Magical Compatibility

— Oh, I was dying to see you!

Nebula: "Huh, me?!"

The old man holds her hand. She looks confused but not so uncomfortable.

— My name is William. It's an honor to meet such a young yet powerful apprentice!

He's the wizard the villagers talked about. He wears a purple wizard cloak and hat, both with little white stars. His long beard is white.

Nebula: "M-Mine's Nebula! I also feel honored to be praised by a master wizard!"

William: "What family do you come from? Maybe I know them. I've taught several magic users in different cities."

Nebula looks at me, a little conflicted at the idea of revealing our lineage. I nod at her in approval.

Nebula: "Well, my brother and I are from the Dial family. Our father is a famous tycoon named Albert."

William: "Albert... I've heard that name somewhere. The Merchant may have mentioned him a few times, saying he was a good friend..."

Sun: "Wait, the Merchant?"

I step up, as I recognize that nickname.

William: "Yes, the most famous tradekeeper in our country. Everyone has heard of him in one way or another."

Sun: "So he really exists? I kinda forgot about him..."

Slinger: "Forgot...?"

Sun: "Well, we can't really buy anything useful from him right now, as our prestige isn't the best."

Nebula: "What do you mean, brother? Dad is affiliated with him."

Sun: "I'm not talking about our family's prestige. The highest-ranking people go there. If they recognize us as a threat, we're gone."

William: "I can negotiate some items with him on your behalf. But they're quite expensive, so I can't pay for them out of pocket."

Sun: "We'll see about that later. What about your items? Are they good for beginners?"

William: "Oh, sure! Come with me, I'll show you my stock."

He leads us to a separate, well-kept room. Each item floats on a pedestal, with the price listed below. He points to a blue crystal orb.

William: "This is a simple link to the magical realm. By touching it, you increase your compatibility with magic, mana, and magical residue. Go ahead, try it."

Nebula reaches out, a little apprehensively. She touches it with her palm and closes her eyes, concentrating. She opens her eyes and smiles at me like the little girl she is.

Nebula: "Brother, come try it! I've read about these little portals in books, but I never thought they were so easy to use! Anyone can use them, mage or not."

Sun: "Really? What if it rejects me because I don't know much about magic?"

William: "Don't worry about it. On many occasions in life, everyone needs to use some magic, regardless of class."

I touch the orb, a bit scared of what's to come.

William: "Mana is the energy of the soul. You recover a little faster when you have more mana."

Sun: "It really works... Hey, is this for sale?"

William: "Sure! It's a bit expensive, but it doesn't break easily and can be used multiple times to gradually increase your magical compatibility."

I turn to look at the other two.

Sun: "Slinger, Miguel, come here. I'll buy it after you're done."

They touch the sphere. I place my Stocker on a scale and buy the orb. I offer it to Nebula.

Sun: "Keep it. It's safer in your hands."

Nebula: "A-Are you sure, brother? Well, if you don't mind..."

She shyly takes the orb and hides it in her Stocker.

Nebula: "Um, do you have magical weapons too?"

William: "Of course! For beginners, I recommend this one. It's a book full of water-related spells. From water jets to water explosions, you can end drought problems or use it as a means of mass destruction!"

Nebula: "The first half is good enough for me..."

She picks up the book and reads a few pages. She points her palm forward and summons drops of water, which she drinks.

Nebula: "It tastes like water... It is water."

Sun: "Do you think it's easy enough to use?"

Nebula: "Sure! I don't have a main weapon yet, so I think it's a good addition."

William: "Wait, are you serious? You've been using magic without any tools this whole time?"

Nebula: "My cloak and hat increase my power, but that's about it. I think I will take it."

She places her Stocker on top of the scale.

William: "A-Alright... I'll give you a discount."

Nebula: "Uh? Why?"

William: "You deserve it."

Nebula: "Well, thank you very much!"

Sun: "Miguel, you still haven't told us what your fighting style is."

Miguel: "I haven't chosen yet. I've practiced some swords and martial arts, but I can also talk to some animals."

William: "You can talk to animals? It's a rare attribute. Maybe you're a summoner?"

Miguel: "What is that?"

William: "A different kind of mage. In addition to being compatible with other magical weapons, you can use staffs to summon creatures that will fight for you."

Miguel: "I once convinced some birds to attack some thieves I saw on the street..."

Sun: "Do you have that sort of weapon, William?"

William: "Unfortunately, that's not my area of expertise. You might want to visit the witch's shop to see what she has in stock."

Sun: "Well, thanks for everything, William. Do you guys want to see more of the items here?"

Nebula: "I'm all set, brother."

Miguel: "I'm kinda curious about that witch now..."

Sun: "Slinger? Any objections?"

She stares at the floor, thoughtful. Then she waves us out of the store, and we do.

Sun: "Do you have something in mind?"

Slinger: "I just... have nothing to say."

Sun: "You can trust us with any of your problems."

Slinger: "Just... don't talk to me, okay? I'm not in the mood."

William: "I forgot to tell you where the witch shop is! Let me guide you."

He leaves his shop and takes us to a strange building, full of skulls, necklaces and sinister accessories.

William: "I don't want to see her right now, so good luck! Ah, and thank you for saving our village. I'll be forever grateful."

He runs away.

Sun: "This witch can't be that bad, right?"

We enter the building, a strong aroma invades our noses. I feel my body reacting to it.

It's aphrodisiac... we can't stay here for long.

Someone turns around to see us.

Huh? I didn't even realize anyone was there. Her clothes fit in well with the surroundings.

She wears a skull mask. Her body is not well covered by the bone and feather accessories. She stares at us through the mask, breathing heavily.

Sun: "Uh... do you have anything useful for summoners?"

She takes a moment to respond, raising her index finger and pulling it toward her, signaling for us to follow her. She turns and enters a dark room. We follow her hesitantly.

She stops in front of many staffs hanging on the wall.

Miguel: "Do you have anything for beginners...?"

She points to a wooden staff, the tip covered in green slime.

Miguel: "I think I will take it..."

Sun: "Don't worry, I'll buy it for you. You don't have your own money yet, so consider this your starting weapon."

Miguel: "Thanks, Sun..."

I purchase the staff. The witch picks it up and hands it to Miguel, who takes it, startled. She stands still. We wait for her to say something, but she just stares at us.

Sun: "Well, thank you, miss... I think we'll leave now, okay?"

She keeps staring at Miguel, who waves at her awkwardly. We leave.

Sun: "Huh... good thing we're strong enough to control our bodies."

Slinger looks at me in a different way than usual.

Sun: "Is something wrong?"

Slinger: "I-It's not my fault, okay?! Go to hell..."

Sun: "Huh? What was that for?"

Nebula: "How about we go on a mission?"

Sun: "Sounds great! Do you have any suggestions?"

Nebula: "Did you know that the association itself offers some quests? I was looking at the billboard earlier and saw some official missions."

Sun: "Really? And what do they gain from that?"

Nebula: "A percentage of the earnings."

I feel a chill run down my spine and turn around. The witch stares at us from the darkness.

Sun: "How about we go there and see the rest?"

We go the association's building.

Nebula: "How about this one?"

"Clear the taiga forest and ice castle in order to steal the queen's goods. You can keep the weapons, but some of the valuable relics will come to us. In return, you will receive huge amounts of experience and money."

Sun: "Are we going to kill monsters and steal from them? That doesn't sound about right..."

Slinger: "What, now you feel remorseful? The orcs started it all."

Sun: "Now we're the ones looking for fight..."

Slinger: "Let's see if they can be redeemed or not, like you did to me."