Kazuki’s eyes fluttered open as morning light filtered through the thin curtains of his room at the inn. The events of the previous day seemed like a whirlwind—a clash with a monster, a chance meeting with Ryo, and the acquisition of his upgraded katana. Now, with the dawn of a new day, Kazuki was eager to pick up his new weapon and continue exploring Eldoria.

He quietly dressed in his new gear, his black cloak with red lining draped neatly over his shoulders. The cloak complemented his upgraded katana, which was still at the blacksmith's shop. As he prepared to leave, Kazuki felt a renewed sense of confidence and readiness for whatever lay ahead.

Kazuki made his way through Eldoria's bustling streets, heading towards the blacksmith’s shop to pick up his katana. As he passed through a lively market square, he noticed a familiar figure standing near a practice range. Ayane, the skilled archer he had met previously, was demonstrating her impressive archery skills. Her movements were fluid and precise, and she seemed to be enjoying herself.

Kazuki approached her, catching her attention. Ayane looked up, her eyes sparkling with recognition and amusement.

“Well, if it isn’t Kazuki! Out for a morning stroll or just passing through?” she teased, her tone light and playful.

Kazuki raised an eyebrow, surprised. “You’re quite the early riser. How’s the practice going?”

Ayane grinned and drew another arrow, her aim steady. “Just honing my skills. You know, keeping sharp. What about you? Is that new cloak of yours making you feel like a hero yet?”

Kazuki chuckled, adjusting his cloak. “I suppose it adds to the effect. I’m actually on my way to pick up a new katana. The blacksmith’s been working on it.”

Ayane’s eyes widened with curiosity. “A new katana? That sounds intriguing. Mind if I tag along? I’d love to see this new weapon of yours.”

Kazuki nodded. “Sure, it’s just a short walk from here. Let’s go.”

As they walked toward the blacksmith’s shop, Kazuki and Ayane chatted about their experiences in Æternum. Kazuki shared his thoughts on the challenges he had faced, while Ayane recounted some of her adventures with a mix of humor and excitement.

Upon arriving at Forge & Craft, the blacksmith greeted them with a friendly nod. Kazuki followed him to the counter where his new katana was displayed. The weapon gleamed with dark elegance. The blade was sleek and black, catching the light with a subtle sheen that spoke of its superior craftsmanship. The handle was wrapped in vibrant red, adorned with intricate silver fittings that added a touch of sophistication.

“This katana,” the blacksmith began, “is designed to complement your cloak. The red handle and the dark blade create a striking contrast. It’ll look sharp both in and out of combat.”

Kazuki took the katana in hand, feeling the balance and weight of it. The weapon felt perfect, its design a testament to the skill of the blacksmith. “It’s impressive. Thank you.”

Ayane admired the katana with a keen eye. “That’s quite a blade you’ve got there. It matches your cloak perfectly. You’ll look quite the part on any quest.”

The blacksmith grinned. “I’m glad you think so. Take good care of it, and it will serve you well.”

Kazuki thanked the blacksmith and left the shop with Ayane. The new katana felt balanced and powerful in his hand, and the cloak fluttered behind him as he walked.

As Kazuki and Ayane made their way back to the inn, Kazuki decided it was time to check in on Ryo. The inn was a welcoming sight, and as they entered, they found Ryo up and about, moving around with greater ease.

“Hey, Ryo, how’s everything?” Kazuki asked, noting Ryo’s improved condition.

Ryo smiled warmly. “Much better. I think I’m ready to get out of here. Thanks to you and the care I received, I’m feeling almost back to my old self.”

Kazuki nodded. “That’s great to hear. We were actually planning to head out on a quest. If you’re up for it, we could use an extra set of hands.”

Ryo’s eyes lit up with enthusiasm. “A quest? That sounds perfect. I’d love to join you.”

As they were finalizing their plans, Kazuki’s in-game notification chimed, drawing his attention. He pulled out his interface and saw a new message:

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Quest Alert: Echoes of the Lost

*Quest Giver: Eldoria’s Mysterious Figure*

*Objective: Investigate the abandoned castle ruins located northeast of Eldoria. Reports indicate strange occurrences and disturbances in the area. Your task is to uncover the source of these disturbances and retrieve any valuable artifacts that may shed light on the situation.*

*Reward: Experience Points, Gold, and a Unique Artifact*

*Special Note: This quest may involve encounters with unknown entities. Prepare accordingly.*

---

Kazuki read through the quest details and shared the information with Ayane and Ryo. “Looks like we’ve got a quest lined up. It involves investigating the abandoned castle ruins and dealing with whatever disturbances are happening there.”

Ayane’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “That sounds like just the adventure we need. Count me in!”

Ryo nodded in agreement. “I’m in as well. Let’s get ready and head out.”

Kazuki smiled, feeling a sense of anticipation. “Alright, let’s gear up and set out. We’ll tackle this quest together.”

The trio prepared for their journey, gathering supplies and checking their gear. With their preparations complete, they set out from Eldoria toward the abandoned castle ruins, ready to face whatever challenges awaited them. The path ahead promised excitement and danger, but Kazuki, Ayane, and Ryo were determined to uncover the truth behind the echoes of the lost.