Ren made his way back to the Blue Pharmacy. He was feeling tired since he had basically walked across two districts twice.
One thing Ren noticed was that he was garnering more attention, and this seemed to be more prevalent as he got closer to the pharmacy.
"Is that the boy?"
"I'm not sure. He might just look similar."
All sorts of whispers entered Ren's ears as he sped up his pace. He didn't want a crowd to start gathering.
Ren noticed that Miach was behind the counter when he arrived at the Blue Pharmacy.
"Welcome to the...Ren?"
"Good day Miach-sama."
"I didn't think you'd be awake this soon. We were gonna check in on you today."
"Thank you for the kindness Miach-sama."
"It's alright. I had noticed that your soul had expanded several times. It's no wonder you were out cold."
"My soul?"
"Your soul now surpasses what we should call a mortal's level. You have reached the realm of the demigods."
Ren couldn't even make out what this meant. What was the difference between a mortal's soul and a demigod's?
"I'll explain this in detail at a later date. Can you tell me what happened?"
Ren went on to tell Miach everything, including the conversation between the two spirits.
"I see. So basically, the spirit of Fulland used your skill as a guide to converse with the remnants of the water spirit. After that, they gave the remainder of their power to you?"
"That's what I think happened."
Miach sighed in frustration. He hadn't thought that Ren could cause such a commotion. Many people had even come to the shop just to ask about him.
"By the way, many Familias have asked about you. Would you be interested in them?"
"Not at the moment."
Ren wasn't willing to join a Familia that wasn't even part of the main plot. In his mind, the party that would witness the fastest growth was definitely Bell's.
"I figured. Have you sorted out everything that you may have missed in your absence?"
"Not yet."
"You really should. I still need to teach you basic combat and dungeon awareness. We also got you light armour. It's not much but it is all we can afford in our current state."
"Thank you very much."
"It's not a problem. Though I do think you should quickly finish up your matters. We've wasted two weeks' worth of time."
"I understand."
"Great, head back for now. I think you should move in here when you're done."
"Yes, Miach-sama."
Ren left the pharmacy with a confused expression. He had just been told to come over here. And now he was being told to head back. Nevertheless, he didn't know what to do. He was worried about drawing more attention to himself.
He decided to head back to the bakery after some thought. He really had nowhere else to go, and he didn't carry any money with him.
Ren completed the trip while ignoring the looks he was getting. He didn't think he could get used to this.
"Hey old man, I'm back."
Ren announced his presence as he entered the bakery. He headed upstairs and found the old man sitting in silence.
"What's going on old man?"
"Sit down here boy, there's something we need to discuss."
Ren was a little nervous. He hadn't seen the old man this serious in a while.
"I've seen your eyes boy. You really want to be an adventurer right?"
"Yes, I feel like this is my one purpose. This is the one reason I came to Orario."
"I see."
The old man sighed, lost in his memories.
"You know, I was once an adventurer."
"Really?"
"Yes. I'm actually from Rakia. I ventured all the way here because I was drawn in by that damned tower.
With my father's blessing and my mother's tears, I set off to become a legend myself."
A short silence descended between them. Ren could tell that the old man was getting emotional.
"What happened then?"
"I eventually got to Orario. Full of hope, I joined a promising-looking Familia. It was fun at first, surrounded by those with the same passion as me.
Eventually, it felt like each victory cost me something. My innocence, my friends, even my son."
"Your son? But-"
"He followed after me, Ren. Just like me, he saught the dungeon with reckless abandon."
"I'm sorry to hear."
The old man sat up and looked at Ren with full seriousness.
"I lost him, Ren. Eventually, my wife left too, unable to bear the grief.
Do you still want to become an adventurer?"
Ren thought for a while. It was surreal hearing about this from someone whose opinion he valued.
Ren looked at the old man once more. He seemed a lot older, a lot more vulnerable, and a lot more withered.
'Is this how I could end up?'
Ren looked at the old man with a little pity. He couldn't imagine how it must feel to lose everything you love.
"I do."
Although Ren found a new respect for the old man, he couldn't give up on his dream.
"I see. Hold on a second."
The old man left the room and returned with a pouch. Ren could hear the clanging of metal as the bag moved.
"Old man-"
"These are some of my savings. Take them, go buy some sturdy equipment. Become someone great. But promise me this: you'll never set foot in here again."
"What do you mean?"
"I'm tired Ren. To this day I still hope my son would magically appear at my doorstep. I can't lose another son. Not like that."
Ren stared at the old man in silence. He didn't know what to say at all.
"Listen boy, you'll discover a lot on this path. Just as there is a lot to find, there is a lot to lose.
I hope that remain triumphant in your journey. Never lose that passion you've shown me today."
Ren looked at the old man solemnly. He knew this was the old man's goodbye to him.
He nodded as he headed to his room and packed up the little he had. As he stepped out, he looked at the old man facing away from him.
"You'll hear about me, old man Noniz. My name will become more renowned than the Sword Princess."
Ren turned and left without any hesitation. He ignored the sobs of the old man.
The old man could only cry, for he knew the dangers that lie in the dungeon.
Who could know when he would hear about Ren again?