When everyone arrived at the guild, Kira and Ronin dropped the goblins' corpses in front of the counter with a dull thud that made several adventurers turn around.
—Here are the goblins that were approaching the kingdom —Ronin announced in a firm voice.
Azumi examined the bodies for a few seconds, then smiled with satisfaction.
—Very well! Here is your reward —she said, extending a small pouch of coins.
—Thank you —Ronin replied, picking it up.
The warrior began to move away from the counter, but Kira stayed behind, stepping closer to Azumi with her chest puffed out in pride.
—I defeated most of these goblins! —she boasted.
—Really? Well done, Kira! —Azumi replied, returning her smile.
Kira practically shone with happiness at the compliment. Meanwhile, Ronin handed the pouch of coins to Jotaro.
—Here. This is yours —he said, with no apparent emotion.
—Thanks. But… don't you think we should split it? You helped us too.
—That's true —Aiko agreed from behind.
Ronin raised a hand to interrupt Jotaro.
—However, I refuse to take that money.
Jotaro frowned.
—Why?
—Because you need it more than I do. I already have enough for a good while.
Jotaro smiled warmly.
—You're very kind, Ronin. When I can, I'll pay you back.
—There's no need to. I'm giving it to you because I want to —Ronin replied, maintaining his serious expression.
—Then at least let me do something for you…
—I already told you I don't want anything in return —Ronin cut him off—. By the way, we should go pick up our armor. That man works fast.
—You're right. I'll call Kira…
—I'll call her —Aiko suddenly intervened.
—Really?
—Yes. I also want to talk to her.
—All right, then you go —Jotaro agreed.
Aiko approached Kira, who was still chatting animatedly with Azumi.
—And then I— —Kira was saying, until Aiko called her.
—Kira, it's time to go!
—Right now?
—Yes!
Kira sighed, but smiled.
—Well, I have to go. Take care, Azumi.
—You too —the receptionist replied.
Kira walked over to Aiko.
—What were you talking about? —Aiko asked.
—About how I defeated those goblins.
—I see —Aiko replied.
—By the way, where are we going now?
—To pick up Ronin's and Jotaro's armor.
—Is it already time?
—Yes, let's go.
—Okay.
The four of them headed toward the craftsman's workshop.
When they arrived, Ronin was the first to enter. The sound of the bell on the door made the craftsman lift his head from his workbench.
—I'm coming! —he shouted from the back.
When he came out and saw them, his face lit up.
—Oh, you're back already!
—Yes —Ronin replied—. Are our armors ready?
—Of course. I just finished them. Wait here.
The craftsman returned to the inner room. While waiting, Jotaro crossed his arms, feeling slightly anxious.
I wonder what my armor will be like… I hope it keeps the style of my clothes. It's my parents' last gift…
The craftsman returned carrying the armors, gleaming under the forge's light.
—Here they are! Aren't they beautiful?
Everyone's mouths fell open when they saw them.
—Oh! —they exclaimed in unison.
Ronin took his armor and put it on in silence, evaluating it with professional precision. Jotaro held his in his hands, completely dazzled. Kira jumped.
—It's amazing! I want one too!
—But when I asked you, you said armor was for weaklings —Jotaro reminded her.
—Yeah, but I changed my mind —she replied with a shrug.
Ronin pulled out two gold coins.
—The usual, right?
But the craftsman shook his head with a warm smile.
—Don't worry. This time, it's free.
Ronin frowned.
—Really? Why?
—It's obvious. I finally see that you've brought friends.
Ronin sighed, annoyed.
—I already told you they're not my friends.
The craftsman laughed.
—I still remember when you stayed outside my shop taking care of a wolf and said it would be—
Suddenly, Ronin covered his mouth with his hand.
—You don't have my permission to tell that story —he said, with a gaze so cold that the craftsman swallowed.
—S-sorry —he stammered.
Ronin removed his hand. The others watched in silence, surprised.
—I'm leaving —was all he said before heading toward the exit.
—Wait! You haven't—! —Jotaro tried to stop him.
But Ronin didn't stop. He walked out without looking back.
Jotaro stood still for a few seconds, then suddenly snapped out of it.
—Wait!
He ran to the door and, as he stepped outside, shouted:
—Thank you for the armor!
—Y-yeah… you're welcome —the craftsman replied, still confused.
Jotaro looked around, but Ronin was nowhere to be seen. It was as if he had vanished.
Meanwhile, Ronin was hidden in the shadow of a nearby inn. He sat there with his head lowered. He made no sound. He only breathed, as if something inside him weighed too heavily.
Finally, he lifted his head. The cold moonlight illuminated his expressionless face.
Without looking at anyone, he stood up and walked toward the forest, leaving the forge, the town… and everyone behind.