Time to go

A day had gone by, but Levi could've gotten used to that peaceful time.

Staying in the gardens, watching as birds flew around while chirping, using the willow tree as a social hub.

And there was that duck family that elected the pond as their domicile, adding a layer of life to it as there were barely any fish in it.

Levi could've stayed there and lived this easier life.

Why not just wake up, eat good food and read a book in this garden?

Why not? he thought most of the time.

Why couldn't we just stay this way forever? This is an easy life. A little boring, sure, but better than what I had in that other world.

Levi exhaled as he buttoned up his shirt.

"How are you doing Helian?"

"All good, almost done,"

There was tension in both their voices.

Levi was pacing around the room, while Helian was getting changed.

Levi wore new clothes Thunder had prepared for him.

It was like a mage robe, but while it was light it felt sturdy. 

The inner layers were especially rigid, while the outer layers were supple and flowing with the wind.

They were mainly black, with some occasional purple contrast here and there. 

As he looked in the mirror, Levi barely recognized himself. He looked like a mage from a game.

He was also wearing the earrings Joh gave him, but couldn't feel anything from them. Still, he had decided to not take them off, even to sleep. They were too precious.

His reflection wasn't who he was in his world, it felt like inhabiting the body of someone else.

For one, the person he was now was kind of attractive.

"What do you think?"

Helian's voice brought Levi out of his mind palace, he looked at Helian who had finally emerged.

"Pretty good, actually," said Levi nodding and holding his chin.

Helian wore a nice bronze-colored leather armor. It had hard leather around the most important parts, but left most joints free of it, allowing flowing movement.

It didn't look heavy, rather it looked pretty light. Under it were normal beige clothes that resembled what he used to wear but of a much better quality.

This time Lydia and her horde of maids hadn't barged in to help them with their clothes, trusting they could do this much. 

Furthermore, from this day on, they would have to take care of themselves, no more prepared meals or nice comfortable rooms.

Levi had no idea what to expect.

They exited the room and headed downstairs for breakfast. Along with breakfast, Levi saw Joh's carriage arrive early in the morning.

Levi and Helian entered the dining room, and for the second time everyone was there. Some were eating, while others were already done and resting their head on the table.

Everyone (besides Grant) greeted them as they entered. Joh boasted a big smile as he saw Levi enter with the earrings.

"Well, this couldn't make me happier. Hopefully your adventure lasts longer than theirs."

"It will, I'm coming back Joh," said Levi.

"Alright, I have gifts! Syllia, these are for you."

Joh opened a box that was in front of him, on the table. He turned it toward Syllia who was next to him.

Inside them was a pair of white gloves with some contrasting designs sewed in with golden strings. On the back very thin metal circles holding a precious blue stone.

"Those are for you..."

"You shouldn't have! those look amazing!"

"I haven't made the gloves myself, but I've turned them into this. Its potency is the same as an A-grade staff."

"That's amazing, you'll be able to use them most of the adventure," said Thunder.

"They'll make a good difference?"

"Try them," he simply said.

Syllia took the gloves and put them on. She raised her arms and concentrated.

"[Conjure Water]"

Syllia's ball of water was a meter and a half wide, the surface of it agitated and waving around as if anticipating to be thrown somewhere.

Waving her hands around, she easily commanded it to move around, and its movements were fast and sharp despite the size of the ball.

"That's amazing, never looked like this before, and it feels much easier too," she said with a bright smile, as she kept playing with the water.

While she kept playing with it, Joh turned toward Levi and Helian.

"Here, for you Helian," he said as slid on the table a sheathed dagger.

"For me?"

Helian had a puzzled look, frowning as he carefully leaned over to take the dagger.

"I figured a smaller weapon would maybe work for you."

Unsheathing the weapon, its very thin blade reflected light with its very narrow shape.

"Thanks a lot, mister Joh," quietly said Helian.

"As for you, Levi, well there's nothing more. I've thought about it, but there's nothing useful I could really make for you, maybe when you get your first spells we can figure out something like those gloves," said Joh.

"Don't worry about it, those earrings are plenty, I'll make sure to bring much more precious ores to make up for it," replied Levi.

"I'm counting on it!" 

Sylia who was now done playing with water, threw it outside a window, carefully passing it threw a narrow slit.

"And so, does that mean we're finally ready to go?"

"Yes, we're leaving today, I've tied most loose ends," replied Thunder.

"I still have a hard time believing you can come with us, this king isn't so bad after all," said Levi.

"I wouldn't say this much just now, but it did surprise me."

"Meanwhile I'm stuck out here, I'd much rather accompany you guys," said Aya.

"If he let Thunder join us, maybe eventually he'll let you as well," said Levi.

"Unlikely, but worst case I'll have Grant smuggle me in!"

"Don't include me in your stupid plans," said Grant barely audibly, his head still on the table.

"Well, we're accompanying you guys to the tower entrance, we'll use the main one. Thought Levi would appreciate the sight."

"That's perfect, but where's Lydia?"

"Right here."

"Fuck!"

Levi jumped, his arms flailing upward quickly as he moved forward.

"You guys just love sneaking up on me," said Levi.

"I'm ready to leave," she said with a smile.

Levi looked at her carefully, before asking "Is this how you're going?"

Lydia was wearing the same maid outfit she always wore, the only different thing was a backpack she was wearing, which was quite oversized compared to her.

"I'm comfortable wearing this, I've got a few more in this bag," she said as she pointed to her back.

"Alright, time to go then! And whatever happens, let's make sure we meet again in this room!"

Everyone smiled, as they headed for the entrance of the manor where every maid and butler waited to bid them farewell.

When they got outside, despite the gray skies it was nice and hot. 

Helian took one last glance at the willow tree as he embarked in the carriage. Levi did the same. He would miss his gardens.

As they departed, he looked behind one last time, as Exsa and the others bowed as they left.