On the next morning, Vern restlessly watched the clock, waiting for it to finally hit 11:30.

Not did he plan to abuse his future knowledge to the maximum today. No. He also looked forward to seeing Alvyn and the others again.

Eventually, his pickup arrived, and he wasted no time, going outside immediately.

As they traversed the city, Velvet appeared in the carriage, filling it out completely.

›Don't do that in here. Can't you just go outside if you want to take your form?‹, Vern complained as it felt cramped like that.

›Hmph, I am not even allowed in here? Do you want me to stroll along like a dog, or what?‹

Vern sighed and moved further into the corner. ›Yeah, just forget I said anything.‹

They reached the destination, a large arena located in the northern part of the city.

As Vern left the carriage, joining the groups of people, Velvet faded into his body again, making Vern wonder why he came out in the first place.

He navigated through the crowd toward the assigned meeting spot, and when he came close, he could see the three others waiting for him.

»We are over here!«, shouted Alvyn and waved.

»Yes, I think he has already seen us before«, added Kieran.

When Vern reached them, Kieran, Alvyn, and Irina happily greeted him.

»I think we should start looking for our seats too, shouldn't we?«, Irina suggested as the crowd around them started to move inwards.

»Yes. But first, I want to go for a little detour«, said Alvyn and laid his arm around Vern.

»So, brother, I have heard from Ezra that you beat one of the instructors on your first day. Is that right?«

»Well«, Vern tried to escape Alvyn's grip, but he couldn't without using mana. »What did she exactly tell you?«

»Ah, not a lot, unfortunately. You know how she is. If you press her for information, she will tell you less than ever. That's why I am asking you.«

He saw Alvyn's excitement in his eyes and gave in to his demands, making sure not to go into too much detail at the end.

Then, Alvyn declared that they had reached their destination. The betting booth in front was surrounded by people that were quite noisy.

»Ah, I see. That's why you were reading about all the different horses all night instead of sleeping«, said Kieran and received a chilly glance from Alvyn.

»Well, yes. I have studied the odds so that we all can make big money. I have found a few horses that are undervalued in terms of their real chances. Are you in?«

He looked at his companions, but to his dismay, Kieran and Irina shook their heads.

As it was his turn to answer, Vern pretended to contemplate the decision before giving in to Alvyn's pleading look.

»Hah, very nice. That's right. Let's show them what they lost out on later«, said Alvyn, and they queued up.

While waiting, Alvyn told Vern about the horses to bet on, their odds, and their fair evaluation.

When it finally was their turn, Alvyn placed multiple different bets without hesitation.

Vern took a good look at the board at the booth, detailing information on the different races and contenders.

»So, on which are you going to bet?«, asked Alvyn after he had finished.

»Well … I don't know … which is the most undervalued, you think, again?« He took a single silver coin out of his pocket.

»Hmm, so usually you make multiple bets, but … yeah … if you just want to bet on one, I would pick Winx. He had shown some good performance recently that isn't quite reflected in his odds yet.«

Vern followed his advice and placed the bet. As he received his receipt, he leaned forward after Alvyn had gotten out of hearing distance.

»I have two questions«, he said to the man behind the counter. »Firstly, for how long do you keep accepting bets? Secondly, what is the time frame for collecting winnings?

The man looked at him surprised at first but then told him that he could bet until 15 minutes before a race, and he could redeem his receipt only today.

Vern thanked the man before he quickly left, joining the others who were waiting for him.

»What was that about?«, Alvyn asked curiously.

»Nothing in particular. Let's go.«

They went into the stadium to look for their seats.

›Velvet, are you there?‹

›What a question. Of course, I am. Where else should I be?‹

›Yes, I know. That was just … forget it. I wanted to double-check something with you as you have seen my previous memories as well. In the sixth race today, number 13 is going to be the winner, right?‹

›Hmm, let me think back … yes … I agree. However, I would prefer it if you talked to me more about your plans for the future beforehand.‹

›Well, I mean it is not that important, really. Just a bit of betting. I will talk to you about anything important in detail, I promise.‹

›Oh, you're so nice. Now I'm concerned that there are long-term effects with me in your body. Maybe your mind will progressively degrade, so that– .‹

›Oh, wow. You really asking for it, aren't you?‹, Vern interrupted.

The fox didn't answer and just giggled.

Right as they managed to reach their seats, the participants of the first race were announced.

Alvyn wiggled excitedly in his seat as the horse he bet on made its appearance on the field.

»Nureyev«, commented Alvyn and pointed at the black horse. »He's definitely one of the best here and always a safe bet.«

The others looked at each other rather unimpressed as Alvyn went on about its past achievements.

After a few minutes of preparation, the referee gave the signal and pulled a lever that opened up the wooden stalls the horses were starting from.

The next moment, cheers rang out from the crowd around and mixed with the hooves beating on the ground below.

The pack reached the first turn, and one in the front tripped, subsequently falling to the ground. The people around collectively moaned as several horses fell as a result.

Alvyn stood up to get a better view of the incident.

When the smoke had cleared, he groaned and shook his head. His horse was apparently affected by the accident as well.

»What a shame«, he said as he plunged back into his seat. »Those unpredictabilities ruin the fun of it.«

After the race had concluded, the announcer informed the audience about the horse and their states.

»Ah, well. I guess I'll have a round without excitement«, said Alyvn after it was confirmed that Nureyev wouldn't be starting on his second race due to injury.

»Well, you have to see the positives«, said Kieran. »At least you won't be losing all your money today.«

»Just wait and see«, replied Alvyn confidently.

Meanwhile, Vern was quite pleased about the events. Nothing major had changed so far, and that included the outcome of this race, which made him certain of his success.

The racetrack was prepared, and 30 minutes later, the next race took place.

Several passed by, only interjected by an announcement with substitutes for upcoming races that would replace the injured ones from the accident.

Since Alvyn hadn't won a single bet so far, his mood suffered under his misfortune.

»Oh, I wish I also had access to the nobility lounge. Alvyn looked over to a restricted area from where their parents and the king were watching. »They have the best view there … Vern, why can't we be there too.«

Vern just shrugged, not knowing what to say to that.

Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.

As the fifth race was about to start, Vern decided it was time to move into action.

»I think I'll go to the latrine. I am gonna get us some snacks on the way back.«

Kieran and Irina both nodded, grateful for his offer.

»What? But Winx is about to compete?«

»Who?«, asked Vern as he stood up.

Alvyn rolled his eyes. »The horse you bet one, dummy.«

»Oh, well … it's really urgent. I'm sorry.«

With that said, he left his seat, trying to make his way through the crowded ranks.

After he had finally reached an empty area outside the arena, he walked toward the betting booth.

›Do you plan on staying inside the whole time?‹, he asked Velvet, surprised about his lack of activity. ›Isn't it too boring for you to watch the same thing we've already seen?‹

›Well, there are too many people here. So, no, I'll stay inside.

›Ah, right. But there are all watching the races. They won't be staring at you … ?‹

›No, I still don't want to.‹

Vern left it at that and wondered if Velvet had always been like this or if it was a result of his long, de facto isolation.

Unlike earlier, the space around the betting booth was completely empty. So Vern walked up, taking out a pouch with money – all the money he had to be precise. He took out a few coins for snacks and then dropped it on the counter.

»All one race six number 13, please.«

The man from earlier turned around and inspected the contents of the pouch.

»You do know that you are betting on a substitute horse, right? Nureyev was injured earlier and won't be starting. Instead, He-Knows-No-Fear will be substituting and—«

»I know, I know. Just take the money and place the bet.«

But the man still hesitated. »Are you sure you want to put all of it on one horse? You know, it's going to be his second race, so the chances of winning are equally low.«

»So What? Are you accepting my bet or not?«, asked Vern, growing more frustrated as he didn't want to be away for too long.

»Okay, okay. I was just making sure you know what you're doing. Here.«

He handed him the receipt, and Vern left, looking for a place to buy snacks next.

About 15 minutes later, he arrived back at his seat.

»I am sorry. The line was quite long.« He handed each of them a paper bag.

»Oh, roasted almonds. Thanks a lot. I love these«, Irina exclaimed as she opened her bag.

»Ah, thanks brother«, Alvyn put some almonds in his mouth and crunched them.

»Ha«, uttered Kieran when he opened his. »How did you know that I don't like them?«, he asked curiously and took out a pretzel.

Vern scratched his head. »Well, I think I've heard you say that you're not that fond of sweet stuff, right? Anyway, more importantly, did I win?« He turned to Alvyn.

»No, I am sorry, brother. It seems like luck isn't part of our lineage.«

»Welp, no can do.« He took his seat and watched as the preparations for the sixth race were on their way.

When the referee gave the signal, and the horses started running, Vern was invested with all his senses in the race.

He carefully watched as the participant managed their first turn and prayed that He-Knows-No-Fear would live up to his expectations. There was still the possibility of something unforeseen happening and him losing all his money.

Vern wondered if that's how his brother felt when he had watched his favorites, desperately hoping they would win.

The short track appeared to be eternal, and finally, He-Knows-No-Fear pulled ahead of the pack on the last meters.

The audience cheered as the front runners reached the finishing line, and it was so close that no one could tell from afar who had won.

After a few seconds of tense silence, the announcer declared He-Knows-No-Fear as the winner.

Vern wanted to jump up in his seat but satisfied that urge with some awkward stretches of his body.

»Ha«, said Alvyn emotionlessly. »That's the start number Nureyev should have used. I should have just bet on it again, regardless of the horse running it. I would have won so much …«

»Nana«, Kieran patted Alvyn's back, consoling him. »Don't think about it like that. Retroactively you always know what the right move is.«

Vern silently agreed.

A few more races took place afterward, and the sun slowly let go of its height in the sky.

Alvyn hadn't lost all hope to win at least once, but the final race crushed the last of it.

The flow of people that resulted at the end of the event relentlessly took the four with them to the outside.

After they'd found a quiet spot a good distance from the crowd, they were able to breathe and talk freely again.

»Well, that didn't go too well. But next time, I will surely win«, said Alvyn as he looked at his empty and stubbornly ignored the doubtful looks of the others.

»Nonetheless, it was a great day«, said Kieran. »Thanks again for the pretzel. I'll return the favor sometime.«

»Yes. Thanks a lot, Vern. It's unfortunate that you aren't training with us«, added Irina.

These words made Vern happier than they should've.

»Well, well. I hope you all haven't forgotten about the excursion we're planning«, said Alvyn and grabbed his little brother playfully. »He'll be coming with us on that tour. I'll make sure of it. So we will have plenty of time together there.«

»Uh, oh«, replied Kieran as he watched Vern struggle. »I thought that was supposed to be a surprise.«

»Yeah, well, I promised it to him, so he basically already knew.« Alvyn let go of his brother. »But the details are the main surprise, anyway.«

Vern didn't bother asking, as he knew exactly what Alvyn was talking about, and just smiled instead.

»Well, I don't want to be the one … but I think we should get on our way now … training tomorrow will happen no matter what«, said Irina and visibly suppressed a yawn.

»Yeah, you're right«, agreed Kieran. »And you will be starting your training soon as well, right Vern? Good luck with that.«

»Yes, thanks. I'm going to be there, starting tomorrow evening, and yeah … I'm curious about what awaits me.«

After a round of goodbyes, the three of them walked off. Vern watched them until they faded into the crowd and was very happy with today's results.

On a whim, he decided to walk back to the mansion instead of taking the carriage and looked for his coachmen to dismiss him. He figured he should be there before nightfall and had familiarized himself enough with the city layout feeling confident not to get lost.

When that was done, Vern sat down on a bench and watched the people walk by.

Almost half an hour passed before he decided now was the time to collect his winnings without attracting any attention or accidentally running into the others.

There were only two men in front of the betting booth, casually chatting with the man behind the counter.

As that man spotted Vern approaching, he frowned and shook his head.

»I can't believe it«, he said to Vern. »How can you be so lucky? In all my years … «

He fell silent and handed Vern his pouch back, even before Vern had taken out the receipt.

It has about the same weight, but as he opened it, there were now gold coins instead of copper and silver.

»Well, thanks a lot«, said Vern and handed the man a gold coin as a tip.

All three present stared at it surprised

»Thanks. It seems my luck good today too«, the man said and pocketed it, wishing him a good day.

As Vern strolled through the streets, he remembered the promise he had given to Velvet sometime ago.

›Well, didn't you say you wanted to see the whole city? Now is your chance to see at least some new part of it.‹

›Hmm, I don't mind seeing it through your eyes only‹, replied Velvet.

›You're sure? There is plenty of stuff I won't be able to see through‹, tempted Vern.

›Yes … maybe … I'll come out. But can we please take a route with fewer people?‹

Vern agreed to his request and headed toward the back alleys which roughly followed the main road's path.

Just after a few steps, Velvet appeared next to him. He stretched his body like a cat before he jumped ahead.

›Remember to not invade people's privacy‹, Vern said as Velvet disappeared through a wall.

›Yes, I know. I'll just do some scouting so that you won't get robbed.‹

›How considerate of you. Now I feel much safer since you can just help me fight them, oh wait …‹

›Well, I'll certainly try if it comes down to it. Biting their heads and limbs off, whether it does any damage or not.‹

›That will definitely drive them off … nah, just tell me if you see anything beforehand, then I'll make sure to avoid it.‹

›Yes, my little, fearful friend.‹

The buildings off the main roads were significantly more shabby, and instead of large shops, lots of smaller ones were lining the street.

Most of the people that passed by occasionally, wore rags and moved quickly with their heads down.

Though this clearly wasn't the best place to be, Vern didn't feel unsafe as his outfit was neither screaming nobility nor hinting at the amount of money he was carrying.

After he had navigated through the curling alleys for a while, he suddenly stopped at an intersection.

It wasn't to contemplate which way he had to take. There was something that tried to pull him off course.

Velvet noticed that Vern had stopped and said: ›I am pretty sure you just have to come this way.‹

›Yes, I know. But that's not it. Do you feel this … something? Something that wants you to go this way?‹

He pointed to the right, and Velvet came back to have a look.

›I don't see anything special‹, he said scouting ahead.

›Hmm, I really want to find out what that feeling is about. Maybe it has something to do with what happened to me. After all, there were some weird things similar to this.‹

›I don't mind a little detour‹, agreed Velvet, and they turned to the right.

The further Vern walked, the stronger the feeling inside became, as if something was calling for him.

Eventually, he reached a building the feeling seemingly originated.

It wasn't anything special, just a shop, as terrible looking as everything else around.

Velvet entered before him and told him that there weren't any threats. So Vern opened the door, and a bell signaled his arrival.

As he looked around the interior, he wasn't sure what kind of shop this was supposed to be. There were weapons, books, clothing, home appliances, and so much more different stuff.

The only thing that they had in common was their state. Run down, dirty, and not any new products to speak of.

The shopkeeper came into sight through a door from the back. His black hair, covering up parts of his face, and his beard were as neat as the rest of the shop.

»Hello«, greeted Vern. »Can I have a look around?« He wasn't sure if the shop was open, since there were no other customers.

Instead of an answer, the man just glared at him from behind the counter but didn't ask him to leave either.

Velvet standing next to him didn't feel comfortable and went back inside his body.

Vern waited another few seconds for an answer that never came, and he decided to look around. In reality, the feeling still tried to pull him forward, but Vern only slowly moved in this direction to not raise any suspicions.

He reached the end of the commodity line–up, but it still wanted him to go further. So Vern approached the counter and asked: »Do you happen to have any more goods for sale in the back?«

The man narrowed his eyes. »No, that's just my private area. Everything you see is my entire assortment.«

Vern nodded, not pressing him any further on the matter.

»A nice little shop. What do you specialize in?«, Vern asked instead.

»Antiquities, mainly. But also anything used. I buy and sell those. You've got anything you want to sell?« The man's tone wasn't friendly at all, and Vern wondered how he ever had sold anything like that.

»No«, Vern replied. »I've noticed you also have weapons in stock. I was wondering if you accept orders too.? You see, I am looking for some shuriken to buy cheaply, preferably throwing stars. Can you help me out with that?«

The man grunted, and then after another long pause, he answered.

»Well, only because I sell used stuff doesn't mean it's cheap. I can get you what you want, but it'll cost you three gold per ten pieces.«

That was quite expensive, even for new ones, and Vern knew that the shopkeeper knew. It looked like he wanted Vern to refuse and leave.

However, Vern definitely wanted to find out about the secrets of this shop, so he dropped two gold coins on the counter.

»I'll take five. When can I get them?«

Now the shopkeeper was even more unhappy, despite him just making a lucrative sale. Vern waited and expected the man to refuse at this point, but he took the gold eventually.

»It will take a month… yeah I can guarantee to have it by then … your change will have to wait until then as well.«

»Alright.« Vern really wanted to have a look in the back but decided to leave it at that for today. »Thanks for your kind service.«

The man just stared back, not even hiding his hostility at this point.

After Vern left the shop, Velvet decided to take his form again. ›Didn't you just waste a lot of money there? Without even knowing what you end up getting?‹, he asked as he walked beside Vern.

›Yeah. But it doesn't matter, as I have plenty of money now, and I'll probably break a lot of shuriken during training anyway.‹

›Hmm, so we are really going to come back to this place? I don't like how the guy stared at me …‹

›Hahaha, don't become so paranoid that you can't even handle one person around. Or I might think that your suggestion is true after all. That you being in me has side effects – but on your mind instead.‹

›Ah, shut up.‹ Velvet bumped his body into Vern's, but it

didn't do anything. ›Stop making fun of me!‹