Who knew that it would be Old Man Joe Light who'd be the reason why they couldn't get inside the city of Gloria? Han sighed inwardly as he eyed the old man who kept grumbling and complaining.

"Geez, I don't know what this old geezer is lying about—probably his age or something stupid if you ask me." Timothy spoke up, an eye twitching slightly as he slung his bag over his shoulders. "Considering that we're just passengers, would it be possible that the two of us could go ahead while you law-abiding citizens sort this out?"

"Huh—this guy is not lying, Bo." The Guardsman with the spear pointed at the necklace his companion, Bo, was holding. "Look at that, It's crystal blue now."

"It doesn't matter, some people can still get around lie-detecting artifacts with ease."

"If that was the case, why bother using it then?" Han asked, until he saw Bo glaring daggers at him. "Just a question."

"That's why we need to ask the right questions to determine the validity of such statements." Bo turned to look back at Timothy, "Excuse me, young man, this grandfather of yours said he'd be heading to the farmer's market but that's clearly not the case. So where are you guys off to?"

Han shrugged. "I think we're supposed to go find a tavern or an inn, anywhere where there's grub—I'm starving."

The guy's head snapped to him with an unamused expression. Until he noticed that the pendant was still blue. "Alright, smart guy. Where are you off to afterwards?"

"We're supposed to find the people who'll be apprenticing us in our [ Class ]." He replied.

The artifact still shone with a blue glimmer.

Han kept a smile on his face, "The processing time it takes to let travellers through could be shortened by asking a simple question, you know?"

"Huh, just one question?" The guy with the spear leaned on his weapon. "That would lighten our burdens, Bo."

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"And pray tell, young man, what would that be?"

"Do you have any intentions to commit crimes or other ill-intent misgivings while within the city?" Han glanced at Timothy and Old Man Joe Light. "I don't."

Timothy was quick to respond, "Of course not!"

"Er, was planning to visit a brothel…" Old Man Joe Light rubbed his beard. "But that's not illegal, at least from what I can recall."

"It's not that simple." Bo frowned as he held up his pendant, it was still glowing blue. He began to pocket it. "But you know what, fine. Go ahead and head over to your destination—we'll be there to stop you, or the other [ Guardsmen ] if you guys are up to no good."

"That sounds good to me." Han grinned as he returned back to his seat. Old Man Joe Light once again sat in front of his cart while Timothy placed his bag back on the floor.

"What you'll be doing is illegal by the way, old man." Bo frowned as they began to move forward, ushered by his friend and he then turned towards the next group of travellers.

The [ Guardsman ] with the spear shook his head, "The guy's just a little uptight—especially since it looks like the old man is up to cheating." He frowned a little.

"This old fool is as single as one can be." Old Man Joe Light brushed the man off, digging into his overalls. "But enough talk about me, your friend could use a drink or two." He tossed two silvers towards the man.

"We don't usually accept bribes." The [ Guardsman ] chuckled as he kept the coins.

The old man began to join the flow of the main street, "It's a gift! It's a good day to be here!"

"Where are you guys off to?!" The man called out to them as they followed the path where carts travelled in. Compared to his friend, his voice was lighthearted and simply out of curiosity.

It was at this moment that Han felt something bubble inside of him, he glanced at the old man Joe who simply kept driving and at Timothy who was also looking back at the guy. He grinned and shouted. "The Academy! We're going to the Academy!"

The streets were already filled with the hubbub of markets and people, but he could still see the look of surprise on the man's face. They were already far away for them to hear what the man said, Han simply slid down back into his seat. "We're finally here!"

"Did you really have to yell it? I thought we were supposed to keep it a secret." Timothy asked him, though his attention was also elsewhere.

Han waved him off and found his eyes glued to the sights of a fantasy medieval city, the bright sights around them were enough to leave him in awe. But Timothy's question was a good one, he peered back at his companion. "That guy didn't have a truth pendant, he'd probably think I was pulling his leg."

"...Smart."

"Finally acknowledging my brilliance?"

"Not a chance."