Chapter 16: A New Quest

The wooden sword in Alexander's hand erupted into flames as he reignited it, his movements steady, practiced. I watched, still panting slightly from our spar, as he let the fire dissipate without leaving a single scorch mark. Not even a hint of blackened wood. Enhanced, of course. My hopes of buying time, of playing tactically, dissolved like ash in a gale.

"You knew," I said, more statement than question.

Alexander chuckled, that deep, almost fatherly laugh that somehow managed to annoy me more than my loss. "Naturally. You were planning to distract me with your energy balls, waiting for the sword to break down from the heat. Then you'd aim from behind or above. Textbook strategy against a fire-wielder, but sadly not against me."

I sighed, slumping against one of the massive trees bordering the training ground. "I lost before the fight even started."

He didn't deny it. "You weren't bad, though. For what it's worth, you're clever. Just not clever enough." He picked up the still-pristine sword and examined it absently, his expression softening. "Experience, tactics, raw swordsmanship—these matter more than raw power. I have that in spades."

That faint, sad smile tugged at his lips, and I knew he wasn't boasting. This wasn't ego. This was memory. Pain.

"Do you want to talk about it?" I asked cautiously, careful not to push too hard but knowing I had to ask.

His face froze, his steel-gray eyes shadowing. "You ask too many questions."

I leaned back, unbothered. "I've been told that before. Doesn't change the fact that bottling it up won't help. Come on, old man. Humor me. I saved your kids, didn't I?"

"Tactless as always," he muttered, but the corner of his mouth twitched. He looked at his right hand, gloved as always, and exhaled deeply. "She's gone."

I waited. Silence pressed on us like the falling petals drifting from the surrounding trees. Finally, he continued.

"I only hope the gods offer her better sanctuary than I ever could," he said, his voice hoarse. His head bowed slightly, and the sadness etched into his face made my chest ache.

"I'm sorry, Alexander." I meant it.

"It happened too quickly. One moment she was there, and the next... assassins. A flash of red, blood on my hands, and two crying infants in my arms. My responsibility. Her hope." His voice cracked, and he clenched his fists. "I wish it had been me."

I reached out but stopped short of touching his arm. Words felt useless, but I tried anyway. "You've done right by them. And you didn't fail. Not entirely."

His laugh was bitter. "I almost did. If not for your intervention, I would have." He turned to me, his gaze piercing. "A stranger in the woods provided better protection for my children than their own father."

I grimaced. That stung even me. "Alexander," I said, pulling the used contract from my [Inventory]. "There's more you should know."

He read it in silence, his expression growing darker with every passing second. I explained the events of the previous night—the assassins, the grey cloak, their mistaken belief that I was some kind of guardian for his children.

"They thought I was protecting them, so they wanted me out of the way first."

Alexander's knuckles whitened as he clenched the scroll, his fury palpable. "The UnderWorld," he growled. "They'll come again. They don't stop until the contract is fulfilled or the employer is dead."

"Any merchants you've pissed off lately?" I asked. "This might even connect to... well, her."

His aura spiked suddenly, bloodlust so intense it made my breath hitch. Then it receded just as fast, and he rubbed his temples wearily. "There are a few who might fit the profile. One in particular..."

His voice trailed off as his butler and maids appeared in the distance, waiting for him. He sighed heavily, slipping his gloves back on. "Don't tell anyone about this for now. I need to leave the manor for a week to investigate. During that time..." He hesitated, his jaw tight before he seemed to steel himself. "I ask this not as a lord but as a father. Will you protect my children in my absence?"

His words startled me. "You're serious?"

"I wouldn't ask if I wasn't," he said, his tone sharp but not unkind. "In return, I will grant you anything within my power."

++++

Quest: [Ford's Sentry] [Difficulty: ??? Rank]

Objective: Defend Alexander Ford's Children For 1 Week

Reward:

[1 Limited Wish]

[Alexander's Gratitude]

[Title: Benefactor of Arolden]

[???]

+++

Alexander's request hung in the air, a weight pressing against my thoughts. Protecting his kids wasn't just a matter of guarding them; it was about ensuring I was equipped for what lay ahead. His absence would draw predators, and I needed to be sharper than ever. If I was going to shoulder this responsibility, I'd need more than just resolve. I needed tools. Resources.

I crossed my arms, staring him down. "I'll take the job, but I have conditions."

Alexander raised an eyebrow, silently urging me to continue.

"I want access to whatever library you've got here," I started, watching for his reaction. His lips pressed together, but he didn't interrupt. "I need magical cores—E, EE, and as many EEE ranks as you can muster by tomorrow morning. Anything that exudes a great amount of energy, too. And a good set of armor. Something light but durable. Same goes for the sword—make it a broadsword, balanced, sharp at the edge, solid grip. No excuses."

He considered for a moment, then nodded. "I can have twenty E-rank cores, ten EE, and five EEE ready tonight. More will be delivered to your room by tomorrow. As for the armor, a tailor will be here within the hour to take your measurements. The sword... consider it done."

"And the energy sources?" I pressed.

Alexander smirked, his expression tinged with something that could've been pride. "We use elemental crystals to light the town. Would those suffice?"

"They will," I said firmly. "Get as many as you can. I'll use them to fortify the manor. If the defenses are strong enough, even Iron-ranked threats won't get past."

He studied me, his steel-gray eyes narrowing in thought. "You've planned this well. I'm impressed."

"Consider it an investment," I replied dryly.

He called for his butler, a man who looked like he had served kings in another life. "This is Abraham," Alexander said, motioning to the old man. "He's been at my side longer than I care to admit. He'll ensure your requests are fulfilled."

Abraham gave a respectful nod. "I'll see to it that the miss's requirements are delivered by tomorrow afternoon."

"Good." I looked to Alexander. "Anything else?"

"Do you need to return to the tavern for your belongings?" he asked.

I shook my head. "There's nothing there worth keeping. I'll move in tonight."

He nodded, satisfied. "Abraham will direct you to the guest room after your training. Ring this bell if you need anything. It's enchanted."

He handed me a small, ornate bell, the faint hum of magic emanating from it. I slipped it into my [Inventory] and looked back at him, skeptical.

"You're not going to try and crush my hand again, are you?" I said, eyeing his outstretched palm.

He chuckled. "Not this time."

I shook his hand, his grip firm but restrained. "Thank you," he said, his voice low, almost vulnerable. "Please. Protect them."

I met his gaze, serious. "Not a single hair will be harmed. You have my word."

We parted ways, Alexander heading toward his responsibilities while I made for the training grounds. There was still work to be done. If I wanted to protect those kids—and myself—I needed to refine my skills. [Construct] had potential, but it needed tweaking, and now was the time to push its limits.

The night stretched ahead, promising more battles, even if they were only against my own shortcomings.

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