Ether’s nap was over.

“Whad yu buy?” The White-haired woman yawned as she rolled over so she could see everyone.

Rix got up and moved to the passenger seat as Justia started the vehicle.

Aelin dragged Fray over and slid into the booth, pulling the other woman alongside her.

“I need more money.” Aelin spread out on the table with her forehead on the table. She picked up her head and rested her chin on the table. "Do you have any idea how expensive gear is?”

I nodded. "The weapon I looked at was over a hundred All.”

“See?” The blonde sat up. "Who has the All for that at level two?!?”

“What were you able to buy?” I pulled Ether up just a bit, so she could see everyone better. “Did Justia get the Cure Poison spell?”

“She got it.” Aelin threw up her hands. "Did you know that they sell spells for sixty-five All? Sixty-five All! That’s fifteen more than Mister Vowler was charging us!”

“I think he was giving us a discount.” I looked at our driver. "Thanks for picking that up!”

Justia just nodded as she navigated traffic.

“She also got a metal staff.” Aelin bumped into Fray. "Gave Fray her sword for when our little trooper hits level two tomorrow!”

My eyes widened. I knew Justia was having trouble dealing with how we had disabled the Berzerker, but he’d been healed and honestly, probably couldn’t tell we’d done anything to him. Telling myself that had helped me come to terms with it, but Justia still had some issues. I’d have to talk to Trent about it later.

“What about you though?” I rephrased Ether’s earlier question. I could tell she had bought something because she was wearing different leather armor than what the rest of us were wearing. It looked like Fray was wearing Aelin’s old armor.

The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

“I sold Fray my armor.” Aelin held up her hands. "For less than I bought it for.” She bumped into the woman again. "Doesn’t she look like part of the team now?”

Fray had an embarrassed smile as she looked away.

“You looked great, Fray.”

The redness in her cheeks grew.

Aelin was at the wrong angle to see and I was thankful for that.

“I upgraded my bow.” She pulled a black shiny bow out of her crystal band. "It’s got a chance to poison every time I shoot an arrow, even my magic ones.” She grinned as she mimicked shooting foes. "It’ll make boss fights a lot easier.”

“Unless a Giant Acid Slime is immune to being poisoned.” Ether corrected.

Aelin pointed the tip of the bow at Ether. "Don’t ruin my dreams.”

Ether just smiled and nodded.

“What else did you get?” I could tell there was more.

“This!” The blonde pulled out a purple carapace helmet with a visor. She put it on and closed the visor. "Obviously I’ll have to paint it blue…” She tapped on it. "But this will keep me safe from getting my head knocked in if I get hit.”

She had a point, we were all missing helmets and Ether was the only one with gloves. I wiggled my toes inside the school issued boots that were also providing the bare minimum protection. We were going to need to update our armor soon.

“I’ll have to buy one of those with what we earn tomorrow.” I looked at the two women. "Anything else?’

“Aelin said I should hold off on buying any gear until I’m level two.” Fray’s voice was barely over a whisper.

“It makes sense. With how much we can Farm, you’ll hit level two by the end of the day tomorrow, but you might want to buy your gear from our teacher. It’ll be cheaper.”

“That reminds me." Aelin leaned forward. "What did Mister Vowler say?’

Way to put me on the spot. I took a deep breath and tried to think of a way to sum it up tactfully.

“He said there’s a lot of talks that have to happen with the higher ups and that it’s above our heads, so not to worry about it and he’ll let us know how it shakes out.” Ether answered the question better than what I had started in my head.

“So I get to stay?” Fray turned back to the conversation, the redness in her cheeks draining away.

“At least until we have to leave.” I smiled. "We can take over your training while we’re here, but if we want to take you out of the city…’

“Oh.” Fray looked down.

“Cheer up!” Aelin bumped her. "You get to stay with us for at least a week, and if I know Mister Vowler, he can make anyone do what he wants.”

That seemed to perk her up. Aelin’s stomach growled, prompting the blonde to turn around. "Justia! Are we there yet?”