Upon stepping into the workshop, Zixin cast his gaze, scanning his surroundings. Metallic pipes hang above him, connecting to the walls. Several hook racks were mounted on the wall, and the tools hanging from them included wrenches, pliers, and a variety of other implements.
This place is quite well organized. The owner might love cleanliness but if this person is truly a mechanic, they themself should often be covered with filth. I do feel like I'm overthinking this again. Zixin wondered while Arbane continued to lead the way.
Upon unlocking the door, Zixin noticed a young lady with long, brown hair that was dyed brown and tied in a ponytail. She wore a black apron and was tinkering with a small toy in her hands.
"Hmm… test one." She flicked a switch at the toy's back and it spoke with complete coldness, "Human Signals Detected."
"Approximately Two Meters Away."
"Detecting Arbane."
Taking Zixin by surprise, his thoughts moved, It talks? Interesting but why are its words so odd? Human signals detected… could it be referring to Arbane and me? After all, it did detect Arbane and said that we are two meters away, which is the case. Zixin pondered for a moment, continuing his observations.
"It's currently functional, so it shouldn't break apart like last time. Sigh, fixing the detection module is such a pain. I regret creating such a complex system but on the bright side, because of its complexity, only I can use it." She muttered to herself, a smile forming upon her lips.
But not even a second after she spoke, a sudden realization hit her, "Wait a second, why did it detect human presence? For goodness' sake, I hope it's not malfunctioning. Speaking of the detection, why was it two meters? The usual number place holder is five and I didn't mess with it so…"
Her eyes suddenly widened as if a bulb had just lit up. She turned her head to her right and noticed Arbane with a cloaked figure who was none other than Zixin.
Her lips twitched slightly, unknowingly muttering her thoughts out loud, "Am I an idiot? Or am I a genius?"
Zixin's lips also twitched, thinking to himself, This person is also strange… talking to yourself like that is–wait, don't I also do that? I suppose I'm also strange then.
She laughed awkwardly while extending her hand to him and scratching the back of her head. She spoke, lacking her previous composure, "Nice to meet you, I'm sorry for the ridiculous turn of events, so please do forget about it. My name is Xiaoxiao, a Nameless like Arbane, and I am the only mechanic living in Daisal. If you want to know why, I can give you free information: it's because the rest have already left, nothing special really."
Hmm? That's intriguing, but why would they leave? I can look into it later, hopefully I don't forget. Zixin thought before giving a reply.
"It is my pleasure to meet a prodigy like you. I am Fang Hau, likewise a Nameless. May things go smoothly for us." Zixin smiled, although Xiaoxiao wouldn't be able to see due to his cloak.
She turned her attention to Arbane, questioning his motives, "My little assistant, why did you bring him here?"
Arbane smiled confidently, speaking with pride, "It's because I believe that he will be a great client."
Zixin instinctively gave him a deadpan expression, confused as his thoughts failed to decipher his words. Although I know myself well enough, I still find it hard to believe that I have good traits for a client. But perhaps that's not his criterion?
Arbane remarked, "And plus, he seems wealthy."
Zixin continued to stare, his fingers trembling at the ridiculousness of his current predicament. He pondered, Am I invisible because as far as I could see, he's completely ignoring my presence. Sigh, what an odd child.
Xiaoxiao ignored Arbane's remark, and questioned Zixin, "Are you defenseless?"
"Could you elaborate?"
Arbane answered in her stead, "Before we met, I saw you running from a group of Hunters. I figured that you didn't want to fight because you were defenseless."
A valid point that is indeed–true. This child is too smart. Zixin commented internally.
Arbane added, "You also seemed shy so I figured that even if you wish to learn a place to purchase suitable weapons from you wouldn't be able to ask."
I see… I take my words back, this child is a moron. Did I really come off as shy? I suppose it's because I failed to communicate well enough. I digress. Zixin shook his head, awaiting their next words.
Xiaoxiao rubbed her chin before asking, "In that case, I have an offer for you. I am willing to create a specialized weapon of your choice."
"Curious, but how about the price?" Zixin acted calm but he thought: A specialized weapon would be of great help. Now that I'm thinking about it, Fang Hau might need me to have a weapon in his plans.
"In that case, follow me." Xiaoxiao started leading the way.
Xiaoxiao led the way until they were met with a staircase leading down to what Zixin assumed to be a basement. He carefully followed her, wary of his surroundings.
On the way down, he handed Arbane the rest of his payment. He said softly, his politeness echoing like whispers, "I must say that you did a good job of informing me. I thank you for your great service."
Arbane waved his hand, not expecting Zixin's reply. He spoke kindly, his intellectual mask taken off, "No need to be so polite. I merely followed through with my words. To be honest, I should be thanking you for actually completing your payment because I had some experience with clients who never paid me."
Zixin nodded, choosing to remain quiet until they reached the end of the staircase. Xiaoxiao pushed open the wooden door and welcomed Zixin into her office, "I wasn't able to greet you properly before so I shall do so now. Just think of it as the formalities of running a business." She started, "Welcome to Xiaoshop dear client. If you wish to order a custom weapon, we first have to plan it all."
Zixin stepped into the room and immediately noticed how clean it was. The most eye-catching detail was the metallic pipes that hung from above, connecting to the walls like before.
Xiaoxiao takes out a pen and paper, waiting for Zixin's response.
Zixin probed, "If I were to place an order for a custom weapon, what would the price be?"
Xiaoxiao answered politely, "The price would vary so I can't assure what price it will eventually be. I can make assumptions based on what kind of weapon you want."
It didn't take long before he responded, "Then, I wish for a weapon that I could easily hide, preferably a small one. I would also like it to be beginner-friendly for I lack combat experience."
After pondering over it, he asked, "If possible, would you be able to create a new weapon?"
She replied affirmatively, "That won't be a problem but it would take time before I could start."
She began writing down Zixin's words, already creating drafts for possible choices.
"Hmm… please give me a moment." She placed down the pen and paper, beginning to search her cabinets. Not long after, she handed Zixin a hand knife. It had a sharp metallic glint and a hard black handle. Its sheath was dyed dark like dull indifferent pupils.
"Why are you giving me a weapon?" Zixin asked, his confusion rising.
"Since I have yet to create your weapon, you would need one for protection so I believe this fits your description." She explained kindly.
She added, "If you feel like it, Arbane could give you a short tour of the workshop but please and I beg of you not to touch anything. Just let my assistant do his work, that's why you hired him right?"
…
Arbane guided Zixin around the workshop. While giving him a tour, he started telling him a story, "Sister Xiao was born into poverty, experiencing constant torment from her malicious father who treated her like a servant. But her life continued to fall apart once her father was slain due to a ruckus caused by a group of Hunters. But hope would shine bright."
Arbane's expression softened, holding back his tears, "On one faithful day, while she was wandering the street, searching for food, she met her idol, a wandering mechanic. He taught her the way of machines, teaching children who wished to save themselves. But he never told her his name, satisfied with being known as a mere mechanic. Once he left her to continue his journey, Sister Xiao built her workshop from scratch, using everything she had to accomplish her dreams."
What an unfortunate tale… Xiaoxiao, like many, has experienced her fair share of suffering. It seems suffering is constant. But why would Arbane start telling me this? Now that I'm thinking about it, he hasn't mentioned himself yet. I'll continue to listen I suppose. With that, Zixin's curiosity was piqued and his attention was placed upon Arbane.
Arbane continued, tear droplets already flowing like spring, "I was in a similar boat to her. My parents never truly cared for me, all they ever wanted was to earn the recognition of others through me. That is why they forced me to learn, to study like a scholar despite my heart lacking motivation. And so, I left, running from a place I once called home."
Arbane's footsteps halted and his tears started to overflow. He tried wiping it but it never stopped, yet he somehow managed to hold his voice steady, "On that day, it rained, my body was wet and my will was shattered but when she saw me, she kindly extended a hand and asked me if I needed anything. At that moment, I cried like the pitiful child I was. Eventually, she decided to take me under her wing. I can't describe how grateful I was."
Two deprived individuals meeting and becoming a foundation for the other… How interesting, this reminds me of Elmer's found family. It seems everyone needs someone to express all their emotions to, I wonder if–forget it, I digress. He pondered before continuing to listen.
"How about your past?" Arbane asked.
Is this his motive, either way I already have an idea. I suppose my answer would be the second lie that I will tell him, besides my false name. Zixin thought before preparing his answer.
"My past, huh? I am not much of a talker so I will keep it short. When I was a child, I met a group of like-minded individuals who later became my found family after my parents died in an accident. Years would pass and I would eventually propose to a girl, carving that night in my memories." He spoke, appearing reminiscent despite his lies.
Sigh, somehow I feel guilty again. It must be because of Elmer's influence, otherwise, I wouldn't feel anything from lying to a child. Lies are after all tools the weak need to survive. Zixin sighed internally, shaking his head after a while.
…
A few hours later, Arbane was guiding Zixin towards the exit of the market. While walking down the streets of the Combat District, he felt a sudden tug in his back. His instincts told him danger but the voice said otherwise, "Are you new around here?"
Zixin turned to look at his back and saw a blond Hunter, but when the Hunter noticed Arbane, he quickly took his hands off Zixin, apologizing, "Oh, my bad. I didn't notice Arbane for a second."
Wait, so he placed his hand on my back because he wanted to ask if I was new? But when he realized that Arbane was with me he took back his hand… I suppose recognizing Arbane would be probable if he has done tour guide work for a while now. A Hunter apologizing here of all places feels ironic. Zixin dismissed his thoughts, placing his attention back on leaving.
But suddenly, he felt another hand–no–claw grab his back. The air around him became heavy as he was tossed inside the metallic ring. It nearly took a second before he reacted, standing up in a hurry. But he couldn't escape due to the metallic strings that served as walls.
Scanning his surroundings, his gaze landed upon a particular man. He sat on a balcony, overlooking the ring. Wearing the same cloaks as Zixin, he opened his hood, revealing a young man with short silver hair, and sharp golden eyes. His gaze was heavy, filled with intent.
Moving his gaze away, Zixin noticed Sophia, the tailor who sold him his cloak watching him.
Zixin's confusion rose but a loud voice from the Announcer answered his questions, "Ladies and gentlemen, here we have the Mysterious Cloaked, Vanor's bet against Lady Silk's Kraushel!"
A grey-haired man stepped into the ring just as his name was spoken. He wore red shorts and had bulging muscles at the show. His fists were covered with cloth, making Zixin assume that he would fight using his hands.
Zixin sighed internally, thinking to himself, So Vanor was the person who threw me here. Based on what I had just felt, he's definitely a Holder with a combat-suited sub-ability. What a pain! I just want to sleep already. I suppose this is what I should call 'the consequences of my own actions'. This sure is annoying.
He turned to look at the crowd and noticed Arbane's fearful expression. He muttered, "This child is kind. Perhaps even–trustworthy."
Right beside Arbane was the blond Hunter who appeared calm, seemingly used to this. Zixin pondered, Is being thrown in the ring by Vanor normal? Otherwise, it wouldn't make sense for this man to be so composed but he could just be apathetic.