Sword Art Online: Moonlight Swordman.

The gentle morning sunlight cast its glow over the worn cobblestone streets.

Footsteps blended into the bustling noise of the early market.

Ren silently followed behind Klein, keeping just enough distance, close enough not to get lost, yet far enough to maintain a sliver of caution.

The spear's shaft was still cold in his grip, but this time, he no longer clutched it tightly.

The emptiness remained, though it felt fainter now. He glanced at Klein's rugged back, a swirl of conflicting emotions rising in his chest.

A flicker of doubt flashed through his eyes.

Can I really trust him?

The thought crossed his mind, making Ren unconsciously halt his steps.

Images of Copper's cold, calculating gaze surfaced.

Then, the memory of Eylis...the moment she pushed him toward the monster, resurfaced, sharp and painful.

Klein noticed Ren's hesitation. He slowed down, turning back with a warm smile.

"Don't worry, we're just hunting some weak monsters outside. It won't be dangerous."

Ren pressed his lips together, his eyes filled with suspicion.

"Why are you helping me?"

Klein shrugged lightly.

"Helping? Nah. I just think… hunting alone gets boring. Having a teammate is better. Besides, my group is still short on people.

The more, the safer, right?"

Ren remained silent, his gaze fixed on Klein.

The answer was so simple that it felt almost unbelievable.

After everything he had been through, genuine kindness seemed like a distant concept.

And yet… the cold loneliness he had endured all this time resurfaced.

Standing before Klein, someone who radiated a warmth Ren unknowingly craved… he didn't want to turn away anymore.

Klein seemed to read Ren's thoughts.

With a gentle chuckle, he said,

"Don't be so tense. Actually, my group has some oddballs too. One guy's even more timid than you, shaking like a leaf every time we face a monster.

And yet, he still comes along. There's another one who's always quiet, cold as ice, but he's actually pretty considerate. I think… you'd get along with them."

Ren flinched slightly.

His anxiety gradually eased as he listened to Klein talk about his companions.

They weren't ruthless, cold-hearted people like Copper… They were just normal individuals, with their own fears and weaknesses.

…Maybe… I'll be okay too… Ren thought, though the doubt in his heart hadn't completely faded.

He took a deep breath, his gaze becoming more resolute.

"…Are you sure… they'll accept me?" His voice softened, as if afraid of rejection.

Klein laughed, his voice light and carefree.

"Of course! The more, the merrier. Don't worry, I'll introduce you to them."

Ren was momentarily surprised by the sincerity in Klein's voice.

It wasn't the kind of deception he had been fed before.

The morning sunlight continued to bathe the streets, chasing away some of the darkness lingering in Ren's heart.

He took a step forward, this time, a little closer than before.

That once-isolated figure now carried a trace of hope.

The two walked in silence.

Amidst the bustling streets, they kept their distance, neither speaking a word.

Only the steady rhythm of their footsteps and the occasional sigh from Klein broke the quiet.

Ren kept his head down, eyes glued to the stone pavement.

He didn't dare look up, nor did he dare to start a conversation.

A nervous tension coiled in his chest, tightening around his heart.

Never before… had he felt this kind of unease.

It wasn't the fear or anxiety of facing a monster or being betrayed.

It was a simple, pure nervousness...

The feeling of walking alongside someone.

The feeling of no longer being alone.

Am I making the right choice? …What if he's just like Copper?

The thought flashed through his mind, sending a shiver down his spine.

But when he glanced at Klein's back, the unease faded...just a little.

Klein walked casually, completely at ease.

He didn't turn back to check on Ren, didn't rush him, didn't give him orders.

As if… he truly accepted Ren's presence, with no strings attached.

Ren tightened his grip on the spear. The once-icy sensation was starting to feel a little warmer.

Taking a deep breath, he tried to steady the turmoil inside him.

…Maybe… I can trust him… just this once…

His steps felt lighter. The gap between them seemed smaller.

Even so, though Ren had decided to walk alongside Klein, the lingering worry hadn't completely disappeared.

It simmered inside him, like an unhealed wound.

But for the first time in a long while.

Ren no longer felt alone on this path.

They entered a small, quiet inn. 

The old wooden tables and chairs were neatly arranged. The morning sunlight filtered through the windows, casting gentle streaks of light onto the rustic brick floor. 

The warm atmosphere of the inn made Ren relax. The cold and loneliness seemed to fade away, replaced by a rare sense of peace. 

The aroma of freshly cooked food lingered in the air, tickling his senses. 

It was the scent of freshly baked bread, the rich smokiness of bacon, and the warmth of hot soup—all blending together in a strangely comforting way. 

'How long has it been... since I last had a proper meal?' Ren wondered, unconsciously placing a hand over his empty stomach. 

The hunger and struggle to survive in the dungeon were still deeply imprinted in his mind. 

His stomach twisted painfully as the enticing aroma continued to linger, teasing his every sense. 

He wanted to taste breakfast here... he wanted to. 

But… he had no money left. 

Ren lowered his gaze, his shoulders shrinking slightly as if trying to make himself smaller. He took a step back, opening his mouth to say something but stopping midway. 

"Klein… I… I'll wait outside." His voice was soft, barely audible. 

Klein turned around, looking surprised. "Why? It's warmer in here. You don't like this place?" 

Ren shook his head, trying to hide his discomfort. "No… It's just… I'm not hungry…" 

A lie. 

Klein studied Ren for a moment, narrowing his eyes as if considering something. But then, he simply smiled and gave Ren a light pat on the shoulder. 

"Then come with me. I'm not good at eating alone." 

Ren wanted to refuse. He didn't want to be a burden, nor did he want Klein to spend money on him. 

But Klein's sincere gaze made it impossible for him to say no. 

"…Alright… I'll sit with you for a bit." 

With that, Ren stepped inside, still keeping a slight distance from Klein. 

The delicious aroma filled his senses again, making his stomach growl softly. Ren quickly lowered his head, trying to hide his embarrassment. 

He was really hungry… 

"Hey, Ryoutarou. Where have you been since morning?" 

Just as they walked a few steps, an unfamiliar voice rang out, snapping Ren out of his thoughts. 

He stiffened, his wary eyes darting toward the source of the voice. 

At the corner of the inn, a group of people was gathered around a round table, chatting and laughing cheerfully. 

"Yo. I was just wandering around." Klein responded casually, flashing a bright grin as he headed straight for the group. 

Ren hesitated, his grip tightening around his spear out of instinct. He looked at Klein, puzzled by how naturally he approached these strangers. 

"They're waiting over there." Klein smiled, gesturing toward the corner of the inn. 

Ren followed his gaze, his heart skipping a beat when he saw the people gathered around the large round table. 

"Ryoutarou! You're late, so you're treating us today!" 

A lively voice rang out, accompanied by the sight of a young man wearing a red sailor-style bandana, similar to the one Klein wore. 

His mischievous face and sharp, cat-like eyes gleamed with playful energy. He jumped up from his seat, waving his hands as if he couldn't stay still for even a second. 

"Up to your antics again, Dynamm?" Klein chuckled. "Didn't we just empty our wallets so you could upgrade your weapon?" 

Dynamm let out a loud laugh, slapping Klein's shoulder. "Exactly! That's why you need to treat us to make up for it! Look at this beauty, huh?" He proudly gestured to his polished steel shield and sharp longsword, his eyes gleaming like a child showing off a new toy. 

Ren took a small step back when Dynamm turned toward him, grinning mischievously. 

"Ren, huh? Man, you're so skinny. Are you sure you won't get blown away by the wind while hunting?" Dynamm put his hands on his hips, tilting his head as if inspecting a strange item. 

Klein burst into laughter, giving Dynamm a firm pat on the back. "You're as loud as ever!" 

Ren's face flushed, and he instinctively lowered his gaze to avoid attention, until a large hand gently rested on his shoulder. 

"Don't mind what Dynamm says. He's got a sharp tongue, but he's a good guy." 

The deep, calm voice made Ren look up, meeting the gaze of a tall, broad-shouldered man. 

His rugged yet kind features, deep-set eyes, and steady voice exuded a sense of security. 

"I'm Dale. Nice to meet you, Ren." Dale smiled warmly, his large but gentle hand clasping Ren's in a firm handshake. 

"Hey, hey! I really am a good guy, okay? I was just trying to help Ren loosen up!" Dynamm waved his hands in defense. 

"Yeah, you were so 'helpful' that he nearly ran away." 

A slightly serious voice chimed in. 

The speaker was a lean man with slightly sunken cheeks. His neatly trimmed brown hair stood up like the leaves of a pineapple. 

"Nice to meet you. My name's Issin." He greeted Ren with a friendly smile.