Outskirts of the Wayhub were mired in a fog. The visibility was normal near the Gate complex, dropping as the three headed further into the messy streets. Miriam guided them, humming out of tune.

"Babies, how often do you visit this square?"

"I have not had the opportunity, Captain." Aldy replied.

"The semester started just three days ago." Denerik added.

"Shame. Want some butterscotch marshmallows?"

And so it went. The enthusiastic guide lead the two boys through makeshift tents selling myriad stuff - desserts, roast lamb, herb seasonings, cut gemstones, bags of holding, pet plant elementals, alchemy cauldrons, even enslaved monsters. They crisscrossed under multiple colored patchwork of tarps and tents.

"Why is it so empty here?"

"Number 2, do you know what this fog is?"

"Mana anomaly?"

"Yes. And what do mana anomalies do?"

"Create wilds and cause mana sickness?"

"Right."

"Isn't this just a test though?"

"Ugh..."

Hearing the discussion, the chef chuckled a a bit as he sliced off more meat off the spit.

"This fog is a real anomaly. Even though the Academy wards lock the local space to prevent mishaps at the Gate, mana sickness is still a thing. Any shop owner that cannot use mana had to be evacuated."

"Ah. You mean everyone left here can use mana? That's a lot."

"It would be. Think of it as the privilege of the fortunate or the dumb, though I often see them as the same. Many of them are veterans like me. We fought in the South and became immune to mana sickness. Others are just brave or dumb, having faced such anomalies elsewhere and survived. The truely brave and dumb ones aren't immune at all, just stubborn and greedy."

You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

"Ah, could you take us to these dumbasses, Mister? We need to get them to safety."

"Miss, I would like to, but I don't really need to. You'll know them when you see one - drooling like a babe, mumbling and shivering, or plain knocked out."

"Much thanks... These kebabs are so good! Two more skewers to go, please."

"Coming right up."

...

"Leader, aren't we going to report back?" Denerik asked.

"Already on it, Number 2. I report back every time we eat."

"Every time we eat?"

"Of course. I have been interrogating the shopkeepers after all."

"Umm, didn't you just ask about the type of pepper in the sauce?"

"Obviously, that's important. Do you think they'd answer truthfully if I just go and interrogate every one of them. Build rapport first, then they'll tell you the truth."

"Wow, so smart. Is that why we've been buying all this food."

"Of course."

"But why do we get takeout as well?"

"To build rapport, of course."

"And the numerous jewels and trinkets?"

"Rapport."

"And these bags of holding too?"

"Rapport... er, we also need something to hold all this. Don't strain your head, just hold onto this."

The jolly girl and her young porters continued their shopping combat assignment.

...