Another soft chimed in the air.
Quest Completed
Reward Unlocked: Map of the Divine Tree
Item Added to Inventory: Mysterious Ancient Map (Location: Backpack)
I felt a faint shimmer behind me—like a soft wind brushing against the flap of my backpack. Curious, I turned and rummaged through the main pocket, pushing aside a couple of noodles, a crumpled sachet of coffee, and my emergency corned beef can.
There, nestled between a pack of wet wipes and my extra socks, was a rolled-up scroll. The parchment was aged and slightly warm to the touch, sealed with a golden vine-like mark that pulsed faintly with light.
I unrolled it halfway, and my eyes widened. It wasn't just a map—it was beautifully illustrated with glowing ink, the terrain shifting slightly as if enchanted. In the centre was a majestic tree, its roots spreading across an entire region like veins, and near the top corner, a marking in another language I didn't recognise... yet.
"Guys", I muttered, "I think I just found something big."
Elvie glanced over from the stall, unimpressed. "What did you do this time, human?"
I grinned. "Just made a noble like me and earned a magical treasure map in the process."
Ella leaned over my shoulder, eyes gleaming. "Oooh, what's that glowing thing? A tree?"
"Yep," I nodded.
Miss Agnes's brows furrowed as soon as her eyes landed on the map in my hands. She leaned forward slightly in the moving carriage, her fingers tracing the glowing ink but not touching the parchment. Her expression darkened.
"Keep that hidden, no matter what," she said in a low, stern voice, glancing out the window as though expecting someone to be listening.
I blinked. "Why?"
She sat back with a tired sigh, folding her arms over her chest. The leather of her gloves creaked softly as she crossed one leg over the other. "Because that is a very important map. Once you want the king's men or high-ranking mage catching a glimpse of."
Ella, seated beside me, leaned forward, her curiosity piqued. "What kind of map is it, Miss Agnes?"
Miss Agnes didn't answer right away. She stared at the rolling fields outside, her voice lowering as the carriage wheels crunched softly over gravel. "That is a map to a Divine Tree. The Tree of Mana. Each of its fruits was among the rarest and highest-grade magical items in existence—pure condensed mana, crystallised into living form. It's said even a single fruit could extend a person's life, awaken dormant magic, or restore lost limbs."
Elvie's eyes narrowed. "Impossible. That tree's been gone for centuries."
Miss Agnes nodded slowly. "It's gone. Legend says the Demon Lord himself cut it down and burnt the stump, fearing its power would be used against him. Since then, the location of the Divine Tree has been lost... until now."
A strange silence filled the carriage, the only sound the rhythmic clatter of hooves on the path.
"Wait," I said, looking at the scroll again. "So... you're telling me this thing in my backpack could literally change the balance of the whole kingdom?"
Miss Agnes gave me a grim look. "Yes. And that's why you must never show it to anyone unless you trust them in your life. You think nobles will let a nobody merchant like you hold on to something this powerful?"
My fingers instinctively curled around the edge of the map, rolling it tighter. A chill crawled down my spine.
Elvie scoffed. "Typical human, stumbling into ancient power with no clue what he's carrying."
I ignored her. Mostly.
"Alright", I muttered. "No one sees it. Got it. Top secret magical tree map. Sounds totally normal."
Ella gave me a gentle smile. "You might have just stumbled into something bigger than selling noodles, Dirk."
"Yeah", I murmured, tucking the scroll deep into a hidden pocket of my backpack, "no kidding."
A few minutes later, we began talking about the lord's mansion and my items.
Miss Agnes smirked, "The lord likes you, Dirk; you're something else. I've never seen Lord Roland so eager to strike a deal before. You had him wrapped around your finger."
Elvie smirked. "It was the food that did it. You should have seen his face, Agnes. He looked like he had just been blessed by the gods."
Igor chuckled from the driver's seat. "A nobleman completely at the mercy of good food... now that's something I can respect."
I shook my head, still amazed. "Honestly, I didn't expect it to go that well. I was worried he'd demand exclusivity on everything."
Miss Agnes nodded. "He still might. But for now, you have the upper hand. Just be careful. Nobles like Lord Roland don't take well to being refused."
Her words lingered in my mind, but I pushed the thoughts aside as the familiar sight of the bustling market came into view.
As soon as we arrived, the people gathered around, eager for news.
"Dirk! How did the meeting go?" one merchant called out.
"Are you expanding your shop? Will we see new items soon?"
Ella, who had been manning the shop in our absence, came running over. "Finally! I was worried sick!"
Elvie rolled her eyes. "We were only gone a few hours."
Ella huffed. "Yeah, but with all the crazy stuff happening around you guys, I wouldn't have been surprised if you got into trouble again!"
I scratched the back of my head, laughing nervously. "Well... there was a little trouble."
Elvie crossed her arms. "More than a little. We got attacked by bandits."
The crowd gasped.
"Bandits? Here?!"
"By the gods, are you all right?"
I raised my hands to calm them. "We're fine, thanks to Elvie, Igor, and Miss Agnes. Though, I... kind of helped, too."
Igor smirked. "'Helped' is an understatement." The boy practically turned into a demon on the battlefield."
I coughed, embarrassed. "Let's not exaggerate."
Miss Agnes chuckled. "He's not wrong, though. You fought like a trained swordsman, Dirk. It was impressive."
Ella looked at me in shock. "Wait—you can fight? Since when?!"
I hesitated. "Uh... apparently, since today?"
Elvie snorted. "He's a natural. Or just really lucky."
The crowd murmured in admiration, but before they could bombard me with more questions, Igor clapped his hands together.
"Enough standing around. We've had a long day. Dirk, why don't we head to my place? I'll cook us dinner. Miss Agnes, care to join?"
Miss Agnes smiled. "I'd love to. It's been a while since I've had a proper meal with friends."
Igor's home was small but comfortable, tucked between his weapon shop and another merchant's stall. Inside, the scent of aged wood and iron filled the air, but there was also a welcoming warmth that made the place feel lived-in.
Igor moved effortlessly around his kitchen, preparing a hearty stew with fresh vegetables and meat. The fire crackled, filling the room with a soothing warmth.
Elvie and Ella set the table, while Miss Agnes and I talked about the upcoming business arrangements.
"You should expect noble visitors soon, Dirk," she warned. "Now that Lord Roland knows about your products, word will spread."
I sighed. "I figured. I just hope they don't try to pressure me into anything."
Miss Agnes smiled knowingly. "They will. But if anyone can handle them, it's you."
"Food's ready!" Igor called, placing a large pot of stew on the table.
We all gathered around, bowls in hand, as the warm aroma filled the air. Ella took a bite and sighed in delight. "Igor, this is amazing!"
Igor grinned. "Glad you like it. Can't have Dirk be the only one making legendary food, now can we?"
Elvie chuckled. "I'll admit, this is pretty damn good."
Miss Agnes took a sip of her soup and smiled warmly. "This reminds me of the kind of meals we used to have back home. It's nice... sharing food like this."
The room fell into a comfortable silence as we ate, enjoying the simple pleasure of a home-cooked meal.
After everything that had happened today—the bandit attack, the noble meeting, the business deals—it felt good to just sit down with friends and enjoy a quiet evening. I leaned back in my chair, feeling content.
"You know," I said, "I think this is the first time in a while that I've really felt... at home."
Elvie and Ella smiled.
Miss Agnes raised her cup. "To new beginnings."
We all clinked our cups together, sealing the moment with a quiet promise—whatever came next, we would face it together.