Altair returned to the stronghold just as the sun stood high in the sky. This time, he had anchored the portal in the same location as before—the town marketplace. With Awakened warriors appearing in town one after another, a strange tension gnawed at him. He couldn't explain it, but he felt like something bad was going to happen soon. The air itself seemed heavy with unease.
The common people likely hadn't noticed, but the authorities surely had. When he saw the two Awakened warriors earlier, his first thought was that it might be due to the bandits. After all, he'd studied the map and knew how dangerous the situation was—if those people decided to attack the town, they had contact points across the surrounding routes. The town was probably already on high alert.
Even on the streets, there were noticeably more soldiers patrolling and keeping watch. Going back to the forest, just west of the town, was no longer a good option. Using the town as a fixed travel point felt safer—more strategic.
The portal shimmered shut behind him, and the modest stone house came into view. Through the front window, he spotted three familiar silhouettes pressed against the glass—watching.
When they saw his figure approaching, they hurried to open the door.
"Uncle!" A tiny blur launched at him.
Verda collided with his legs, nearly toppling him. The bags in his arms teetered dangerously.
"Oof—Slow down, Verda!" he chuckled, struggling to keep balance.
"You're back!" she squealed, hugging his knee like a burr. "I waited so long!"
Altair brought his things down and scooped her into his arms, shifting her thin frame to his hip with ease. "Were you waiting for me?"
"Uh-huh!!"
The boys followed her out and stood shyly in front of him. Altair felt a strange mix of awkwardness and warmth at their eagerness to wait for him. Though it was now his role to act as their father, the situation still felt surreal—almost like he was playing house. He couldn't help but recall how he used to wait for his own father to return from town, always excited, knowing he'd come back with toys or candy in hand.
"Let me carry that!" Alvis said, grabbing a cloth bundle he put on the ground without waiting for permission.
"I'll help too," Nolan added, quieter, but already lifting another bag with smooth efficiency.
Lero hesitated a beat, then hopped down the steps with determination. But before he reached for anything, Altair raised a hand.
"It's okay. I've got the rest. Let's just get inside." Among them, Lero was the most malnourished so he doesn't want him to do heavy tasks yet.
Still carrying Verda and Lero on his side, they entered the house. Once the bags were set down, Altair looked over the four of them.
"Are you all doing okay?" he asked, scanning their expressions.
Nolan stood straight, almost stiff. "Yes. We didn't leave," he said. "Just like you said."
Altair gave a satisfied nod. "Good. I brought a lot of things. Let's unpack together."
The moment he opened the bags, it was like he'd unlocked a treasure trove. Gasps echoed through the room as the bows and arrows, blankets, mattress, clothes, and small trinkets and toys spilled out.
Altair pulled out two small dresses—one soft pink with stitched daisies, the other cheerful yellow with a satin ribbon. He showed it in front of Verda.
"These are for you, Verda. What do you think?"
Her eyes went saucer-wide. "Oooooh! Sooo pretty!" she squealed, hugging the dresses to her chest. "I wanna wear it!"
"Bath first," Altair said, booping her nose. "Then it's all yours."
"Okay!!" she shouted, dashing off with the clothes.
Altair also picked out his things from the package and turned back to the boys. "The rest is for you. There are five sets of clothes for each of us, and the other items will be divided among the three of you. Go and see which ones are yours."
The three looked at him with hesitation in their eyes.
Alvis glanced at Nolan, who shifted uncomfortably. "Are you sure it's okay? It… probably cost a lot."
Altair looked at their embarrassed expression. He knelt down to their level, his voice soft but firm. "I adopted you. That means you're mine to take care of. From your food, clothes, all of it—that's on me. You don't have to be uncomfortable as this was my responsibility. Haven't I already said it? I'll take care of all of you, okay?."
He ruffled Alvis' hair.
He understood their concern. They likely felt uncomfortable accepting so much so easily. But he needed them to understand—this was what a parent did. More than that, he truly wanted to treat them well, not just for the sake of his mission, but because he genuinely cared.
Besides, these things were bought using the system's resources. In a way, the children had already contributed—they'd helped him build the stronghold.
That finally eased the tension. Alvis cracked a grin and started digging through the pile. Nolan gave a faint nod and joined him, still cautious. Lero also silently picked his own; he would glance at Altair from time to time. Though he remained quiet, his eyes were beaming.
Altair just watched them from the side. Starting with food, shelter, and clothing, he was already making his way into their hearts. Children are easily coaxed when their needs and sense of protection are met. He hoped that by doing this, they would begin to feel at ease.
The house buzzed with life as they changed into their new clothes and took turns washing up. When the children returned from their baths, the difference was like night and day. Their hair was clean, their eyes bright.
Verda twirled dramatically in her dress, the yellow fabric that she chose to wear first was swirling like sunlight.
"Uncle! Do I look pretty?"
Altair noticed that the girl liked to be praised, so he immediately nodded with a smile. "Of course it was pretty. You are the prettiest in the world."
She giggled, pleased beyond words.
The three boys also showed themselves to him, but didn't say anything. Still, he could tell they were looking for his opinion. So he gave them a small smile and said, "You all look much better now. Those clothes suit you."
Their eyes immediately lit up.
Altair's eyes caught on Nolan.
With his damp hair brushed back, the long scar running from temple to jaw was in plain sight. It curved down his neck and vanished into the collar of his shirt. His left arm, once hidden beneath sleeves, bore old, gnarled wounds.
Though Nolan's expression seemed better, he still looked wary. He always made sure to keep a distance from others. Altair's heart twisted. This personality of his must be related to the old scars that marred his face. He immediately wondered if there was a way to heal those old wounds. He recalled that there seemed to be a healer in town who was helping the transport. Maybe he could try and meet that person?
But his thoughts were interrupted when he remembered the system. There seemed to be a healing potion there. Maybe it could help?
He should try it. But first—
"Alright," Altair clapped his hands. "Tonight, we're changing things up. Verda and Alvis, you'll share the room on the right. Nolan and Lero, you're in the left room. Starting tonight, you're all sleeping upstairs."
Alvis looked confused. "But then… How about you? Where are you sleeping?"
Altair met his gaze with a serious expression. "I'll stay down here to guard the house. There's no one else here besides us, but it's better to be safe than sorry."
Nolan hesitated, stepping forward slowly, his voice soft. "... I can stay down here instead. Back at our old house, I... I used to sleep in the living room too. I can do it again."
Lero, standing a little more confidently though still clutching the hem of his shirt, nodded. "I can help too. I'll keep watch."
Altair shook his head gently, his tone firm but caring. "You're all still too young. It's important for you to get a good night's sleep. The ground is cold, and it's much better to rest in bed. If you don't sleep enough, you won't grow taller."
Alvis blinked in surprise, his eyes wide. "Really?"
Altair nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Yes. That's why I'm tall. You need to sleep well so you can grow and be strong enough to protect yourselves when the time comes."
Verda pouted in complaint. "Uncle! I sleep here."
Altair poked her gently on the nose, his smile softening. "But are you leaving your brother all alone? What if a monster comes and takes him away?"
Verda's face scrunched up in concern as she glanced at Alvis, who was standing beside her.
Altair chuckled lightly, though his voice remained firm. "Go upstairs with you! Set up your rooms. I'll bring blankets in a minute."
They nodded, still muttering about how brave they would be when they were older, and scrambled up the stairs, their small feet tapping against the floorboards.
Once they were gone, Altair opened the system interface, he quickly checked his points. He still has 60 kill points.
He scrolled through the system store. There it was, besides the Health Potion.
Healing Potion – 10 kill points.
Without hesitation, Altair selected it and confirmed the purchase.
In a flash of light, a crystal bottle appeared in his hand. It was warm to the touch, with a gentle, almost comforting heat radiating from it. The bottle was filled with a luminous green liquid that swirled with golden threads, the fluid pulsing faintly as if alive, brimming with vitality.
Altair stared at the potion, his thoughts momentarily lost in its strange glow.
"This… this might actually work."