A knight walked in, his voice calm as he greeted, "Good afternoon, sir. How has your day been?"

Rhothomir smiled and replied, "The day has been peaceful and good, but I know you well, my dear disciple. What brings you here precisely? I doubt it's a casual chat with your master because I'm aware that's not your style. Am I mistaken, Elrand?"

The knight, named Elrand, was not very tall, with golden-yellow hair and a set of striking white teeth. His complexion was fair, save for a scar that ran from his chin to just above his left lip. His eyes were as blue as the ocean itself. He smiled and scratched his head, saying, "You've got me, master. I'm here for an important reason."

Rhothomir returned to his reading, waiting for Elrand to continue. However, he couldn't help but shift his attention when Elrand asked, "You didn't kill Jorah, did you?"

Rhothomir, taken aback, stopped reading but maintained his composure as he responded, "Elrand, you're an astute knight. There's no need to remind you to keep this revelation to yourself, understood?"

Elrand inquired, "You didn't even ask how I found out about this?"

Rhothomir sighed and said, "I taught you everything you know about analyzing situations, assessing battlefields, and understanding the art of war. There's no need for me to ask how you uncovered this."

Elrand added, "I appreciate your teachings. But it's clear from the scene that Jorah was attempting to kill a merchant, although it seems the merchant proved too formidable for him, right?"

Rhothomir sighed again and admitted, "The merchant was innocent. He showed no intention to kill when I arrived after Jorah's death. He was merely defending himself."

Elrand noted, "Accusing yourself was a clever move. A merchant killing a knight would ruin the merchant's career and possibly cost him his life, especially when the knight was a noble, even if that noble was a scoundrel like Jorah."

Rhothomir, understanding his disciple's intentions, said, "I know you, my disciple. You seek something from me, don't you?"

Elrand grinned with a mix of cunning and warmth, saying, "Yes, as a royal guard, it's my duty to bring criminals to justice, even if they turn out to be innocent. That's a task for the judge, not me. So, Captain, if you wish to keep this a secret, I'd like something in return."

Rhothomir chuckled at his disciple's words, but Elrand persisted, "Teach me your forbidden spell, the lightning magic: Ildırım Cəngavərləri."

Rhothomir assumed a serious expression and replied, "Very well. We shall meet in one week."

Elrand smiled, bowed respectfully, and then left the room. The captain couldn't help but admire his disciple's negotiation skills and thought, "I forget that I also taught him how to negotiate. He's a clever lad." Rhothomir resumed his reading of the reports.

At that moment, Erland concealed something in his pocket. Upon entering his private room, he retrieved the hidden object – a small glass capsule resembling those used by researchers and experimenters in spell and recipe creation. Inside, it held the dark dirt that Captain Rhothomir had attempted to destroy. Erland smiled and muttered, "And now, I want to know who did this to you, little buddy."

Meanwhile, at the entrance to Undvik city, Yory and Joe paid a small entry fee. Moments later, a nun hurriedly approached. Joe noticed her, but Avilyn hopped off the cart and called out, "CHRISTANA! OVER HERE!"

The running nun, named Christana, halted and embraced Avilyn warmly. She wore a happy expression as she spoke, "Long time, Avilyn. I missed you so much, dear sister."

Avilyn replied, "I missed you too. How are my sisters and brothers at the Temple of Light?"

Christana answered, "They miss you, and the younger ones often ask about you, wondering when you'll return to us."

Christana was of medium height, with an unblemished face and striking blue eyes. She possessed golden hair that made her resemble a true fantasy maiden. Her attire consisted of typical nun clothing, white with blue accents on the shoulders and back.

Avilyn then introduced the merchants, saying, "Everyone, this is Christana, my dear childhood friend. Christana, meet Joe, Estel, Aldwin, Akibrus, Yory, and Joe."

All present nodded in greeting, except for Yory, who remained in his cart, ready to depart. Christana extended her welcome, saying, "Greetings, dear traders. If you're friends of Avilyn, then you're friends of mine..." She paused when she sensed something unholy emanating from Yory. Her eyes widened, and she observed a dark cloud surrounding him. In an instant, the dark cloud dissipated, and Christana, now composed, continued, "And what was I saying? Ah, yes. I'd like you all to come with me to the Temple of Light for some rest and a checkup, as I sense that some of you may be injured. I also want to express our gratitude for taking care of my sister here."

Avilyn agreed, "Let's go, everyone. Yory, I have something for you as well."

Yory smiled at her and said, "Of course, Avilyn."

After the guards arranged the carts near the OUGA'S inn, the merchants followed Christana. She listened in shock as Avilyn recounted her recent experiences, saying, "Dear sister! Cryptid village was a thugs' hideout, and a royal guard tried to bully you!? Unforgivable. And you're still here to tell the tale!"

Avilyn smiled but maintained a serious tone, "I was on the brink of death, but I had friends who came to my aid when I needed them." The group smiled and nodded, showing their respect for her kind words.

Walking behind the group, Joe broke the silence, "You've been rather quiet today, lad. Anything on your mind?"

Yory replied, "Nothing of great importance, just wondering about those blue lines on that nun's clothing, unlike the others with black lines."

Joe explained, "That's because she's not an ordinary nun. She's a level 4 nun, which is quite impressive given her young age. After some time, she'll become a mother, a high-ranking position within the Temple of Light's order. I know a bit about their practices because my father worked with the Temple of Light for a time, and I picked up some information here and there."

The nun discreetly checked that the other merchants were engrossed in conversation with each other before whispering to Avilyn, "Sister, who is that sickly-looking man at the back?"

Avilyn replied in hushed tones, "His name is Yory, a new merchant. He doesn't look sick; that's just his appearance. Why do you ask, sister? Are you interested in him?"

Christana smiled and clarified, "No, no, it's just that he appears as though he hasn't eaten or slept in many moons. How did your paths cross?"

Avilyn explained, "He was travelling with Joe Gostave, attempting to reach the capital. Luckily, our paths crossed, and he joined us on our journey to Cryptid village. Without him, we might not have seen the daybreak."

Christana nodded in understanding and said, "I'm relieved you're safe and sound. Now..." She paused as they neared the temple and spotted Mother Elora waving for Avilyn.

Avilyn walked over to Mother Elora and embraced her warmly. Mother Elora smiled and greeted her with a kind voice, "Welcome home, Avilyn, my adventurous child."

Avilyn returned the smile and said, "I missed you, Mother Elora, and I have some crazy stories to share with you and the children."

Mother Elora, a beautiful woman of medium height with black hair that showed signs of age with strands of white, was slightly shorter than Christana but equally lovely. She wore white clothes with golden lines signifying her rank in the Temple of Light's order.

In the garden of the Light Temple, nuns tended to Aldwin's injury and Joe's broken rib, which he had sustained in Cryptid village. Meanwhile, Yory resisted any attempts by the nuns to approach him. Christana, with a serious expression, asked, "Why doesn't he want anyone to check on him?"

Avilyn chuckled nervously, "I'm sorry, sister. He doesn't seem to have much fondness for the Temple of Light or its nuns and fathers. Perhaps he's not a religious man."

After leaving Avilyn in the care of the nuns for her examination, Christana approached Mother Elora, who inquired, "Dear Christana, is something troubling you, my child?"

Christana replied, "Do you see that man at the back, the one who looks unwell, with the brown-haired companion?"

Mother Elora nodded, "Yes, I see him. If he's unwell, we must offer our healing."

Christana explained, "He's not actually sick; that's just his appearance. However, I sensed something unusual about him earlier. I suspect he might be a demon."

Mother Elora remained composed, unfazed by the news due to her carefree nature, and whispered, "That's surprising news. Did you notice any signs that led you to this conclusion?"

Christana confirmed, "Yes, I observed a dark cloud emanating from him. But to be certain, I need to investigate further, as he could also be a dark mage."

Mother Elora nodded approvingly and said, "That's wise. We'll ascertain his identity if he enters the temple."

Christana beamed with pride at her clever idea and remarked, "HAHAHA, Mother Elora, do praise me more, for I am your favourite nun and disciple."

After healing Joe and Aldwin, Avilyn gestured toward the temple's grand doors and said, "Let's all enter."

Inside, Mother Elora and Christana patiently waited as the merchants filed into the temple. Aldwin expressed his admiration for the ancient inscriptions and decorations, praising their beauty.

Estel playfully teased Aldwin, saying, "You, Aldwin? A fan of architecture? You surprise me, lad. What's next? Ancient magic user in your free time?"

Aldwin and Akibrus laughed heartily at Estel's comment. Akibrus chimed in, "HAHAHAHA! Did you hear what this lady said? Yory, why are you outside? Come on, men."

Yory, smiling, began walking toward the temple's entrance. Christana and Mother Elora watched him closely.

Suddenly, Yory entered the temple without any issues. Christana was taken aback, her mouth hanging open in surprise. However, Mother Elora remained composed, smiling calmly. Christana, after regaining her composure, said, "I was wrong? How is that even possible that I did something wrong?"

Mother Elora smiled reassuringly and responded, "No one is perfect, dear child. There is a first for everyone."

Yory entered the temple with the rest of the merchants, and Mother Elora kindly gifted them some money and temple charms that emitted light at night. Everyone, except Yory, bowed to Mother Elora; he simply nodded. Then, he and the other merchants left the temple.

Back at the inn, Aldwin hugged Yory and Joe tightly before announcing his departure. Yory wished him well and playfully punched Aldwin's shoulder, saying, "It's goodbye for now, but maybe our paths will cross again, as they did once before."

Aldwin, with a hint of sadness but a half-smile, replied, "I hope that they do. Now it's time for me to move. See you later, you bastards." Aldwin then punched Yory and Joe's shoulders before getting on his cart and departing.

After that, Akibrus waved goodbye to Yory and Joe, humorously declaring, "I hope I never see you again, lads." Yory and Joe laughed as Akibrus waved his hands and left for his village.

Then, Estel and Avilyn bid their farewells to Yory and Joe. Estel mentioned, "This is my hometown, so I hope to see you again, lads. You're quite the entertaining company."

Joe and Yory smiled, nodding at Estel as she left for her house and family. Joe then remarked, "Yory, I have some business to attend to. See you later, comrade."

Finally, Yory and Avilyn remained. Avilyn handed Yory a document, she said, "Here is some valuable information for new merchants like yourself. It will aid your business. Please accept it as a token of our gratitude because, without you, I and the other merchants might not have survived. Thank you for not abandoning us and coming back to assist us."

Yory smiled at Avilyn and remarked, "If we don't help each other, who will? I wish you all the best of luck, Avilyn, and I hope our paths cross again someday."

They exchanged smiles and kind words before parting ways, each heading to their respective destinations.

One hour later, in the bustling market, Yory uncovered his cart and began enthusiastically calling out to attract customers, "My last high-quality fur and meat, everybody, and..."

However, an old woman in the crowd interrupted him, shouting, "You think we're stupid? I saw you enter the city from the western gate, and the only nearby village is Quinn Village, which is very far away. The meat is probably rotten!"

The people and nearby merchants heard the shouting, but Yory proudly proclaimed, "Maybe for the average merchant, but I am a great merchant!" At that moment, Yory uncovered his entire cart, allowing the people and a few merchants to see inside. He continued, "Every merchant has two compartments in their cart: one for their money, which I won't reveal, and one for their products to keep them from spoiling."

As the people and merchants looked inside Yory's cart and saw the frozen meat, an old woman was taken aback, apologizing, "I am very sorry, young man, for being disrespectful. You're a fine merchant, and I'd like to purchase some high-quality fur from you."

Yory smiled warmly and responded, "Don't be shy, my friends. For a distinguished gentleman like you, these prices are quite reasonable."

The crowd began conversing with Yory, some inquiring about prices, others placing orders for meat or fur. The day progressed, and business continued until evening.

The next morning, Joe complimented Yory, saying, "You sold all your products! That's incredible progress for a new merchant. There are only a few demon fruits and vegetables left."

Yory beamed with pride, replying, "Indeed. Now, you mentioned going to the Adventurers Guild for information. What's on your mind?"