The two looked around the town for merchants needing escort. Batara saw merchant carriages lined up beside the exit gate of the town and said to Klaus while pointing “Klaus, right there.” Klaus nodded and they approached the merchant carriages. The merchants are indeed searching for adventurers escort to go back to Quarzith, but they only wanted to hire full fledged adventurers even when Klaus offered his escort service for free. When the sun was almost down, they still couldnt find an escort request, until a young boy approached them.
The young boy said “Hello, I heard you are looking for an escort job!”. Klaus and Batara startled and felt unsure because a kid approached them. Klaus then replied “Yes we are. Are your parents merchants looking for an escort?”. The young man got irritated and replied “How rude! I AM a merchant and I AM the one who’s looking for an escort. That is my carriage.” Both Klaus and Batara felt surprised and looked at the not so big carriage the boy was pointing. Then Klaus replied breaking the silence “I’m sorry kid. I never saw another merchant your age.” Klaus continued “But we are not yet full fledged adventurers. We are on our way to Quarzith to -“ the young man cut Klaus words and replied “To get your adventurers license right? Dont worry you guys are exactly what I’m searching for. I’’m a merchant who just started recently. Thats why I can only pay you by meal for your escort. Are you interested?” Klaus thought to himself “this must be the merchant the other adventurer talked about back at the camp”. Klaus then replied “Perfect timing. We are searching for the same thing. Right Bats?” Batara nodded strongly. Klaus then added “its settled then, lets go kid!”.
The boy replied loudly “I’m not a kid! Despite my height I’m actually 15! Humph!” Klaus and Batara looked at each other shocked. Ikki added “Call me Ikki! Lets go, this way to the carriage.” Upon reaching the carriage, there is a girl already sitting inside. Ikki said “She is also an adventurer candidate escort I hired. You guys will work together with her to escort me to Quarzith.” Ikki added “I have sold all my goods here so there will be plenty of room in the carriage.” Klaus said “Thanks for letting us know.” while they both get into the carriage. Ikki jumped over to the driver’s seat and shouted “We’re going!” As he whipped the horse attached to the carriage.
Inside the carriage, the girl seemed to stare intensely at Klaus and Batara. Klaus who noticed it tried to open a conversation by asking the girl “Hey wha-“ the girl suddenly cut Klaus’ words and introduced herself in a very proud manner “MY name is Theresia Ignatius of Ibaran city. I am the one who will become the Grand Wizard of Mithraya. And right now I'm heading to Quarzith to become an adventurer while escorting this kid. Who might you be?”. Klaus replied “We are also the merchant’s escort, my name is Klaus Fenderer and he is Batara Arcital. We are from Obenvale and also wish to become adventurers.” Theresia then shouted to Ikki “Hey kid! I told you that I can escort you alone right?”. Ikki shouted “Shut up and dont call me a kid!”. Ikki seemed to not trust a single adventurer candidate could escort him so he sought for others.
Theresia then sighed and said to Klaus “Hmm, so you’re a noble from the famous Fenderer family. I heard that your family produced many Great Adventurers and even a hero at one time.” then he added “But Arcital? I’ve never heard of your family.” Batara didnt seem bothered, having grown used to that type of reaction. Klaus replied “Yeah but I’m not a noble and I’m definitely not the same with them.” Seeing Klaus’ face turned distressed, Theresia didnt pry any further. Klaus then changed the topic and asked Theresia “What about you? I’ve heard that the Ignatius family is a famous magician family.” Theresia proudly answered “You are right. Our family is the most famous fire element magicians in Mithraya. We are blessed by the Mythical Fire Elemental, Phoenix, who is the root of fire magic itself. That’s why people called us the Phoenix’ Incarnate.”
Seeing both Klaus and Theresia talk about their families, Batara faded to the background. The memories of his pathetic family haunted him. Theresia noticed Batara hasnt spoken for a while so she turned to him and ask “What about you? You havent talked since getting in.” Batara was startled and felt very nervous. From his point of view, seeing Klaus and Theresia talk is like watching two nobles socializing at a party in a castle. Batara then replied while trembling a little “I-i-i’m Bat-bat, from Ob-ob…” Theresia was confused as to why Batara introduced himself again and held her laugh, then replied “So your name’s Batbat?.” Theresia then turned to Klaus and whispered “Is your friend broken or something?” Klaus sighed and explained “Heeh, he’s always like this around new people.” Klaus was already used to Batara’s unique behavior. Theresia replied “What a weird guy.” Klaus, toning down what Theresia said, replied “Yeah he’s unique. He’s a good guy though.” Theresia is skeptical of Klaus’ judgment of character. Ikki’s laugh was heard from the outside.
Klaus then said to Batara and Theresia “Since there are 3 of us, lets form a party.” Batara wasnt sure since he didnt know anything about Theresia or why Klaus even proposed it when they just met. Theresia replied “Not too fast. I’ll decide whether or not you two are worthy of forming a party with me.” Klaus replied in a low voice “how arrogant.” Theresia heard it and replied “I dont care what you think. I’ll decide my own comrades.” Theresia didnt seem to be bothered by Klaus at all, she is just very dignified. Klaus replied “Alright suit yourself.” There is a small tension between Klaus and Theresia. Batara didnt give any response since the two seemed to have settled things even though not amicably.
Not long after, when the sun was almost down, Klaus, who had casted his Arte “Sharp Senses!” since he got into the carriage, sensed something approaching. Klaus shouted to Ikki “Stop the carriage! Something’s coming.” Ikki stopped the carriage and quickly jumped to the roof of the carriage while shaking in fear. The three got out of the carriage and ready their equipment to fight. Theresia took out her Staff and started chanting magic words. While chanting, some spirit-like red creatures surrounded her and then she casted magic to herself “Phoenix Blessing!” a fiery aura radiated from her body. Klaus suddenly shouted “Kobolds incoming!” as a pack of Kobolds rushed towards them.
Kobolds are small human-like creatures with fur and the head of a wolf. They always come in packs to steal things from merchants and adventurers. They are generally cowards, but this time they showed up as they have been waiting for the weakest adventurers amongst other carriages to mess with.
Klaus then casted his Arte “Physical Enhancement!” before slashing the approaching Kobold and blocked the Kobold pouncing from behind it with his shield. Batara quickly casted “Gust Blow!” to his scepter. But before Batara can assist Klaus, Theresia shouted as she casted her magic “Witness my burning power! “INCINERATE!”. Suddenly all the kobolds went up in flames and burned to ashes in seconds. What actually happened was, Theresia fired multiple thin lines of mana that passed through enemies causing a burst of fire within their body before it went up in flames. The lines are very thin and quick that it is imperceptible.
Batara was speechless after witnessing Theresia’s magic. Klaus shouted with excitement “Nice going! That’s some powerful magic!” Theresia replied “Ofcourse mere Kobolds would never stand a chance before my magic.” Suddenly Ikki shouted to them “WATCH OUT GUYS!”. As soon as the three heard Ikki, a giant Kobold with a sword pounced at Klaus. Klaus reflexively held both his shield and scimitar to defend himself. But due to its large power, Klaus was still knocked back and had his face grazed. Batara then followed up from the side and thrust his enchanted scepter to the Giant Kobold. The Giant Kobold managed to defend but his arm was pushed back a little. On the other hand, Batara got thrown back instead due to the difference of power. Klaus shouted “Bats!” Batara fell on the ground but still managed to get up.
Theresia quickly casted her magic to the giant Kobold “INCINERATE!”. It only managed to scratch the giant Kobold and the fire extinguished quickly. Theresia shouted “ITS A KING KOBOLD!”. The King Kobold served by the Kobolds Theresia killed earlier has been hiding for a while. Its irritated because all of its servants are killed.
The King Kobold suddenly rushed to Theresia after getting hit by her magic. Klaus saw that and immediately chased the King Kobold. Theresia kept casting her fire magic but it only left small damages and didnt stop the King Kobold. When the King Kobold is about to strike Theresia, Klaus jumped in and casted his Arte “Parrying Stance!” to parry its strike. This time, Klaus was able to stand still while exchanging strikes with the Giant Kobold, buying some time for Theresia to fall back.
Theresia then shouted “Klaus, Bat! Hold up for a while, I will cast a stronger magic and blow it in one strike!”. Theresia then began to chant magic words in ancient language. Batara saw that Klaus was exhausted and may not hold for long. He then thinks quickly before shouting to Klaus “Klaus! Run back to me and prepare your strongest strike!” Klaus was confused but he agreed anyway as he was almost at his limit and ran toward Batara. The King Kobold chased after Klaus. Batara then used a lot of his mana to cast “Gust Blow!” into his scepter. When Klaus almost reached Batara, Batara used his remaining mana to apply wind magic along with rotating pressure force below his feet and casted “Rotating Wind Leap!” causing him to leap towards the King Kobold above Klaus’ head. Klaus was extremely surprised but he decided to trust Batara and prepare for his strongest Arte. Batara’s body was spinning quickly as he leaped and struck the King Kobold. The King Kobold managed to defend and Batara got thrown back again as he fell hard on the ground. However, due to the strong pressure from Batara’s attack, the King Kobold’s arms were pushed back leaving it defenseless. Klaus took that opportunity to use his strongest Arte “Crescent Aurelius!” Golden aura radiated from his body and flowed through his scimitar. He then slashed the King Kobold’s body with a golden crescent slash creating a deep wound. The King Kobold shouted angrily “Aakk!!!” Klaus then quickly jumped to the side as Theresia delivered a follow up attack. Theresia casted “Phoenix Spit!”. A loud screeching sound was generated followed by a super fast but small condensed fire bolt. The fire bolt hit the King Kobold’s head causing a massive explosion on impact. The King Kobold took a big damage and whimpered. Klaus was ready to rush to the King Kobold, but the King Kobold fled while its head was still on fire.
Theresia then tried to cast another magic, but Klaus stopped her and said “Stop! That thing may have taken some damage but I saw it regenerate as he fled. We’re lucky just to be alive.” Theresia looked very disappointed and said “But I still-“ *Thump* a falling sound was heard which turned out to be Batara who fell on the ground. Klaus then shouted “oi Bats!” Klaus then carried Batara to the carriage and said “Lets go kid! Before that thing came back.” Ikki replied while shivering “O-ok!” as he continued the ride to Quarzith.
After a while Batara regained his consciousness and heard Theresia and Klaus talking. Theresia said “As I was saying, my Phoenix Blessing magic is an ancient magic that makes my fire magic more efficient. Although its still at an early stage.” Theresia continued “What about your shining Arte? Is it a Fenderer technique?.” Klaus explained “Yes. It is an Arte that has been passed down for generations by the Fenderers-“. Batara started to be able to open his eyes and wiped his drool. Klaus said “Finally. I thought you’re going to drown my clothes in drool.” Batara slowly raised his head from Klaus’ lap and reflexively wiped the drool from his hands to Klaus’ shirt nonchalantly. Klaus shouted with a disgusted face “Hey stop that!”. Klaus then sighed and replied “Heuh, nevermind. Are you okay Bats?”. Batara replied “I’m fine now, just a little head-ache.” Theresia replied “It’s the effect of Mana Depletion. You probably used too much mana.” Theresia then handed over a sandwich to Batara “Here, from Ikki. This should help.” Ikki shouted “My mother specially made that sandwich. It is the best sandwich in Eidel!”. Batara grabbed the sandwich and said “Thank you”.
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.
The Sandwich was made using fluffy white bread. It contained slices of peppery smoked ham, cheese, fried egg, slightly seared onions, fresh lettuces, tomatoes, and sauce made from dewdrop tree cream and toasted sesame. Batara took a first bite and tried to get all the condiments. The taste is very strong even though he just took one bite. It tasted very strong but delicious at the same time which made Batara think “What a powerful sandwich.”
The three then ate the sandwich together. Batara then said “Where did the King Kobold go?” Klaus replied “It fled after taking Theresia’s magic. We didnt chase it because its too dangerous.” Batara sighed in relief. Klaus then said “You were very cool back there Bats! But very reckless as well.” Batara replied “Sorry I didnt think it through.” Klaus quickly replied “Dont apologize! I dont think we even stood a chance if you hadnt done that.” Instead of feeling better, Batara felt disappointed by himself and replied “I cant even land a single strike.” Before Klaus was able to smack Batara out of his broken mentality, Theresia interrupted and said “Yes you are indeed weak.” Klaus got irritated and immediately replied “Hey what-“ Before Klaus could finish his words Theresia stopped him and continued talking “yet you still stand your ground and prove to be useful. I guess you’re not too shabby.” The word useful is not the most appropriate way to praise someone, but Batara somehow took that as a compliment. Klaus reacted to Theresia’s words by raising his brow and mockingly impressed “Hmm…” Theresia was slightly annoyed and replied to Klaus “What? I’m just giving my opinion.” Klaus replied while raising both his hands “I didnt say anything.” Theresia sighed and said “You too Klaus. Even though I did the most damage to the King Kobold.” Klaus rolled his eyes in disbelief. Theresia continued “You did well holding up against that monster.” Klaus smiled proudly and replied “Dont forget I also protected you against that giant monster.” Theresia replied “Haha! I can protect myself just fine with my magic.” A small tension appeared again between Klaus and Theresia.
Theresia then got curious and asked Batara “Hey Batbat. I never saw other magicians fight like you. What magic did you use?” Batara replied “Utility Magic.” Theresia replied “Interesting, I’ve never seen utility magic used for combat before. Where did you learn it?” Batara was still not very confident talking directly to Theresia so he tried his best to explain and forgot how to breathe or talk “From … *inhale* general… workers” Theresia got all confused and replied “What…?” Klaus sighed then translated “He learned it by observing general workers.” Batara nodded. Theresia got more confused and said to Klaus “How did you got all that?” Klaus raised his shoulder and said “You’ll get used to it.” Theresia then said to Batara “You learn magic by just observing? You must be pretty sharp then.”
At nightfall, they finally arrived at the gate of Quarzith. The fight with King Kobold made them arrive later than scheduled. Ikki stopped the carriage just before the entrance gate. Ikki said to the three “We have arrived. Thank you so much for escorting me. I owe my life to you!” as he turned his head down and cried a little. Klaus replied “Hey dont cry kid!” as he put his hand on Ikki’s head. Theresia said “We are just doing our job.” Batara tried to comfort Ikki but didnt know what to say, so he just gestured awkwardly. Ikki then brushed Klaus' hand away and wiped his tears “I’m not crying and stop calling me a kid…” Ikki continued “For merchants, money is equal to our life. So even though I didnt promise you anything, I would like to give you guys something for saving my life.” Ikki took out 3 coins with merchant mark in the middle and showed them to the three “These are merchant coins. You can buy any 1 thing you want from the merchants in Quarzith. Nothing too expensive though. This coin is held in high regards among merchants so dont worry about being swindled.” Theresia seemed to be doubtful and said “This is pretty valuable then, why are you giving this to us?.” Ikki replied “Good question. As a merchant I wouldnt give you anything if I wont get something in return. After looking at you guys, my instinct tells me that you all will be great adventurers. So it’ll be great for a small merchant like me to be owed a favor by adventurers.” Ikki continued while handing the coins “Please take these coins.” The three took the coins and said their thanks to Ikki. Ikki then hopped on to his carriage and shouted “Make sure you guys bring me good fortune!” as he entered the gate to Quarzith.
The three waved their hands and entered the gate after him. The guards checked for their Adventurer Training completion documents and let them in. As soon as they entered the gate Theresia said to Klaus and Batara “Alright lets go our separate ways here.” Klaus replied “You sure you dont want to form an adventurer party?” Theresia replied “I appreciate the offer, but as I was saying, I’m looking for companions that are at least as strong as me.” Theresia’s words doesnt come out from arrogance but from honesty. Theresia continued “I hope our path crossed again. Farewell, Klaus, Batbat” as she held her chin up and left.
Klaus then said to Batara “Geez, what an arrogant woman.” Batara got confused and asked Klaus “You seemed to despise her, why would you keep asking her to form a party?” Klaus shook his head and put his hand on Batara’s shoulder before saying “Tsk tsk tsk, you really dont get it do you?” Batara felt more confused. Klaus continued “Lets save that to your imagination hahaha.” Batara didnt really care and let the matter go.
Klaus then said to Batara “Hey Bats, I also need to meet my father’s friend who will help me train here. Do you want to-“ Batara interrupted Klaus and replied “Lets part ways here.” Klaus nodded, approving Batara’s decision and replied “Do you have anywhere to stay?” Batara replied “Dont I’ll find an inn.” Klaus replied “Okay Bats. Lets meet on the day of Adventurer’s evaluation after we get our license!” Batara nodded in approval. Klaus then said to Batara “I’m sure you’ll be a great adventurer Bats!” as he left while running. Batara also hoped for the same so that he could fulfill his ambition. However, considering his own capabilities, he always second guessed himself.
Batara then approached the inn told by the guards. He looked through the mirror and saw a lot of people still drinking even though its pretty late at night. The sight of it made him shiver, so he searched for another inn that’s quieter. After going around for an hour, he finally found an inn that seemed very quiet. The place looked very rundown from the outside but as he looked through the mirror, the inside looked neat enough, humble but clean. So he went inside. There is a woman wearing glasses who looked the same age as him sitting behind the counter. He came up to the woman, but the woman seemed to be entirely focused on reading her book and didnt notice Batara. Batara thought she must be the innkeeper, so he worked up his courage to call her “E-EXcuse me” he shouted a little due to nervousness. The innkeeper gasped in surprise as she dropped her book and messed up her glasses.
The innkeeper tidied herself quickly and said “W-w-welcome to Lorelai’s Reverie inn, I - Isha - how - I - help” shakily with a very low volume. The innkeeper looked timid and was also nervous talking to Batara. Her words are unclear but as a fellow timid-man Batara understood her clearly. Batara replied also shakily “R-r-room please.” The rest of the conversation is presented based on Batara’s timid language comprehension. The innkeeper replied “Very well, we have a room vacant in the third floor. Our inn doesnt serve any food or drinks. The room cost 2 silver coins per night.” Batara understood why the inn was quiet, because they didnt serve drinks or food. However, Batara was a little surprised the inn cost a little above average despite only providing a room. Nevertheless, for the sake of Batara’s peaceful mind, he thought its a fair cost to pay. Batara replied “here are the coins. 3 nights please.” Batara used up almost all his money on hand. The innkeeper took the money and said “Thank you. We dont have much to offer but there is a small library there in the hall.” Batara likes to read so he looked forward to using it later. The innkeeper continued “This way please” as she showed Batara to his room on the third floor. After arriving at the room the innkeeper bowed and said “Rest well.” as she left. The room is quite small but clean and tidy. It has a bed, small bedside table, a chair and a cupboard. Batara put away his stuff, took off his clothes, and went straight to bed.
The next day, Batara woke up a little late, got ready, and headed out immediately without having breakfast. Batara rarely had breakfast because it made him feel queasy. He strolled around the streets of Quarzith. Quarzith is quite a big city closer to the Capital City of Mithraya than Obenvale. It is far more civilized and advanced compared to Obenvale. It is also crossed by a river and has a lot of buildings and bridges. As he strolled around, Batara saw a lot of adventurers walking around in their shiny equipment. Batara was very excited to see full-fledged adventurers but always turned his head down whenever his eyes almost met another. He then passed by a very large building which is the Adventurer’s Guild. Near the Adventurer’s Guild building, Batara saw an Adventurer Party whose equipment and aura are on a whole different level with the other adventurers. The Party consisted of two humans who seemed to be a knight and a magician, a female elven priest, and a male beastman. Batara overheard from another bypasser, that their party’s name is Azure Knights and is currently the strongest party in Quarzith. All of a sudden, Batara turned his head down as he walked past the Azure Knights. He didnt want anything to do with them, so he avoided being noticed and concealed his presence by looking down as best as he could.
As Batara walked past them, the Beastman of Azure Knights picked up a strange aura. Beastmen have very sharp senses that they can even detect aura to some extent. The aura he picked up was actually very faint to the point that its almost non-existent yet its noticeable by his senses. However, the moment he looked back, the owner of that aura was already gone.
Batara then remembered that he had a merchant coin from Ikki. So he started to look around the shops in the merchant district. He brought a map earlier to navigate through the large city as he really dont want to ask other people for direction even though he’s very bad at direction. As he walked, he found himself in an old equipment store in a shady back alley. He was suspicious of the shop but when he checked his map, he confirmed that he was at the right location. He entered the shop and noticed that the inside is as rundown as the outside. There are quite many various items in the shop but somehow there is no shopkeeper. Batara didnt feel disturbed, as he could browse freely without anyone to bother him. After browsing for a while, he finally saw something that piqued his interest, a black hooded vest with a runic pattern all over it. He thought that maybe it can make him more unnoticeable to other people. Batara then took the hooded vest to see more clearly.
Out of nowhere, a voice appeared right behind Batara’s ear, “Hmm, interesting choice.” Batara was shocked and let out a strong gasp while raising his shoulder. Batara turned quickly to see the owner of that voice. Behind him there’s a red goblin-like creature with a hood covering its head. The goblin took off his hood and said to Batara with a mischievous tone “Oh my, didnt mean to startle you. Where are my manners.” Batara noticed that the red goblin had small horns on his head and small wings on its back. Batara thought to himself, “Oh, it’s an imp.” The imp then bowed and introduced himself “My name is Ajak. I’m a mere imp employed by my master to run this humble store.” Seeing that Batara didnt respond, the Imp said “A quiet one aren’t you?” The imp then took over the conversation while pointing the hooded vest in Batara’s hand “That is a magnificent garment you’re holding. It is made from Griffin’s feather and magic yarn. Rumor has it that this garment was passed down by the God of Deceit, that’s why its called the Hood of Facade”. Batara thought the imp was exaggerating and only tried to sell the item for a high price. But somehow Batara’s eyes were really fixated on the hooded vest as if he was allured by it. Batara got interested and asked the imp “Does it have any special affinity?” The imp replied passionately “Why of course. This is actually a magician’s garment so it has magical resistance and wearing it gives the user a slight boost in his mana pool.” The imp continued “Please try putting it on.” Batara nodded and tried wearing the hooded vest. He felt there was a surge of magical power entering him. However, he also felt a slight dizziness going through his head for a moment.
After feeling the effect of wearing the hooded vest directly Batara got more invested and asked the imp “How much is it?” while grabbing the merchant coin he got from Ikki from his pouch. The imp saw the merchant coin Batara took out and said “Is that a merchant coin?”. Batara nodded. The imp then continued “Then I can give you the hooded vest for the price of 1 merchant coin.” Batara felt suspicious of the imp and took his time to think. Seeing Batara’s reaction, the Imp said “Dont worry young man. As you may have already known, us merchants hold our dignity high to the merchant’s coin.” Batara decided to trust the imp’s word as he really wanted the hooded vest somehow. So he gave the merchant coin to the imp. The imp took the money with one hand and the other hand covering the palm of his hand as the coin vanished instantly. The imp then replied “Thank you for buying from our shop. I guarantee the item you purchased to be very special.” The imp winked. Batara didnt respond as he thought its just a marketing trick. The imp then added “I will give you a little extra since you are a very interesting person.” Batara was not sure why the imp was interested in him, but he decided to accept anyway. The imp handed Batara a scroll and said “This scroll will lead you to an artifact that completes the hooded vest.” The imp continued “Feel free to use it or toss it away. The hooded vest is already good on its own anyway.” Batara is intrigued but he’s not the most ambitious person so he kept it for now.
Batara then said to the Imp “Thank you. I dont have anything else I want to buy so I will leave.” The Imp bowed his head and said “I look forward to your next visit.” Batara then left the store. The moment he opened the door and stepped outside the Imp whispered through his ear “The dizziness you felt was the cost of activating Hood of Facade…” Batara felt a shiver run down his spine but when he turned back to check, the shop was already gone. Not only the shop was gone, but his surroundings were all different.