Chapter 10: The Honey-Lemon
After Lucen and Diana left the slums behind, the world opened up around them—a bustling town alive with the chatter of merchants and the clink of swords. But as they made their way down the dusty streets, Lucen could feel the eyes of the townsfolk on Diana. She was still clad in tattered rags, her hair a wild mess that framed her bright eyes. To them, she looked like a beggar child trailing after a wandering swordsman.
Lucen sighed inwardly. Not exactly the impression I wanted to make.
He had no money, no way to buy food or even a change of clothes. And while he realized, with some surprise, that he hadn't eaten in two days, his body didn't feel the same gnawing hunger. Maybe it was something in this new world—maybe the flow of life force, or the transformation he'd gone through. But Diana wasn't so lucky. Her small frame shivered every time the wind blew, and her eyes darted hungrily at the smells wafting from the food stalls.
Alright, Lucen thought. Time to put my modern knowledge to the test.
First, he asked Diana what she knew about this world—how martial artists trained, how their power worked. Diana spoke softly, explaining how in Murim, warriors cultivated their life force—qi—by absorbing it into their lower dantian, refining it into strength. Levels of mastery were measured by the "star level," and only those with deep understanding of their martial art could climb higher.
Lucen listened carefully. So that's how they rise here… the pinnacle must be those universal-level masters. He decided not to think too hard about it for now—this world might have its own mysteries, but in the end, it all came down to personal strength.
As they walked, Lucen's sharp eyes caught sight of a lemon tree at the edge of a small courtyard. The branches hung heavy with bright yellow fruit. He turned to Diana, a small smile playing at his lips. "Have you ever eaten those?"
She looked up at him, puzzled. "No… everyone throws them away. They're too sour, you can't eat them."
Lucen laughed softly. Of course… lemons are too sour to eat raw. But in his mind, an idea sparked. Back home, we'd use lemons for lemonade… and that could be a start.
He knew it wasn't exactly the grand martial arts legacy he'd imagined for himself, but survival came first. And Diana needed to eat. It's a bit… cheap for my tastes, he thought wryly. But if it keeps us alive…
He set off to find sugar—only to realize within an hour that sugar was a rare luxury here, far too expensive for a pair of wanderers. But honey… honey was everywhere. A sweet, golden substitute. Lucen's plan clicked into place.
He struck up a deal with a friendly woodcutter who had access to wild beehives. In exchange for helping the woodcutter move and chop timber, Lucen secured jars of honey. Meanwhile, he and Diana worked together to gather the lemons, her small hands darting out to pluck the bright fruits from the branches.
As they worked together, Diana watched Lucen with wide, fascinated eyes. She had never seen anyone so calm, so sure of himself, even in a world she'd always known to be cruel. His hands moved deftly as he mixed the lemons and honey, his brow furrowed in thought. To her, he was like a figure from the stories her mother once told—a hero in black robes with dragon patterns shimmering under the sun.
When Lucen handed her the first cup of the honey-lemon drink, she hesitated, unsure of what to expect. The tangy-sweet aroma tickled her nose, and she took a careful sip. Warmth spread across her tongue, and her eyes widened in wonder. It was bright, sweet, and alive—like drinking the sun itself.
For a moment, she forgot the hunger that had gnawed at her for days. She forgot the ache in her bones from sleeping in cold alleys. All she could see was Lucen, and the gentle way he smiled at her as if she were already family.
By the end of the day, they had the beginnings of a new business: honey lemon water. A bright, refreshing drink that brought a taste of sweetness and relief to the hardworking martial artists of the town.
The town bustled around them—men and women in flowing robes of deep blue and emerald green, their swords clinking softly as they moved with the sure, lethal grace of martial artists. The air was rich with the scent of roasted meats, spiced teas, and freshly baked breads. Even the dust of the streets seemed to shimmer in the late-afternoon light.
The woodcutter who helped them was a broad-shouldered man with rough calluses on his hands, his beard bristled with flecks of sawdust. His laughter was warm, like the crackle of a hearth fire, and he eyed Lucen with a kind of wary respect. Around them, children darted between stalls selling bright silks and carved talismans, their laughter ringing like wind chimes.
As Lucen worked the honey and lemon into a sweet, clear drink, the scent was a melody of summer—sharp citrus mingling with the warm, golden sweetness of honey. When he sold the first cup to a passing swordsman, Diana held her breath, watching the man's eyes widen in surprise. She could see how Lucen's quick mind and gentle confidence turned even the smallest thing into something that shone.
And to Lucen's surprise, it was an instant hit. Within two weeks, the money they earned was enough to buy fresh clothes for Diana, food for the journey ahead, and a little bit of security in a world that thrived on strength and coin.
When it was time to move on, Lucen handed the small honey-lemon business to the woodcutter's family. "Keep it going," he told the man with a faint grin. "Spread it around. The world could use a little more sweetness."
Diana watched him with wide eyes, her hand gripping his as they stepped away from the small stand that had kept them alive. In her gaze, Lucen saw the unspoken words: gratitude, trust, and something deeper.
As they left the town behind, Lucen felt a quiet satisfaction settle in his chest. Just two days, he thought, and already this world has tested me at every turn. But he also felt a thrill—a quiet, eager hunger to see how far he could climb, and how much stronger he could become.
And so, with Diana at his side, Lucen took his first real steps beyond survival—into a world of martial sects, ancient legacies, and the quiet, thrilling promise of power.
End of Chapter 10.