City Life

Agares has finally arrived at the city after so much bird poop and obstacles. Of course, he didn't go into the city as he looked before with... everything on him.

He went into a river and took a bath, but it didn't wash away the shame and embarrassment he felt looking that disgusting.

He went into the city and was enamored by the sight before him.

"Wow."

Beautiful buildings that were huge and tall, the streets were crowded with people, people selling their products, all of it was amazing to Agares who has never seen such a place before.

He wanted to explore immediately but decided he would do that after handing the crystal to the noble that lives there.

"Hey, excuse me."

"Oh, what's your name child?" The woman who Agares asked looked at Agares and her eyes widened and then they became filled with pity.

The woman had black hair and black eyes. She was wearing a kimono that had purple flower petals.

"Agares. I have a question."

"I will do my best to answer."

"Do you know where the noble that asked for the special metal is?"

"The special metal? Oh, the Ravrium? Is that the kind of metal you are talking about, child?" She said softly.

Agares got a little bit excited at the thought of so much money coming into his hands soon. "I think so. So, you do know where the noble is right?"

"Unfortunately, the noble who requested the Ravrium doesn't live here. They live in one of the bigger cities. Could it be, do you have Ravrium?" She asked curiously.

Agares nodded, "Yes. My mother gave it to me before she died."

"Oh, well, I am going to the next city tomorrow morning. It isn't the city where the noble is, but it is closer."

"Thanks." He bowed his head and felt grateful.

'City people sure are nice.'

"Come to the same spot as soon as the sun rises, okay?"

"Okay, see you." Agares left first and decided to occupy his time by exploring the city before he has to leave.

He saw people buying food and accessories for their loved ones and felt a bit lonely. Even if he has <Rivers of Blood> with him and he can talk to it, it's not the same as having an actual person to love and cherish.

"I wonder if someday, I will find somebody of my own." He muttered before shaking off those depressing thoughts.

"This is the city life, huh? Meeting new people every day, having the money to be able to stay here, official jobs that you get paid for with money."

"I want this."

There was a famous saying that life goes by pretty fast when you are having fun and that is exactly what Agares is doing now.

He loved the city and didn't make any new friends, but he did say "Hello" to strangers sometimes.

The day passed and the sun has risen.

Agares was at the meetup spot and waited until the woman came.

"Hey, boy." She waved her hand.

They greeted each other and then they walked to the carriage outside of the city.

It was just her and two other people. A buff and bald guy with scars on his face and body and a skinny guy with long hair.

They looked a bit shocked when they saw Agares' appearance.

"Welcome Agares everybody. He will be staying with us until we get to the next city. Also, I seemed to have forgotten to mention my name; it is Ari."

The buff man spoke up first, "Hey there, I'm Karuto."

"I'm Yaruto."

"Ignore my anti-social brother. He doesn't like talking to people. Anyways, so how old are you?"

"I'm 14."

"So young, I have a son your age. A bit of an unruly boy but I still love him. I have to work hard to provide for him." He smiled gently.

'A big dog.' That's what Agares felt like looking at him. Despite his intimidating look, he is very kind.

They all talked on the carriage about their life, well not so much Yaruto but the vibe was peaceful.

The path to the next city was about a day and a half ride from the previous one.

They all had a fun time walking to each other and then the time came to fall asleep.

They set out camp outside and lit a fire. Agares kept his sword close to him in case any danger happened and fell asleep, at least until his katana vibrated fiercely.

"--!"

Agares' eye opened and saw Karuto standing above him with an axe about to fall.

Agares rolled to the side and the axe fell.

"Damn it. This would have been easier if you had just stayed asleep. You wouldn't have to feel pain.

Agars jumped back and looked at Karuto and then his surroundings.

"Hah. I was naive. Damn! I can't believe it. After everything I have experienced, I should have at least had a suspicion." He cursed himself.

He saw the man who drove the carriage dead on the ground with his eyes wide open. Ari and Yaruto were standing beside his body staring at him.

"It's because of this crystal, isn't it?" He grabbed it tightly.

"That and that sword you have there. I have never seen anything like it." Ari smiled. "I noticed that you liked the city when I was following you. Welcome to the city life, boy."

"You always have to watch out for yourself and watch for others." She added.

"Let's stop talking." Agares gripped the katana.

"Indeed. Karuto, would you please?"

"Damn it!" He ran over to Agares and swung his axe aiming for his neck.

Agares ducked and spun around the back of Karuto and swung at his heels.

"AHHH!" It slashed right through and cut his heel. It opened up and blood spilled out like a faucet. He fell on one knee and swung his axe behind him.

Unfortunately, Agares stepped back earlier so Karuto's axe didn't hit anything. Agares quickly stepped up and used the chance that Karuto gave him by swinging that axe too far behind and pushing the handle of the axe with his hand and into the back of Karuto.

"AHHH!" His own axe was stuck in his back! He fell and tried to take it out, but he couldn't as the pain from trying to remove it by pulling the handle was too much and the axe was stuck too far in his flesh.

Agares looked at him and joked, "Why did you hurt yourself? Such a weirdo."

He looked up and saw the surprised look of Ari and the raging look of Yaruto!

"Brother!!" Yaruto's eyes raged, and he took out a katana that he hid in the carriage.

'Such a delayed reaction.'

"I'll kill you!"

He smirked. Agares knew that he could beat them. After all, ...

"You guys are weaker than a demon."