Haruki and Suzu both stumbled out of the testing room into a smaller waiting room filled with young children from all walks of life.
Haruki and Suzu nodded towards the few kids they knew before sitting down together in the corner.
“They all seemed pretty excited, I guess we're both geniuses” Haruki said with an excited grin.
A pained look leaked onto Suzu's face.
“I'm not interested in all of that. I'd be happy if I could train with Naginata again...”
Haruki was watching closely, so he noticed the brief flash of desire in her eyes as she spoke.
'I'll ask Otou-san later to make a stop on our way out. I've finally found something I can put my money towards without it feeling wasteful.'
With that, Haruki buried himself in thought. As he was scheming, another boy strutted up towards Suzu. He was short and chubby, but he held himself with an air of nobility. His short silver hair glistened delicately as he bowed towards Suzu.
“M'lady, my name is Nishikiri Keishi, would you allow me the honour of knowing your name?”
Haruki felt a strong urge to vomit.
Suzu looked at the boy with a withering stare, causing him to take an unconscious step back.
“Seta Suzu.”
The two soft words reverberated around the room for a brief moment, piercing deeply into Keishi's soul. Without a second glance, Suzu turned away from the boy, pretending he didn't exist. She opened her mouth to speak...
“Haru...”
Keishi, still slightly boggled after receiving her gaze, cleared his throat and cut off her words. “I'll be at the academy next year, so we might be in the same class. I'd very much like to be friends.”
During this entire exchange, Keishi had still not acknowledged Haruki's presence.
Suzu looked back over her shoulder with a flat expression, a dead look filling in her eyes after being interuupted.
“Sure...”
Suzu sent a pained smile towards Haruki, begging for help. With a devilish grin, he leaned in and gently cupped her delicate hands in his. Maintaining intense eye contact with the boy, Haruki brought one hand up to gently caress her face. Nuzzling into his palm, Suzu wrapped her arms tightly around his chest and a pink space quickly enveloped the two.
Keishi's pudgy face contorted, turning an odd shade of purple as he blustered. Hit by a powerful urge to explode with laughter, Haruki bit down on his tongue. With eyes wide and face pale, Keishi performed an awkward half bow while stuttering out a pitiful farewell to Suzu.
After waiting for the boy to leave, Haruki turned back to Suzu and leaned in close to her ear.
“That kid was painful...”
“Nn...”
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Shortly after the brief disturbance, Haruki and Suzu were called into a smaller office. Ketrel and Ayako were both sitting in large, leather chairs across from yet another old man.
“Come in you two, come, come.” he gestured with his bony hand, a friendly smile taking the edge off his otherwise sullen face.
Quietly taking a seat, the two waited for the white haired elder to speak.
“Well, you both have a rough idea by now, as do your parents. Your results are, quite frankly, astounding.”
With each word, the old man grew more animated.
“There has never been a case of more than one person having 4 affinities! It's usually once per Era, if that! On top of that, you're completely unique, Haruki-kun. To possess both light and darkness in your soul... Fearsome... In the future, you'll need to be cautious. Many distrust those with darkness affinity... And since you also hold opposing affinities, that alone is interesting enough to draw many eyes.”
Gulping heavily, Haruki nodded.
'Great, why can't everyone just get along?!'
After taking a moment to breathe, the old man sheepishly smacked his forehead.
“Ah, sorry Haruki-kun. I forgot to mention your other affinities... They're Earth and Wind.”
Without pausing for a breath, the old man turned towards Suzu.
“As for Suzu-san, you're also extremely talented in regards to affinities. Strong affinity for Fire, Earth, Water and Lightning! I've also heard you are looking to train in polearms? You could have a great future as an elemental warrior, perhaps?”
Suzu's face lit up at the mention of becoming a warrior. She wanted nothing more than to see the world, wandering and fighting at the side of someone she could trust. Power was necessary for her dream.
'Though the more I think about it, the more it turns into “I want to wander and fight beside Haruki...'
A small puff of steam rose from her reddening face as she remembered where she was.
“I've already spoken with your parents and we've arranged for transport before the start of the school year. Your books and materials will be waiting for you at the school and you'll each have your own housing close-by. Each week, you'll also gain a small stipend of 5s for food and such.”
Ayako, who had started crying at the mention of Haruki moving out, buried her face into Ketrel's chest. The old man awkwardly continued talking over her as she sobbed.
“You'll get a copy of the school rules and your subjects shortly after the opening ceremony, so don't be late.”
They exchanged small talk for a while longer, while Ayako repaired her face. The paperwork had been signed and it was official. They were finally enrolled in the Academy!
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Haruki walked out in a daze, feeling as if he was floating. Even Ketrel could hardly contain his excitement.
“We should go have a big meal tonight in celebration! Suzu-chan will join us, I'll buy you anything you wish to eat!” his father bellowed, half bragging to the surrounding adventurers.
Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.
“Otou-san, can we stop at a blacksmith on the way home please?”
“Sure, but uh, did you need your weapon repaired? I have spares at home.”
“Ah, no, I'll tell you later” Haruki stole a quick glance towards Suzu and his father seemed to understand.
“Hahaha. That's fine, we'll head there now, then!”
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As the light slowly faded, they found themselves standing in front of a shady looking shack in the south-western part of town. With their stomachs urging prudence, everyone piled in through the cluttered doorway. Obviously friendly with the vendor, Ketrel excitedly greeted the lanky middle aged man.
“What can I do for you today then, Rhino?” A gruff voice asked, a slight hint of joy mixing in with his words.
“Ah, it's for my boy this time! Haruki, come over here and meet your father's favourite smith!”
Haruki casually walked forward, bowing gently beside his father. “Greetings Smith-sensei”
“He's nothing like you at all, Rhino!” the old smith teased with a crooked smile. Ketrel wore a proud grin as he nodded happily in agreement.
Using his most mature tone, Haruki cleared his throat and spoke with a slight bow.
“I'm here today to commission a steel polearm, if I may. The young lady will give you the specifics of the weapon, but I will cover the cost.” Haruki said while pointing his thumb back towards Suzu. Her mouth gaped open as her brain finally registered the words.
“...?” Her eyes opened so wide that Haruki was worried he might fall in.
“You said you wanted a Naginata, right? If we run into wolves, you'll have my back, right? Then don't worry about the cost. Just, uh, don't go over 3g please...”
Suzu's eyes glistened slightly as she nodded to each question. She felt uttery conflicted.
'How does he even have the money to just pay for such a weapon?'
“Wolves?” Ayako asked, narrowing her eyes at Haruki.
'Is that a demon behind mother? It's glaring at me too! God, she's scarier than Suzu!'
After sensing his mother wasn't going to let go, Haruki caved immediately.
“Ah, no need to worry Okaa-san. Suzu and I ran into a small wolf-pack along the road a while back. Don't worry, it wasn't dangerous, Suzu's tougher than I am!” He winked at his mother, hoping she would drop it.
Suzu wasn't of any help, since she was already busy discussing various things with the smith. From metal composition to center of gravity, they covered every aspect of the weapon's design.
Somewhere around the middle of Haruki's heated scolding, the smith finally remembered that he hadn't introduced himself. Slightly flustered after losing himself in weapons talk, he politely bowed.
“Apologies, the name's Nito, lass.”
“Suzu.”
The two shared a devilish grin, shaking hands like old comrades. Working with vigor, they managed to come up with a design that they were both happy with. After calculating the materials, Nito priced the job at a flat 1 gold.
Haruki pulled a coin from of his ring with a slightly sore look, flicking it over to Nito. The wiry old man snatched the coin with surprising speed, biting it once before throwing it into his strongbox with a satisfied smirk.
Haruki felt light headed as his life savings plummeted.
'It's for Suzu, any cost is worth it.'
Even so, spending a third of his life-savings in one go left a small psychological bruise.
Receiving payment, Nito slipped back into shop-keeper mode for a moment.
“Suzu, the product will be ready in 3 days. Please pick it up at that time.”
“Nn...”
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Nito had decided to start immediately. His other jobs were all rather mundane, so he was eager to work on such an uncommon weapon. While traditional Japanese weapons certainly existed in the world, most still preferred to use swords, spears or maces. Other weapons were generally only crafted when ordered.
His excitement quickly turned to determination as he raided his personal ingot supply. He had decided to alter the materials slightly, after remembering a technique his Sensei had once taught him. It was entirely thanks to Suzu that he'd even recalled it. After she had briefly mentioned a strange type patterned steel from her homeland, Nito had recalled a single lesson from his youth.
Nito had been continually impressed with Suzu during their discussions. Wise beyond her years, she carried the gaze and knowledge of a veteran. Nito desired to make something he could be proud to hand over to such a formidable young lady.
'Since the lass helped me remember, it's only fair I give her the first work. And Rhino's boy might become a good customer in the future, so it'll only benefit me in the long run.'
He impatiently poured most of his magic into the forge, causing a violent burst of radiant white flames to scorch the already ashen ceiling. Whistling a happy tune, Nito scurried off to find some special ingredients.
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“Are you sure it's ok?” Suzu asked with watery eyes.
No-one had ever given her anything that expensive before. While she had recieved many fine perfumes, dresses and jewelry, Suzu didn't count those things. While her husband had been generous, none of it made her happy.
Suzu struggled for another short while, before Haruki gently flicked her forehead.
“I said it's fine. Stop stressing.”
“Haru... baka...” Suzu tried her hardest to pout, quickly betrayed by the hint of a smile.
“Just think about what we're gonna eat for dinner.”
Next to him, his parents watched on, grinning happily at the pink space that had formed around the two.
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Haruki usually hated eating out, but the occasion definitely required it. His father bellowed out his name to the concierge and they were led to a table in the back, thick curtains surrounding it on all sides.
'Wait, does he have his own special table? Did they sound proof it!?'
Their table was quite low to the floor, which had been padded with a soft foamy material. Gathering up the many pillows, they quickly managed to construct comfortable positions to sit. Suzu was reading the menu while looking nervously at the prices, but Ayako whispered a few words into her ear, perking her up immediately.
Truthfully, even in her last life, Suzu had never been to such an expensive restaurant! She ordered a small meal and a drink, but declined any further. As she waited for her food, Suzu snuggled up to Haruki's side, quickly nodding off against his shoulder.
With a devious grin, Haruki ordered an extra meal, asking for it to be delivered late.
'If I say I'm full when it arrives, she won't turn it down. Not if it's going to waste...'
Over the years, he had found many different ways to deal with her stubborn streaks. Proud of his cunning, Haruki smiled down at the softly snoring Suzu as she continued to dampen his shoulder with drool.
As the food arrived, Haruki gently poked Suzu in the cheek until she finally woke with a gurgle. Seeing the delicious food in front of her, she began eating ravenously. As they finished eating, the conversation quickly grew rowdy.
With such a good mood going, a few hours passed in the blink of an eye. Ketrel slurred loudly as he paid the tab, while the others waited outside, embarrassed at the ruckus. Suzu and Haruki were both holding onto each other, slightly drunk and staggering. Suzu had been allowed a few glasses of wine with dinner, while Ketrel had belligerently challenged Haruki to a drinking contest.
“I totally won...”
Ketrel grumbled as he dragged himself onto the carriage, collapsing in a messy pile of limbs
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The cart quietly rattled onto a main road, stopping a short distance from the west gate. Ketrel quickly paid the driver, motioning for everyone to climb out. With a leap, Haruki landed lightly on the blackened cobblestone. As he turned back to take Suzu's hand, she took a flying leap from the carriage. Her long hair caught the cool evening breeze, billowing like smoke as she landed next to Haruki, taking his arm casually.
Choking for a moment, Haruki pulled Suzu into a warm embrace. He had gotten used to having such a physically strong female companion, but he certainly hadn't expected that.
“I'll see you at the river tomorrow?”
“Nn...”
Haruki endured a painfully long walk home, his parents constantly teasing and asking all sorts of awkward questions about Suzu.
'Please... my HP... I won't survive any more critical hits!'
Cocking her head with an innocent smile, Ayako dealt the final blow.
"Haru-chan, Okaa-san wants lots of grandchildren, ok?"