“Alcard ay, I think I’ve been there once a few years back."

"It's just north west of Waltz, where we are right now, so I'm sure we can get there quite fast."

"But if I remember correctly, the quickest route would be going through the Sinfell forest. I went there years ago, and it was full of monsters."

"Yes… I know what they say about it, but I'm sure we can get through. With your gear I'm sure we can get through. I haven't told you yet, but I know a fair bit of water magic."

“Well, I'll be counting on you then, Aqua."

"You too, Ray. Are you ready to go?"

"Yeah, let's go to a weapons shop first though, if I'm going to be fighting monsters again I need a weapon."

"What about that axe on your back?"

"I can't just use it now, sorry."

"No! I'm sorry. I didn't realise it was that precious."

"It's fine. Just know I can’t use it anymore."

A curious look came from her face. The two then walked into the heart of town. All sorts of people could be seen going about their daily lives, many different races, many different people. Stalls crowded around for as far as the eye could see.

"It's as busy as ever in the market!"

"Hey you two!"

A voice called out to them from a market stall. It was an old demi with grey ears coming from his hair who was selling some meat and veg on skewers.

"You cute couple over there! Do you want to try any kebabs? They're the tastiest in all of Attalia, I assure ya!"

"We're n-"

"-Don't be shy now, miss! Mister, if you wanna impress your girl here now’s the opportunity!"

"Haha it's not like that… but I am kind of hungry… you want anything? My treat."

"No, I'm fine right now, thanks-"

Her stomach then started to rumble and she turned away from embarrassment.

"I'll take two kebabs."

"Coming right up mister!"

"Thanks."

She smiled.

"Your welcome"

He smiled back.

When they reached the weapons shop they took a look inside. There was a burly man at the counter wearing a vest.

"Welcome!"

All the walls were covered in shields, swords, and all sorts of armour.

Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

"What are you two looking for today?"

"Just a sword, for some monsters."

"Are you just starting your adventuring career? No, that can't be the case, my appraisal skills are telling me that is one fine axe you already have. I don't know if I can compete with something that high quality, boy."

"Don't worry, I'm not looking for an upgrade."

"Ah, I see. Well what would you like, an enchanted one?"

"Just a standard. Maybe iron or steel?"

"Boy, those are for beginners, are you sure?"

"It's just about how you use them, right?"

"Haha, too true. Alright, here's some I recommend for ya."

Placed on the counter in front of them were three swords, one was just a standard iron with nicks all through it. The next was a more well kept, and the right was the standard steel.

"Cheapest from the left. Best prices you can get."

Ray was inspecting the swords himself as he too had an eye for quality.

"Are you kidding me? 70 silver for steel?"

"I'd like to see you find cheaper for this quality, boy."

"Hmm, what do you think about this one?"

Aqua was at the other side of the room, rummaging through a barrel of various weapons. She pulled out a thin platinum sword.

"How much?"

"That one's from the discount pile, that one came from a dead adventurer just the other week. Sold cheap for what it is. 150."

"Good one, how much really."

"You certainly are no fun… 1 gold is the lowest I can go."

"Deal."

"Hope to see you come back alive, boy."

Ray put a gold coin on the counter as they walked out the door.

"How did you manage to find a platinum sword in that?"

"Oh I'm quite good at magic detection, I'm just happy to help."

"Good job, this can be flipped for twice as much!"

A grin was on his face.

"Were you once a merchant by chance?"

"Naa, just picked some useful knowledge up after a few years."

"Can you teach me sometime?"

"Sure, I'd be happy to. What route should we take through the forest, you think?"

"I'd like to cut through and go the fastest way possible… but I guess we'll run into even more monsters that way… It's up to you."

"The shortest way by far is just cutting through… And I guess we can't go all the way around it and pay for a wagon too… Do you think we can handle it?"

"Yeah. I know we can."

"How can you be so sure? You've never even seen me fight…"

"I'm good at magic detection, remember?"

Ray was surprised for a second but then laughed it off.

"So what have you known for all this time?"

"I know that you're more powerful than you give off. After being with you all day, I think I have a better idea."

She tried to hold her laughter in, but couldn't fully even with a hand over her mouth.

"You don't have to hide who you are, I'm sure everyone will be fine with it."

Weak laughter was coming from Ray now…

"If only that were true."

"Listen Ray, I want to know more about you and I want you to know more about me on this journey. I want to become friends, see? You don't have to tell me now, but just know, I'll accept you for whoever you are. I can't just be rude to someone who's helping me out this much now…"

The calm girl from before was now showing her new serious side.

"Thanks, Aqua."

"Now don't be so hard on yourself."

They looked at each other fondly…