Ryo was shocked, unable to move or speak. Suddenly, one of the shadows stepped forward and said:
"Hmm… doesn't seem like you're anything special. I don't know what he saw in you to choose you. But I'm sure his choices are right."
The mysterious figure added:
"Hehe! Hello, I'm Roger, your Master's best friend. Pleased to meet you."
The atmosphere shifted, and Ryo could move and speak again. He thought to himself:
"If he's my Master's best friend, I should show him respect."
Ryo:
"Hello, sir. I'm Ryo."
Roger said:
"Hoho! Unlike your Master, you have some manners. I came to take a look at you. Take care of yourself, value your Master, and don't try to slip away from him."
Ryo:
"Yes, I'll definitely do that."
Roger, now with a slightly serious tone:
"Be careful. Now that you're his disciple, you'll face many dangers. Try to grow stronger as quickly as possible."
Ryo, slightly anxious:
"Yes… I'll do that."
Roger:
"Also, here—this money is for you. Spend some on yourself. I know how stingy that damn Master of yours is, he won't waste a drop."
Ryo:
"Oh, so you're really close to the Master."
Roger:
"Of course! We're best friends. Anyway, I should go. Take care of yourself. Goodbye."
The darkness around Ryo vanished, and he could see his surroundings again. Lost in thought, he muttered:
"Who is that man? His name's Roger, but Master never mentioned him… not that Master says anything anyway, hehe! What did he mean that when others find out, they'll come after me? I knew Master wasn't ordinary, but others coming after me… Anyway, no time to think about that now. I have to grow stronger."
After exploring a bit and distracting himself, Ryo finally found the Master lying on the ground. He rushed to him.
Ryo:
"Maasteeer!!! Are you okay!?"
The Master muttered to himself:
"Oh no! If I get my hands on you, I won't spare you. Bastard! You invited me as a guest, and now you won't pay? I'll tear you apart."
Ryo:
"Master, calm down. Now get up—we need to find a room. We can't stay outside at this hour. I heard monsters come out at night and kidnap people."
Master:
"Hmm… why doesn't the government do anything about them? After all, this is a trading city."
Ryo:
"I don't know either. Maybe their forces are weak, or maybe it benefits them somehow."
Master:
"Most likely their forces are weak. Probably the monsters are strong and attack in groups, so maybe they can't handle it."
Ryo:
"Could be. Anyway, let's find a place to rest for now."
After about an hour of searching, they found a cheap inn. The owner was a relatively young man.
Inn Owner:
"Welcome to Heaven Inn! How can I help you?"
Master:
"Give us a room with a mattress and an extra blanket. How much will it be?"
Inn Owner:
"Since you look like ordinary people, just one coin."
The Master happily gave him two copper coins:
"Here, one as a tip."
Inn Owner:
"I meant one silver coin."
Master:
"Whhaat!? Damn it! It's supposed to be the cheapest inn! How is it one silver coin?"
Inn Owner:
"It is what it is. If you don't like it, go to other hotels—they'll take a beautiful gold coin from you."
Master:
"Ugh, damn my luck! Goodbye, my dear coin…"
Inn Owner:
"Enjoy your stay and remember—don't go out at night. It's very dangerous."
Night fell, and a group of four-legged monsters entered the city, patrolling the streets… when suddenly, a martial arts master appeared in front of them…
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End of Chapter 8