The morning sun cast a golden hue over the city
He began changing into his worn leather armor. Lina watched with curious eyes.
"Are you… a soldier?"
"Not quite," he replied. "I'm a gate guard. I work on patrol outside the city walls."
She looked concerned.
"But… there are monsters out there."
He pulled on his boots, fastening the straps.
"I didn't have a choice. I have no magic, no swordsmanship. It was the only job I could get."
and stepped out of their small room. Lina watched him prepare with silent concern, her fingers clutched gently at the hem of her modest dress. She still wasn't sure what role she would play in this new life, but for now, she was simply grateful to have a roof over her head and someone kind by her side.
Then he turned to her with a small smile.
"Rest here. I'll be back after my shift."
She nodded. "Be careful… outside the walls."
He gave a small smile. "I always am."
Outside the city gates, Rayan arrived at the checkpoint and joined the other guards. His job was monotonous yet important—checking the entry and exit of merchant carts, inspecting documents, and ensuring no contraband entered the city. With no magic or sword skills, this was the best he could secure, but he carried it out with quiet dedication.
Time moved slowly under the high sun. Carts creaked past, merchants shouted their prices, and occasional adventurers passed through, bearing crests with pride. Rayan watched them with a mix of respect and longing.
After his shift, he slipped away to the nearby woods. There, hidden under the shade of trees, was a clearing where he trained daily. He drew a dull wooden sword from behind a bush and began his routine.
"I started my training from the book I bought on the street two years ago," he muttered to himself as he swung. "From that day, every slash, every move... still, my Crest hasn't risen a single level."
His swings were slow but deliberate. Sweat poured down his face. He practiced until his arms trembled.
Back at the room, Lina paced nervously. The room was small, with only a few shelves, a table, a couch, and a single bed. She had tried to prepare something for him but found no ingredients in the kitchen.
"I want to cook something," she told him when he returned, carrying a small bundle.
Rayan smiled. "I pick the ingredients from the woods after my shift. From tomorrow, I'll try to bring some in advance."
She tilted her head. "Do you know how to cook?"
"Yeah," he said, starting the fire. "I didn't when I was in the mansion. But after I was kicked out, I took this gate guard job. At first, I ate outside. But it cost more than I earned. So, I started skipping meals… then I began buying cheap stuff—potatoes, sweet potatoes. I steamed them and ate them with salt. Eventually, I learned salads, soups, curries... basic things."
"So you're actually good at cooking?" she smiled.
"Not that good. But I cook to survive, not for taste."
They shared a simple meal of wild herbs and roots. Despite the simplicity, Lina ate quietly, savoring every bite.