The Golden Knight of Valtheria

Leon's Arrival and Settling In

Leon Kuriyami arrived at the estate a few days after Ryusei's invitation, bringing his warhorse and a few personal belongings. He took an immediate liking to the spacious and fortified estate, appreciating the training grounds and the study full of books.

"You've done well for yourself," Leon remarked as he inspected the mansion. "Much better than the run-down outposts we used to sleep in."

Ryusei smirked. "I figured we deserved an upgrade. You'll find everything you need here."

Leon wasted no time getting comfortable. He spent his mornings training in the courtyard, sparring with Ryusei to sharpen their techniques. In the evenings, he explored the capital, visiting taverns, gambling halls, and even high-end brothels. His reputation as a formidable warrior quickly spread, and he soon found himself gaining renown among the city's adventurers and mercenaries.

Registering as an Adventurer

One of Leon's first official acts in the city was to register with the Adventurer's Guild. Given his age, experience, and combat prowess, he was immediately placed in A-Rank, a rare achievement. The guildmaster, Aldric Faustus, personally evaluated him in a one-on-one duel, impressed by his battle-hardened skill and unyielding strength.

"I haven't fought someone as relentless as you in years," Aldric admitted, shaking his head. "You'll be a great asset to the guild."

Leon's registration meant that he and Ryusei could now take higher-ranked quests together. The two set out on several joint missions, each one further solidifying their reputation:

Hunting a Basilisk that had turned an entire mining crew to stone.

Escorting a high-profile noble caravan through monster-infested lands.

Clearing out a den of rogue mages who were performing forbidden rituals.

Each mission tested their skills in different ways, but their experience and seamless coordination ensured their success.

Establishing a Business: The Crimson Forge

Beyond their adventures, Ryusei and Leon decided to open a weapons and armor shop in the city. They both had extensive knowledge of blacksmithing from their Makai training and wanted to create high-quality gear for warriors. They named the shop The Crimson Forge, ensuring that it would be recognized for its unparalleled craftsmanship.

The shop specialized in:

Custom-forged weapons, including enchanted swords, spears, and bows.

High-grade armor, utilizing dragon scales and reinforced steel.

Alchemy potions, ranging from healing draughts to mana-enhancing elixirs.

Adventurer supplies, offering top-tier gear for those who could afford it.

The business flourished quickly, attracting noble patrons, seasoned adventurers, and mercenaries. To keep operations running while they were away, they hired a staff of skilled blacksmiths, enchanters, and merchants to oversee daily affairs. The shop became a profitable endeavor, further cementing their influence in the city.

Makai Order Missions & Investigations

Amid their growing status in the city, Ryusei and Leon continued their work with the Makai Order. Using their shop as a front, they gathered information on unusual monster activity and dark magic.

One of their missions led them to an underground network of corrupted alchemists attempting to replicate Horror Cores' power. Another took them to a hidden tomb beneath the city, where an ancient entity was awakening.

Both missions tested their limits, but with their combined experience and the tools they had crafted, they eliminated the threats before they could spread further corruption.

Building a New Legacy

With their estate, adventuring careers, and business flourishing, Ryusei and Leon had established themselves as two of the most respected warriors in the city. But they knew their battle against darkness was far from over.

One evening, as they sat in their study, Leon looked at Ryusei and smirked. "You've built something incredible here. But tell me—do you miss the simple life of traveling?"

Ryusei chuckled. "Sometimes. But having a home, a base, it's different. We can prepare for bigger threats, protect those who can't protect themselves."

Leon nodded. "Then let's make this place more than a business and a home. Let's make it a stronghold, a sanctuary for those who fight against the darkness."

Ryusei grinned. "I like the sound of that."

And so, their new legacy began—one that would intertwine their Makai Order mission, their adventuring prowess, and their thriving business into a force that would shape the future of the city.