The Earth Knight tilted his head, a low whistle escaping his helmet. "That's quite the big dream there. If you children are coming from the countryside, I'd even venture to say that's harder than finding Rhaegal."
The white-haired youth didn't give his compatriots so much as a side glance, though he could feel their stares drilling into him nevertheless. No doubt they were questioning his motives, but he had no plans on fixing his response. Not on this particular topic. The Knight had asked him a question and he had given his response. If asked again, he would answer the exact same way and with the same amount of passion. This was the true reason he had wanted to come to Froana Kingdom and he had no intention of ever hiding it.
"Im aware." Okamin gave the Knight a solid nod. "But I won't give up on it. Never."
"Well, from commoner to commoner. I believe in you. We do possess the same dream after all." The Earth Knight returned the nod without hesitation. "Seeing you become Shogun and wipe the smug look off those nobles and royals would sure be quite the sight. Though, it's not like I'm gonna let you surpass me obviously."
Then, after saying that, the Knight turned around and walked towards his fellow armored individuals and struck up a conversation. After a minute or so of talking, the Earth Knight walled back over to the waiting children, four small strips of intricately designed metal clutched in hand. Once close enough, the man held out the metal to each one of them.
"Typically, there's an entrance fee when arriving at Froana's Capitol, at least for first time visitors." The Earth Knight reached up and pulled off his helmet, revealing his face. "But, for our future Shogun, I'll pay it for you this time. Gotta build favor with you while you're young."
The Earth Knight was actually a lot younger than Okamin had expected, ranging from his late teens to early twenties. He had thick pink hair, slanted eyes, and fair skin. His hues were the same shade as his hair, if only a few touches brighter. The only other thing visible was what looked to be some sort of tattoo poking out from the visible parts of the neck. Perhaps the most notable attribute of this Earth Knight though was his smile. When he grinned, he had the kindest look that Okamin had ever seen.
And it was for total strangers.
"Allow me to formally introduce myself." The man held his hand out towards the white-haired youth. "I'm Allen Ferden. But, you can call be Brother All, or just Allen. If you guys need anything, never hesitate to ask."
Okamin hesitated at first, unsure of how to proceed. It was only when Koraki gently nudged him with his elbow that he finally reached out and grasped Allen's hand, giving it a gentle shake.
Allen nodded in satisfaction, smiling even more as he let go of Okamin's hand. "Hold onto those Name Plates. They're a pain to obtain a second time. Also insanely expensive."
It was only then that Okamin actually took the time to look at the sheet of metal.
It was about the size of a palm sized rock and incredibly smooth, with even the edges being rounded out and dulled. A mixture of various colors such as red, black, and white, it was hard to pinpoint which metals had been used in its manufacturing. Not only that, but it pulsed with a strange kind of magic, Okamin being able to feel it through the tips of his fingers.
Etched into the front of the Name Plate was his very own name.
OKAMIN MIRE
(("Ive only read about these. It's different to see them in person.")) The white-haired individual carefully tucked the Plate into the inner pocket of his hoodie. (("These usually cost a fortune since they allow you to stay within Froana's Capitol indefinitely. On par with a citizen."))
Froana Kingdoms Capitol welcomed tourism and it even prided itself on it, boasting various deals and discounts throughout its markets, inns, and restaurants. However, they also didn't particularly like outsiders. It was a strange relationship to be sure, but Froana only allowed those visiting to stay for two weeks at a time. Once the time was up, they would have to check in with the Guild Hall and pay a fee if they desired to stay for another two weeks. And each time was equal to a small fortune. Most outsiders left within the week due to this rule, not willing to fork over such an exorbitant sum of coins.
So, to possess something that was equal to becoming a permanent citizen, it was worth it's weight in gold.
Initially, Okamin had planned to rely on his entrance to Arewenol Academy to negate the fees of his stay. Now however, even if he failed to pass the test for the top rated Beast Tamer school, he could live within Arewenol until he could figure out what he wanted to do next.
(("But why give us this?")) Okamin couldn't help but question the Earth Knights motive as Allen watched the children put their Name Plates away. (("What's in it for him? Why help a group of kids you just met? Because one of them shares the same dream as you?"))
"Alright. Now that that's settled. Let's get you kids inside." Allen stepped aside, motioning for them to continue on ahead. "I'd love to go with you and give a tour, but I still have a job to do. But if you go to the Ignahsto BathHouse in three days time during the night hours, I'll be there. I'd love to hear more about your journey."
"Of course. We thank you for your help." Koraki gave a small bow before walking passed.
Zorra followed suit, shooting the Earth Knight a smile. "We appreciate the help Brother Allen. Stay safe."
"Thank you," Ursilo said, following the other two.
Okamin was at a loss for words. So, after a quick bow and a mumbled thanks, he hurried after the members of his group. He never had been good with social interactions or social cues.
It was just the way he grew up. Isolated.
Allen smiled as he watched the kids walk away, pink hues filled with nostalgia. "Hey Murtand! These kids are clear!"
Without looking away from the person he was conversing with, the Earth Knight named Murtand stuck his arm out to the side, giving his compatriot a thumbs up. The other Earth Knights working next to Murtand took notice of this and watched as the children went on by, though none of them happened to say anything aside from a few nods every so often.
And just like that, they were in.
And it was even more chaotic on the inside than the outside had been. In fact, there was so much going on that Okamin didn't even know where to begin looking.
Carts moved back and forth through the streets, delivering packages, caged beasts, and various other things from place to place. Throngs of people milled about, most of them shifting from homes, to shops, to the innermost part of the city. Further inwards, Okamin could see where the fireworks were being shot from, the various setups being just barely visible among the moving crowds. Along the same path, including a few offshoot roads, were various stalls and booths that sold a wider variety of snacks, food both familiar and odd, and even some that sold unrecognizable merchandise.
Okamin had read about such festivals but to see one up close and even participate in it was a whole other story.
Of course, he was faring much batter when compared to the ones who never bothered to read and learn as often as Okamin had.
Initially, the white-haired youth had been a little worried about his companions reaction to his true purpose on coming to Froana Kingdom. Now however, it wasn't really a cause for concern. At least, not within that given moment. They were far too busy staring in awe at the chaos happening around them, no doubt completely immersed in the ongoings of the big city. As individuals who had never left the Country of Ice, it was a completely justified reaction.
"Wow. Would you look at that." Koraki raised his voice slightly, the sounds of music and chattering of passerbys cluttering up the children's ability to hear properly. "It's different to see it in person. I couldn't even imagine something like this."
"This is unbelievable!! So this is the Beast Parade??!!" Zorra could hardly contain her excitement, grinning from ear to ear as she surveyed everything around her. "I've never seen so many people in one place before!!"
Ursilo nodded in agreement, moving to stand beside Koraki. Even someone as unexpressive as Ursilo was amazed, the brown-haired individual gazing around with a look of intense curiosity.
After a few moments of standing where they were, they eventually snapped back to the present.
"Okay. Let's not stand around and gather frost." Koraki let out a breath before clapping his hands together. Stepping forward, he turned to face his white-haired compatriot. "Okamin. What's the next play for us?"
Zorra's smile immediately faded as she turned to look in Okamin's direction, but she didn't say anything, only crossing her arms over her chest. Ursilo didn't share the redheads adverse reaction, but he too glanced in the white-haired youth direction expectantly. Koraki having been the one to ask for Okamin's opinion left them little room for arguing, the two having far more respect for their childhood friend than an almost complete stranger.
It wasn't anything new to him though, so Okamin tried not to pay it any mind.
"We need to find an Inn. Preferably with two open rooms." Okamins blue hues shifted over the three individuals, never quite meeting any of then eye to eye. "Mister Yuuka provided us with some coins. We can use those to pay for the rooms. Of course, given the chaos of everything, I don't have a solid idea on where the Inns are located."
"Understandable." Ursilo nodded softly. "Then we only have to spread out and look around."
"Exactly," Koraki said, jumping on what the brown-haired youth proposed. "So, we'll split up into two teams and spend some time scouting things out. Once we do that, we can get some much needed down time before the Sorting begins."
Zorra immediately opened her mouth, but Koraki was one step ahead. The black-haired individual raised a hand, signaling for her to remain silent.
"You'll be going with Okamin. He's got the most knowledge here and will be extremely useful." Koraki ignored the sounds of protest as the redhead attempted to form some sort of argument. "Additionally, this whole trip you've done nothing but give him the stink-eye, tease, and berate him. I understand we barely know him, but we're still from the same Village. Play nice or don't talk to me."
Zorra looked like she wanted to continue arguing, her frustration and anger clear as day upon her face. However, after a long period of silence, she turned around and walked towards Okamin, of whom was off to the side watching the interaction. Without a word to the white-haired youth, she grabbed him by the back of his hoodie and began pulling him along the street. She didn't even look back to see if he was following, content to drag the youth if need be.
"Do you think Okamin with be alright?" Ursilo questioned as he watched the girl storm off, white-haired youth in tow. "She really doesn't seem to like the guy."
Koraki waved the question off as he picked a path and started walking. "He'll be fine. Shes not too fond of him for her own reasons but she won't hurt him."
"But do you know why she doesn't like him," Ursilo inquired as he followed after his companion. "You know her better than I do.
"She doesn't like indecisive people. She also doesn't like overly timid and awkward people. Okamin fits every category. At least from what we've seen anyways." Koraki maneuvered around a small group of citizens, a group that did a double take after seeing the way he was dressed. "She views him as incapable, useless, and a hindrance to the group despite his abundance of knowledge. If you can't fight, you aren't worth much to her."
"Strange. He didn't seem that way to me." Ursilo tilted his head to the side as he walked.
"Really?" The black-haired Koraki, turned slightly in surprise. "Then what are your thoughts?"
"And what's your reason for being here in Froana's Capitol? Same as your friends?"
"No. I want to be the Shogun."
The image of the youth standing his ground flashed through Ursilo's mind, something he hadn't expected from someone who was admittedly rather quiet.
"He might have a different kind of strength that we dont know about," Ursilo finally said after mulling it over. "It's probably why Sir Allen let us pass through so easily."
"Is that right."