Busca hurriedly led his son away from the scene, but the crowd did not disperse immediately. Instead, they gathered around Martin, voices buzzing with amazement. Mages were a rare breed, and although the previous hammerhead had tarnished the image of magic users, the impressive display by Martin had drawn admiration.
“Martin, your magic is incredible! I was sweating just watching you!” one onlooker exclaimed.
“Right? They should call him a genius! A second-level magician taking down a fourth-level one? That’s a bold move! And he even got a hundred gold coins out of it!” another chimed in.
“Don’t forget, Busca practically robbed him! He’s been flaunting his arrogance around here for too long; it’s about time someone put him in his place,” someone else added.
“He’s going to regret crossing paths with a second-level magician. Kerry's abilities could be compromised after this,” another voice suggested, speculating on the implications of the confrontation.
As the crowd continued to chatter, Busca’s reputation as a bully in the street was taking a hit.
Suddenly, the crowd parted, and Debbie squeezed her way through, her bright smile lighting up her face like a blooming flower. She approached Martin, clearly excited, her small frame adorned in armor that was too big for her, a testament to her youthful spirit.
“Martin! That gold card—hand it over to me for safekeeping!” she said, her tone a mix of authority and playfulness.
Martin raised an eyebrow, taken aback. “Is that really the most important thing right now?” he thought, wishing she would focus on her own bravery in the confrontation rather than the finances.
But knowing better than to argue, he handed over the gold coin card. Debbie eagerly took it, examining it like it was a treasure. Once it was secure in her armor, she patted her chest as if to reassure herself, a proud grin spreading across her face.
As the crowd gradually dispersed, Debbie pulled Martin back toward Anthony’s magical shop. She stretched her arms above her head, a look of satisfaction washing over her. “There’s nothing like a good fight to get the blood pumping!”
This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.
But then, as if recalling a sudden need, she touched her stomach. “Martin, I’m hungry! I haven’t eaten properly in days.”
“What do you feel like having?” Martin asked, smiling at her enthusiasm.
“Let’s go to the big restaurant! We’re rich now!” she declared, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Martin paused, trying to grasp the significance of a hundred gold coins. The amount felt enormous, especially since he had recently struggled to afford basic necessities. He remembered borrowing ten gold coins from Busca just to cover George’s funeral expenses. A hundred gold coins was a small fortune.
“Sure, let’s go!” he replied, eager to experience the world beyond Anthony’s shop.
Half an hour later, they found themselves seated at a window table in the Orchid Inn, the finest restaurant in Stan City. The table was laden with dishes that Martin had only dreamed of tasting, each one more exquisite than the last.
Debbie, dressed in a flowing white dress with her hair styled in playful ponytails, looked every bit the innocent girl. But the giant sword she carried, nearly dwarfing her, reminded Martin of her fierce spirit and determination.
“The swordsman can’t forget his sword, just like a magician can’t forget his wand,” she remarked, glancing at Martin with a sly grin. “Where is your wand ?”
Martin shifted uncomfortably. “I, uh... forgot it,” he admitted sheepishly.
Debbie blinked, momentarily speechless.
As they enjoyed their meal, Martin couldn’t help but admire the vibrant world around him. The city of Stan was a blend of medieval charm and magical wonder, with colorful enchantments filling the streets. Magic-infused street signs glowed with a warm light, while horse-drawn carriages moved gracefully along the cobblestone roads. Various races mingled, each adding their own unique flair to the bustling atmosphere.
While savoring his meal, Martin’s gaze suddenly drifted outside, captivated by a striking figure approaching. His focus sharpened as he recognized a girl riding a stunning white horse, effortlessly parting the crowd.
“What are you staring at, Martin? Don’t waste the food!” Debbie snapped, following his gaze. Her eyes widened as she spotted the girl. “Is that... Lady Effia?”
Martin’s heart raced. Lady Effia, the daughter of the city lord, was renowned as a prodigious swordsman, already a fifth-level warrior at a mere sixteen years of age. Her presence commanded respect, and her beauty was undeniable.
“She’s incredible,” Martin murmured, momentarily lost in admiration.
Debbie nudged him playfully. “I knew it! You’ve got a crush on her! I found that portrait hidden under your bed!”
Martin’s face flushed. “That’s not—” he started, but the words caught in his throat as he felt a mix of embarrassment and admiration watching Lady Effia, flanked by her guards, glide past.
“Just keep your eyes on your plate, lover boy,” Debbie teased, but there was a hint of pride in her smile, perhaps recognizing the significance of the moment.
As the two friends settled back into their meal, the essence of their world unfolded before them, vibrant and full of possibilities.