As they approached the towering building, Daishi's eyes went wide. "This place is immense!" he shouted. The structure stood nearly 100 feet tall, its stone walls glowing softly in the sunlight, showing off its importance.
Kavato nodded, a small smile on his face. "Indeed, it's the central hub for hunters and magic materials in the entire country. This is where you'll find the elusive SS quests."
After finishing the paperwork, they stepped inside the grand building. Kiyoshi's jaw dropped, his heart racing with excitement. "Wow, this place is massive. The highest quest rank is A on the quest board in the bar. The reward for an SS-rank quest starts at a staggering 500 large gold coins."
Kavato added, his voice calm but impressed, "That's just the monetary reward for monster hunting. The materials they gather can fetch a hefty price, sometimes up to 500 large gold coins."
Sakura looked around, her eyes sharp but a little nervous. "The power emanating from these adventurers is palpable. Some are so formidable, I can hardly sense them," she said, her voice low, a shiver running through her.
Kavato glanced at her, his tone serious. "These are the strongest of the strong. Many of them can mask their presence, likely S-rank or higher. Sakura, let's make our way to the MMM (Magic Material Management) section."
They moved through the M.M.M. area, carefully checking equipment for safety and quality. Once everything was approved, they headed to the new magic and material registration center, a small office where a witch sat napping, her head resting on the desk.
Kavato gently tapped her shoulder, and the witch, Fumi, blinked awake, rubbing her eyes. "Why are you here again?" she asked, her voice groggy.
Daishi jumped in, his face lighting up with pride. "I've come to register my groundbreaking device, The Third Eye."
Kavato explained, "We're here to register our magic potion."
Fumi raised an eyebrow, a little surprised. "Two items in one day? It's been two or three years since that last happened."
Kiyoshi's eyes widened, his curiosity bubbling. "That long?"
Fumi nodded, sitting up straighter. "Now, let's see your magic item and guild card."
Sakura turned to Daishi, her brow furrowed. "Do you have a guild card?"
Daishi grinned, pulling it out. "Yes, I have a blacksmith guild card."
Fumi scanned their items with a glowing tool, checking their magical frequencies and registering them carefully.
In this world, magic seeped into every living being and inanimate object, an unseen force binding existence itself. It was an intricate weave of nature magic, holy magic, and dark magic. Each person's magic signature was unique, shaped by their very essence.
Demonic magic—a corrupted form of dark magic—was wielded by monsters, its power feared and forbidden. Unlike dark magic, which was the domain of mages specializing in curses and assassins who thrived on spells meant to harm or kill, Demonic magic pulsed with an unsettling energy, its origins shrouded in secrecy.
While they worked, a tall witch named Mahori walked in, her purple coat and black dress catching everyone's eye. Her black hair fell over her shoulders, her purple eyes were sharp, and her chest—huge, maybe an F cup—made her stand out even more. She carried a mysterious air, and everyone turned to look as she smiled at Fumi, clearly knowing her well.
Fumi introduced them, and Mahori's gaze lingered on Kiyoshi, a curious spark in her eyes. She whispered something to herself, her lips barely moving.
Fumi nudged her. "Why are you here?"
Mahori blinked, caught off guard, then laughed softly. "Oh, I forgot. Why am I here again?"
Mahori suddenly remembered, her face lighting up. She turned to Kiyoshi, her voice warm and inviting. "How about a quest? I'm offering one in Heraki, just for a day, and the price is 10 gold coins, 2 coins each. What do you say?"
Kiyoshi's eyes lit up, his heart skipping a beat at the chance. "I'm in," he said quickly, a big smile on his face.
Sakura frowned, her stomach twisting with worry. "But Kiyoshi, we're already on a quest," she said, her voice soft, a little hurt that he didn't ask her first.
Daishi chimed in, his tone eager. "I can't wait to learn from Kiyoshi once we return home."
Kiyoshi turned to Sakura, his expression gentle, trying to ease her worry. "It's just for a day, there won't be a problem. I'm in."
Kavato shrugged, his face calm. "Count me in as well."
Mahori smiled, her eyes glinting with mischief. "OK then, Kiyoshi, meet me at the town bar at night around midnight to get more information about the quest. Come there alone. Goodbye."
Sakura's heart sank, her thoughts racing. What's with that witch? Is Kiyoshi getting a crush on her or something? No way. Why does he have to go to the bar with that creepy witch? Who will I sleep with tonight? I'm still scared to sleep alone. Her cheeks puffed out, jealousy mixing with her fear, though she knew it was just her ego talking.
While they finished up, Kavato got his alchemy master card, a proud moment for him. As the day went on, Kiyoshi rubbed his stomach, a grin on his face. "Let's get some food—I'm hungry."
Daishi's eyes sparkled with excitement. "I'm starving and looking forward to exploring the culinary delights from across the country."
Kavato, knowing the town well, led the way. Kiyoshi turned to Sakura, his voice soft, his eyes warm. "Come with us, Sakura."
Sakura hesitated, her heart a mess—jealousy, worry, and a little warmth from his invite all swirling inside her. She bit her lip, then nodded. "I'm coming," she said quietly, her cheeks a little pink.
They spent the afternoon walking through the lively town, the streets buzzing with vendors and laughter. The golden glow of the setting sun made everything feel magical, and Kiyoshi kept stealing glances at Sakura, his heart fluttering every time she smiled at something new. As dusk settled, they found a cozy hotel to rest in.
Inside, Daishi looked at the keys, tilting his head. "We've got two rooms, right?"
Daishi turned to Kiyoshi with a teasing grin, his eyes playful. "So, Kiyoshi and Sakura sharing a room, huh? Are you two dating?"
Kiyoshi's face turned bright red, his heart pounding. "Uh…" he stammered.
Sakura cut in quickly, rolling her eyes but blushing, too. "No, it's just that Kiyoshi is afraid of the dark. Who could fall for him anyway, right Kiyoshi?" she said, her tone teasing, though her heart stung a little saying it.
Kiyoshi laughed, but a flicker of sadness crossed his eyes at her words, his smile a bit forced.
Daishi laughed too, clapping Kiyoshi on the shoulder. "I see."
As midnight approached, Kiyoshi waved to them, his voice a little shaky. "I'll be back soon," he said, heading for the bar.
On his way, someone in a black coat followed him, sneaking behind, their face hidden. Kiyoshi reached the bar, the air warm and loud with chatter. Mahori sat at a table, drunk, her black coat off, her top open, showing way too much of her chest. She spotted him and waved him over with a sloppy grin. "Have some. This is the best they got, and the best girl to feed you too," she said, her voice slurring.
The bartender smirked. "You got a young one tonight."
Mahori giggled, her eyes glassy. "He's special."
Kiyoshi shook his head, his cheeks red. "I don't drink."
Mahori leaned close, her finger tracing his cheek, her touch making his heart race with nerves. "Just one sip?" she purred, her voice teasing.
Kiyoshi swallowed hard, his hands fidgeting. "OK, but only some," he said, taking a small sip, the taste sharp and dizzying.
Mahori lifted her leg onto his chair, showing off most of her long, smooth legs with a playful sway. She leaned in, whispering something, her breath warm on his ear. Then she stood, wobbling, and grabbed his arm to steady herself, almost falling. "Then will you take me to my room? I'm so powerless. If you help me, I'll give you a good massage," she said, her voice soft and flirty.
Kiyoshi, his head spinning from the drink, nodded, his face burning. "All right, I'll take you there," he said, his voice shaky.
Mahori's finger brushed his lips, her touch lingering. "There's some drink on your lips. Let me taste it," she said, leaning closer.
Suddenly, Sakura burst in, her face red with anger, her heart pounding so hard she could barely breathe. "Stop right there! What were you whispering to him?" she shouted, her voice trembling with jealousy.
Mahori blinked, surprised, pulling back. "I didn't know you were here. It was just a mind-controlling spell," she said, her tone casual.
Sakura's eyes blazed, her fists clenched. "You bit*h, what have you done to him?" she yelled, stepping closer, her heart racing with worry.
Mahori shrugged, a sly smile on her lips. "Why are you concerned? It's not like you're that close to him, and he didn't say he didn't want it. I was having some fun. I wasn't going to harm him or anything, but he has a strong will. The spell will only last a couple of minutes."
Sakura's anger boiled over, her cheeks burning. "We're going," she snapped, grabbing Kiyoshi's arm.
Mahori called after them, "Meet me here tomorrow morning."
Kiyoshi's mind was gone from the drink Mahori gave him. He couldn't walk straight, mumbling nonsense, his steps wobbly. Sakura sighed, her heart softening despite her frustration, and hoisted him onto her back, his arms draping over her shoulders. She walked through the quiet streets, the golden streetlights guiding her. It was cold, her breath fogging in the air, and Kiyoshi hugged her tight, a goofy smile on his face.
Sakura's lips curled into a small smile, her cheeks pink. "Why are you so dumb?" she muttered, her voice soft, her heart warm.
In her mind, she thought, This is embarrassing to piggyback him, but… this is kind of cute.
Kiyoshi mumbled, his voice slurred but full of feeling. "Sakura, you know what? I love you. I am going to try hard to surpass you, and I will protect you. I've been getting protected by you watching you getting hurt because of me. It feels like I'm good for nothing. I'll never let you get hurt again."
Sakura's face turned bright red, her heart pounding with happiness and embarrassment. "Shut up, you idiot," she said, her voice shaky but warm. "I love you too. I work hard to protect you because if I get hurt, I know you'll heal me, even if it costs your life. But if you get hurt, who'll heal you, idiot? So I have to protect you."
Kiyoshi grinned, his arms tightening around her. "I'll never let you hurt."
Sakura's smile grew, her heart full. "I'll never let you hurt, too," she whispered back, her voice soft and sure.
Kiyoshi kept mumbling, his voice dreamy. "After we get married, I'll build a palace for us, and we'll have 1, 2…,3… children. Then we'll have grandchildren. Wait, what will we name our child? It'll be a girl or a boy—I need one cute little princess."
Sakura's face burned, her heart racing. "Hey, stop, where are you going?" she said, half-laughing, half-flustered, her cheeks redder than ever.
Far off, a periscope poked out of a bush, watching them.
That night, Sakura lay in bed, hugging Kiyoshi close, her arms wrapped around him protectively. Her heart felt warm, his soft breathing calming her fears of the dark.
The next morning, Sakura woke up, her cheeks a little pink as she looked at Kiyoshi. "Good morning, Kiyoshi. Did you remember anything from last night?" she asked, her voice soft, a hopeful spark in her eyes.
Kiyoshi groaned, rubbing his head. "No, not a thing, and my head is hurting like hell. What happened? I only remember I drank the thing that Mahori gave me."
Sakura's face fell a little, her heart sinking. "Really?" she asked, her voice quiet.
Kiyoshi looked at her, worried. "Did anything happen?"
Sakura forced a small smile, hiding her disappointment. "No, not a thing," she said, her voice a little sad.
Daishi, peeking through the keyhole, shook his head with a grin. You're such an idiot, Master, he thought, chuckling to himself.