Let's Go Out?

Sorin sighed out. There was never a way to win against Ino in a word fight. “I hope you actually aren't planning to go on a killing spree then. I do want the city to have some function; the east are still a threat.”

I should bring this up now that Keldric did mention it.

“How are you planning to stop an east attack if they find out the whole structure has collapsed?” Sorin pats himself down, waiting for an answer he didn't know if he would get.

Ino just smirked. “Even if they know, You're going to unite everyone. I think convincing the remainder of the mages is to offer them protection and let them be free of any crimes they committed, and treat it as a council mistake would work, so army-wise it won't change.”

That would make sense, but some commoners might have issues with that. I know I can't appeal to everyone, so perhaps blaming it all on the council is actually the right choice. It's a smart move, but with all the blame focused on them, they might even want an execution. I will deal with that myself later.

“Hey, Chikaru, how's that seal going? We need it in a couple of days, or should I find a new specialist.”

Chikaru gave a glare to her now, too. “Like you would find someone better? It will be done.”

“What sort of seal is she making? Why didn't I know of this if it's important for the mission!” Sorin instantly protested from the side, but Ino didn't falter in the slightest.

“It works by allowing commoners to hold the seal as it emits magic around them, allowing them to go on the bridges. We will activate them when we ascend ahead of them.” Ino really did take everything into account.

Sorin stared down at his hand, the blood now dried up from the moment Keldric hit him on his lip. Ino gave a sharp stare. “Seems you got injured a bit. What mage should I kill for this?”

“Just the chaos of everyone running around; it was just a commoner.” Sorin pushed the topic aside, not allowing for further conversation.

“Can you two stop bickering already? I'm trying to focus, so go out and eat together until I finish this up.”

Both of them didn't respond; it was normal for coworkers to eat out, obviously, but the dynamic between them wasn't so simple anymore as just coworkers; they, however, still technically were.

“That's a great idea!” She gave a wide smile, completely replacing the silence just a moment ago. “Sorin gets ready. We're going down to my favourite place.”

Chikaru sighed in relief. Sorin was left now with the pair staring straight at him; there was only one choice he could make at this stage, so why did they stare at him like there was anything else he could say.

I don't mind going out, but with only Ino, I guess it can't be helped. But what would we even talk about? It's not like I actually know what she enjoys outside of magic.

Sorin nodded reluctantly. “Let's go then; I don't want to take too much time. " I'm tired after all the missions and training.” As he stepped towards the door of the base, he was stopped; however, Ino's hand stretched out as her purple hair blocked half his view.

“Not like that; how dare you go out with your master being dressed improperly?” Ino quickly protested this inelegance.

He just sighed out, “We both don't have anything extra to spare, and I can go put on my commoner clothing if you wish, or we can go robe to robe together. I think either is fine.” He then brushed her hand aside, jumping out of the base hatch onto the vertically stacked city.

“You're so stingy I might die from boredom, you know.” Ino followed close behind, the both of them now standing around the base entrance; it wasn't best to linger, however. The two of them walked towards a metal edge, looking down at several floors beneath them. “First one to the bottom then!” Ino jumped down without remorse.

How can she turn a simple outing into a whole contest? I don't like how this will go, however. This is my last chance to be alone with Ino where we can talk it out. After that, it's just training and then the big day, which is all on her side to plan, and I need to stay in condition.

Sorin jumped down after her, but obviously she was already waiting for him with a smirk. “Guess I won; students are so easy to win against, but I suppose that's what makes me the master after all!”

“If I were the one who was faster and stronger, then I would be the one teaching you rather. So your point is proven.” They both walked on the bottom floor; the overwhelming smells were still present as every piece of food fought for his attention. “Where is this place of yours anyway?”

Ino didn't reply, but she kept walking just a step ahead of Sorin until the rows of stalls turned into a couple less and a couple less. The people who were merely dodging Sorin were now actually enough to walk comfortably; they were heading away from the main part towards a more secluded edge where there was a single stand, which Ino was standing by.

A massive, bulky woman with spiky hair and an apron was grilling in front of them. A simple furnace heated it as it burned with the smell of fresh meat. “Heya there champs, what can I do for ya? Oh— Ino it's been quite a bit, who's this fella with you? Don't tell me you found a guy to be with, that would be hilarious.”

“He's not my boyfriend, just a coworker. Hey, Sorin, can I pick out the food for you?” She turned her purple eyes towards Sorin; they seemed somewhat softer this time around when staring into him but still scary nonetheless.

Sorin shook his head, staring away from Ino’s eyes, returning himself to the moment. “Ya sure, not like I know this spot better than you do after all.” She then gave a nod to the lady who instantly knew what to make.

“Two house specials coming right up, just don't get all kissy in front of me or I will have to hit you both on the head ya?” The bulky woman instantly got to work, turning herself around, grabbing two pieces of stripped meat and throwing it onto the grill. She then got fresh bread and put that on the grill too. “Just wait a moment.”

This silence is still stretching; we haven't said a word to each other. What am I even supposed to say in this situation? I feel like anything might just trigger some explosion or make her want to kill me in an instant!

“Hey, you look pale,” Ino commented before laying her head down onto the stall; her face looked like it was melting into it. Sorin, do you think there's something wrong with me?”

What sort of question is that!