After a few more hours of riding, Kald finally saw it in the distance—the port town of Zar. It was no Waneir, but it had its own charm. Built on a slope, the town angled down from the hilltops all the way to the sea, where an expansive wooden dock stretched out over the water.
One thing Kald had to admit: the dock was way nicer than Waneir's.
"Looks like they put all their effort into the port," Dalan said, riding up beside him.
"Yeah," Kald nodded in agreement.
They continued toward the front gate and were let through without any hassle. As they made their way down the cobblestone streets, Lea called out from behind.
"Can't we get something to eat? I'm starving."
Kald slowed Coin to a stop, the rest of the party halting beside him. He looked up at the sky—it was darkening, rain was likely on it's way.
"You know what? Sure," Kald said. "No idea how long the boat ride will be, and I don't wanna be hungry the whole time."
Lea clenched her fist in satisfaction. "Nice."
After deciding Kald still led them toward the docks, where they left their horses at a stable. Just as the rain began to fall, Erina pointed out a small hole-in-the-wall pasta shop tucked between two larger buildings.
They ducked inside, and the aroma of garlic and cream immediately warmed their spirits. The food was surprisingly delicious—every dish was perfectly seasoned. After eating, they stepped back into the downpour.
Without a word, Erina flicked her wand and cast thin plates of water over each of their heads, holding them there with control magic to block out the rain.
"Who's the stupid mage now?" she said, turning toward Lea with a smug grin.
Lea smiled and patted Erina on the shoulder. "You're our stupid mage."
Erina narrowed her eyes and immediately dispelled the plate above Lea's head.
Lea stood there in the rain, with a deadpan expression. "…Forgive me. You are the greatest mage of our time."
Erina smiled and recast the water shield. "That's Noir—but I'll take the compliment."
They continued walking through the misty port town.
"Speaking of Noir…" Dalan piped up. "You think that firework last week was him too?"
Kald turned slightly. "Who else could it have been? No one else has that kind of magic power."
"There's Old Man Austclain," Lea added.
Kald laughed.
Erina chuckled too. "Well, yes, he certainly has the power—but I highly doubt someone like Austclain has time to mess around with fireworks, not while managing every guild in Toren."
Kald looked up at the raindrops splashing gently against his floating water plate. As the others chatted, his thoughts drifted. What if he were as strong as someone like Rion… or Austclain? If he were, he wouldn't be worrying so much about this next quest.
"Need to get stronger…" he muttered.
"What?" Dalan asked.
Kald shook his head with a grin. "Nothing."
Dalan smiled. "Hey, you think Noir knows about us?"
Kald rolled his eyes.
Lea stepped ahead of the group, arms crossed. "Yes, I'm sure the Mage of Impossibility knows all about Quick Fang," she said sarcastically.
Dalan shrugged. "You never know."
Kald laughed. "I think I know."
He then came to a stop—and so did the others.
Floating gently in the water before them was their boat.
(And thus, Quick Fang's adventure continues!)