*Pitter-patter*

The sound of the rain was the first thing I heard in the morning. It was then followed by a deafening cry.

"AHHH! HAPPY BIRTHDAY KIYOMI! snort~"

The voice was coming from Old Man Jo. That volume was enough to wake neighbouring people. I won't be surprised if people came running here to reprimand him.

The reason why Jo was crying is that today was supposed to be Shimomura's birthday. But due to the circumstances, Jo is alone here crying out loud. Technically, he isn't alone. I've been allowed to stay here for the past month since Jo has been too sad to contradict anything. He didn't mind me staying in his house as long as I do the chores.

His weeping carried on for a while before it stopped. It was then replaced by loud snoring that could compare in volume. It was amazing how fast can move back to sleep If it wasn't for the oddly specific greeting, I may have thought he was just having nightmares.

After the noisy sequence, I prepared myself to meet Tesuo probably for the last time. But before I went out, I left a meal for Jo to eat for breakfast. It became a part of my chores and I have been cooking for both of us ever since I become an occupant in this house. My dishes were barely edible at first. I can remember how Jo told me to stop making it during the beginning days of my cooking journey but he still eats it nonetheless. After how many weeks of cooking, I can at least make a dish that Jo won't complain about.

With all set and done, I finally took an umbrella and went out. My destination was the Adventurer's Guild because at this time Tesuo could be found there. Even when injured. he didn't forget his responsibility as personnel of the Magic Testing. Although, he doesn't have anything to do since the second floor of the Guild was still in renovation.

I reached the place with my shoes soaking wet. The rain has been non-stop ever since yesterday. It may also be the reason why there were few to none people currently situated here in the Guild.

On a table at the corner of the Guild, I could see Tesuo reading a book as usual. He gestured that I could sit at his opposite side. It seems he was expecting me to visit him.

"You're leaving tomorrow?"

I nodded at his question since it looks like he knows what's happening. I didn't tell about Tesuo my decision yet but somehow he knows about it. I guess Yukio mentioned it to him considering how talkative Yukio is.

"What did you come here for? You should be preparing for your travel." Tesuo said while still reading his book.

It may be disrespectful to have a conversation without proper attention but I'm used to his style now. Almost all the time I converse with Tesuo, there's always a book in his hand.

"I am preparing. I want to ask about the selection test of Asmodai."

"I had a feeling you were going to ask that. Don't worry about it. Even if you take the test blindly, it would be a breeze for you."

He said the same thing as Yukio said yesterday. I'm not sure if I should be happy, relaxed, or worried.

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"Yukio told me they conduct different tests every time. Is it really fine, teacher?"

"You should remove that attitude of yours. You always worry even things are already set at is. When I tell you to don't worry, you should not worry."

He seemed serious since he drop the book when he told that.

I'm fully aware of the reason why he was saying that. I tend to create big things for unnecessary reasons since it is my way of being cautious. Even before this world, I have been wary of everything because my capacities as a demon were always one of the worst.

Currently, in my situation, I can't help become wary especially the unfamiliar things. In every magic practice session I have with Tesuo, he never forgets to mention my attitude saying it will only hinder my development if I don't change my overly cautious personality.

However, I always believe it is never bad to be cautious. Things are always better if prepared so I replied to Tesuo, "Maybe someday I'll worry less but today is not the day."

He sighed and gave up persuading me. Along with it, he began to read his book again. Probably he had enough of me worrying so I ask a different question.

"Teacher, anything I should remember when I travel to the city?" It's a normal question for someone who hasn't visited yet.

"Yukio will handle it, he may look like that but he visited the city multiple times."

'Oh, that's unexpected.'

"Is it safe to let him handle it?"

"There you go again worrying. You're going to need to trust Yukio in this one. He's a good kid."

Tesuo seems to have a lot of trust in Yukio even though I never saw them together once during the past month. Although he knows Yukio longer than me so if he said to let Yukio handle it then I would let him handle it. Tesuo has mostly been right the whole time except the times when it concerns food.

Speaking of food, the pub of the Guild was opening. Tesuo saw this and indicated to me that he was going to eat. With respect to my teacher, I didn't bother him anymore and let him do his business.

I just noticed I came here to discuss how I can prepare but I only ended up getting reprimanded. Nevertheless, I have nothing left to do in the Guild so I left.

It was still raining when I went outside. My next stop the shop that sells basic items for mages.

Money wasn't a problem for me if it only involves the necessities. I've been able to save some money by doing some low-grade quest as an adventurer.

I signed myself as an adventurer in the hopes that it would be my main livelihood for the longterm. But I guess the story of Silva the greatest adventurer would be told at another time.

If I remember correctly, the basic stuff I should have are potions and survival magic scrolls.

I took five mana potions and health potions of the lowest grade. A grade higher than that, D - grade, is ten times more expensive. I can purchase those but it would be difficult to budget if I try.

For the magic scrolls, I need to make sure I have [Create Water] for a source of freshwater and [Light Orb] for a source of light. I could use my fire magic for light but some places would probably be a bad idea to do so. I grabbed ten pieces of the former while three for the latter.

All in all, everything cost me 6 silvers and 40 coppers. I have with me 13 Silverstein so I was left with 6 silvers and 60 coppers.

For a simple understanding of the currency in this world. 100 coppers are equals to 1 silver. 100 silvers are equals to 1 gold. 100 golds are equal to 1 Royal Coin.

1 silver could feed a person for a day with some coppers left while 1 gold could feed a family of four for a month. This of course is true if they live a simple life.

Anyway, I have purchased everything that I came for. Next would be for my equipment.

I'm planning to have at least a proper sword for my journey. I wished for a mage staff at first but when saw the prices of the staves in many shops, I erased that thought. Too bad, I have looked forward to using one but it will happen at another time.

Armor is also out of question. Besides that they are rare since it's a mage game, the good ones are more expensive than a well-crafted sword.

The only good blacksmith I know in this village is Old Man Jo however his shop is still closed. The reason probably because it is currently her birthday. I have no choice but to ask Yukio about this. He may know a lot of places where I could get a decent weapon.

Luckily, I saw him across the road going into Oyaji's ramen shop.

'I'm not hungry yet but it won't hurt having Oyaji's ramen probably for the last time.'

I soon followed Yukio into the shop. It was a warm cozy place compared to the rain outside. There were a lot of people than usual. Maybe because good hot ramen is perfect for this weather.

I saw Yukio sitting near the counter where Oyaji was cooking. There was an empty seat beside him so I took it.

Only when I gestured to Oyaji in my order did Yukio noticed me. He was clearly anticipating his ramen since there was a big grin on his face.

"Oy, Silva. I didn't expect to see you sooner."

"I saw you coming here so why not. It might be the last time I can eat here."

"You're going to leave?" Oyaji heard us while he was busy mixing the broth for the noodles.

"Yeah, we're going to attend the scholarship test in Asmodai." It was Yukio who answered.

"Woah, that's amazing. It may be sad to bid farewell to my two best customers but I wish good luck to you two. For my farewell gift, I will add extra serving for both of you."

"WOW! You're the best Oyaji. I promise I won't ever forget your ramen."

"Don't say that. It's going to make this old man sad."

It was an emotional exchange between Yukio and Oyaji but it was still a merry conversation. I can't blame them, Oyaji and his ramen shop have been one of the good things that happen to me in this world. However, I'm not the type of person to become too emotional.

"Here are your three servings of house special ramen."

Oyaji placed the bowls directly in front of us. Yukio never changes. He ordered two servings of ramen for himself. We can't help ourselves wait any longer with the delicious aroma in front of us so we dig in without any hesitation.