The two stared at each other, eyes wide.
Shaka really wanted to ask how the food was at the station, if they served four dishes and a soup. He could tell Kageno was thinking the same thing.
They held each other's gaze for a long time until Dekomori grew jealous, interrupting them.
Kageno Minoru glanced at Dekomori, scratched his head, and spoke in his usual straightforward way:
"Well, I'm the most free. Just got a new job in Orario, selling potato balls again. 60 Faris an hour. Though we're already closed for the day."
Is that something to be proud of...?
Shaka gave a thumbs-up anyway: "Congrats you've found the ultimate secret weapon to survive in this world!"
Soon after, Leon emerged carrying the metal box, plus a pouch at his waist.
"This is the payment from Old Maize. He said he's grateful you saved his life."
Shaka took the pouch it was filled with 10,000 Holy Gold Coins each, totaling around 1 million Faris. A significant sum indeed.
"Thanks," Shaka said gratefully, then began to think:
A million Faris isn't a fortune, but it's not nothing either. I need to use this to rent a place in Orario somewhere to stay. The "school district" is in Mellen Port City, not too far but not close enough for easy commuting. Guess I'll have to make do with a hotel for tonight.
As the group left, a fully cloaked figure stood silently on the rooftop across from the Ganesha Familia headquarters, watching the three disappear into the distance. Only when they were gone did the figure turn and jump down.
"Ryuu, I knew you'd be here."
Shakti had appeared at a street corner, leaning against the wall with arms crossed and an unreadable expression.
"Hmm." Ryu paused, slowly gripping the wooden sword at her waist.
"What, you want to fight me?" Shakti sounded annoyed.
Ryu pulled back her hood, revealing short emerald-green hair and deep, star-like eyes though the stars seemed clouded, as if reproaching her:
"If you don't release them, I'll break in myself. I'll take responsibility for my own actions; those children shouldn't be blamed."
Shakti clapped her hands and raised an eyebrow: "Such a 'responsible' senior indeed."
"If only they'd behave themselves a little. They've caused quite a mess this time!"
You have no idea what that child means… Ryu remained calm and asked directly:
"What do you plan to do?"
"Hmm?" Shakti curved her lips into a smile: "You really do protect your own. That makes things simple. Listen carefully if you act out of line again, I'll hold those kids accountable."
"You don't want them to end up on the wanted list, do you?"
Ryu's eyes widened: "How could you!"
That child must not be tainted! He carries Alise's will and can raise the banner of justice once more… she thought to herself.
In her heart, Ryu believed Alise was the only one besides Astraea who could uphold absolute justice. She had no idea that to others, she was the one meant to carry on that legacy.
Shakti noticed her hesitation and spoke meaningfully:
"If you don't want that, then lie low for a while. Wouldn't it be better to quietly be a good 'senior'? Or go back to washing dishes like you were."
"If Adi saw you now, she wouldn't be happy."
"Hmm."
Oh no, she's got me there…
Ryu's eyelashes fluttered as she looked down, then turned to leave.
I don't have time to argue with this woman…
Shakti called after her: "Remember the guild isn't looking to punish you, but if you cause trouble I can't cover up, I'll go after whoever's in charge!"
"Got it," Ryu muttered, quickening her pace until she disappeared from sight.
Orario, Southwest Street Trading Area
Orario was far larger than Shaka had imagined at least ten kilometers across, divided into eight districts like slices of cake. Even at an adventurer's pace, it took over fifty minutes to walk from the Ganesha Familia to Southwest Street, where the "school district" was located.
This area was home to the city's largest concentration of migrant workers. Notably, the Apollo Familia's old headquarters the Hearth House where Belial and his friends once stayed was on this street.
The three followed Leon to the school district's reception hotel, which had been fully booked for students participating in the "Special Dungeon Internship."
Dekomori headed to her room to log off she had to go to school the next day. The girl had nearly tried to escape from the station earlier.
"Come to the school district tomorrow to test the new equipment," Leon instructed before gracefully heading upstairs.
Kageno Minoru stayed with Shaka as they prepared to check in…
"I'm sorry, we're fully occupied. If possible, could you coordinate with your classmates to share a room?" the receptionist apologized.
Shaka looked at Kageno.
With Dekomori gone, Kageno had reverted to his usual cold demeanor: "Sorry I usually explore dungeons at night…"
So… you weren't planning to check in at all?
Kageno added two more words: "Save money."
Typical of Shadow…
Only then did Shaka realize, since they were simulating real adventurers, students had to earn their own lodging fees by exploring dungeons!
"Alright then."
Shaka stood there helplessly with hands on hips. He had no one else to ask all rooms were taken, and the other occupied rooms were for girls. Even if they weren't online, it wouldn't be right to intrude…
His eyes darted around before he slung an arm around Kageno's shoulders and whispered: "How about I take you somewhere nice?"
"I'm not going."
"I promise it's something brand new you've never experienced!"
Kageno's eyes lit up. Could it be the latest training gear? Or a luxury store with an aristocratic vibe?
The two left the hotel and jogged all the way, eventually reaching Southeast Street after thirty minutes.
This street had a special name: Happy Street.
They stood before the bustling red-light district, watching as adventurers arrived with stiff backs and high spirits, only to leave sighing and rubbing sore muscles though their eyes held a strange glint of anticipation.
Shaka patted Kageno's shoulder and said:
"As they say, the three strongest bonds in life are forged by fighting together, studying together, and… going to brothels together no, I mean sharing spoils together."
"Although we aren't classmates, sharing the same cell is the same"
"Now we just need to… well, split the loot, that's all."
Shaka pulled out his small gold pouch, his face brimming with curiosity: "How about it? Let me show you something new today…"
You're clearly younger than me! Kageno thought, glancing sideways.
"What? Don't look at me like that we're respectable people, just going to take a look. I heard they have music here! Some places are like cabarets. Aren't you curious?"
Kageno hesitated. While training was appealing, he was still in his teens…
Besides
Brothels, entertainment venues… who wouldn't be curious?
Most importantly: Orario's potato ball business hasn't expanded to Happy Street yet!
Kageno quickly switched to a more flustered demeanor, his face reddening: "Is this… content that's allowed?"
"Of course! Give it a shot!" Shaka enthused.
I'm still nobody in Orario. Once I'm famous, if I come here I'll probably be chased everywhere like Bell. If I miss this chance now, I'll never get another!
He grinned excitedly and snapped his fingers: "Let's go! We have nothing to do tonight anyway, we'll listen to some music, maybe have a drink, and who knows maybe I'll get tipsy and stay the night!"
Hands behind his back, he strode toward the street bathed in warm red light.
Whoosh
Suddenly, a figure appeared behind him. Her face was masked, but short bright green hair and pointed ears marked her as an elf. Fierce determination flashed in her eyes.
A wooden sword sliced through the air, striking Shaka precisely at the base of his neck.
"Ugh—" Shaka's vision blacked out, and he collapsed instantly.
Kageno's pupils contracted. So fast—faster than the Level 5 opponent I've faced…
He was about to flee when he met Ryu's murderous gaze.
"Don't move."
I'm just along for the ride…
Kageno raised his hands: "Alright, I surrender…"
The surrounding patrons were startled but quickly lost interest,this was just a personal dispute. In Happy Street, issues were handled by the Ishtar Familia; outside, it was Ganesha's territory. Either way, regular adventurers didn't need to interfere.
Ryu sheathed her sword, hoisted Shaka onto her back, then looked at Kageno with her striking eyes and said calmly: "Come with me."
Kageno obeyed without protest.
Could this be some kind of underage protection measure? No this isn't a game… But what's she doing here?
We were just going to listen to music and maybe stay the night why'd she knock him out like that?
Kageno's expression grew increasingly odd: "Could it be? Shaka's lover?? Hiss—"
Ryu led them through the streets until they reached the Abundant Mistress.