A Well-Deserved Break

The afternoon passed quickly as Gwen tested out different magic combinations to defeat the kobolds.

Overall, trapping them in an earth prison and roasting them in fire was her method, though it drained too much magic. Another one involved earth spikes striking the soft area underneath their chin.

Who knew Earth Magic could be so useful. Gwen thought happily, letting out a small hum as she and Kira walked out of the floor transporter.

The floor transporter allows adventurers to travel to a dungeon floor. It worked similarly to an elevator, but only to floors you’ve been to previously. For Gwen, that meant only Floor Two was available.

Still, it made traveling much quicker. No one wanted to fight through a bunch of wolves every time they wanted to reach the stairs.

They walked out of the dungeon entrance, passing adventurers heading inside.

Be safe, my fellow adventurers; it’s my turn to clock out for the day.

With the rumors dying down, Gwen was finally able to enjoy the capital without problems. After being in this world for almost a month, she still hadn’t adjusted to seeing all the different races.

Some people looked like full animals, like wolves, and there were people with just animal features like Kira.

On one of my days off, I’m going to learn about the different cultures around the capital, starting with the leopard tribe! Their food smells so delicious, and I’ve been craving something spicy.

Her stomach growled in agreement.

“Kira, do you have any plans for Saturday?” Gwen asked, looking down at her companion.

Kira tilted her head to the side. “Hmm, I don’t think so. I can double-check with my sister, but I think I’m free all day.”

“Good! I’m going to be trying new food during the festival. I was wondering if you and your sister wanted to join me?”

“You? Taking a day off?” Kira let out a snort. “I’ll believe it when I see it.”

“Ugh, I’m taking the day to try new foods!”

“Hmm, fine. But if you end up fighting, I want a full day's pay.”

Gwen threw her arms up in the air. “Fine, you get full pay if I somehow take a job, enter the dungeon, or train while we’re out.”

“Okay, deal!”

Gwen shot her a mock glare; secretly, she was happy, but kept the smile off her face.

Falling into a comfortable silence, they walked the rest of the way to the Adventurer’s Guild. The moment they entered, they were greeted by the familiar roar of laughter and lively chatter.

She joined the back of Mel's line for the guild receptionist. As they inched forward, Gwen felt someone step in right behind them.

The intense gaze on her back dragged out the seconds, giving her goosebumps until the person finally spoke.

“Are you the new mage everyone’s been talking about?” a deep, masculine voice asked. “I think your name was Gwen, right?”

She glanced over her shoulder at the man. “No, thanks, I’m not interested in talking with you”

“Wait, you didn’t even give me a chance to finish.”

She ignored the rest of his reply, focusing instead on the upcoming weekend. A sharp tug on her jacket made her look down.

“Do you think it’s wise to be that rude to someone you just met?” Kira whispered.

“I’d rather not deal with anyone at the moment. Besides, he was part of a party that mocked me on the first day I went into the dungeon.”

“I see…”

“It’ll be fine. Just let me handle it,” Gwen replied, patting the top of Kira’s head.

Kira nodded, saying nothing more as she also ignored the man.

The man tried to grab Gwen’s attention a few more times, but she ignored every attempt as they reached the front of the counter.

“I was wondering when you two were going to make it back,” Mel said tiredly.

“Sorry, we went a little overboard with training today,” Gwen admitted sheepishly.

“A little overboard, she says,” Kira muttered under her breath.

Gwen shot her a sharp glare. “Shush you!”

“Were you guys able to finish the request?” Mel asked before they could start bickering.

“Of course!” Kira answered, flexing her arm. “It was very simple—just some wolves we had to hunt for their pelts.”

“Yeah, we totally took care of them together,” Gwen added.

“Good. Drop the materials on the counter along with anything else you’re selling, and I’ll get them processed,” Mel said, clapping her hands together.

Kira stepped up, reaching into the pouch. She dumped the wolf pelts on the counter alongside fifteen mana stones dropped by kobolds.

They could have sold more scales and stones, but Gwen wanted to avoid flooding the market and end up drawing unwanted attention.

No point in pissing off the merchants; I’m only a simple adventurer.

Mel pulled a bin and scooped everything up. “Give me just a moment, and I’ll be right back with your payment.”

Gwen offered a quick “thank you” as Mel stepped away.

Waiting in line quickly became awkward again with the strange man still glaring at their backs. To distract herself, Gwen leaned down toward Kira.

“Hey, how about we grab some food after this?” she offered, not wanting to eat alone. “You can even pick the place, and it's my treat. You can even have your sister join us later if she’d like!

At the word food, Kira’s ears perked up instantly. “Are you actually paying, or just saying that?”

“I promise! We can even get that fish you liked—salmon or whatever it was?

“Yes!” Kira nodded rapidly, bouncing on her feet. “I’m going to eat so much I’ll make you go broke!”

“Hey! That’s not nice! If I go broke, how am I supposed to pay you?”

“I guess you’ll just have to find a cheaper porter!

Gwen shrugged. “True…maybe I’ll find one who complains less.”

“Aww, but they will be less skilled.”

“That is a downside.”

They both snickered quietly before Mel returned carrying a small, clinking brown bag.

"Alrighty, Gwen, your total from the wolf pelts came out to three silver coins," Mel explained, sliding the bag forward. "The mana stones sold for a silver apiece, totaling fifteen silver. I broke two silvers into copper. So you have sixteen silver coins and two hundred copper coins."

“Thank you so much, Mel!” Gwen said, taking the bag and handing it to Kira.

“Ugh, why do you never count to make sure it's correct?”

“Does it matter? If the guild would go so far as to rip people off, I could always just sell my material elsewhere.”

“I guess that's true!”

“See, I trust you and Kira not to rip me off, so I’m not too worried.”

“Plus, with how much she hunts, she could be rich in no time,” Kira added.

“Shush you!”

Kira gave her a cheeky grin.

“Well, is there anything else you guys need for today?”

Gwen shook her head. “Nope, we’re good. I’ll see you tomorrow!”

“I’ll see you later on tonight, sis!” Kira said, handing the empty bag to Mel. “I’m going to get food with Gwen; I’ll make sure to bring you some back.”

Mel sighed. “I wish I could leave with you guys.”

“You can join us next time.”

Kira nodded in agreement.

With that, the duo turned away from the counter, heading for the guild doors. The strange man was still staring daggers into their backs. Gwen glanced over her shoulder one last time to make eye contact with him, a strange, uneasy chill washing over her.

I don't know who that guy is, and I definitely don't remember him from the story, she thought nervously, following behind the porter. I’ll have to ask Mel for his name tomorrow.

"Ugh, can you hurry up? I'm starving!" Kira complained from up ahead, waving her forward.

Gwen let out a deep breath, pushing the unease to the back of her mind, and broke into a jog to catch up.