As time passes, Himitsu and Mizuda emerge from the forest, making their way back to the kingdom. Walking side by side, Himitsu poses a question.
Himitsu: "Ummm, are you an assassin or something?"
Mizuda: "Of course! I've been an assassin for many years."
Her eyes light up with excitement.
Himitsu: "That's so cool! You must be really strong!"
Mizuda smiles, scratching her head.
Mizuda: "I suppose you could say that. But it requires hard work and dedication."
Himitsu: "Oh. Do you think I could become one?"
Surprised, Mizuda turns her gaze to him, assessing him from head to toe.
Mizuda: "Honestly, I see some potential in you, but that decision is up to you. You'll need to discuss it with your parents."
At this, Himitsu's heart sinks, and he lowers his head.
Mizuda: "Hey now, don't be sad. Your parents haven't said no yet."
He mumbles to himself.
Himitsu: "That's because they will."
As they continue down the path, they hear a young man ahead yelling in frustration.
Young Man: "I can't believe this!"
Himitsu quickly raises his head to see the man in the distance, kicking the ground in anger.
Himitsu: "Why is that man so angry?"
Mizuda: "I'm not sure."
Concerned, Mizuda approaches him while Himitsu hides behind her. As they draw near, they see the man's visibly upset face. Mizuda waves her hand in greeting.
Mizuda: "Hello, sir. What seems to be the problem?"
The man turns to them, exasperated.
Young Man: "Everything! I just got scammed by an old hag!"
Himitsu peeks out from behind Mizuda.
Himitsu: "Old hag?"
Young Man: "Yes! I accepted a bounty to kill some orcs, and the reward was supposed to be a "special power."
Both Mizuda and Himitsu's eyes widen in surprise.
Mizuda: "I see. Well, this young boy might have taken the same bounty."
Shock spreads across the man's face as he looks at Himitsu.
Young Man: "You too? Either way, I wouldn't bother claiming your reward. She's nothing but a scam artist!"
With that, the young man walks past them, heading toward the forest.
Mizuda: "Well... that was something."
Himitsu: "Is the old hag really a liar? I really want a special power..."
He starts to lose hope, clenching his hands tightly.
Mizuda: "I don't think that man would lie to us. Let's go find out."
Determined, they continue on their way to the kingdom, following the address. Upon reaching the city, they walk through the streets. After a few minutes, they arrive at a small, rundown house with a sketchy sign that reads "Bounty Shop."
Himitsu: "Is this it?"
Mizuda scans the house, her expression serious.
Mizuda: "Mhmm. This is the place. Just stay behind me."
Himitsu gulps and huddles closer to her. They approach the house, and Mizuda stretches out her hand to the door. She grasps the handle and pushes it open, stepping inside. Once inside, they look around the room filled with mysterious items and insects crawling everywhere. Ahead of them stands a frail old lady with a cane, wearing a disturbing smile behind the counter.
Old Hag: "Why, hello there."
Shaking in fear, Himitsu quickly looks away, while Mizuda stands her ground.
Mizuda: "Are you the one putting out these bounties?"
The old lady slowly nods, chuckling.
Old Hag: "Indeed. That would be me."