Chapter 53: Ch:53 Rent and Rapture

The hooded man in brown stared at Daniel for a moment, shadows pooling beneath the deep cowl.

“Correct,” he said, his voice firm and steady.

He reached into the worn leather satchel at his hip and drew out a scroll, offering it with deliberate calm.

“Mr. Dikson, only two days left,” he said, raising two fingers in a sharp V, then turned without another word.

*Clop-Clop-Clop*

Daniel watched the stranger’s silhouette shrink through the gate until the hoofbeats faded into the afternoon haze.

Then he looked at the scroll—it was the same as the one tucked inside his wardrobe.

“Hmm… it finally arrived,” he murmured and unrolled it carefully.

——————

By Decree of the Trial Authority,

Be it known that within two days hence, you are hereby summoned to attend your first day of training.

At early morn, all shamans shall assemble at the town centre and await the coming of their appointed masters.

Any who fail to present themselves at the appointed hour shall do so at their own loss, and no allowance shall be made for tardiness.

The training shall endure for six full months, held each day at the breaking of morn, without pause or exception.

Each must bear the garment that signifies their chosen element. Without it—none shall be admitted upon the first day.

Prepare yourselves accordingly.

Furthermore, let it be noted that each shaman is bound to a designated town for the duration of their training journey, as follows:

Raven Town: Shadow, Divine

Moss Town: Water, Earth

Cinder Town: Fire, Air

Arcana Town: Thunder

By the Authority’s will,

this decree is set and shall not be disputed.

——————

Daniel’s fingertip followed the final lines, his eyes narrowing against the glare of the sun on the page.

“Hmm… so, I have to reach town the day after tomorrow… But, will I be lucky enough to get even a waggoner?” he muttered under his breath.

Soon, Marnie stepped out of the kitchen, feeling satisfied and energized, and spotted Daniel near the gate, absorbed in a scroll.

“Son, what is that?” she asked with a warm smile.

Daniel turned, hesitated. “Umm… it’s—”

…

The next morning ( late ).

Daniel adjusted the strap of his satchel and met his mother’s gaze.

“Thanks, Mom. But I can manage myself. After all, I’ve Aunt Jessica to help me,” he said warmly.

*Creak-Clang*

Daniel pushed open the iron gate and made his way toward the market.

Marnie remained on the threshold, hands clasped tightly.

“At least try to come homes twice a week,” she called, lifting a hand in farewell.

“I will Mom!” He waved back, already turning toward the road.

Daniel wore his green tunic and turmeric-colored trousers. A leather satchel hung from his left shoulder, while a sack of clothes and personal items rested on his right.

As he reached the market, he spotted the same mustached man from three days ago, sitting on the front seat of his wagon, chewing on something.

He approached calmly.

“Sir, how much to the Arcana town?” said Daniel.

The man lifted his head. “Mm… Three coppers, same as always.

Daniel smiled faintly. “Okay, let’s go…”

…

Twenty minutes later, he arrived at the town gate, swung down from the wagon, and handed the waggoner three copper coins before entering the town.

“Huff… it’s already afternoon. I have to reach Auntie’s house as soon as possible,” he muttered, shading his eyes with his hand.

The streets buzzed with life. Vendors rattled handcarts laden with milk buckets, while others called out the day’s prices.

Daniel walked toward the east.

A few minutes later, he stood before the familiar door.

*Knock-Knock*

“Coming…” a woman’s voice called from inside.

*creeeak*

The door swung inward with a slow creeeak.

Jessica’s eyes widened, then crinkled at the corners. “Oh… what a surprise Daniel…”

His gaze flicked unbidden over the soft curve of her hips, the gentle swell beneath her gown, before snapping back to her face.

“Hey Aunt, I need some help.” he said in a steady tone.

She arched a brow. “What help?”

He stepped inside and dropped the sack by the door.

“Aunt, I need to find a—”

As Daniel was about to finish his sentence, another feminine voice called from behind.

“Jessy… who’s there?” the voice came from deeper inside the house.

Jessica turned, smiling. “Nothing Tressa, it’s Daniel…”

“Daniel?”

“Yes…”

Tressa emerged from the room and stood beside Jessica, her face bright with a warm smile.

“Wow, what a coincidence jessy,” Tressa said, smiling.

“Coincidence?” said Jessica.

“You know, I was just about to ask you about him.”

Both stared at Tressa, eyes narrowed.

“Yes, You know that new dish everyone’s raving about?” her eyes sparkled. “Jessy, the one I bought yesterday for you, did you forget it?”

“Wait? You mean the meat pouches?” Jessica said, eyes widening.

“Yes, Jessy yes…”

Daniel shifted his weight. “It’s just a simple dish, Aunt.”

Both of them praised his food, raving about how addictive it was and how they couldn’t go a day without it.

They carried on as if he didn’t exist, and Daniel felt himself slipping quietly out of the spotlight.

“Aunt!” he cut in, louder than intended.

They turned.

“I need to rent a room today. I don’t have much time,” said Daniel.

Jessica frowned gently. “But… Daniel, I don’t have any idea about the rents, houses or prices…”

“I do” Tressa said at once.

In the end, Tressa agreed to take Daniel in. After visiting Jessica, she planned to go to her friend’s house—a well-known landlady in Arcana Town.

A few hours later, Daniel set his sack down at Jessica’s house and told her he would return for dinner before leaving.

They walked outside, Daniel walked beside her, his eyes can’t stopped glancing at her S-tier ass.

’Fuck, my new aunt. You’ve got the same shape and size as Aunt Jess, but your ass sways perfectly with that catwalk,’ he murmured quietly under his breath.

“Aunt Tressa…” Daniel said softly, voice gentle and almost shy. “Can I… touch your hair? Please… It looks so beautiful.”

She chuckled softly. “Sure.”

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