The cart creaked and groaned as it moved slowly through one of the grand entrances of Orario. It carried four passengers: two werewolves, a human, and a young, sleeping adventurer, now retired from the chaotic life he once led. The boy, with skin as pale as snow, had a head of silver-grey hair that shimmered under the light. A pair of rounded copper goggles dangled loosely around his neck, the right lens shattered slightly down the center. These goggles obscured the top of a jagged, wide scar that ran from his abdomen, snaking its way up his torso to vanish beneath his collarbone. He wore a black long-sleeve shirt and a elderly white plain deer hunters jacket with grey cargo pants.

His wrist was adorned with a few metal and leather bracelets, one of which was decorated with six magic stones and twelve white fangs. His hands bore a few scars. Perched on his shoulder was Alcatraz, a small blue bird with feathers of deep sapphire blue, its feathers flickering as if made of fire. Feathers were hard to distinguish between flame or regular feathers from a distance. Its delicate wings, resembling the finest silk in texture, draped gracefully against Ethen's shoulder as the bird slept peacefully, its tiny chest rising and falling in a gentle rhythm. On his lap rested a spirit named Alma, blueish-white orb, emitting a faint mist. Across his body lay a sword, a companion as striking as it was mysterious.

The sheath, seemingly crafted from high-quality white leather, emitted a soft, matte glow in the dim light, with a faint silver line tracing its length, highlighting its elegant, slightly curved form. This weapon was not merely functional but a masterpiece of craftsmanship.

From a distance, the handle of the sword revealed a smooth, polished sheen. Made from what seemed to be white wood or ivory, it gleamed subtly, wrapped in white leather strips that promised a firm yet refined grip. The pommel, a simple round shape, reflected the light with a gentle shimmer, accented by a small, glinting gemstone at its center. The guard stood straight and firm, its slightly flared ends catching the eye with their polished white-metal finish. Its minimalist design added to the sword's elegant silhouette, making it clear that this was a weapon of great significance.

As the cart came to a halt, the human passenger, whose eyes had been fixated on the elegant sword, moved closer. His intention was clear: to claim the beautiful weapon for himself. He reached out tentatively, his hand trembling with anticipation. But before he could grasp it, the young boy's eyes snapped open.

The boy's piercing blue eyes sent a chill down the would-be thief's spine. The serene atmosphere around the sword was shattered by the boy's intense gaze. The boy's face remained blank, devoid of emotion, yet the fear he instilled in the human was undeniable. Frozen in place, the thief could only stare, his ambition quashed by the silent threat in those unyielding blue eyes.

The boy stood up, grabbed his bag and hid his sword with cloth, and walked to the exit of the cart, jumped off and walked away.

Ethen wandered through the labyrinthine streets of Orario, a city that ceased to amaze him. The bustling crowds, the lively markets, and the vibrant atmosphere were a stark contrast to the serene isolation he had once known. The sheer scale and energy of the city felt overwhelming, yet exhilarating. "Where should we go, Ethen?" the orb asked, its voice echoing softly as it climbed into his bag, leaving a trail of mist in its wake.

Ethen glanced around, his blue eyes taking in the sights and sounds of Orario. "We should find an inn for now, and then look for a job," he replied, his voice carrying a tone of weariness that belied his true energy. Orario was famous for its massive pillar-dungeon at its center, a magnet for adventurers from across the land, all eager to test their skills and uncover its secrets. But for Ethen, who had survived one of the Four Great Quests and battled the Blue-Eyed White Phoenix with his now deceased familia, the idea of diving back into danger held little appeal. All he wanted was a peaceful place to retire, far from the chaos of his past.

As they walked, the orb shimmered and pulsed with a gentle light. "You know, Ethen, there's more to Orario than just the dungeon. There are restaurants, shops, and maybe even a few places that offer a quiet corner to rest," it suggested, its tone wise and encouraging.

Ethen nodded thoughtfully. "I hope so. After everything, I just want some peace. No more battles, no more quests. Just a simple life," he said, his voice still sounding tired despite his alert demeanor.

Alcatraz chirped softly, its fiery feathers flickering gently. The bird seemed to sense Ethen's desire for tranquility, and it nestled closer to his neck, seeking comfort in their shared presence. The warmth of his fiery feather soothed him.

The orb chuckled, its hearty laughter resonating with a richness that seemed to envelop Ethen and Alcatraz, yet remarkably, it went unnoticed by those around them, as if it were merely a whisper on the wind. "Ethen, you've always had the soul of an elder, even when I first found you as a young child," Alma said, his voice carrying a tone of fond reminiscence. "But Orario has a unique way of drawing people into its relentless rhythm and vibrant life. Let's prioritize finding that inn first; we need a place to rest and gather our thoughts. After that, we can consider our next steps."

As they continued down the cobblestone streets, they passed by various shops and stalls, each one offering a unique glimpse into the life of Orario. Street vendors called out to potential customers, while children darted between the legs of adults, laughing and playing. Ethen couldn't help but smile at the normalcy of it all.

They eventually found a modest inn tucked away in a quieter part of the city. The sign above the door read "The Restful Traveler," and the warm light spilling from its windows invited them inside. Ethen pushed open the door and stepped into the cozy interior.

A kindly innkeeper greeted them with a smile that faltered slightly as her eyes met Ethen's. She was momentarily stunned by his striking appearance, his silver-grey hair and piercing blue eyes. A faint blush crept up her cheeks, but she quickly recovered. "Welcome to The Restful Traveler. Looking for a room?"

Ethen nodded. "Yes, please. Just for a few nights while we get our bearings," he said, his voice retaining that tired undertone.

The innkeeper handed him a key, her hand trembling slightly. "Room's upstairs, second door on the left."

Ethen thanked her and headed upstairs, the orb still nestled in his bag. Alcatraz fluttered down to perch on the orb, its fiery feathers casting a soft glow in the dim light. Once inside the room, Ethen set his belongings down and sat on the edge of the bed, exhaling deeply. "This is nice," he murmured, more to himself than to the orb.

The orb hovered nearby, its mist swirling gently. "It's a start, Ethen. And who knows? Maybe this is where your true adventure begins. One that's peaceful and fulfilling," the orb said. Alcatraz chirped in agreement before fluffing its fiery feathers and settling down on the orb. Ethen lay back on the bed, staring at the ceiling. "I hope you're right, Alma," he said softly, his voice still carrying that familiar, tired sound.

"And perhaps," the orb added with a playful tone, "maybe even start that harem your captain always talked about."

Ethen's face flushed slightly with embarrassment. "Do you have to bring that up?" he mumbled, his voice a mix of mortification and a hint of hidden amusement. "That was just a stupid idea my captain implanted in my head."

"You're not denying the fact that you want it," Alma commented, earning a sideways glance from Ethen.

"There's always hope," Ethen said, more to himself than anyone else.

The Alma laughed heartily. "Oh, Ethen, with you, there's always hope. Rest well, my boy. Tomorrow is a new day, and perhaps it will bring exactly what you seek."

Ethen yawned, and almost in perfect sync, Alcatraz stretched its wings and yawned as well, their shared fatigue a small comfort in the bustling city of Orario. For now, at least, Ethen had found a moment of peace.

"You both get some rest. I'm going to clean my magic items and artifacts," Ethen said.

Alcatraz didn't need to be told twice and instantly went to sleep. "Very well then, goodnight," Alma said, its blueish-white light dimming to a faint glow.

"Goodnight," Ethen replied. He sat down on a chair and took out some magic items and artifacts he had personally crafted back when he still had his falna.

As he meticulously cleaned his magic items and artifacts, memories of his time with the Hades Familia flooded back. The bustling noise whenever he tried to focus on his tasks had always been irritating, but now, those memories brought a smile to his face. The Hades Familia had been a cheerful and fun-loving group. He remembered the celebrations they had after helping a village, the joy when someone achieved great heights or remarkable feats. Despite often being broke, they never asked for anything in return for their help. When villagers offered gifts, Hades would always accept them graciously, she would always say, "It would be rude to decline a gift." In a giddy voice.

Ethen's heart warmed at the thought of those times. Though they were gone, the memories of their camaraderie and the joy they brought to others lived on. As he cleaned his magic items in the quiet room, he felt a sense of contentment, knowing that those cherished moments would always be with him.

Alma's soft glow and Alcatraz's peaceful slumber provided a comforting backdrop as Ethen worked. For now, he had found a quiet reprieve in the bustling city of Orario, and that was enough for now.

.

.

.

.

.

"Are you serious?" Ethen's perpetually tired voice echoed through the shop.

"Yes, sorry, but we aren't hiring," the shop owner replied.

"Fine, fine," Ethen sighed, walking out of the 50th job he had been rejected from.

"This has to be a damn joke," he grumbled, his voice somehow both loud and tired at the same time.

"Don't worry, Ethen, surely you can find something to do," Alma said, trying to be encouraging.

"Yeah, like what?" Ethen asked, exasperated.

As if on cue, Alcatraz's stomach growled loudly, and Alma suddenly had an idea. "Why don't you open a restaurant or a coffee shop?" Alma suggested. "You were the cook for the Hades Familia and you were extremely talented at cooking and making great food."

Alcatraz's beak drooled at the thought of Ethen's cooking. "You did tame Alcatraz with your food," Alma added.

"But with what money? We only have enough for five more nights at the inn we're staying at," Ethen pointed out.

"Welllll," Alma started, and Ethen knew exactly what was coming next. He looked over at the guild that was nearby.

"You're joking, right?" Ethen's tired voice sounded even more exhausted at the thought.

"Ethen, you still have your sword styles, magic items, artifacts, and skills that don't need a falna from a god. You're basically a high-level 2 or higher. Besides, you have me, a spirit, and Alcatraz, a mythical creature. you made a contract with the both of us. And don't forget, you have my spirit blood in you," Alma insisted. "A few quests could give us the funds we need to start your own place."

Ethen shook his head. "Alma, I left that life behind. I want peace, not more battles and danger."

"Think about it, Ethen," Alma pressed on. "This could be your chance to finally settle down, to create something lasting and peaceful. Just a few quests and we'll have the money. And remember, your cooking is legendary. People would flock to your place."

Alcatraz chirped in agreement, flapping its fiery feathers excitedly.

Ethen sighed deeply, his shoulders slumping. "I just… I don't want to risk everything again. What if we fail?"

"We won't," Alma said confidently. "With your skills, my wisdom and power, and Alcatraz's magic and charm, we can do this. Trust me, Ethen. This could be our fresh start."

Ethen groaned, rubbing his temples. "Fine, but this better work, or we're all going to be out on the streets."

With that, Ethen trudged toward the guild, even though he wasn't happy about it. Ethen could only hope this plan would be the break they needed.

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Author notes

Ah yes, a young retired adventurer who seeks nothing more than peace and quiet after being the sole survivor of his familia, really who doesn't want that?

But adventure somehow always finds a way to people.

Anyways :)

check out my other story's

The chapter won't be set to be every week but I'll try to keep a constant updates on the stories.