After their conversation reached a conclusion, they got a better grip at the situation they were in. They took a good look around them and understood well enough as to why the place they were at was the least crowded of all the places they had seen while searching through the streets. It wasn't a place they could casually order a drink or two, or have a light meal.
"Up for a dash?"
"Do we have a choice?"
They snuck through the gates as quickly as possible, but it was rather impossible to not be noticed. The more they tried to be sneaky, the more they stood out. Well, it didn't matter though, it wasn't like they had to buy something if they entered.
"Which way?" asked Riko while looking around.
"Ah well. So, umm, you know, uhh..."
"You have no idea where we are or which way we have to go, right?"
"Yeah, kind of."
"Look in the map in your smart accessory. You have one right?"
"Yeah, this bracelet."
Rin tapped her bracelet on her left hand and gave her command "Open maps." The bracelet turned from pale yellow to a yellow gold coloured band with detailed works done in white gold which looked like some sort of incantations written in unknown language after she gave her comand. Nevertheless, the band with the fully bloomed red rose in the center looked audaciously divine and an exquisite piece of work.
Riko removed his pendant hung from his neck, hidden beneath his t-shirt. It looked rather like a dirty blue stone tied to a thin woolen rope than a proper necklace.
"Sync"
The transformation of the necklace was truly a sight to behold. So much so that Rin, who had such a beautiful accessory herself, was struck in awe. It was so difficult to explain the charm of that pendant in words. It seemed like a glistening black creature breathing sapphire blue fire with details carved in white gold.
A virtual map of the city appeared in front of them, about the size of a sketch book. A blue coloured cursor indicated their current location on the map.
"Enter the location of the place."
"I think it was about somewhere here..." Rin said pointing at a place 3 streets away.
"You think?"
"No, no. Don't worry, I am quite sure about it."
"Ah well, whatever."
They walked down the street in the direction the map instructed them to go. This time they paid much more attention to the attractions around them. Hotels, boutiques, emporiums and restaurants were cramped on either side of the road. There was no free space between two shops. Each were grand and unique in themselves. It was quite evident that despite a huge amount of total customers the street was attracting, due to the large number of shops that were present, the competition was immense. Everyone tried to one-up. The shop exteriors were full with advertisements of the discounts they were providing.
The sun was about to set. The lamps lit up. Coupled with the gleam pouring out from the shops, the street 'came to life', as one would say.
"What a dream of a place! This is so much different than Troy. Are all other places this beautiful?"
"You can call this place one of a kind. It is the capital of Southern State of Rauda, which is touted to be the fastest growing state in terms of modern development." said Riko replying to the curious maiden.
"Oh! Are you from the Southern state?"
"Yeah, you may assume so."
"Oh, by the way, what are your affiliated elements?" Rin asked out of the blue
"I have fire and lightning affinities."
"Oh well, oh well. That's some interesting combination we have here. Lightning types are very agile, specializing in speed combats whereas fire types are ranged fighters with very heavy attacks but slow to cast. And you are both?"
Reacting to Rin's confusion, Riko replies "Well let's say I have two modes, to make it simple to understand."
"Ah, that makes sense. Anyways, I am a wind and ice magic user. Our group has all the elements of magic except dark element."
"Makes sense. Dark is super rare anyway. Does that mean one of your friend has the light affinity?"
"Yeah, and despite being so young, he can cast some incredible healing magic. One in a million type of a genius he is. He is so..."
It appeared as if a jolt pf lightning hit him and Riko suddenly interrupted in between
"Ah so, Rin, listen to me. I have some work to do around here. I have synced your map to mine and I would reach your place as soon as I finish my work. I am sorry for being rude to not go together with you even though you are offering me to stay at yours, but the work cannot be delayed. I will meet you soon."
Visibly confused, Rin just goes with the flow "Okay, I get it. Don't be very late, we need to report to the colosseum tomorrow early morning."
"Don't worry, it won't take long."
Saying this, they part their ways.
'When will they just leave me alone?'
Riko ran the opposite way as fast as he could, which was way faster than earlier. He was barely visible to an untrained eye.
'There is no way I can stall him longer just by running'