Weapons

Adults and kids were roaming the downstairs dining hall, kitchen, and living room as they prepared for their day. Eaton, Isla, and Beatrix were readying themselves in their Junior Hunter uniforms, while the cooks were bringing in all types of food, buffet style. George was calmly sitting amongst the chaos and chatter helping Julian understand the process of absorbing an affinity from a mana crystal.

A one foot spiked crystal with a brown and gray hue subtlety glowed on the coffee table of the living room filled with white fluffy couches.

"It seems people have a good sense of interior design." Elijah muttered under his breath with the sight of all kinds of plants, paintings, and agreeing colors entering his eyesight. He had never been into the living room, but only the dining hall. Each room was partly separated with a large archway opening or a hallway. A romantic and closed concept of design. Organized clutter in this instance was better than open and unused space.

"How is the absorption going Julian?" Elijah had never seen a mana crystal with an affinity in it before, and chose to keep this charade up as he wasn't ready for everyone in the estate to know his special circumstances. Not just having an affinity, but also the way he obtained this affinity, which is something he still truly does not know the answer to. Was it after he fell into the whirlpool, or had he always had the affinity since his birth.

"Rather quick to be honest. But that is due to me already having an awakened core for quite some time. I'd give it two days and I'll be a full fledged mage!" Julian explained to Elijah as he stood up from the couch.

"That's great to hear!" Elijah is worried for his brother. Originally, Julian was all in on farming, but was forcefully pushed into a new life, and subsequently was forced into joining the Junior Hunters because there is no other path for him. The least he can do is help the kingdom return to its peak, which would allow him to return to what he truly wants to do.

"Me, Elijah, and Alexia are going to walk around the market areas. If we are all going to be Junior Hunters, then we are going to need a weapon soon." Novius told his father.

George stood up from the couch and walked toward Novius. "Yes that is very true, but don't forget about what you truly want to do Novius. If you want to buy something then grab a pouch of coins from my office. Also, Alexia, I should have a water affinity crystal within the next week for you to absorb. Don't worry you will be taken care of."

The three hoodlums grabbed the small pouch of coins, and walked out the door into the darkness of the day.

Lanterns, torches, and new light magitech were seen giving life to the streets.

Elijah noticed several people and families walking together that almost seemed scared, or on top of their feet. The loss of light was getting to everyone, and the only option was to accept the madness. Light is a crucial part of one's health, and while the people in this kingdom might not understand the reasons why, they unconsciously worship the sun. Not as a god, but as a source of life.

Finally, after walking for close to half an hour and passing by an enormous amount of shops, the trio made it to the famous blacksmith shop known for their quality, Benimascus. The moment Elijah stepped inside, he felt like he entered a new dimension. A long and grand room with stone arches lining the ceiling and furnaces on both sides gave the room a feeling of renaissance. The exact way Elijah would have imagined a blacksmith, was what he walked into.

The trio walked up to the front counter where a muscular burly man with gray and white hair was standing. "Welcome to Benimascus! What unique pieces of work are you looking for, young ones?"

Novius was the first to speak. "Hello, we are joining the Junior Hunters soon, and need something that is of quality for a beginner."

"That is great to hear, we need all the help we can get right now… my name is Abe, and I will bring out all of the beginner pieces. Please give me five minutes."

Novius nodded, then turned back to Elijah and Alexia. "What kind of weapon do you both want?"

Elijah quickly responded. "Something small and sharp, like a knife."

"I'm not sure I would want anything that is sharp, but rather something strong like a staff."

"You two are rather interesting. A knife and a staff. Usually swords are picked over fifty percent of the time. I am even choosing a sword." Said Novius with a smile.

Abe walked over four carrying a large cloth bag that was clanking with every step. The bag unrolled across the counter and the sight of the different blades widened the smiles of the trio. "We have swords, knives, spears, and axes. All of which have their different uses. Let me know which one you would like, and I'll tell you the price."

Novius chose a simple short sword due to his size. Eventually he would upgrade, but for now, he needed at least something. Elijah chose a single knife about the size of his forearm. And Alexia chose nothing.

Novius handed the man 3 gold coins for the two weapons, and led his friends out. Novius was taking the lead while Elijah observed, considering he does not know how to act and where to go within Centerpool.

"Watch this guys!"

Novius and Alexia turned around to see Elijah throwing his knife up in the air. A small transparent and pearlescent rimmed portal opened up that was barely visible to the eye, and made the knife disappear.

"Was that your magic?" Alexia asked.

"Yes, my spatial storage spell."

"That's quite convenient Elijah. Are you able to pull it out anytime you want?" Novius was curious as he may try to find a way to give this ability to the people through magical runes.

"Yes, the only downside is that I can only store a small amount of items, at least for now I hope."

"Either way, that is an incredible use of your magic. I understand why you want to keep it a secret now. I'm afraid you would be turned into an experiment for the betterment of the kingdom…"

The trio walked off down the street full of people. It was currently peak time for the streets as people were eating lunch or shopping.

Novius quickly stopped his steps and said, "stop moving guys."

A well dressed mother and son were walking down the street in the direction towards them. "Well well, if it isn't George's son. How do you do Novius?"

"I'm good Mrs. Damaris, follow me guys, we have one more place to stop at." Novius was not even looking at the women who had just started a conversation with him.

"Hahaha, let him be, mother. It appears he is too embarrassed to look us in the eyes." A black hair, and burning red-eyed boy with red and black garments that were accentuated by silver ornaments was standing casually beside his mother.

"Ah, you are right Emery. Just make sure you show him your power as a Junior Hunter." The mother responded with a depressed tone.

The trio continued walking while Novius took a quick glance back at Emery who caught his eyes.

"What happened there, Novius?" Elijah was worried as it obviously seemed like something bad.