“Here we are!” Boris announced with a grin. “It’s been a while since I ate here.”

  The inn was busy, filled with chatter and the clatter of dishes. It was clearly popular—almost every table was taken, but turnover was fast enough that open seats remained for newcomers.

  “Just wait here, I’ll order for us,” Boris said, practically bouncing as he made his way to the counter.

  Kana sat at an empty table near a window, observing the place. The smells were rich—grilled meat, warm broth, fresh bread. It was comforting, but somehow not new. She felt like she’d been in better places before… even if she couldn’t remember exactly where.

  Boris returned a few minutes later, looking pleased with himself. “Now we wait. Might take half an hour, but it’s totally worth it.”

  He leaned back with a smug smile. “And it’s on me.”

  Kana didn’t even look up. “Saw your father give you coins earlier.”

  Boris winced. “Ah. You caught that, huh? Then… it’s on my father.”

  Kana smirked but said nothing.

  A short while later, the food arrived—two plates, each with a steaming cup of rice, slices of roasted meat drizzled in a rich sauce, and a bowl of thick, fragrant broth.

  “Let’s eat!” Boris said eagerly.

  Kana took a bite. The meat was tender, the sauce savory and slightly sweet. The broth was deep and warm. It was good—very good—but not as awe-inspiring as Boris made it sound.

  “It’s okay,” she said between bites.

  Boris looked scandalized. “Okay? This is the best meal in town!”

  Kana shrugged. She’d had better. Somewhere.

  “Hey, do you know what meat this is?” Boris asked, still chewing.

  Kana didn’t answer. She was too focused on eating, tuning him out.

  Boris kept talking anyway.

  …..

  Kana and Boris arrived at the meeting spot just as the sun began its slow descent. The caravans were now empty, their loads delivered. One of the wagons bore fresh dents and shallow craters—probably the one carrying the most essential supplies for the village.

  “Oh, you kids made it. Right on time,” Boris’ father, the village chief, called out as he spotted them. His eyes lingered on the large new bow slung across Kana’s back. “And looks like your shopping trip was a success, Little Kana.”

  Kana nodded. “Thanks, Chief. Also—lunch was great.”

  “Grateful and well-mannered. Unlike that rascal over there, huh?” the chief said, turning toward Boris, who was already climbing into one of the carriages without so much as a word.

  “Let’s move out!” the chief shouted, addressing the idle workers nearby. “I don’t want us stuck on the road after dark!”

  At his command, the workers snapped to attention. Kana quickly climbed into the designated carriage along with the others. With a few sharp whistles and the creak of wooden wheels, the group began their journey back home.

  ……

  It was late afternoon when they returned to the village. Kana didn’t stop by Suri’s house—her father was still visiting, after all. Instead, she went straight home and collapsed into bed. She had plans tonight.

  When she woke in the middle of the night, everything was still. Carefully, she opened her bedroom door and slipped out, silent on her feet. The weight of her new bow pressed lightly against her back, hidden beneath her cloak along with a full quiver.

  As she reached the hidden path leading to the dungeon, she froze. A familiar figure was already there, waving.

  Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  “You’re really going to leave me out again?” Suri said, pouting.

  “But your father’s home. What if they notice you’re gone?”

  “I locked my door and told them I’m practicing my skill,” Suri replied, smug. “They won’t check unless we come back super late. So—shall we?”

  Kana eyed her friend’s pajama-clad form, skeptical. “You’re not even dressed for this.”

  “Details, details,” Suri grinned, waving it off. “I’m just tagging along, remember? My summon will do all the hard work.”

  Kana let out a reluctant sigh. “Alright… I guess I don’t have a choice.”

  Suri giggled, bouncing lightly on her feet.

  …….

  After a few minutes of quiet trekking, Kana and Suri arrived at the dungeon entrance.

  “As soon as we enter, we hide and observe first,” Kana instructed.

  “My summon can scout ahead—it blends well in the dark,” Suri replied confidently.

  “Right. Do that.”

  The moment they stepped inside, a familiar bluish screen blinked into view.

  [You have entered with: Suri]

  [Form a party?]

  [Yes]

  [No]

  “Kana, what’s this?” Suri asked, puzzled, glancing at the glowing interface beside her.

  “It’s asking us to form a party,” Kana explained. “Choose the third option—uh, [Yes].'”

  They both selected the prompt.

  Kana thought of the word: status.

  [Name: Kana]

  [Level: 3]

  [Title: Incomplete Transcender]

  [Stats:]

  Str: 7 Agi: 14 Int: 12 HP: 18/18 Mana: 30/30

  [Skills:]

  [Marksmanship] – Level 1

  [Awareness] – Level 1

  [Party:]

  Kana (Lv. 3) – Health: 18/18 | Mana: 30/30

  Suri (Lv. 1) – Health: 10/10 | Mana: 310/325

  She focused on the word Party.

  [Party: Cooperative link with another inhabitant of the world. Basic stats, experience, and loot will be shared.]

  [Party Bonus: EXP x5.5]

  Kana blinked.

  Wait… if my perks multiplying fivefold experience before, then forming a party adds another point five multiplier? That means party formation boosts efficiency beyond just sharing—

  Her thoughts trailed off as Suri leaned in, whispering, “Kana, my summon spotted a goblin to the right. Looks like it’s… taking a piss.”

  Kana raised an eyebrow, exhaled slowly, and gripped her bow.

  “Perfect,” she muttered. “We don’t have much time—let’s rack up as much experience as we can.”

  ..

  Kana and Suri crouched behind a low stone ridge as they watched the lone goblin stumbling around further ahead.

  “Let’s test something first,” Suri whispered. Her summon slithered out of her shadow like liquid smoke, reshaping itself into a clawed beast before lunging at the goblin.

  The summon swiped—but the goblin barely flinched. In fact, it let out a snort, then broke into laughter, amused by the harmless phantom.

  “…It didn’t do anything,” Kana muttered. “It’s not even reacting like it’s hurt.”

  The goblin swung its club at the shadowy creature. The blow passed through without resistance—but Suri winced.

  “Okay, okay, it doesn’t take damage… but I do. My mana drops every time it gets hit.”

  Kana gave a low hum, eyes still on the goblin. “So it’s not quite a cheat-tier, then.”

  Suri gave her a sharp glare.

  Kana just smirked and raised her bow. The string creaked as she drew it back, aiming carefully. A beat passed.

  Thwip—SPLASH.

  The arrow struck clean between the goblin’s eyes. Its head exploded in a purple mess, the rest of its body collapsing without ceremony.

  “Whoa,” Kana let out a whistle, lowering her bow. “That hit harder than I expected.”

  She turned to Suri. “Can your skill retrieve the arrow and clean it? Those cost real money.”

  Suri didn’t answer, but her summon slinked over, carefully plucked the arrow, wiped it on a patch of grass, and returned.

  “Nice,” Kana said, inspecting the undamaged shaft.

  Suri tilted her head, a little distracted. “God words appeared in my head after that.”

  “Yeah, that’s your level-up notification,” Kana said. “Try to remember the message next time—there might be useful info. But for now, just know your base stats went up. So you should feel a bit stronger.”

  Suri nodded, flexing her fingers like she was testing her grip.

  “Let’s move to the next target,” Kana whispered.

  Suri’s summon morphed once again—this time into a wraith-like shadow—and melted into the darkness ahead, scouting the path forward.