A Date Around Rivdale Exis

We soon arrived at the bustling city, and it was the first time I began to take in what was around me. We had departed with the three mages who all wished us a kind farewell.

But a sudden new issue had arisen once we arrived at the Adventuring guild...

"grrmblgrrmbl"

"What was that?"

Maru has pondered as she looked over to me and Blanc.

Our stomaches... they're grumbling... I suddenly felt limp, and my head started getting dizzy.

"Ah... I completely forgotten... All this time..! Without..."

Blanc cried out, on the floor as I was.

"The moment I saw that reward you got Yuji... We... can't afford food..."

I spoke, groaning in pain. Was being this hungry always this painful?!

"You two must be really fatigued... the reward should've been split between us. Even though we share an inventory- the money we earn is individual... I'll treat you both..."

I felt Yuji looking down at us with such pity... Could a Knight seriously be this condescending?!

Maybe its the state of my mind, Yuji's only thinking of our status...

"S-seriously we should get food as quick as we can!"

Maru began to panic, trying to grasp onto me. As she grabbed a hold of my chest- she suddenly got flushed.

"Th-thanks Maru..."

"You guys must've been on overdrive for a while... To think you two have been working on empty stomaches-"

"D-don't keep bringing it up... I'm gonna... die..."

Blanc held her stomach, and even I could barely stand.

Maru then helped Blanc up whilst Yuji took care of me.

"I know! There's a café nearby... They have really good food and I would usually treat Rys- uhh... A friend of mine there. Let's get going!"

Yuji said enthusiastically. He must've been seriously excited for food. He's certainly a different person off duty.

We soon arrived at the Café and upon being seated and ordering, a conversation struck us.

"I'll have to leave a formal notice to The Knights to let them know I'll be on a journey. I'll let them know the details whilst being discreet about everything."

Yuji explained, but I was a bit uncomfortable with that idea.

"Wouldn't it be smarter to tell them exactly what's happening?"

I asked, but he seemed against the idea.

"No, it wouldn't be wise. If information for out, we could be in for a run of our money. The people could be sent into a panic, and the Knights would be twiddling their thumbs not knowing where to begin their search. Unlike the Mage Clan, our ways of search is merely physical and not magical."

The logic makes sense... but I do have a curiosity that is piquing now that it's been brought up.

"Yuji, Maru. I've been curious. I only know of three factions, the Adventurers, the Mages and the Knights. What's with all these different things?"

Yuji took a seat back and began his explanation.

"The Knights are led by the Grand Master. He is a wise man who valiantly watches over the city with his several deployed knights. Usually Knights are set assignments and are requested to go on expeditions to expand territory or to quell dangerous beasts. We are all for the protection of the people, all whilst ensuring no chaos happens. This city is one of freedom, and though the crime rate is low due to the Knights- it doesn't stop them from committing criminal acts. We accept morally correct actions, but heinous actions must be exiled."

His explanation was clear, and it was definitely a lot to take in. I never thought about it, but the City of Freedom would usually mean people are free from the law. That however, doesn't stop them from being punished when doing something bad. But sometimes, these bad things could be considered something good, and could be excused. Would they still be fined?

"What about the Mage Clan?"

I looked over to Maru, who seemed to have been waiting to explain this one.

"The Mage Clan like I've explained before is a faction of mages that takes many talented mages who are seeking guidance and teaches them magic properly! Of course while that is a courteous thing for us to do, we are also the ones who protect the other dimension. The Bubble Realms... We vanquish threats and ensure no Dimension Creatures escape into reality. It can cause a great cataclysm if it goes unchecked."

"That sounds intense..."

Blanc stated, as if it wasn't anymore obvious. This world sure does has its threats, but humanity seems to be so composed and calculating that they have individual people to take care of the problems caused by the natural order.

"We also make sure to assist in reality, offering our hands to the service of knights and adventurers alike."

What a way to top things off. I could almost sense a feeling of rivalry sparking between her and Yuji, both of which folded their arms before looking away from each other.

"Here's your order ma'am, sir."

The woman who was serving us had finally arrived with food. Handing us four different plates, Blanc and I continued to munch away!

"Heh, take your time. The food isn't going anywhere."

Yuji stated, before looking at me directly in the eyes.

"Aaahhh! I'm so content!"

"H-hold on Noir... You've got a bit of food on your face."

Yuji suddenly reached for my lips, wiping away the bit of grub that was left over on my face.

Taking a glance at the girls, they seemed to be blushing a little.

"Try to enjoy your share a bit more, Noir."

Yuji shared a gentle smile, something that caught me off guard.

"S-sure thing... You're right, this stuff really is delicious."

I decided to take my time, eating at a slower pace and savouring every piece.

"To continue our conversation, there are another three clans. First, is the Adventurers Guild. They are full of free lancers who take care of general problems of the public. That could be monster subjugation quests, escorting quests and even farming quests. Since the Adventurer's guild is the most diverse in it's members, there is always something for someone to do. Even a normal civilian whose jobless can become an adventurer and take care of common problems in the city and be rewarded with a good sum. Of course a normal job would pay more..."

"I see... so that's what we're going to be doing right Noir?"

Blanc took a quick look at me, as she was eating up her last bits. I nodded before looking at the other two across the table.

"Of course. Now that we're all a party, we'll be doing it together."

Maru said, scratching the back of her head in modesty.

"As for the last two... Well, they aren't from this region, but you should know of them regardless."

Yuji's tone seemed to change quite a bit.

"The King's Faction, an elite force of extremely powerful knights capable of taking on armies... they are a band of only 50 knights... Of them, Rank 1 and Rank 2 are often regarded as the fiercest... It's said that Rank 1's power is so immense, it's like he time stops. As for Rank 2, their power is so large in scale that it almost doesn't matter where you are- their attacks will hit... and hard."

Yuji shuddered at the idea. They sound like incredible people- but knowing they serve a corrupt King- it makes me question their convictions.

"What's the last one?"

Blanc asked, having finished her plate. I was on the last few of my bites, all whilst Maru was finishing off too. Yuji only ate half, but most likely due to his conversing.

"The final faction is a mystery to most. It's of a nation distant from the King's control. Their army is said to be as valiant as the King's Faction. I should mention that this world is split between 7 nations. Of them, the King has conquered only 5 of them. The remaining two is left to the hands of powerful nations themselves."

The King couldn't assume control over all.. What has me curious is that the layout of this world is all too similar to my own world. 7 nations, but where are the 7 gods? They are alive in this world, that's for certain...

"The last two nations is ruled by a God, and the other is ruled by an Emperor. The God is known as Lueur, the Goddess of Dreams. She oversees her own nation and lives in solidarity. She refused entry many years ago, perhaps before we were even born. But she's a Goddess who loves her people, and wishes to protect them all."

That sounds like her... Lueur, I met her once in my world and she was an extremely kind Goddess. She was the one who awakened my blade and allowed it the power to slay demons. Having closed her nation off in my world, she opened the nation once we were able to offer our forces to protect her nation.

"Sounds about right. And the last nation? Led by an Emperor?"

"Yes, he reigns over the Nation of Honor. Honor and integrity is of utmost importance. As such, their faction is full of super soldiers, which is the last faction I should mention. The Samurais are extremely proficient with their blade and do what they can to vanquish demons."

That suddenly alerted me. Knowing demons exist- I couldn't let it slide...

"As they live near the Gates of Hell, they are responsible for constantly keeping demons in check. For centuries they have protected everyone, and the King certainly wouldn't want to remove that job from them. Especially since they are so reserved to their own nation. It's a good and a bad thing. After all, they look down on us in general as a society. But they are also the same people who prevent calamities such as a potential Demon King arising. Not that they would even stand a chance against the Emperor nor King himself. Even the Gods who walk these earths amount an insurmountable level of power."

They must be in possession of their Godifacts in that case... In my world, they hid their Godifacts in order to protect them.

"The Nation of Dreams and the Nation of Honor... We're in the Nation of Freedom, which leaves the Nations, Power, Belief, Prosperity and Future."

"Correct. They are all ruled by the single King, who once led the single Nation, the Nation of Power. After he conquered all the nations, he renamed them all into The King's Nation. While he could conquer the Nation of Freedom too, it'd be silly for him to remove the nation that poses no threat to anyone. Not to mention, we take care of many petty things for him that it'd be too much of a hassle for him to deal with."

"Heh. Sounds irresponsible."

Yuji nodded at my comment. Everyone here clearly felt something negative towards the King. The more I thought about everything, the more things get complicated. If the King is reigning over so many lands- why have the Gods not assumed their control? Or is it because of something I'm not aware of yet. Now that I think about it, my main goal is to collect all the Godifacts and to ascend to Heaven. But... Just what lays ahead of me?

The Godifacts... There's only Seven I know of, and an Eighth in possession of that Unknown Goddess.

The Orb of Time, Orb of Space, Orb of Creation, Orb of Life, Orb of Parallel, Orb of Gravity, Orb of Energy, and the Eighth being the Orb of Khaos.

Each Godifacts holds the power to run the world. The Orb of Time, Space and Gravity lays out the foundation of our plains of existence whilst the Orbs of Life, Creation and Energy allows life to prosper and cycle over and over. The Orb of Parallel is the addition to the plain of existence which allows us to traverse dimensions using dimension magic, and the Orb of Khaos stores all the negative energy and keeps a perfect balance between them all. This is according to that Goddess.. the Orb of Khaos outweighs each and every Orb, and possession of all Eight has the power to overwhelm even the heavens.

They're dangerous, and thus the Godifacts are split across all worlds. The Goddess who explained this all to me said it was to protect the universe as a whole as uniting the full might of each Orb would only reverse the creation of this world. It's a terrifying thought, and the fact that possessing only an incredibly minute fraction of a complete Godifacts could grant that immeasurable power... It's no wonder the Demon King's who wish to overthrow the heavens seek all seven to grab the Khaos Orb to unify all fragments from all the other worlds.

"Well, now that we've cleaned the dishes, why don't you two go sight seeing? I've got to hand in my leave of absence, and I'm sure Maru has some things to discuss with her Mage Clan."

"Yes. I must speak with the Grand Wizard to see what happened after she saved us from the Cult Leader."

Blanc and I looked at each other, realizing we had a whole day to find explore the city...

and with that....

"Where should we begin?"

Blanc asked, dumbfounded by the amount of people walking about. I would imagine getting lost would be all too easy with a city so bustling and massive.

"Why don't we first look for a place to buy? Once we earn enough money, we should consider having our own home. Afterall-, we can't just keep camping."

It was a fine suggestion, and having my own private space would be nice. I haven't lived in a home since I was 15, and having been in the wilderness or in encampments- I haven't lived the most luxurious life as a Hero should.

"Then where do we even begin..?"

"Well, I was hoping for something more quieter... Is there a street that's less busy?"

Having looked around, this was certainly the market area.

"Here's a suggestion, why don't we explore the town first and then we can settle where we want to live? Afterall-, the map will auto fill so we can navigate where we are as long as we mark where things are!"

I couldn't say no to that idea.

So, our day began. Navigating every shop, we marked down with small pointers on our maps the more important shops that we may visit more regularly, as well as marking down with a large marker to suggest that this area was the Market Place.

We found an armory, a bakery, a clinic and a smithy. All located in the Market Street, we headed off towards the center of the city. Having came from the south, we marked the central area as the Fountain Plaza, most notably as a meet up spot for Adventurers and even possessing some beautiful scenery. The large water fountain in the middle is how we came up with the name, and considering the amount of Adventurer's meeting up, it only made sense. There were few markets here that handed off unique items which piqued our interest, so we labelled those as well.

Heading North West, we were greeted with a beautiful scenic spot, a shot of a beautiful forest where mountains laid beyond with a lake separating the two. It was a stunning sight that we both took in with pleasure. Blanc gave a very gentle smile as she gazed off.

It was more quiet, less people but many couples... of course, we were mistaken as one.

Heading East from where we were, we reached the Northern section of the City, where it looked like some large and massive buildings towered over the city. After asking around, we learnt that this is where the Knights got assigned missions. It was known as the Knights Headquarters, the Knights HQ for short. The area also had a local library as well as many hotels and leisure spots for the common folk. I, ofcourse-, had to note those down. There was even a suspicious alley with suspiciously bright colours. While I was curious, the devil wings was more than enough for me to realize what it was.

Heading East once more, we reached what seemed to be several streets and even an inn. It looks like this was the homes of the people. Some of our Map was already uncovered, presumably from entering the sewage system the other day. Though I'd rather not think of that again. We simply named this area, the Exis Inn. It seemed to be the only Inn we found and many Adventurers coming home from quests were making stops by. They were drinking away and it looks like the tall building held many rooms for these homeless people.

Further down the street, was an esteemed academy in Knight Training. It looks like this is where trainees attend school essentially. Though living here felt a little cramped and there were too many roads out and about. It was easy to get lost.

The final area we hadn't looked into was the southern bit. Of course, that was the entrance to the Market Area, but we had noticed a path that further South-East of the city. Eventually, we made our way down...

"Whew! Today has been quite exciting hasn't it?"

Blanc asked as we were travelling the dirt road in the outskirts of the city.

"It sure has. Once we find this place, we should figure out where we want to live. For now, the Inn will do."

"Mmhm... I have wondered where this led to..."

"I have too. Though..."

"Huh... it ends here?"

I was slightly confused about this. Perhaps we took a wrong turn? Or this really is where it ends...

"Is this... It's just a clearing..."

"Yeah... We should ask Yuji about this later. But I'm starting to get some crazy ideas."

"Crazy ideas?? like what?"

Blanc clearly wanted to know, but best I save the idea until we confirm this land is free. Considering the City being the Land of Freedom... I could buy this land... right?

...

"Welcome to Rivdale Exis Inn! Are you two first timers here?"

The receptionist welcomed us as we reached the counter. I held twenty Exis in my hand, which is the currency of this world.

(Exis in reference will be compared to GBP. 1 Exis = £1, and the minor currency, Exi is equivalent to pence. 100 Exi = 1 Exis.)

"We want a room for two, we're beginner adventurers so we're kind of new around here... we spent the entire day looking around the city."

The best way to build up reputation is to make small talk and do good things around town. Renown is pretty important wherever you go, so we should pay close attention to that.

"Oh! How wonderful! You two seem like you come from afar! Say... that outfit of yours..."

And this is where reputation is thrown out the window....

"The Mage Clan did say that someone clad in Black was a great adventurer who doesn't hesitate to help people in need. The adventurers have heard about your great deeds already!"

WAIT- that's new!

"H-huh? Seriously?"

Oh... right, I guess Yuuna only requested to not speak of Divine Blading. The Mages of the Clan probably spoke about the Dimension Devourer incident, announcing a man of black and a girl of white valiantly fought to protect the realm.

"So, what are your names? Both of you are already making a name for yourselves after all!"

"I'm Noir, and this is my partner Blanc."

I said, holding Blanc's shoulder as we spoke.

"I see, you can call me Iris. So, you two are partners eh? Ahh, to be young again... I wish I found love at such a young age."

"A-as in Partners as adventuring partners- don't get any weird ideas!"

Blanc blurted out, but the receptionist simply giggled.

"Oh I was just teasing. You two didn't seem like you were dating anyway haha! Though rumours are spreading around that you spent the day together. No one could mistake the man in black and woman in white."

Our colours are... certainly outstanding...

"So, a room for two... We're assigning the room 603 for you, take this key and you should be able to enter without a problem. If you have any issues or require assistance, you can call us using the phone box that should be placed next to your door after you walk in. Also, don't worry about surveillance inside your rooms. We are strict about leaving our adventurers their privacy, so whatever happens in that room... will ofcourse, stay in that room."

She said, winking at us with a charming smile. I chuckled, laughing it off.

"Don't worry, no fishy business around here. We're looking to buy a place once we earn enough anyway. By the way, you seem like the sort that knows the ins and outs of this place. I wanted to ask about that clearing just on the outskirts of the city- there's a path that leads to nowhere. Does someone own that land or..?"

Iris simply shook her head.

"No one owns that land, though the dangers of monsters lurks around that clearing since it's not apart of the Safe Zone- it's completely free. Are you planning something?"

"Well, a little bit. I had a few ideas."

"Oh? Sounds interesting! Whatever you come up with, I'm sure your brilliant thinking will do you justice. Now you two have a lovely night! Be sure to leave your keys on the front desk in the morning."

She waved at us as we began to make our way up the stairs. As we entered the hallway of doors, there was one particular door that Blanc stood in front of. There was only one button. One that was pointing up.

"What's up Blanc?"

"Oh, why don't we take the Elevator?"

"Eh leh veigh tour?"

"Elevator, it's something that lifts you up and down inside a building."

"Never heard of it."

"Oh come on..."

"Nope."

"Seriously?"

Blanc let out a sigh, before pressing the button. Almost immediately, the door opened and it was a simple room in the shape of a box.

"Come on in."

Blanc said, taking my hand. Walking me in, the doors suddenly shut close. After a few seconds of waiting, I suddenly felt movement going up.

"W-woah-"

"Steady, it's not that hard to stand straight in an elevator."

"B-but... Gah! So many transportation things- what happened to the conventional 'use your legs' thing?"

"Oh stop being a boomer. Look, we're almost at the 6th floor."

Suddenly, the Elevator slowed down and soon came to an immediate holt. Once it did, the doors opened again, this time showing doors that displayed the numbers above 600.

"Now that we're here, if we head left, we'll find our place."

She said. As we walked out, I turned to look back at the elevator and there were two buttons this time. One pointing up and one pointing down.

"Elevators sure are amazing."

Eventually, we reached our room. Number 603. Using the key to unlock it, we opened the door. Blanc flicked on the lights and suddenly- we were greeted to a room with a single bed.

"Hey... didn't we ask for a room for two?"

"Gah... she played us... It's a double bed..."

"Then... Sigh, damn it."

Regardless, we entered the room anyway, and as I opened my inventory tab, I had tapped on the icon that showed my clothes. I only had one set... do I have to sleep naked? I probably shouldn't share that info...

"Hey uh... Blanc- don't you think we stink a little?"

"A little?! I can't believe I didn't notice until now..."

"We should wash our clothes in the nearest lake, and also bathe in whatever bathing place they have here."

"Huh? Why don't we just use the washer and the shower?"

"Wah sure? Shao were?"

"Oh Noir... I'll show you how they work..."

After some complications, I learnt about a Washer and Shower. Such convenient things- but I was startled when water suddenly came pouring out that head.

"I'm going to shower first, I really dislike this smell... Is that okay?"

"Yeah sure. Just uh... I'll stay uh.."

"Don't stay in the room! you'll stink up the place..."

"I- I won't... and uh... Man, how will this work?*

"Just put our clothes in the washer... don't you have extra clothes?"

"No. Just the one."

"We seriously need to see a tailor to make more of your clothes..."

"Just... Ahh... it's awkward.. just."

"Look, whatever happens, happens. Let's just try not to look at each other when we wash our clothes, okay?"

"Okay..."

Because of how much I stunk, I was forced to strip to nothing, and she did too. To get rid of the smell, I showered first quickly, and waited in the other room for her to do a proper shower, so that I would have to wait to do my own proper shower. She really complicated things, but hearing her in the shower right next to me was something so awkward to listen to. Luckily there were curtains to cover her...

*THUD!*

"Are you okay?!"

"Y-yes! I'm fine!!! D-don't look okay! I just dropped my soap bar... I'm nervous okay!"

"A-ah, my bad..."

This was way too tense. What the hell is even going on and how did we get here? Are people usually this awkward about these things? Why did she complicate things so much anyway?!

"O-okay... I'm done... close your eyes... please."

"Okay..."

"Okay. I'm coming out now. I'll guide you into the shower and close the curtain for you."

Smooth operation, thankfully, once that was over, she left the room since she was fully clean. Now that I could get fully cleaned and remove all the dirt off me, I felt how relaxing a shower could be.

Eventually, I finished cleaning, and using the towel to dry myself off, I simply sat down, watching as the Washer was doing its thing.

"Hey Blanc? How do we dry our clothes?"

"We have a dryer here too you know."

She said from the other room... How do I explain to her that I have to sleep naked?

After I dried completely, The Washer was done in time. Opening the door, I smelt just how fresh the clothes were.

"Woah... it's got such a nice scent to it..."

"Is the washing done Noir? Here, I'll sort the drying out."

"W-wait! Don't open the-"

It was too late. As Blanc stared blankly, I knew where her eyes were looking. Straight at my Excalibur. I didn't have pants on, I was waiting for them to be fully washed.

"What?"

"A-ah- aren't you embarrassed?!"

"I uh... you know you weren't wearing pants when you entered the shower too right?"

Ah... so she... WAIT- would that be the third time then? I did take that quick shower first... No, this would be the fourth time!

"Uh... don't look."

I said, hiding my member away, as she soon put the clothes in the dryer.

"Listen, if you do anything to me while I sleep, I'll make sure you won't wake up again."

H-her attitude stinks!

I'm gonna wait until my clothes are dry before I sleep.

After a long hour, the timer finished, and I had grasped my clothes and quickly put on the first layer only. Folding the rest, I placed her set of clothes to one side and my set to the other... my only thought was... 'White panties and bra too?' Excuse my indecent thoughts... I'm a male after all.

Entering the room, I looked towards Blanc who was sleeping. She seemed quite agitated, and as I entered the quilt, I turned to look away from her.

I closed my eyes, feeling somewhat restless... didn't we get a room for comfort? So why do I feel so uncomfortable?

If that wasn't the most uncomfortable I had been, I had felt even more uncomfortable the moment after. I felt her hand reach over me, while the other rested on my back. She seemed to be deep asleep so I couldn't just wake her up...

'She's... she's totally hugging me right now...'

What the hell is this..?! My heart is pumping like crazy... When I held her a few days ago, it felt totally different- but now- that we're in bed- it feels like my heart is about to jump out!

"Mmm... Mom..."

She muttered. Hearing that, I silenced my indecent thoughts for a moment and turned to look at her. Her face was in distress. Did she yearn for her mother's warmth?

Her arm stayed around me, and instinctively, I wrapped my right arm around her. Suddenly, she began to snooze soundly, burying her head into me.

"Rest easy."

I whispered to her, as I suddenly felt a lot of comfort. My eyes grew heavy, and before I knew it- I passed out.

The morning soon came...

"N-N-N-NOIR!"

"Mm... huh?"

I woke up, and my hand was still around her. Her face was so flustered... I have to tell her right away.

"You held onto me first... I felt it in my sleep. I must've held you in my sleep too..."

I responded calmly, sitting up from the bed and moving my legs down the side.

"Sigh. You seem pretty stressed Blanc. Your mind is on your Mom, isn't it?"

"I... How did you..."

"You were saying some things in your sleep. Last time you were restless, I held you to give you peace. It was the same this time."

...

(Blanc's POV)

He... held me because I looked distressed?

"I-..."

I didn't know what to say. Lately, I've been mischaracterizing Noir... I feel bad. He seems like a genuinely honest and kind person. In fact... No... it's way too soon...

"Noir- uhm... thank you."

"It's okay. You're the first person I met in this world, and you're the first to give me the helping hand. I'm only returning the favour."

He got up and smiled at me. Entering the bathroom, it looked like he was about to grab our clothes. I sat down on the bed, thinking to myself.

"Heh..."

I giggled, thinking about the last few days. Ever since Noir came into my life, everything changed drastically. I left the village abruptly- and I do feel bad about it, but knowing how corrupt they were, I'm glad I left. That guy wasn't even my father to begin with. Just a man looking to exploit me with my Mana... If it wasn't for Noir... I'd be a lost soul.

"Here you go, I'll stay in the bathroom for a bit to equip my gear. Just let me know when you finish getting dressed."

He said, as soft as ever. He really is genuine. Noir cares about me so much despite not knowing too much about me... It's weird, having someone who cares about me... I haven't felt this since my mother left for that mission...

After a bit of time, we eventually dropped our keys off at the desk and we began to make way towards the Fountain Plaza.

There's our two other party members were waiting for us.

Their faces seem to be distraught... Something is off...

"N-Noir, Blanc... we have urgent news..."

Yuji spoke, running over to us with Maru.

"It's the Grand Wizard..! She's..."

...

The Grand Wizard, was killed.