We arrived on a chamber massive enough to house a hundred. There was a small library on the far left corner and everything was in disorder. Chandeliers swung lightly on the ceiling, couches and small tables scattered along the room, and the smell of food appealed to the senses like a kiss. The walls were decorated with a wide variety of arms, and there were three doors on the far end of the corner. I can hear someone humming on one of them.
"Did you bring it?" Rusar asked while sitting on a nearby table. He wore a plain white shirt that emphasized his frame, brown leather gloves and blue trousers that seemed cool.
"I'm expecting two free weapons for this, plus another one because you lost the bet." Jean tells and hands him a pouch. Rusar opens it and reaches a vial containing a bright green liquid. He inspects it for a few seconds and returns it back to its place.
"I'm only giving in for two and some Cings."
"Do you have any idea how hard it is to get that?"
"Two."
"… Damn you. Alright. I'm only doing this for granny." Jean exasperatedly sighs and turns his head. "You hear that? My treat."
"Yes." I answered.
"Now go and get something good, alright?
The first thing I checked were the walls. Everything the shop had to offer seemed custom-made, the designs on each weapon distinctive on its own . The golden walls held the assortment of weaponries as I wandered, its pristine glow acting as if trying to showcase its posh products. The striking of iron can be slightly heard on the middle door as I turned to check what Jean was doing. I see him on one of the couches lying down. Is he sleeping?
"Are you curious too?"
"Ack! Fuck!"
"Seriously?" Rusar squinted his eyes. "That's the second time today."
"What's your business, creep?"
"Jean. I've never seen him take his helmet off. Nor that damn armor, too."
"Great. Are we gossiping now?"
"Yes. We are. Aren't you curious about your friend? He's pretty rich for someone who travels a lot. Ladies say that he's a charmer too. Two of my lady friends in Copuz said so."
"Copuz?"
"Yeah. It's a small town just north-east from here. You ever been there?"
"No. Sorry."
"Oh, right. Memory loss. Anyways, I'll call granny up. She usually makes too much food. See ya!"
"Bye."
He enters one of the wooden doors and I just stood there, examining one of the models displayed on the wall, struggling to get the conversation out of my head. Who is this guy, anyways? And who is Jean? What's with the weird nickname he gave him earlier? Also, I still haven't heard what his real motive is. What lies beyond that dark patterned helmet is also a huge mystery. I look at Jean, still laying on the sofa, immediately thinking of a stupid idea. Maybe a small peek wouldn't hurt. Treading as silent as cat's feet, I slowly sneak towards him. I was about to reach for his helm, but...
He's been awake this entire time.
And I found out the hard way. The blade, the one I considered my companion in defeating the golem, turned against me, the tip stopping just inches below my neck. I reflexively raise my hands as Jean looks up to me and lowers his weapon.
"What's your problem?" He yawned.
"I have a few more questions to ask."
"Sure. What is it?"
"Do you remember the talk we had when we were at the shopping district? I'd like to hear that now."
"Oh, yeah. About that. Here's the thing: There's someone who can help me. Her name's Nelen. You're going to help me find her first, and then we can move on to the real mission."
"What's so special about her?"
"Our goals. We're doing the same thing, she and I; we just have different methods." Jean casually said as he got up. "Don't worry. You'll get something out of this."
"Something like what?"
"Cleansing crystals. It will help you get some of your memories back. I can't say for sure, though. It honestly depends on how potent the curse is."
"Curse?"
"Dark Magic. I don't know what's in yours, though... Oh! While we're at it, let me explain about magic as well. Why don't you take a seat?"
I sit on the small table across him, my hand knocking a small pot in the middle of it. Everything almost seemed silent for a few seconds as I stared at a nearby clock to see the time. It's close to five in the afternoon, the ticking of the clock endlessly progressing as I lazily put the vase back in its place.
"There's a wide variety of spells, so I'll just tell what types of magic there are. The most basic yet essential ones include the following: Element, Beast and Purity. Element magic refers to the ability to manipulate fire, earth, water and air. Beast magic refers to anything that can enhance your physical strength and intellect. Purity magic, on the other hand, has to do with everything that heals wounds and cures ailments."
"What about Dark Magic?" I furrowed.
"That's a very advanced type of magic. It doesn't belong in a group because almost nobody knows how it works. It's on a league of its own, along with Tyrant and Holy magic."
"Then how would you know if someone's using one of those?"
"You don't. That's what makes them dangerous. You can also craft weapons and armor from monster materials. That grants you the power of accessing their magic."
"Interesting. What about that fried meat from earlier? How do you explain that?"
"Oh, that's not permanent. Once the food's been digested, it disappears along with the items you made during the time."
"You sure know a lot about these things." I mention.
"It's one of the advantages of travelling. Yo--"
"Hello, you two!" A soft voice calls our attention. An old lady with a warm atmosphere stood before us, her mittens occupied with freshly-baked bread. She gave us a very warm smile and I instinctively returned it back.
"Hello, grandma! Are you feeling any better?" Jean jogged towards her.
"I couldn't thank you enough, dearie! I can feel my strength coming back again!"
"That's your grandma?" I doubtingly joined.
"Nope. I call her that because she's too sweet."
"Oh, you flatter me! Who's this handsome fellow right here?"
"His name's Sol. He's my slave."
"No I'm not."
"Nice to meet you, Sol! My name's Rossa, but you can also call me grandma like Jean over here. My grandson and I made some good bread. Come!"
She extends her wrinkly hand as she said this, and I couldn't help but shake it because her tone just sounds so caring. She smiled her sweet smile again and I did the same as Jean placed the hot pan on the table. Rusar came back with drinks and we all ate to our heart's content.
...
I thought Jean would take his helmet off, but he just grabbed his piece and it's gone. I was about to ask him about it when something shiny caught my eye. I can't help but notice a large golden grail sitting atop a lone one-legged stool. The goblet proudly stood in the middle of the area as three of the same red portals I previously had trouble with danced around it, and I couldn't help but ask.
"What's that over there?" I said as I continued to stare on the seemingly invincible cup.
"What?... Oh, that. That's a very dangerous spell art. Soul Siphoning. And before you ask : No. It's not for sale. Rusar said so. Anyways, have you picked something?"
"I'm honestly having a hard time."
"I have an idea. Just spin five times and choose something on the row that's right in front of you. This is a large room, of course, so you'll have to walk straight."
"That sounds stupid."
"I know, right? That's what I do when I'm running out of time."
"What do you mean?"
"This place will automatically transport customers out once the clock hits six."
The clock. I look at the time from the large grandfather clock near the left door. Only three minutes until closing time. Almost instantly, I felt the need to grab something and go. I just have to choose two, right? Yes. Two... Fuck, I can't think straight at all. Two minutes. Should I try what Jean did? One...
...
"So where are we going now?"
"I don't know. Let's just wander around until we find a place to stay or something?" Jean tilts his head.
"Why are you asking me?"
"I don't know. I just felt like it, I guess?"
"Whatever, man. Let's just check on the clothes."
"Oh, right! The clothes! I nearly forgot about that!"
The streets of Stassi glowed as the street lights and food stalls illuminated the town square. Kids of different races ran around everywhere and the adults paid attention to their own thriving businesses as I carried a huge scythe on my back. You heard me. I managed to grab a hold of this just before I was transported, and now the kids are looking scared. Jean took something as well, but I didn't see it because the light from the spell made my eyes hurt.
"We're back!" Jean greets Esmeralda who was sitting behind the counter. Her smile really is cute.
"Welcome back! Everything's done. You can check them out now."
"Thanks a lot, Esmeralda. What did you do?"
"I made some gloves that's imbued with a healing spell. You can heal by using it to touch someone. It can store Monster Essence, so that's two things out of the way."
" Did you hear that, Sol?" Jean asked.
" Perfectly."
" Okay, then. As for the inhibitor, I made this."
Jean whistled and I stared in awe as she flaunted her work. The grey velvet coat shone with little streaks of white dust, most of the design adapting from the shirt I bought earlier. The shoulder plates were designed to make it look like two silver serpents were biting my arm off, glaring all the while with their yellow eyes. There's an emerald in the chest area, most likely acting as a button.
"Do you guys like it?" Esmeralda broke the trance.
"I loved it. And I love you. I love you so much." Jean answered.
"Why, thank you."
"What about you, Sol?"
"Uhh, yeah. Same here. It looks amazing. Is this for me?"
"Yes. Now, put it on. Let's see what it looks like." Jean chuckled.
"Alright. By the way, where are we going to spend the night?" I asked.
Jean stopped and looked at me. Then back at Esmeralda. Then back at me. The next thing I knew, we were both getting dragged away from the shop and into a nearby pub. The faint light coming from the lantern just above the door guided us, and I can see Esmeralda laughing while eagerly holding Jean's hand. The place looked old and the smell of alcohol and food mixed in the air, but none of the people there seemed to care. The groups of people drinking in tables varied from dwarves singing loudly to knights wearing expensive armor. I can hear vomiting on a nearby restroom.
"Why exactly are we here?" I asked.
"We're going to stay the night here." Jean cooed. "All three of us. That's a dirty way to put it."
"I honestly thought the same. Do they have beds in here?"
"Nope. They have beer, though."
"What? How are we going to sleep, then?"
"We'll just stay at her place. Right, Esmeralda?"
"Only if you pay for the drinks." Esmeralda smiled.
"How about the shop? Who's going to tend to it?" I worried.
"Don't worry, Sol. I have the key. See?"
Esmeralda assured and revealed the keys inside her chest pocket while Jean instructed us to find a place to sit. We sat on a table on the far side of the counter and waited. Jean made small talk with the barman and Esmeralda excused herself to the restroom, leaving me with time to think to myself. Maybe this kind of lifestyle isn't bad after all. I get free food, items and clothes just for sticking around. Being Jean's bodyguard is nice. I can use him because he's friendly and he knows people. Behind all this generosity and kindness, however, only one thing bothered me; I wonder why he traveled alone?