"The Dobbins can't use magic either, and that's why their difference from ordinary humans lies only in their outward appearance."
"Oh…" Kotaro was surprised again. Although Magic City was only home to mages, it seems that the Dobbins were an exception, "How long have they lived in the city?"
"I don't know when exactly but there are rumors that they have been here for a very long time. So you will find that everyone is used to their presence and coexisting with them….Ah, look there!" While he was explaining, the gentleman pointed towards a human mage and a woman of Dobbin, the features of a cat-like face and a tight dress displaying the curves of her body, while a soft tail extends from the bottom of her back, and they exchanged kisses and love movements between them without caring for the difference of their race.
"..." Kotaro opened his eyes well seeing this, it was a complicated feeling. He still finds it strange how a cat can kiss a human being.
"Anyway, have fun. I'll allow myself now."
"..Ah yes, thank you." Ryota thanked the man and then met with Akina and Kotaro to slowly absorb what he had told them.
"The world is really wide," Akina said, gazing at the Dobbins from time to time, curious to get to know them more.
The three chose one of the empty seats in the place and sat down to take a short break and also think about what they would do next.
"The first thing we have to think about is to find a source of making money. We only have a few copper coins left to use and as you know, in Magic City such a sum is of no value," Akina said nervously.
"It's true but… you don't have to worry, I know the solution to this." Kotaro rubbed his chin as he spoke softly.
"Inside the city of magic, there are three legitimate ways to make money. The first and most used method is to be hired to work with someone as an assistant or open your business on your own. The second way is by participating in battles between other mages in 'the Magic Arena' located in the center of the city and win against your opponent. The third way is to register with 'the Mages Guild', which is also located in the center of the city, and perform special tasks in exchange for commensurate rewards."
"...As for the first method, it is good as a long-term plan or for people with prior experience in the matter, but in our situation it is not suitable."
"The second method is also good, for there is nothing more reliable than one's own strength, but we must not rely on it too much or we will be exposed quickly.... The best method is the last. Also, we will have achieved one of our goals of coming to Magic City, which is to join the Mages Guild."
"I agree with you. The Mages Guild is one of the things Uncle Cesar told us about and he had assured us of the necessity of joining it, not only to earn money but also to evolve and gain experience by performing various diverse and strange tasks," Akina agreed.
"I agree, too, but before we go there, didn't you forget one more thing we should do first?" Ryota thought carefully and then said. There seems to be something more important to remember.
"..Do you mean?" Akina suddenly noticed.
"Yes, Madam Rose. The woman Uncle Cesar asked us to meet and who lives here, in the City of Magic." This woman was most likely an important person for the purpose of the three, since Cesar had ordered them to meet her, so Ryota made getting to her a priority.
"Don't worry, I haven't forgotten about it either but since we don't know exactly where she stay, it will be difficult to find it now, and I wanted to start looking for it only after we settled in the city and became well aware of how things are going here," Kotaro rationally explained.
"....Well, as you like".
"We're going to the guild, right?"
"Yes!"
"Then I'll see which way is the shortest." Ryota skips Madam Rose's question and then, using his magic, searches the city's map.
The three got up and set out towards the center of the city, and although Magic City was big, Kotaro and the others still found it amazing after the distance they had to travel just to reach the guild, which was close compared to other places, so they took their time to observe the people in Their way of getting to know more the customs of the city, they were not yet accustomed to seeing the Dobbins wandering in front of them, and sometimes they found it difficult to hide their expressions of exclamation.
As they approached the city center, the three of them could notice that the number of level E mages has started decreasing little by little, this means that the area here was not for the weak, and from this it can be said that the center was dedicated only to those with strength, then where was the strength, found wealth with it as well, and for this you will see that most shops sell weapons and tools of magic, books on martial arts and diverse skills, auction houses displaying valuable treasures and all kinds of legendary items are all located in the city center.
...
Another half hour passed, the three of them arrived at the place.
The zone here was a bit isolated from the rest, which was normal. The mages here are the ones who can be considered real mages, each seeking strength only.
The first thing that caught their attention was the high 'Magic Arena', which was a bit far away, yet they were able to see it well.
There were many who sent their sense to know the level of the newcomers but here the C rank was the common one, and that is why the presence of the three did not attract any great attention around and were able to roam undisturbed. Ranks D and B were few, but rank A could make a fuss if they are seen in the place. Not mentioning the level S where the last appearance of one of them in the city was two years ago, and this was only because of a specific incident. Before that, there was no evidence of a single glimpse for the past twenty years.
The three walked straight to the Mages Guild, and after ten minutes they arrived at it. The place was also noisy and domineering with all these mages in one place.
The Guild Building was large, majestic on the outside and on the top of it was a banner that read 'Mages Guild' in big and thick letters in white and silver.
The three sucked in a breath of air and took their first steps inside the building, and as soon as they did, they were noticed by those present.
"mm! New faces?" said a man with a beard who was sitting with his group sipping a drink.
"It seems that there are many newcomers today!" another person from another table continued to comment.
"Hehh... That boy! Look at the cold face and expressionless features. Huh, it's really my type." Another woman in her thirties, with clothes that reveal most of her sexy skin, excitedly watched Kotaro play with her tongue warmly.
These people enjoyed filling their free time talking and expressing their views by watching the three friends.
"Welcome to the Mages Guild! I see you're new, so if you want to join the guild, please register there." While the three of them advanced a little, a rabbit-like Dobbin lady came out to guide them with a smile. She was wearing a black miniskirt with a formal outfit like a restaurant waitress and with her soft tail fur and long warm ears it gave an enchanting flavor and a comfortable feeling to everyone who saw it for the first time.
"...Ah yeah, thank you," Akina replied with a similar smile, after some surprise.
The space inside was more wide than what could be observed from the outside, and then the guild was built of precious jade wood, which added a refreshing feel and elegant beauty to the place.
Having many private places to rest and eat, also enjoying fresh wine and beer with friends after completing tiring tasks was the best feeling for some mages, there was even a private floor with bedrooms.