CHAPTER 50: CHAPTER 49: UNDER TWIN MOONS

As the meal was over, dusk fell. Two moons appeared in the sky—one silver, the other a pale bluish white. The dark shadows of the forest gradually grew thicker.

Huh. There are two moons in this world.

Kael tilted his head, marveling. He had seen the sky before, but tonight was different—clear, unclouded, and peaceful.

Maybe it’s the first time I’ve looked up and actually noticed.

"Ah... a full stomach and fresh air—pure bliss," Mira sighed, her eyes half-closed.

"I didn’t expect such a feast on a herb-gathering mission," Garrick added, wiping his hands clean on a patch of cloth. "You’re either too generous or trying to fatten us up."

Liora clutched her empty chocolate wrapper, her usual drowsiness replaced by rare focus. "...Sweet. I’ll remember this."

Kael laughed. The rations he had brought with him had caused a stir among the adventurers. They had never seen food like this—easy to eat, unique in taste, and nutritious.

Seris was still sitting a little distance away. Perhaps she was thinking about something.

"Does your slave not eat this type of food?" Darien asked quietly.

"She’s not used to it yet," Kael said in a low voice. "She thinks she doesn’t deserve to enjoy such precious things."

Darien studied Seris but said nothing.

After a full stomach, the next step—rest.

"There’s no danger today, luckily. So we’ll just have to take turns guarding at night," Darien announced. "I’ll take first watch, Garrick second, Mira third. Seris and Mr. Kael should rest. And Liora..." He smirked. "Well, waking her for guard duty is hopeless." It would be wise not to give Liora, who was almost always asleep, the guard duty.

In this world, camping is always a risk. Even a minor herb mission could turn deadly. In this world, night was never truly safe. There were demon beasts, corrupted monsters, and even rogue hunters who wouldn’t hesitate to raid camps.

Darien unsheathed his blade and checked its edge. "Wake up if you hear anything. Or if you smell something wrong. Or if you feel cold all of a sudden."

"Cold?" Kael asked.

"Sudden cold often means something’s nearby," Darien said. "Some monsters draw energy just by being close. It’s a warning sign."

Everyone began pulling blankets from their packs. Mira unrolled a worn blanket and lay down beside Liora. Garrick leaned against a tree with a long breath.

Kael remained seated. He didn’t feel tired.

"You should sleep, Mr. Kael," Darien said.

But Kael shook his head. "I can’t sleep at this time... I usually sleep after midnight."

Darien raised an eyebrow. "Then you’re richer than I thought."

"Huh?"

"Ah," he explained, "People who stay awake past sunset—usually it’s because they can afford candles or oil lamps. Firewood too. But those things don’t come cheap. Most folk sleep early to save resources. Only nobles or upper-class merchants stay up late. It’s a luxury."

Kael paused, stunned. It was such a small thing—yet he’d never considered it. Back on Earth, artificial light was as common as air. No one thought twice about staying up late. But here, the poor slept early because they had no choice.

Darien leaned back. "If you’re staying up, keep me company. Guard duty’s less boring with conversation."

Kael agreed. Maybe I can learn something just by talking.

"Don’t you use sleeping bags?" Kael asked.

"We do," Darien replied. "But they’re heavy. Blankets are easier to fold. Sleeping bags are mostly for cold-weather missions, and we still have to haul them."

At this time, Seris suddenly said, "I think wrapping yourself in woolen hide works better than a blanket. But it’s expensive."

"True," Darien said. "And they smell like wet dog if you don’t dry them properly."

Kael rubbed his hands by the fire, then asked, "What do you do when it rains?"

Garrick groaned immediately. "Pray it doesn’t."

Darien shrugged. "If the wind turns and a storm rolls in, we look for caves. If we can’t find one, we wrap ourselves in oiled canvas sheets and endure it. Doesn’t keep you dry. Just less soaked."

Kael winced. "You mean you sleep... drenched?"

"Sometimes. And when you’re wet, you stay wet. Wet boots. Wet socks. Wet everything. It drains your strength. Makes you cold, miserable. You get sick too, if it goes on."

"We try to keep one pair of dry clothes in our packs, but if your pack gets soaked, then you’ve got nothing."

Kael’s mind was already racing.

Waterproof clothing. Moisture-proof packs. Foldable tents. Thermal layers.

Adventurers needed gear that was light, resistant to water, and quick to dry. A drenched group couldn’t fight monsters well. They’d be cold, heavy, and miserable. Adventurers were willing to suffer, but if someone could ease that suffering, even a little... they’d pay for it.

"Actually," Kael said thoughtfully, "I’ve been thinking of expanding my product selection. That’s part of why I joined this mission—to see what adventurers really need."

Darien’s eyes lit with interest. "Oh? Now that’s a merchant’s mind. If you can ease even a few of these headaches, you’ll be rich."

Then, a sleepy voice murmured from the shadows, "Chocolate..."

Everyone turned.

Liora’s hand was still curled around her empty wrapper.

Darien laughed. "Ignore her. Though honestly, something sweet after a fight? It helps more than you’d think."

Kael grinned. "I’ll keep it in stock."

"You want gear that’s light, sturdy, and easy to carry," he added.

"Exactly," said Darien. "That’s why every adventurer dreams of space storage."

Kael’s ears perked up.

"...What’s space storage?" he asked carefully.

Darien blinked. "A merchant who doesn’t know?"

Kael smiled. "I’m still new to this region."

"Ah," Darien leaned in, lowering his voice. "It’s a special ability. Rare. Like—really rare. Most people can’t do it. But some top-tier mages—Court Mages especially—have it as a magical skill. Others rely on Artifacts. Pocket Dimension Bags. Magical Vaults. Ancient things that let you store gear in another space."

Kael listened quietly.

Darien’s eyes gleamed. "Every adventurer and merchant dreams of owning one. Lightens your load, lets you carry spares. But they are very valuable. I once heard that a noble bought such an Artifact from an auction for 100,000 gold coins."

Kael was surprised. 100,000 gold coins?! —That’s... over a hundred million dollars. This ability of mine might be worth more than I imagined.

It would be safest to keep this system-based ’dimensional storage’ ability of mine a secret.

The wind suddenly stopped.

Darien’s brow furrowed. "Something’s not right..."

He stood up, placing his hand on the hilt of his sword. "Be quiet. Something’s coming."

Kael moved closer to Seris.

"Garrick! Mira! Up now!" Darien hissed. "Mr. Kael, wake Liora—she’s like the dead when she sleeps."

Kael shook Liora’s shoulder. "Liora! Emergency!"

"...chocolate?" she muttered.

"No! The enemy is coming!"

Liora opened her eyes, her face filled with annoyance. "I see, I see... what an awkward time to wake up!"

On the other hand, Mira sniffed and said, "It’s coming from below... I can’t smell it because the wind is against me. Something very clever."

Then—a roar.

A sickening screech tore through the air. Not like any beast Kael had heard before. It was high-pitched, grating, and layered—like metal grinding against bone.

"Damn," said Darien in a serious voice. "This one had to come."

The Red Band drew their weapons.

Seris stepped forward, blocking his body with hers. "Stay behind me."