A few hours later, Rollin removed his mask, and Joey put away his dismantlable bow. The trio then entered the small village, consisting of a few dozen people.
Initially they were met with hostility from the villagers, but their perception changed upon seeing Tello. The presence of the harmless girl helped the villagers become more receptive to them.
Fortunately for the trio, there was a villager who could act as a translator between them. "We would like to join your next group of merchants heading for Morroglosa. My two uncles and I are from the Asutan Empire, and our family runs a tailoring business. We seek Albeane silk, but as you probably know, tensions between our nations have resulted in strict restrictions. By the time we are approved, our small shop will have gone out of business. Please, sir, can you help us?" Tello addressed the translator, with a sweet voice.
The translator immediately agreed to speak with the village chief and arrange for their inclusion in the next group, once the excavators from the Dead Lands returned with their findings.
Hours later, they found themselves within the walls of Morroglosa, specifically in the city of Albeane. They expressed their gratitude and bid farewell to the group of villagers who had aided them by pretending they were part of their own group.
The trio as they walked through the crowded, dirty city adorned with high-rise buildings illuminated by neon lights. "Morroglosa is known for its technologically advanced projection systems. Despite mocking the ancient arts, they seem to enjoy putting on a magic show, mphh." Tello remarked as carriages zoomed by them. The carriages were being pulled by mechanized horses with deep green eyes.
"Yeah, I've heard about their projection systems. When it comes to techno-mancy, Morroglosa is unrivaled. They even have industries dedicated to incorporating their techno-mancy into archery. Their arm guards have great reviews. They're durable, flexible, and can communicate with 'Smart Arrows' effectively," Joey said enthusiastically.
"Wha the hell is this an advertisement for Morroglosa? I'll find a bar to gather some information and you two can go find your little toys and stop kissing the enemy state's ass. A bar is usually the best place to gather intel anyway." Rollin said, with a hint of sarcasm.
As if on cue, they passed by a tavern with vibrant green neon lights, advertising itself as the best place for beer in the city.
They agreed to meet at the tavern by nightfall, and Joey and Tello went on their way while Rollin confidently entered the tavern.
"We have a few hours, but finding the market district should be easy. Just follow the flow of people," Tello mentioned, briskly walking with Joey close behind.
Before they had left to go in search of Scorched Mountain, Rollin had given Joey a wallet containing various currencies in case he was to need it.
Joey didn't ask Tello if he had the correct currency to buy what he wanted; he assumed Tello had his own way of getting it. Upon reaching the market, they split up.
Meanwhile, back at the neon-lit tavern, Rollin sat at the bar, engaged in conversation with the bartender while requesting another drink. In a loud voice, Rollin exclaimed to himself, "This place is dead. Those restrictions really took a toll."
The bartender, overhearing Rollin's comment, brought him his third drink since his arrival and replied. "Tell me about it. My boss has been under a lot of stress in these past few years. But hey, it's Morroglosa and Asutan – you know how it is."
A man seated three stools away from Rollin chimed in, as he interjected, "Nope, this time it's different. It took me eight months to travel from Asutan to do business here. On my way, we could clearly see both forces mobilizing closer to each other's borders. It's just a matter of time."
Back in the street markets Tello continued walking past vendors selling a wide range of tools powered by techno-mancy, his eyes fixed on finding something specific—a wand that ran on 'Vree-stones'.
"Young lady! Yes you!" An old man in a rusty old shop shouted at Tello who simply ignored him and continued walking.
Tello had contemplated the possibility of using Vree-stone powder to refine his transformation magic even further. The market district was bustling with activity, showcasing the advanced technological prowess of Morroglosa.
Meanwhile, a few streets away, Joey strolled leisurely, captivated by the various items on display. Household appliances like stoves, washers, lamps, and more were powered by different forms of techno-mancy.
Lost in thought, Joey was startled when an old woman called out to him, seeking his attention. "You sir, yes you!"
Turning around, Joey approached the old woman, curious to hear what she had to say. After listening to her sales, he walked away saying goodbye to the old lady.
In that manner he slowly made his way through the market district.
Joey's excitement grew as he made his way to one of the best archery equipment shops in the market district, guided by the recommendations of friendly shop owners.
The shop was a sight to behold, displaying a wide array of tactical bows equipped with scopes and lasers, promising unparalleled precision and accuracy.
While the technological advancements impressed him, Joey couldn't help but feel that a naked bow, devoid of any enhancements, possessed a certain superiority.
Approaching the store owner, Joey engaged in a conversation about the available armguards, only to be disappointed by their exorbitant prices, which exceeded his budget.
Undeterred, Joey remembered an archery competition mentioned by one of the shopkeepers that had stopped him on his way. The competition offered prize money.
"Damn, I should have figured the arm guard would cost an arm and a leg. However, I still have a chance. I should have at least enough money to enter the competition." Joey thought with a confident smile as he continued to walk, taking his illustrious ebony and obsidian bow out.
Back in the tavern Rollin was no longer seated in the bar although he had left the bartender and the other man in a heated discussion.
Rollin's gaze swept across the tavern, taking note of the few patrons present. Among them, he noticed a couple seated at a nearby table, engaged in their own conversation.
However, his attention was immediately captured by the lone figure, a burly woman dining alone in a booth. Their eyes met, and to Rollin's surprise, she responded with a playful wink.
Startled by the unexpected gesture, Rollin nearly choked on his drink.
Meanwhile Tello had finally found the section of the market that sold the wands he was looking for. "Yes, these definitely are projection wands, but it seems as if there are no Vree-stone based wands," he thought, finally deciding to walk up to one of the vendors and ask if they knew anything about Vree-stone powered wands.
He was directed to the only store that had any such projection wands in stock, when Tello arrived at the store. He saw a tall woman dressed in sharp black clothes purchasing an oddly shaped wand with a green stone embedded in its base.
"I guess that shopkeeper wasn't lying. This shop does sell Vree-stone wands," Tello said as he looked at the woman walking away.
In a happy mood, Tello approached the shopkeeper who had just sold the wand to the woman. "How are you doing, my good man? I'll be getting one of those Vree-stone powered wands, please," he said with a big smile.
"I'm sorry, young miss, I just sold my last one," the man said. Tello's smile quickly evaporated. "Fine, whatever. I'll just be getting the cheapest thing you've got then," he said with a serious face.
As the sun was going down and night approached, Joey and Tello were both individually making their way back to the tavern where they had left Rollin. Halfway back, they spotted each other. "Hey Joey, over here!" a young lady shouted from across the street. It was Tello waving at Joey, who paused and waved.
"So, did you get what you were looking for?" Tello said after catching up to Joey.
"Yeah, you can definitely say that" Joey said as he raised his left hand, wearing a highly intricate armguard. "What about you? Did you find that wand of yours?" Joey asked as they continued to walk towards the tavern.
Tello looked down before pulling out a wand with a green stone in its base. "Yes, I got exactly what I was looking for." Tello said, holding a mischievous smile.
"Well, let's see how much 'information' Rollin was able to get." Joey said jokingly.
When they entered the tavern, the bartender was in a heated discussion with two men. Rollin was nowhere to be seen.
"Aww great, he left. How the hell are we supposed to find him now?" Tello shouted, but Joey pulled him by the shoulder. "No, look over there, next to that big woman," Joey whispered to Tello, who then looked over and both burst out laughing.
Rollin heard the hyena-like cackling coming from the two and almost pushed the burly woman out of the way as he made his way towards them, trying to look composed.
"While the two of you were out bullshitting, I've gathered some pretty good... ughhp," Rollin hiccupped halfway through talking before Joey interrupted. "Rollin, are you drunk right now?" Rollin, swaying back and forth, replied, "I'm blending in, stupid."
Tello then interrupted, "Yeah, you were blending in really good behind that big woman over there." he said, pointing at the burly woman Rollin had left, who was staring at the three of them, especially at Tello.
"Relax, let's have a couple of drinks, and I will share with you guys what I have been able to gather. Especially you, Tello, you seem a little bit stressed. You can definitely use a drink or two." Rollin said, looking at Tello strangely before moving behind him to rub his shoulders.
Normally, Tello was much taller than Rollin, but after the transformation, Tello had become slightly shorter.
"Rollin, what the fuck are you doing right now? Are you actually trying to have sex with me?" Tello, said, making his voice as manly as he could.
Rollin stopped as Joey and Tello were looking at him in disgust. "What? No, I was just looking out for my good friend. It's you guys who are the freaks," Rollin said defensively.
"Yeah, Rollin, I think you've had a little too much to drink. Me and Tello, are going to the inn next door and call it a night," Joey said, walking out of the tavern before loudly adding, "Tello, make sure you lock the door to your room tonight."
Tello frowned, then looked at Rollin and the burly woman. "Hey man, do what you got to do, but this isn't happening again," he said before walking out, leaving Rollin alone once again in the tavern. Rollin turned to look to the burly women who was waiting for him, shrugging his shoulders he ordered another drink as he made his way over to her.