Keep Yourself Clean Please!
There were a few other things to consider before heading out. We had to pack provisions and a few necessities. All of which was placed into one bag.
"There we go." [Wilharrow]
He stood there satisfied with how he packed our luggage.
"Now, who will carry it?" [Raon]
I raised my hand.
"I got this." [Solace]
Picking up the bag, I casted |Item Box|.
"Huh?!" [Raon]
Everyone's eyes widened as I tossed the entire bag into the space rift I created. Well, everyone except Leon. I can never get a read on her. Unless there's food around that is.
"You have an item box…?" [Wilharrow]
There was an odd silence among us.
"Yeah?" [Solace]
"It's… surprising." [Wilharrow]
Fina stared at the space the rift previously was.
"...I've only seen a few people have that skill. How could you possess it?" [Fina]
"Is it so rare?" [Solace]
"Yes." [Raon]
That was new. It wasn't even considered a unique skill.
"I thought you were just a combat specialist." [Raon]
"I can do other things. I have a few buffs, offensive magic, a little defensive magic, some auxiliary spells, and then the martial arts you know and love." [Solace]
They seemed quite surprised by what I said.
"I'm starting to think you're the real |Freelancer|." [Raon]
I waved them off, not wanting to dilly-dally anymore.
"Can we just go? We still have a month to travel." [Solace]
They nodded in agreement.
"First off, let's go to Grace Village." [Wilharrow]
We quickly departed thinking that we had packed sufficiently. For the first time, I was going to leave the city.
"Stay close guys, this place is going to be packed soon." [Wilharrow]
We stuck close together in the streets, attempting to squeeze past the populace. There was a giant gate built into the city walls, which towered over us and casted a shadow.
("Makes me think of Attack on Giant.") [Solace]
We managed to get to the gates, in which many armed guards stood by or patrolled. All we did to get past was Wilharrow showing them some kind of badge, allowing us to get through without being inspected.
"...What did you show them?" [Solace]
"The hero's medal. It's given by the royal family." [Wilharrow]
"The royal family… You mean the Lord?" [Solace]
"That would be correct." [Wilharrow]
"When did he give it to you?" [Solace]
Wilharrow placed a hand on his chin.
"Hm… Upon my birth?" [Wilharrow]
"Upon your birth, you say." [Solace]
"Yes. Each hero is born blessed, so the church tries their best to find them. Then they take the child in and teach them the way of the gods." [Wilharrow]
Sounds like brainwashing to me.
"Do you even know your parents?" [Solace]
"No? Is that important?" [Wilharrow]
Nevermind. It was actually brainwashing. I didn't want to turn it into a big deal, so I kind of just changed the topic.
So, do you know how to get to Grace Village?" [Solace]
At this point we were walking away from the gates and out the city. The ground beneath us was no longer that of cobblestone, but of dirt. Thankfully, there was a very long paved path as far as the eye can see.
"That's the thing. I don't know." [Wilharrow]
"You… don't know?" [Solace]
Wilharrow shrugged.
"You see… This is also the first time I've set foot outside the city." [Wilharrow]
"You've got to be kidding me… How about you, Raon?" [Solace]
Raon shook his head.
"I've dedicated most of my life to studying, so other than school… I rarely leave my manor." [Raon]
Rich kids and their manors. I still don't have a house that big. What's wrong with having a humble home?
"And you, Fina?" [Solace]
She gave me a strange look.
"We've left the city together to complete our Adventurer's quests before. Have you forgotten?" [Fina]
"Oh. Right." [Solace]
I guess there was no point in asking Leon since she was already a C rank adventurer.
"Can you bring out the map?" [Fina]
Without answering, I opened my |Item Box| and took out the map we packed.
"Here you go." [Solace]
The map drawings looked like an art piece, or something that you'd see in a video game. Pictures of dragons near some caves, giants on mountains, strange symbols on housings… I guess that's the way people warn others.
"This is going to be a two day walk. We're going to have to camp for a night." [Fina]
"Seriously?" [Raon]
"Is that too much for you, rich boy?" [Solace]
"O-Of course not." [Raon]
"There won't be baths." [Solace]
Raon's jaw dropped.
"There won't?!" [Raon]
This guy can't seriously think that we'd be able to bathe outside.
"If we use magic, we can." [Wilharrow]
Raon's eyes lit up.
"Yes, please! Who here can do that?" [Raon]
I thought about it for a sec. If I used a few |Earthen Shields|, then I could make a makeshift bath.
"I can." [Solace]
Raon suddenly gave me these puppy-eyes.
"But I won't do it." [Solace]
There was pure despair on Raon's face.
"Just kidding. I like to practice good hygiene too, y'know?" [Solace]
"I don't know what this "hygiene" is, but I'll be thankful to it if I get to bathe!" [Raon]
Dear god, they don't know what hygiene is.
"Er… I'll teach you about it on the way." [Solace]