You never truly know you're poor until you live in a big city. Work is scarce, rent is high, and people will scam you for everything you have. Well, at least that's what happened to me.

I checked my coin pouch, afraid I might've somehow lost what little I had. 13 copper coins, no change. A sigh of relief exited my body. The Capital, where pit pockets always find a way. I stashed my pouch and continued my work; stacking boxes, shoveling dirt, and whatever other menial tasks the innkeeper needed to be done. I did what he said; the rent got knocked down 50%, and that was a necessity.

"Pick it up, boy."

I looked over to see the innkeeper lounging, drinking what I presume to be alcohol. It was a quarter after two but for him everything calls for a drink. He never told me his name, just to call him boss; so I dubbed him Hugh. I swallow the urge to spit at his feet before smiling and replying with a hardy "Aye Sir!" My lively attitude must've been off-putting because he quickly pulled himself out of his chair and stomped inside. I groaned before continuing my endless list of tasks.

This job would've at least been doable if this county permitted unrestricted magic use. Unfortunately, that was not the case. The Court of Magic regulated all magic use by requiring registration through their systems. Sadly, like most things in this world, it costs money; which I lack at the moment.

It wasn't always this bad, though. When I arrived in this town three weeks ago my pouch was full. My village had scraped together every silver piece they could spare and sent me on my way. I assumed they were guilty about my father, but I didn't complain. When I arrived, let's just say the phrase, "let me help you with that," had a different meaning.

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As the sun set, and the tasks list emptied, Hugh called me over. As I approached, I noticed something was off about his smile.

"Congratulations kid, you earned yourself a raise," he said, dropping three silver into my hand.

I wasted no time pocketing my new funds. Earning one silver coin was rare, but three was unheard of. Not wanting to risk him taking it back, I dipped into a brief bow and began running to my room. I made it only two steps before I felt a hand on my shoulder, spinning me around.

"Where do you think you're going boy," he said, his face contorting into a conniving grin. I turned, cursing myself for not running faster.

"Oh, well, just to my room. I have a big day tomorrow."

"Ah yes, the academy is having its entrance exam tomorrow, isn't it? I still don't think they should allow leeches like you to join but no matter."

The hand on my shoulder loosened slightly. I inched forward, trying to pry myself away, but the hand began squeezing twice as hard.

"Well, because of that pesky exam, all the foreigners are looking for a place to stay. So inn demand is at an all-time high."

I stood there, my blood boiling. I clenched my jaw, trying to keep my emotions in check, but I felt my mana slipping towards my fists. My muscles slightly bulked as the mana interwove itself between them. Hugh, noticing this, tightened his grip on my shoulder even further. His eye narrowed as he leaned in, his face inches from mine.

"Do it. "

I willed my body to stay in place. Deep breath after deep breath to calm my irritated nerves. He was goading me to strike him, preferably with magic. Without a proper license that at least a ten-year offense. This wicked man would love nothing more than an "immigrant leech" like me to rot in jail.

I steadied my breathing, turned, and walked away. Nightfall was approaching, and with such an important test tomorrow, I couldn't afford to be fatigued.