?Is this place absurdly big, or is it just my impression, Sextus??
Sextus, completely dazed by all the new things, didn't know how to behave. He was incessantly thinking about how many new things he could discover and learn, and so he continued to be lost in his thoughts without answering, so much so that Sexta pinched his cheek to wake him up.
?No, you're not dreaming; it's all real. But I really want to go see how things are bought in this world, so could we please proceed??
Sextus saw that Sexta had an evidently irritated face and decided to please her to avoid incurring any karate moves. As soon as they entered, they immediately asked for information on how commerce works within this world at a merchant's stall located in a giant square in the center of the city. It was full of people, and there was a lot of noise caused by all those people talking. The merchant sold everything imaginable and seemed to know his stuff.
?Hello, we are Sextus and Sexta, and we come from out of town. Would you happen to know how things work here??
Sextus asked very calmly to the merchant, also greeting him with his hand.
?Hello, I must say your clothes are very peculiar. I have never seen such beautiful ones around here. Oh, but how careless of me, where did my good manners go! Let me introduce myself. I am Nefertiti Tutankhamon, the most experienced merchant in the whole city. I have been doing this job longer than anyone else, and as you can see, I sell handicrafts, clothes, Ankhan, spirit gems, various foods, and... excuse me again, I got distracted from what you asked me. It's a habit.?
The merchant put his hand behind his head and smiled before resuming the conversation.
?As we were saying, in this city, commerce works through exchange based on the value given to objects and their utility. Also, Ankhan can be bought from merchants or blacksmiths in the city. And lastly, spirit gems are not bartered, as they are a daily necessity and because the gems choose you and not you choosing them. For example, if I took a random gem and put it in your hand, young man.?
The merchant Tutankhamon took a gem from the counter and, having Sextus put both hands forward, placed it on his left hand, but it turned gray.
?As you can see, it has turned gray, while if I took this neutral spirit gem...?
The merchant took another gem from the counter and placed it on Sextus's right hand. This time, it turned purple, and the symbol of the scale appeared.
?As you can see, this time your Ankhom has appeared, which is...?
?Yes, yes, we already know what they are and that mine is Maat. Rather, my friend... cough... acquaintance here doesn't know what hers is since the gem turned black when old Asahi gave it to her.?
Suddenly, there was a deathly silence throughout the entire square. Everyone stopped talking and began to look with shocked expressions at Sexta and Sextus, gathering around them and whispering. Sextus asked the merchant.
?Did we say or do something wrong by any chance??
Tutankhamon was evidently irritated and, before answering Sextus, began to shout.
?What are you all looking at? If you're not here to buy, you can go to another merchant then!?
Everyone went away and started chatting among themselves again.
?Well, before we continue the conversation, let's get away from prying eyes and ears. Come inside my tent.?
The two followed Tutankhamon to his tent and immediately noticed upon entering how humble it was, simply having a very large carpet on the ground that stretched almost throughout the tent, on which was placed a wooden chair along with a kind of desk, and in front of it, two other chairs for guests, also made of wood. While the two quickly observed everything, Tutankhamon had sat down on his chair and motioned to the two to sit on the two chairs for guests.
?As we were saying, to answer your question, Sextus, you see, there are various rumors that speak of the fact that the person you mentioned earlier, Yamamoto Asahi, is actually dead years ago. But I believe the reason for all those restless glances is the legend of the black spirit gem: "One day a stranger will arrive with a black spirit gem, who will overturn the balance of this world."?
Sexta, hearing these things, turned completely pale and was almost about to faint, as she is terribly terrified of horror stories, and thinking that she was actually talking to a ghost was her reaction. Sextus, on the other hand, had eyes that were shining with joy; he couldn't believe that perhaps he had spoken to a real ghost.
?Sexta, we absolutely must go back there and talk to him again. I have too many questions to ask him now that I know this!?
?You're completely crazy; there is absolutely no reason why I would go back to talk to him again, especially since think of all those stairs. You know how tiring it would be to climb them all again??
?Actually, you're right. Well, I suppose it will be for another time.?
?Hahahah, you two are really a peculiar couple, I must say.?
Hello reader, it's me Sexta, since that lazy, failed slacker who spends all his time lazing around without doing anything, the narrator, forgot to describe Tutankhamon, so guess who will fix his mistake? Exactly! I'll take care of it in his place. Are you asking me why? Honestly, I don't even know myself. So, if I remember correctly, his name is:
? Full Name
??????????????????????
Tutankhamon Nefertiti
? Age
??????????????????????
Unknown
? Height
??????????????????????
Approximately 174cm
? Hair
??????????????????????
Not visible
? Eyes
??????????????????????
Very dark gray
? Ankhom
??????????????????????
Unknown
? Description
??????????????????????
At first glance, I would say he is an extroverted, quite kind, reliable, charismatic, and very experienced person, in short, the exact opposite of Sextus. He has a pointed beard but no mustache, his eyes are a very dark gray, I think he is about 174cm tall, he always wears a nemes, so I wouldn't know what color his hair is, and also...
?When the cat's away, the mice will play, eh Sexta??
Sexta suddenly turned completely pale because she realized that the narrator had returned from the commitments that were keeping him, and she immediately began to apologize, kneeling and bowing.
?Actually, it doesn't seem to me that I ever did anything like that, my dear narrator...?
?Do you want to put it that way? Then I think I will have to tell our dear readers who you were staring at the whole time with a completely flushed face while I was "lazing around," so that I can make up for this serious lack of mine, don't you think??
?NO! NO! NO! THERE'S NO NEED TO DO IT, PROCEED WITH THE STORY, I BEG YOU!?
Saying this, Sexta joined her hands in prayer and knelt (this time really u.u) okay, now we can proceed!
The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.
Sextus, during all this time, was seeing Sexta talking to someone but didn't understand who, since there were no other people besides him and Tutankhamon, so he was so perplexed that he asked her:
?Have you suddenly gone crazy or something? Who are you talking to? To the cosmic void??
?Trust me, it's better that you don't know...?
Sextus saw that Sexta was a little irritated, so he didn't go further to avoid encountering some lethal karate move.
?Anyway, Sexta and Sextus, I think I have said everything that might interest you and be useful, but if there is anything else you want to know, tell me without making too much trouble, I will always be here to manage my merchandise.?
?Well, actually Sextus and I should go look for two people whose last name is Chikafuji, do you happen to know where they are??
Tutankhamon rested the index and thumb of his hand on his forehead and began to think.
?Of course! You're talking about the young Chifakuji twins, the best blacksmiths in all of Nada. They live and work within the same building; you'll recognize it right away, believe me. Unlike all the other buildings, this one is made of wood.?
?Well, Sexta and I thank you for all the help you've given us, hoping that we can repay you in some way in the future.?
?Well, you could do it right now if you want. The Chikafuji ordered some materials that I had to deliver to them today, but this day is full of customers, and I don't have a moment of peace, so if you could take this crate to their workshop, I would be truly grateful.?
Sexta took the crate and started walking towards the Chikafuji's workshop.
?What are you looking at with that face, Sextus? Hurry up and follow me.?
Sextus was amazed by Sexta's enormous muscular strength but then remembered that she wasn't a normal person at all and simply moved on without paying too much attention to it.
After a short walk, the two finally arrived in front of an imposing Ignis arbor3 wooden structure with an emblem on the front depicting a shield with a hammer engraved on it.
?This should be the Chikafuji workshop, am I right, Sextus??
?Well yes, I also think this should be it. I don't seem to see any other wooden structures around here. Let's try to go in and ask.?
The two young people went up the four steps and knocked on the door, after which they entered the structure.
?Good morning, is anyone here??
A faint voice replied from inside the workshop, but it wasn't clear where it came from.
?Y-y-yes, please come in.?
The two looked around, seeing a lot of tools made of various materials, swords, bows, and thought to themselves:
?We are definitely in the right place.?
The two arrived in front of the workshop counter but didn't see anyone and wondered who had invited them in at this point.
?H-h-hello, please tell me what you need, I'm back here.?
A girl with cobalt blue hair with dull teal tips and sapphire blue eyes greeted them, hiding halfway behind the door that was located beyond the counter.
?Psss, Sextus, are you thinking what I'm thinking??
?Whispering when other people are present is rude, you know? And at least put that crate down; you look like a heavyweight lifter.?
Sexta placed the crate on the counter and resumed whispering to Sextus.
?Ignoring your envious comment, why are you whispering then? Anyway, it's clear that this girl has very obvious problems interacting with other people.?
?That may be true, but enough now, let's introduce ourselves.?
?Cough, let me introduce myself. I am Sextus Kuroki, and this is Sexta Cécilia Tokiko. We came here on behalf of Tutankhamon, who asked us to bring the Chikafuji twins their order. By the way, are they here right now? Because we need to ask them some things.?
The young girl came out of her hiding place and went to get the crate resting on the counter, put it away in the storeroom, and then returned to them.
?I apologize if I didn't introduce myself properly before; it's just that we don't get many visitors here, and I… I'm not really a very open person with others, but once I get used to new faces, I can talk normally.?
Both Sextus and Sexta, while making a bewildered face, thought the same thing.
?What's wrong with her? It's like talking to a different person.?
?Oh no, don't even try it, narrator of my boots! This is a plot hole, plain and simple. It's impossible for such a person to exist, such a sudden and completely random change! Who do you think you're kidding??
And upon hearing these words, the narrator gave a strange smirk, started whistling, and looked in the opposite direction, which leads us to deduce that…
?I DON'T BELIEVE IT, REALLY?!? ARE YOU TELLING ME YOU BEHAVE LIKE THIS??
Well, dear Sexta, maybe not too obviously… but yes. And since you interrupted the story AGAIN for useless reflections, could we please continue? Thank you.
?Nothing to add or say, life is beautiful because it's varied after all.?
In a very cheerful way and with a smile plastered on her face, the girl resumed speaking.
?First of all, I want to thank you for introducing yourselves, and now it's time for me to do the same. Let me introduce myself, I am Reiko Chikafuji, and I am one of the two twins you were talking about earlier.?
?We both thank you for introducing yourself. So, can we ask you a couple of questions about some doubts we have??
?Sextus, right? Of course you can, but first let me call my brother. He's in the back working.?
Reiko headed back beyond the door behind the counter and leaned in, looking into the room, shouting.
? Full Name
??????????????????????
Reiko Chikafuji
? Age
??????????????????????
Unknown
? Height
??????????????????????
167cm
? Hair
??????????????????????
Long, cobalt blue with dull teal tips.
? Eyes
??????????????????????
Sapphire blue.
? Ankhom
??????????????????????
Unknown
? Description
??????????????????????
Initially very shy and withdrawn, but once she gains
confidence, she becomes much more cheerful with a lovely
smile on her face that makes her adorable. She generally
relies heavily on her brother, but in times of need,
she too is ready to help him in any situation.
?BROTHER, WE HAVE GUESTS! HURRY UP AND COME HERE!?
?You sure do yell powerfully for a girl with such a delicate voice.?
The girl replied, smiling at Sextus's statement:
?Certainly!?
The girl returned in front of the two young people, and the silhouette of…
The narrator's voice had suddenly stopped as if it had vanished into thin air. I started calling out to everyone, thinking they were playing a prank on me.
?Where has everyone gone? Why isn't anyone here anymore? Why is it suddenly dark, and where is this pungent smell of blood coming from? Narrator, I know very well that this is one of your jokes, come on, start making ridiculous descriptions as usual.?
I realized that everyone had disappeared: Sextus, Reiko, her brother, everyone. Even going outside, the city was completely deserted. But above all, I noticed that it was night. In the sky was the moon, a white moon that illuminated the entire city and immediately made me notice that all the buildings were decrepit, decaying, and full of blood splattered on the walls and floors. I felt like I was going crazy at the sight of all these things, especially because horror and I are definitely two opposite poles. I was afraid that at any moment some unknown entity might attack me, come to take my life…
?So, is this how my life will end? Without family or friends, completely alone in a ghostly city, waiting for someone to come and put me into eternal sleep…?
I was completely at the mercy of the situation; I didn't know what to do. But then I decided to return to the Chikafuji's workshop, hoping to be able to go back, but there seemed to be no way to return… I collapsed to the ground crying, but just at that moment, I noticed that on one of the shop's shelves, there was a small white stone that was lighting up. I tried to touch it, and…
…a rather tall boy with fairly long yellow hair with red tips entered, waved hello to the guests, but noticed that Sexta was sitting on the floor with tears in her eyes. Running straight towards her, he jumped over the counter, took her hands, and…
?What happened to you? Why are you crying??
Sextus and Reiko only noticed what was happening after that question, since Sexta was behind them, and so all three gathered around her and helped her up, but she preferred not to talk to anyone about what had happened. Honestly, even I, the narrator, don't know what happened to her and I don't understand why she was crying sitting on the ground…
?Alright, if you don't want to tell us, that's fine. Anyway, let me introduce myself, I'm Renjiro Chikafuji, and I'm Reiko's twin brother.?
?What brings you here??
?Well, Sexta and I had some questions about certain things regarding this world, and we were sent here by a man called "Yamamoto Asahi."?
Reiko and Renjiro looked at each other and exchanged a nod. At that point, Reiko opened the door and checked that no one was nearby outside the workshop, then locked it. Throughout all this, Sexta and Sextus were extremely confused by their strange behavior.
?I also apologize on behalf of my sister if we acted like that, but it's better that prying ears don't hear what we'll be talking about from now on.?
Sexta was clearly becoming more and more confused. Sextus was trying to hypothesize what could be so important that it couldn't be heard by others.
? Full name
??????????????????????
Renjiro Chikafuji
? Age
??????????????????????
Unknown
? Height
??????????????????????
177cm
? Hair
??????????????????????
Quite long, yellow in color,
they're tousled, and the tips
are vermillion red.
? Eyes
??????????????????????
Amber colored
? Ankhom
??????????????????????
Unknown
? Description
??????????????????????
He seems like a very reliable person who cares about others,
and unlike his sister, he's very open with other people,
always cheerful, and has a happy face that smiles at life.
