The morning came with little fanfare; the sounds of birds waking the boy up from his turbulent sleep.

Moreover, he could see the light of the morning sun leak through his windows and unto his weary eyes. But, of course, he looked to not be the morning type.

However, the morning wasn’t going to allow him to sleep for very long for a rather loud person came stomping into the room; unannounced one might add.

Filius peered over at whoever decided to be this loud this early in the morning.

That is, to say, it was Rancort. His clear boisterous exclamations and his energetic attitude was as unique as a winter’s snowflake.

As such, it was only a reasonable conclusion to make. A conclusion that Filius did not want to draw.

“Hey Fil,” said Rancort as he plopped on the bed causing the sheets flurl slightly, “Get up will ya! It’s time to go!”

Filius groaned.

“Aww don’t be like dat! Ya will have fun right? Right~?”

Filius didn’t want to have “fun” he just didn’t want to be thrown in jail.

And yet here Filius was, getting dragged out of bed by the least favored member in this shotgun of a party. At least, in Filius’ eyes.

★ ★ ★

After a lengthy five minutes of debate and wittingly unwitty dialogue, the two of them exited the inn and met with the rest of the party who was geared to leave.

But, they all seemed to have forgotte a key detail that wasn’t addressed at all yesterday. The boy, Filius Agni, did not have a single bit of gear related to his decided class.

As such, the party collectively decided that Filius needs to defend himself. Being that he did not have anything whatsoever.

So Sister Flora, being older than him by three years (making her eight), took Filius by the hand and brought him to a district within this town. This district, known as the Treasure District by the locals, contained assorted shops, vendors, and other commercial enterprises.

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In seeing the various commercial opportunities, Filius felt a little overwhelmed by it all. He didn’t know that such a vibrant economy could exist (seeing the various humanoid races (these being Dragonewt, Dwarf, Elf, etc.) calling out the best sales they have).

However this atmosphere, that was honestly too intoxicating for him, was quickly snuffed when he and company entered a weapons and armor shop called the Bitter Nail.

The shop, itself, was reasonably decked out with diverse swords, hammers, and bows of various length and composition. The furniture looked prime and fresh while the floors and walls looked as though they’ve aged quite a bit.

The shop clerk, who was a human woman of moderate build and middle age, watched as the children looked around the “child” section of the store. Indeed, the weapons and armor here were all neatly accommodating to a child, more specifically a child-sized adventurer. However, the price range on some of the items were a bit too high for some the members’ liking; especially Rancort who whimpered at the fact.

Despite this they continued to look around the store in search for gear that was suitable enough for their new party member. The shop clerk, upon seeing their persistent effort, called out to them in hopes of getting their attention. “Anything I can be of help with little ones??”

And like clockwork, Tarvyst was the one to respond. “We’re looking for gear for our newest member. He’s a mage just like I am.”

“Ah then I might not have any ‘magical robes’ for your friend. However I do have assorted leathers for him if he’s looking to keep himself as armored as possible while being as light as possible.” The shop clerk responded with the same quickness.

Furthermore, these two engage in an economical dialogue that not even Filius was able to follow. Nevertheless, Tarvyst was able to acquire studded leather as well as a backpack, some survival supplies, and a child-sized shortsword (or a long-bladed dagger if one was comedic); giving Filius the most basic kit they can afford for him at this time.

“Not bad I guess..” Filius swung around the shortsword he had gotten and slipped it into its sheath; looking over to his party who was waiting for him.

“Are you ready to go Fil?” Sister Flora gave him an affirming smile.

Filius nodded.

“Then let us not dilly dally! We have herbs to go get.” Thus, Sister Flora led the party to the western side of town where they were greeted with a gate.

As this gate was open, of course, Sister Flora walked over to one of the gate guardsmen who then nodded, and called another guardsman who then placed himself next to the party as a sort of guardian.

Filius looked at the man with a perturbed expressino, but the others didn’t seem bothered by it. “Do guardsmen follow child adventuring parties? If so, then what must be the mortality rate for them?”

After a moment or two of talk between Sister Flora and the gate guardsman, the party is eventually on their way to open fields just west of town. Though, the scenic vestige of artificial outcroppings such as abandoned buildings and fortifications dotted the rolling hills. It was like nature was taking back the very thing man had once conquered. It was peaceful, it was serene.

In contrast to the coming events, it would feel like a dream to Filius. A green, peaceful, dream.