwatch," she said, tapping the parchment with one thick finger. "This is prime real estate, adventurer. Second ring road and on the main street leading past the guild hall and near to the Rift? Was planned to house visiting dignitaries.”

  "And yet you're selling it to us," Eryn said, stepping closer to my side. "How'd we get so lucky? Not that I mind the trade of this versus nearly our entire share of the Titanfang carcass, but umm, it’s just unreal? Is all."

  Madeleine glanced between Eryn and me.

  "Let's just say Commander Edwin put in a good word. And Harold sees potential in your little group." Her gaze lingered on Eryn. "Even if one of you is technically still a scavenger."

  "She won't be for long," I said, perhaps a bit too quickly.

  "I'm sure." Madeleine said and smiled. "In the meantime, I wish you best of luck with the house.”

  Knut came circling from behind the building for the third time, his heavy footsteps crunching on the gravel path.

  “Walls weak,” he grumbled. "Not like northern logs.”

  “It’s made of steelhusk,” I said. “It’s twice as tough as any northern house!”

  Knut grunted. “If falling roof wake me up, I come to guild hall for giant carcass.”

  “The walls are sturdy enough," Madeleine assured him. “Monster resistant, as is the roof. Ain’t pretty or fancy inside, not yet anyway, but it won’t fall down any time now.”

  Nabeeh, who'd been inspecting the steelhusk building with a critical eye, rejoined our little group.

  "I've checked the fine print," she announced dramatically. "By signing this, we agree to be guild slaves, right?"

  "Only on Tuesdays," Madeleine replied without missing a beat.

  I chuckled and signed my name at the bottom of the parchment. It felt strange—almost significant—to be signing as the official party leader, purchasing a properly for us. Like I was taking responsibility not just for myself, but for all of us.

  "FINALLY!" Roq's voice boomed in my mind. "A proper home for a proper weapon! Though I expect a place of honor, not some dusty corner. Perhaps a second velvet cushion on top of a pedestal? Something befitting my magnificence in the very least."

  "Congratulations," Madeleine said, handing me a ring with heavy iron keys. "These are yours now.” She chuckled. “Try not to burn it down. It’d be really hard to explain.” She rolled up the parchment and tucked it into her satchel. "And if you need anything, or you’ve got some money to spend on upgrades, you know where to find me. I’ll be happy to help fix things while you are out hunting.”

  As she walked away, I turned to face our new home again—and then my companions. My friends.

  "Well," I said, tossing the keys to Eryn. "Shall we?"

  The door to our new home swung open with a satisfying creak, revealing a spacious main room. I’d gotten so used to a multi-functional home, with the smithy and the shop taking the most of our space, that so much open space felt strange. The wooden floor stood completely bare, and the smell of new construction hung in the air—sawdust, steelhusk, and endless possibility.

  "Dibs on the biggest room!" Nabeeh called, already darting toward the stairs.

  "Wait!" Knut thundered after her. “Biggest room for me. I am biggest person!"

  I laughed, watching them race up the stairs like children. Eryn's hand slipped into mine, warm and familiar.

  "Can you believe this?" she whispered. "Our own place."

  "OUR place?" Roq interjected. "I don't recall YOUR name on that parchment. Though I suppose she’ll be spending plenty of time here regardless, even though, as the giantess pointed out, she’s not yet an adventurer."

  “And you know how much it frustrates her. So be nice. Besides, we’ll rectify that issue as soon as possible. Investing in her will allow you to kill more stuff, so isn’t it a good thing?”

  Eryn raised an eyebrow. "What's he saying now?"

  She’d gotten even better at knowing what was going on in my head, especially when it involved a murderous soul hammer trash talking.

  "Nothing important," I assured her, tugging her toward the stairs. "He wants another pillow, and a pedestal so we can all worship him or something.”

  Eryn chuckled and slapped my chest playfully.

  “Let's make sure those two don't tear the place apart fighting over the rooms. Coming?” she said, taking my hand. Upstairs, we found Knut standing in the doorway of what was clearly the master bedroom, his massive frame nearly filling the entire space. He was eyeing the room with obvious desire, but when he saw us, he stepped aside with exaggerated formality.

  "For lady," he said, gesturing Eryn inside. “Smaller room for me. Like cave. Cozy."

  Eryn's eyes widened. "Oh, I couldn't—"

  “You must," Knut insisted. “Or Ash take. Not good for head. Grows too fast. You need space for... healing things? Books? Plants? Girl things.”

  Nabeeh poked her head out from another doorway. "Oh yes, turn it into a healing shrine," she teased. "Maybe some crystals? Wind chimes? A little altar to the spirits of wellness?"

  "I was thinking more like a bed and a dresser," Eryn replied dryly. “And a heavy lock to ensure my virtue stays that,” she said. “Mine.”

  I winked at her and left them to their good-natured bickering and wandered back downstairs, Knut's heavy footsteps followed me. I didn’t care which room I got. They were all wonderful in the fact that Pa and Ma wouldn’t be sleeping in them, and the size difference was negligible.

  The main room had a large fireplace along one wall, currently cold and empty. I ran my hand along the rough stone mantel. It still needed some work, but I could see a certain hammer enjoying himself above the crackling fire.

  "Good spot for Roq," I murmured.

  "WHAT?" Roq's indignation nearly made me wince. "You want to display me like some trophy? Some decoration? I am a WEAPON OF MASS DESTRUCTION, not a conversation piece!"

  "You'd be above the fireplace. Place of honor. Besides, you literally just asked for a pedestal. If you didn’t want it so we could display you, what did you want it for?”

  "Well... when you put it that way..."

  Knut came to stand beside me, his eyes taking in the room.

  "Strange," he said quietly.

  "What's strange?"

  "This." He gestured around us. "House. Home. Not sleeping in inn or tent." A small smile tugged at his lips. "Good strange. Like it. Finally call something home. With friends."

  I nodded.

  “When did you last have a permanent home?”

  “Never.”

  “Not even as a kid?”

  “We hunted. Roamed. Good life. Until not.”

  “Ah,” I said. “It’s strange for me too.”

  “Be in one place?”

  “To be without Ma and Pa. I’ve always been with either my birth parents or them. But now?”

  Knut nodded and clapped me on the shoulder. “They safe.”

  “I know. It’s still strange and will definitely take time to get used to.”

  “Mount hammer higher," Knut said, nodding at the mantel. “Less complaining.”

  "I HEARD THAT!" Roq bellowed in my mind. "And I'll have you know my commentary is INVALUABLE. Who else will point out when you're being idiots? Who else will remind you of the GLORY OF COMBAT when you're getting soft and domestic?"

  "I think this height is perfect," I said, patting the mantel.

  Knut chuckled, the sound rumbling deep in his chest.

  “Hammer talking?”

  "When isn't he?"

  * * *

  By evening, we'd cleaned the place as best we could without proper supplies. The floors were swept, the windows wiped down, and we'd lit a small fire in the fireplace. With no furniture yet, we sat in a circle on the floor, the dancing flames casting long shadows across the walls.

  "So," Nabeeh said, "We need more money. Fast. Unless you all enjoy sleeping on the floor, eating on the floor, cooking on the floor, and, well, you know. Floor.”

  "We hunt tomorrow," Knut said. "Shardfangs. Good practice, good money."

  "And good materials," Eryn added, leaning against my shoulder, her warmth a comfort in the cool evening air. "Pa works wonders with those… what did you call them? Rock puppies.”

  Eryn leaned against my shoulder, her warmth a comfort in the cool evening air.

  "And we’ll start saving for your class gem,” I said. “We won’t have you staying a scavenger a second longer than necessary.”

  Eryn hugged me, and Knut nodded.

  “Healer support make party strong. We kill. Pretty bird fix ouchies. Only can not heal broken heart. Eh?”

  Eryn punched Knut’s shoulder lightly.

  “I don’t break hearts, Knut. Ash’s heart is safe with me. As long as he doesn’t cheat on me with some bimbo. Other than that, I’m just fine.

  “Having a healer will make us rich too,” Nabeeh added. “We can take on tougher monsters, higher level quests, and more risk. It’s worth the investment.” Then she chuckled. “But I’m getting a bed first. I slept on the ground enough making my way here.”

  I pulled up my soul chart, revelling in how far I’d come, and the joy of having an actual adventuring party.

  NAME: Ash Aldrich

  CLASS: Hammerlord

  LEVEL: 10 (4/11)

  STRENGTH: 41

  AGILITY: 22

  VITALITY: 31

  MIND: 18

  TOTAL STATS: 112

  MANA: 45/45

  ABILITIES:

  1. NAME: Hammer Mastery

  TYPE: Passive

  DESCRIPTION: Hammers deal 15% increased damage. Other weapons deal 25% reduced damage.

  2. NAME: Stagger

  TYPE: Passive

  DESCRIPTION: Hammers have a 10% chance to stagger targets on a successful hit, slowing their target's movement speed for 30 seconds and lower defense parameters by 10%.

  NOTE: Each stack reduces chance by 2%.

  3. NAME: Smash

  TYPE: Active / Attack

  DESCRIPTION: Channel energy into your hammer, causing it to deal extra damage on hit.

  NOTE: Every activation costs 10 mana.

  “Four out of eleven?” Roq's voice was sharp with frustration. "It is SO frustrating. Are you even trying to help me with my breakthrough? Maybe you’re the problem, did you ever think of that? Maybe another wielder would have figured this out by now. Maybe you're just not good enough to help me evolve."

  I barely managed to restrain my sigh at Roq’s habitual complaint. Over the two days since the dungeon raid he’d barely shut up about the ‘experience leeching’ as he called it.

  “That's not fair and you know it. We're both stuck with this. I'm doing everything I can and you acting like a primadonna doesn’t help things, Roq."

  "Are you really? Or are you too busy playing house? Maybe Edwin knows something he's not telling us. Maybe he's laughing at us right now, watching us struggle while he keeps the secret to himself!"

  “I’ll corner him one of these days. You know I want this as much as you.”

  “I’m not sure you do. The longer I stay stuck, the more powerful you’ll become, leeching MY experience.”

  "Roq, that's enough. We'll figure this out together. You keep it up and I will just keep hammering stuff until I’m level 20 and we can deal with it then."

  Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  His resentment lingered in my mind, a bitter undercurrent that was becoming all too familiar. He’d barely shut up about being stuck since we got out of the dungeon. Me being unable to find a single hint about soul weapons or how to level them, and Edwin dodging me at every opportunity, hadn’t helped.

  A knock at the door interrupted our chat.

  “Who?” Knut bellowed as I rose to my feet.

  "Housewarming gift!” came the call. It was a voice familiar to all of us by now, even for Nabeeh.

  “Johan!” Eryn said, bouncing up and rushing past me and throwing the door wide open.

  Johan stood on our doorstep, a large basket in his arms and a wide grin on his face. Steam rose from whatever was inside, carrying the mouthwatering scent of roasted meat and fresh bread. He pushed the basket into Eryn’s arms.

  "Can't have the future heroes of Noros going hungry on their first night in their new home."

  “Ouf! What’s in here?” Eryn asked. “It’s heavy as sin!”

  I peered across her shoulder as she opened the basket, and Knut jumped in place like a child on her other side. Inside was not just food, but a small keg of beer and four mugs. A small note was tucked between the loaves of bread: ‘Proud to be a small part of your journey. Don't forget the little people when you're famous. —Johan’

  "This is incredible," I said, genuinely touched. "You didn't have to do this."

  Johan waved away my thanks.

  "Consider it an investment. When monsters are breaking down the walls, I'll be counting on you lot to save my skin," he said and winked. "Again."

  I couldn't help but marvel at how far Johan had come from the scared scavenger I'd first met. He'd built something for himself here, and become a key part of the community.

  “Free food?" Knut asked, reaching for the basket. “Being hero not so bad. Will always save when need. Promise!"

  Johan laughed.

  "Just don't let it go to your head. Or stomach." He clapped me on the shoulder. “The meals are only free this once. The beer, well, you know you drink for free. Even if you cost me the profit of twelve normal sized men, Knut!”

  “What’s in the box?” Nabeeh asked from where she still sat on the floor.

  “Stuff to make you enjoy the evening,” Johan said. “Tomorrow, your hard work begins again. And umm…say, what do you think about selling me a few monster heads? Was thinking maybe it would be fun putting them up around the tavern. To show that we’re taking heads, too. Could do wonders to morale?"

  “I love that,” I said. “We’ll see what we can scrounge up.”

  “Thanks,” Johan said and headed out.No sooner had Johan left than we gathered around the food, the aroma making my stomach growl. I hadn't realized how hungry I was until now.

  "This is quite the spread," Nabeeh said, pulling out a roasted chicken leg. "Your tavern friend knows how to curry favor with adventurers."

  Knut was already pouring beer into the mugs, foam spilling over the sides. "Good man. Smart man. Feed fighters, fighters protect tavern."

  "It's more than that," Eryn said to Nabeeh, accepting a mug. "Johan tried scavenging and nearly died. He knows what it's like out there, and he remembers what we did for him, and how it almost cost us our lives, too."

  "Oh please," Roq said. "Are we going to get sentimental over FOOD now? Though I must admit, that chicken does look succulent. Perhaps you could drip some of the juices onto my head? For... maintenance purposes."

  "What's up?" Eryn asked, noticing my expression.

  "My hammer wants chicken juice on his head."

  Nabeeh nearly choked on her beer.

  "Your hammer wants... what?"

  "Don't ask," I said, tearing off a piece of bread. "Trust me, it's better that way."

  Knut nodded sagely.

  "Hammer have strange tastes. Like pie. And milk."

  "How can a hammer have wants?" Nabeeh asked, looking at me as if I was crazy, for which I couldn't blame her. We had decided not to tell her about Roq for now, not until we were completely sure she would not only want to stay in the party, but that she would be loyal to us and not spill our secrets. Until then it was easier to pretend I was a bit coco for monster guts.

  I scratched the back of my head.

  "Sometimes I get a feeling my hammer wants something, and ever since I started indulging those feelings, luck has been on our side. I know it's strange, but, hey, if it works, right?"

  "Speaking of strange and things working," Nabeeh said, leaning forward. "What's the deal with House Domitius? I've heard whispers, but nothing concrete."

  The mood shifted instantly. Eryn's shoulders tensed, and Knut's expression darkened.

  "They're our enemies. Vultures," I said, keeping my voice even. "They prey on craftsmen, especially blacksmiths, finding ways to steal their forges or enslaving them through brutal contracts. They take, and take, and keep on taking."

  "They burned down Pa's previous smithy," Eryn added quietly.

  "Your father is a smith too?" the mage asked.

  "No," Eryn said, shaking her head. "Pa is Ash's father. Well, adoptive father. But, he's so nice to us all, kind of like a father figure, so we all just call him Pa."

  Nabeeh nodded.

  "So they burned down your smithy and are still after your family here? This far out on the frontier?”

  "They have a claim to our smithy," I explained. "Pa needed a loan to build it. We're working on paying it off, but..."

  “Noble shits want no money," Knut finished. "Want smithy. Want control. Short time ago they try burn it down. Us sleeping in it."

  “When are we paying them a visit? They should have sent someone here AGES ago. Someone else we can smash,” Roq interjected. "I'm sure I could persuade them to reconsider their business practices. Nothing says 'debt forgiveness' like a hammer to the skull!"

  "Not helping, Roq. I already told you that we can’t just go about and break their skulls whenever we please. Things are different when you poke a noble house. And they’ll send someone eventually, I’m sure. They got the gem gram Ivan had left. When he doesn’t show up? They’ll come."

  "Who said anything about helping? I'm talking about SOLVING THE PROBLEM."

  "Why blacksmiths specifically?" Nabeeh asked, reaching for more bread to soak up the chicken grease. "Seems oddly specific for a noble house."

  "Control weapon and armor supply, control power," Knut said simply.

  I nodded.

  "Exactly. In Kingsworth, they own most of the smithies. They dictate prices, quality, who gets what. The Adventuring Guild has its own smiths, but for everyone else..."

  "And with the rifts opening," Eryn added, "Monster materials are becoming the new gold. Whoever controls the production..."

  "Controls the market," Nabeeh finished. "Clever bastards."

  "They're more than clever," I said. "They're dangerous. Their youngest son, Earl Domitius, he’s a level thirty-two adventurer."

  Nabeeh whistled low.

  "That's... problematic."

  “True,” Knut agreed.

  “It’s not impressive. We'll be there in no time! And then we'll crush this Earl like an insect beneath our mighty—"

  "Roq, please. We're trying to have a serious conversation here."

  "I AM being serious! Deadly serious! Which is exactly what this Earl will be when we're done with him! Once you figure out MY BREAKTHROUGH!”

  "What about the Adventuring Guild?" Nabeeh asked. “Will they not help you?”

  “I’m not sure how it works in Azbara, but here in Tharungia the Guild is careful of their neutrality,” Eryn said. “They need the nobles' support for resources, land, and political backing. And the nobles need the Guild to keep the monsters at bay."

  “Useless,” Knut said, draining his mug and refilling it with the little that remained of the keg, without offering anyone else. I didn’t mind.

  Nabeeh considered this, twirling a chicken bone between her fingers.

  "Well, that makes our path forward clear, doesn't it? We need to become powerful enough that they can’t mess with us.”

  “We?” Eryn asked.

  “We,” Nabeeh said. "Power is the only true currency in this world. Gold, titles, land—they're just symbols. Real power is what you can do to survive, and what you can do to others to…unsurvive them. And I’ve thrown in with you. No point being a fair weather party, would it?”

  "Speaking from experience?" I asked.

  Something flickered across Nabeeh's face—pain, perhaps, or anger—before her usual confident smile returned.

  "Let's just say I've learned a few lessons about power and those who wield it."

  "I like her more and more," Roq commented. "She understands the fundamental truth of existence: might makes right!"

  "Enough politics," Knut declared, raising his mug. "Toast! To new home. New team. One big family."

  We clinked our mugs together, the beer sloshing over the sides, mostly into Knut’s.

  "To becoming strong enough to protect what matters," Eryn added.

  "To making those who cross us regret it," Nabeeh said with a wicked grin.

  "To family,” I finished simply.

  As we ate, the conversation turned to tomorrow's hunt and Nabeeh listened intently.

  "The Ironclad Ravine is our best bet, slaying Shardfangs," I said, wiping grease from my chin. “Good place to work on our party tactics while earning money.”

  "Pack tactics?" Nabeeh asked.

  "Basic ones," Eryn confirmed. "They'll try to flank you, but they're not particularly smart. Their main advantage is their armor, claws, and those teeth of theirs."

  "Bite through steel," Knut added. "Smash rock puppy weak spots. Neck. Underbelly."

  "Or just hit them hard enough that the armor doesn't matter," I said with a grin.

  "NOW you're talking!" Roq exclaimed. "None of this strategic nonsense. Just pure, glorious VIOLENCE!"

  "What about those Crystal Strikers?" Nabeeh suggested. "I've heard they're worth more, and I talked with the staff maker. If I can get her the right materials, and a dune’s worth of gold, she’ll make me a significant upgrade.”

  “The Echoing Chasm is too dangerous for now," I said. "At least until Eryn gets her class."

  Eryn's expression tightened slightly.

  "I can handle myself."

  "I know you can," I assured her quickly. "But we need you at full strength. You remember what we saw there.”

  "Crystalin dangerous," Knut agreed. "Smart. Work together. Bad first hunt as team."

  Nabeeh nodded reluctantly.

  "Fair enough. Shardfangs it is, but I would like to visit there as soon as we can. As a four-man-and-woman team, it shouldn’t be too dangerous."

  "Agree with that wholeheartedly. First we need some coins to set this place up," I continued, "Then we need to focus on getting Eryn her class gem."

  “Furniture," Nabeeh agreed. “I need my beauty sleep, and wood is far less comfortable than sand.”

  “Can sleep anywhere," the northerner shrugged. "But bed nice."

  “And speaking of sleeping," Nabeeh said with a mischievous grin, "I couldn't help but notice there are four bedrooms and four of us, yet somehow I suspect we'll only be using three most nights."

  Eryn's cheeks flushed pink and she let out a small squeal, then slapped Nabeeh’s leg.

  I cleared my throat and tapped my finger on the hard wooden floor.

  “Not that it’s any of your business, but you are incorrect. We are courting, and we’re both adamant about doing it properly,” I said.

  "Just making an observation," Nabeeh said innocently. "Though I do wonder what the Guild will say about a scavenger living here. You heard Madeleine.”

  "The Guild can mind its own business," I said firmly.

  "Oh, the SCANDAL!" Roq mocked. “Let’s SMASH anyone who dares comment on it!"

  “I thought you didn’t like all the smoochy smoochy?”

  “I just want to kill a few humans.”

  “Why?”

  “Maybe a human kill is what I need to break through.”

  I sighed.

  "Nabeeh jealous," Knut said, his expression deadpan. "No one to keep her warm. We find you a hot blooded man if you want. We are family now, yes? Look out for each other."

  Nabeeh threw a chicken bone at him, which he caught effortlessly and crushed between two fingers.

  "I'll have you know I prefer my bed unoccupied, thank you very much. Fewer complications that way."

  "Speaking of complications," Eryn said, clearly eager to change the subject, "What's the plan to… upgrade your hammer?”

  That was the code for leveling Roq.

  “Any ideas yet?" Eryn asked.

  I shook my head.

  "Edwin's been avoiding me since we returned. I'm not sure if it’s just because he’s so busy riftside or if something’s wrong, but I’m going to have to address it sooner rather than later.”

  "Or he's HIDING it from us," Roq insisted. "Keeping us weak while he plots and schemes to take me from your cold, dead hands! We should strike first!”

  “What upgrade are you going for?" Nabeeh asked. “Something that needs a particular type of monster carcass?"

  "Or ritual," Knut added. "Blood sacrifice. Moon phase. Magic words."

  "That's... actually not a bad thought," I admitted. “Pa made this hammer without a guide. Mostly luck. There could be special requirements we don't know about."

  "A blood sacrifice sounds promising," Roq said eagerly. "Whose blood shall we spill first? I vote for Benedict. Yes, let's sacrifice HIM! I don’t care if it’ll give me a hammer freeze. I DEMAND ice mage blood!”

  "We're not sacrificing anyone, Roq. At least not unless it’s completely necessary. Killing people has different implications than killing monsters. Stop wishing for human death."

  “That’s not acceptable. I refuse to be stuck at level nine forever. Also, why don’t you have a problem killing my kind, huh? You are a racist! No, a speciesist…or something. No idea if that’s even a thing?”

  A knock at the door interrupted our discussion. Knut was on his feet instantly, his mace appearing in hand.

  "Who?" he called.

  "It's us," came Ma's voice. “We've brought gifts!"

  I opened the door to find Pa and Ma, their arms laden with bundles.

  "Thought you might need these," Ma said, bustling past me with a stack of blankets and pillows. "Can't have you sleeping on bare floors!”

  Pa followed more slowly, limping slightly, carrying something large wrapped in an oiled cloth. The distinctive shape made my blacksmith's instincts tingle with curiosity. Whatever was under that wrapping had the unmistakable silhouette of armor.

  “Thank you, Ma!” Eryn said, accepting the bundles, and handing part to Nabeeh.

  The mage bowed from the waist.

  “May shade always find you,” she said. “Umm, Ma.”

  Ma and Pa shared a glance, before laughing.

  “From your tone, that’s not an insult. But I’d rather fancy a bit more sun myself,” Pa said. “We’re always cramped up in that shop of ours. We should go out more often, and now we have a good reason. To visit the kids.”

  “In the desert, it is a most valuable commodity,” Nabeeh said, “As are genuine presents such as these. Thank you.”

  “Oh, stop it,” Ma said, waving the comment away. “We can’t have our son’s adventuring party sleeping on the bare floor now, can we? It’ll be bad for your health!”

  “And speaking of health, I’ve got something for you, Knut," Pa said, his voice gruff. “I’ve been setting aside part of the carcasses you’ve been bringing, and with the Titanfang pieces you brought? Well…”

  Knut's eyebrows rose as Pa set the bundle down in the center of our bare floor, and unwrapped the oiled cloth to reveal a gleaming set of plate armor.

  I grinned at the craftsmanship.

  The metal had a distinctive gray-blue sheen, but the most amazing part was the chest piece, clearly made from Titanfang materials.

  “Deserters balls in a rotting sack,” Knut said, and Eryn slapped his arm as I knelt beside the armor, running my fingers over the joins. Pa had worked the plates to perfection. They were thick enough for protection at vital areas, thinner at flex points for mobility. The rivets were countersunk and polished smooth, and the edges were beveled to deflect blows rather than catch them.

  "It is a fairly decent armor," I said, pointing out how we'd integrated the monster's natural armor plates into the design. "We worked to preserve the strength of the Titanfang plates while giving you a full range of motion.”

  “Worked together?” Knut asked.

  I nodded. “Took most of the last two days, but after you took the hit for me in the dungeon we figured it’d be in our best interest to make you even better equipped to take more hits for me in the future.” I grinned and winked at the northerner.

  “At least you managed to follow instructions for once and get the finish on the armor just right.”

  "Took every bit of the Titanfang Ash managed to get from Edwin," Pa admitted. "Worth it though."

  Knut circled the armor, his expression unreadable.

  "Too fancy," he said, but his hands twitched toward the armor. “I fight dirty. Not look like knight."

  "You'll look like whatever the hell you want," Pa replied. "But you'll look alive, which is the point. That's the real gift here. The quality. Could've made standard plate, kept more material for other projects. But you deserve the best. Because you are protecting my son, and my future daughter-in-law.”

  "Oh my," Nabeeh said as she too circled the armor, eyes wide. "Our tank is getting an upgrade. You'll be positively resplendent, Knut."

  “Don’t know word," Knut grumbled. "Means 'hard to kill'?”

  "It means you'll look pretty like a noble," Eryn teased.

  Knut made a face of such exaggerated disgust that we all burst out laughing.

  "Try it on," Pa urged. "Want to make sure the fit is right before your hunt tomorrow.”

  As Knut began strapping on the armor with Pa's help, I noticed Ma had pulled Eryn aside near the kitchen area. They spoke in hushed tones, but with my enhanced hearing, I caught enough to piece it together.

  "You'll take care of him, won't you?" Ma asked softly, her hands clasping Eryn's. "He charges ahead without thinking sometimes."

  Eryn squeezed Ma's hands.

  "With everything I have," she promised. "He's stubborn and reckless, but he's mine to protect now, too. I won't let anything happen or I’ll die alongside him.”

  “Watch out for Roq’s influence," Ma whispered. "You're already family to us, you know that."

  "I know," Eryn replied. "And I couldn't be more grateful for how you have welcomed me.”

  I turned away, pretending I hadn't heard, a warmth spreading through my chest that had nothing to do with the fire. Sure, I’d known how she felt, but hearing it in this way was something else indeed.

  "Oh PLEASE," Roq complained. "All this SENTIMENT is making me nauseous. Though I must admit, that armor IS impressive. Your father knows his craft, sure, but without our help…or rather, without ME, the set of armor wouldn’t have turned out that well. I can promise you that, but you know, I wonder what he could make for YOU with the right materials?"

  “Have you checked the stats, Knut?” I asked.

  Pa’s grin showed nearly every single one of his pearly whites. “Go on, big guy. Pick it up.”

  Knut shrugged, pretending disinterest.

  “Too fancy for me. You take. Look like pretty boy.”

  I rolled my eyes and swiped it into my spatial storage, bringing up the statistics and marvelling at them again.

  Name: Titanic Plate

  Type: Chest

  Rarity: Rare

  +5 Vitality

  +2 Strength

  “By the First Forge and Final Flame!” I said, acting as if I hadn’t seen them in the smithy.

  Pa chuckled.

  “Yup!”

  I swiped the armor out and handed it to Knut.

  “Stop being a child, and look. It’s worth it.”

  Knut accepted the armor and his eyebrows rose.

  “By mercenary’s purse!” He turned to Pa. “Rare!”

  Pa inspected his soot-stained nails and shrugged.

  “Steel and scale, you know.”

  Knut pulled Pa into a bear hug, lifting the huge man off his feet and twirling him around.

  “Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I protect golden bird!”

  After Knut finally put Pa back down and we all finished laughing, Ma fussed around the house for a while longer, making dire predictions about our ability to keep the place clean and promising to bring proper cookware tomorrow. When they finally left, the house felt warmer somehow, more like a home.

  "Your parents are good people," Nabeeh said softly, running her fingers over one of the blankets Ma had brought.

  "The best," I agreed. “You’ll see in due time. I promise.”

  Knut stood in the center of the room, now wearing his new armor, moving his arms experimentally to test the range of motion. The firelight caught on the metal, sending blue-gray reflections dancing across the walls.

  "Perfect," he declared. “Will tank many hits and absorb many glowcap explosions for science. And to honor Pa’s work."

  "That's all he asks," I said, clapping him on the shoulder. So what if Roq had been instrumental in the forging. Pa was still the smith and the director, and deserved the praise.

  We spent the next hour arranging our sleeping areas with the blankets and pillows Ma had brought, the conversation flowing easily between us. Plans for tomorrow's hunt, ideas for furniture we'd need to buy, debates about the best ways to decorate our new home.

  It felt exciting, reaching a new stage in life. Not only was I a classed adventurer, but I had my own room for the first time in my life. One away from home and together with a party of adventurers under my care. It just felt…awesome.

  As the fire burned down to embers, Knut yawned, stretching his massive arms above his head.

  "Sleep now. Hunt tomorrow." He eyed me with amusement. "Maybe put hammer under pillow? Soak wisdom?”

  "Don't even joke about that," I muttered, but I smiled.

  "Actually, that's not a bad idea," Roq mused. "I could whisper strategies while you sleep. Or perhaps just remind you of all the glorious violence awaiting us tomorrow. Sweet dreams, indeed!"

  Nabeeh and Knut retreated to their rooms first, leaving me standing by the stairs with Eryn in my arms.

  “I love you,” she said, smiling.

  “I know,” I said, leaning down to kiss her. “I love you too.”

  Eventually we separated and she went to her room, giving me a wave and a smile across her shoulder.

  I paused at the stairs, looking down on our empty main room, already imagining how it would look filled with furniture, with new memories, and with life.

  Tomorrow would be our first hunt as a proper team. The beginning of something new—and hopefully, something great.