Morning light filtered through the thin curtains of the inn room, casting warm slivers across the wooden floorboards. Yoshiya stretched slowly, the remnants of sleep still tugging at his eyelids, while Omina was already sitting at the small table, poking at her breakfast. The inn smelled of fresh bread and roasted meat, a comforting scent they had grown used to during their previous stay.
Before leaving, they handed the innkeeper **2 silver 50 copper each** for the night, covering lodging and meals. Omina grumbled slightly about the cost but pocketed the change quickly. "Better to pay and eat well than starve halfway to the mines," she said, nudging a slice of bread toward Yoshiya.
Once their stomachs were full, they set out toward the **Reflynne guild outpost**. Today was not just another job—it was a proper test for their new rank as **2-Star adventurers**. Their first official task was a mining-related quest: clearing out **earth moles**, small but aggressive burrowing monsters that had been wreaking havoc on local miners.
At the outpost, the clerk handed them the quest package. It included rations, sturdy pickaxes, and basic protective gear, costing them **50 copper**. "These creatures have been destroying carts and blocking tunnels. Take care, and report back once completed," the clerk instructed. Yoshiya nodded, taking the papers with care, while Omina adjusted the strap of her short sword and tested its weight in her hand.
The path to the mining site was forested and uneven, dotted with small streams and rolling hills. As they walked, Omina took out her **skill book** and practiced the motions for **Aura Blade**, carefully swinging her sword in precise arcs. A faint shimmer of mana appeared along the blade, flickering inconsistently as her limited energy could not sustain it for long.
"You'll need a mana stone to maintain this," Yoshiya remarked. "Your aura fades too quickly otherwise. The miners' tunnels will demand sustained energy if you want to make a difference."
Omina frowned, gripping the hilt. "I can manage, but yes… having the stone will help. I'll remember that."
By midday, they reached the mining site. Miners scurried about nervously, trying to protect their carts and equipment from the burrowing pests. The **earth moles** emerged from tunnels with surprising speed, their rodent-like bodies darting through the loose soil, long claws glinting. They dug under carts, swiped at supplies, and even threw small rocks at the adventurers.
Yoshiya immediately positioned himself between the miners and the creatures, casting protective wards to shield the workers. "Stay back!" he instructed firmly. Miners complied, grateful for his presence, while Omina advanced. She moved with purpose, focusing on her sword swings and testing **Aura Blade**, which flared briefly along the edge of her weapon. Though her aura shimmered and faded quickly, she managed to strike the creatures effectively.
After clearing a few waves of earth moles, they stumbled upon a **large stone beetle** deep in the tunnels—the same one they had encountered months earlier. Its massive back glistened with embedded **blue stone**, a crystal capable of storing mana.
"Careful," Yoshiya cautioned. "We need that stone intact. It's not for immediate use—you'll need Bren to embed it in your sword later."
Omina nodded, eyeing the crystal. "So tonight, we'll take it to Bren?"
"Exactly. For now, just subdue the beetle and make sure no harm comes to the stone," Yoshiya said. Together, they carefully struck at the beetle, staggering it without causing unnecessary damage. The earth moles, seeing the two adventurers focused, began retreating into smaller tunnels.
Yoshiya kept most of his attention on **protecting the miners**, guiding them away from the tunnels as they panicked and fled. Omina, focused entirely on offense, ran directly into the middle of the monsters, striking with Aura Blade whenever she could. Her independent style made the battle chaotic but effective, as the enemies were eliminated swiftly under her aggressive strikes.
Once all the earth moles were cleared, the miners, now safe and grateful, handed Yoshiya and Omina **proof of completion**. The two adventurers returned to the guild to submit it to Akira, who promptly recorded their success. "Here's your reward," she said, handing over **4 silver**.
With the quest officially complete, they set out to return to **Bren in Orleaf**. They presented the blue stone to the blacksmith, who inspected it carefully.
"This is a fine piece," Bren said, holding the stone up to the light. "It'll stabilize the Aura Blade. But I can't embed it until evening; the process requires careful mana alignment."
Omina's eyes sparkled with anticipation. "Then we wait?"
"Yes. We can prepare some maintenance on your sword while waiting," Bren suggested. "Sharpening, balance, and minor repairs. Once the stone is embedded, your Aura Blade will maintain a steady glow, allowing longer, controlled strikes."
The afternoon passed with small adjustments to their equipment. Omina practiced slashing motions without the aura, Yoshiya tested the limits of his healing spells and shield positioning, and both discussed combat coordination. By evening, Bren began the delicate process of embedding the blue stone into Omina's sword. Light glimmered along the short sword as the crystal merged with its hilt, stabilizing the mana flow.
Once complete, Omina tested a few swings. The **Aura Blade** now glowed steadily, no longer flickering with her limited mana. She smiled, feeling the additional power coursing through her strikes. "This… feels right," she said. "I can finally maintain the skill for longer without worrying about energy."
Yoshiya nodded approvingly. "Now you can truly test your Guard Break in combination. And I'll continue to refine my support and healing techniques alongside you."
They sat quietly outside the smithy as the sun set, the distant mountains casting long shadows across the city. The day had been a test of strategy, skill, and endurance—a proper introduction to the responsibilities of a 2-Star adventurer. Both felt the weight of their new rank, but also a renewed sense of purpose.
Tomorrow would bring new quests, new challenges, and more opportunities to strengthen their abilities. But for tonight, the blue stone's glow reflected in Omina's eyes, a promise of the growth and mastery yet to come.