Day Of The Festival

Lily ended up tagging along on our trip into the city. The moment the horses came to a stop, we hopped from the wagon, setting our boots on the ground.

The roads were crowded with people, going about their daily lives. But my eyes could see that there was a very large gathering over in the city square. Decorations all around, it almost looked like it was some sort of holiday here.

"Is something special going on today?" I asked.

Lily answered with a smile of excitement, "Indeed. Today's the day of the Adventuring festival." her hands smacked together, "Oooh. Don't tell me you don't know about it."

I guess she could see it all over my face. Utterly clueless.

"Well...yeah, I don't think I'm sure what that is." All around, my eyes scanned. It must've been something important. The amount of people gathered was insane, and I couldn't see a single face that didn't appear excited.

Lily shook her head, "Oh my, Amaya. How could you not." she gestured at the crowd, "It's a very important festival. It's the day we celebrate the bravery of all the Adventurers, and the sacrifices they make. I can't tell you what a tough job it is."

Which I guess did make sense. Being an adventurer was no easy job. And for the average person like me, it was three times as scary.

Lily continued, "Every year, people come from all over, just to stand here in the city square." she pointed at a platform off in the distance, where a microphone stood by its lonesome, "They gather here to see their idols. Legendary-rankers. Real-life heroes."

Legendary-rank? If I wasn't wrong, that was the highest rank you could achieve. Looks like they were this world's equivalent of celebrities. But was it necessary for this many people to travel from all parts of the kingdom, just for this?

Lily nodded, "Yes, yes. Every year, a different Legendary ranker goes up there and gives a speech. And afterwards, there's music, and dances that go on. And almost every Legend-rank in the kingdom shows up, giving hundreds of people a chance to meet them."

I mean, when she explains it like that, it nearly made me excited too. Just think about it, there are 8 different ranks, legendary rank is the highest possible rank you can achive. They must've been capable of some impossible tasks. Like slaying dragons, I'd assume.

Katsu sighed, interrupting, "I have business to take care." a sack of items over his shoulder, it did seem like things were about to get busy, "The speech doesn't start for another few hours. So, if you two are done being distracted, I'd like you to listen."

"I'm listening.", Me and Lily both gave our attention, allowing Katsu to go on.

"Amaya, I want you to go and upgrade your gear. Better armor, better weapons, or maybe some useful items for yourself." He made it sound like I had to prepare for something big. But what? Something to do with the shadow ogre?

"Can I ask why?" My head tilted.

"No particular reason. It wouldn't hurt to upgrade your equipment to fit your needs. Or Better equipment, easier quests, less risk."

"Well, I guess that's true." I replied, "Annnd, what do i do after that?"

Making me tag along on the trip into the city, there had to be a reason he brought me along.

Katsu shrugged and shook his head, "Find something to do. I'm going to be busy for a while. I'll come find you when I'm done."

He turned and walked away, disappearing through the hordes of people.

'Well, that's that. A day to do what I want.'

Lily grabbed my arm with a big wide smile, "Yay. Guess we'll have ourselves girls' day out." she pulled me, guiding me, "I know just the place to get all your stuff. Trust me, it is the finest weapons shop in the city."

It was maybe only around four minutes of walking before we arrived, walking through the doors of the shop. I was not disappointed. This shop was incredible spacious, even though there were plenty of different isles to walk down. The floors were a dark, polished wood.

"Oh my gosh." I looked up and down, left and right.

This place had everything. Potions? Yes. Luxury swords that nearly glowed under the light? They had that too. Or if you were looking for armor, like I was, they had plenty of options.

"Wow." Lily giggled, covering her smile, "Your eyes are really shining there. Whatcha looking at?"

In front of me was a display of armor. A gleaming silver chestpeice, small but durable shoulder armor, and silver boots.

"This. It's amazing."

It's almost just what you'd see a female knight wear. Just less protected than a full suit of armor. But this would still be a huge upgrade. I already knew just what I wanted.

However...the price was sort of expensive.

[8,000 Honor]

In other words, it was the same value as four gold coins. It was affordable for me, but I had to know if it was worth it. My eyes scanned the set of armor, thoroughly.

[Analyze' Activated]

[Armor- When wearing this set of armor together, its wearer will be granted 17 armor. Enchantment: Resistance- When wearing this set of armor together, the wearer will enjoy a 25% damage reduction when taking damage.]

Yes. This is just what I needed with how likely I am to be hurt.

"I'll take it."

"It seems to be quite expensive. How do you plan to pay for this?"

"Don't worry, I got some things that are valuable."

"Ouh. Things? Like diamonds? Jewels? I didn't take you to be the wealthy type." her words did come out sounding like an insult, but she tried to correct herself, "Not that anything's wrong with your appearance. I just wouldn't have thought."

"I'm not wealthy. But...I did unexpectedly end up with some valuable gems awhile back."

Now that i had my armor picked out, it was time for my weapon upgrade. My eyes shifted over to the weapons isle. Immediately, one weapon caught my eye. A katana.

I ran over to it, lifting it off the shelf.

"This is soo awesome!"

The same kind of weapon you'd see all the badass ninjas use in your favorite movies.

Immediate yes. I didn't care about the price at all.

[Price: 2,000 Honor]

[Katana- A lightweight, easily maneuverable blade. Damage: 48]

Just like me, Lily also admired this weapon in awe.

"I see, I see. A katana. You're experience with such a weapon."

"Nope. But it looks cool and seems like some pretty powerful stuff. Good enough for me." I replied.

Never, not even once, have I ever used a katana, let alone held one. I may not know how to use it, but I was defiantly going to learn.

Shaking her head in disappointed, Lily sighed, "My, oh my. It takes technique to use such a blade, Amaya. Not just this one, but it applies for every blade."

I grinned and corrected her, "Anyone can pick up a blade and use it. It doesn't take skill to kill something with one. Don't get me wrong, maybe technique would help a lot, but if I thrust this thing at a monster, I think it'll get the job done."

Finger on her chin, Lily thought about it for a second, "Touche'. Just don't go getting yourself killed."

Arms full, I carried the items and threw them on the counter.

"This'll be all."

The clerk adjusted his glasses, shooting a friendly smile in my direction.

"I suppose you are quite the expensive one." he gave the items a good look before looking back up at me, "This'll cost a hefty amount. 10,000 Honor is your total."

I dropped a singular crystal on the counter.

"I don't have coins but, maybe I can pay with something like this."

"Oh. What do we have here?" Eyes full of interest, the Clerk held it up to the light, appraising its quality. His jaw nearly dropped, "A magic crystal, huh. Very valuable indeed. It has great worth."

"So? Deal?" I asked.

He shook his head, almost seeming disappointed, "Unfortunately, it's not worth enough to cover the cost of the items. You'd need at least four more of these beauties then maybe I'd be willing to make a trade. But until then-"

['Storage' Activated]

A light flashed from my hand, then I revealed exactly four more magic crystals, just like he asked. "So, like this? This will cover the cost, right?"

I could already feel the shock on their faces. They had the same reaction as the last guy I showed my little storage ability to.

A few moments passed before the Clerk got back on topic.

"Yeah, that'll do it."

A successful purchase, the items were now mine. Right away, I rushed to the nearest dressing room and changed into my new gear.

"I feel amazing."

I looked at my appearance through the window of a random building. Silver armor and a grey cloak. Now I looked more like an adventurer. Not to mention the katana on my hip. My hand unsheathed it, just so I could watch the blade sparkle under the sun's light.

"Wow."

It wasn't just some boring old katana. It had a unique look. A glimmering purple blade sparkled, almost like glitter on some areas. Did I already mention it sparkles?

I quickly sheathed it as Lily brought me out of thought.

"Ehem. Umm, Amaya?"

"Yes?"

"We're not going to talk about earlier?" she stroked her chin, "You know? The summoning magic you used? Magic of that tier takes increble skill. I practice every day and even I cannot accomplish such a feat." she grabbed my shoulders and pulled me close, "Amaya, I have to know. Please. Please show me how to do it. I would pay someone to teach me how to use accomplish that kind of magic but, it's just such a rarity that I can't find anyone that can actually do it."

Though, it wasn't magic. It was just an ability of mine, not something I can just teach. But I wasn't about to go into detail and explain.

"Oh...that? I'm sorry, it's just a little part trick?"

Lily released her grasp on my shoulders, her expression showed how let down she felt.

"A...A party trick?" she asked?

"Yeah. You know? Like sleight of hand? Misdirection and all that other stuff." I nodded.

"...I see." Lily crossed her arms, a slight frown on her face. It almost looked like she wanted to cry.

"Anyways..."

My eyes looked up and down this road of shops and buildings. Katsu said he was going to be gone awhile, so was else was I supposed to do to pass the time.

"...What now?" I asked.

Hand on her hip, Lily replied, "Hmmm. I would say we could attend the festival. However, it's still hours away from starting."

The two of us stood in silence as we searched for ideas in our minds.

But... an idea would end up presenting itself to us.

Just then, three fellow adventurers walked by. And we couldn't help but eavesdrop on their discussion.

The first one sighed, letting his arms weigh his shoulders down.

"We're still two member short. There's no way we'll be able to clear that dungeon with just the three of us."

"Should we try asking at the guild again?" the other asked.

"We tried that. Everyone's too occupied today. It's the day of the festival, nobody's going to tag along just to clear a dungeon today."

The girl of the group interjected, "Yes, that's true. Still, asking for assistance is our only option. Unless you'd rather wait till tomorrow."

Clearing a dungeon was not what I had in mind. And I didn't plan on assisting them.

Even soo...the look on Lily's face said enough. This was something she was thrilled to hear.

Her gaze met mine.

A grin formed across her lips, "So, Amaya. You up for a little dungeon clearing?"

I really didn't want to. Yet, at the same time, my hand was itching to test out my freshly bought katana. I gave it a lot of thought, to the point where a swear slid down the side of my face. I've had a break from bad luck lately, but this was just asking for misfortune to happen.

Eventually, I gave in.

"Sure. Sounds fun."