After a good night's sleep, in a soft bed. Ryuji and the others started the day with a consistent breakfast. And then began to make plans on what to do.
(Hayato) - I want to check out the new bow shop. I heard they got some nice pieces.
(Sol) - If we go to the bow shop, the next stop is the sorcery shop.
(Kenta) - I think we should let Ryuji pick. This is his first time in the capital and I would not want to drag him around for our needs.
*Sigh*
(Hayato) - You are right.
(Sol) - Where would you like to go Ryuji?
(Ryuji) - I have no idea.
(Kenta) - Then let's walk around and see if anything catches your eye.
*Step*
When they left the inn the capital was so lively. People were walking around, traders were yelling and changing their prices by the minute. It was completely different from the village where Ryuji lived in.
(Ryuji) - What is there?
(Hayato) - A clothing shop.
(Ryuji) - Can we go there first?
(Kenta) - Yes.
They went to the clothing shop and the vendor saw them and thought they are poor and invited them outside. Kenta pulled out the royal crest and the vendor apologized to them and said everything in the shop was free. Hayato found a nice cloak, and Sol found a scarf.
Ryuji found an outfit in two colors. Everyone said he should get it in black and blue, but he said he would feel bad not paying for it. The vendor insisted and Ryuji left with the new outfit.
*Step*
*Strech*
(Ryuji) - This outfit feels amazing.
(Kenta) - Doesn't it? It is made from the finest silk, for wealthy people.
(Ryuji) - Now that you say that, it feels wrong, I am not wealthy.
(Hayato) - We are not rich either, but you have the outfit, so enjoy it.
*Everyone started laughing*
They passed by the weaponsmith and Kenta asked Ryuji if they can stop by. Ryuji was also interested in getting a weapon because he did not have one.
(Vendor) - Welcome, travelers!
(Ryuji) - Greetings!
(Vendor) - With what can I be of service? Anything, in particular, you are looking for?
(Kenta) - What swords do you have in stock?
(Vendor) - Just the other day I received a new batch, follow me.
*Step*
*Step*
*Picks up*
*Swing*
(Kenta) - This one feels heavy, even though it doesn't look like it is.
(Vendor) - That sword is from a special alloy of dark steel and obsidian. It is technically unbreakable.
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(Kenta) - How much for it?
(Vendor) - For you, it will be 100 gold coins.
*Sigh*
(Kenta) - Pretty expensive.
*Whisper*
(Ryuji) - Show him the crest.
*Takes out the royal crest*
(Vendor) - Oh my, I was not expecting special customers today.
(Vendor) - 10 Gold coins and you can have it.
*Smile*
*Grab*
(Kenta) - There you go.
(Vendor) - And for you young man, what could I get you? Perhaps something easy to handle, a dagger?
(Ryuji) - I don't know yet. I only used swords.
(Hayato) - I would like a dagger, what do you have in stock?
*Step*
*Grab*
(Vendor) - This curved dagger is forged by the High Elves, it is so sharp the could cut through stone.
*Swing*
The vendor swang the dagger at the wall, which was made of bricks, and cut through it.
(Hayato) - I want it.
(Vendor) - It is by far the best weapon for lads like you, which should be at a disadvantage in close combat. But not with this dagger.
(Vendor) - Apologizes for you sir, we do not own any magically enhanced items.
(Sol) - No worries.
*Step*
(Ryuji) - What is this?
(Vendor) - T - T - That is. . . Ehm. . .
*Cough*
(Vendor) - That is something I received a long, long time ago from a traveler. He wanted to get rid of it, and it was a bargain.
(Ryuji) - And no one bought it?
(Vendor) - There are a few scythe users, and the ones that came here said it is a cursed item and no one will ever buy it.
(Kenta) - Thank you for sharing this information with us.
(Vendor) - I will never endanger royal customers.
While the vendor was sharing the story with the others Ryuji started hearing the voice again.
Take it...
It is yours. . .
To handle...
Ryuji fell to his knees and everyone panicked.
Only. . .
You. . .
Are worthy...
Then Ryuji got up and reached his hand for the scythe. The scythe resonated with Ryuji's energy and flew off the shelf into his hand. Everyone froze in disbelief at what they have witnessed.
*Shake*
(Kenta) - Ryuji! Wake up!
*Slap*
(Hayato) - Hey!
(Ryuji) - No need to slap me, you know.
*Chuckels*
(Hayato) - Sorry.
*Stand up*
(Ryuji) - What happened?
Ryuji felt his arm heavy and looked down. He was as shocked as everyone else to see the scythe in his hand. But what was more worrying is that the scythe somehow merged with his hand.
(Ryuji) - Take it off! Take it off me!
*Shake*
*Pull*
(Kenta) - Calm down!
*Breath in*
*Slowly breathe out*
(Ryuji) - Anyone can explain to me how this happened?
(Sol) - You fell to your knees, started mumbling, and then reached your hand towards the scythe, and the rest, well, you can see.
(Vendor) - My deepest apologies for this matter.
(Hayato) - It is not your fault, don't worry.
*Sigh*
(Kenta) - We have to figure out how to take it off now.
(Kenta) - How much for the scythe?
*Worried*
(Vendor) - It is free, you can take it. And if you wish to return it I will gladly take it back.
(Kenta) - It is our problem now, sorry for the inconvenience.
(Vendor) - I - I - I am sorry.
*Step*
(Hayato) - Have a good day!
(Vendor) - You as well.
They did not notice that time, but the scythe became more and more attached to Ryuji's hand. It was also becoming smaller.
(Ryuji) - What should we do now?
(Kenta) - Let's get back to the inn, and figure things out there.
(Hayato) - We don't want to catch any unwanted attention on the streets.
*Step*
*Step*
After they returned to the inn, the scythe was half its size when they got in the room.
(Kenta) - Do you guys notice something different about the scythe?
*Shocked*
(Ryuji) - Why is it smaller?
(Kenta) - I have no idea.
(Hayato) - Do you not remember anything from when we were at the weaponsmith?
(Ryuji) - I heard a voice.
(Sol) - What did it say?
(Ryuji) - That it is mine, that I am worthy.
(Kenta) - It doesn't make much sense. The vendor said it is cursed.
(Sol) - Could it be because of his powers?
(Ryuji) - It was not the same voice from before. It felt weird.
(Kenta) - We need to wait for Olaf, until then let's hope the thing does not get worse.
They talked about it and thought for a couple of hours, but nothing came to mind of how to get the scythe off without hurting Ryuji. It got late and they took shifts to watch over Ryuji and the scythe. Nothing else happened during the night.