Kostra bar.
After registering, Jin looked for work at a nearby workplace in exchange for food and a room to stay for the next few days.
Although he was immediately rejected by several inns and restaurants he asked, the owner of the Kostra bar accepted his condition and hired him after seeing his muscled body.
He spent his next few days at that bar doing odd jobs like doing errands, washing dishes, waitering and etc. Because he was diligent and good at everything he was asked to do, all the employees and some customers like him and treat him well as if he were a younger brother.
*****
July 2, 4:05AM. Day of the Scroll Distribution ceremony...
Jin woke up early to prepare for the ceremony. He is not that excited compared to other attendees but just wanted to be in the first batch and receive the 'Scroll' that is destined for him as soon as possible.
As Jin goes downstairs to wash up, he sees an old man sitting and chilling alone in front of the counter. On top of the counter was a glass of rum and a box with unknown contents.
'Owner Bren? It's the first time I've seen him with a comfortable expression. I can see that he enjoys his free time before starting work.'
Thinking that the owner also likes some personal space to chill before diving into a long day's work, Jin decided not to disturb him. He continued to walk to the bathroom while moving as quiet as a Jaguar, but Bren still noticed him.
Upon seeing Jin, a big smile appeared on his face and once waved his hand telling Jin to come over. Bren was indeed enjoying his alone time before work, but the real reason he was sitting there was because he was waiting for Jin to come down.
"It's only 4 o'clock, why are you so early?" Bren asked as Jin was approaching. Then he suddenly his eyes widened. He gently punched Jin's chest and spoke sarcastically, "Don't tell me, the Jin who hasn't shown any emotion for the past days is excited about the Scroll Distribution ceremony?"
Jin scratched his cheek while looking at the left corner of his eyes.
"Uh-um.. No..." He paused for a moment and looked at Bren's eyes before continuing. He answered his questions in a neutral voice. "The truth is, I'm not really excited about that. I just wanted to attend the ceremony and receive the scroll as soon as possible so I can go home. With that, I wouldn't inconvenience you and the others for staying here for too long."
"Pfft... Pwuahahahaha!" Hearing his statement, Bren couldn't help but burst out laughing. He never expected Jin to take what he said too seriously.
"??"
Bren patted his shoulder as he wiped away his tears of joy.
"Haa~ You really are a funny guy in your own way."
"Uhm...But I'm not joking though."
"I know. But..." Bren's face suddenly turned serious and continued, "You know I was hurt a little by what you just said."
"Hm? Excuse me?"
"Don't you really know how grateful we are to have you here? You made our job easier by doing most of it. You also refused to take the money as your payment and insisted on being paid for food and a room instead. Although that's the condition you suggested, I feel bad because you ate so little and stayed in a smelly room that didn't suit what you did."
Bren turned to pick up the glass of rum and took a sip.
"The truth is, if you didn't dream of becoming a mage, I would probably keep you by my side forever." He finished his drink and continued to speak with a smile. "You know why? Because after you came here, our income doubled without even overworking ourselves. You're like a lucky charm to us."
"A lucky charm, huh...?" Jin looked at the floor and was saddened by that word. His chest ached as if pierced by a thorn as he remembered everything that had happened to him.
'How can I be one if misfortune is like my shadow now?'
Jin looked at Bren and for the first time, he smiled. "Please don't think of me as such."
"!!"
Bren widened his eyes by surprise but fell silent for a moment when he noticed the sad expression hidden behind Jin's smile.
'He must have been through a lot even though being so young.' He thought as he sympathized with the boy.
"Anyways!" Bren clapped his hands to shift the awkward atmosphere. He took the box from the table and handed it to Jin. "Here, open it."
"O-owner? What is this for?"
"Hm? My gift for what you did for us. As far as I can see, you only have 2 pairs of clothes and only one a pair of shoes. How can you attend the ceremony in those shabby clothes of yours?"
"B-but, how can I...?"
"Jin! Won't you accept the owner's gift to you?!" Suddenly, a woman's voice echoed throughout the first floor of the bar, startling the two.
The two looked where the voice was and they saw a woman coming down the stairs.
"Ma'am Wanda, did we disturb your sleep?" Jin asked politely.
Bren shrugged and commented in a nonchalant voice. "Oh, come on Jin. How can an old woman who is already deafening hear our conversation from upstairs?"
"W-what did you sayyy?!!" Wanda said as her eyes turned red. She took one of her slippers and threw it at Bren with great force.
"Dieee!! You old fart!" Wanda leaped over to Bren and mounted on his shoulders. She burrowed her sharp nails on his face and bit his head like a piranha.
"Ackkk! Help me Jin." Bren held out his arm trying to get help. "I'm gonna die at this rate!"
"Ackkk! Help me Jin." Bren held out his arm for help. "I'm going to die at this rate!"
"Uh-um..." Jin was about to do this when Wanda suddenly turned her gaze to him. She looked at Jin with eyes that is saying 'If you help you'll die next' while growling.
"Grrrrr!!"
Jin retracted his hands and said, "I-I can't."
"Ahhh! You, traitor!"
The two have been like that for a while. Such an action is normal for the two because that is how they show their love for each other.
After that, as if nothing had happened, the two returned to being normal.
"Did you like our present?" Wanda asked as she hugged Bren with blood dripping down his face.
Jin nodded. "Yes of course. How could I not like it if it came from you."
"Tsk. This kid, how can you say yes if you haven't seen the whole thing yet.
"It because you asked."
"Shut up old fart I'm not talking to you." She looked at Jin with a smile and continued, "Go ahead and try it."
"Ah, Yes. Thank you, Owner Bren and Madam Wanda." Jin bowed in front of the two before heading to the bathroom.
As the two watched Jin's back as he left, a smile appeared on their faces as they remembered their missing son.
"Isn't he just like our child Salvador?" Wanda said as she caressed Bren's head.
Bren nodded gently and answered, "He sure is."