The pair got through their morning swiftly, rolling back up their bed. Prerent fed his horse right after. They got themselves ready and headed off, both agreeing to eat on the way to save time.

Prerent climbed back on his wagon and slipped his hand inside his cloak, removing his map. He smiled, seeing how close he was to his destination. He was even more eager to continue, and folded the map back up, returning it to his cloak.

The closeness of his destination gave him renewed excitement and confidence. Imuru observed his broad smile with intrigue, as they set off once again.

The grass beneath them faded gradually, as they burst out from the forest back on a path. Imuru felt the journey was close to an end, and let out a sigh, resting his hands on his hips.

He chuckled to himself. “Another day and I probably would've questioned if we were lost,” Imuru thought, being back on a path quelling his worry.

The terrain was rocky and loaded with bumps that made for an uncomfortable ride. Forcing Prerent to be in fear of something breaking on his wagon. He grunts ever so often, enough that Imuru ponders what may be wrong. His body was tense, and leaned forwards, he gritted his teeth, holding his rein up close to his chest.

“Is something the matter?” Imuru inquired, noting all the grunting and Prerent's unusual body language on his wagon. “You seem… Uncomfortable.”

Prerent nodded. “It's nothing to worry about… Just Uncomfortable,” He replied, forcing a smile.

“Hm.” Imuru observed him for a brief moment, and nodded. “Gotcha.”

A slope crawled into view, and Prerent tenses up even more. He pulled back the rein so the horse can pace itself properly.

Imuru stops dead in his tracks, his eyes landing on a figure midair, a blade in hand, its identity hidden by their cloak, ready to strike down on Prerent.

Responding, Imuru leaped into the air and grabbed the cloak of the attacker, and tossed the person to the ground.

The attacker slammed into the ground, caught completely guard. He brushed himself off and stood to his feet. “Ugh! I wasn't paid for this. Of course nothing goes as planned,” He grumbled in fury.

Prerent halts the wagon, stunned. “This…” Prerent froze up, unable to get words out.

Imuru petted the horse to calm it down, before walking ahead, putting himself between them and the attacker.

“Doesn't matter, I can simply raise my price,” The Attacker thought, fidgeting with his blade. He raised his hand in a sudden motion.

Imuru saw others rushing out and utilized Belzora to surround Prerent and himself with the one attacker. The blue and purple mixed flames flow in clam motion of a dome, illuminating the inside fairly.

This captivated Prerent, yet terrified him, but he couldn't take his eyes off them. On the other hand the attacker glanced around in fear.

Imuru calmly began his approach towards the attacker. With a hit of fear, the attacker's grip tightened around the handle of his blade.

In one burst the attacker launched himself towards Imuru, prepared to cut his enemy down.

He thrust his blade forward. “Huh!?” He looked on in horror, as Imuru stopped him and his blade dead in their tracks. Imuru held firmly onto the edge of the attacker's blade, and casually pushed him.

Taken aback the attacker pulled on his blade, trying to get it back from Imuru's grasp, but found no luck in making it even budge.

The attacker let go quickly, and found distance between himself and his enemy. Imuru held up his other hand, toward the attacker, his expression unreadable.

“What should I do? Hm, I could let him go… But….” Imuur thought, not wanting to hurt the person if he doesn't have to. He looked back at Prerent. “Prerent… I want to leave this to you. What should I do here?” Imuru asked, his tone firm.

This shook Prerent. “Do whatever you want,” He replied in panic, gesturing Imuru not to put the decision on him.

“You think you bested me?… You overconfident child,” The attacker suddenly spoke up. Electricity crackled across his body, as he folded his hands into firm fists.

Imuru narrowed his eyes. “Do you think that's a good idea?” Imuru asked, somewhat perplexed by his decision to get defensive. He glanced around, then looked back at the attacker with an innocent look, and lowered his arm. “You know you're surrounded… And in my domain of sorts, right? I could just simply collapse this in on you.”

Hearing those words, the attacker's body language slumped. He looked up briefly now, noticing that he's short of breath and felt like he's burning up.

“And that was not an answer… At least not one I was looking for,” Imuru said, returning his attention back to Prerent, refusing to accept his previous answer. “Hey, you hired me. So let's make it simple, let him go or not.”

Pressured Prerent begged for a few seconds, to think. “Okay… I don't want to see anyone… die in front of me,” Prerent held his hand, trying to control his nervous shivering. “I'm weak willed, and this might come back to bite me. I just hope they don't think I'm worth it after this,” Prerent thought, trying to calm his breathing.

“Let him go,” Prerent said, finally giving an answer to Imuru's question. Though he was uncertain if it was the right choice.

Imuru smiled and nodded. At that point the heat was too much and the attacker passed out. The flames dissipated right after, and the attacker's allies chose not to engage with Imuru and chose to grab up their comrade and retreat.

Prerent breathed a sigh of relief. Relieved that Imuru didn't have to hurt anyone nor did he have to see it.

Imuru tossed the blade aside and hurried Prerent along from the danger zone.

The attacker's three accomplices rested him beside a tree, as he soon regained consciousness.

“Hey, what the hell happened there?” One of his male accomplices asked, perplexed. “With that blade you should've been able to cut through them like butter.”

“Ugh, quite… That did nothing. That kid,” He reflected back. “He stopped it without effort. He sure must be at least an hired A-Rank adventurer,” The attacker murmured.

The female of the group chuckled lightly. “Well, we got off easy,” She said, with a resting face.

Imuru and Prerent continued on high alert. Imuru held the handle of the sword, knowing he got lucky he caught the attacker last time.

Imuru looked back at Prerent, “How are you holding up?” He checked in on Prerent with a reassuring smile.

“Y-Yeah… I'm fine…” Prerent glanced behind him. “Just hoping that doesn't happen again…” He forced an anxious smile. “Or that he doesn't come back.”

Imuru smirked. “You can also come running back to me,” Imuru cheekily suggested.

Prerent let out a quick laugh and leaned back. “That… Doesn't sound bad,” He smiled gleefully.

“Hm.” Imuru raised his eyebrows, at Prerent's response. “I wouldn't take peanuts for payment,” Imuru reiterated.

Prerent's smile fell slightly, but he tried not to show it.

The path gradually transformed into a well kept cobblestone path that offered Prerent some relaxation and claimed his nerves from the whole ordeal earlier. He reached in for his map and searched for a turn off and went left for said path. It was slightly more narrow, and adorned with 7ft pillar decorations, at each side, possibly used to illuminate the path at night.

The overall atmosphere of the area felt like a dramatic shift from the main path. Imuru sighed, feeling a bit at ease, though he still held the handle of his sword firmly, observing the area with great intent.

Their attention is swiftly drawn to two figures up ahead. Prerent straightened himself, and shaked-fix his expression to look stern.

The guards spotted them also. The one in leather stepped forward and raised his hand, bringing the wagon to a halt. He eyed both Imuru and Prerent and went behind the wagon, taking a peek inside it.

He returned to the front. “State your name and purpose,” The guard ordered, in a steady voice.

“I-I'm Prerent… Co— The Great Collon should be expecting me,” Prerent replied, nervousness playing in his voice.

The guard gasped. “Apologies,” He stepped aside. He glanced back at Imuru. “Excuse me, I didn't get your name?”

Imuru is surprisingly taken aback for a moment, but he regains his composure swiftly. “I'm Imuru.” He answered with confidence.

“Ugh. A moment.” The Guard returned to his partner, and spoke with him briefly. He stood ideally, then returned over to the pair. “You may accompany him.”

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The duo sighed, thanked the guard and carried on, bothered. Worked up over a simple interaction.

The guards kept an eye on the duo until they faded out of sight. The armored guard lifts his helmet off his head. “Well look at that Luntos made it. Guess it was called off, hm?”

“Hm?” The leathered guard shrugged his shoulders. “That's one explanation.” He crossed his arms across his chest. “Collon's father was good friends with that merchant… Surprised they're not friendly.”

“He might just be giving it a go,” The armored guard murmured.

They glanced at each other, and took one last look down where Prerent went and returned back to their duty.

Gradually the dense forest began to thin, the towering trees giving way to a more open landscape. The path widened, revealing a charming town nestled within the embrace of the woods. The first sight that struck their eye was the vibrant red hue of many buildings, their color coming from the rich, locally sourced wood used in their construction, mixed perfectly with the concrete. The buildings were adorned with intricate tiled roofs, each tile meticulously placed to form gradually curved lines.

They were robbed of the chance to bathe in the spectacular sight in front of them, as a man approached them. He requested they follow him, urging them to not keep Collon waiting. With one last look at one another, they did as he asked.

“Wow.” Imuru glanced around his face, beaming with a smile. He couldn't help but observe all the passersby with awe. The smiles and laughter of the people brought him a strange sense of excitement.

The guard came to an abrupt stop, In front of an almost rectangular shaped-like building, decorated with banners emblazoned with a specific symbol.

Strolling along the passersby gave Imuru curious looks, particularly from the females. Three women stared at Imuru, whispering along their way. The lady in the middle tripped over herself, almost falling on her face. The woman held her head low in shame, while her friends played it cool.

Prerent wasted little time, and hopped off his wagon, and headed to the back to retrieve the item wrapped in a Gray cloth. With the item cradled in his arms, he headed into the guild, Imuru right behind.

Entering the interior was a blend of rustic charm and vibrant energy. Long tables filled with patrons were scattered throughout the room. The laughter from merchants of different shapes and sizes filled the air, followed along by many recounted unique tails.

Prerent paused at the doorway overwhelmed. He was admittedly intimidated, and his open mouth facial expression made that known to all who would pay attention to him.

A tall elegant voluptuous looking woman, dressed in a black sleek leather jacket, clearly expensive just from glance, button up tightly not revealing anything. Her pants gave off the same dazzling quality. It was clear everything she wears is of the highest caliber. Her hair was tied, restricting it from getting in her way.

The woman opened her eyes briefly and tilted her head slightly, a small resting smile on her face. Her eyes were small, and particularly sharp at both ends, like that of a dragon. Even though they were black in color they still stood out, giving off a dazzling glossy shimmer to them.

The woman gestured for Prerent to follow her. Prerent glanced down at Imuru by his side, the moment Imuru returned his gaze, his anxiety was slowly quelled.

They followed along, trailing along beside the excessively long reception counter to the far left side of the guild to a door. The woman opened the door, and waded out of their way, giving them passage to the inside.

Prerent went in first, the item held close to his chest. The polished oak that made the office gave off a deep red shimmer. A desk is planted in front and a large window behind, allowing pools of golden rays to flood through.

There wasn't anyone there. Prerent looked to his left to see another door, and turned back to the woman, to which she pointed at the door. Prerent nodded, and went ahead. Imuru waltzes past the woman and tail behind Prerent.

Prerent twisted the handle and headed through. The door behind was immediately shut by the woman, stunning Imuru for a second.

Inside Collon was already on his feet, and greeted Prerent with a smile, making him feel uneasy. The light piercing in from the window behind him, gave an ominous aura to him, doing him no favors.

Once Prerent's eyes adjusted, he took swift notice of the similarities between that woman that brought him here and Collon, his eyes down to his very hairstyle.

Collon chuckled. “What's wrong? Not what you expected?” Collon spoke with nonchalance, his voice soft and calm. “Please come take a seat,” He gestured to the canapé on his right.

Prerent bowed. “No, no, no. There's nothing wrong at all, Great Collon. I'm Prerent Luntos, the merchant sent to deliver this to you,” He held out the item.

“Hey come on now, no need for that,” Collon claimed, gesturing for him to stand straight. “Just Collon will do.” He assured Prerent.

Doing as Collon asked, Prerent straightened himself. Collon looked at the covered item, which Prerent noticed and brought the item over to him, handing it off with care.

Once it was in the owner's possession, Prerent breathed a sigh of relief, feeling that a weight had been lifted off his chest.

Collon grew a wide smile on his face. He stood there with the item for almost a minute, before he placed it on a shelf, surrounded by other strange statuettes.

“Now.” Collon spun around. “If I may ask, there's a companion of yours, you traveled with correct?”

“Oh.” Prerent's taken aback that Imuru's brought up. “Yes. That will be Imuru, Great Collon.” He paused dramatically and bowed recognizing his mistake. “Apologies, Collon.”

“Ehh, that's fine,” Collon nonchalantly assured Prerent. He cleared his throat. “Yosho, could you bring in the young lady for me!”

“Eh?” Prerent's face contorted into a look of confusion. “Young lady?” He muttered. Before he remembered he also made that embarrassing mistake.

He thought it best to correct Collon, seeking not to be in trouble if he didn't. *Excuse, sir Collon. Imuru is male,” Prerent managed to let out, though hesitant.

Collon stood in silence for a moment, ignoring that the woman revealed to be Yosho had already opened the door, allowing Imuru to enter. “Wait really?” Collon asked, his disappointment palpable.

Imuru observed the leader. He blinked and glanced at Yosho, then back at Collon. “Family?” Imuru thought, recognizing their similarities.

Collon took a moment to register Imuru's presence, when he did he raised a hand to his chest and one out at Imuru. “But… Look at him, her? Why? Maybe, this is a sign,” He clenched his fist. “I'll find love someday.”

“Is he okay?” Imuru thought, watching as the leader fell into complete distress. His expression fell in sympathy. “Maybe an injury playing up perhaps?”

“Don't, don't feel bad for me. Just my heart aches. Everyone I take interest in, either taken or apparently a male,” He dramatically fell to his knees, “Why does life hate me like this?” He asked himself.

“Here take this,” Collon hands a pouch over to Prerent. “Your payment and thank you.”

“Yes, thank you Great Prerent,” Prerent bowed, forgetting the error in his sentence, internally overjoyed.

He opened the pouch and took out a gold coin, it gave off a slight green shimmer. Engraved on the coin is a tree, Prerent rotated it and featured on the other side is some sort of featureless entity. “A rare currency. One of the highest of the century,” Prerent thought, amazed to be holding this.

Collon sneakily crawled his way over to Imuru while he had his attention on Prerent. Imuru caught wind of him and stared him down, until he jumped up off the floor.

“Can I get you anything?” Collon smiled, his hands clasped together.

Imuru gave him an awkward look. “N-No, no, I'm fine, thank you,” Imuru replied, as little weirded out as he possibly could.

Prerent fumbled a bit, trying to put the pouch he had away. Quickly deciding that what he's trying to do won't work, he opted to carry it in his hand. He turned to Imuru. “Well, now it's my turn to keep up my end of the bargain.”

Collon heard this and addressed Prerent. “Wait, could I speak to you alone for a moment?”

Imuru heard this and turned towards the door. “Don't worry, take your time, I'm in no rush.”

Yosho followed suit and shut the door behind, on her way out.

Collon took a seat on the canapé on the left, and gestured for Prerent to take the other on the right. Prerent sighed. “Facing each other and that close. Is this gonna be a tough conversation,” He thought, as he dragged his unwilling body over to the canapé.

Collon was laid back, very relaxed in this environment. On the other hand, Prerent leaned forward.

“We both have the looks of our fathers, it seems,” Collon said out of the blue, catching Prerent by surprise.

“Uh?” Prerent didn't know what to say at this moment, not that he needed to.

“You didn't wonder why you had the first class ticket in seeing me?” Collon chuckled. “Mr Luntos, was the go too merchant for Ire my father, they traveled among and knew each other quite well. Strange really, I wonder why he spent so much time with him?” He said, sounding offended by this fact, something his face could hide but voice couldn't.

Prerent diverted his eyes from Collon, an uneasiness rising within him.

“Even as a leader he didn't spend much time here… Guess it was restricting him. When he struck up a relationship with your father, he became an adventurer,” Collon murmured solemnly.

He shook his head, as his eyes drifted to the floor. “At least he was happy. If he stayed he would've been safe, to lead his people and care for his daughter and son.”

“But.” Collon stood to his feet. “I'm not like my father. And I'm happy you made it here safely, you seem like a nice guy,” Collon said with a beaming smile.

Prerent repeated Collon's words in his mind. There were only two possible ways for him to take this. One being Collon had it out for him, and the other is that he's just genuinely happy he got here safely.

Meanwhile Imuru sat next to the entrance of the guild, kicking his legs, waiting patiently for Prerent to be done with his business. Yosho stood at the reception counter, her attention directed towards him. Even though her eyes were closed Imuru still felt some sort of intense gaze.

Imuru felt an uneasiness gradually creeping up on him, finding himself sticking deeper under the table wanting to conceal himself.

After what felt like hours Prerent finally returned from the office. His whole demeanor is one of complete exhaustion. Prerent took a seat beside Imuru, he notice of Yosho and tilted his head.

He returned his attention back to Imuru. “Well, thank you for your assistance Imuru, I'll have your payment ready.”

“Oi, can I tag along?” Imuru asked, looking up at Prerent with a adorable expression.

Prerent almost gave into it, but he managed to get a grip of himself and clenched his fist. “No. It will be too easy with a pretty gir— grileant guy like you.”

“Wha? Grileant? Hmm, I have a feeling that's not a word,” Imuru thought, perplexed.

With that Prerent left him and went off to retrieve some stuff Imuru might need. Eventually Imuru began to observe Yosho, as much as she was observing him. Though in the back of his mind he felt like he's engaging in a weird, creepy situation.

“So she's as strange as Collon?” Imuru thought. “Hm, maybe I'm just being too judgy… After all, it takes a lot to do what they do… See, like a whole lot of responsibility,” He leaned back, shutting his eyes.

He waited for an unknown amount of time, until someone tapped him on his shoulders. He hopped it as he wanted it to be and opened his eyes. “Hey… Prerent,” Imuru murmured lazily.

Prerent brought Imuru along outside, to his horse drawn cart, that held Imuru's now possessions. Imuru went through it, and it seemed he had all he needed. Some things he thought to call into question, such as a neon blue dress, but everything else ‘non clothes related’ seemed fine, so he gave Prerent a thumbs up.

Prerent cleared his throat. “So this is it, huh? Our time together had come to an end,” Prerent thought, letting out a weary sigh. “I'm gonna miss this kid…” He looked out to the vibrant hills ahead.

Imuru quietly approached Prerent and poked him, then stepped back. “It was nice, traveling with you,” Imuru flashed him a precious smile.

“Awe… I'm starting to think he does things like this on purpose,” Prerent thought, finding Imuru endearing. “Thank you, It was nice traveling with you too,” Prerent cheerfully replied.

“Don't worry, I'm sure you'll find someone here you can hire for a penny,” Imuru commented, his smile much wider and beaming.

Prerent wasn't surprised Imuru said that, and thought he deserved it. “Oh! Wait, before you go.” Prerent headed inside his wagon for a few seconds, jumped out, and wrapped a puffy round scarf around Imuru's neck. “You know, you shiver quite easily at night.”

Imuru blushed slightly. “You know, you shouldn't watch people sleep,” Imuru shyly remarked, turning away from Prerent.

“Yes, yes, of course,” Prerent replied in a frantic and embarrassed state.

Imuru smiled. “Alright, Goodluck,” Imuru wished him, taking the reins of the horse and taking it away.

“Ah.” He rested his hand on his hips. “Yeah I'm gonna need it,” He thought, mockingly to himself.

His attention returned to the hill's, as he contemplated the long journey ahead of him. “Ahh! Man, what a life.”