章節 2: Chapter 2: I Won't Let Them Down

After Izak came to the painful realization that his perceptions of his mother were distorted by his own delusions, an intense surge of rage erupted within him. This torrent of anger drove him to unleash violent punches upon his surroundings, the sound of his blows reverberating through the room as they collided with walls and floors. Amidst this outpouring of raw emotion, tears streamed down his face, a manifestation of the profound grief he felt in the wake of this revelation.

Throughout his memories, it remained a constant truth that he could never step out of the inn's safety without concealing his face. Deprived of the option to seek aid from others, he was compelled to summon his inner strength and guide his journey back to its rightful course, entirely unaided.

Baffled by the uncertainty of his next steps, he found himself trapped in a whirlwind of confusion and panic. Without a clear path to follow, his mind spun in desperation, realizing that he lacked the guidance needed to rectify the turmoil that had unfolded. In a hushed, self-directed murmur, he lamented, "How can I possibly mend everything?"

Descending the stairs, Izak approached the innkeeper with a hopeful plea, "Excuse me, Miss. Could you kindly advise me on how I might earn a living? Alternatively, if there's any way I could be of assistance here at the inn." The innkeeper, met his inquiry with a regretful tone, expressing, "I regret to inform you that our current staff comprises three servants and two cooks, leaving no immediate openings. However, you might explore opportunities in the vicinity for potential employment."

Having received the innkeeper's response, Izak proceeded to the bustling market, his visage carefully concealed as he took every precaution. He remained vigilant, acutely aware that drawing close to any vigilant guards could potentially expose his concealed identity to probing questions.

After hours of searching, Izak's efforts to secure employment yielded no fruitful results. Yet, driven by the urgent need to sustain himself and carve out a new life, he realized he had to expedite his financial endeavors.

"Hey, kid! I've noticed you've been scouring the market for quite a while. Need a hand with something?" A voice called out from a distance. Turning his attention towards the speaker, Izak took in the appearance of a seasoned adventurer, aged around 40, adorned with formidable gear that hinted at countless quests and trials.

Izak faced the stranger, his demeanor cautious yet curious. With a deep breath, he spoke, his words measured and earnest, "Yes, indeed. I've been searching for work in this area, aiming to earn enough to sustain myself at the inn, at least until I can find a more permanent solution."

"Well, here's an idea for you: how about I take you under my wing and train you in the art of quests, adventuring, and even monster hunting? All of this, of course, in exchange for a fair share of the earnings," the man proposed to Izak with a hint of excitement in his voice.

Izak hesitated, his self-doubt surfacing. "I appreciate the offer, really, but I'm not exactly cut out for adventuring. I don't think I have what it takes to handle those kinds of challenges," he responded, his uncertainty palpable.

"Before you make a final decision, take some time to really consider it. It's not just about whether you have what it takes, but also about what you're willing to do," the man urged, his words carrying a sense of wisdom born from experience. "You've been searching for employment tirelessly, but in this town, earning money isn't always easy. If you do decide to give it a shot, you'll find me at your inn for the next week. Think it over carefully."

With that, the man left Izak to his thoughts, offering a week's window for him to weigh the options and make a choice that would shape his path ahead.

"What path should I choose?" Izak pondered deeply, his thoughts a quiet murmur to himself. Lost in contemplation, he made his way back to the inn, the weight of the offered deal accompanying him.

As he walked, the reasons behind the man's interest in hiring him circled his mind. Despite lacking the skills and brawn for the tasks, Izak couldn't shake the suspicion that he might be intended as some form of bait. However, a glimmer of opportunity also surfaced – a chance for something better, if things played out in his favor.

Returning to the inn, he pushed the door open to a scene of lively activity. The bustling lobby was filled with patrons enjoying their meals, yet Izak avoided their gazes as he quietly slipped back to his room. The cacophony of the inn's atmosphere contrasted with the contemplative silence that enveloped him.

Gazing around his room, Izak's thoughts turned inward. "Mother, why did all of this have to happen? Is it truly so difficult for people to find happiness together?" His words carried a mixture of longing and frustration, directed toward the circumstances that had led him to this point of uncertainty.

With a sigh laden with the weight of his realization, Izak mused, "Perhaps it's a common thread that runs through everyone's lives – the experience of grappling with challenges, whether they're minor or monumental." His words hung in the air as he settled onto his bed, his mind a whirlwind of contemplation. The looming decision about whether to accept the man's offer weighed heavily upon him, representing a fork in his path – a potential turning point that could lead to a brighter future or plunge him into uncertainty. The gravity of this impending choice colored his thoughts as he drifted into introspection.

After hours of contemplation that traversed the depths of his mind, Izak arrived at a resolute conclusion. "I've decided," he declared with a newfound determination. The decision to accept the man's offer and embark on the path of training and adventure was made. However, Izak harbored his own intentions within this arrangement – to ensure a fair and equitable division of rewards. His goal extended beyond mere earnings; he aimed to accumulate enough to eventually move beyond his current circumstances, acknowledging that his tenure at the inn was temporary. With his mind made up, a sense of purpose began to take root, guiding his steps toward a new journey.

"Absolutely, I'll ensure to discuss my terms before agreeing to his proposal," Izak affirmed to himself, a sense of responsibility guiding his decision-making process. However, a more immediate concern demanded his attention – his rumbling stomach. "But for now," he continued, a wry smile forming, "I really must eat something. I haven't had a meal since morning. Establishing a balanced budget is key, and pacing myself throughout the day will help me maximize the value of my money. After all, it's only afternoon, and I intend to make the most of my resources to extend my stay here for as long as possible." With his pragmatic resolve, Izak set about tending to his immediate needs while keeping his broader objectives in sight.

Satisfied with a much-needed meal, Izak returned to his room, his thoughts now focused on the task of budgeting. Seated at a small table, he meticulously crafted a list on a piece of paper, etching out his financial plan with a piece of charcoal. Each item, expense, and potential income source was carefully considered and jotted down, as Izak endeavored to create a roadmap that would enable him to navigate his newfound journey with prudence and foresight. The deliberate strokes of charcoal on paper were a testament to his determination to take control of his circumstances and carve a path to a more secure future.

With a sense of accomplishment, Izak leaned back in his chair, surveying the budget list he had meticulously crafted. "And... Done!" he exclaimed softly, a spark of pride evident in his voice. His budget would serve as a guiding light, ensuring he navigated the town and its surroundings with a clear understanding of his financial resources and limitations.

His determination remained steadfast: to maintain his concealed identity, avoid unnecessary trouble, and safeguard his newfound venture from pitfalls that could jeopardize his safety. The calculated steps he was taking were more than just financial; they were a strategic approach to securing his path forward in a world filled with both opportunity and potential danger.

As the night enveloped the surroundings, the weariness of the day began to settle in on Izak. Letting out a soft yawn, he reflected on the efforts he had invested in creating a solid understanding of his financial situation. Despite the energy expended, he acknowledged that visible progress had been elusive.

A sense of reliance on the upcoming offer from the man he'd met settled in, his decision steadfast and unwavering. "My answer is set," he affirmed, planning to discuss the terms of equal compensation for their endeavors.

Before retiring for the night, Izak tended to his personal hygiene, washing his face and feet, and preparing for a well-deserved rest. As he settled onto his humble bed, comfort and practicality intertwined. The weight of the day's activities gradually faded into slumber, providing respite for a mind on the cusp of change.