The "Funny" Man

"Master Karo, we can't stay here because there is not enough food for me.

You must lead me to the closest town.

What are the most necessary things here that I must bring with myself so I can continue my cultivation? "– asked Lyns with the most innocent face that he could make.

"No problem my disciple, I can lead you to the closest town.

Let me think about the most important things to bring."- answered the Demon honestly for once.

'Tsk, He is asking for time to think things through. It doesn't matter I have already packed the things I deemed important; I only need direction, old fool. There is no chance I will be your faithful resurrecting tool, when I am the one who murdered you.'- Lyns had vicious thoughts. He had not realized yet but the sword in his hand pushed his personality in an aggressive direction.

There were only five candles left before night, so Lyns used this time to pack everything Karo said. He also changed the fabric to mevlar under his armor, so he was even more protected. He prepared bags filled with weapons, potions, poison, and books. Everything was ready for the day of departure.

Lying in his bed, Lyns felt excited about leaving the underground base, but he also felt great pity. It was almost the most suitable learning environment for him.

'What a life,

I might not know anything about my past, but I am resolute to study magic to the best of my abilities.

I tasted its powers, and it is incredible.

I can be a dragon amongst men with magic.'- these were the ambitious thoughts Lyns had before he fell asleep.

A candle's time before dawn, Lyns was standing proudly next to the entrance of the cave. The endless grey dirt land gave an eerie feeling, but he only felt passion, passion for new opportunities and for new adventures. He was curious what the future would bring him.

One horse carried the bags, meanwhile Lyns rode the other. Karo gave instructions based on the stars that were still visible.

Lyns drew a map with clear instructions for later when he decided to come back. It took only half a day to reach the road.

While they traveled Karo was bored to death by the nagging of Tim, so he was sharing his so-called life experiences with Lyns:

"You know kid, when I was your age, I lived in the capital of Razanata, I was the second son of a count.

I had little chance to be the next head of the family, but unfortunate events led to my older brother's demise and I not only inherited the position of the heir, but I also even received our family's magical heritage, which you use now.

It was a real pity that I lacked talent and self-control.

Morale of the story:

Don't get carried away kid, you are not strong, you have just taken a peek at the world of magic and power.

You might have this cursed weapon, it is strong, but any decent mage can kill you with just a snap, I bet even a heavily trained soldier can murder you."

"I didn't plan to visit any town for fighting others…"- stated Lyns clearly annoyed by the lecturing tone that the demon used.

"Listen to grandpa Karo,

You are sharp, so I can't understand where this attitude of yours comes from.

With the looks of yours you will attract unwanted attention to yourself and troublemakers will find you. You are traveling alone, with a lot of packages, looking like some spoiled young master who travels the world for sightseeing purposes.

Of course, there will be folks with ill intent to close in on you."- continued Karo with the tone of someone who just did a great favor for Lyns by telling these things.

Despite feeling belittled by the words of the demon, he was genuinely honest with himself, so he agreed with Karo.

"What do you expect me to do? Should I not wear my armor and get slaughtered by some maniac mage or demon the next time I meet one?"- Lyns retorted.

"Well, you should at least put on a cloak to hide your armor and sword."- mocked Karo, the annoyed disciple.

The not too exciting small talks lasted for the remaining journey. Lyns gradually got comfortable around the sneaky demon and he felt being in control. They reached a rather big town that was called Bastion city, the name referred to its position as the last guard city before reaching the capital of Razanata.

The moment Lyns could see Bastion city, he was captivated by the monumental and domineering design of it. It had twenty-meter-tall walls carved out of grey stone. There were two mage towers built to the two ends of the city, they were imposing and gave off the aura of monstrous battle power. Every stone that consisted of the walls and the towers were decorated with exquisite figures.

After the regular security check Lyns could finally walk the streets of the city. The first thing to do was to find a nice inn for his stay where he could leave his packages and horses. It only took a candles time to find the appropriate place, He rented a room and a slot in the stable for his horses.

It was refreshing to eat other things than the dry rations that the merchants used. He was sitting in the corner with his plates filled with steaming hot delicacies, when a fit man sat to his table and asked with a tipsy tone:

"Brother, is this seat taken by any chance? Because I love having company during my lunch and from a distance you look like someone with stories to tell."

Lyns was annoyed by the behavior of this unfamiliar man. 'Why am I a magnet for crazy things'- he asked himself.

"Make yourself comfortable, unnamed man whom I share my table with I guess…"- smirked Lyns.

"Ohh excuse my manners, I almost forgot to introduce myself.

I am Valentine A. Dovjav, mercenary, treasure hunter and adventurer. Whatever they pay for, I do it."- claimed the man with utmost confidence, like he had not noticed the annoyed tone of Lyns.

Valentine was a man in his early thirties with brown hair, he had sharp features that would have given him a serious appearance, if his tipsy and free-spirited behavior wouldn't ruin his image. After his answer, he asked Lyns curiously:

"Mate, what's your name? Whatcha doing in Bastion city?"

Lyns could only laugh at the carefree adventurer, he wanted some other company other than Karo and Tim anyway, so maybe this was a godsent opportunity which he should use, at least this is how Lyns persuaded himself to be open to the stranger's friendly attitude.

"My name is Lyns and I am a truth seeker."- He answered mysteriously.

"Truth seeker? What is that? Damn Bro you are crazier than you look."- giggled Valentine and took a bite into the roasted meat he ordered.

"I am someone who seeks meaning in life and wants to be wise, you can call me an adventurer too by this description."- lied Lyns. During his trip to Bastion city Karo already advised him not to reveal himself to be a beginner mage, because trouble wouldn't stop chasing if he did that.

During his chatting with Valentine, he lied through his teeth about his adventures, a story about a young merchant surviving a demon's slaughter and running away to seek new meaning for life. Meanwhile the simple-minded mercenary shared his most funny or crazy parts of his quests.