After disappearing from the guild, Zaren reappeared in a flash near a small, run-down shop. The sign read "Brannor's Blades & Armor." The shop was plain and poor; few people came by, but inside the swords, daggers, and armor were sharp and uniquely designed for this fantasy world.
Zaren stepped inside with a sudden flash. The old shop owner, Brannor, looked up quickly, startled. Nervously, he said, "Sir, what do you want? We sell swords, daggers, and armor here."
Before Brannor could say more, his son, Corvin—about the same age as Zaren—emerged from behind a counter. In a harsh voice, Corvin shouted, "No! Get out of here, Father! Don't you see? This guy is not from here. He will scam you! Hey, dude, I don't believe in you—get the hell out of here, or I will make you leave this shop!"
Brannor quickly put a hand on Corvin's shoulder and said, "Calm down, son. We should help someone in need, not insult them."
Turning back to Zaren, Brannor asked, "Sir, what do you want?"
Zaren looked at the kind face of Brannor and the worried look on Corvin's face. "Sir, I want a dagger for me," he said quietly, "but I don't have money right now. I promise I will pay you later."
Corvin's anger flared again. "Hey, dude, what are you thinking? Do you want to fight? I'm going to be a hunter too, so be careful!"
He lunged toward Zaren, trying to punch him. Zaren dodged in an instant. Shocked, Corvin fell to the ground and saw a soft blue aura around Zaren.
After a moment, Brannor stepped in once more. "Sir, I am sorry. My son is very angry. Please, forget about this."
Then Zaren said, "Sir, can I talk to your son?"
Corvin slowly got up and stepped forward.
Zaren looked at both of them and said, "I think you are a good person. I feel like we have the same struggles. How about we train together and become stronger?"
Corvin frowned and replied in a low voice, "But why would you train with me? You already seem strong."
Zaren shook his head and said, "Cut it out. I feel the same as you—I know what it is to suffer."
Corvin hesitated and then said, "Alright… We can train together."
Brannor opened a small wooden box and gave Zaren a dagger. Holding it, Zaren thought, I haven't used my system for a long time. Should I call it now?
"Lumis" Zaren whispered.
A calm voice answered in his mind, "Yes, sir. Do you need something?"
Zaren smiled and asked, "What do you think about this dagger? How powerful is it?"
Lumis replied, "Sir, this dagger is low class, but it is very well made."
Brannor and Corvin watched as Zaren spoke quietly to himself, wondering whom he was talking to. After a moment, Zaren smiled and said, "Okay, for now I have to leave." With a quick flash, he vanished from the shop.
Brannor and Corvin stared after him in shock. "Who was that person?" they asked, their voices trembling.
That night, Zaren wandered the streets looking for a place to sleep. He had no money for a hotel room. He asked the Lumis, "Lumis, I don't have any money. What should I do to earn money in this world? And where can I sleep tonight without paying?"
Lumis answered, "Look for a shelter called Hunter's Haven. It is a free inn for hunters in need."
Zaren nodded quietly and continued on his way.
When morning came, Zaren woke and soon reappeared at the shop area. In a burst of energy, he called out, "Corvin, wake up! We have to go train now!"
Half asleep, Corvin rubbed his eyes and mumbled, "Yeah, yeah… So, where are we training?"
Zaren and Corvin left the shop and entered a nearby forest. In the bright morning light, Zaren smiled and said, "Now the training begins."
(Chapter 6 Fin)