Jennifer leaned back in her chair, tapping her fingers against the wooden table. She had seen many promising talents before—some rising to great heights, others vanishing into obscurity. But Nile was… different. She still wasn't sure whether that was in a good or bad way.
The boy had just demonstrated something extraordinary, producing mid-grade alchemical pastes with a talent that should have been beyond his level. It was enough to make her reconsider everything she knew about alchemy. But when it came to discussing the actual details of their deal, the enthusiasm she had felt quickly faded into skepticism.
"So, in return for our residence at the inn," Nile began, his tone serious, "we will—uh… do things. Important things. We'll handle protection, provide some… assistance with, you know, alchemical matters, and in exchange, we—"
Jennifer raised an eyebrow, barely suppressing a chuckle. "You have no idea how to phrase this, do you?"
Nile paused, frowning. "I mean, I get the general idea. It's just…" He looked over at Arin and Lyra for help.
Lyra sighed dramatically, nudging Arin. "He's hopeless at this."
Arin, ever the composed one, adjusted his sleeves and took over. "What Nile means to say is that we'll be offering security for the inn, contributing to the alchemical work, and assisting in general operations. In return, we'd like to make use of the inn's cultivation rooms and resources to refine our craft. It's a mutually beneficial arrangement."
Jennifer nodded, her amusement fading into curiosity. "Alright, now that's a proper proposal. And you'll handle the business side of things?"
"We will," Arin confirmed. "Nile's skills are undeniable, but he's… not suited for negotiations."
"That's an understatement," Lyra muttered under her breath.
Jennifer smirked. "Fine, I'm convinced. You have your deal. I'll leave the specifics to you two. Nile should focus on his craft—clearly, that's where his strengths lie."
Just as Jennifer was about to outline the finer points of their arrangement, Jessica suddenly gasped.
"Oh no!" She clutched James's sleeve. "Dad! We forgot! My admission paperwork!"
James blinked. "The what now?"
"The town school! I was supposed to go today to handle my paperwork! Maya, Sid, and Roni will be there too to finalize theirs!" Jessica practically dragged him toward the door before turning back to Nile. "You're coming too!"
Nile raised an eyebrow. "I don't even go to school."
"You're still coming," Jessica insisted.
James chuckled, stepping in. "Actually, he is. Since we're heading out together, we'll drop by the school first, and once Jessica's done, we'll head to the Adventurers' Guild."
Nile sighed. He had already expected this. They had discussed it the night before, but now that the moment had come, he wasn't entirely sure how he felt about it.
"Fine," he muttered.
With that settled, the three of them left the inn together, setting off toward the school.
Jennifer leaned back, watching them go with amusement. "Good thing you've got smart people handling things for you," she called after Nile.
He sighed again. One more thing to add to his growing list of things to improve. But at least, for now, he had reliable people by his side.
The sun bathed the town in golden light as the bustling streets echoed with lively chatter. Merchants called out their wares, children played in alleyways, and adventurers moved toward their respective guilds. But amidst this usual hustle, one area was particularly crowded—the Town School Gate.
Standing tall and proud, the school was a grand structure, located near the Protectorate of Awakening and Circulation's subsidiary building. It was an institution of great importance, serving as the primary academy for young cultivators and scholars across the surrounding villages.
Outside the massive iron gates, a small crowd of eleven to twelve-year-old children gathered, waiting anxiously. Nile recognized many of them—kids who had traveled with him in the caravan to the town. Among them, however, were also unfamiliar faces—children from the eight neighboring villages, here to try their luck at enrollment.
At the front, two counters were set up.
One for registration, where those who needed to take entrance exams lined up.
Another for confirmed admissions, where students like Jessica, Maya, Sid, and Roni only needed to finalize their paperwork.
Standing watch over the process was a squad of town guards and Awakening Temple security personnel, their uniforms crisp and their weapons polished. They kept a tight perimeter, ensuring everything proceeded smoothly. At their head stood an elderly woman, her presence alone radiating authority.
Jessica, walking beside Nile and James, leaned closer to whisper, "That's Templer Selene—both the Principal of the Town School and a direct representative of the Protectorate subsidiary overseer."
Nile gave the old woman a quick glance. Despite her age, there was no frailty in her stance—only confidence and sharpness, like a seasoned warrior. She wasn't just an administrator; she was someone who commanded power.
As they neared the counters, Maya came into view, waiting at the admission counter. Behind her stood a familiar old woman—one of the passengers from their caravan journey. Nile recognized her but wasn't sure of her connection to Maya.
Maya's sharp gaze flickered toward them, and she gave a small nod in acknowledgment before turning back to Jessica. Jessica, however, beamed at the sight of her friend and rushed forward.
"Maya!" she called out, excitement in her voice.
Maya turned fully, her usual cool demeanor softening slightly. "Jessica."
"You made it before me?" Jessica pouted. "I thought we agreed to arrive together!"
Maya smirked. "I had my paperwork mostly done already. Just needed to finalize it today."
Jessica crossed her arms. "Hmph. And you didn't think to remind me?"
Maya raised an eyebrow. "You? Forgetting something? That's new."
James chuckled, shaking his head. "I believe that's my fault. We got caught up in other things."
Jessica sighed dramatically. "Fine, fine. You're forgiven." Then she grinned, leaning closer. "So, did you see Roni yet?"
Maya's expression darkened slightly, but she hid it well. "Roni's around. Sid… well, he'll probably show up soon ,if he really can, I will tell you about him later."
Jessica frowned at her tone but decided not to press. Instead, she turned to the elderly woman beside Maya. "Oh! I remember you! You were in the caravan with us."
The woman gave a small nod. "Yes. I am Maya's grandmother. I'm here to ensure she is enrolled properly."
Jessica's eyes widened. "You never mentioned your grandmother was so cool, Maya."
Maya huffed. "She's overprotective, that's what she is."
Her grandmother gave her a disapproving glance. "A responsible guardian, Maya."
Jessica giggled. "You two sound like me and my dad."
Nile, standing beside them with his hands in his pockets, sighed. He had nothing to do here. He wasn't enrolling in the school, and the only reason he had come was to accompany Jessica and James before heading to the Adventurers' Guild.
Unbeknownst to him, trouble was brewing.