Before the entrance to Fortis Forest, people first have to pass the security stalls and pay. As soon as a person moves through this stall, one can now enjoy the magnificent view of commerce center: the tall structures made by big institutions that represents hope and opportunity, groups of people where one can meet another story, a place where everyone is striving to achieve something and the lively competition of individuals, trying to earn gold earlier than others.
This is one of the favorite places of Lakshman in every city he goes to. He marveled every time he sees the harmony on masses of people gather around to do business, especially on the goods that they brought.
"Get your soul creature now! Take a look at our captured and brought creatures, we also sell creatures parts, and we also accept request hunts! Just visit the Creature's Collection Company!"
"Arms yourself, replenish your ammunition and repair or upgrade your equipment, we also sell branded pieces of equipment and custom made types of equipment. Don't forget to stop by at Rama's Armory! "
"Don't forget to visit the Guilds bulletin board to earn points and get a chance to buy premium goods in our Guild Shop!"
"Potions, charms, spell tomes, magical accessories, and other rare-materials. Take a look because we have it all, looking for something new? just visit Alchemist Association."
As expected, the 4 Giants of Commerce is always amazing. Wait a minute, isn't this too much for a newly developed city? even with almost untouched hunting grounds, this is still a significant investment
Lakshman is having a hard time believing the old man yesterday, that in this city hides a king that could rule a whole country. But seeing the actions made by the 4 Giants of Commerce to make a bold move even to build grand establishments that could only be found in the central cities. Adding all of this, he now realized that the information he got yesterday could be crucial information at the moment, understanding the importance of it, he fastened his pace to enter the guild to look for odd jobs before entering the forest.
....
At Vin's house, Today is the day that Vin promised that he would teach Shon how to use vuan, but.
"Vin, you told me that you would teach me how to use vuan today; I even asked you earlier if you're going to teach me, and you said you would after you deliver, now that you've done it, let's get into it!" Shon is very excited to finally explore this new chapter of his life in this new world, he even does simple push-up and jogs in place just to get a better shape, this is the first time he's doing it after years of not exercising.
Vin noticed all of this and admired Shon genuinely. The reason he is delaying teaching Shon is simple; he is not a good teacher. Vin also accepts the fact that he is not an exceptional vuan user. He is just a fortunate son of a merchant that has enough savings to afford years of training until he got used using vuan. Usually, a person needs to attend school for 2-3 years to have enough knowledge and to properly learn how to use Vuan, while bright people can learn it from 1 to 2 years and genius-level can comprehend it just by hearing it but still requires to practice to get used to it. Adding the fact that Shon doesn't grow-up in this world and utterly ignorant in vuan, with all of them combined can be concluded to; Vin is frightened because he realized that it would take him his whole life just to teach Shon to get used to vuan.
Spur of the moment because of all the changes that he witnessed, he brought up the thought of teaching Shon to use vuan, to see to what extent how far he could go. But after looking at the facts on last-minute. Vin found himself in a predicament that he made, so he tried a different approach.
"Shon, I forgot to tell you not everyone can use vuan, also learning vuan takes a lot of time, especially for your case. So let's continue this topic until you're ready and committed. Because if you stop in the middle everything will be a waste". He then patted Shon's back and attempted to make a quiet exit.
"Of course, I'm ready to commit and give everything I got! after everything you saw, I'm pretty sure that u too cold tell that I - wait a minute." Shon paused because he remembered something very crucial about the person in front of him.
"I get it, fine. Let's make a deal. If I can be a vuan user as good as you under a year, then I will be the leader of the team, you're not allowed to quit the team or join others lastly, you'll have to follow me wherever we go, if I can't do it then I'll work at the shop for free, forever."
Vin was startled at first when he heard about Shon's sudden offer. After analyzing the deal, he found out that it's not a bad deal, especially for him! If Shon can be as good as him in terms of using vuan within just a year, then he wouldn't mind following him or be his lackey, and if he couldn't, he will have a free worker forever! But for his safety.
"Deal, but in two conditions, if you win, you'll have to promise that you won't treat my life as dispensable, and you would also help me to get stronger!"
"Did you hear that auntie Veronica? Vin accepted the terms, and yes, I promise you that we will be both powerful in the future and survive until the end."
Earlier that day, Shon asked Vin's mother if would she allow Vin to travel with him; to explore the world and grow as a person. Shon expects that she would be mad at him and rejects the idea; he would then slowly convinced her to free Vin at let him grow. Surprisingly, his mother just gave him a warm smile, she then sighs and said: "Finally, he's been telling me that since he was a bit younger, as he grows older; I never heard it anymore, maybe because he got tired, embarrassed or realized that not everything will go the way you want to, like an adult."
A woman in her mid 40 appears on hiding at the side of the wall; she has the same black hair, broad nose, tall and massive built, like her son. She's been hiding at the side of the wall, waiting for Vin.
"Auntie, do you also approve of this bet?"
Vin was a bit surprised when she saw her mom listening to them, feeling a bit embarrassed, he then avoided the eyes of her mother.
After a quick glance at her son and waiting for three seconds. She then smiles.
"Yes, show him how's it done."