Jamaal looked around, the alleyway he had been in a few hours beforehand having come into his view. He didn't linger around for long though, didn't want to stir up emotions and a few memories he was currently trying hard to bottle down.
After getting out from the damp, stinking alley, he headed to the market place. Which, despite it being night time, was still busy. The sounds of bartering, people getting scammed and more filling the area with a cheery tone.
He took a deep breath, breathing in the air, a mix of fresh air alongside a multitude of random things from nearby stalls. Though immediately coughing out and regretting his previous actions.
Anyways, the teen continued to walk through the crowds, glancing at the stalls now and then as he tried to figure out the way back to the inn.
"Why didn't I pay attention to where we were going." He muttered, cursing as he realised how difficult it would be to reach back to Arnold. Despite his annoyance towards himself, he calmed himself down and focused on figuring out what the hell to do, looking around while doing so. Sometimes making sure no one was watching me while at other opportunities, noting down possible areas for shelter and the like.
"System? Do you, by any chance, remember where Alican inn was?" He had just remembered that the System was here and decided to ask it.
[Yes. I'll put a marker on the map.] Was the cold reply from it.
Even then, Jamaal just smiled and said his thanks, walking along the stone roads as he thought about other things, not memories or random thoughts but a training regime.
"Does physical training help someone grow stronger, stat-wise?"
[I wonder. Of course, it does, why else do people in your world do such a thing.]
"Uh... Good point," He coughed lightly, shaking his head at how dumb of a question it was.
However, the fact that physical training made someone grow strong, even in the System's eyes, was a good thing. He didn't need to level up or do anything dangerous now. He could instead do exercises and other such things.
With this good news, the boy sped up, hurrying towards his destination so he could get some sleep and start his activities tomorrow.
A few minutes later, he reached the inn, hurrying inside and up to his room. To his surprise, he had a visitor sitting on the bed looking at him expectantly.
"A-Arnold, what are you doing here so late?" He was surprised and nervous when he saw him, his previous emotions of happiness and determination for tomorrow having vanished all so suddenly."
"Waiting for a certain someone to appear. Where have you been Jamaal? What were you doing alone for five hours when I told you to wait once done." He was angry, he didn't show it physically, but it was clear when you looked into his eyes.
"I..." He didn't know how to reply. He could be honest but would the knight believe him? And even if he did, how would he explain The Training World?
"It's complex." After a few moments of silence, he decided to say just two words.
"'It's complex' huh. Add more context goddamnit, sure I shouldn't care about you, I only met you today yet still, you became my responsibility the moment I took you here into this village. Don't forget that." Arnold replied quickly, taking in a deep breath.
"Now if you won't tell me what happened to you in that period of time, then you should promise yourself and me to not get into trouble. Regardless of what may come at you. Ok?" His voice was still calm yet, despite this, every word he spoke seemed to be loathing with a heavy burden.
"I... Arnold, I'm sorry. I know we barely met and all but, I probably trust you more than anyone else in this world."
"Aside from The System and the Amerlyn System." He added in his head.
"I'm sorry for what I did. I couldn't help it. if I didn't do what I did, I wouldn't be here today." He took a deep breath and got to the point.
"I won't do what I did another time, at least I won't try to do it. However, I want you to do something for me, a favour." He looked down, clenching his fists tightly.
"Train me. Train me to be as strong as possible, to fight as well as you can and to become a comrade in arms." He dropped the bomb, looking up from the floor and into the man's eyes with complete seriousness.
"That's probably quite ambitious, maybe too ambitious but still. I want to get stronger, and you can help me."
"So please." With his unwavering will, the teen took a step forward. This move was risky, but it was the only thing he had in mind at this moment.
"Fine. That was my plan already. It only makes it easier to train you now that I have your full approval." The man replied, nodding his head as he began to think.
"Just a fair warning, you'll suffer a whole lot, and you'll be wandering around a lot but. I'm sure I can make a man out of you yet." He let out a soft smile as he got up, walking up to the door.
"Sleep now. You have a long day ahead of you tomorrow kiddo. I haven't forgotten today though so don't think I've forgiven you just yet." He left, leaving Jamaal to have some peaceful sleep.