As the morning light poured through the tall, arched windows of his suite, Crimson Aegis stirred from his deep sleep. The sound of gentle waves crashing against the rocky shore echoed faintly through the balcony doors, blending with the distant cries of seabirds riding the salty breeze.
Pushing himself up, he stretched his muscular arms, his black hair slightly tousled from the night. He stepped onto the cool marble floor, his heavy armor still lying in a neat pile beside his bed, polished and gleaming as always.
Walking out onto the balcony, he took in the breathtaking view of the eastern sea, the three moons now mere pale shadows against the rising sun. The waves shimmered like liquid silver under the morning light, and a few distant sails dotted the horizon.
But as he breathed in the fresh sea air, a sudden realization hit him. He glanced down at his current attire, a simple set of undergarments he had worn beneath his armor.
"Ah... I forgot to buy a change of clothes," he muttered, rubbing the back of his neck with a sheepish grin. "Can't exactly walk around the city in my armor all day."
He sighed, already imagining Xiao Li Jing's teasing if she found out. "I guess I'll have to figure something out before the others notice."
Crimson chuckled to himself as he strapped his armor back on, the familiar weight settling comfortably against his frame. "Well, old habits die hard," he whispered as he tightened the last strap on his chest plate.
He picked up his helmet, the polished steel reflecting the morning sunlight as he placed it over his head. The familiar, reassuring darkness of the visor framed his vision, a comforting shield that had seen countless battles and hard-fought victories.
What he didn't know, however, was that the rest of the high elders were facing the same dilemma. Despite their legendary status, not one of them had thought to buy a change of clothes the night before.
Somewhere in the suite next to his, Xiao Li Jing groaned as she rummaged through her magical bag, only to find stacks of gold and rare materials, but no proper clothing. Meanwhile, Sir Pendragon stared at his reflection in the ornate bathroom mirror, his sharp, British features set in a frown as he tried to decide whether to wear his formal business armor or his battle-worn gear.
The hallway outside slowly filled with the clanking of armored footsteps, a comical reminder that even legendary heroes sometimes forget the simplest things.
Crimson made his way down the grand marble staircase, the rich red carpet muffling the heavy clank of his armored boots. The hotel lobby stretched out before him, a sprawling, luxurious space adorned with sparkling crystal chandeliers and polished gold accents. The morning light poured through the tall, stained-glass windows, casting a warm, colorful glow over the polished floors.
As he approached the reception desk, a young woman in a sharp, black uniform stepped forward with a bright smile. "Good morning, sir. Would you like us to deliver your breakfast to your suite, or perhaps
you'd prefer to enjoy the buffet in one of our dining halls?" she offered, her tone professional but friendly.
Crimson paused for a moment, his helmet tilting slightly as he considered the offer. "Thank you, but not this morning," he replied, his voice deep and calm, echoing slightly from behind his steel visor. "I have some business to attend to first."
The hotel staff nodded with a courteous bow. "Of course, sir. If you need any assistance, please do not hesitate to ask."
Crimson gave a small nod before turning toward the massive, arched glass doors leading to the bustling streets outside. He felt a hint of urgency – he needed to find a place to buy clothes before the others noticed that he was still in the same armor from the day before. He couldn't afford to let them tease him about it, especially not Xiao Li Jing, who he knew would never let him live it down.
As Crimson stepped out of the grand doors of the Pendragon Hotel, the cool morning air greeted him, carrying the distant sounds of the bustling city. Just as he began to walk down the polished steps, a well-dressed coachman approached him, bowing respectfully.
"Good morning, sir," the coachman said with a practiced smile, tipping his hat slightly. "Would you like to hire one of our luxury carriages for the day? Only 10 gold coins, and you'll have the finest service in the city."
Crimson paused for a moment, his crimson cloak fluttering gently in the morning breeze. "Thank you, but no," he replied, his deep voice cutting through the lively chatter of the street. "I prefer to walk for now."
The coachman, though slightly disappointed, bowed again. "Of course, sir. Enjoy your day."
Crimson continued down the wide, marble steps and passed through the ornate iron gates of the hotel. The streets were already alive with the sounds of vendors calling out their wares, the clinking of metal from blacksmiths, and the chatter of early morning shoppers. He turned toward the business sector, his armored boots clinking against the cobbled streets as he moved deeper into the heart of the city.
He scanned his surroundings, trying to remember the layout of the city from fifty years ago. If his memory served him right, the business district was just a few blocks ahead, where rows of bustling shops sold everything from fine clothes to powerful weapons and rare artifacts. He needed to find something appropriate to wear – something that wouldn't make him stand out as much as his full knight armor.
As he walked, the colorful banners of various shops came into view, each one promising the finest quality goods. He felt a strange sense of nostalgia, like stepping back into a life he had nearly forgotten.
After a long walk through the bustling streets, Crimson finally arrived at the business district. The air here was thick with the scents of spices, polished leather, and the sharp tang of metal. Tall buildings lined the cobbled streets, their signs swaying gently in the morning breeze, each one competing for the attention of passing customers.
As he strolled deeper into the district, his eyes caught a particular storefront that seemed to radiate a faint, magical glow. The building was taller than most, its dark, weathered stones covered in arcane runes that pulsed gently with blue light. The sign above the door read "Mystic Vault – Artifacts and Enchantments."
"This seems promising," he muttered to himself as he pushed open the heavy, wooden door. A soft chime echoed through the air as he stepped inside, the sound more like the gentle ring of a crystal bell than ordinary metal.
The interior was a stark contrast to the busy streets outside. Shelves lined the walls, packed with enchanted tomes, shimmering potions, and various artifacts. Orbs floated in glass cases, their cores swirling with crackling energy, while racks of finely crafted staves and wands stood neatly along the far wall. The air was filled with the faint, crackling hum of magic, and the flickering light of enchanted candles cast long shadows across the polished wooden floor.
Crimson nodded to himself, feeling that familiar sense of adventure bubble up in his chest. "This should do," he thought as he began to browse the shelves, his eyes scanning for a more advanced magical bag – something that would let him carry his growing wealth and the numerous treasures he intended to collect.
As Crimson wandered through the aisles, his gaze tracing over the various enchanted items and artifacts, a young woman approached him. She had the distinct look of an apprentice mage, her short, ash-blonde hair held back by a simple leather band, and her dark blue robes embroidered with faintly glowing runes that marked her rank. She offered a polite bow before speaking.
"Greetings, sir. How may I assist you today?" she asked, her tone respectful but curious, clearly noting his imposing armor and the powerful aura that clung to him.
Crimson turned to face her, his crimson-plated armor catching the flickering light of the enchanted candles. "I'm looking for a magic bag – something with a larger capacity than the one I have," he replied, his voice deep and steady, though a hint of curiosity crept into his tone.
The apprentice's eyes lit up, and she stepped a bit closer, clearly excited to share her knowledge. "Ah, then you might be interested in our newest product – a Dimensional Storage Ring," she said, gesturing to a small, locked glass display case nearby. Inside, a series of rings rested on velvet cushions, each one set with a crimson gem that pulsed gently like a heartbeat.
She continued with a hint of pride in her voice, "These rings are a recent invention from the neighboring empire to the west. They offer a massive storage space of 7,500 square meters, far beyond the capacity of ordinary magical bags. However, to use it, you need to pour a bit of your mana into the ring. Once it glows with a crimson light, you simply telepathically command it to store or retrieve items. Just make sure you're physically touching the item before issuing the command."
Crimson glanced at the rings, his mind racing. "A dimensional storage ring, huh? That's quite the upgrade," he thought, impressed by the leap in magical technology since his last time in this world.
"How much for one of these?" he asked, already reaching for the pouch of coins at his belt.
"The cost is 650 gold coins," the apprentice replied, her tone a bit more cautious now. "It's a premium item, mostly bought by nobles or extremely wealthy adventurers."
Crimson let out a low chuckle, his armored gauntlet clinking as he reached for his pouch. "650 gold coins? Not a problem."
Crimson reached into his pouch, the sound of clinking coins echoing in the quiet shop as he counted out 650 gold coins. He placed the small stack on the polished counter, the apprentice's eyes widening slightly at the sight. She quickly swept the coins into a small, enchanted coffer that seemed to weigh the amount automatically, emitting a soft, approving chime as it confirmed the payment.
The apprentice mage unlocked the glass display case with a whispered incantation and careful flick of her wrist. She retrieved one of the rings, its crimson gem shimmering faintly in the soft light, and held it out to Crimson with both hands, her expression reverent.
"Here you go, sir," she said, her voice tinged with a mix of awe and respect. "This ring will automatically adjust to fit the size of your finger, no matter how thick or thin. It's a recent innovation, ensuring comfort and a perfect fit."
Crimson hesitated for a moment, glancing down at his gloved hand. "I've already got a lot of rings," he thought, remembering the various legendary bands that adorned his fingers – each one granting incredible boosts to his strength, agility, and mana. He carefully slipped the ring onto his pinky finger, the only free digit, and felt it adjust smoothly to fit snugly around the armored joint.
As the ring settled into place, the crimson gem pulsed gently, sensing the latent power within its new owner. Crimson flexed his fingers, testing the fit, and gave a satisfied nod.
"Perfect," he muttered, his deep voice carrying a hint of appreciation. "Thanks for the recommendation."
The apprentice smiled, clearly pleased that such a powerful warrior had chosen one of their shop's most prized items. "If you need anything else, sir, please don't hesitate to ask," she added, giving him another respectful bow before returning to her duties.
Before leaving the shop, Crimson paused near the entrance. He reached into the small magical pouch on his belt, letting the cool metal of the coins brush against his armored fingers. He closed his eyes for a brief moment, focusing his mind as the apprentice had instructed. The crimson gem on the ring flickered, responding to his intent.
With a subtle motion, he pulled out the handful of coins he had withdrawn the previous night – ten platinum coins and five hundred gold coins – and held them in his palm. The coins shimmered in the soft, ambient glow of the shop, their polished surfaces reflecting the light like tiny mirrors.
As he directed his thoughts towards the ring, the coins vanished in a swift, silent pulse of crimson light, sucked into the pocket dimension within the ring. The apprentice mage, who had been watching from behind the counter, let out a small gasp, her eyes wide in shock.
"P-Platinum coins…?" she stammered, barely managing to keep her composure. "You… you carry platinum coins…?"
Crimson gave her a sidelong glance, the faintest hint of a smirk hidden beneath his helmet. He simply nodded, turning back toward the exit, the small bells above the door chiming softly as he stepped out onto the bustling street once more.
"Not a bad investment," he muttered to himself, feeling the comfortable weight of his new ring as he walked away, blending into the flow of the busy marketplace.
Now that he had a proper storage ring to keep his belongings, Crimson turned his attention to his next objective – finding a suitable change of clothes. He needed something more fitting for high society, something that would command respect among the elites of this world. Sir Pendragon had reminded him the night before that proper attire was a symbol of status and respect in the circles of power, especially when dealing with the current leaders of the nation.
"Can't walk around in armor forever," he muttered to himself, his armored boots clinking against the polished stone street as he continued down the bustling business district.
He scanned the shop signs, each one promising various wares – from enchanted weaponry to alchemical ingredients – before his eyes settled on a lavish storefront with a grand, intricately carved wooden sign. It read "National Majestic Suits" in elegant, flowing script. The glass windows displayed mannequins dressed in the finest silks and embroidered suits, their fabrics shimmering under the soft, magical glow of the shop's interior lights.
"This should do," he thought, pushing open the heavy, brass-handled door.
As he stepped inside, the subtle scent of fresh linen and expensive perfume filled his senses. The walls were lined with neatly folded fabrics of every color and texture imaginable, while racks of finely tailored suits and robes hung neatly along the sides. The faint hum of enchanted thread machines filled the air, their quiet whirring a testament to the shop's craftsmanship.
Crimson took a deep breath, already preparing himself for the next round of spending. "Alright… let's see what you have."
As Crimson Aegis stepped through the polished wooden doors of National Majestic Suits, a delicate chime echoed through the store. The interior was grand, with polished marble floors and golden chandeliers casting a warm, luxurious glow over the neatly arranged suits and dresses.
A beautiful female staff member approached him with a graceful bow, her long, dark hair tied in an elegant bun. "Welcome, sir," she said with a polite, practiced smile. "How may I assist you today?"
Crimson's gaze wandered past her, drawn to a display near the back of the store. There, draped over a finely carved mannequin, was an outfit that immediately caught his attention – a princely ensemble of deep crimson and pure white, lined with intricate gold embroidery and adorned with a high-collared cloak. The design reminded him of the noble outfits he had seen in the grand courts of the game, a perfect blend of regality and power.
He nodded towards the outfit. "I'm interested in that one," he said, his voice carrying a hint of nostalgia.
The staff gracefully removed the princely outfit from the mannequin, carefully folding the fabric before bringing it to the counter. "This ensemble is one of our finest," she said, her voice tinged with a hint of pride. "The price is 2,565 gold coins."
Crimson didn't hesitate. He reached into his new dimensional storage ring and pulled out a single platinum coin, placing it on the counter with a soft metallic clink. "Keep the change," he said, his tone calm and firm.
The staff blinked in surprise, her eyes flicking down to the platinum coin, then back up to his helmeted face. For a moment, she seemed lost, struggling to grasp what he had just said. "S-Sir, are you sure? That's a change of 7,435 gold coins..." she stammered, her hands trembling slightly as she hesitated to pick up the coin.
Crimson simply nodded, his armored figure imposing yet somehow reassuring. "Yes, I'm sure," he replied.
A wave of emotions washed over the staff member's face – surprise, gratitude, and even a touch of disbelief. She quickly wiped away the small tears that threatened to spill from her eyes and bowed deeply. "Thank you, sir! Thank you so much! This is... this is incredible," she said, her voice slightly shaky.
Crimson gave a small, unseen smile behind his helmet, pleased with the reaction. As Crimson reached for the outfit, he paused and looked back at the staff. "Is there a changing room I can use?" he asked, glancing around the elegantly decorated shop.
The staff quickly nodded, her expression still bright from the generous tip. "Of course, sir," she replied, gesturing to a polished wooden door with intricate carvings at the side of the store. "Please, this way."
As they approached the changing room, the staff continued, her tone enthusiastic. "Ah, and I should mention – this outfit is magically adjustable. Once you pour a bit of mana into it, it will fit perfectly to your size and form. It's one of our finest pieces, designed to be both comfortable and regal."
Crimson gave a small nod of understanding. "I see. That's convenient."
The staff opened the door for him, revealing a spacious, well-lit room lined with tall mirrors and a comfortable velvet bench. "Take your time, sir. If you need any assistance, just call for me," she added, bowing slightly before stepping back to give him privacy.
Crimson stepped into the changing room, closing the door behind him. He carefully placed the outfit on the velvet bench, admiring the fine craftsmanship before slowly beginning to remove his heavy armor, piece by piece.
After slipping into the outfit, Crimson took a moment to adjust the cuffs and straighten the collar. The fabric felt surprisingly light, yet firm, perfectly tailored to his frame after a pulse of his mana activated its magical fit. He glanced at the cloak that came with the outfit, a fine piece of flowing fabric embroidered with golden threads. However, he chose not to wear it, opting instead for his original cloak – the one bearing the symbol of his guild, the Heartless Guild, its crimson heart and cross proudly displayed. He carefully folded the new cloak and stored it in his dimensional ring.
Satisfied with his appearance, he stepped out of the changing room.
The staff, who had been waiting nearby, looked up and froze in place. Her eyes widened, her cheeks reddening as she took in the sight before her. Gone was the towering, armored figure from earlier, and in his place stood a strikingly handsome man. His dark hair framed a sharp, perfectly symmetrical face, his eyes radiating a calm yet commanding presence. The outfit, with its tailored cut and regal design, only amplified his aura – a mixture of nobility and quiet strength.
For a moment, the staff struggled to find her words, her heart racing as if she had just encountered a prince from a powerful empire. She had never seen a man like this, someone who seemed to belong in the grand halls of royalty.
Crimson noticed her reaction and gave a small, amused smile, his sharp gaze meeting hers. "Thank you," he said simply, his deep voice carrying a hint of warmth.
The staff snapped back to reality, quickly bowing her head to hide her embarrassment. "Y-You look incredible, sir," she stammered, her hands nervously clutching her apron. "It suits you perfectly."
Crimson gave a small nod, then turned towards the exit, his cloak billowing slightly as he moved, a symbol of his status and the legacy he carried.
As Crimson stepped out of the shop, the morning sun cast a warm, golden glow over the bustling street. His polished, regal attire shimmered in the light, the embroidered threads catching every stray ray, making him look like a figure straight out of legend.
The lively chatter of the marketplace came to an abrupt halt. Bystanders and passing merchants paused mid-stride, their eyes locking onto the striking figure that had just emerged from the upscale tailor. The crisp, authoritative way he carried himself, paired with his otherworldly, handsome features, left many momentarily breathless.
Several women in the crowd felt their faces heat up, their hearts racing as they took in his commanding presence. A few instinctively straightened their backs, unsure if they should bow or offer a respectful nod, their cheeks flushed with a mix of awe and admiration.
For a long moment, the world around him seemed to hold its breath, the busy street transformed into a silent, attentive audience.