Shine Bright

On a dirt road passing through the forest, Lumas walks at a comfortable pace enjoying the sights before he returns to the dungeon city. It's been so long since he left those walls that he almost forgot there was a world out here… as this thought crossed his mind a small village appeared slightly off the road, finding this the best chance to get a warm bed tonight he made his way over.

The village was fairly quiet, the houses were mainly built with logs and what seemed to be tar or sap covered in hay and large leaves, only one building stuck out from the rest being made from crude bricks and having a large chimney and a pile of low quality metal piled next to the door, the rhythmic sounds of a hammer beating metal sounded out from within. Each hit had a sort of ring to it that was simply pleasant to Lumas' ears unconsciously; his feet drove him to the house as he brought his hand up to knock the door flung open and he felt something hit his chest.

Taking a step back to look he found a boy no older than himself with a head of white hair and deep ruby eyes

"Sorry"

Leaving only an apology the white haired boy ran off into the village, Lumas felt there was something off about the boy but returned his focus to the blacksmith who was currently staring him down

"What do you want, boy?" Placing his hammer into his belt the large man leaned against the frame of the door

"You're a blacksmith, correct? Never mind don't answer that…" Releasing pent up sigh Lumas continued "I would like to use your forge, I have a few ideas I would like to experiment with before they become obscure"

The blacksmith bellowed "You? You look like you can't even lift a hammer, Go on home boy."

Shaking his head Lumas spoke "Thank you for your time" before turning around and leaving looking for an Inn to stay in. The blacksmith watched him for a bit before returning inside, Lumas only heard a few words before the door closed "Little San, I'm going to bed…"

Ignoring the fact that it was nearly midday l, Lumas made his way to a building which he assumed was an Inn, thanks to the sign that said 'Rose Petal Inn'. The building wasn't in the best of shape but the interior was lavish for a country side village, the metal work being showcased was mesmerizing despite it only being made from iron there was not even a hint of impurities, something even he couldn't accomplish with metal that was already fairly pure, heading to the front desk Lumas was greeted by a cat-kin

"Mornin, 1 nights only 100 Valis , every night after is only 50 Valis"

Reaching for his coin purse Lumas froze… it was gone, it's not like it held much money anyways he never turned in his magic stones nor did he sell any of his work but he swore he had his coin purse earlier…

Turning his gaze outside he saw a head of white hair counting coins next to a stall, turning towards the innkeeper Lumas told him he'd return… Leaving the inn Lumas appeared in front of the boy causing him to jump and the Valis he was holding to spill from his hands

"So a thief huh?" Lumas picked his coin purse up from the ground, seeing the boy unwilling to talk he spoke again

"How'd you do it? I didn't even see your movements…" Lumas narrowed his eyes as he studied the boy, causing him to squirm under the predatory gaze

"I-I-I-I… IM SORRY" Bending at the waist, the boy bowed just as Lumas relaxed the boy darted off to the side in hopes of getting away but just as he felt he was out of arm's reach and in the clear a strong tug of his collar pulled him off his feet

"Where do you think you're going?"

"Uhh… Home? Yeah home my parents are waiting for me if I'm late then I'll be beat" nearly pleading the boy dropped to his knees

"Home? You don't seem so certain… What's your name?... Ever thought of becoming an adventurer?" Normally Lumas wouldn't even look at the kid twice but his movements just then… it wasn't something someone 'normal' would be able to pull off

"Rea- Really?!...The names Bell, Bell Cranel… Mister who hasn't thought of becoming an adventurer diving into the dungeon saving a few damsels in distress… maybe even saving a cute one and being her hero!"

Lumas chuckled as he flicked Bell's forehead causing it to bob back as a red spot began to form. "The dungeon is serious, It's not a place to become a hero… It's a place where you temper your will to continue, your strength, a place where you undergo a change unlike any other…"

Bell nearly had stars in his eyes as he listened "Say mister… are you an adventurer?"

Lumas slowly nodded "Depends on what an adventurer is… If your talking about someone that delves into the unknown of the dungeon then you are correct"

Bell seemed slightly confused but all he wanted to hear was that Lumas truly did go in the dungeon "COOL… Tell me some story's mister, you've got to have a lot like slaying dragons and saving the girl right?... Right?"

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Freya was enjoying a glass of wine as she sat upon her throne, a cold body wrapped in black sprawled out in front of her… as she looked into the distance gazing through the thin sheets blocking the sun from entering the room a violet gleam passed through her eyes. The moment they did a searing pain washed through them, although it was only for an instant Freya saw… A soul so bright… so strong… It was unbelievable a soul that could rival the star in the sky at such a distance… whoever… whatever it was she needed it...