Chapter 34: Decision The moment of truth. Alissa’s gaze swept from Kip to Noah. The practice sword trembled in her grip as seconds stretched into eternity. Her next words hit the courtyard like a thunderclap. "Sorry. I don’t think I can." Wait... what did she just say? Silence stretched thin as a blade’s edge. Even Finn’s quill froze mid-stroke, ink pooling forgotten on the parchment. Before Valeria could respond, Noah’s voice cut through the stunned quiet. "Why? This is an incredible opportunity, Alissa. You should take it!" Passion colored his words. Working in his small shop, cleaning, and cooking couldn’t compare to training under an Adept swordmaster. The disparity was laughable. She’s throwing away the chance of a lifetime. "I know it’s a good opportunity." "But I chose to work for you, Sir Noah. I won’t change my mind now." This girl... Speechlessness claimed Noah entirely. In a world where survival trumped sentiment, where pragmatism ruled over loyalty, she was choosing him. Choosing a modest shop over legendary training. Kip stood motionless, understanding flickering in his young eyes. His sister’s decision wasn’t impulsive—it was inevitable. Noah’s kindness had purchased more than their freedom. It had earned something far more precious. Unwavering loyalty. His sister was a very simple person, she traded good for good. Once somebody was good to her, she would only be good to them. Valeria released a long breath, studying the cat girl with some respect. She didn’t push further, didn’t argue or cajole. Some decisions carried a conviction that arguments couldn’t budge. Instead, she turned to Noah. "You better bring her to every session. Otherwise, you’ll be killing a talent that emerges once in a century." Noah nodded, words still caught somewhere between his throat and his racing thoughts. Every session. Without fail. The commitment settled like an oath. Alissa had chosen him; the least he could do was help her grow into the swordsman she was clearly meant to become. My life just got more complicated. Again. ... Back in their alleyway, the aroma of cooking meat filled the air. They had decided to cook in the alleyway so that the shop wasn’t filled with cooking aroma. The alleyway was abandoned anyway, so it didn’t matter whether they cooked there or not. They weren’t going to disturb anyone. Alissa worked at their newest acquisition, a peculiar stove that hummed with inner light. No wood, no coal, just a faint blue glow emanating from a crystal embedded in its base. Noah watched her deftly manipulate the controls, adjusting the heat. The device responded instantly, flames dancing higher or lower at her touch. "How does it work?" he asked, genuinely curious. "Beast crystal." Alissa pointed to the glowing core. "The one right here is what you call a Tier 0 beast crystal. It might sound weak, but it’s sufficient for cooking." The crystal pulsed with contained energy, no larger than Noah’s thumb, yet somehow powering the entire apparatus. Veins of light traced through the stove’s metal framework like a circulatory system. Magic-powered appliances. That’s kind of cool, I didn’t expect them to have such things. "The merchant said it’ll last a month," Kip added, stirring the pot. Fifty silver coins. Not cheap by local standards, but Noah had seen the longing in Alissa’s eyes when she’d spotted it at the market stall. This saves me time and hassle. When she isn’t here, I can also use this to make myself some tea without worrying about the carbon dioxide emissions in my shop. The vendor had demonstrated the crystal’s installation—a simple twist-lock mechanism that secured the power source. "Tier 0 beast crystals," he’d explained, "come from the weakest monsters. Slimes, mostly. Barely dangerous, but their cores hold just enough energy for household use." Slimes...I really want to hunt some of those. But not now, maybe when I get stronger. Steam rose from Alissa’s cooking, carrying scents that made Noah’s mouth water. Whatever she was preparing smelled much better than anything he’d managed with his Earth kitchen. The crystal gave energy continuously, reliably and clean. It produced no smoke, no ash, just pure energy converted to heat. Kip carefully arranged wooden bowls while his sister added final seasonings. Maybe this world isn’t as backwards as I initially thought. The meal before him looked so delicious that his mouth watered slightly. Tender strips of meat glistened with herbs and spices, arranged artfully on wooden plates. Steam rose slowly, carrying an aroma that made his stomach clench with anticipation. "What kind of meat is this?" Noah asked, lifting his wooden spoon. "Ironhide boar," Alissa replied, settling beside him. "The merchant said it strengthens the body naturally. Makes you more resilient." The meat had cost them some silver coins. But if it actually enhanced physical capabilities, the investment seemed worthwhile. Noah brought the spoon toward his mouth, savouring the rich scent. Grrrk. Grrrk. He froze mid-bite. What was that? The sound came again, it was an unmistakably inhuman noise from somewhere to his right. Noah’s head snapped toward the alleyway entrance. His eyes widened in shock. "I-It’s that goblin!" Without hesitation, he dropped his spoon and bolted toward the shop door. "RUN!" The wooden spoon clattered against the floor as Noah scrambled inside. His heart hammered against his ribs like a trapped bird. It’s that same goblin from before! Kip and Alissa remained seated, confusion written across their faces. They glanced at each other, then toward the door where Noah had vanished. "Sir Noah?" Alissa called softly. Grrrk. The sound grew closer. Through the window, Noah watched in horror as a small green figure shuffled into view. The goblin was... pathetic. It just had a fork in its hand. No armour, or anything that hinted it was dangerous. The goblin was dressed in tattered rags hanging from his skinny frame. Wait. Is it... crying? Kip approached the creature cautiously. "Hey there, little guy." The goblin looked up with large, watery eyes. Tears tracked down its green cheeks. "Grrrk... master gone, Grix is all alone now." It talks?