"Are we there yet?" Ellisa asked us while walking sluggishly.
I looked at her and answered softly, "Just a little more, Ellisa. We will stop and rest once we reach Avonline Port, okay?"
"Ughh- fine..." she replied.
We have been walking for two days none stop, after leaving Croterin Empire. Our plan for this journey was to go on with Ichijou's chosen route first. Since, apparently, everyone agreed that using the Orchard Passage may be too risky for us. It's still considered one of our alternative options if using a boat isn't viable, though. But as of now, it's better to stay off that location since we won't know what kind of mystery we had to deal there or what enemy we need to go against,
Ah- I can't really feel my legs right now. I'm started to regret not accepting all of the supplies that King Edwin wanted to provide us. We can't even set up a temporary camp since we have nothing on us right now. No food, no tent, not even a sleeping bag.
Again, Ellisa asked the same question, "Are we there yet?"
Ichijou swiftly walked to her and smacked her head with his fist, "If you ask that again, I swear I'll sew your lips together, Ellisa,"
"Oww oww oww! Okay! I won't ask it anymore! Stop!" she replied while covering her head from those hits,
"Chill out, Ichijou. Just let her say what she wants. You don't have to be so aggressive with her," Nyoko budge into the conversation,
I can't hold myself from laughing as I watch their funny behaviour. I never wondered this trip could be pretty lively despite what our mission actually was, "There, there," I brushed Ellisa's head gently. Then I looked at Ichijou and said, "Ichijou, cheer up a little bit, man. Don't take everything too seriously. You really get annoyed so fast,"
He then walked right beside me and answered, "Psh, look like the boyfriend is trying to protect his loved ones,"
"I- Wait, no! She's not my girlfriend!-" I denied his claim,
Ellisa suddenly blushed intensely and gradually moved away from me and closer towards Nyoko. Ichijou! You really had to make all of this awkward right now, don't you?!-
A moment later, Ichijou said to me, "Kiseki, take out your artefact for a while,"
I was confused with what he wants me to do, and I responded, "Wait- Why? Is there an enemy around us?" I began to sit on my offensive stance,
"No, just take it out. I need it for something," Ichijou replied while shaking his head deliberately,
Oh? If that wasn't the case, why did he need it? So I responded, "Uhm... which artefact that you want?"
"Any, you idiot! I don't care which one is it!" He quickly answered,
"Geez, relax, will ya?..." eventually, I took my blade artefact out of thin air and handed it to him,
"Flow your Karma in it first," He told me,
I didn't question any further and did what he asked me to,
Then, he snatches it off my hands almost immediately while taking out his artefact as well. From what I can tell, his blade wasn't in good shape due to the fight he had back in Fairdrift. The sword's point was snapped in half, and the edge of his blade was quite worn out and cracked all over. All of us stared at what he trying to do when he suddenly shouted,
"Hear my Command! Devour!"
It was the same skill he used during our first battle. My artefact began to crack while the dust and particles from it slowly moved towards Ichijou's. It was mending his broken sword. Gradually, pieces by pieces of his worn-out artefact turned into brand new. At first, I wasn't bothered by what he used my artefact for until I realised that mine was turning dull and flimsy instead,
"H- Hey! What are you doing with that! My sword gonna be broken!-" I yelled at him,
He instantly interrupted my word and replied, "Relax," he then threw my sword back to me and surprisingly, it returned back to the formal state. No cracks, no dents, nothing.
"What the hell is going on?" I asked him,
Ellisa budged in as well and said, "Woah! Ichijou is doing some witchcraft!"
We were expecting Ichijou to give us the answer, but instead, Nyoko is the one explaining, "You guys are easily amused by simple stuff. It's not witchcraft nor magic. Ichijou just used one of his Karma skills to repair his sword,"
"I know that," I responded, "But how did my artefact turn back to normal after what he just did?"
Nyoko smirked and answered me, "Hehe! That's easy; I'll explain it to you guys. Let say, when you Sinners go in a fight, your weapons will always be in a top-notch condition, right? Aren't you curious why your blade didn't get dull or damaged even if the attacks you guys dealt with or receive isn't on par with what artefact is made for? The reason behind that is your artefact is constantly being repaired by your own Karma. So, in short terms, the durability of someone's artefact is tied up to their Karma's strength."
"Okay, but then, why did he not repair his own weapon using his Karma just now?" I asked her,
"Yeah! Why not?" Ellisa agreed,
Ichijou then stepped into the conversation and explained, "Because once your Karma is too low. The damage that your artefact takes is no longer supported by Karma's repair. To make it easier to understand, imagine that your Karma is a protective gel around your weapons. If the gel gradually gets thinner and thinner, your artefact is no longer protected and breaking it will be possible. The fight I had with you in Fairdrift, I was at my limit that time. My Karma was just enough to block your attack to avoid it being fatal damage, but it's not strong enough to protect my artefact,"
"Ah- is that so," I responded,
Ichijou then continues, "Remember this, Kiseki. Whatever it takes, never let your artefact get destroyed in battle. It is the only way you can channel your Karma and uses them efficiently,"
I was a bit sceptical and replied, "But, didn't you told me before? That artefact is only one of many ways we Sinners can wield our powers?"
"Yeah, I did tell you that. It is possible to convey your Karma without an artefact. Long ago, I heard the news about people doing it before but never once witnessed it myself. So, we really couldn't tell if it's true or not, and it's better to just take care of your artefact wisely rather than wasting your time and energy to find a way to wield your power in different ways," Ichijou muttered.
"I see. Okay then. I'll keep that in mind," I responded,
I'm slowly learning everything about this power that we have, thanks to Ichijou. I can't really imagine if I didn't meet him back then. I would have never known that Karma is a thing and will definitely use my artefact carelessly. This is truly a blessing that I was destined to see my old friend again. Plus, I even going out on an adventure with him too.
Soon, Nyoko called out to Ichijou and me when she and Ellisa were walking ahead of us, "Guys! Great news!"
As we walked out from the dense forest on top of the hill, we were presented with glorious scenery,
"That's our stop, Avonline Port," said Nyoko,
It was such an unearthly view. The ocean beyond the horizon spread out as far as the curvature of Ruina. The thriving port of Avonline can be seen standing marvellously nearby the sandy beach. Best of all, the sun shining above us made the ocean sparkle like a million stars that we could reach,
"Woah! Finally! Bed! Food! Bath! I can bathe after this many days now! I'm getting too emotional just from thinking about it!-" screamed Ellisa while she jumped happily,
"Well then, what are we waiting for. Let's head there quickly," I said to everyone,
Few more minutes had passed, and now, we all standing right in front of the gate. The port looks much bigger compared to what we've seen over the distance. Surprisingly, even though intercontinental trading has been banned by the King of this region. The port seems to be lively all over the place. Sailors go in and out of the bar, traders selling their goods at the market, and citizens here seem cheerful.
Despite the war and depravity that these people have been through, they didn't seem affected by it. I'm glad that some part of Ender Humans Continent can still enjoy their daily lives as if nothing is happening at the moment.
We all stopped at the centre of the port, and Ichijou then said to us, "We should split up for now. So Ellisa and Kiseki, you guys, head to the Inn and book some room for everyone. Nyoko, you go to the market and resupplies everything using the Prisma Coins that the King handed us. I will go around the port and find a boat that can get us to the Dwarven State. You all clear?"
"Yeah, sounds good," I answered,
"Hohoho! I can bathe and take a nap first! Cool!" Ellisa responded while Nyoko said, "Mhmm mhmm! I'll buy us all some snacks too,"
"Alright, let's go!" Ichijou cheered,
So we finally went our separate ways like Ichijou asked us to. Ellisa and I wasted no more time and quickly walked around the streets to find a suitable Inn we could crash ourselves in. What's preferable to us is someplace not that expensive nor cheap. A place we could afford without affecting our budget but still look comfortable to stay. Most importantly, the Inn has to be a beach view, is what Ellisa said to me.
"Beautiful view can boost our morale and help us relax our mind! So it's a must to get an Inn with this option available!" said Ellisa,
"Yeah, yeah. I get it, Ellisa. You don't have to be too hyperactive about it right now," I replied as I patted her head gently,
"How can I not?! I haven't been to the seaside for a long time! This is so fun!" said Ellisa,
"So, last time you went to any Port is with your dad?" I asked,
Ellisa swiftly nodded and said, "Mhm! But at that time I couldn't really enjoy myself there. You see, it was when we both ran from the wrath of Devil's army after the Kingdom that dad protected had fallen..."
"Understandable," I rustled her hair, "Then we should really enjoy our stay here as much as we can. Let's find the best place to stay,"
"Hehehe! Come on then, Kiseki! There's plenty of beach view Inn around here. Let's go check for the price!" continued Ellisa as she walked into one of the Inn,
"Coming~. Geez, she really can't control herself when she's excited," I responded to her while scratching onto my head,
We spent hours going in and out of the Inn that we could find around us. But, shockingly, the price wasn't something to joke about. Some cost over five hundred Coins per room, some is even higher. There's no way we could afford it for all four of us. The last Inn that we went is the only chance we had to bargain for a lower price,
"Four hundred and fifty Prism Coin. That's all I can give to you, either you take it or leave it." said the old lady Innkeeper.
"F- F- F- Four hundred?! Come on, baba! Can't you make a better deal for us?! We're desperate for this right now!-" Ellisa whimpered,
"No! You adventurers came here and trying to get what you want! You don't care to an old lady like me trying to make a living with this place!-" She yelled at Ellisa angrily,
Ellisa was a little shook by her anger and began to speak politely, "Ehe... Please! Just cut another fifty Prism Coins off the check, and I'll accept the deal with open arm. You see, we here are because we're going to find a way to defeat the Devil's army in this war,"
The old lady swiftly intervened and shouted, "Like I even CARE!"
"Come on, Ellisa. There's no point arguing with her. We can find some other place despite not having the view that you're hoping for," I said as I pulled her away from the counter,
"Nooo! Just! Let me have that room! Please, old hag!" Ellisa held herself to the counter and never let go,
The Innkeeper finally had enough with Ellisa's attitude. She suddenly nagged at her, "Fine!- I'll give you the room for four hundred Coins!-"
Ellisa's reaction was priceless when the old lady said so. She swiftly grabbed her hand and shook it over and over, "Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!"
"Not so fast, though! I can only let you have two rooms for that amount of price. No more than that," said the Innkeeper,
"Excuse me?!-" I responded. But, wait- does that mean I had to share a room with Ellisa?!- Sleeping on the same bed, with her?!
I started to imagine how that would be turn out to be. Romantic dinner in bed with Ellisa. Scenic view at the balcony while watching the sunset together. And the most fantastic thing is!- C- C- Cuddle while we sleep?!-
"I accept, old lady!-" shouted Ellisa happily,
I quickly interfered with the conversation and said, "Wait, what?!- You do?!"
She looked at me innocently and answered, "Of course! I don't see any problems with that! You and Ichijou can share a room while me and Nyoko in the other one!"
"A-Ah..." my dream was immediately crushed by her words. I forgot about Ichijou's existence. No wonder she seems fine with this deal. What a torment for me to endure. I felt like I wanted to cry,
"Here's the money, nice Innkeeper! Eight hundred Coins for two rooms per night!" Ellisa said to her while handing out the money,
The Innkeeper saw how I was reacting to this and said to Ellisa, "Seems like there won't be any lovely night for that guy there,"
"Huh?" Ellisa responded confusedly,
"Ah! It's nothing!" I tried to cover up, "Since we settled with the bookings, why don't we look for Ichijou and Nyoko?-"
"Ah! You're right! They must be waiting for us at the Port Centre. Let's go, Kiseki! The faster we get to them, the quicker I can take a bath!" Ellisa responded while she dragged me out of the Inn by pulling on my hand,
"I'll prepare your room in the meantime, kid. Enjoy your stay~." said the Innkeeper as she waved at us,
Not long after, we finally regrouped with Ichijou and Nyoko. Ichijou seemed to be a little stressed out when he saw me. Meanwhile, it looks like Nyoko had bought us plenty of goodies and snacks that we could all enjoy together,
"Where have you been! I've been waiting for both of you here for twenty minutes! Did you guys find an Inn to stay already?" asked Ichijou,
"I'm sorry!" I replied, "We were surveying different Inns for a better price just now. Gladly, Ellisa negotiated with one of them and got us two rooms for four hundred Coins each! Isn't that great!"
Ichijou was surprised with what I just told him, and it's not in a good way, "F- Four hundred?! Ellisa! Why the hell you paid for a room that cost that much! There's literally Inn here that could give us at least one hundred coins per room for one night!"
Ah- When I think about it. I never wonder how much does a standard room costs in this world. A hundred Coins is much cheaper compared to what we just get. I guess the scene and location of the Inn really play a massive role in deciding the price. Basically, we got ourselves a luxury Inn to stay in for the night. I can relate to why Ichijou is quite pissed at the moment,
"Oh, come on! King Edwin gave us about two million Prisma Coins for our journey! So it shouldn't be a problem for us to spend it a little bit in one place," responded Ellisa.
Ichijou kept face-palming himself over and over and replied, "Yes. Two million. For our whole journey from Croterin to Elmwick Mountains! You can't be wasteful with it! Do you know how much Nyoko has spent on buying us all of this equipment and supplies?! Two hundred thousand, Ellisa! And for your information, these supplies won't even last until we reach Dwarven state! So can you imagine how much more we had to spend later on?!"
Nyoko muttered to Ellisa while her mouth was full with snacks, "Oh-uh, Seems like someone just got herself some free scolding, hehehe."
"AHH!- Come on! What's the biggie! We can always kill some monsters along the way to make more money! Geez!" Ellisa shouted while poking her tongue out and make a funny face towards Ichijou,
I can't let this argument kept ongoing. We all need to relax for now, "There, there, Ichijou. Things already happen. I'll make sure to keep an eye on Ellisa much better next time when she's going to spend another dime,"
"You better do, Kiseki. Or we all will starve to death because of this foolishness," Ichijou replied while he let out a long sigh,
"Will do! By the way, how did your task turns out? Were you able to find a boat that can get us across the ocean?" I asked,
From what I can tell on Ichijou's face, it seems like he failed to get a grip on it. He then said to me, "Sadly no. I've asked every sailor in this port, and none of them seems to be brave enough to sail us across,"
"Ah- that's unfortunate. Do you have any backup plan, though?"
He looked towards the ocean and said, "Perhaps I do. But, you may not like the idea that I have in mind right now,"
What could be it, I wonder. "Tell me about it; what's your plan?"
Ichijou swiftly pointed his finger across and showed us a huge ship docking over the distance, "We may have to smuggle ourselves to the other side. By using those people over there. The pirates,"