An Offer

Renn stood frozen, staring at the towering figure before him. The marketplace noise seemed to fade into silence, like the whole world was holding its breath.

Renn couldn’t believe what he was hearing. “W-With me? You sure you’re not joking?”

The man crossed his arms. “Do I look like I joke?”

“...No, no you don’t.”

Still stunned, Renn tried to collect his thoughts. Why him? There were stronger-looking people, flashier adventurers, people with actual groups—

He opened his mouth to ask—but the armored man let out a sigh and tapped the side of his helmet impatiently.

“You’re taking too long. Are you in or not?”

His tone was flat, maybe even a little irritated. But behind that helm, Xertia was grinning ear to ear like a kid handed a sword for the first time.

A real dungeon. A bottomless pit. With mystery and danger. His flame at the base of his neck flared softly beneath the armor, the excitement threatening to bubble over.

He wasn’t even sure why he chose the kid. Maybe because Renn looked like he’d get rejected by even a training dummy. Maybe because the guy’s armor was basically threadbare. Maybe because he was alone. But mostly… because no one would expect the two of them.

Low profile. Perfect.

“…I’m in!” Renn said at last, standing up straighter. “If you’re serious, I won’t let you down.”

“I’d hope not,” the armored man replied, folding his arms. “What’s your name?”

“R-Renn. Just Renn.”

The armored figure gave a slow nod. “Fine. Call me… Steel.” He made the name up on the spot, but it sounded suitably dull.

From the crowd, the silver-haired butler appeared once again, graceful as a phantom. He gave his companion a side glance and sighed slightly.

“You’re making impulsive decisions again, sir.”

Steel waved him off. “He’ll do.”

Sebas studied Renn for a moment, eyes like surgical instruments. “He’s inexperienced, lacks coordination, and his equipment is little more than scrap iron.”

Steel grunted. “That’s why he’ll work.”

Renn blinked. “Wait—what?”

“You’re a nobody,” Steel said simply, 

"and nobodies don’t get watched.”

That shut Renn up.

The butler turned, adjusting his gloves. “I’ll make the arrangements for dungeon clearance and documentation. For now… perhaps something more protective than that rusted butter knife you carry.”

Renn reflexively covered his sword. “H-Hey! This was my dad’s!”

Sebas gave him a blank look.

Steel tilted his head, clearly intrigued.

“…Interesting.”

With that, they turned and began walking away.

Renn scrambled to catch up, looking back at the others who had scoffed at him earlier. Most of them ignored him still, but a few watched curiously now.

And in that moment, Renn felt something stir in his chest.

Maybe this was dumb. Maybe this man was insane. But he was finally being picked.

And not just picked, recruited by someone who looked like they could tear a troll in half with a punch.

“…This is crazy,” Renn muttered, jogging forward. “But maybe it’s the right kind of crazy.”

As they disappeared into the crowd, Steel... Xertia, felt the excitement bubble again beneath his helmet. He could already smell the danger in the dungeon, already picture the fights. Maybe, just maybe, this place wouldn’t be so boring after all.

***

Steel walked with powerful strides, his ragged steel armor creaking softly as he moved through the streets. Renn had to jog to keep pace with him, both nervous and thrilled.

“We’ll head to the dungeon now,” Steel said flatly.

Renn’s feet almost locked up. “Wait—what? Now!?”

Steel turned his head slightly toward him. “Yes. Better to move before dusk.”

“B-But we’re not ready!” Renn flailed his arms. “I-I don’t have supplies! No potions, no scrolls, not even… rope! You don’t just walk into an abyss-level dungeon!”

Steel halted. He turned fully toward Renn and stared.

“…Huh,” he said, glancing at Renn’s worn-down armor and chipped sword. “Yeah, you’re kind of a mess.”

Renn shrank back slightly. “I know that! That’s why I’m saying we shouldn’t just dive in!”

There was a short silence.

“…We’ll be fine. Probably.”

“PROBABLY!?” Renn groaned. “Are you insane!? This isn’t some back-alley goblin den! This is the Dungeon of Pride! I’ve read about it... it’s filled with illusions, traps, mental tests! Tests that mess with your ego! It’s not just about strength, it’s about your mind!”

Steel stared at him, visor unreadable. “You know about the dungeon?”

“I’ve studied it a little!” Renn puffed up slightly with pride. “I thought… maybe if I got in, I’d grab a scroll of illusion cleansing or something! Just in case.”

He opened his pouch.

…

He looked into it.

…

His face fell.

“…Right. I forgot. I’m broke.”

Steel tilted his head. “Why would you mention a scroll if you can’t even afford—”

“Because it was a good idea!” Renn snapped.

Sebas stepped forward, voice crisp and cutting like a polished blade.

“My lord,” he said sharply, “while your eagerness is admirable, I would advise against leading this party into certain death without any preparation.”

Steel crossed his arms. “We’ll figure it out—”

“If you’re not planning to prepare properly, then I’ll have the new maid handle your meals from this moment on.”

Steel went still.

Renn blinked. Sebas hadn’t even raised his voice, but somehow, it felt like the temperature dropped ten degrees.

“…You wouldn’t,” Steel muttered, his voice dry.

Sebas adjusted his gloves calmly. “I would.”

Steel’s fists clenched. His ghostly flame flickered hotter beneath his helmet. “…She puts raisins in soup…”

“And her tea could seal cracks in a wall.”

Steel slowly turned away, the weight of defeat crushing his broad shoulders.

“…Fine. We’ll prepare.”

Renn let out the breath he didn’t realize he was holding. “Thank the gods.”

Sebas nodded once. “Then let us begin our preparations properly. Rations, potions, ward scrolls, replacement gear. I will handle logistics. You—” He pointed at Renn. “... will come with me and undergo a brief evaluation. We’ll need to assess your capabilities.”

“U-Understood!”

“And you—” Sebas turned to Steel, “... will do nothing unless I personally approve of it. Am I understood?”

Steel grumbled. “You’re enjoying this.”

Sebas smiled gently. “Very much.”

As they walked toward the shopping quarter, Renn looked up at Steel again. Despite everything… there was a strange glint of excitement in the man’s stride. Almost like he wasn’t annoyed, but eager.

Renn scratched his cheek. “Was he actually just excited to raid the dungeon?”

Sebas, walking beside him, responded quietly. “Excited? He’s practically been bouncing in place since he spotted you.”

Renn blinked. “Huh?”

Sebas smiled mysteriously. “You’ll see.”

As they disappeared into the crowd, the sun dipped low and the shadows of adventure grew long.