As the sun slowly sank below the horizon, the city came alive in an entirely different way. Lanterns began to flicker on, casting soft yellow light over the narrow streets, now crowded with merchants, craftsmen, and adventurers.
Kano, Naira, Lianel, Sheila, Rudgard, and Selina stepped into the market, where they were immediately engulfed by the whirl of noise and scents. The air was thick with the aroma of roasted meats, spices, and freshly baked pastries. The voices of the vendors blended into a constant hum: some loudly advertised their wares, others eagerly haggled with customers over prices.
The market stalls formed a chaotic maze. On one side, jewels sparkled under the light, sold by demon jewelers who promised magical properties for every trinket. Nearby, an orc alchemist stood by a massive cauldron, steam rising from it as he touted the healing properties of his brews. A little further, a dwarf blacksmith demonstrated his products, laughing that his swords "were so sturdy they could cut through stone like butter."
The girls eagerly dragged Kano from one stall to the next, not only eyeing clothing but also souvenirs and little accessories. Naira, who always remained composed, grumbled that a true warrior needed only minimal gear to avoid hindering movement. Selina, on the other hand, was fascinated by magical trinkets, stopping particularly at stalls with healing amulets.
Among all the variety, Kano felt like he was caught in a whirlwind. He heard voices around him, saw dozens of interesting characters, but his main concern was simple — to survive this shopping marathon, as the girls were determined to turn him into the perfect adventurer.
After what seemed like endless wandering through the market, the girls finally found a stall with adventurer's gear. The vendor, a lanky old elf with cunning eyes, greeted them with a professional smile.
—"Looking for something special for this young man?" he asked with a slight ironic tone, taking in Kano from head to toe. "I think we can find something fitting."
—"Something comfortable, durable, and stylish!" Lianel replied with enthusiasm.
—"Minimal encumbrance, maximum functionality," muttered Naira.
—"And something that matches his eyes!" added Sheila.
Kano rolled his eyes. He already had a feeling this was going to be a long day, and as the fitting began, the arguments quickly followed.
—"Lianel, you wear a light dress yourself, and now you want Kano to carry half the armor!" Naira snorted.
—"And your option? Not everyone wants to look like a half-naked savage who doesn't know what fashion is but considers herself an expert at picking clothes for others," Lianel retorted.
—"Are you hinting at my style right now?!" Naira narrowed her eyes.
—"Girls, maybe we should just let him choose for himself?" Selina tried to intervene.
—"Oh, don't start with the 'choice' talk, you yourself walk around in a healer's robe!" Sheila rolled her eyes.
Kano watched this all unfold, not knowing how to stop it. Every girl wanted to impose her view, and every time he tried to say something, the argument flared up again.
—"Yes, I'm still here, by the way," Kano commented dryly, but his words were drowned in another wave of complaints between the girls.
Eventually, the vendor couldn't take it anymore and placed the best option in front of them.
—"Here. Boots with thick soles, black durable pants, leather armor with light plates, and a cloak. This is what a true adventurer needs."
Kano eyed the set suspiciously.
—"If after all this they tell me I look 'cute,' I'm walking off the market myself," he declared.
The girls laughed, but agreed that this time, the choice was indeed successful.
After the outfit was chosen, the girls, feeling triumphant, dragged Kano to a stall with amulets and magical accessories. The booth was set up under a purple fabric tent, and its owner, a wiry man in a dark hood, smiled upon seeing potential customers.
—"Ah, I see you have good taste. What exactly are you looking for?" the vendor said, spreading dozens of glittering stones and medallions in front of them.
—"We need something to boost Kano's strength," Lianel stated, crossing her arms.
—"Or his agility," added Sheila.
—"First and foremost, something practical, not just a shiny trinket," Naira interjected.
—"This is outrageous!" Selina exclaimed. "Magical amulets aren't just decorations, they can save lives!"
Kano sighed heavily and rubbed his face. He could already sense the upcoming spiral of arguments.
—"Let me help," the vendor raised a hand. "This amulet increases strength, agility, and adds 2000 mana units. Perfect for a novice!"
—"Oh, that sounds wonderful!" Lianel exclaimed.
Kano took the amulet in his hand, examined it, and then put it around his neck. Nothing happened.
—"I don't feel any different," he muttered, removing the amulet.
—"Try lifting something heavy!" Sheila suggested.
Kano looked around and spotted a heavy metal anvil at a neighboring stall, where a blacksmith was demonstrating his goods. He walked over, grabbed the anvil, and attempted to lift it... nothing. The anvil didn't even budge.
— Huh? — he exclaimed, looking around.
The amulet vendor, who had been watching this, frowned in displeasure.
— "Give me that," he snatched the amulet, put it around his own neck, and effortlessly lifted the anvil with one hand. "See? Works great!"
A silence fell over the market, then laughter erupted.
— "Oh, kid, you're just weak!" the vendor snickered, grinning slyly.
— "Is this a fake or what?!" Kano began to boil with anger.
— "Maybe the problem isn't with the amulet, but with its owner?" the vendor smirked, eyeing Kano curiously.
Everyone around was laughing, while Kano stood with a face red from rage. But suddenly, he felt arms around him from both sides. Naira and Lianel, each from opposite sides, gently pressed against him.
— "Don't be upset," Lianel said softly, "we know you're strong."
— "Still, I think amulets are for weaklings," added Naira.
Kano was taken aback. He could feel the surprised gazes of the passersby. In the midst of the market, among a crowd of people, stood a young man, and on both sides, two girls with the figures of goddesses embraced him. For a few seconds, there was silence, and then whispers followed by another burst of laughter.
— "Alright, enough, let's move on before you kill my spirit of adventure," Kano grumbled, turning his gaze away.
Laughing, the group continued on their way, leaving the amulet vendor in mild astonishment.
After the exhausting shopping and numerous comic situations, the group headed to the nearest tavern, called "The Tawny Griffon." It was a two-story establishment, known for its hearty meals and loud atmosphere. Inside, the chatter of adventurers discussing their latest exploits filled the air.
Rudgard, ever the strategist, broke ahead and had already claimed the best table by the window. He raised his mug of beer, waving at his friends.
— "Finally! I thought you guys had gotten lost in that sea of dresses and amulets!"
Kano, barely dragging his feet after the exhausting shopping marathon, collapsed on the bench with no strength left.
— "Don't remind me… If I hear about 'the right style' one more time, I'm moving to a cave," he muttered.
— "That's not a bad idea!" Sheila chimed in, jokingly. "But for that, you'd need to buy the right cave outfit!"
Everyone laughed, even Kano, despite his fatigue.
When the tavern's owner, a sturdy woman with a sharp gaze, approached, she sized up the group and immediately became interested in Kano.
— "A newcomer, huh? I don't often see someone… built like you around here. So, what will it be?"
— "What's the cheapest and the biggest?" Kano groaned.
— "Get him a whole roasted boar," Naira nodded, nudging him in the side. "You've earned it."
As they ate, the tavern filled with news and rumors. Adventurers talked about the undead attacks on the southern borders, and the mysterious mage who single-handedly wiped out an entire pack of dark creatures.
— "They say he was some old drunkard… but he killed like even demons were afraid of him!" one of the guests recounted.
Kano froze for a moment.
— "An old... drunk?" he repeated, feeling his heart race.
— "Exactly! A mighty elf who supposedly disappeared from history," added the second guest.
Kano exchanged glances with the girls. This couldn't be a coincidence. His first friend in this world, Elgot, seemed to have left quite a loud mark behind.
He dropped heavily onto the table, muttering,
— "A monster…"
Lianel quickly leaned in, placing a hand on his shoulder.
— "Kano, are you okay?"
He looked up at her, and then, feeling her warmth, slowly nodded.
— "Yeah… I just think… there are monsters in this world far worse than the undead."
The silence that fell over the table lasted only a moment, until Sheila lifted her mug.
— "Then let's drink to the fact that we're not their dinner yet!"
Everyone laughed, and dinner continued, but the thought of Elgot lingered in Kano's mind.