Today was our last day in the village. I had to admit, it had been a good run, but it was finally time to move on. As I walked down the stairs of the inn, a hint of nostalgia crept in. Mel's Inn, what a phenomenal place.
I grinned at him as I reached the counter. He just scoffed. "Glad you're leaving," he muttered.
I clutched my chest dramatically. "How could you say that? After all we've been through?" I said in a mock hurt voice.
"Just pack your bags, take the kid, and get the hell out of my inn," he said, clearly unimpressed.
"Why so serious? You act like you didn't enjoy the spark and excitement I brought into your dull little life these past five days," I teased, leaning closer to his face.
"Get out of my face," he grumbled, moving his hand toward me, but as soon as it reached my face, his motion slowed.
"Ah, I knew you wouldn't dare lay a hand on me," I said with a smug smile, hopping off the counter.
"Julian! Hurry up, meet me outside!" I called out. The innkeeper just stared at me like he was trying to figure out whether I was a genius or an idiot.
Julian rushed down the stairs, his small steps echoing against the wood.
"You know the plan, right?" I asked, handing him a bottle of water. He took it with a grateful smile.
"Yeah. We're meeting a client heading toward Strahl. Normally, people make that trip in one day on horseback, but this client wants to make stops in different villages," Julian explained.
"Look at you, already giving me a full briefing," I said, adjusting the strap of the bag on my shoulder. "But yes, that's exactly what we're doing."
Julian frowned slightly. "But how are we supposed to defeat that demon if we keep stalling?"
I sighed, amused by his persistence. "Julian, have some patience. You were living on the streets a few days ago. You can't expect to take down a demon right after learning how to feel mana." I turned to look at him seriously. "As a wise man once said, success doesn't happen overnight."
He lowered his gaze, nodding slowly.
"This journey is for training and money," I said as we stepped outside into the sunlight. "And trust me, it's the most efficient way to get stronger."
—
"Ah, I forgot, where did he say we should meet him again?" I said, scratching my head.
Julian looked at me with a dead-serious expression. "Really?"
"Just playing with you," I said, poking his forehead.
We walked through the village, the same dusty streets we'd spent the last few days in. I glanced around, taking in the wooden stalls, the faint smell of bread baking, and the chatter of people going about their morning. Even if they saw me as an outcast, I couldn't help but feel… well nothing really.
"Julian, I've still got a few questions, you know," I said, swinging my arms casually.
"And what would that be?" he asked.
"Why did you trust me so easily? I didn't exactly scream trustworthy when we first met," I said.
Julian paused for a moment, thinking. "I was desperate," he admitted quietly.
"'Was'? You still are," I laughed. "Don't gaslight yourself, kid. But hey, that answers one of my questions."
We continued walking, trading light banter for nearly twenty minutes. Honestly, I could get used to this. Julian was different from the others I'd trained,not the loud or arrogant type, just focused and quiet. It reminded me a bit of old times.
Of course, the thought crossed my mind, my old students. They probably still missed me back in the Jujutsu world, crying their eyes out, begging, 'Gojo-sensei, come back!' I chuckled at the thought. Julian was plain compared to that bunch, sure, but his potential? Maybe even higher. Maybe.
Eventually, we stopped in front of a narrow road that led out of the village. A cart stood there, hitched to two sturdy horses. Next to it, a man in red robes and a wide smile waved at us. His cloak was pure white with two deep crimson stripes running down the sides.
"I'm guessing you're Satoru Gojo, the overpowered white-haired individual," he said, grinning from ear to ear.
"Ah, so you've heard of me," I replied, smiling just as wide. "But I prefer the Honored One, thank you very much."
Julian sighed beside me, clearly used to this by now.
"The Honored One, huh? A bit presumptuous," the man said with a laugh. "But considering you defeated a dragon, I suppose the title fits. Nice to meet you, Satoru Gojo! I hope we can be friends on this journey." He extended his hand.
"Yes, best of friends," I said, shaking it firmly. "But I'm curious, how'd you know I took down a dragon?"
He grinned even wider. "A merchant friend of mine told me all about it! He said you're confident, reckless, white-haired, and wear a blindfold. Oh and that you have terrifyingly strong magic!" His hands waved around as he spoke, excitement spilling out of him.
"Surely you must know who I'm talking about, the merchant who stutters unless he's drunk, a total simp for a priestess, and the same one who gave you a fifty-gold coin tip!" he said, beaming.
Ah, that guy. He did talk a lot when he was sober.
"I see," I said with a small nod. "Well then, since introductions are already out of the way, this here is my apprentice, Julian. He's pretty weak now, but he'll get stronger. Eventually."
"Nice to meet you," Julian said politely, shaking the man's hand.
The man looked him over for a moment, his smile faltering slightly. "Not to be rude, but… why does he have so many bandages? Did something happen during training?"
"Oh, that?" I said casually. "No, he just got bullied. These wounds are from other kids."
The man blinked. "Other kids did that?"
"Yeah," I said, patting Julian's shoulder. "But don't worry. Soon enough, he'll be the one people are scared to mess with. I found him a few days ago.
"So, what exactly are you? I mean, what's your j*b?" I asked, glancing at him.
"Oh, me? I'm just a humble ex-priest," he said with a calm smile.
"Ex?" I tilted my head.
"Yeah, I quit," he replied casually. "I'm visiting a few family members, but before that, I want to see some places. Honestly, I didn't hire you for protection, that's just a bonus. When that merchant started rambling about you, I thought, 'why not go on one more adventure before settling down?'"
I grinned. "A good adventure, huh? That's exactly what we'll do! Right, Julian?" I said, reaching out to ruffle his hair.
He groaned, brushing my hand away. "I only wan—"
"Learn to chill," I interrupted, waving a finger at him. "You're not some ancient sage on a quest for enlightenment. Relax while you can, kid. You'll thank me later."
The ex-priest laughed softly, amused by our back-and-forth.
"Oh, ignore this party-pooper," I said, smirking. "He's obsessed with killing demons to avenge his family or something like that."
"Demon killing?" the ex-priest repeated, raising a brow. "That's no small goal. Only high-level mages or holy knights can even hope to kill the greater ones. Quite the ambition."
Julian looked out toward the road, his hands clenched slightly. "Maybe so," he said quietly, "but I'll do it. Somehow."
I shot him a side glance, a grin tugging at my lips. "That's the spirit. Just don't forget to enjoy the ride before you start slaying monsters."