[Arius POV]
'The Coalition?'
The Coalition is probably one of the places I want to go to the most. Known for being a giant country made up of most of the territories of Demi-onic tribes and clans. Having this large mishmash of different people and cultures, I want to go to their capital, Orifall Island. Yes, it's an island. I've heard that the city is not only on the island but also extends into the lake that surrounds it to accommodate Demi-onics that typically reside in the water.
"Arius, are you even listening?"
"I...waaaa!"
Just as I tried to respond to Master's question, I feel my grip on the horse slip just a little bit so I quickly lay down with all four of my limbs holding on for dear life.
"Alright, sound like you are listening. So where was I? Ahh, yes. So the Craftsman Guild is like the Adventurer Guild but a lot more simple. There's no inside currency, everything is simply bought and sold using the Euqolian Coins. The Craftsman Guild's purpose is to simply aid in the distribution of weapons and items across the entire continent, as well as connect craftsmen to buyers and help craftsmen sell their items. This is the same case for the Alchemists Guild and the Engraver Guild..."
After a lot more talk and a lot more screaming, I feel my throat go hoarse and I could scream no more. For the rest of the journey, I just tried to hold on and close my eyes.
...
Neighh!
"We're here!"
"Blaaarrrgg!"
After many tortuous hours, I slip off the horse and start to puke out whatever I had left from this morning's breakfast. This has been the worst experience in a long time. After a while, I finished my business and got up from the ground. Standing atop a hill, I look down to see a beautiful city.
"How is it Arius, the city is nice right?"
"It's ok."
No matter how amazing and new the scene before me was, it doesn't stop the fact that I had just spent two hours of torture for it.
"Alright, cheer up. Put down horseriding as one of your goals for the future and for now we'll go see Stella and tomorrow you'll take the test at the Craftsman Guild."
"Fine."
We soon made our way to the main entrance. We had to walk our horses there too because according to Master Doherty, there's this dumb rule in the city that doesn't allow horses to be ridden near or in the city unless they're used to haul goods around.
Getting to the front entrance, we see that there was an already long line to get into the city. As we waited in line, I noticed that there were many different races of Demi-onics lined up in front of us. I could see a Turtle demi-onic, a fox demi-onic, a wolf demi-onic, and even a shark demi-onic. He had pale white skin with gills and fins sticking out of his forearms.
After a bit more waiting, we soon arrived at the front of the line where we suddenly hear the sounds of horses galloping behind us. Looking behind me, I see a bunch of people riding horses toward the entrance. Leading the group was a teenager probably only a few years older than Big Brother Jaque. He was wearing very fancy clothing and behind him were all knights wearing full-body armour.
While still on their horses, the group cuts the line and goes before us. The guards didn't even check for them and just let them through.
"Hey! Why does his group get to skip the line?"
Frustrated would be an understatement of how I felt right now. One, I puked from riding a horse. Second, they were allowed to ride their horses into the city. Three, they cut the line while we had to wait patiently like all the rest. I am mad!
Right after my shout, Big Brother Jaque grabs my shoulder to signal me to stop. But how could I ignore this? They broke the rules. It's unfair!
*Sigh*
Just as the teenager passed into the city, he must have heard my yell as we hear a visible sigh. Getting off his horse, I see his guards closely follow him. Walking up to me, he looks at me with a cold face with a hint of annoyance. Then I suddenly see the guards pull out their swords and Master Doherty stepping in front of me.
"How many times do I have to tell, you commoners? In this city, I am above those laws designed for commoners. That is MY right. If you find that unfair, prove yourself to earn your RIGHT!"
With that, I fall to my butt as the guards behind him give off the same aura as Master Doherty. Then the teen stared me dead in the eyes before turning around and leaving. The guards do the same but not before giving me a death stare or two.
"W-what was that?"
As Big Brother pulled me up from the ground, I ask the question that we all had in mind. Master Doherty simply shrugs his shoulders indicating that he didn't know either.
"Probably some random noble."
"That wasn't some random noble."
Just as Master voiced his thoughts, one of the entrance guards speaks up. Wearing a light suit of armour with a large symbol on her chest plate, the guard signals us to a room near the entrance.
Walking into the room, the guard quickly closes the door behind us before removing her helmet. The guard was probably the same age as Big Brother Jaque with red eyes and hair that reached down her back. Putting down her helmet on one of the tables, she looks out the window to check if the coast is clear. After a bit of looking around, she returns her focus to us.
"It is really brave of you to question him."
"Who is he?"
"You don't know? I guess that makes sense. The person who you yelled at was the only son of Count LeMonc, Kaiser LeMonc."
"Waa!"
Seeing my surprised expression as well as the similar expressions from Master Doherty and Brother Jaque, the guard simply places her face in her hands while shaking her head.
"You guys really didn't know? *sigh* Whatever, just don't do it next time?"
"Fine, but why did he say all the stuff about it being his right? Is it just because he's the son of the Count?"
"Kid, you're pulling at loose straws. While there are plenty of people who don't like the arrogant way Kaiser acts, he truly has proven himself. He's greatly increased economic growth by introducing new stores and changing many policies. Overall, he's done good for the city so us people who live here simply allow it."
With that explanation, I had nothing else to critique on. So we were allowed to enter the city once we showed out Adventurer/Craftsman Cards to the guard.
...
As we walked down the clean stone streets, I finally let out my thoughts after that unpleasant experience.
"I don't like nobles."
"Arius, that is life. Some people are just like that but don't hate nobles altogether, there are those that truly do care for the people that live in their cities, like Stella's family."
"*Sigh* I guess so. Stella is nice."
I didn't know how to feel when I saw that Big Brother Jaque tried to just forgive and forget what happened. I don't know what to think now.
As we walked further down the street, Big Brother Jaque suddenly strays away from us and walks up to a random person to talk to them. Stopping to wait for him, he soon arrives with a smile on his face.
"Alright, Master, Arius and I will be going to go see Stella."
"*sigh* Fine, I'll be at the Craftsman Guild to reserve the test for Arius."
After what happened today, Master looked visibly angry but he didn't really do anything about it. After giving his reply, he starts walking in a different direction.
"Alright, Arius, I just got the directions. I'm pretty sure it is this way!"
"Where is she even?"
"A large academy!"
With that, Big Brother Jaque starts pulling me along just as the sun starts to set.
...
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Arius' Weapon which he forged with Master Doherty:
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Item
Name: N/A
Type: Normal Sword
Quality: Iron Rank; 70% Efficiency
Weight: 2.5Kg
Stats:
Sharpness: 5 (extra damage)
Durability: 78/78
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