Hacking the Game Didn't Go as Intended [Part Two]

CHAPTER 219: Sister Aeliana & The Twinkle Orphanage

"That dwarf cared for me... like the father I never had," Tiphanna said with a bittersweet smile. "He made me feel special despite being an elf with fire magic instead of wind. He taught me everything I know about blacksmithing... and how to stand up for myself. When he passed, I moved to Lunarel and opened my shop—to carry on his legacy."

Daisuke kept silent, reflecting on her words.

"...So, you see," Tiphanna continued slowly, her voice soft and heavy with regret. "The reason I couldn't use wind magic is because I no longer have the means to. That ability came from a relic, and it was destroyed during the fight with the Treant."

"I'm sorry," Daisuke murmured. "If I knew, I would've been more careful."

The elf shook her head with a rueful smile. "If anyone's to blame, it's me. If I hadn't kept the truth from you in the first place..."

"It's okay," Daisuke cut in gently. "People tend to keep personal things to themselves. And, in the end, everything turned out fine, didn't it?"

"...Yeah."

"We're both still standing," he added, offering a reassuring smile. "We just need to make it through the night and head back tomorrow."

Tiphanna glanced around, a slight smile tugging at her lips. "Well, by the looks of it, getting through the night won't be an issue. This tent's incredibly... convenient."

"It better be, considering the ridiculous price tag," Daisuke muttered in return.

DING!

[Veilhaven Tent]

[A durable, high-quality tent spacious enough to comfortably house three occupants along with essential utilities. It regulates heat, muffles sound, and traps scent. Repel Incense is woven into its fabric—undetectable to humans, but wards off monsters. Enchanted to blend with its surroundings when danger nears. Perfect for travelers seeking security and discretion on the road.]

All of a sudden, Tiphanna's tummy grumbled and her eyes widened in embarrassment, her face turning beet red.

"Um," she breathed, averting her gaze.

Without a word, Daisuke reached above his head and dipped his hand into his inventory to retrieve an article of clothing he'd been stuck with for a while.

[Emberwoven Tunic +2]

[Rank: Rare

Type: Garment | Breastplate

Durability: 40/43 | Magical Defense: 6.2 | Fire Resistance: +8%

A finely stitched tunic woven with threads imbued with fire magic. Its wearer can feel a gentle warmth that enhances resistance to heat-based attacks, making it ideal for venturing through fiery terrains or facing flame-wielding enemies.

▪︎ Fire Resistance +8%

▪︎ Slightly reduces burn duration from fire attacks.

Conditions of Use: Lvl 5+ | Female | Strength 7+ | Stamina 3+]

"How about we grab something to eat?" he murmured, holding the tunic out in front of her. "I'll turn away while you get dressed."
"Thank you," she muttered shyly, reaching for the garb. She then cautiously rose to her feet, keeping a careful eye on his face to make sure he wasn't trying to sneak a peek.

But as she drank in his panty-dropping good looks, she found her gaze trailing over his irresistible lips, the curve of his chin, the hard surface of his chest, and the uneven valleys of his defined abs.