A few days later, Daiki and Yuzuru finally reached the village. It was bigger than anything Daiki had seen besides his own little town. A tall, painted wooden gate marked the entrance.
They thanked the drivers and started to step down---but one of them handed Daiki a small sack of coins. ''Here, for saving us,'' the man said with a grin.
Daiki blinked at it, then smiled. ''Thanks. If you ever need help again, just ask for Daiki Akumaji.''
They started walking toward the center of the village. Daiki's eyes were all over the place---He had never seen so many people in one place. A loud banging sound caught his attention, so he followed it.
He ended up in a wide-open area filled with lots of market stalls. Right next to him, there was a merchant was showing all sorts of weapons. Behind the seller, someone was hammering a sword out of a shiny, gold-colored stone.
Daiki saw a man dressed in modern leather clothes---the kind commonly worn in this world of magic. simple, and made for bussiness.
He walked up to the man and asked if he knew a place where he and Yuzuru could stay the night. The man nodded and pointed down the street.
''Take that road deeper into the city and turn right. You'll find a guy named Ren who runs a small hotel. Good price and good food too'' The man said with a smile.
Daiki thanked him and waved before walking off with Yuzuru. As they made their way through the street, Yuzuru suddenly stopped at a stall filled with roasted meat and steaming bread.
''Daiki, buy me some food,'' she said, crossing her arms.
''What, why me?'' Daiki groaned.''You're the one who stopped here!''
''You owe me for saving your life back there,'' Yuzuru said sharply, turning her head away.
Daiki blinked. ''You mean when you tripped over me while I was saving you?''
''That's not how I remember it,'' she muttered.
Daiki laughed.''Fine, fine, Miss Hero. One meal coming right up.''
''Wh...what did you just call me?!''
''Nothing~,'' he said quickly, already handing coins to the stall owner.
After their little exchange, they both ate quietly (although Yuzuru pretended she was not enjoying it). Once they were done, they continued down the street and turned right just as the man had described. The building wasn't really big, but it looked cozy. There was a wooden sign swinging gently above the door that read Moonlight Rest.
Daiki stepped inside and greeted the innkeeper. ''Hey, can we get a room for two?''
The man behind the counter raised an eyebrow, grinning. ''Oh, a couple, huh? That'll be extra cozy then.''
Daiki froze, scratching the back of his head. ''Ah---no, no, we're just friends.''
Yuzuru's face went bright red. ''Wh-why would he even think that?!''
The man smirked as he handed over the grey key. ''Sure, sure. Just friends. The Room's up the stairs to the right.''
They paid and went up to their room. It was small but clean. There was one bed, a round table, and a small window showing the quiet streets below.
Yuzuru looked at the bed---then at Daiki. ''You're sleeping on the floor.''
''What !?There is plenty of space on the bed! And i am the one who payed for this.''
''Floor. Now.'' She demanded.
Daiki sighed dramatically and dropped himself onto the wooden floor. ''You know, for someone who almost died a few days ago, you're really bossy.''
''Goodnight, Daiki,'' Yuzuru said firmly, turning away.
''Yeah, yeah...night princess,'' he muttered.
Despite the arguing, both of them fell asleep quickly, tired from the long journey.
***
The next morning started with Yuzuru kicking the snoring Daiki repeatedly to wake him up.
Daiki instantly shot up, scaring Yuzuru so badly she nearly fell over.
She looked at him. ''It's already morning idiot! We need to get going!''
Daiki rubbed his red eyes, yawning. ''You could've just said good morning you know.''
Yuzuru ignored him and grabbed her bag---headed for the door. Daiki sighed, got up, and followed her downstairs.
They thanked Ren for the stay and Daiki asked, ''Do you know where I can find a temporary job around here that earns a good amount of money?''
Ren thought for a moment, then remembered. ''Yeah, I've got a friend somewhere near the center of town, a few blocks ahead. Tell him I sent you.''
Daiki thanked him again, and together he and Yuzuru walked through the busy streets until they found the stall Ren had mentioned.
The man behind it looked up as they approached.
''You must be the person Ren talked about,'' Daiki said.
The man laughed. ''I see, so you're looking for work huh? Ever tried Terra-beast hunting?''
Daiki's eyes lit up. ''Sounds exciting,''
The man shook his head with a laugh. ''It is exciting, sure---but not for kids. You don't even look like you can use magic yet.''
Daiki crossed his arms. ''I have fought strong bandits before. I can handle a few beasts.''
The man raised an eyebrow. ''Is that so? Alright then, follow with me.''
He led them to an open field outside the town, where tons of men were training with weapons and magic.
''Some of these men are city guards.'' the man explained. ''Let's see what you can do in a fight against one of them.''
He pointed at a guard who looked nervous and out of shape.
Daiki frowned. ''No. I want to fight the strongest one here.''
The man blinked, then smirked. ''Confident, huh? Fine. Don't cry when you get injured.''
A tall, muscular man---at least twice Daiki's age---stepped forward, ready to fight.
The moment the fight began, the knight dashed forward with surprising speed. Daiki barely sidestepped him, the wind from the strike slightly brushing his cheek.
''Beginner's luck.'' the knight grunted confident, charging again.
But this time, Daiki ducked low and swept his leg upward with a fast kick---sending the knight flying back a few meters into the mud.
The entire field went silent. The man who brought Daiki just stared, his mouth hanging open stunned.
Then, glowing text appeared in front of Daiki:
[Level up]
Daiki grinned and walked over to the stunned man, extending his hand.
''So…I'm hired, right?''