NOVEL WEB Chapter 25: Shopping Spree
Back at the base, there really wasn't much to do accept training. During breakfast, Marinette mentioned taking him out shopping, claiming that she had the best fashion sense and keeping her word.
So now, here they were. Walking side by side through the bustling streets of Versaliter, both draped in deep hoods to avoid attention.
The city buzzed around them, alive and loud. Merchants hollered over one another to push their goods, spices, fabrics, and jewelry that glittered just a bit too brightly to be real. The air was thick with the smell of baked bread, roasted meats, and the sharp tang of forge smoke. Somewhere nearby, a street performer was hammering away on a drum.
Jacob kept his head down, but his eyes roamed. It felt strange, walking out here like this. No running, no hiding, just existing, like a normal person.
Marinette moved with quiet ease, slipping through the crowd like she'd done this a thousand times before. She stopped in front of a plain-looking shop tucked between two louder stalls.
"This place won't ask questions if we pay in cash," she said, pushing the door open without waiting.
Jacob followed, stepping into the cool air and the soft scent of fresh linen. The shop was simple with wooden shelves, iron racks, not much in the way of decoration.
The one worker greeted Marinette like she was a usual customer. Marinette replied with a wave before going straight to work, skimming through the clothes like she was on a mission.
"You need something that actually fits." she muttered, flipping through tunics. "Do you have a preferred style?"
"Not really but I tend to go for a more muted or darker aesthetic while picking out clothes." He watched her hold up different shirts against his chest, rapidly dismissing most with a shake of her head.
"Too pale. Too bright. Too expensive. Ah, this one works."
She tossed him a dark grey tunic that was simple and clean. Jacob caught it, running his fingers over the fabric. It was soft, way more comfortable than the baggy clothes he'd been wearing.
"Not bad." He muttered.
"I know, I picked it out after all." She responded quickly, a confident smirk on her captivating face.
They finished picking out the rest and paid; more shirts, fitted pants, new boots, a belt, a coat. All practical and all low-profile.
When they stepped back onto the street, Marinette led him to a nearby food stall and bought two skewers of grilled meat. She handed him one without a word.
Jacob blinked at her. "We have food at home."
"I know, but nothing beats authentic street food." she said, biting into her skewer. "Live a little. It's delicious and cheap."
Jacob took a bite. It was good. Warm and salty. He didn't realize how hungry he was until the first piece hit his tongue.
They walked in silence, the kind that wasn't awkward. It felt…normal
"…Thanks," Jacob said eventually.
Marinette glanced at him from under her hood. "For what?"
"For this. The clothes. The food. Treating me like I'm… part of the crew."
"You are part of the crew," she said, plain and simple. "Dead weight doesn't carry their own. You've already earned your spot."
Jacob's grip tightened on the skewer, something warm settling in his chest.
"Now hurry up," Marinette added, flicking his forehead lightly. "We've got training to get back to."
Jacob grinned, jogging to catch up.
…
"Ow!' Jacob yelped as he fell back on his ass, a blunt blade pointing at his chest.
"In real combat, I would've already pierced your heart." Rowan spoke, his words cold and honest.
"Good thing we're just practicing." Jacob mumbled, patting his behind.
Just then, an arrow flew by and Jacob rolled over on instinct, narrowingly avoiding it.
Emma's voice rang out, smug and playful. "Good job! Arrow: 0, Jacob: 1. At least for today." She casually walked over to pick up her arrow.
A month has passed. Jacob improved his swordsmanship, evolving from the basics to actual sparring. Though he got destroyed each time by Rowan. Emma also joined in, shooting arrows at him for fun to boost reflex. At first, Jacob wasn't able to dodge. The dull arrow causing bruises all over his body, but avoiding vital spots. Now he was able to dodge at least half the time. His arms were more toned. His body finally had some definition. When he flexed, he could see the faint outline of abs. It wasn't much, but it was his.
Despite his physical enhancements, his mental ones were lacking. It felt like he was missing something. He was gaining mana normally, able to move it fluidly, and reinforce himself easily. It just felt…off.
In his room, he asked Ares for help.
Ares sends a message
"Stuck in a slump? I…can help with that."
"How so? Got any insight?" Jacob questioned.
Ares sends a message
"Well no, gods function differently from humans. I forgot everything about human fundamentals. But I can drop you a skill that can help."
Jacob's pulse quickened. "A skill?! That'd be huge!"
Aphrodite sends a message
"Ares! You idiot, don't send skills so early. He hasn't really shown too much potential."
"Hey! Not cool. What possible harm could it cause if I got a somewhat helpful skill?"
Ares sends a message
"Well… a lot. You see, everytime I send you an item, my own strength drops."
Aphrodite sends a message
"That is why sending skills this early is reckless. You're not worth it yet. I'm watching though. Maybe I'll invest later if you impress me."
Jacob raises a brow
"What's the points of sending me items if you'd get weaker? I doubt it's from the goodness of your heart, no offence."
Ares sends a message
"By sending items, we're hoping that you would grow even stronger. Then, you can choose whether or not you want to follow our religion. In exchange, gods will get a percentage of your power and get stronger. Doesn't drain you; you won't even notice. Of course, there will be other perks for joining that you can't get normally. Also, you won't be able to accept gifts from other gods after joining."
"Ares, please send me that skill. I promise I won't disappoint."
Ares sends a message
"I trust you kid. It's only a beginner skill so don't expect much."
Ares sends you a skill