Okrum's Trial

"In fact, with the experience of making your Wood-Shift Dagger, it should be even easier, but let's leave it at three months. In that time, you can use the Weapon Refining Union's facilities as you please, I'll also supply you with all the resources you need."

"I offer you these because I have high hopes for you. Do not disappoint my expectations." Okrum said sternly as he handed Minos the Plion Sword manual.

"No worries. Three months is more than enough time, I won't let you down." Minos said firmly, taking the Plion Sword manual solemnly.

"Good. I'll put in a word to the receptionist, so if you need anything, just talk to her. Now get to work." Okrum said, as he patted Minos shoulder before sending him off.

Minos left the room, carrying new expectations on his shoulders. The deal with Okrum didn't worry him, rather it reassured him that he made the right choice by being honest.

As long as he passed, his road would become much smoother, so all Minos needed to do now was spend these three months learning.

It was a good thing Minos loved learning the most, so this was more like a vacation to him than a challenge.

Not to mention the facilities and resources he got to use for free, making things even sweeter. He tried his best to restrain his smile, but couldn't help but smirk as he left the room.

"What are you so happy about?" Zatiana said, as she popped out from behind a corner, having waited for Minos this whole time.

"Nothing, just thinking." Minos said, wiping the smile off his face.

"Common, tell me!" Zatiana begged.

"The talk went well, that's all I have to say." Minos said, ignoring Zatiana's further pleads.

Seeing that she couldn't get Minos to tell the full story, she gave up, instead changing the subject.

"So what are your plans now?"

"Same as usual, learn, train, learn, repeat." Minos replied.

"Sheesh, you're so boring! Let's celebrate, on me!" Zatiana said in excitement.

"I never say no to a free meal." Minos said, deciding to take Zatiana up on her offer.

"Great! Where should we go?"

"Let's go to the Red Maiden House." Minos proposed. That was the place he went to with Rendo when he was training him, and the food was quite good from what he remembered.

"No way you dirty bastard!" Zatiana said as she smacked the back of Minos's head.

"What was that for?" Minos questioned as he rubbed the back of his head.

"Don't you know what kind of place that is?" She asked, thinking maybe Minos had just seen it before and didn't actually know any better.

"Sure, but it's not like we're going for the woman, just the food." Minos said with no shame, causing Zatiana's face to go black.

"No way, that's that. Let's go to the Three-Tower Eatery!" Zatiana suggested.

"Never heard of it, but alright." Minos said, not really caring either way.

"Great!" Zatiana said excitedly, as she grabbed Minos by the hand and dragged him onto the streets.

Under Zatiana's strong pulling, the two soon arrived at a fancy three story building. The building was shaped a bit like a pyramid, being larger at the bottom and thinner up top.

"Like the name states, the Three-Tower Eatery has three floors, with the top floor being reserved for the elites of Underwood City. Unfortunately, I can only afford the first floor." Zatiana said with slight shame.

"You'll reach the third floor soon." Minos said with a smile, comforting Zatiana.

"You're right!" Zatiana said, reinvigorated by Minos's encouragement.

The two entered right after, finding an empty table and getting comfortable. Minos picked up the menu and began browsing through the options.

As the two were looking through the menu deciding what to order, a sudden voice interrupted them.

"Oh, hello Mr. Genius, I wasn't expecting to see you here." Hearing the voice, Minos looked up, spotting a familiar face.

It was the person from the Weapon Refining Union that had been building up resentment towards Minos.

"Hello." Minos replied.

"What's a genius like you doing on the first floor? I'd expect someone so gifted to at least be on the second floor, if not the third!" He said with 'care.'

"Young master, even a genius can't compare to you. Just look, he's stuck here, whereas you have reservations on the second floor. The difference is huge." Said one of the goons beside the young man.

"Watch what you say. I'm sure he'll reach my heights some day given his talent." The young man said with false admonishment, however the slight smirk on his face betrayed his true feelings.

Before the goon could say anything more to further please his young master, the waiter arrived.

"Welcome, what would you like to order?" The waiter asked, ignoring the young man and his goons completely.

Seeing this, the young man's face went red in anger. Memorizing the waiter's face, he decided to use his power to get him fired.

"What would you like Zatiana?" Minos asked.

"Hmm, I'll take the Chicken Platter please!"

"Right away ma'am, and for you sir?" The waiter said, turning to Minos.

"I'll take the Chicken Platter as well. Also, by any chance do you have any spare chicken bones? I've got dog's that I want to treat." Minos asked.

"Uhh, I'll check if they have anything available sir." The waiter said, slightly confused at the somewhat odd request.

"You have a dog?" Zatiana asked.

"Of course, haven't you heard them barking this whole time?" Minos asked, as he pointed towards the young man and his goons.

Zatiana couldn't help but spit out her water as she let out a loud laugh, the water splattering on the young man and his goons.

The young man's face was already boiling in rage at this moment, the water almost turning into steam as it landed on him.

The waiter saw all this and decided to run. He was just a civilian, and he didn't want to be caught in the crossfire.

Taking a handkerchief, he wiped the water off his face, using all the strength in his body to not attack Minos and Zatiana. After letting out a long exhale, he managed to calm down.

"I see, so that's how it is. You better watch your back from now on." He threatened, before leaving with his goons.

"Minos you should probably watch out. While he isn't that dangerous, his family's got quite a bit of power in Underwood City." Zatiana said with worry, as the ramifications of what they had just done set in.

"What's his family name?" Minos asked.

"Nefrum, and he's Zon Nefrum, the second young master. While he can't compare to his big brother, he should still have his means." Zatiana said, also fearing for herself.

"Don't worry too much, with the Weapon Refining Union backing us, he won't dare cross the line." Minos said, not worried.

"You're right, but still, stay safe." Zatiana said, feeling slightly relieved as she remembered the Weapon Refining Union protecting her.

Minos noticed Zatiana's mood was still slightly low, so he decided to tell her a couple jokes. After a few loud laughs, Zatiana's felt much better, putting Zon to the back of her mind.

The food arrived under the two's laughs. The waiter also included a small baggie filled with chicken bones, much to Minos and Zatiana's amusement.

The two slowly enjoyed their meals as they shared stories. Zatiana did most of the talking, with Minos just listening, nodding occasionally.

Hours passed like this, and afternoon soon arrived. Realizing the time, Minos thought he had enjoyed enough, and it was time to get back to work.

"Shall we head out?" Minos asked.

"Yeah, I still haven't told my family the good news!" Zatiana said.

With the two agreeing, they paid for the meal before leaving the store. As they were about to walk in their separate directions, Zatiana turned around, calling to Minos.

"Minos I really enjoyed this time together, and again, thank you so much." Zatiana said earnestly.

"No problem." Minos returned with a smile, waving goodbye as he disappeared among the dense crowd.

Seeing Minos disappear, Zatiana let out a long sigh. While she had only just met Minos, it was like she had known him for a lifetime.

This was the first time she ever had this kind of feeling, and she had no idea how to explain it or what it even was.

But she knew no matter what it was, she wanted to protect this feeling forever, and never to lose it.

And the only way to do that was to keep up with Minos, which she knew would be hard given his genius, but still, she encouraged herself as she walked back home.