The next morning, Tang San mentioned to Xiao Wu and Ayan that he needed to go into town to buy a few daily necessities. Xiao Wu immediately volunteered to tag along — the promise of a change of scenery and a bit of excitement was too tempting to pass up.
Ayan simply said, "I'll come too."
No reason given, no further explanation — just a calm statement.
The three slipped out of the academy gates, the village chief's letter of introduction still fresh in Tang San's possession. Notting City was small compared to the great capitals of the continent, but for new students from the countryside, it still felt lively. The streets bustled with merchants calling out their wares, children weaving between carts, and the occasional Spirit Master walking with quiet confidence.
Tang San led the way, heading straight for the market stalls. He was meticulous — comparing prices of writing brushes, checking the quality of ink, weighing each purchase carefully. Xiao Wu, meanwhile, darted from stall to stall, stopping to try on hair ribbons, bright scarves, and even tasting candied fruit from a street vendor.
Ayan followed, but rarely beside them.
He kept a slower pace, eyes drifting over the crowd. Every stall, every merchant's cart — he wasn't looking for supplies. He was looking for information.
At one point, while Tang San was haggling over a set of books, Ayan stopped at a corner where a few older boys were quietly exchanging coin and rolled-up slips of paper. With a small smile, he lingered just long enough to catch a name and location mentioned in their whispered deal.
Smuggling routes, he thought. Even in a small city, opportunity breathes between the cracks.
By midday, Tang San had everything he needed — simple tools, paper, some thread, and a small pouch of food supplies. Xiao Wu had acquired a new pink ribbon and was twirling happily.
As they made their way back to the academy, Xiao Wu teased Tang San for being too serious. Tang San smiled quietly.
Ayan walked a few steps behind, hands in his pockets. He had spent barely a single coin that day, yet in his mind, the trip had been profitable. Now he knew which alleys hid the small-time fixers, which shops traded information under the table, and which guards at the west gate looked the other way when silver was offered.
For Tang San, it was a day of buying essentials.
For Ayan, it was the beginning of planting roots in a new city.