Mark had finally finished talking about that topic and any associated things that he found relevant. He kind of forced himself to stop talking, which was one of his biggest weaknesses—he truly loves talking about certain things more than a normal person should.

"Well, that was... interesting.", said Angela, trying to hide her actual lack of interest in such a subject.

Mark stared off into the distance, his cheeks slightly red.

Just how did I manage to fuck up this hard? Never mind, this is who I am, I better get used to it.

Trying to lift this awkward atmosphere, Angela scanned the area, hoping to find something to lighten the mood.

"Here."

Mark watched as she ran to a stand placed by the street. She turned around, her hair flying around her face.

"Come on, what are you waiting for?"

Mark woke up from his haze, following her.

Just what in hell am I doing? I can’t fall for anyone; I just can’t...

Once there, Angela pulled out the money bag, showing off their earnings to Mark.

"So I guess we can play for quite some time, right?"

Angela giggled, paying the vendor. He went on to explain the rules.

"It’s simple, you get three projectiles. When you hit a target, you win a prize. Hit three targets, get one of the big prizes."

Angela’s eyes were stuck upon an ornate staff, staring at the intricate design, watching the light play along the handle. It looked great, the wood combining perfectly with the dark metal used for the decorations. What made it even more special was the magic stone used for it.

A beauty. Those were the only words Angela needed to describe it.

"What do I have to hit for that staff over there?"

The vendor looked at it, showing a little smirk that only Mark noticed.

"Going for the grand prize, I see. Well, it’s not that easy, I’m telling you. Hit the furthest targets, without missing."

Angela tried her luck, but to no avail. Her projectiles fell to the ground before they could even reach halfway.

"One more, please."

She paid up, as Mark watched the vendor’s slick smile. His eyes fell on Angela, who was struggling to get that prize.

"Still no luck? Let me try."

She looked at him, her eyes speaking of how much she wanted that staff.

This thing is sure to be rigged; that’s how they work. Perhaps I can do it.

Stolen novel; please report.

He picked up a projectile, placed it on the sling, pulled as hard as he could, and aimed. His breath stopped, his focus being on his target and himself. He got the timing of his heart beats, waiting to shoot between beats.

Clank.

"One down."

Clank.

"Two down."

Angela watched from the side, filled with hope, yet Mark didn’t even bat an eye in her direction. He was one with the sling. The vendor’s expression turned into one of contempt, which he tried to hide from his customers.

Clank.

He hit, denting the target, yet it didn’t fall. It stood there, stuck in place.

"Well, what a shame. Perhaps you’d like to try again?"

Mark gave him a look—no more, no less—enough to make the man shiver in fear.

"Now listen here, and listen well. Go try to bring that target here. If you can’t get it unstuck from there, you better hand that staff over before I twist your neck.

He did not even dare look at Mark, obeying like a little puppy. He fell into his own trap, trying his best to at least move the target, yet it didn’t even budge. Defeated, he got the staff and handed it to Mark.

"Let’s go, Angela; these games are rigged."

She stared at him, then at the staff, then back at him. His gaze was still that of anger, yet softer than before. He pointed the staff at Angela.

"Here, take it."

She gently placed her hand on it, as if afraid to break it. All of a sudden, Mark woke up to a warm embrace from her.

"Thanks."

He didn’t hug her back, yet she didn’t care.

I guess it’s a double win for me. That’s what was going on in her head.

She finally let go, walking around like a child after they got the toy they so much craved. Mark only smiled slightly, watching in silence.

Huh, so that’s what it would be like. To live such a life...

The two of them went on to walk around the central plaza, enjoying various types of food and drinks. They did spend a part of their budget, yet it was worth it. It was midnight by the time they finally decided to head back to the inn.

"Well, that was fun. Now I only need a good night’s sleep, since tomorrow I’m heading back to training."

"You sure are something. To be mistaken for a soldier then train with a man like Gerard."

Mark looked at the sky, absorbed by his own mind.

"Well, I guess. I’m not so sure about it, yet I won’t say no to an opportunity to get stronger."

She suddenly stopped, staring at Mark.

"Why is it that you wish to become stronger?"

Mark closed his eyes, breathing slowly, his head still pointed at the sky. He didn’t turn around, he just stood there, pondering the question.

"Why is it that wish to get strong, huh... Perhaps I have no clue. It might be my desire to be strong, my greed, yet it might also be a wish to protect the weak, to bring peace and unity among people. I can’t say for sure, yet all I know is that I don’t need a concrete answer to that question, all I know is that I must become strong, I must be better than I was."

Angela listened. She didn’t expect such an answer from someone like him, someone who likes to play around and goof all day.

The rest of the walk was silent, with each of them stuck to their thoughts.

It felt longer than it should have, yet they had finally arrived at the inn. Mark went to his room, only to find Luke sleeping on the whole bed.

He sighed, staring at the floor.

"Guess I’m sleeping on the floor tonight."

Angela burst out laughing, and without thinking, she let her words come out.

"How about you sleep with me then?"

The two of them stared at each other, yet no one dared say a word.