Shelly and Jerrim exit the forest on the trail they came in from, walking side-by-side. Jerrim now carries a cloth sack, closed and tied with a thin rope. Filled with the ears and horns of the dead fiends that he'd slain.

  Shelly: Ears and horns...that's what we came for?

  Shelly asked as she looked over at the sack.

  Jerrim: Yep. The payment for the person I owe

  Shelly looks away with a disturbed look on her face.

  Shelly: What kind of person collects body parts...?

  Jerrim: Elf-type fiend ears and horns are super profitable in the current economy. It's an abundant resource used for discovering, creating, and learning new spells and incantations

  Shelly: Really?

  Shelly looked back at Jerrim with an interested look in her eyes. She smirks curiously as she asks him another question.

  Shelly: Could something like that help you learn magic...say if, you're someone who's never learned it?

  Jerrim: If you have a soul-bound gateway, yeah. Why do you ask?

  Shelly: Well...I wanted to learn magic myself. But, I don't know if I have a gateway or not

  Jerrim: You don't, unfortunately. I knew that when I first looked at your soul. Without a gateway, I'm afraid learning magic is simply impossible. Why do you want to learn magic anyway?

  Jerrim asked as he looked over at her. Shelly looks down at her waistband, appearing hesitant.

  Shelly: Mmh...should I really tell him? He was curious about it earlier today. Meh, whatever. I'm sure it'll be fine

  She then pulls up her shirt, draws her M18 from her holster, and shows it off in her hand, pointing it away from her and Jerrim of course.

  Shelly: Remember this thing?

  Jerrim: Yeah, what about it? You seemed quite freaked out when I gave it back to you, hahah.

  Shelly: There's a reason I was so freaked out. This thing is actually a tool that can be very dangerous when handled improperly

  Jerrim: Really? How so?

  Shelly ejects the magazine into her hand and shows it off to Jerrim.

  Shelly: Inside of it are small lead projectiles with brass casings filled with a flammable powder. When the powder is struck via this part here called a "trigger", the projectile is propelled out of the end here, called the barrel, at very high speeds. Making the projectile lethal if pointed at a person or creature

  Jerrim: Woah...so it's like a cannon?

  Shelly: Basically. But there's a lot more to it than that, but that would take a lot of explaining. I could teach you more about it later though, if you want

  Jerrim: Wow, yeah! Now I can see why you were so freaked out

  Shelly then re-inserts the mag into the gun and re-holsters it in her waistband.

  Jerrim: So it's a weapon then?

  Shelly: It can be used for all kinds of things. It can be used for target practice, it can be used for defending yourself, protecting property, protecting others, even just for fun as well

  Jerrim: Can it be used for hunting?

  Shelly: Well, it's not ideal for hunting, you'd probably want something a little longer

  Jerrim: Wow, a small handheld cannon, so innovative! How did you come up with such a creation?

  Shelly: Eh, well...that would also take a lot of explaining...

  Jerrim: Well, what do you call it?

  Shelly: It's called a "gun."

  Jerrim: A "gun"...huh...I like "hand cannon" better

  Shelly: Eheh, you could call it that too, I guess

  Jerrim: So, what does it have to do with your desire to learn magic anyway?

  Shelly: Oh, well. Those bullets...I only have a limited number of them. Fourteen to be exact...the materials used to make them don't exist on this continent, so I want to see if I can create them using magic

  Jerrim: I see...can you not use any other materials for it? Like stone?

  Shelly: Unfortunately not. It has to be lead, gunpowder, and brass. Using a different material could result in a catastrophic failure, and destroy the gun, or even result in a lethal accident. I can't make another one, so it's the only one I have

  Jerrim: Mmh, that's unfortunate. Perhaps when we get to the capital, we can ask around. I'm sure someone knows where we could find the materials you're seeking

  Shelly: Mmh...

  Shelly looks down at the ground in silence.

  Shelly: Kvaris specifically said that the materials to make brass doesn't exist in this world...going around asking people would only confuse them. What do I do? I want to tell him the truth so bad, about where I really came from...and how I got here. But I'm afraid that he won't believe me

  Jerrim: Hey

  Shelly: Huh?

  Shelly looks over at Jerrim and notices him taking his leather jacket off to hand it to her.

  Jerrim: Put this on

  Shelly: What?

  Jerrim: If people see your arms, they might freak out again. The sleeves will cover them up

  Shelly: But, it's boiling hot out here!

  Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.

  Jerrim: You wanna get chased down by an angry mob trying to butcher you again? Okay

  Jerrim said in a sarcastic tone.

  Shelly: Eh! No! I'll put it on...

  She takes the jacket from Jerrim and slides her arms into the sleeves. She can feel the moisture within from Jerrim's sweating body, but she tries to forget about it. Surprisingly, the old rugged jacket fits well on her. Jerrim's face nearly blushes as he looks at her.

  Jerrim: Holy, she looks...

  Shelly: Why are you looking at me like that again?

  Jerrim: Eh! It's not weird or anything! I just think, you look really good in that

  Shelly's face blushes intensely.

  Shelly: O-Oh! R-Really...?

  Jerrim: Yeah, you make it look great

  Shelly: Wait! This is his jacket, so does that mean...he's saying my shoulders are big?!

  Suddenly she felt embarrassed, she overreacted so much, she lifted the collar of her shirt over her face and hid herself away, shaking back and forth.

  Shelly: Mmh!

  Jerrim: I always thought that jacket fit a little too tight on me. It fits her perfectly, it's a cropped jacket, so it just barely goes down past her chest, and the sleeves are long enough to completely conceal her arms...so all these years, I've been wearing a woman's jacket?!

  Now Jerrim felt embarrassed as well, if not, more embarrassed than Shelly. Turning his head away from her as he continues to walk alongside her. Shelly crosses her arms as she looks down at the ground.

  Shelly: Mmh~

  As they walked in silence for the duration of their journey to the city, Jerrim looked back over at her again.

  Jerrim: It's impossible to not say, that...she looks gorgeous in that jacket

  ~?~?~?~?~

  As Shelly and Jerrim walked through the city together, Shelly had a constant anxious feeling. Knowing that she'd been ran out of the same city just hours ago, it was impossible to tell how many of those people were still out and about, and whether they'd recognize her face. She kept her eyes down on the cobblestone street. Giving her a sense of security even though it was only a mere feeling. She knew how much her outfit stood out. Black hiking boots and black denim jeans with holes in them would be unheard of in this world.

  Jerrim: Ah, here we are

  Jerrim said as he came to a stop. Shelly glanced up, and her heart skipped a beat.

  Shelly: Wha—?!

  It was the market stand with the green canopy she'd been to earlier. And standing behind the counter was Rosie. Shelly kept her face down and looked at the ground.

  Rosie: Wow! Jerrim! Back so soon...? And with another woman now too! Is she your new lover...?

  Rosie said as she leaned over the counter with a teasing smile.

  Shelly's face immediately lit up redder than a cherry.

  Shelly: Mmh!

  Jerrim: Don't be silly, Rosie, you're making her uncomfortable!

  Rosie: Hehe...my bad

  Jerrim: Rosie, this is Shelly. She's my hunting partner

  Rosie: Ah, I see

  Rosie looked over at Shelly, who still kept her face hidden from her sight.

  Rosie: She's a little shy, don't ya think?

  Jerrim: She'll be fine. After all, there's a first time for everyone in the big city

  Rosie: So she's never been to the capital. I see, welcome, Miss Shelly, to the big city. Anyway! Ahem...Jerrim.

  Jerrim: Hm?

  Jerrim looked at Rosie, appearing quite clueless. She shouts at him in a stern tone, clenching her fists.

  Rosie: You have something for me!

  Jerrim: Oh!

  Jerrim places the sack on the table, and Rosie's eyes glisten with excitement.

  Rosie: Ah! Yes! You got them!

  Jerrim: I said I would. I'm a man of my word after all

  Jerrim said as he leaned on the counter with a smug look on his face. Rosie picks up the sack and glares at him.

  Rosie: Oh please, don't flatter yourself...

  Jerrim: Huh? What're you talking about! Name one time I haven't held up my word to you!

  Rosie: That time a month ago when you said you'd go out and pay your debt to me. Three different times.

  Jerrim: Eh! Well, I was busy helping out the community in my area! You aren't exactly at the top of my list y'know!

  Rosie: Yeah, yeah.

  Shelly: Geese, this must've been what it felt like to be a witness to Fitz's and I's back and forth bickering...

  Rosie: Come inside, I have something for you

  Jerrim: Huh? But I thought I was paying off my debt to you though

  Rosie: Do you wanna see what it is, or not?

  Jerrim: Alright, we'll meet you inside!

  Rosie: That's what I thought

  The two enter the building behind the counter and follow Rosie up to the third floor, where they meet in a room with a wooden desk and a chair. Lit by candles in a corner and sunlight coming through the window. Shelly still kept her face hidden and her eyes on the floor.

  Jerrim: So, what is it you wanted to give me?

  Rosie picks up a piece of folded paper and hands it to Jerrim. Jerrim opens it up and looks at what's on it.

  Jerrim: What is this?

  Rosie: Magically encrypted information. Supposedly, it has information on who might have snatched the life out of your amulet

  Jerrim: Really?

  Rosie: I can't figure out how to crack it fully though. My decryption magic is still a work in progress.

  Rosie said with a pouting expression.

  Rosie: All I could get out of it was "Temple"

  Jerrim: Maybe it's a place? Get your map and maybe we can find a place called "Temple" or something

  Rosie: Gh! Mmh...I can't really do that. A hybrid stole it from me earlier today!

  Shelly: Mmh!

  Rosie: And besides, I know the ins and outs of the current world map. There isn't an empire, city, or town called "Temple." It's probably an ancient structure or something.

  Rosie looked over at Shelly, realizing she still had her face buried in the jacket.

  Rosie: Are you sure your partner is okay?

  Jerrim looked over at Shelly, not even realizing she was still going on with her little act of hiding her face.

  Jerrim: Hey, we aren't in public anymore. Come on, you can show your face now

  Shelly whips her body and turns around, facing her back to Rosie and Jerrim. Jerrim looks at her with a smirk.

  Jerrim: Shelly, if you don't show your face, then you can't be my hunting partner

  Shelly: Mh!

  Shelly: I didn't expect him to say that! Honestly though, I've only been with this guy for a few hours. To anyone, something like that should mean nothing if they're a stranger. But, to me...it felt...

  Jerrim: Shelly...?

  Shelly: It felt, special...

  Jerrim: Last chance

  Shelly: Damnit. There's no way Rosie won't notice who I am. But he leaves me no choice! Here I go.

  Finally, with great courage, Shelly whips back around, revealing her face to Rosie. Standing tall while trying to hold a straight face. Rosie put her hand on her chin and tilted her head.

  Rosie: Hmm, I feel like I've seen you before...

  Shelly: Eheh...

  Even though she's shown her face, she kept herself from saying a word.

  Shelly: Has she already forgotten my face? It hasn't even been that long! If she doesn't remember me, then I should keep quiet. I can't risk her recognizing my voice

  Jerrim: Hey, you said a "hybrid" stole your map, right?

  Shelly: Huh?

  Shelly looked over at Jerrim and noticed him eyeing her. Remembering that Jerrim had seen the map she took earlier that day when he first found her.

  Rosie: Yeah, what about it? Do you know where that hybrid is?!

  Rosie asked excitedly, getting her hopes up so much that she was pumping her fists.

  Shelly: Hold on just a second here!!! Oh no!!! I know we've only known each other for a few hours, but surely he won't rat me out!

  Immediately, Jerrim raised his finger and pointed to Shelly with the blankest face.

  Jerrim: It was her.

  Shelly: WHA—?!

  Rosie whips her head to Shelly.

  Rosie: Rgh!!!

  *WHAM*

  Shelly: KYAH!!!

  Without a second to react, Shelly was met by the full force of Rosie head-butting her with her horns narrowly missing her abdomen. Rosie, now thoroughly pissed off, looked at Shelly with an unforgiving glare.

  Rosie: It was you! You stole my map! Meanie!!!

  Shelly: I'm sorry!!! I didn't mean it!

  Rosie: Hmph! That's what they all say after getting caught! Now give it back, jerk!!!

  Shelly: Yeah...sorry.

  Shelly said as she pulled the map out and handed it to Rosie. Rosie snatches it from her and turns away.

  Rosie: Hmph!

  Shelly: Wait, so what happened to you being scared of me?

  Rosie: Well, obviously, if Jerrim trusts you as his hunting partner, then it's clear you aren't a hybrid!

  Shelly: So you know about his ability to see souls then...?

  Rosie: Duh! Jerrim and I have known each other for years! Who are you to question me?!

  Shelly: I was just curious. What was it that you said about someone stealing the life out of Jerrim's amulet?

  Rosie: Ugh...the amulet around his neck. Every being who can cast magic has one. It gives "life" to your magical abilities, allowing you to use a broader range of spells and incantations frequently. Without it, your magical powers are very limited

  Shelly: So does that mean, you can cast spells too? You do have an amulet

  Rosie: Yes, I can. But Jerrim, his abilities are limited now. Of course, that wouldn't affect him as much as most spell casters, since he's gifted with a sword. But he can only use healing magic every once in a while

  Shelly: It's that bad?

  Rosie: Duh, of course it is

  Shelly: I'm just asking. Also, I noticed, every person I've seen who has an amulet, they all have different colors. Does that mean anything?

  Rosie: The color of the amulet indicates the type of magic it breathes life to. Green, like my amulet, is for a form of combat magic

  Shelly: Ooh...

  Jerrim: My amulet actually used to be two toned. Dead amulets, like mine now, are all blacked out

  Shelly: Is that special?

  Rosie: Two tone colored amulets are usually for stronger magic. Jerrim's amulet was orange and yellow. The two halves of a type of magic called "Black Magic"

  Jerrim: Magic that could incinerate any evil entity it touched, and cause Demonic armies to fall

  Shelly: Woah, "black magic" has a completely different meaning in this world

  Rosie: His magic is up there in the top tens for the strongest magic in the world

  Shelly: What's the strongest magic?

  Rosie: Eh!

  Jerrim: Hm?

  Both Jerrim and Rosie looked at Shelly like she was crazy. There was a long moment of hesitation before Rosie closed her eyes and spoke.

  Rosie: The strongest form of magic...doesn't have a name. But there is one individual on this planet who wields its power. Historians mark the only time it was ever used, five-hundred-thousand years ago, when it was used to break up the lands of the world

  Shelly: Wait, is what she's saying...this world's version of Pangea or something? One guy broke up all the lands!?

  Rosie: What was once a great land mass, broken up into four continents. The Demihuman continent, the Infernal continent, the Demon continent, and the Holy continent

  Shelly: So, one person broke up the lands?!

  Rosie: That's what I just explained to you, genius!!!

  Shelly: Why would they do that...?

  Rosie crossed her arms and closed her eyes.

  Rosie: At that time, the indifferences of demons, demihumans, and normal human beings started to show itself. Growing into a raging inferno that drove them all apart. The conflicts had gotten so catastrophic, the being who wielded that power foresaw the future. A world where all walks of life would go extinct. He waited for the divide to grow, so they would all separate into their own empires, at which point...he broke the grounds and separated them all on their own landscapes... Each one-hundreds of days apart in distance if you count ideal weather.

  Shelly: Hm, I suppose that's one way to keep humanity from killing itself

  Rosie: Even so, the true power of magic has yet to be reached. It's limit is unknown to us, no matter how many years we spend learning it, there will always be a new spell that is yet to be discovered

  Shelly: Then just maybe, humans that don't have a gateway, could discover a spell that could grant them that?

  Rosie shook her head in response.

  Shelly: What?

  Rosie: It doesn't matter how powerful the spell is, there isn't a single spell on this planet that could do that. Humans born without a gateway simply cannot obtain such an ability

  Shelly: Damn...

  Rosie: Why, were you looking to do some magic yourself?

  Shelly: Yeah...

  Jerrim interjects the conversation, not caring at all about anything that was just said as he yawns.

  Jerrim: Uuaah...anyway, I finally paid my debt. I think I'm ready to hit the tavern, you in?

  Rosie: Ugh, count me out

  Jerrim then looks over at Shelly and smirks.

  Jerrim: What about you, Shelly?

  Shelly: Wha-? Me? Go out, drinking?

  Jerrim: Yeah! Have you never been?

  Shelly: O-Of course I have, I just, I've never been to a tavern to drink with another person...

  Jerrim: Seriously?

  Jerrim wrests his arm around Shelly's shoulders and suddenly starts dragging her out of the room. Marching out with an ecstatic expression on his face.

  Shelly: W-Wha-?!

  Jerrim: Aw man! You're gonna have the time of your life! Let's go!

  He shouted in excitement as they left the room. Rosie watched with a smirk.

  Rosie: Huuu...something tells me those two are gonna get into some serious trouble