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He smiled.

“I must say I didn’t expect you to be so cold-hearted. You give a completely different impression. Still, that’s not exactly an uncommon occurrence, so I can’t say I’m too surprised,” he said with a shrug.

“Anyway, as I already stated, I am not so trusting. Despite the guilt, I wouldn’t have let you know of our predicament if I believed you would become a danger to me, by doing so.”

“So you’re saying you’re not actually in any danger right now?” I asked tapping under his chin with my sword.

He frowned slightly, more displeased than fearful, from what I could see.

“Yes. I have a few defensive measures I can employ in case of danger — even now. I can’t let my guard down after all, even if the chance of an attack is low at the moment,” he answered as if it were natural.

“We can test them then.” I pressed my sword to his throat.

He seemed to find it funny.

“I thought you’d say that,” he said, a corner of his mouth rising, “But I don’t have an unlimited number of them, and I’d like to keep them in case my pursuers catch up to us.”

I was already half-convinced. He wouldn’t be this easygoing with a sword on his throat otherwise. It’s either that, or he has balls of steel.

“I have something to show you that might convince you though,” he said lifting his hand slowly. “I didn’t want to show you since it’s one of those things that would lead to me if you let them slip, but you’re bound to find out sooner or later if we travel together.”

I looked at his hand while still paying attention to him with the corner of my eyes, in case he was trying to trick me.

“Just make sure you don’t accidentally stab me if you get surprised. It will still hurt, even if I won’t die,” he said as he closed his eyes.

It took but a moment. He opened his eyes and the air above his hand shimmered creating some type of distortion, then a book appeared in his hand.

I was surprised, but I didn’t let it show. I knew some rare Classes had illusion skills — I didn’t think they would look so real, though.

“Ok, you have illusions, nice, but so what?” I said, trying to seem unfazed. As incredible as that was, it proved nothing.

He gently tossed the book on the bed, and I felt a soft thump.

… that looked awfully real.

He then repeated the process and an ornate knife appeared. Then a pair of gloves.

He was about to toss those on the bed too, but I stopped him before he could continue.

“Okay, okay, stop… just a moment, I’m gathering my thoughts.” I was trying to understand what was happening since it wasn’t possible he was just creating things out of thin air.

Maybe it’s all just a well-made illusion that mimics sound too?

Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

“Give me those,” I said, not caring to sound polite.

“Of course. Here,” he said grinning while he extended his arm.

I carefully took the gloves and felt their texture. There’s no way this is an illusion. Unless he mindfucked me in some way, but then he wouldn’t need to do this.

“How did you just create some gloves? And those too?” I asked still trying to come to grips with reality.

He quirked his head slightly, and then he made an expression as if he realized something.

“Haha, I’d wish I could,” he said mirtfully, “But no, I didn’t make these. I just retrieved them.”

Retrieved?

“I will repeat once again,” he continued, “You must not talk of this. It’s one of those things people remember if you blabber, and you know what will happen if a rumor starts to spread. I only told you this because sooner or later I may need to take something out in your presence, and it’s too convenient to just let it be unused.”

I nodded waiting for him to continue.

“It’s because of this ring in my hand.” He showed me his index finger which had an ugly copper ring on it.

“It’s an inventory ring. And I can store things inside and retrieve them whenever I want. Amazing isn’t it?” he said proudly.

I couldn’t deny that.

“That’s a damn cool ring! How does it store things inside? And is it inside-inside or somewhere else? Does it weigh more?” I was excited.

But most importantly. “Can you put food inside?”

I’d never go hungry again!!!

I didn’t plan to end up in a situation where I didn’t have enough food, but I’d feel so much safer with that ring. It would be amazing to stock up a ton of nonperishable food and not worry about where I would find myself the next day.

It would make traveling the world so much easier.

“To answer in order,” said Zeph, “I don’t know how it functions, I was told that it stores the objects in another dimension, and the weight doesn’t change. As for food, yes I can store it inside, and it will even be preserved in the same state. If I store a hot soup, for example, when it comes out it will still be as hot and edible as it was before. It doesn't work for living things, though.”

The more he talked, the greedier I felt.

He must have noticed how I was looking at his ring because he said, “You can only use it if you have a Class.”

…

I swear I wasn’t feeling disappointed. I wasn’t.

“I have my bag.” It was nice and new.

It could keep many things inside too.

“Good. Now that you’ve seen the items I carry around, do you still believe I don’t have a few that can be used to save my life?”

Ok, from what I saw, I didn’t think it was impossible. I don’t even know what is impossible anymore.

I could only trust that if they found us they’d prioritize the guy, lest he escaped.

“Ok, you convinced me. Once again.” I hoped I didn’t find another nasty surprise.

I wanted to ask for one of his protections, but he would be nuts to give away those. Even if he feels guilty, I doubt he would give in to that.

I then threw his gloves on the bed and sheathed my sword.

“Now I’ll leave you to your planning, if you don’t mind. And can I punch you once?” I asked, seeing his smug face. A punch shouldn't activate those supposed defenses, no?

“Of course n—”

**CRUNCH**

Ah, now I feel better. I thought after my punch broke his nose. Maybe he wanted to say something more, but I wasn’t sure.

He fell back on the bed like a soulless doll, as if he passed out. I didn’t hit him that hard though?

A few seconds later, I heard him groan and saw him cover his bloody face with his hands.

Ok, all fine.

“Yo hishd me!!!” he said, not very clearly.

“Well, you said it was ok.”

And I did ask politely.

“I dhidn’t finish!!” He said, sitting up.

I shrugged. “Not my fault if you talk too slow.”

“Yo’r mahd!” He glared at me while retrieving a cloth to stop the blood.

“Oh, come on now, don’t be a pussy. It’s also the least you deserve for getting us into trouble.” It was just a broken nose, after all.

“And besides, they say men become brothers after a fistfight. It fits well with the cover story too, little brother! Hahaha!” I laughed while putting the sword back.

I heard him groan as I sat on my bed. Such a drama for a broken nose.

I couldn't think of any solution for the situation we were in, so I decided to let it go for the moment. Maybe I'll get some inspiration after sleeping on it.

I looked at Freya, and she hadn’t moved a muscle from where she fell asleep.

Perfect! Time to train! I thought as I relaxed my thoughts for meditation.

I was surely going to get some results this time.

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