Dark Slit (REMASTERED)

Shin had locked himself in his room for a week straight.

"Is Shin still locking himself up?" Priest Charles asked, his tone heavy with concern.

"Yes, he is," Fiona replied with a sigh, her voice weary from her week-long stay at the church, right next to Shin's room.

"Tsk, he's supposed to be a hero. How do we convince him to come out?" Charles muttered, rubbing his chin as he tried to come up with a plan.

At that moment, a figure appeared in the doorway. It was Bajar, carrying bags filled with fruits, vegetables, and meat.

"Hey, what's going on? You two look stressed," Bajar said, waving a hand nonchalantly.

"Shut up, we're trying to figure out how to get Shin out of his room," Fiona snapped, her frustration showing.

"Why not just force the door open and drag him out?" Bajar suggested casually.

"We can't do that. The kid might lose even more trust in us," Charles replied firmly, shaking his head.

"Fine," Bajar grinned mischievously, "then why not have Fiona ask him to explore the kingdom? Or, better yet, seduce him."

"WH-WHAT?! I'M NOT SOME KIND OF WHORE!" Fiona shouted, her face turning bright red.

"I'm not asking you to be one. I'm just saying he might respond better to you inviting him," Bajar said, shrugging.

Charles nodded in agreement. "He's right. Fiona, you're probably the person Shin feels most comfortable with. You should ask him to explore the village with you."

Fiona hesitated, still flustered, but finally relented. "F-Fine. I'll try to convince him."

She climbed the stairs and knocked on Shin's door three times. "Hey, Shin, do you want to explore the kingdom with me?"

There was a pause before Shin's muffled voice came through the door. "Ex-explore? For what?"

"Well," Fiona began, trying to sound cheerful, "I think you should see the beauty of the kingdom. Plus, you've been cooped up in your room for a week. You need some sunlight and exercise."

Another pause. Then, finally: "F-Fine."

The door creaked open, and an unimaginable stench wafted out. Fiona's face twisted in disgust as she fought the urge to gag.

"Oh gods, he stinks," she thought, horrified. "Has he not showered in an entire week?!"

Aloud, she managed to say, "I think you should wash yourself first. I'll leave some fresh clothes on your bed."

"O-Okay," Shin stammered, his face flushed with embarrassment as he shuffled off to the restroom.

Fiona descended the stairs, relieved to escape the smell.

"So, how did it go?" Charles asked.

"He agreed. He's washing up now," Fiona replied.

"Good. The freshly washed clothes are in the backyard. Grab some and leave them in his room," Charles instructed.

Before she could leave, Charles handed her a red dress adorned with pink flowers. "Here, this is my wife's old dress. Wear it. Maybe the kid will fall for you." He chuckled and gave her a knowing wink.

Fiona shot him a glare but snatched the dress without a word. She retrieved the clothes for Shin, placed them neatly on his bed, and left the room.

When Shin finally came downstairs, clean and dressed in fresh clothes, his face was a mix of embarrassment and reluctance.

"I can't believe I even have the face to show up to the priest after all this..." he thought, his cheeks burning with shame.

Shin stood before Priest Charles and Bajar, unable to make eye contact. His hands fidgeted nervously as he spoke.

"H-Hello, Priest Charles and S-Sir Bajar," Shin stuttered.

"Hello, young man. Are you ready to explore the kingdom?" Charles asked in a kind, fatherly tone.

"Yes," Shin replied, bowing slightly.

"Damn it, they're so nice… Why do I have to act like such a kid? I'm sixteen! Is that even considered young?" Shin thought, his frustration directed at himself.

"Hey, Shin, here." Bajar handed him a small pouch. The sound of coins clinking inside immediately caught Shin's attention. "It's 50 gold coins, all for you."

"T-Thank you, sir!" Shin exclaimed, his eyes widening. He shook Bajar's hand enthusiastically.

"Haha, no need for all the formality. Now go on, Fiona's waiting for you outside," Bajar said with a hearty laugh.

Shin bowed again before stepping outside. As soon as he did, the sunlight blinded him momentarily. But it wasn't just the sun that caught his attention—Fiona's red dress, adorned with pink flowers, seemed to radiate a divine glow. She smiled at him, her expression soft and warm, like a newly bloomed flower defying the chaos of the world.

Shin's heart began to race.

Ba-dump. Ba-dump. Ba-dump.

"He-Hello, Fiona," Shin managed to say, his voice trembling. He couldn't believe the elf he first saw was now standing before him, looking like a goddess descended from the heavens. Her beauty left him unable to focus on anything else.

"What's with him?" Fiona thought, noticing Shin's awkward behavior.

"Hey, Shin, let's go!" she said with a smile, extending her hand toward him.

Shin hesitated for a moment before taking her hand. It was soft, warm, and delicate—yet there was a strength to it that reminded him of something enduring, like a dream that refused to fade. As they walked, he tried to focus on the surroundings, but his gaze kept drifting back to Fiona.

They eventually reached a part of the kingdom bustling with activity. Houses of various sizes lined the streets, built with wood and metals unique to this world.

"This part of the kingdom is where most of the people live," Fiona explained.

Shin looked around in awe at the intricacies of the homes. "Wow, she's… beautiful," he thought, his focus entirely on Fiona rather than the scenery.

"You done looking?" Fiona asked with a small smirk. "Let's move on."

They continued toward the marketplace, a lively hub filled with different races, though humans were the most common. Merchants shouted about their goods, their stalls stocked with armor, weapons, potions, vegetables, clothes, meat, and fruits.

"This is the kingdom market," Fiona said, her voice bright. "You'll find all kinds of merchants selling unique items here. Take a look around, Shin!"

Shin's eyes wandered, overwhelmed by the variety. Suddenly, his stomach growled. "I'm kinda hungry… What do you suggest we eat?"

Fiona pointed to a nearby stall. "How about there? They're selling the famous elfple."

"Elfple?" Shin asked, confused by the unfamiliar term.

He handed the pouch of coins to Fiona. She approached the merchant. "Hi, ma'am. How much is one elfple?"

"It's 1 gold coin per elfple," the merchant replied.

"I'll take five, please!" Fiona said cheerfully. The merchant quickly placed five elfples into a bag and handed them over.

"Here, Shin. Try this," Fiona said, handing one to him.

Shin took a bite, and his eyes widened. A rush of sweet, creamy flavors overwhelmed his senses, as if heaven itself had descended into his mouth.

"I'm coming!!!" Shin thought, the sheer deliciousness of the treat blowing his mind.

"How was it?" Fiona asked.

"It was fantastic!" Shin smiled, replying enthusiastically.

"I'm glad you liked it. Only the Elf Kingdom produces these kinds of fruits, so they're in high demand. That's why they go for one gold per elfple," Fiona explained.

"The Elf Kingdom? Is that where the elves live?" Shin asked, intrigued.

"Yes, that's where I grew up," Fiona answered with a soft smile.

"I see. It must be nice living in such a place," Shin remarked thoughtfully.

"Well, you could visit. The kingdom is open to all races. It's practically a must-see in this world!" Fiona encouraged, her eyes twinkling.

"Traveling... I never really thought about that, even back on Earth," Shin thought to himself. "I never really had that kind of mindset."

"Be a hero, Shin. Don't you want to travel the world, meeting new people?" Fiona persisted, trying to sway him.

"Don't you have a goal?" she asked, sensing his hesitation.

"Goal? I never really had one... I thought finishing school and getting a well-paying job was enough," Shin thought, feeling a sense of uncertainty. "I... I don't know."

Fiona remained silent for a few seconds, sensing his internal conflict. "I see... Well, take your time. Think about what you want," she said gently.

After a brief, awkward pause, Fiona shifted the topic. "How about we go to an inn? It's my treat—my favorite place in the kingdom."

"Sure, I'd love to!" Shin replied, eager to move past the uncomfortable moment. "I'm kinda hungry too," he added, thinking about the food.

---

A few minutes later, they arrived at The Opal Inn.

At first glance, it was massive—its walls glimmered with a golden hue, as if they were painted in gold. Exotic, colorful flowers unique to this world decorated the exterior.

"Looks like an expensive place," Shin remarked, eyes wide.

"Don't worry, it's my treat," Fiona said with a smile, her confidence almost blinding Shin.

"Shit, she's way too pretty to be doing this for me," Shin thought, a little flustered.

Once they stepped onto the red carpet and entered, the servant opened the door for them. Shin glanced around. The entire place was beautiful, bathed in a warm, golden light with sparkling glass tables. Wealthy patrons dined in elaborate clothing.

"Seems like this place is for the rich," Shin thought to himself.

"Most of the people here are nobles," Fiona said with a grin. "But the prices? I can handle them."

"God, I'm falling for her," Shin thought, unable to hide his growing affection.

"Wow, are you a noble yourself, Fiona?" Shin asked.

"Maybe," Fiona teased, flashing a sly smile.

A male servant greeted them. "How many people?"

"Two," Fiona replied, and the servant led them to a cozy two-person table. After they were seated, the servant took their orders.

"Ma'am, what would you like to order?" the servant asked.

"One gorca meat, a juice, and a flower cruise dessert," Fiona said.

The servant nodded and turned to Shin. "And for you, sir?"

"I'll have the same," Shin said, not wanting to make any decisions himself.

"All right, coming up! It'll be ready shortly!" The servant left to head to the kitchen.

---

"Why did you order the same as me?" Fiona asked, curious.

"I don't really know the food here, so I just trusted your choice," Shin admitted.

"You dummy," Fiona thought, then realized, "Wait, if he ordered the same as me... does that mean he trusts me?"

She smiled, but quickly covered it up. "I forgot to recommend something, but don't worry—the one I picked is definitely worth it!"

A few minutes later, their food arrived: two plates of gorca meat, two juices, and two flower cruise desserts.

"Gorca meat? What is this?" Shin asked, eyeing the dish suspiciously.

"Just taste it first," Fiona urged.

Shin took a bite, and immediately, an explosion of flavors hit his taste buds. The meat was tender, savory, and the juices flowed with every chew.

"Wow!" Shin's eyes widened. "That's... pretty crazy."

"Haha, I know right?" Fiona grinned, taking a big bite herself. "It's good, right?"

"By the way, what's this meat made of?" Shin asked, genuinely curious.

"It's a hybrid of wolf and boar," Fiona explained. "They boil it for an entire day. Once it's tender, they add the sauce and let it sit for another day, then cook it for three more hours. Most of what we eat here is already cooked. They just heat it up before serving."

"That's insane," Shin said, impressed.

After finishing the gorca meat, they moved on to dessert.

"Flower cruise... what is this made of?" Shin asked.

"It's a special flower dessert from the land of magic, Arcanathis," Fiona said. "The flowers are purified with a magical liquid only found there. That's why only they can produce it."

"If it's a flower, how can it be edible?" Shin wondered.

"The dessert itself isn't actually a plant," Fiona explained. "It's more like a cake made from the flower's nutrients. The flower itself is inedible, but its essence is extracted to create this natural sweetness. And get this—it doesn't contain any sugar at all. It's completely pure and incredibly beneficial for your body."

"Wow, that's a lot of explanation," Shin said, intrigued. "Well, I'll give it a try now."

He cut a small piece and tasted it. Immediately, his eyes widened as the sweetness overwhelmed him, unlike anything he had ever experienced.

"It's incredible!" Shin exclaimed, taking another bite.

Fiona chuckled softly, pleased to see him enjoy it so much.

After they finished their meal, the male servant returned with the bill.

"Your total is 40 gold," he said politely.

Fiona smiled and immediately paid the full amount. "It's on me," she said, glancing at Shin, who looked surprised.

"Wow, you really didn't have to do that," Shin remarked, his cheeks flushed with a mix of gratitude and embarrassment.

Fiona simply waved it off with a smile. "It's my treat. I wanted you to enjoy yourself."

Shin couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth at her generosity, silently wondering how someone like Fiona could be so kind.

---

Once they finished their meal and the bill was settled, Fiona and Shin walked out of the inn. The evening air was cool, and as they stepped into the quiet streets, they looked up at the sky. It had already turned to night, with the stars twinkling faintly overhead. The moon hung high, casting a soft azure glow across the horizon, bathing the world in an ethereal light.

Shin paused for a moment, admiring the view. "The sky looks... different here," he said, his voice thoughtful. "It's so much clearer, and the glow... it feels almost magical."

Fiona stood beside him, her gaze turned upward as well. "The Azure Glimmer," she murmured. "It's said to be a blessing from the ancient gods, a symbol of peace and prosperity. Only in places touched by magic can you see the sky like this."

Shin absorbed the scene in silence, the quiet night offering a rare moment of peace. "It's beautiful," he said, a hint of wonder in his voice.

Fiona gave him a soft smile. "It is," she agreed. "It's moments like these that make the journey worthwhile, don't you think?"

Shin nodded slowly, feeling a stir in his chest. "Yeah... it really does."

They stood there for a while, letting the calmness of the night settle over them, before Fiona finally broke the silence.

"Well, it's getting late. Shall we head back?"

"Yeah," Shin said, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Let's go."