Who knew what would happen after stealing some bread from a street stall? Certainly not Nagan. Nothing out of the ordinary should have happened, considering stealing food to survive was the norm. But fate, destiny, karma, whatever you wanted to call...
Nagan looked to the side where the other man stood. He had heard him approach but didn't expect him to stop and talk to him.
It had been about a month since he boarded the ship. There weren't any passenger ships heading to Tekanlab during this time, so he ended up catching a ride with a smaller merchant's ship in exchange that he worked. It gave him something to do at least on the long voyage, acting as a busboy and occasional lookout. Though it was long ago since Tekanlab's city lights were visible, and it would only be another hour until they've arrived.
"What makes you say that?"
The man chuckled beside him. "What do you have to lose if you admit it, kid?"
"Nothing," Nagan shrugged. "I'm just curious. That, and you never really made an effort to talk to me before. Why the change?"
"Thought I might chat a bit with the boy who's been in the hammock next to me for the last month." Them man took out a pipe and lit it, taking a long drawl before speaking again. "So are you at least in some sort of mage school? Don't think I haven't noticed you mumbling a few incantations to make your job easier."
Nagan couldn't help but smirk at that. "You caught me. But why Carvolier? I hear the acceptance rate isn't very high."
"I managed to get in."
"Congratulations," he deadpanned, "but that doesn't answer my question."
"Cynical at such a young age," the man tutted. "It's simply the way you carry yourself. Most never notice it, but each school has its own signature."
"Yeah? Then what's Carvolier's?" At this point, he was merely humoring the man.
The man vaguely motioned to all of Nagan. "That air of confidence. Or arrogance in your case," he teased, which Nagan scoffed at. "And many great minds come from that place. Not all make it big, take me for example, but that doesn't mean we're not just as sharp. Is Sir Luxivo still there?"
Deciding against being vague again, he nodded. "Yeah."
"So you finally admit it," the man noted mildly before moving on from the subject. "A great man to mess with, but also a great man in general. Took my specialization under him."
"So you're a divination expert?"
"Better," he pointed up to the stars. "An Astrologist. It especially comes in handy with navigation, which is why I chose to keep on the seas."
He pauses to refill his pipe. "And what about you, kid?"
"I'm under the category caster and combat expert."
The man let out a long whistle as he exhaled a puff of smoke. "Well isn't that something. That means you'll be getting a dragon for sure."
Nagan tilted his head slightly and inquired, "You mean you didn't?"
"Not all careers get a dragon, kid," he explained. "Dragons are reserved for any person who can be used on a battlefield. I hope that much as been explained to you."
"Uh..." Nagan furrowed his brows. This, unfortunately, was his first time hearing of this. "Are you pulling my leg or is it a real thing?"
"Kid, I'm an old man which a dry sense of humor. This isn't something I'd bother joking about." He huffed and mumbled more to himself, "What's Master Dagmire planning this time?"
He sighed and put his pipe away before turning to Nagan holding out his hand. "Just call me Sarg."
"Nagan." He shook his hand firmly and grinned slyly. "Finally thought me worthy enough to know my name?"
Sarg chuckled and lightly hit his knuckles against Nagan's shoulder. "I'm curious about where life will take you, so maybe come back to give me an update a few years into the future."
Nagan snorted. "You just started talking to me. What's here for me to come back to?"
"You'll be needed my help later on," Sarg hummed while looking at the stars. "I don't know when, but you'll be back. Anyways, kid, go start getting the crew up and moving. It would please the captain if we got a head start in preparation for docking."
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The sun was already in the sky by the time the ship had been docked and cargo unloaded. The crew was released to enjoy the land for a few days. Sarg had invited Nagan to tag along for a bit, but a throb from his palm had other plans.
Alright, Nagan thought. I'm here. Where do you need me to go?
Throughout his journey, Nagan had realized just how foolish he was acting. He had already come too far to turn back now, however. Might as well find out what the hooded man wanted. He was safe as long as he didn't say anything...right?
Follow the shadow.
Nagan made a confused sound, stopping in the middle of the road much to the ire of the people around him. After a quick glance at his surroundings, he soon realized what the hooded man was talking about. Standing just a few yards in front of him was a tall, dark figure. No one else seemed to notice it except for himself. He tried to take a step towards it, but the figure maintained its distance, seeming to glide across the ground.
Fine, if that's how it's gonna be, Nagan thought curiously and began to follow it.
It led him deeper into the city, though the streets progressively became less crowded and more narrow. A sweet-smelling smoke started to fill the air, and after one last turn into a suddenly widened street did he realize where he was.
Once again he froze in the middle of the road, but this time out of annoyance.
Of course. The red-light district, Nagan thought sardonically.
•_______________________•
Lol I lied. Started part 2 nearly a week later XD
But happy new year, guys! Wrote all this while "watching" the whole ball drop. It's very distracting white noise to write to XD
So without further ado, please enjoy the second half of Nagan!
