*creak* *creak* Goddamn it!! This is really NOT a comfortable ride. My back and buttocks hurt from all these movement. Seriously. Has suspension springs not yet been invented in this world? Or is it because it is considered a magic item? That's why it is expensive? *sigh* Who knows? We finally got out of the forest and are traversing through the mostly level gravel road. For all my complaining, I am still writing down some notes in the book I've gotten from the carriage.

When Norman saw what I took, he merely shrugged and waved his hand. Yep, definitely a nice guy. Now one might be wondering why I am doing this. Well, again its because of three reasons, not two like earlier. One is for testing if my newly uploaded knowledge is credible, which I know it is but it can't hurt to be safe right? Second, its because of Sally. I guess you could say I'm attracted to her. Now it is not hormones. My body is that of a kid right now and I'm sure kids don't undergo puberty at the age of five, even in another world. That is simply ridiculous. 

And she has certain qualities that makes you want to help her. Kind of like the feeling when you see an abandoned puppy in the street and you want to take care of it. The third is because... of those seals. Its my first time here and now I am witnessing a mystery. Seals are like locks. There are different kinds of seals but they all have one purpose: to restrain whatever it was placed upon. Seals can be created with all elements and specific elemental seals restrict their specific elements. Like a fire-type seal can inhibit a fire-element item or animal. 

Those are what seals are. In Sally's case, she had two special seals in her core inhibiting her from using her fire and lightning affinities. Usually, seals are very expensive and hard to make. You have to employ a mage who has excellent control in mana, has a large mana pool preferably of the grand magus level, and in some cases have specific materials. Initially, only wealthy and influential people can employ or have such mages in their circle. I, myself can create simple seals but it is a long tedious process, even for the simple ones. Also I have not attained requirements two and three. But the real problem is... who is Sally? From my conversations with her in the carriage (yes, she has low stamina, so I have someone to else to share my burden with, not just Norman) she came from "Loren town" just one of the many ordinary towns in the Tolkium Kingdom. But then, why did she have seals inside her body? Really mysterious.

Well, I'm dying to see where her prospects might take her. So enriching her "talents" and unsealing her affinities should make her future brighter. I just hope that it won't take a dark turn... Anyway, back to the trolley ride. If you want to know about what happened to Lily, well er, she's...

"Hmm~hmm~hmm~La~lalala~ Hmm~" (Lily)

It seems that she treated my actions last night as a dream. How do I know? I eavesdropped on Sally and Lily's girl talk at breakfast. What? I. am. a. kid (in body). Decorum is not expected of me at my age. Anyways, most of the talk was filled with "kyas~" but I got the gist of it. She dreamed of her 'prince charming' and they 'made love'. Typical. I guess they are at that age now. Whew. My reputation is safe.

After travelling for two, maybe three days I could finally see a silhouette of walls up in the distance.

"Hey guys! We're almost there." (Norman)

"Heeh~. Is that the City of Arles?" (Krey)

"Wow. Its so big." (Lean)

"Yeah. I can see the walls from here!" (Den)

"Loren Town's walls are only as tall as a grown man. But... its obvious that the city walls are much taller than that" (Karl)

As we continued to chat, we came closer to the city. There I saw a long line of people. There are many carriages and carts of different age, design, and sizes there. The horses pulling them are also numerous. Lots of people are lining up with their carriages and horses as well. Most are wearing simple commoner clothing while there a few who wear fancy clothes like coats and mantles. I kinda expected this kind of settings in a fantasy world but I can't help but be taken aback.

"Whoa~! That's a really long line over there~." (Krey)

"You haven't been to any settlements right Krey?" (Sally)

"Un. Are there usually this many people in settlements?" (Krey)

I kept my act as an ignorant child who has not come in contact with any type of mass civilization. Apart from the room I usually stayed in.

"Not really. Only big cities have this long lines of people and carriages." (Norman)

"Heeh~." (Krey)

We're now currently waiting in line. Once again, I saw a variety of people with carts lining up. Some have grains or vegetables in their carts. Others are like Norman here, carrying a bunch of crates as well as some interesting stuff inside their carts or carriages. A few are holding weapons like Sally and her bunch. Oh no. I forgot they're might be security measures by the gates over there. I hope they won't ask for Identifications for me or something.

"Hey Norman. Will I be able to pass through? I mean I don't have any documents about myself." (Krey)

"Ah. Don't worry about that. Children at your age don't usually have status cards." (Norman)

"Status Cards?" (Krey)

"Yes. Children generally receive their status cards at the age of five, like you. So we can just make an excuse that your here to have your status card made." (Norman)

Heeeh~. That's fascinating. Is it like those dog tags I hear about? Why didn't the bandits have those I wonder? Maybe it magically appears or something? Who knows. Oh wait! 

"Hey. Where can I register for status cards?" (Krey)

"At the church or the adventurer's guild"

Wait... there's a church here? What god do they worship? Meh, whatever. I have no intention to tangle with them. Politics are a troublesome thing. Hmm.. let's just ask what religion it is.

"Hey~ which gods do they worship?" (Krey)

"All of them. The religion of Tolkium Kingdom is the Church of Salratia." (Sally)

"Tolkium is a special kingdom. Here every race are allowed to live in peace. Even the nobles and royal family have different races in their bloodline. This is the only kingdom who has a variety of races, has no traces of discrimination between races and is strong enough to defend against other countries who disbelieves in racial equality. In fact, this kingdom's borders encompass an entire continent!" (Norman)

"Heeh~." (Krey)

This is unexpected. There actually is a kingdom like this. I've got to read up on the details of this world. Wait, I got off track.

"Hey~ can I get my status card at the adventurer's guild?" (Krey)

"Umm... yes you can but... usually people register and get their status cards at the church because its much more common. And not to mention, adventurer's jobs can be dangerous." (Norman)

"Hmmm~ don't wanna~It's much more interesting being an adventurer." (Krey)

"Hahaha... considering your strength, Krey, I think you'd be fine." (Lean)

Mmm. Well we're almost getting close to the gates. But I'll tell them my decision later. After a few more minutes we've reached the end of the line. *whistle* That's a really big gate. I am looking at the five meter tall and one meter thick, wooden gates, riveted with steel supports. It looks very imposing. There are some guards over here, wearing plate mail armor and swords sheathed at their waist,  checking the carriages cargo and the status cards of the others except me. I didn't get a close look at them so I don't know what they contain.

"Where's your status card?" (Guard)

"He still doesn't have one. We will have his status card made in the city." (Norman)

"Hmm. Alright, but we have to follow city regulations and you will have to pay a fee of five coppers." (Guard)

"Of course." (Norman)

Norman gave the guards the five copper fee. I'm really sorry about that Norman-san. I can't just take out the money I got from the bandits after all. Some questions will be asked of me if I do so. Especially since its in my storage ring. 

"Thanks, Norman" (Krey)

"Don't be, you saved us after all. (Norman)

After that we finally entered the city. Wow, it really is like medieval times. Crowds of people are filling the streets. It's quite noisy with all the talking. All of them wearing different kinds of clothes. There are also carriages pulled by horses traversing through the streets. Some stalls are at the side of street with merchants selling their wares. There are many buildings made out of wood and stone. A lot of them has signs over the doors. Probably shops. One has a drawing of a sword and hammer, and I can hear clanging sounds from there. A blacksmith. There are many people getting in and out there carrying weapons. And there's another shop over there... a bakery? *sniff* That really smells good. Looks like there is an opening in the front for selling bread. Anyways, we were going in the direction of the marketplace. I continue looking at the many people at the sides. There are humans, dwarves, and... yes elves! The dwarves look like the template dwarfs I've seen. Stocky build. Short stature and magnificent beards. And for some reason they always carry... axes? Must be a fashion statement. The elves on the other hand, they are few but all of them look attractive. I mean seriously! No ugliness can be found in their faces unlike the humans. In fact, all they're looks are above average. Haahh~. There are also beastmen among the crowd. Dog-type, cat-type, bird-type, rabbit-type and many more I don't know about. Surprisingly, they look a lot like humans, only a little bit of animal traits exist on their body, like the ears and tail for example. After we reached the marketplace, I saw a lot more stalls and a few makeshift shops in the square. And its noisier and really crowded.

If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

"Okay guys, here is the request fee. Thank you for escorting me. With this the request is completed" (Norman)

"Yes thank you." (Lean)

While saying that, Norman gave Lean a bag filled with coins. Lean and Norman took out their status cards and lightly bump their cards together. I faintly heard a *ting* sound coming from the cards. Cool. I'd like to get that very soon.

"And, Krey here is-" (Norman) "Krey, this is for-" (Lean)

"That won't be necessary." (Krey)

"Eh?" (Everyone)

I know what they're thinking. They want to give me some compensation for saving their lives back then but... that was just a coincidence. Of course, I won't be so shrewd. Besides, I don't like taking money without working for it. I simply passed through when they were under attack, and assisted is all.

"I don't need the money." (Krey)

"But-but you did save us y'know...?" (Karl)

"Yeah...can you please take this... we would be really happy if you do so..." (Lily)

"No, but I thank you for your concern." (Krey)

Its better this way. Besides, taking free money just isn't right... unless its from a bad guy. So far they've shown they are good people. Well its time to drop the bomb on them.

"Furthermore, this is where we will be separating." (Krey)

"E-eeeh?! Why so soon...?" (Sally)

"Yeah, Krey... can you stay with us for awhile...?" (Den)

"I'm sorry, but these are instructions from my master. I must resume my training." (Krey)

Again its a lie. What I really want to do is investigate everything about this world. So far all I learned from Sally is the currency, territory, topography, monsters and a few general knowledge. Not enough background information to make a foothold in this world. So I don't need any distractions for awhile. My objective is first and foremost, help Frelinia. This is the reason I was brought here after all.  Additionally, Sally and the others will probably return to Loren township since the request is done, and Norman will go to another place because that's what merchants do. It's not right to get in their way.

"Sally here." (Krey) I throw her my finished, handwritten notes for magic training.

"E-eh *fumble* What is this...?" (Sally)

"Some guidelines for magic training. This is everything I learned from my master in a nutshell. Follow it well and you should become a great mage. Oh there are some instructions for mana control as well, so you, Lean, Karl, Den and Lily will benefit from those notes."

"Huh-huh?! Wait i-isn't this priceless!? W-why are you-" (Sally)

"Y-yeah wh-why-" (Everyone else)

"Think of it as a parting gift. Sally, check your elemental affinities once more and follow those guidelines well. If fate deems it, we shall meet again."

"W-wait!-" (Sally)

Saying those cool lines, I turned around and cast two buff spells. [Wind Run] of the wind element. It increases my speed and agility in proportion to how much mana I put into it. Right now, I could probably go sixty kilometers per hour if I ran. It really took a long time for me to imagine, visualize and create this spell. [Body Burst] of the nature element. Its like getting adrenaline, giving me enhanced strength, speed, reflexes, and accelerated thought. And like adrenaline this only short term, probably a minute or so. Casting all this took half of my mana. I'm really conservative so I thought out rationally and carefully about the spells I created putting efficiency and effects first to my spells. I'm not like those flimsy protagonists and their exploding powers or some shit.

Now, the reason I'm doing this is... because I want to look cool. I mean ain't it awesome to be a mysterious character?! Give an otaku such as me some slack. Also, I want to test them out more conscientiously. I did try them out before at the temple ruins but I immediately cancelled the effects. I was pretty impatient to leave back then.

And now I ran towards the opposite direction, dodging people and carts, jumping around the stalls, going through alleys and stuff until I'm sure I ran far enough and the effects of [Wind Run] & [Body Burst] ran out.

Whew. I seem to be in an alley somewhere. There are no people here, just me, the dark, some crates and a few water puddles. Somehow, I feel lonely... *sigh* I really have to make up my mind if I want companions or not. Thinking of another notion in my slightly chaotic mind, I got out of the alley and there I found the ever so familiar crowded road... not. It's surprisingly peaceful in this street. I can see people walking around but not enough to be called crowded. The shops are present and this doesn't seem like a bankrupted or disconcerting neighborhood so what is this...? Feeling slightly perplexed by the absence of bustling activity, I looked for a place that looks like an inn.

Hmmm... where~,where~, is~ the~ inn~? Ooohh! Found it. In front of me is a four-story building, made out of wood and stone, glass windows which shows some light from the inside, over all giving off a homey feel. There is a sign over the door that has the words written: Bunny Point Inn... Okay...? This is quite a weird name for an inn. Maybe this is one of those... 'whorehouses'? I shiver at that thought. I'm not disgusted by the thought of prostitution. Its simply a way of life and I will not condemn people for engaging in such activity. But I will not stand for anything that's involuntary or against a person's will. I'm just worried for the thought of 'shotacons' inside there. I mean look at me!? Don't I look like a perfect example of a shota right now?!

Not sure if I should enter or not, the door suddenly opened from the inside and there I saw... a bunny girl. Whew, fortunately I have played with Lily long enough to suppress my urge to jump the beast girl in front of me and tough the fluffy ears once again. *cough* Anyway, back to the situation at hand. It's a bunny-type beast girl wearing a... uniform of sorts? Her brown hair is tied into a pony tail and when she saw me, she smiled and asked me-

"Hello, little boy~. Welcome to the Bunny Point Inn. Do you have want to stay for the night? Where are your parents?" (Bunny Girl)

"Uh-um no. I mean, yes. But it's just me." (Krey)

"Oh is that so? Please come inside then and we should discuss the price of the rooms." (Bunny Girl)

"Uh yes." (Krey)

Somewhat bemused, I followed the bunny girl inside. Its seems the entrance is a sort of reception room, with some couches and small tables in one side occupying most of the space, and a counter with another bunny girl, this time with a twin-tailed hairstyle writing on a big book. Probably a record book. The pony tail bunny girl went into the counter, said something to the twin-tailed bunny girl and then both of them faced me and professionally smiled. 

"Welcome to the Bunny Point Inn. What room will be you taking. We have several types of rooms that-" (Twin-tailed Bunny Girl)

"Oh-uh thanks. So I will be taking your cheapest room along with meals." (Krey)

"Of course. How long will be your stay?" (Pony-tailed Bunny Girl)

"For now... a week would suffice." (Krey)

"Duly noted. Please hand over two silver and five coppers" (Twin-tailed Bunny Girl)

Ugeehh. So cheap! Is their business bad or something. No. They seem quite well-trained judging from their actions and attitude towards me, a child. But... are inns this cheap?

"Um sure. Here you go." I pretended to take out the coins from my pocket but I'm really getting it from the storage ring and put the seven coins into the counter. By the way the currency conversion goes like this 100c-> 1s, 100s-> 1g and so on and so forth. Luckily, I am tall enough to reach the table counter, even if I'm small.

"Thank you. Lunch will be in four hours. Here is your room-key. Its in the second floor, room 12. Do you need me to show you where it is? (Pony-tailed Bunny Girl).

"No its okay." (Krey)

I declined the offer. Its not too hard to look for the room. I left the reception room, went through the short hallway, climbed up the stairs and after peering awhile into the various halls, lighted with magic stones, in the second floor, I finally found room 12. I unlocked the door with the key and opened it. Inside the well-sized room is a wooden bed with a mattress, pillow and blanket. A desk and chair as well as a cabinet. *whistle* For a cheap room, this is quite good.

I locked the door, placed the key in the desk, took off my sandals and jumped into the bed. I silently pondered on my next moves.

"Hmm... I guess I'll become an adventurer~." (Krey)

I said happily.

_________________________________________________________________________

Author Note: Okay guys thanks for voting. I'll try making a side story after chapter 12. The timeskip chapter. If you have any suggestions for the story pls. share it.