Morning Routine
Before dawn had even cracked, Kazu stirred awake in his modest quarters. The soft rustle of movement caught his attention, and he turned to see Nozue already busy at work in the small kitchen nook, preparing their breakfast. The early morning was a testament to Nozue's dedication, a routine they had both embraced.
"Good morning, Nozue! You're up early today," Kazu greeted, his voice tinged with sleepiness.
Nozue glanced up with a smile, her hands deftly mixing ingredients. "Good morning, Kazu! Just getting breakfast ready so we can have something to eat during our break later. It's part of our routine now."
Kazu stretched and yawned, his eyes still half-closed. "Wow, you can cook? I didn't know that. I wish I had such a talent. You seem to have so many skills."
Nozue chuckled softly, clearly pleased by the compliment. "I picked this up from Mother Rosalia. It's not really a big deal. She taught me a lot."
Kazu grinned, feeling a bit envious. "Well, I'll go fetch the water then. We should be all set for the day."
As Kazu moved to get the water, Nozue finished preparing their meal and began to pack it up. "By the way, Kazu, what's the plan for today? Are we going to take a construction quest?"
Kazu shook his head as he filled a jug with water. "Not today. I was thinking we could just go for a jog. Also, I want to find Kazike. I have a question for him."
Nozue's curiosity was piqued. "Kazike? Who's that?"
"He's a friend from the guild, kind of like an older brother to me. I usually go to him when I have questions. I need to ask him something today, but it shouldn't take too long," Kazu explained.
"No problem. Let's go find him then," Nozue said, slinging the bag of food over her shoulder. "Everything's packed and ready to go."
Kazu's eyes lit up with excitement. "Oh, wait. I've learned a new skill I want to test out. I got it yesterday after finishing our quest."
Nozue looked intrigued. "A new skill? What is it?"
"It's called Item Space," Kazu said, his enthusiasm barely contained.
Nozue's eyebrows knitted in confusion. "Item Space? What's that supposed to be?"
"Just wait a moment. Let me show you," Kazu said as he gestured for Nozue to take out the food from the bag.
Nozue complied, and Kazu activated his new skill.
[Item Space skill activated]
You can now store items in the space vault.
A small void box materialized in Kazu's hand. Nozue's eyes widened in astonishment. "Is that Item Space?"
Kazu nodded, clearly excited. "Yes, I think so. It's supposed to allow me to store items inside this void."
Nozue leaned in closer, intrigued. "That's amazing. How does it work?"
Kazu shrugged, a bit unsure. "The instructions said to just put the items inside. I'm still figuring it out."
Nozue studied the void box, still in awe. "I can't believe it. But who told you about this?"
"It's like a note that appears on my palm, showing my skills and what I need to do," Kazu said, trying to describe it as best as he could.
"A note? I don't see anything," Nozue said, shaking his head.
"It's hard to explain. It's like a square that lists my skills and instructions. That's how I know what to do," Kazu explained.
"Oh, I see. It's a bit confusing, but I get it now," Nozue said, nodding.
Kazu carefully stored the food in the Item Space and then turned to Nozue with a smile. "All set. Let's head out, Nozue!"
Nozue grinned and patted Kazu on the back. "Your skills are amazing, Kazu! This will definitely make our jog easier. So, you can store anything in this void?"
"I haven't tested everything yet, but we can give it a try," Kazu said.
"Alright, let's go before the sun gets too high. We need to get our exercise in," Nozue said, her smile widening.
After Two Hours of Jogging
The sun was climbing higher in the sky by the time Kazu and Nozue finished their jog. They were sweaty but exhilarated, having enjoyed the physical challenge. As they headed toward the guild, they ran into Kazike, who was also on his way there.
"Kazu! It's been a while! You're looking taller!" Kazike exclaimed, his eyes lighting up with recognition.
Kazu returned the greeting with a grin. "Yeah, I guess so! Thanks for noticing, Kuya. I wanted to ask you about swordsmanship. Where can I learn it?"
Kazike's expression grew thoughtful. "Swordsmanship, huh? Didn't you also want to learn more magic affinities? Now you're thinking of adding swordsmanship to your list? You might be stretching yourself too thin."
Nozue, who had been quietly listening, was shocked. "Wait, you want to learn all the magic affinities?"
Kazu nodded firmly. "Yes, I want to try."
Nozue's eyes widened. "I've heard that learning each affinity drains your mana. Most people can only handle two. Trying to learn a third could be dangerous. You're aiming to learn them all?"
Kazu shrugged. "I want to give it a shot. It's a challenge, but I'm up for it."
Kazike looked impressed. "Well, if you're serious, you should go to the central part of Druzka. You'll find the Zirabia Magic Heights Academy and the Quarzia Swords Academy there. They are the best institutions for learning magic and swordsmanship."
"Thank you for the advice, Kuya. I really appreciate it," Kazu said earnestly.
Kazike nodded. "Just remember, studying there is expensive, and you'll need to live on campus. They don't allow students to live far away. Plus…"
Kazu looked at Kazike curiously. "Plus what?"
Kazike's eyes twinkled mischievously. "There are a lot of beautiful women there who might catch your eye. Keep that in mind."
Both Kazu and Nozue nearly stumbled in surprise at Kazike's playful remark.
"Seriously, Kuya? Did you have to mention that? How is Kazu supposed to stay focused now?" Nozue laughed.
"Kazu can handle it! I have confidence in him," Kazike said with a wink.
Kazu shook his head, laughing. "You're something else, Kuya!"
Nozue chuckled and shook his head in amusement. "You always know how to lighten the mood."
"Here we are at the guild," Kazike said as they reached their destination.
"Are you taking a quest today, Kazu?" Kazike asked, curious.
"We weren't planning on it, but since we're here, Nozue and I will take one," Kazu said.
Kazike looked at Nozue with interest. "Is Nozue also an adventurer? He seems quite young."
"We're the same age," Nozue said with a smile.
"Oh, I see. What kind of quest are you considering?" Kazike asked.
"A construction quest," Kazu replied.
Kazike's surprise was evident as he nearly spilled his water. "A construction quest? Why?"
"We're working on building our strength," Kazu explained.
Kazike nodded, noting the change in Kazu's physique. "I've noticed. Your body is taking shape. You're growing up, Kazu!"
Kazu felt a flush of embarrassment. "It's nothing, Kuya. You're always so generous with your praise."
Nozue looked at Kazike with curiosity. "What about you, Kuya Kazike? What quest are you taking?"
"I'm doing a hunting quest. The rewards are better for me," Kazike replied.
INSIDE THE GUILD
As they entered the guild, Missy greeted them warmly.
"Good morning, Kazu, Kazike, and Nozue! Are you here to take a quest?" Missy asked cheerfully.
"Yes, Missy!" Kazu and Nozue responded in unison.
Missy's eyes sparkled with interest. "You all arrived together this morning. That's nice!"
Kazu smiled at Missy. "Missy, you haven't changed at all. You still look as beautiful as ever."
Missy blushed, her cheeks turning a soft shade of pink. "Oh, Kazu… Thank you. That's very kind of you to say."
Nozue glanced at Missy with a mischievous glint in her eye. "Missy, I have a question for you. Are you an elf?"
Missy's eyes widened in surprise. "Yes, I am. How did you know?"
"I've just noticed. It seems like you might have feelings for Kazu. Is that true?" Nozue asked with a teasing tone.
Missy's face turned an even deeper shade of red. She fumbled with her words, trying to deny it. "I—I don't know what you're talking about…"
"No way? Really?" Nozue pressed, enjoying Missy's discomfort.
Missy stammered, "W-Well, it's true…"
Kazu, oblivious to the ongoing conversation, looked at Missy with concern. "Are you alright, Missy? You seem a bit flustered."
Missy quickly composed herself, putting on a brave face. "I'm fine, Kazu. Just a little embarrassed."
Nozue grinned, clearly enjoying the interaction. "Alright, Missy. We'll take a quest today. What do you have for us?"
Missy took a deep breath and handed Kazu a quest scroll. "Here's a job quest. It's a construction task. I've approved it, so you can start it anytime."
Kazu took the scroll, his expression turning serious. "Thank you, Missy. We'll get on it right away."
Missy nodded, still a bit flustered but trying to stay professional. "Good luck, Kazu. And remember, if you need any help, don't hesitate to ask."
"Will do. Thanks, Missy!" Kazu said as he and Nozue headed towards the quest location.
As they left the guild, Nozue whispered to Kazu, "You know, Missy has a secret crush on you."
Kazu looked surprised but shrugged it off. "Really? I didn't notice. Well, I'm just glad she's supportive."
Nozue smiled knowingly. "She really is. But let's focus on our quest for now. We've got work to do."
Kazu nodded in agreement, and the two friends set off, ready to face the challenges of their day.