Off they went, fighting creatures and collecting many interesting things on the way. The pair were basically wearing rags now, but bringing items to sell at the village would be a ton of help.
Mizuki took the chance to discuss the plan with Astrid.
"So, you know what we're gonna do when we get to the city? Because I don't think we'll be able to get near Baron when we're there."
"Shit. I didn't think about that. Is there a way to get him to acknowledge us?"
"There is...but it isn't a good idea."
Astrid insisted to know. "Tell me."
Mizuki sighs. "The best magic school. Kanpeki Academy. We both can take the exam and enter into the last year of the school."
"Um....I don't think I can enter..."
"Why? Is it your magic skill? Cos I heard you're mana core was a tier 3."
She sighs. "I'm 20. I can't apply.."
The boy nearly fainted. "2-20? I though you were the same age as me!"
"Aha...I get that a lot...."
"Damn, I'm younger than you by a lot..." He continued to walk as he looked down, deep in thought.
"Hey, you know what that means, right? You should be able to pass by as a student!"
"But the risk of being caught..."
"You're gonna worry about being caught when you're planning to kill Baron?"
"Right..."
They awkwardly exchanged a smile and were quiet for a bit. Then Astrid spoke up.
"Hey, I can see the village!"
"Oh, you're right!"
Up ahead, is another town, one similar to the previous. This one seemed more developed. It had a large wooden fence surrounding it, like it was being protected from something. Mizuki and Astrid greeted the guard at the front gate.
"Who are you two?"
Astrid replied. "We are outcasts from another town."
The guard patted them down, and let them through the gate after giving them a dirty look.
They looked around. The town was pretty packed, traders selling goods in the market, and villagers entering and exiting shops. They pass by a sketchy store, which reads •Adventurer Workshop•. Looking around for a bit, they realised that there are no other shops that sold the things they needed, so the pair reluctantly shuffled their way in.
"Welcome! All your goods can be sold, and bought here!" The shopkeeper was an old man, with shaggy hair and round glasses.
Astrid dropped a bag of goblin brute heart crystals. "How much can I get for this?"
The old man pushed his glasses up.
"Woah! 1, 2, 3, 4.....15 heart crystals! These are goblin brutes as well! This can go for a minimum of 50 gold!"
Mizuki immediately snatched the gold out of the man's hand. "Deal!" It seemed like he was a bit of a money chaser.
"So, Astrid, what do we need?"
"Hmmm.... we need new clothes and a bit of armour. Leave enough money to buy a kin and a one night room in a hotel. Treat yourself to a new sword as well."
"Really?"
"Sure."
Moments of decision making later, Astrid and Mizuki were finally dressed up. Mizuki bought a black hooded cloak that concealed his presence, which gave him more defense and a slightly big speed boost. His new katana had a black handle, and the blade would only show if he infused mana into it. Astrid, on the other hand, got a necklace that sterilises poisons. She really didn't know what to buy, resulting in her saving the rest.
***
The night came before they knew it. It was beginning to get to dark to see, so the two made their way to a nearby inn.
"Excuse me, can we get a room for two?"
The woman at the desk giggled mischievously.
"There is currently one room for one right now."
"Eh? Are you sure? Guess we'll just search for another hotel.."
"Wait, wait, wait! It's really dark out right now so i wouldn't recommend leaving! And for the inconvenience, i'll provide you with a free breakfast in the morning!"
Astrid gladly accepted. "She was too desperate..."
Mizuki, however, was fidgeting and mumbling about sleeping.
Once they reached the room, all their things were dropped off in the corner. Astrid changed her clothes into something suitable, and jumped on the bed.
Mizuki, however, was now fidgeting even more and acting a but flustered.
"Yknow, i'm gonna just sleep on the floor tonight, how about that?"
"What are you talking about? Oh, shoot."
"Yeah..."
"Mizu, just get in. Use your cloak as a blanket or something. I don't feel right leaving you to sleep elsewhere."
Mizuki opposingly laid down on the very edge of the bed and covered himself in his cloak. Astrid fell asleep instantly, while Mizu couldn't get a wink.
***
Mizuki got up to eat his free breakfast. He noted the same woman from last night.
"Excuse me, can I ask you something?"
The woman glanced at him.
"Oh, you're the pretty boy that girl was with. What is it?"
"Pretty boy?..." He shaked his head. "Anyways, You know where I can find a kin rider who will take me to the city?"
"Kin riders? I guess there would be some going to the city, today. In half an hour actually. Just head to the port. It's on the other side of the town so you better get going."
Mizuki stood up and dashed to the room to wake up Astrid.
"Astrid! Get up! We've got to go! Now!"
"Wha....huh? Oh Mizu, late to what?"
"No time to explain!" He chucked her outfit at her. "Hurry up!"
She, at last, readied up and accompanied Mizuki.
"Alright, let's go."
"You already took too long! Here, get on!"
He got on one knee, prompting Astrid to get on his back.
"Eh, your back? You sure? I may be a bit heavy..."
"I'm not a tier 3 swordsman for no reason. Get on."
When Astrid settled on Mizuki's back, she felt a blast of wind against her face as Mizuki ran through the town.
'Damn, he's fast.'
They got to the port in less than 20 minutes, which meant they were just in time for the departure.
"I didn't realise you were that quick."
"Thanks, i guess. Now let's get on the carriage."
The pair hitched a ride on the carriage. They finally were gonna make it to the city.