Forge Enchantment class finally ended. Everyone either left to go to their next class or to mingle around Academy Square. Hanako and Katherine both had another class together, so they said their goodbyes to Ken and left. Ken, who had no more classes for the day, made his way to Plaza Zone, following the map on his phone.
Reaching his destination, Ken stood within a huge shopping mall complex. Astonished by the sheer magnitude of the mall, he couldn't help but gawk at everything.
“Woahhh… so many people, it's like an ant farm in here.“ Ken marveled. “People must get lost here often, I know I would.”
“You’re right, it is like an ant farm,” Koko said standing next to Ken.
Ken turned to face his fellow Dorm 44 member Koko Engot, a rabbit beast-kin. “Oh, hey Koko. What brings you here?”
“I'm here to apply for a job."
“A job?”
“Yeah, students can work on-campus jobs to gain work experience, and get paid in points.”
“Oh wow, that's very convenient .”
“Sure is. What are you doing here?”
“My Forgers Enchantment professor said I could buy a Forgers table here at a store called ‘Poppy’s Forge’.
“Poppy’s Forge? What a coincidence, that's the store I'm headed to as well!”
“Really? That's great! We can head there together… but which way? The map isn't any help now that I'm here.”
“Poppy’s Forge is located on the 4th level. Follow me, I've been to enough malls in my lifetime, so this is nothing.”
Ken followed Koko through the bustling mall complex toward their destination. The mall had everything, from arcades to restaurants and even a cinema.
“There is so much to do here… it's hard to believe that this is still an Academy for Magic.” Ken’s fascination knew no bounds.
“It's wonderful! Once I start earning points from working, I'm visiting every store in sight!” Koko’s eyes glistened at the thought of all the things she could buy.
“If you're not in a rush, I say let's go explore?”
“That's a great idea! Let's go window shopping! Eventually, we will reach our destination.”
“Great!”
The young man and the Rabbit beast-kin jumped from one store to another, looking and touching everything with no intention of buying anything. They ran into clothing stores where Koko tried out several different outfits. They then entered a bookstore, where Ken read the blurb of many different fiction and non-fiction books. They were like tourists gawking at everything.
After running through twelve different stores, the duo finally arrived at their destination; Poppy’s Forge. Different forging materials and tools filled the shelves.
“This store has everything! It's a Forger's paradise!” Ken gasped.
“Yeah, and they also sell magical artifacts.” Koko was just as excited.
“Hello, may I assist the two of you?” A young man spoke, approaching the duo. He had short black hair with square shaped glasses.
“Yes. I'm Koko Engot, and I'm here to apply for a job.”
“I'm guessing you’re both 1st years?” Ken and Koko nodded in response. “Well, that's good. We are actually hiring 1st years. Are you both here to apply?”
“No, just me.”
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“Alright, I'll get you sorted straight away. Oh, where are my manners? My name is Izack Keller, and I'm a 2nd year. I hope you enjoy working here.”
“I hope so too.”
Shifting his attention to Ken, Izack continued to speak. “And you must be Ken Granfold, correct?”
“Huh? You know my name?”
Reaching into his pocket and pulling out his student cell, Izack opened up the Net App. Turning his phone around for Ken and Koko to see, he replied, “How can I not? You caused a ruckus at the Welcoming Assembly for the First Years. It was published t in the Daily News.”
Looking at the article on Izack’s phone, Ken was a little taken aback. “Woah…”
“So that means, the 2nd year's and the 3rd year's all know about the stunt he pulled?” Koko questioned.
“Pretty much…” Izack answered. “Enjoy the peace now, but once you 1st years receive your ranking, it's going to be a crazy few months… and with the huge target you painted on your back, you will be the target for a lot of people.”
With a large grin, Ken replied, “I welcome the challenge.”
“I hope you keep that same energy when the time comes. Anyways, what may I do for you?”
“I’d like to purchase the standard Forging Table used in classrooms.”
“That would be the Arcane Enchantment Workstation, it's become very popular with senior students. We have a couple left in stock.”
“That's great!”
“...It cost 1,300 points.” Hearing the price caused Ken’s mouth to fall slack. “Butttt…. There is a discount for 1st year's.”
“Thank the Gods!”
“...700 points.”
“That’s still a lot… I only have a mere 300 points.”
“That's 400 points short, what are you going to do?” Koko asked.
“I have no idea…”
“You could always just get a job?”
“Ugh… I came here to study and have fun, not work.”
“How about dueling someone?” Izack suggested.
“That's a good idea. A lot of 1st years already don't like you, so it shouldn't be hard to find someone willing to duel you,” said Koko.
“Hmmm…?” rubbing his chin, Ken thought deeply if he knew anyone.
“!”
Someone popped into his head. “I know someone… I think his name was Joel? No that's not it… Jack?... No that's not it either… hmmm… oh right, Josh Retin, that's his name. He challenged me to a duel earlier today but I declined.”
“Do you know where he is now?”
“Not really. Anyway, Koko, window shopping with you was fun, I hope you enjoy working here. I'll see you back at the Dorm.”
“Yeah, it was great hanging out with you as well.”
“Izack, save me a Workstation I’ll be back shortly.”
“The longest I can hold it for you is 3 days, so be back within then.”
“Got it.”
Leaving the store, Ken searched up “Josh Retin” and sent him a request through his Student Cell. Making his way down an escalator, he sat at an empty table.
*Bing*
-Josh Retin, Accepted Request-
“That was quicker than I thought.”
*Ring* *Ring* *Ring* *Ring*
-Josh Retin-
“He’s even calling already, he must be desperate. Good.”
Answering the call, Josh spoke before Ken could say anything. “Hello commoner, didn't think I’d be in touch with you again so soon.”
“Neither did I, but here we are.”
“What do you want? Here to beg for my forgiveness? Just know you’re going to have to get on your knees and apologize.”
“...No, I'm here to follow up on the duel you brought up earlier today. You still want to prove I was just lucky during our first encounter?”
“What's with the sudden change of mind?”
“Does it matter?”
“No, I guess not. Alright, here are my terms for when I win; you will become my personal butler for the whole year.”
“A whole year? Isn't that a bit too much?”
“You scared already?
“....Before I lay out my term, how many points do you have in your bank? Have you spent any points?”
“So this is about points? How typical of a commoner.” Josh scoffed. “I have 900 points.”
“How do you have so many points already?”
“After the welcoming assembly, I ran into some commoners who thought I owed them an apology. Like their words, their magic was also cheap.”
“Well then, here are my terms; Once this is all over, you will transfer me 700 points. Do we have an agreement?’
“Yeah, those terms work for me. Our duel will take place in two days, at the Grand Arena where everyone can witness your defeat.”
“I hope you train until then. It would be embarrassing for you to lose a second time.”
“Someone like you–” Before Josh could return the smack talk, Ken ended the call.
“I wonder what Silva is going to make for dinner? His cooking is almost as good as Grandma Edna’s” With his point problem settled, Ken wondered about dinner.