Pleasure

A noise, loud and disturbing reverberated throughout my room. I turn my head towards the source of this noise. On top an oak desk layered with drawers laid my watch. Ringing out at the exact time I had set it last night. 

"Uhh"

I felt groggy while getting up from bed. I stopped the alarm and walked to my washroom. Flipping the faucet on I ran some cold water over my face to help wake me up. The water felt good, rejuvenating me and making me focused.

Having washed my face and freshening up I hopped in the shower for a minute, rinsing away the sweat from when I was sleeping and prepared to head out. My first classes start later in the day and I had some errands I wanted to complete. 

I also planned to go out for a run and decided to shower properly once I returned. I choose to set out and get proper clothing for school, once again look for a black smith, and get supplies for my studies. 

I should check how much Tyro I have on me. Grabbing my sash from the desk I poured out the green tinted coins and counted. Two tyro and three Pyni. With my calculations I think I should end up spending around one tyro and nine pyni today. I guess that's life, I'll have to hunt and sell some materials or get a quick job from now and then to help manage my expenses.

Setting off I went around the campus and jogged for a short while. I went back inside to wipe my sweat but then decided to just take another shower since I was done with my exercise. Finishing that I went back out walking towards Lexington street.

Eventually after a bit of walking I crossed 5th Avenue where various shops were located. Shops selling products such as clothes, food, accessories, and finally weapons, were scattered about some just now opening and others still closed as it was still early. I walked into the closest weapon shop that seemed open and talked to a man inside.

"Hello, good morning" 

I got the attention of the vendor and asked my long desired question

"Does this shop offer smithing services?"

He gave me a look before answering. He pointed to his side and responded 

"No, we simply distribute and sell weapons, what are you looking for? We've got a variety of swords, shields, daggers, some staffs, spears and bows as well. Of course if you're looking for firearms we have a decent selection."

Hearing that I thought for a bit. Then decided to at least purchase a spear. I don't have to immediately have that ore turned into a weapon. It may be better, even cheaper to sell it and then buy a decent spear

With this in mind I asked to see the spears. He went into the back and brought some out. They all had their blades covered. Unwrapping them gave me a full view of them. Three were brought out, all about the same length. 

The first had a thin blade and single sharp edge. It was relatively straight with a slight curve. Almost like a cutlass. The shaft on the blade was a light smoky wood color. 

The second one next to the first was another single edged blade. It was similar to the first one. The main difference being this possessed an exaggerated curved blade. It looked as if trying to swing this thing would result in the user being flung around instead.

The whole thing was seemingly forged from metal. But upon closer inspection there were segmented gaps within the shaft. That should provide it with enough space to absorb shocks from blows without affecting the user too much.

The first two are quite good for slashing. I was really drawn to the second one because of the blade. But the third one fitted my needs the most. The last spear was a double edge blade. Unlike the first two it had a guard where the blade met the shaft. And the shaft was carved from a dark wood type.

I would like to practice and be proficient in using a variety of weapons in different shapes and sizes. On the other hand I would be at my best if I used the last spear. It is closer to my first one than the other two. 

Plus with the amount of time no matter how little I would be spending getting accustomed to a new weapon. It'd be more efficient to use that time to improve my skills with what I already know. There'll be other times I can use different weapons. 

"What's the price for that one there?"

I pointed towards the double edge spear. If I'm going to make quick progress it's more sensible to build off of what I already know. After some thought the man gestured with his hand and responded.

"Hmmm, I'll sell it for five silver Tyro and three bronze Tyro, how about it?"

Five silver Tyro, for a spear? Isn't that a bit much? I only have bronze on me. All the money I had on me up to this point was from my diligent saving over the years as I worked at the inn as well as some I saved while traveling. I never had enough money to equal to silver Tyro.

And besides, are weapons even that expensive? He might be scamming me, but then again I never bought one before. The weapon I originally had was a farewell gift. Either way I don't have the money and I don't feel like haggling.

I should go to nearby stores and confirm the approximate price for weapons in the area. And ask if anyone can make weapons while I'm at it. I need to confirm if it's less costly to buy or make a weapon. Nodding my head I spoke to the vendor again.

"I see, then do you know any black smiths in the area?"

He gave me a look then snorted. speaking in a voice that was a bit more unwelcoming than before, not that he was too welcoming to begin with.

"I ain't helping a kid who's not buying. If you're not a customer then get out."

Dammit, I smiled a bit, nodded and left the building. Seems that finding the information I need is going to be much harder than I thought. I should change my approach while going into different stores to gather useful information. I'll check out two or three, then get ready for morning classes.

…

After a bit of searching, I found three blacksmithing shops nearby. I stopped by the closest one first—they wanted to examine the ore before giving me a quote. Fair enough, but I decided to check out the other two before making a decision.

I also picked up some new clothes for class: two pairs of black slacks, a grayish-black and white button-up with white accents, and a black tie.

Looking at my watch, I've got about an hour left before my first class.

All I have to do now is use the iron in the common area at my dorm and head to class. I was walking back when a particular smell caught my attention. Turning my head I laid eyes on a bakery.

It had a chalk sign labeled open so I decided to check it out and against my better judgement I walked inside. I was greeted by even more aromas, mainly sweet. I took a look around in the bakery and there was an assortment of different goods on display. 

But one thing in particular caught my eye. A croissant, but not any croissant this one was labeled cream cheese. I was familiar with this term. Back at home, in the inn, we sold an item labeled in a similar fashion to this.

So, if this is what I think it is, It would hurt to buy one right? I looked at the price and nodded. Taking a bronze Tyro from my pocket I lifted it and said.

"Three of those cream cheese croissants please."

After a moment I was handed a brown paper back with three warm croissants inside. I handed over my coin, received my reminder and bid a friendly smile before leaving. Then I grabbed one of the croissants. It was warm and flaky, if you eat them often then one would know squeezing them would make it obvious it had a filling. 

I took a bite and the flavors of the cream cheese along with the croissant resonated throughout my taste buds. Though not quite the same it was quite good. I was satisfied with my purchase. I continued to eat my croissant as I made my way to the dorms.

After reaching the dorms I washed and starched out my clothes and ironed them before getting dressed. I went with the gray button down, black slacks and red tie. I didn't purchase a new pair of shoes. I keep on the pair of boots I wore on my travels. Of course I did clean them to make them a little more presentable.

Not to mention I noticed others wearing such shoes so I thought it would be ok. After leaving the dorms and walking towards the Prism building I made my way through the maze-like halls following the schedule which doubled as a map. 

While walking I saw a constant stream of people moving throughout the halls. After a short period of searching I found my class. I walked through the door peering in as I did. About half of the seats were taken.

But there were still a few good spots left. While looking around trying to decide which spot to take, a man spoke out.

"You there, show me your schedule."

I turned toward the source of the voice. It came from a tall man in a long black coat. His skin was pale, almost porcelain, and he wore thin-framed glasses. He looked to be in his late thirties or early forties, though his hair—mostly white with a subtle blue tint under certain lighting—suggested otherwise. It was tied into a loose ponytail that hung just behind his collar.

His eyes were a faint, icy blue—sharp yet distant. Beneath the coat, he wore a light blue button-down shirt paired with a black tie and black slacks. He had a broad build—what some might call "big" or chubby—but he carried it well, with a presence that felt composed rather than sloppy.

I handed him my schedule and he took a quick glance before handing it back. He took a glance at the seats ahead and spoke.

"Welcome to my class Brian. Go on and find a seat. We will begin shortly."

Following that instruction I walked closer to the seats considering which I should choose. There was the bottom row of desks then stair going up to a higher desk with the teachers desk being at the bottom and center in a similar fashion as the ones in the assembly hall.

I chose the top far left seat, it was the closest to the window. It's at the highest row, I get a good view and the seat next to it is free. I believe it's a good choice for my time here. I sat down on my chair and took a look at the other students. Nothing really noteworthy to take note of then I turned my attention over to the window.

Soon after some waiting the remaining students came through the door, taking nearly all of the remaining seats. The rest of the students came with about three minutes to spare. While in thought I heard some movement next to me. 

I shifted my gaze towards this new person. His unruly dark auburn hair was the only thing peeking out from his pale beige arms which covered most of his face. He wore a simple black ruffle collared shirt, and dark burgundy pants. He seemed tired.

A sharp noise sounded from the front of the room. The man from before who asked for my schedule was now at the desk that stood at the front of the class, soon he spoke.

"Good morning everyone, from today onwards I'll be your common course Instructor. My name is Noah Kaiser."

"Now then here at Prism I'm sure your other Instructors and Professors will teach you comprehensive things about magic and what not. But here as your Instructor it's my goal to reinforce the basics into each and every last one of you."

"I know I might have a few nobles or students from the professors of Prism. You may think that you've already covered so much in your private lessons you've had at home. But I hope you won't let that stop you from learning."

"The best way I can describe what you'll get out of my class is this. It's a saying I often like to remind myself of. Mastery through repetition."

Kaiser at the front of the room picked up a book and came from around his desk standing in the center of the room.

"The students sitting next to you will more or less be your associates. If you wish to switch seats to someone you prefer to work with in the future I suggest you do so now. That seat will be permanent and you will have to work with those next to you from time to time to complete assignments."

"However they might also be your opponent during other tasks so choose accordingly. This will be all for today, some of you might already know each other but to others this is a good opportunity to get to know fellow students. Before leaving, look at the bulletin and take note of future activities."

After saying that Kaiser left the classroom. Leaving us students to do as we please. Honestly that wasn't quite how I imagined my first day of class going. I'm a bit disappointed, but I do have other classes to attend so hopefully I'll learn something useful from them. After Instructor Kaiser left the light voices in class began to become heavy. 

And students started moving around to different seats while chatting. I decided to stay where I was. I mean leaving such a perfect seat would be a crime. While thinking I happened to turn my head towards the guy who sat next to me earlier. His head was still in his arms, perhaps he was sleeping?

Should I try to partner up with him for future assignments? Doesn't seem like he has a partner. But if he's asleep he wouldn't have heard the instructor to know to do so. Taking action I shook his shoulder with a bit of force just enough to wake him up.

As a result he staggered awake and looked blankly around. A second later he looked more focused, he yawned and rubbed his eyes. Then suddenly he gasped.

"Ah, no I feel asleep. What happened? Why is everyone moving? Where is the instructor? What's going on?"

He looked around for a bit before his eyes landed on me. I saw a spark in his eyes. He gave me a pleading and apologetic look as if I was his last hope in a dire situation. I signed in pity to myself and explained the situation. He got a good grasp of it and asked me.

"Alright I see, then would you mind teaming up with me in the future. Oh by the way my name is Danuja Takezo, It's nice to meet you."

He awkwardly put out his hand in an attempt to shake mine. If I accepted I guess this would mean we'd partner up in the future when needed. And potentially go up against each other as well. After some thought I took his hand and shook it. 

"I'm Brian Brigade, it's my pleasure."