Today, on a cool and sunny morning, I met Jina in the central square where the trees swayed gently in the breeze. We were enjoying a day off granted by Sir Gareth—after all, it had already been three intense weeks since I began training with him.
As we walked across the cobblestones still damp with morning dew, Jina said excitedly—
"Ishida, shall we sell our cores at the town hall? It's been a while since we last traded them. What do you think?"
"Of course, I was thinking the same thing. My leather armor is quite worn and doesn't serve much purpose anymore."
The walk to the imposing town hall, with its sturdy columns and architectural details that told the city's history, was filled with small conversations about our adventures. There, we exchanged our cores. Together, we had a little over 300 of them, which earned us 3 gleaming silver coins and 30 healing potions, according to the special promotion Nathalie had mentioned to us during our first days of training. After fairly dividing the earnings, each of us ended up with 1 silver coin, 500 copper coins that jingled in our pouches, and 15 carefully stored potions.
An immense joy flooded my heart, for this was the largest sum of money I had ever earned in my life; the excitement was reflected in every curve of my smile. Jina, ever spirited, made a few jokes, but I could tell that, for her, the amount was also quite significant. Curious, I asked—
"What do you think we can buy with this money?"
With eyes shining with anticipation, Jina replied—
"Ishida, remember you said you needed new armor? We can go to Uncle Drew to buy some now. Besides, we can have our weapons serviced. What do you say?"
With an affirmative nod and a smile that seemed to light up the entire surroundings, I responded—
"Of course, let's go!"
We walked to Uncle Drew's cozy smithy, located on a bustling street lined with local shops, where the sound of the hammer striking the anvil created a melody characteristic of the neighborhood. Upon arriving, Jina, always full of energy and joy, ran to greet him.
"Uncle Drew, hello! Long time no see!" Jina exclaimed, wrapping him in a friendly and sincere hug.
Uncle Drew, with a warm smile and wrinkles that spoke of years of experience, replied—
"Young Jina, hahaha, it really has been a while. I see young Ishida is here too. What can I do for you?"
"We need to replace our armor; the used ones we bought are noticeably worn out," Jina explained, proudly displaying the battle marks on her old armor.
Uncle Drew, with his attentive and experienced gaze, also examined my armor and made a comment that sounded like advice from an old friend—
"Looks like yours needs replacing too, young Ishida."
"Do you want to stick with used armor or go for new ones this time?" he asked, his tone a mix of humor and seriousness.
Jina let out an infectious laugh as she placed her hands on her hips with pride—
"Today, we're buying new armor."
"Well, well, seems like the hunt is truly bearing good fruit. Hahaha," Uncle Drew responded, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction at his clients' success.
Without wasting time, Uncle Drew went to the back of the shop, where he stored his materials and relics, and returned with a parade of gleaming new armors.
"We have a few options: first, the Spined Boar Leather Armor, made from exceptionally durable boar hide, offering basic protection against light strikes and common beast attacks," he began, his voice echoing through the small shop. He continued—
"We also have the Marsh Serpent Leather Jerkin, the Steppe Wolf Leather Vest, the Iron Beetle Leather Guards, and the Giant Rat Leather Tunic. All are Tier 1 Qi-Gathering beast armors, carefully crafted to combine lightness and durability."
Paying close attention to the details, Jina and I analyzed each option. In the end, I chose the Spined Boar Armor, which gleamed with an aura of sturdiness and protection, while Jina opted for the Steppe Wolf Leather Vest, praising its lightness that allowed for more agile movements despite offering slightly less protection.
"I see you've chosen your new armor. Do you like them?" Uncle Drew inquired with a satisfied smile.
"Yes, they're great! What about you, Ishida?"
"They really are great," I confirmed, admiring the quality of the materials.
"Glad you like them. Can I help with anything else?"
"Actually, Uncle Drew, our spears also need careful maintenance," I added.
Uncle Drew's gaze focused on the spears, analyzing every detail—
"Hmm, indeed, they need some care. The wood shows signs of wear, and the blades need sharpening again. But I can have them ready by tomorrow, no problem."
Jina, with a surprised look, exclaimed—
"Wow, that's faster than I expected."
Uncle Drew chuckled lightly—
"It's nothing special, young Jina, hahaha."
A bit apprehensive, I asked—
"So, how much will it cost?"
"Normally, I'd charge 1200 copper coins, but for you, I'll do it for 1000. How's that?"
"Really? Thank you, Uncle Drew! You're the best!" Jina responded with genuine gratitude.
"You're welcome, young Jina. Once I'm done, where should I deliver the spears?" he asked.
"Could you leave them at the training center?"
"Mhm," Uncle Drew confirmed.
After paying 500 copper coins each, we left the smithy with light hearts and smiles on our faces. We still had one silver coin left, part of which I decided to set aside to ensure a cozy night at Ruthia's inn upon our return.
"I had no idea you could do so much with one silver coin," I remarked, surprised, casting an admiring glance at Jina.
"It's because we're in Zherwood, haha. Things are cheaper and simpler here. In Velmire, for example, copper coins barely cover food," she replied, emphasizing the difference between places with enthusiasm.
"I guess I need to save carefully to continue my journey," I observed, already worried about future expenses in Velmire.
"You worry too much, Ishida. Come on, I want to show you something," Jina said, pulling my arm with a gentle yet determined touch.
We walked through Zherwood's charming streets, where every corner seemed to hide a new story, while Jina pointed out various shops, meticulously describing each detail and even sharing local gossip with contagious enthusiasm.
As night finally approached, wrapped in a cloak of warm lights and dancing shadows, I took the lead and suggested—
"It's getting late, Jina. How about dinner?"
Jina seemed surprised, her large eyes widening shyly as she looked at me—
"S-Sure, where do you want to go?"
"Ruthia recommended a great restaurant called Serene Bamboo Nook. Would you like to go there? My treat," I proposed with a confident voice.
"Really? That's my favorite restaurant! I used to go there with my parents—it felt like a magical place full of memories. It'll be amazing, let's go!" she responded enthusiastically, her smile lighting the way.
The restaurant, a wooden structure with intricate details reminiscent of ancient temples, was spacious and well-lit. Decorated with vibrant flowers arranged in artisanal pots, it culminated in a beautiful central pond housing a charming bamboo island—likely the inspiration for its name, Serene Bamboo Nook.
After hours of conversation, laughter, and a delicious meal that seemed to transcend any ordinary experience, we decided to head home. Jina was especially radiant, and the atmosphere was filled with a sense of camaraderie, particularly after I had asked her out.
"Did you have fun today?" I inquired with genuine interest.
"Yes, Ishida! It was an incredible day. Thanks for inviting me—let's do this again!" Jina replied, her eyes shining with gratitude and hope.
"Of course," I confirmed, feeling deeply satisfied with the day's journey.
We walked to her house along a path that seemed woven from shared memories and confidences, where we said goodbye with a tight hug. As she stepped inside, Jina cast me one last striking glance and an enchanting smile before closing the door, leaving a sweet silence in the air. "She's truly beautiful," I thought, blushing at the warmth of that feeling, while the flickering streetlights reflected the magic of a friendship that promised to lead to new adventures.