A Day in Lucerna

A few weeks had passed since the end of the Party Ranking Exam. While Kamiro and the party awaited the results, they completed some unranked quests to pass the time, the most exciting of which involved getting rid of pests in the farms right outside the city.

Before long, they had announced that the results would be posted the following day, so instead of going on another useless unranked quest, Ayu and Earla decided to have a girl's day out.

"Well, it's not like I'm jealous or anything..." Kamiro spoke to himself in the dining hall, drawing curious stares from the few students nearby. Earla and Ayu left him alone after eating breakfast.

He fidgeted with his half-eaten meal with a grumpy expression. Di Reids had mentioned he would be busy today too. I need more friends.... Wait, what am I saying? He'd long gotten used to being alone anyway. Kamiro sighed. "Might as well explore the city and get my mind off the results coming tomorrow."

With the guild academy tucked away at the north-east corner of the city and closed off by a natural barrier of large trees, Kamiro hadn't taken much time to explore the city.

He made his way towards the city center while his senses were filled with various sights and sounds.

I've been here for months now and barely know the city. To be fair, he barely knew the big city back in his world after moving there, and he was there for almost two years. Although, Lucerna was much smaller in comparison...

The city's stone roads were filled with people from all walks of life during the afternoon rush. Pubs, food stands, inns, and various shops cluttered the sides, along with dark alleys and dead-end streets that'd only lead to trouble.

"The Valley City of Lucerna..."

Kamiro had some knowledge of the city and kingdom from half-listening during lectures in the guild academy, but most of it had been coming from books. During his free time, he often found himself in the grand library the academy had and was learning much more there.

Located in a valley between two mountain ranges, Lucerna was one of the three great cities of the Faro Kingdom, and due to it being between the other two great cities, one north and south, it was buzzing with commerce and trade. But Lucerna was mostly known for its adventurer's guild and their academy.

Well, that's enough exploring for one day. Wonder what Ayu and Earla are doing right now.

The sun was still high in the sky as the afternoon had just begun. Kamiro passed by one of the city's many dark alleys while he headed back to the academy.

"You're kidding, right?" And of course, no one else happens to be around.

Inside of it, he could make out a young boy surrounded by a group of muggers. The boy glanced at him but Kamiro averted his eyes and continued walking.

Nope, not my problem. There's no way I'm going to endanger myself for someone I don't even know.

After a few minutes, he came to an abrupt stop and sighed. "Fine..." He turned around but took his time going back. "A scream of help would've been nice..." Kamiro spoke with little enthusiasm while he approached the dark alley. "Hey, kid, you still alive in there?"

To his surprise, he found the kid alive and well... All the while, the three muggers laid unconscious and beat up. The kid stood over them and rummaged their bodies.

"Wow. They're completely broke..." The kid muttered.

Well, gotta say, I wasn't expecting this.

"Oh. It's you. Thanks so much for ignoring me," The kid said with a gleaming smile.

Kamiro stood with a puzzled look. Huh? I don't think he's being sarcastic either...

The kid got off his victim's bodies and dusted himself off. He looked around ten years old, had light brown hair and soft green eyes, but his behavior contradicted his innocent look. It also didn't help that he was wearing what appeared to be bishops' clothing.

"When we made eye contact, I was praying so hard to the goddess Orses to have you continue walking. If you had stopped to help, my plan to lure them in would've been ruined." The kid walked towards Kamiro and inspected him. Kamiro was wearing a casual Adventurer attire he'd gotten from the guild.

"Hmm, are you by any chance... an Adventurer?"

"...Yeah, a student Adventurer. I'm actually attending the Lucerna Guild Academy," Kamiro said.

The young boy's eyes lit up. "No way..." He began to fidget his fingers. "My dream is to become an Adventurer as well and enroll in the academy."

"I see, but it looks like you got a few more years before you can try to become an Adventurer." Would they even allow a dangerous kid like him to enroll?

"Well, not really. I'm already twelve years old, but... I doubt I'll ever be able to become an Adventurer..." The young boy tugged down on his little bishop's uniform with a downcast gaze.

He seems kinda sad all of a sudden. "Well, I'm glad everything worked out then. I'll be on my way," Kamiro said. He glanced at the three unconscious men. The poor muggers are out cold... What did this kid do to them?

"N-No wait! I still need to give you proper thanks."

"That's okay—"

"I know, I'll treat you to something!" The boy interrupted. "Oh. Wait... I don't have much money..." he said under his breath while he glared at the helpless unconscious muggers.

"Don't worry, I was already heading back anyway. I was just exploring the city." Though I barely explored much of it, to be honest.

"That's it! I'll show you around the city," The boy said.

"No, it's fine. Really."

The boy started glancing around with a nervous expression.

Out of Kamiro's peripheral vision, saw some figures turned past the corner of the alley. Are those... nuns?

A small group of nuns headed their way, and as soon as the young boy noticed, he snatched Kamiro by the hand and ran off.

"Wait, what are you—?"

"You're exploring the city, right? I'll show you the best spots. Oh, and I'm Nolan, by the way."

Before Kamiro had any chance to protest, Nolan had already dragged him away.

***

After some coercion, Kamiro stopped resisting and he let Nolan show him around the city. They visited some great food stands and restaurants that were sure to turn him into a regular. 'Old Benny's' was the best place to get some fantastic deals on armor and weapons; the old man ran the armory along with his cute daughter and was very friendly. Nolan wouldn't release his gaze from the girl's modest chest and Kamiro nearly had to drag him out of place.

They also stopped by a magic shop with some interesting magic artifacts for sale, but all Kamiro could afford was to look at the items from behind a glass container. He'd read of them before. Remnants from the days of ancient magic, Magic Artifacts were special items that provided various magic enhancements and abilities. Some were more common than others, but most were still hard to acquire due to rarity and high prices.

That amulet that Ayu's mother left behind must've been a rare magic artifact. It seemed its use was limited, but if there's a chance that I come across a similar one, then I can...

"...So, Kamiro from a southern island nation?" Nolan said while they walked through the bustling market.

"Y-Yeah. It's not even on the maps from here," Kamiro said with an anxious chuckle.

"Still, I'm surprised you've been here for months now and haven't really explored the city. I do it during any chance I get." Nolan stared at his feet while they walked. "I'm always kept secluded from the other children... so it's no fun being at the church."

"You grew up there?"

"Yeah, for as long as I can remember, and they're planning to send me to the capital to continue my bishop training." Nolan's expression dulled.

I see. So that's why his dream of being an Adventurer seems so out of reach.

Nolan stopped upon reaching a small stone bridge overpassing the river that cut through the city. "On the other side is the Noble manors, along with the Church of Orses... The branch here is mainly focused on training children for bishop-hood, but the main church—the cathedral—is in the capital."

The Holy Capital Pristino. I think that's one of the three great cities in the kingdom.

"L-Let's keep moving," Nolan said while he checked his surroundings.

The falling sun's orange glow had cast shadows around the city.

Can't believe I've been out here all day.

Kamiro walked past an attractive woman and heard some whistling—catcalling directed towards her. The woman stopped without warning, and before he realized, she had slapped him across the face.

"Pervert!" The woman scurried away while Kamiro stood confused.

What just...? Wait... Kamiro regained his composure and saw Nolan ogling at the woman while she left the vicinity. "What the hell, was that you?"

An entranced Nolan stared at her. Drool dripped from the side of his lip. "Such a nice plump ass..." he muttered.

I don't believe it. This kid is something else... Kamiro shook his head with a hand on his forehead. A sting lingered where the red handprint on his cheek remained. Kamiro sighed. "Well, guess we'll call it a day."

Nolan turned towards Kamiro in a creaking motion while slurping up the saliva string hanging from his mouth. "What are you talking about... Now that the sun is finally down, we can go to the best spot in town." An eerie smile filled his face while he stared at Kamiro with lust in his eyes.

All that Kamiro could muster out was his lousy habit of chuckling when nervous. What did I get myself into?

***

Night had fallen, and curious eyes were glued to Kamiro and Nolan while they walked down a rowdy street. It was illuminated with soft shades of red and a white, by magic-imbued street lanterns. There were various people about; wild men from a night out drinking, scrappy fellas selling mysterious potions, and seductive women handing out flyers while standing in front of sketchy looking venues. But whenever Kamiro looked their way, the glued gaze they held was averted. He knew well of what part of town Nolan had taken him.

So this kid in a little bishop's uniform seriously brought me to the city's red-light district...

Conveniently near the city's northern gates, where traffic was heaviest, was a small, hidden district where all kinds of debauchery were found. Travelers, Adventurers, traders, and nobles alike intermingled within, in seek of worldly pleasures.

Nolan strolled along with a broad grin on his face, oblivious to all the glances they attracted, only stopping at times to ogle at some lady who'd immediately look elsewhere.

"Nolan, you realize how out of place we look, right? There's no way any of these... um, professional companions, are gonna take us seriously."

"I have faith in the goddess," Nolan said, interlocking his fingers as if praying.

"If somehow your goddess would be okay with this—"

Before Kamiro finished speaking, an attractive woman, wearing clothing far too tight for her curvy figure, walked up to them.

What kind of degenerate goddess...

She looked at them from head to toe with a serious demeanor before sighing. "All right, for the right price..." She glanced around while she spoke.

Nolan looked at Kamiro with pleading eyes.

Well, I'd be lying if I said it wasn't tempting... He hesitated, but Nolan's Baby-Doll Eyes was super effective. "Fine..." Kamiro took out all the money he had on him and showed it to the lady. "This should be enough, right?"

The next thing he knew, there was a hand imprinted on his cheek once again.

"What!? How do you have less money than me? You're an Adventurer." Nolan pouted while he glared at the woman leaving.

"I mean, I'm not gonna carry around a bunch of money," Kamiro said. "Besides, those unranked quests don't pay much... I'm trying to save up what little I get," he muttered.

"Well... let's look around for a cheaper one." Nolan went off before Kamiro realized.

"What? N-Nolan, wait!" Maybe the church had him cooped up for a reason.

Kamiro chased after Nolan and eventually found him talking to a man down a more secluded street.

"Oh, Kamiro, this gentleman here says he can help us find what we're looking for."

Kamiro shook his head. "First of all, I never mentioned I wanted... whatever it is you think we're looking for. And second, how are you gonna call a sketchy looking man, wearing all black in a dark, secluded street, who's talking to a kid wearing a bishop's uniform, a 'gentleman.'"

Nolan stood silent while he stared away.

"Um, I'm right here, you know," The man said.

"Yeah, sorry, but we don't have much money, so..." Why does it feel like we might get mugged? Good thing I keep the little savings I have in that storage closet they call my room... I was so happy when they said all the boy's rooms were filled, thinking I'd get one on the girl's side...

"That's okay; no money is needed. I'd really just like to introduce you to some great people. I'm sure you'd be bound to meet someone you two can connect with." The man spoke with a nervous smile, gesturing towards some steps behind him that led down to a sketchy looking pub. In front was a small handmade sign with a strange circle-like symbol on it.

Kamiro glanced at Nolan, who had been staring at something for the last few minutes.

"Actually... we have to get going. Thanks for the offer." Nolan seemed tense as he suddenly spoke.

Kamiro looked at what Nolan was staring at. It was the sign with the strange symbol. But also, a man who seemed drunk had just left from within, carrying what appeared to be a pointed, hooded mask. Another man rushed out after and gave him an earful while seeming cautious of who was listening in.

Before the mysterious "gentleman" said anything, Nolan dragged Kamiro away...

"What was that all about?" Kamiro said.

"The church did mention it..." Nolan muttered. "That symbol and that hooded mask, it might've been The Silent Circle."

"The what?"

"It's a cult, but it's the first time I've seen them in Lucerna."

"Looks like they might be recruiting, is... that allowed?"

"The Church of Orses is the only official religion in the kingdom, but cults aren't unusual, mostly those that dwell in the shadows. So long as they stay out of sight and out of mind, the authorities don't really care." Nolan led Kamiro elsewhere, having left the district. "Although, the kingdom has been more vigilant lately, with reports of a lot more cult activity than normal."

"..." Kamiro remained silent while he listened.

"Anyway, sorry about all that. Before we call it a night, there's just one more place I want to show you. Last one, I promise." Nolan stopped in front of Kamiro with his hands together as if pleading. "I don't want to end the night on such a sour mood."

Kamiro sighed. "Well, you already dragged me around all day... Let's just get this over with."

***

I'm conflicted. On the one hand, I'm in bliss right now in this hot spring, not even gonna question how this bathhouse is so similar to an Onsen back in my world. On the other hand, I should've guessed Nolan wouldn't come here without ulterior motives...

Through the thick steam of the bath, Kamiro looked at Nolan, who was scrunched up against the lined bamboo wall separating the male and female sides of the baths.

Being late at night, their side was almost empty, with just a few lingering elderly men minding their own business. Nolan looked filled with lust and listened in on some girls on the other side while he struggled to get a peek.

Kamiro sank into the warmness and relished the hot water softening his skin.

"This is it, this is the spot," Nolan muttered. Somehow, he found a small peephole towards the end of the wall. "But this steam, I can't see anything..."

"Maybe it's a sign from the goddess," Kamiro said, his head the only thing poking out from the steaming bath.

Nolan kept his voice low. "There's two beauties, a blonde with long hair and blue eyes, and one with shorter aqua colored hair and eyes, but I can't see their bodies..." He fidgeted while he tried to get a better look.

It couldn't be.

"Oh, wait. It's starting to clear up—"

A familiar voice rang out from the other side. Water splashed from where Kamiro had been, and in the blink of an eye, he was next to Nolan, pushing him into the bath. After a few seconds, Nolan broke through the water's surface, gasping.

The boy smirked. "So, you finally show your true colors. Don't worry, we'll all get a turn." He glanced at the few old men about, who were oblivious of everything.

"Quiet," Kamiro said, his ear placed on the bamboo wall. No way... It's really them.

"So, you know them. Why don't you... take a peek?" Nolan whispered into Kamiro's ear, startling him.

"N-Nolan? No, we can't peek at them. They're my frie—we're in the same party."

"Hmm. Well, there's no harm listening in..." Nolan was a shoulder devil tempting Kamiro. "Aren't you curious? Maybe they're talking about you?"

"...."

Nolan massaged his shoulders with a devilish expression.

"O-Only a little," Kamiro said.

Nolan's grin widened.

They listened in to Ayu and Earla, who were on the other side, enjoying the hot bath.

"It feels sooo nice in here," Ayu said while she stretched out her arms.

"A break is definitely lovely now and then," Earla said.

Kamiro felt his heart flutter while he listened to them. I've always wondered what girls talk about when they're by themselves...

"Earla, there's something I've been meaning to ask..." Ayu said.

Earla nodded, while Kamiro and Nolan's eyes widened while they listened.

"It's... kind of private..."

"Please, you can confide in me, Ayu."

Ayu nodded. "How... How do you handle your under-boob sweat?"

The boys were dumbstruck and froze in place with a glazed expression.

"I've been getting sweaty under my leather breastplate, and I noticed you use a silver one at times..."

"Oh, yes. That can be uncomfortable. I've found wearing cotton undergarments helps a lot since it's more breathable. I can let you use some if you'd like. We're about the same size."

"T-Thanks," Ayu said with a slight blush.

Kamiro watched Nolan walk away with dead-eyes.

"Don't stay in the bath too long..." Nolan said, disappointment prominent in his voice while he walked out of the room.

The girls continued enjoying their bath while they chatted. The conversation mostly just consisted of ordinary topics any two friends would discuss.

Probably should have expected this. It's not like all that girls would be talking about are guys.

***

Kamiro and Nolan stood outside the bathhouse, preparing to leave, and ran into Ayu and Earla, who noticed them while they headed out.

"Kamiro? What a surprise. I did not know you enjoyed these types of places," Earla said.

Ayu glared at him. "You weren't trying to spy on us, were you?"

"What!? No, of course not." His voice shook while Ayu narrowed he eyes, before they shifted to Nolan.

"W-Who is that young boy with you?" Earla said. She and Ayu stared at Nolan as if looking at a cute puppy.

"That little bishop's uniform is so cute!" Ayu said.

"This is Nolan. He actually invited me to this place."

Kamiro introduced them to Nolan and went over how they met while leaving out some specific details of their day's misadventures. Nolan told them a little about himself, and the girls quickly grew a liking to him.

He looked on as Nolan was in glee from being sandwiched between the two girls, who'd been unable to resist hugging him.

"H-How old is he, like nine or ten? Such a mischievous boy, b-being out so late..." Earla said.

Huh, you don't know the half of it.

"He's so cute," Ayu said.

Look at that deceivingly innocent face he has. If only they knew...

"There you are!" Before anyone noticed, a group of nuns had appeared and snatched Nolan away.

"These must be the nuns you mentioned..." Ayu said.

"We apologize for any trouble he has caused." The nuns bowed and wasted no time leaving.

Nolan seemed oblivious to everything, still appearing to be in a blissful daze from the girls' embrace.

Well, at least he got to enjoy himself until the very end.

"That boy... is he really just another child training to become a bishop?" Earla said.

"The nuns seemed so desperate..." Ayu said.

I wondered the same thing.

Kamiro made his way back to the academy, along with Ayu and Earla. There was now only one thing on his mind; the party ranking results coming in the morning.

***

"We... we did it," Kamiro said while Earla and Ayu jumped up and down, unable to stop smiling.

Copper. Even though it's the lowest ranking, I couldn't be any happier!

It was early morning, but the academy was as lively as ever. The three stood in front of a small billboard near the academy's entrance hall. Surrounded by a swarm of student Adventures, it showed the Party Ranking Exam results. They squeezed through to escape from the crowd and headed to Di Reid's office.

"He said to meet him as soon as we finished looking at the results," Kamiro said.

They let themselves in upon arriving and were greeted by Di Reids' warm presence.

"Congratulations, you three, on passing the exam and achieving official party ranking."

"I-I still do not know how we managed to pass..." Earla said.

"We're all unranked and even lost the battle," Ayu said.

Di Reids walked towards the back of his desk while he spoke. "Even so, the determination you all showed, the teamwork, established roles, and everything else... It was more than enough to pass." He reached for something underneath and then dropped a wooden chest onto the table, making it tremble. "And to congratulate you all, I have something for each of you."

The three didn't seem to know how to react upon seeing what Di Reids had for them.

"I don't know what to say..." Kamiro struggled to form words.

Earla bowed as she said, "Thank you."

"Thanks so much!" Ayu said.

As a gift for passing the Party Ranking Exam, Di Reid's gifted them new equipment. Though not the most expensive, it was an upgrade to what Kamiro and Ayu had been using, and Ayu didn't even have a weapon before.

As far as Earla, apparently, upon hearing of the results, her parents insisted on giving her custom weapons and armor that they had ordered, but she was still thankful for Di Reids' sentiment and delivering them to her.

Di Reids laughed while he witnessed their excitement.

The copper-ranked party wasted little time. After thanking Di Reid's again for everything, they went to the guildhall and decided on their first official ranked quest.

We finally made it this far, but this is just the beginning.