Exploring

Alex and Finn are heading to the Royal Capital to go to the academy. The Royal Capital is a 15 day walk from his neighborhood. If he took a carriage, it would've taken 5 days but he wanted to walk instead. And now, he's starting to regret this decision after walking for 3 days.

Alex: Hey Finn?

Finn: Yeah?

Alex: I don't feel like running this slow. I'm gonna go as fast as I can now.

Finn: FINALLY! Let's go!

Finn bolted off as fast as he could leaving Alex in the dust.

Alex: Alright then.

Alex kicked off running as fast as he could too with lightning magic pulsing throughout his body making him faster.

3 Days Later

Alex and Finn were still running as fast as they could with Finn looking exhausted. Alex was smiling soaked in his sweat but he was so excited he wasn't paying attention.

Finn: Alex! Hah, wait a second! I can't go any longer!

Alex: Huh?

Alex turned back just in time to see Finn fall over rolling all in the dirt. Alex stopped and went next to Finn with a frown on his face.

Alex: Seriously, Finn? I can still keep going! Hurry up so we can run again.

Finn: Look ahead of you, idiot! We've ran so far already! You can literally see part of the Capital! We can just walk the rest of the way or at least a light run or something! Give me like 15 minutes and then I'll be ready again.

Alex looked ahead and saw the outline of the Capital in the distance. He was surprised because he didn't expect to run this far in 3 days.

Alex: Oh wow. I was having so much fun running that I wasn't paying attention.

Finn: Yeah, yeah.

20 Minutes Later

Alex: Dude, seriously? I'm gonna leave you if you don't come on right now.

Finn: Alright, alright! I'm ready now so let's go.

Alex and Finn started running towards the capital, although not at full speed. After another 20 minutes, they could see 2 guards in armor at the wall talking to each other.

Alex: Excuse me!

Guard 1: Oh, hello there kid. What are you doing out here?

Alex: I came from my village for the entrance exam for the academy.

Finn: Same as him.

Guard 2: Oh, the "Royal Academy for the Elite Swordsmen and Mages"! I see. You 2 must be really strong.

Alex and Finn looked at each other weirdly after hearing the guard say the entire name of the academy. After all, no one does that.

Alex: Uh, yeah. So...we're gonna go in now.

Guard 1: Don't worry about this weirdo, there's something wrong with him. Anyways, welcome to the Royal Capital! Good luck on your entrance exams!

Alex: Right, thank you.

Alex and Finn walk inside to see a crowded street bustling with all kinds of people. Humans, elves, dwarves, and demihumans all walked around in peace. In this world, slavery was illegal so seeing people with collars wasn't something they would see.

Alex and Finn were walking down the street when they saw a Weaponry Shop on a corner.

Finn: Hey Alex, wanna check it out?

Alex: I already have a weapon so no, not really. But if you want to look, we can make a stop.

Finn: I wanna go...

Alex looked at Finn like he was a child with a small smile on his face while Finn looked on with stars in his eyes. Alex shrugged and started walking towards the shop with Finn following close behind.

*TING*

?: Welcome to my shop! My name's Ryan, how can I help you today?

Alex: I'm just here to look around. My friend is the one who actually wants something.

When Alex turned towards Finn, he realized he wasn't there anymore. When he looked around, he saw Finn near the gauntlet section. Finn was looking at a pair of black and brown leather gauntlets. When Alex walked up to him, he was confused with the price. It cost 10 Rym, which was surprisingly cheap for any weapon.

A/N: Rym is the same as USD. $1 is 1 Rym, $100 is 100 Rym, etc.

Alex: Sir, why are these gauntlets so cheap? Shouldn't they be 100 Rym at least?

Ryan: Yes, that would usually be the case, but this was a failed product, sorta. Not because it's badly made, but because no one would buy it.

Alex: Oh, I see.

Finn: I want it.

Alex: Alright then. We'll take these gauntlets please.

Alex paid for the gauntlets and then left to go explore some more. Alex and Finn went to different shops and stalls enjoying themselves throughout the week waiting for the entrance exam for the academy.

1 Week Later

Alex and Finn were standing in front of the academy gates looking at the big building in front of them while others their age walked around them.

Alex: You ready Finn?

Finn: I was born ready.

Alex: Then what are we waiting for? Let's go.

Alex and Finn walked past the gates into the academy, ready for their exams.