Sword Art Online: Moonlight Swordman.

On the other side, Klein and his group were also facing off against a pack of Dire Wolves.

But... instead of tense and serious like Ren and Issin, this group was... much louder.

"Ryoutarou, hurry up! I can't hold them off forever!" Dynamm shouted while dodging an attack from a wolf.

"Take it easy! You can block it just fine!" Klein grinned, slashing his sword across a Dire Wolf, forcing it to back away.

Dale, on the other hand, was the complete opposite of Dynamm. He swung his sword with precise, calculated strikes, the broad blade slicing through the air with force, each hit targeting the enemy's weak points.

"Dynamm, lure it to the left," Dale said in a low voice.

Dynamm immediately understood, pivoting to bait the Dire Wolf, slamming his sword against his shield to make a loud noise and direct the beast toward the position Dale had designated.

The moment the wolf charged, Dale swung his sword in a clean, precise arc toward its neck.

The monster collapsed instantly.

"Wow, that was solid, Dale!" Dynamm whistled, giving a thumbs-up.

Dale only smiled slightly. "Stay focused. There are still two more."

Klein laughed, swinging his sword to continue the battle. With their coordination, the Dire Wolves were quickly wiped out.

After a long morning of continuous fighting, the group finally had some time to rest.

Ren sat down, exhaling deeply. He still wasn't used to fighting for such an extended period.

Issin sat down beside him and handed him a flask of water. "You did well."

Ren accepted it silently, taking a small sip. He didn't say anything, but deep down, the praise made him feel a bit pleased.

Klein stretched and yawned. "We made quite a bit today, huh?"

Dale checked his inventory and nodded. "Enough to repair our gear and buy some recovery items."

"But we already brought food for lunch… we don't need to return to town to eat and recover," Issin said, pulling out some sausages and bread.

Dynamm put his hands on his hips and laughed loudly. "Then I'm taking the biggest portion!"

The whole group burst into laughter and shared their meal in the open field, under the sparse shade of scattered trees.

As he savored the taste of the food, Ren quietly glanced at his status screen.

His experience points had increased significantly. Just a little more, and he would reach level 4.

Monsters like Dire Wolves and giant snakes granted far more experience than boars.

A single wolf gave nearly twice as much.

A snake nearly 2.5 times more.

Ren tightened his grip around his spear.

'Not much longer… I'll be able to buy a sword of my own.'

The sun had begun to set, casting a soft orange glow over the wooden rooftops and stone-paved streets of the Starting Town.

The air felt cooler and more pleasant after a long day of battle.

The evening breeze swept through the alleys, carrying the scent of cooking fires, freshly baked bread from the bakery, and the metallic tang of hot steel from the blacksmith's forge.

Ren pulled his hood up against the slight chill in the wind.

He was tired, but not unpleasantly so, rather, there was a sense of quiet satisfaction in knowing he had improved compared to yesterday.

"We made it! Finally back in town!"

Dynamm threw both hands in the air, cheering loudly as he dashed into town like a triumphant warrior returning from battle.

Klein chuckled, shaking his head. "That guy's got endless energy."

Dale let out a small laugh, while Issin only sighed, though there was a hint of fondness in his eyes.

The group parted ways in the central square, where the main roads branched out like a network.

Everyone had their own tasks after a long day, some headed to a restaurant, others to the market to sell loot, and some sought a tavern to relax.

Ren turned into a quieter street, making his way toward the blacksmith's shop he often visited for equipment repairs.

His old spear still needed maintenance, and if possible, he wanted to start saving up to buy a sword.

But before saving money, he needed to know the prices first.

His weary but determined steps brought him to the familiar blacksmith's forge.

Inside the Forge

The small bell chimed as Ren pushed the door open. A wave of heat from the forge immediately hit him, starkly contrasting the evening chill outside.

The blacksmith, an elderly, muscular man with sweat gleaming on his arms, was hammering away at a glowing-hot piece of metal. Even as he worked, his sharp eyes flicked toward the door when Ren entered.

"Oh, it's you, kid! Here to get your gear fixed again?"

Ren nodded, placing his worn-out spear on the counter. "Please check this for me."

"Sure thing. But hey, have you thought about switching weapons?" The blacksmith picked up the spear, his keen gaze scrutinizing it as if he could see every tiny crack in the metal. "You've been using this for a long time. It's pretty worn down. If you've got the money, I'd recommend getting a new one."

Ren clenched his fists. "I know… but I don't have enough yet."

"Then keep at it," the blacksmith said, setting the spear down and starting the repairs.

While waiting, Ren wandered around, observing the weapons on display.

He stopped in front of a rack filled with swords, longswords, greatswords, short swords…

A furrow formed between his brows, and his deep blue eyes dimmed slightly when he saw the prices.

A steel sword cost 4,500 Cor…

Iron swords had better attack stats but even worse durability than his current spear, so they were immediately ruled out.

Since his gear wasn't finished being repaired yet, Ren moved around the shop, glancing at other displays.

He wasn't the only customer there today.

Several other players were browsing the weapons, testing how they felt in their hands, or discussing their choices with friends.

And in one corner, Klein stood there.

Ren recognized him immediately, perhaps because of his familiar reddish-brown leather armor, or maybe because of his relaxed posture. But something was different…

Klein wasn't picking a sword right away like he usually did.

Instead, he was staring intently at a katana displayed on the rack.

Ren saw him clasp his hands behind his back, tilting his head slightly as if deep in thought. His eyes gleamed with a hint of interest…

Yet, despite that, he didn't reach out to take it.

The second time Klein walked past another row of weapons, he glanced at another katana....this time, one with a black lacquered sheath and a sharply curved blade. 

Ren wasn't sure why, but a vague feeling stirred within him… 

Was Klein planning to buy a new katana? 

"Thanks for your business." The old blacksmith handed Ren his repaired gear, giving him a once-over. 

'You don't look tough or strong at all, kid. But at the very least... you've survived until today. Hah… The little brat who didn't even have enough coins to pay for a repair, making me lower my prices, has started to change.' 

Muttering to himself, the blacksmith returned to his unfinished work. 

After getting his spear repaired, Ren left the forge. But instead of heading straight back to the inn, he wandered down the street, his thoughts lingering on Klein. 

Just as he had walked a short distance, a hand landed on his shoulder. 

"Hey, Ren." 

Ren turned around to see Klein standing right behind him, one hand hidden behind his back. 

"What is it?" Ren frowned, eyeing him with suspicion. 

Klein chuckled and pulled his hand forward. A steel sword gleamed under the streetlights. 

Ren's eyes widened. 

The blade wasn't too long or too short, just the right length for both one-handed and two-handed use. 

It had a moderately thick blade, not as heavy as a greatsword but not as light as a short sword either. 

It was a European-style sword, designed for practical use, perfect for a beginner. 

"Take it." Klein held the sword out to him. 

Ren was stunned, hesitantly reaching out to accept it. "This is…?" 

Klein just smiled. "It's yours." 

Ren fell silent, his fingers tightening around the hilt. 

He said nothing, but his gaze unconsciously drifted to Klein's equipment... He was still carrying the same old sword he had been using all this time. 

So that's how it was… 

Ren suddenly recalled the way Klein had looked at those katanas in the forge. 

In that instant, he understood everything. 

Klein had intended to use this money to buy himself a new katana. 

But in the end, he chose to buy this sword for Ren instead. 

He never said a word about it, but his actions spoke louder than anything he could have said. 

Ren bit his lip. A complicated feeling rose within him, warmth, gratitude, and something even deeper. 

"…You really were going to buy a katana, weren't you?" 

Klein paused briefly before bursting into laughter. "Damn, kid. You're sharper than I thought." 

Ren didn't laugh. He lowered his gaze to the sword in his hands, then looked up at Klein. 

"I won't forget this." 

Klein ruffled Ren's hair, like an older brother would. "No need to look so serious. Just use it well. And when you make enough money, buy me a katana in return." 

Ren took a deep breath, his eyes firm with resolve. 

"I will." 

Klein grinned, satisfied. "Good. Then take care of it. Now, let's go eat—I'm starving!" 

Ren gripped the sword tighter, silently making a promise to himself. 

One day, he would return the favor. 

One day, he would give Klein the katana he had given up for him today. 

"Come on. Let's go grab some food. I'm about to pass out from hunger." 

Klein took the lead, grumbling about his empty stomach. 

"Seriously, I could eat an entire wild boar right now! If only that damn Dynamm hadn't stolen my meal..." 

Ren walked quietly beside him, his eyes drifting back to the steel sword in his hands. 

It wasn't an extravagant weapon. 

There were no elaborate engravings or intricate designs like the expensive swords in the forge. 

But its blade was sharp, its balance was perfect, and it fit in his hands as if it had always belonged there. 

Ren tightened his grip around the hilt, a strange sense of familiarity settling in. 

Klein had only spoken a few words, but Ren understood. 

This was trust. 

Klein believed that Ren would wield this sword better than the worn-out spear he stubbornly clung to. 

And Ren couldn't let him down. 

He sheathed the sword and followed Klein to a small eatery at the corner of the street. The scent of grilled meat filled the air, making his empty stomach let out a quiet rumble.