After the giant skeleton collapsed in flames, Alton walked back through the gates in calm silence. The entire village seemed to have gathered along the wall and streets, staring at him with a mixture of awe and disbelief. He ignored the looks, returned his sword to the guard post, and let out a long breath.
The chief approached quickly, Rose trailing close behind. "What was that?" he asked, voice low but intense. "You told us you were just a traveler. Not a fighter. Not a mage."
Alton blinked, slightly confused. "Can't someone be both?"
The chief shook his head. "Most people specialize. Fighters train their bodies and weapons. Mages devote themselves to spells. Becoming truly strong in both is… rare. Extremely rare."
"Oh," Alton said. "I just use whatever works."
The chief studied him for a long moment, then his expression softened. "Well, rare or not… you saved the village today. Thank you. As a token of our gratitude, let us treat you to a proper meal. No arguments."
Alton scratched the back of his neck, feeling a bit shy, but nodded. "Alright. Thank you."
By the time they returned to the inn, word had already spread like wildfire. The moment Alton stepped inside, the atmosphere shifted. People whispered excitedly. A few young guards approached him, clapping him on the shoulder and offering sincere thanks. Alton waved them off awkwardly. "It's okay, really."
The chief's wife and Rose soon brought out steaming plates of food—thick stew, roasted meat, fresh bread, and hot herbal tea. "Eat as much as you want," the chief's wife said warmly. "Everything is on the house today. We are forever grateful."
Alton thanked them and began eating quietly at a corner table. He could feel eyes on him from all around the room. Some gazes were full of gratitude. Others carried suspicion and wariness, their voices low as they discussed how dangerously strong he was. He understood their caution. A stranger who could solo a giant skeleton was bound to make people nervous.
He kept eating in silence until Rose approached and sat across from him, looking a little nervous.
"You looked really cool out there," she said shyly, a faint blush coloring her cheeks.
Alton paused mid-bite, surprised. "Oh… thanks."
There was an awkward pause. Rose fiddled with the edge of her sleeve. "Have you… been to a lot of places?"
"Not really," he admitted. "Not many."
Her shoulders dropped slightly. "Oh… I see."
"Why do you ask?"
She met his eyes. "I've always dreamed of traveling the world one day. Seeing what's beyond these snows." She gave a small, wistful smile. "My parents probably won't let me, though. I guess I was a little jealous of you."
Alton glanced at the celebrating crowd, then back at her. He wasn't good at conversations like this. "I'm… not really the best person to ask for travel stories. Sorry."
The silence grew awkward again. After a few moments, Rose stood up. "Well… I should get back to helping."
"Wait," Alton said quickly. "Do you guys have a bath here?"
Rose brightened. "We actually have a hot spring—both indoor and outdoor. The snow has calmed down a bit today, so now might be the perfect time."
Alton's eyes lit up. "Really? Can I use it?"
"Of course," she said with a warm smile. "Just go around to the back of the building. Enjoy yourself!"
"Thanks."
After finishing his meal, Alton slipped away from the crowd and found the outdoor hot spring. Steam rose gently into the cold air, the water crystal clear and naturally heated. He washed first, then lowered himself into the hot water with a long, satisfied sigh.
"Oh man… this is incredible."
He leaned back against the smooth rocks, the heat soaking into his tired muscles. The view was breathtaking—gentle snowfall drifting down over the vast white landscape, the village lights twinkling softly in the distance. For the first time since arriving in this world, the tension in his body and mind finally melted away.
Bedtime was still far off. He planned to stay here for a long while.