Chapter 9: A New Opportunity
As Liora and her group of adventurers disappeared through the city gates, heading toward Windfall Village, Reyn couldn't shake the mixture of pride and concern swirling in his chest. He had done everything he could to prepare her, giving her the tools she needed to stay safe. Now, all he could do was wait and hope for her safe return.
Reyn turned back toward his forge, already thinking about his next project, when Allister caught up to him, an eager expression on his face.
"Reyn, I've got an idea I need to run by you," Allister said, breathless with excitement.
"What is it?" Reyn asked, curious about the noble's urgency.
"You know those tools you made for Liora? The enchanted cooking gear, the self-powered lamps, even that game you designed—what was it called, chess?"
"Yeah, it's a strategy game I came up with," Reyn replied, scratching the back of his head. "I've been playing it with some of the adventurers at the guild when I get the chance."
"Well, I think we could take those creations of yours and turn them into something much bigger," Allister said, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "You make amazing stuff, and it's not just adventurers who would want it. Nobles, merchants—they'd love to get their hands on enchanted tools or something like that chess game. I haven't talked to my father yet, but I know he could help. His workers are skilled, and if you let them handle the production side, you could focus on designing even more things."
Reyn blinked in surprise. "Wait, you're saying we could mass-produce my stuff? I thought you were just suggesting selling a few items here and there."
Allister grinned. "That's what I'm saying! I think this could be huge. If we can start small and build up a reputation, my father's business connections could take it even further. We don't need to rush—just a few items at first, like the self-heating pots and wind-enhanced knives. But with time, this could grow."
Reyn stood there, absorbing the idea. The thought of his creations reaching so many people felt both exciting and overwhelming. He had always crafted things for personal use or to help his friends, but now Allister was talking about something much larger—something that could fund his studies, his materials, and maybe even open doors he hadn't considered before.
"I hadn't thought of that," Reyn admitted, a slow grin spreading across his face. "I've been so focused on making things for myself or to help out at home. I didn't even realize there was this much potential."
Allister placed a hand on his shoulder. "That's why I'm here. You focus on making the prototypes and perfecting the designs. I'll talk to my father when we're ready, and we'll see if we can make this happen. He has connections with merchants and craftsmen who could handle the reproduction process. We could even start selling them through his stores."
Reyn considered the offer, but there was one condition he had to make clear. "Allister, this sounds like a great opportunity, but I need to ask one thing. If we do this, my identity has to stay a secret. I don't want people knowing that I'm behind these inventions, at least not for now."
Allister raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised by the request. "Why's that?"
Reyn shrugged, his expression thoughtful. "It's not that I don't trust you or your father, but I'd rather work in the background, for now. I'm still learning, still figuring things out. And with the academy and everything else going on, I don't want too much attention on me."
Allister nodded slowly. "I get it. You don't want to be in the spotlight until you're ready. That's smart. I'll make sure your name stays out of it. As far as anyone will know, the designs are from a craftsman working with my family."
"Exactly," Reyn said, feeling a wave of relief. "Once I'm ready, we can talk about going public, but until then, let's keep it low-key."
Allister grinned. "Deal. You focus on making the prototypes, and I'll handle the rest. Your secret's safe with me."
Reyn felt a weight lift off his shoulders. With the academy fees always looming over him and the constant need for expensive materials, this opportunity could change everything. And it wasn't just about the money—it was about the freedom to focus on what he loved without the constant worry of scraping together enough coins for his next project.
"I'll get started on the prototypes for the cooking tools, lamps, and chess sets," Reyn said, his mind already racing with ideas. "I'll make sure everything is perfect before we talk to your father."
"Perfect," Allister said, his grin widening. "We'll take care of the rest. And once word spreads about your creations, I have no doubt you'll be the talk of the city. Maybe even the capital."
Reyn chuckled. "I don't know about that, but it would be nice to make a name for myself outside of just weapons."
"You're underselling yourself, Reyn," Allister said with a wink. "Just wait. We're going to turn this into something incredible."
As they shook hands, sealing the idea for the future, Reyn felt a new sense of excitement brewing inside him. This wasn't just about forging magical weapons anymore. This was about creating something lasting—something that could reach people in ways he hadn't even imagined.
With Allister's help, Reyn's inventions could become a household name in the city. And who knew? Maybe one day his name would be known not just for the legendary swords he crafted, but for the brilliant tools and games that brought people joy and made their lives easier. It was a new chapter in his journey, and Reyn was ready to take it on.
The sun dipped below the horizon, casting an orange glow over the forest as Liora and her group of adventurers made their way deeper into the wilderness. The quest had only just begun, but they'd already encountered a few low-level monsters—mostly wild boars and small goblin-like creatures that weren't much of a threat. Though they were manageable, it was enough to make the group stay alert as they pressed forward. Liora fought well, but the lack of real battle experience was showing, and she knew it would only get tougher from here.
After hours of trekking through the woods and dispatching a few more minor beasts, the group decided to set up camp for the night. The area they found was secure enough, a small clearing by a stream that would provide water and a natural boundary on one side.
As the others started setting up their tents and campfires, Liora found a quiet spot by the edge of the clearing. She reached into her pack and pulled out a sealed letter Reyn had given her before she left. She smiled as she opened it, eager to read what her friend had to say.
"Hey Liora,
I hope the quest is going well so far. I included something special for you—a spatial tent. It might look small from the outside, but inside, you'll find it's got everything you need: a bed, a little kitchen, a bathroom with a shower, and even a table with a chess set. It should make things a lot more comfortable, especially after a long day of fighting monsters. Stay safe out there, and I can't wait to hear all about your adventure when you get back!
Reyn."
Liora blushed slightly, feeling warmth spread through her chest. Reyn had really thought of everything, as always. Glancing at the small, innocuous-looking tent in her bag, she decided to give it a try. She picked a spot away from the others, activated the magic, and watched as the tiny tent unfolded into something much more impressive.
Once inside, her amazement grew. The interior was far more spacious than it seemed on the outside—there was a comfortable bed, a compact but efficient kitchen area, a bathroom with a proper shower, and the chess set neatly arranged on a table, just as Reyn had promised.
She let out a soft laugh, her heart lightened by Reyn's thoughtfulness. However, she remembered his request for secrecy, knowing how much he valued keeping his creations under wraps.
Stepping back outside, Liora saw that her fellow adventurers were curious, particularly the other women in the group. Eira, one of the more experienced adventurers, approached with a raised eyebrow.
"That's some fancy setup you've got there, Liora. Where'd you get it?" Eira asked, clearly impressed.
Liora smiled but kept her expression nonchalant. "It's from a secret source. Let's just say I know someone who specializes in creating these kinds of things. Handy for quests like this, right?"
Eira's curiosity only deepened, but she didn't press the issue. Instead, she asked, "Mind if we take a look inside?"
"Go ahead," Liora said with a grin. "There's more room than you'd think."
Eira and Selene followed her into the tent, their eyes widening in awe as they took in the spacious, well-equipped interior. "This is incredible!" Selene exclaimed. "I've never seen anything like it."
Liora shrugged modestly. "It's useful, especially for longer quests like this one."
While the women settled into the tent, outside, the male adventurers were eyeing it with a mix of curiosity and envy. Bronn, one of the more seasoned adventurers, crossed his arms as he watched the tent from a distance.
"How come they get the fancy magic tent?" Bronn muttered, casting a glance at Darius.
Darius laughed. "I heard it's enchanted. Some secret source gave it to her. Seems she's got connections."
Bronn grumbled under his breath, his jealousy evident, but he couldn't deny the usefulness of such a tent. Still, there was little they could do but watch as the women got comfortable inside.
Liora noticed the men's envious looks and smirked. She leaned over to Eira and Selene. "You know, Reyn also gave me a recipe for something called a cheeseburger. How about we cook some up and share it with the group? It might help ease the tension."
Eira's eyes sparkled with interest. "A cheeseburger? What's that?"
Liora chuckled. "Trust me, you'll love it. And so will they."
With the enchanted cooking tools Reyn had also provided, Liora and the women got to work. It didn't take long for the mouth-watering aroma of sizzling meat and melting cheese to waft through the camp. The men, who had been sitting around their own fire, immediately perked up at the smell.
"What is that?" Bronn asked, his nose twitching. "Smells incredible."
Darius licked his lips. "I don't know, but it's coming from their tent."
A few minutes later, Liora stepped out of the tent, holding a tray of cheeseburgers. She smiled mischievously as she handed them out to the men. "We made extras. Want some?"
Bronn took a bite, his eyes widening in surprise. "This... this is amazing! What did you call this again?"
"A cheeseburger," Liora said, still keeping Reyn's identity hidden. "Just something from my secret source."
The men dug in, quickly forgetting their earlier jealousy as they enjoyed the delicious meal. As the night wore on, the group shared stories, laughter, and a newfound camaraderie, all while Liora kept Reyn's role in the background, just as he had asked.
Later that night, as Liora lay in her bed inside the spatial tent, she couldn't help but think of Reyn again. His creations had not only made the quest more comfortable but had also brought the group closer together. She smiled to herself, knowing that even though Reyn wasn't here, his presence was felt in every thoughtful detail he had crafted. And for now, his secret was safe.