Three weeks had already passed since Rowan arrived in that new world.
Over time, he had gotten more jobs: assistant at the market, loader at the port, and he even repaired roofs or fences whenever someone needed it. However, all those jobs were poorly paid, so he began offering temporary help in nearby villages. They weren't steady jobs, just favors for a few coins, but even so, he managed to gather enough money to eat a little better each day.
His effort didn't go unnoticed. Many villagers already knew him as a hardworking and kind young man, someone willing to help without complaining.
Rowan had always been good at household and physical tasks. Before arriving in that world, he already had a physical level slightly above average, and that allowed him to withstand fatigue better than others. Even so, with so many jobs, each night his body felt heavier, but he didn't give up.
When night fell and the market closed, he lay down in the stable where he slept, looking at the stars through the gaps in the roof. He thought about his family, his friends, his old life.
With each passing day, his hope of waking up from that "dream" faded a little more. He was beginning to accept that this was his new home, his new reality, no matter how harsh it was.
One morning, while helping sell fruit in a commercial area, he saw something strange: a hooded figure snatched a bracelet from a woman's hands and ran off through the crowd. Without thinking, Rowan reacted on instinct and chased after her.
The thief was fast, agile, and knew the area well. She jumped over boxes, climbed rooftops, and slipped into alleyways. But Rowan didn't fall behind. Although he wasn't as fast, his endurance allowed him to keep up. Each jump required effort, adrenaline rushing through his body.
After several minutes of chase, the thief looked back, surprised that he was still behind her. At that moment she lost her balance and slipped from a height of three floors. Without thinking, Rowan leaped toward her, managing to grab her arm just before she fell. Both ended up hanging, breathing heavily.
When they finally reached the ground safely, the girl pulled away abruptly.
"Why didn't you let me fall?" she asked seriously, still breathless.
"Because even if you're a thief… I knew you needed to be saved," Rowan replied, looking at her calmly.
"I appreciate it," she said, looking away, "but that doesn't mean I'll give you the bracelet back. I need it."
"What for?" Rowan asked.
"To survive. Here, almost all legal jobs are poorly paid… and basic things are too expensive."
Rowan lowered his gaze.
"I get it. I go through the same. I work in everything I can… I think I have like four jobs, and a bunch more temporary ones."
She let out a tired, faint laugh.
"Well, I admire you. You didn't lose my trail, even though I was faster. Your endurance is impressive." She paused, stretching a sore leg. "I don't think I can keep walking for a while."
"I guess the body gets used to exhaustion," Rowan replied with a slight smile.
The girl looked at him with curiosity.
"If you want to live decently, you should think about becoming a thief too."
Rowan stared at her, surprised.
"I don't know… I want to live better, yes, but not by stealing from others."
She shrugged.
"Think about it well. Nobody survives here by being good all the time." She turned around and walked into a dark alleyway. "If you change your mind, look for me here. Open the door in the back and ask for me. By the way… my name is Lyra."
"Rowan," he answered.
She nodded and disappeared behind the door.
That night, Rowan returned to the stable. He couldn't sleep. His thoughts spun around Lyra's proposal. He knew stealing was wrong, but… what if that was the only way to survive? What if his kindness only kept him stuck?
He looked at his calloused hands, the pieces of hard bread next to his straw bed, and sighed.
"I just want to live with a little dignity…" he murmured.
The next morning, he got up before dawn and walked toward the alley. He knocked on the door with determination. Shortly after, Lyra appeared, hood down and a midnight smile on her face.
"What brings you here?" she asked, crossing her arms.
"I've thought about what you said… and I accept your proposal."