Damien and Aya made a beeline for the exit of the small town where they met no trouble. Even with their suspicious outfits, this town thrived by not getting into people’s business. Once they reached outside the town’s jurisdiction, Damien looked around to find out which way to go. Every direction he looked had landmarks that were hard to miss and allowed him to pinpoint exactly where to go. Right as he took his first step, Aya let out an annoyed grunt that made Damien second guess himself.
“Uhhh, that’s the wrong way. You would think he hit you hard enough that you would at least change this. I’m not even going to bother anymore, just follow me.”
Damien could only accept his weakness in navigation and rely on Aya to lead the way. From here they were making their way to Trua, where they will make their final stop before reaching the destination. Trua was a major city like Gats with an academy of their own, Breaklight Academy. He would be able to stock up on potions and pills so he can enhance his cultivation in the volcano. While they made their way down the road the sun was roaring with heat waves. Damien enjoyed the sensation it brought him with the feeling of being revitalized.
‘I can only imagine how much I would benefit from being in the core of the volcano. I need it to do so since I am far too weak. I cannot control my own actions.’
Damien and Aya traveled through the day and night so they could reach Trua in one fell swoop. Along the way they met quite a few nuisances, but they were dealt with by Damien. A couple of broken bones and displays of his aura was enough to deter everyone immediately. Word spread of their actions along with their merciless attitudes making every passerby stand on the side of the path until they passed. Damien didn’t enjoy being seen as some kind of villain, but he had to admit it was very convenient not being held up all the time.
The duo quickly arrived at Trua the next day where they had to change their disguise or they would be detained for questioning. Once inside, Damien felt the grand feeling of a huge city wash over him. The feeling was completely different from Gats since it was a fortress city with hardened military guards. Here the arts were more embraced and displayed in the architecture of the city. Everything flowed seamlessly that made your eyes follow the building down to the castle that overlooked everything. It was a beautiful display of art techniques that was obviously designed by a master. Damien enjoyed the scenery for the moment he laid eyes on it but once he took it all in, he no longer cared to waste his time on it.
“Let’s find a good shop before we leave. I need to be the utmost prepared to make it worthwhile.”
Aya nodded along to his thinking and helped him find a shop that met his criteria. It was a shop that caught everyone’s attention. It was glistening with luxury while two guards stood blocking the entrance. It was obvious the store was discriminating against those who appeared to have no money. They were ruthless to those even just window shopping, but had a complete turnaround to those with academy uniforms or with opulent clothes that screamed money. Damien was a little taken aback but after asking around, everyone suggested it was the best shop to get any of your needs. Everything was of the highest quality that even academy students came to purchase their cultivation products.
Once Damien confirmed it wasn’t just some tourist trap, he wasted no time in going to the entrance of the shop. Immediately, the two guards blocked the entry without any explanation. Their eyes were already judging him by the way he dressed. His robes were nothing special, made from a common fabric. Since they were in a new area with no connections to speak of, Damien wanted to play nice.
“Excuse me, we are trying to purchase some goods. I certainly have the gold to afford it, so if you could move your bodies and open the door for me.”
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Damien waited patiently in front of the two staggering guards. They both looked at each other in amusement, and thought he was the perfect fellow to make an example of. They had no shortage of people trying to get in that could never afford even the cheapest item. They just wasted space in the store while others complained of their “appearances” and “smell.”
“Sorry little guy, there’s no way we will fall for such a blatant lie. Now scram, before we have to get physical with you!”
Their voices pierced out to the streets, where everyone stopped what they were doing. Every pedestrian waited with anticipation for a good show as every once in a while there was a fool in the same position. Damien didn’t move an inch from his position. Instead, he took a step closer, which instigated the guards to take action. They were in the motion to take their weapons out but Damien simply put his small hands on theirs. They tried with all their strength to move their arms, but it was not possible. Damien subdued their strength easily, however their attitudes were still untamed. For that Damien released a small wave of his aura so that it could wash over their bodies. Almost instantly, the guard’s bodies went limp.
“You shouldn’t judge others so harshly. I just want to go in without any problems.”
The comical sight of seeing such a small person go up against huge guards and actually winning, caused the onlookers to laugh at them. Not only were they embarrassed but also confused that the little guy in front of them had so much strength. The guards lost their will to fight and their arrogant persona vanished into thin air. Aya just stood in the background giving a thumbs up in approval. This was more like her style and she enjoyed watching others fall from their summit. Damien was ready to call out a manager, but as if on cue a group of staff waltzed out the main doors. This group was led by a vigorous old man with an eccentric aura. He simply shoved passed by the guards, launching them to the floor. The old man stopped in front of Damien with his arms at his hips. Every single part of him screamed out youthful vibes like he was still an immature adult.
“My dear friend, what appears to be the problem? I’m sure we can make up for this unpleasant debacle.”
Damien pointed at the two guards on the floor.
“These two stopped me from being a patron at your store even when I told them I have the money. I only wish to buy some things and go.”
The old man quickly perked up when he heard the word money. His enthusiasm increased as he held the door open for Damien himself.
“That’s all you needed to say, esteemed patron. Don’t worry about these two, I’ll have them terminated instantly.”
The old man then turned to the two shocked guards on the floor. For something they have done everyday to the point it was normal, they were fired.
“You need to turn in your badge, and uniform immediately. Also your last paycheck will be used as reimbursement for the mockery you made of our store.”
The two stood up to go inside and follow his instructions, however they were stopped from entering.
“I cannot have you being an eyesore to our patron. Take it all off here and go.”
They were forced to undress in public while they handed the company items back. The humiliation burnt into their backs as they felt the stares of everyone. They quickly ran into the nearest alleyway so they could disappear into the shadows. Damien didn’t give them a second glance and walked in with Aya. Inside the store was a feeling of magnificence. Everything was displayed like art while each of the products had a description of their uses. Damien ignored everything that was of no use since was not a rich young master.
‘Just focus on the pills and potions. Everything else is just garbage. Yes, garbage. They don’t exist, now move.’
While using all of his mental state to not be a window shopper, he made his way to the alchemy area. The manager had long since disappeared after they entered and everyone watched them from the corner of their eyes. They made quite the entrance, even having the manager come out to bring them in. Damien ignored them and went exactly where he needed to be. There were thousands of potions and pills lined up with prices that made Damien’s eyes pop out. The exorbitant prices had Damien reaching for his pouch of coins. Looking at the reality he calculated he would only be able to afford a couple of them. His actions caused ridicule to ripple through the store, but once Damien turned to look at them, they all shut up. It was obvious he was an expert to others, however there were plenty of broke experts out in the world. They kept their ridicule to themselves and returned to watching him from the corner of their eyes. Aya noticed all of this, so she couldn’t stand back and let her company be shamed. With this in mind, she bent over to Damien’s ear to whisper something. Instantly, Damien perked up with confidence.