Chapter 272: Chapter 272 Gifts.
However, Soma was too preoccupied with Damian and his assistance at that time. So, he single-handedly sharpened his strength through training and focused on guarding the mansion.
Then, after he returned to the Academy and could breathe the air of relaxation, he was struck by this situation.
For now, Hina herself was being taken away by Serafina to the student council room, to help her in the paperwork that piling up for the upcoming event that will be held next month. It sounds cruel, but Hina couldn\'t leave Serafina alone suffering while buried in documents, so she willingly participated.
Soma and Xiao Lian walked side by side on the not-too-crowded street while enjoying their holiday in one of the famous cities. A center district in Ark, where many towering buildings cast long shadows over the sidewalks, protecting them from the direct light of the sun.
Both of them already knew where they wanted to go, and it was one of the biggest malls on the island, where they decided to search for gifts. Many stores, restaurants, game centers, and Cafés line each side of the mall. Their bright signs and glass windows display the latest fashions, and people enjoy food and gadgets, drawing in the curiosity of passersby.
Soma and Xiao Lian stood on the escalator that brought them to the second floor. As if that was not enough, they were going to another floor upstairs to search for an item or accessories that could be a handful in a battle.
He thought it was weird to give his girlfriend a gift like that, but this world had different common sense, and Soma thought this was much more compatible than ordinary accessories that didn\'t have any enhanced effect inside.
"Xiao Lian, have you decided?".
"Mm, I have. How about you, Soma?".
"I will think about it again".
"Mm".
They visited one of the stores that sell various accessories. With a soft click, they entered the store, and a woman clerk wearing a suit approached them.
"Welcome and how can I help you?".
"We are here to buy some accessories that have some enhanced effect".
"What grade and what kind of accessories you want to buy? We have various of them from Common to Epic grade".
"Mm, A necklace please and for grade we can discuss it after we saw the item".
"Understood. Then customers, please follow me!".
The clerk began to walk away from them, and they followed behind.
On each side were many glass boxes, and the store was not just selling accessories but also several choices of clothes for awakeners with branded logos. Sadly, none of them were practical enough for exploring a dungeon. "But that simple T-shirt might work."
Soma chuckled and thought how common sense in this world had changed his view. Once they arrived, the clerk began to show them the items one at a time with her business smile. However, one thing that made them pick this place was Serafina.
He thought that searching in the market was better than these expensive-looking stores. But she insisted, at least for her own gift.
After picking and looking at the details of the monocle that Serafina had lent to him. Xiao Lian, finally decided to buy a silver necklace that was imbued with red gem on it. The price was ridiculous. Soma managed to hold his mouth from shouting loudly, and then they finished the transaction swiftly before getting out.
"That is ridiculous".
"Mm? Is that so?".
|le mpyr
Xiao Lian, who was on his side, tilted her head, oblivious to Soma\'s sense of money. Sometimes, he forgot that the girl standing beside him was none other than a little princess from a huge family in Chinese.
After that, they began to search around the place, but Soma had nothing in mind and found nothing that interested him.
"Xiao Lian, let\'s go to the market".
"Mm, sure".
They began to ascend the floor. When they arrived at the front building, luckily, they found a taxi pass, and Soma hurriedly stopped it.
"Where do you want to go?".
"Market please!".
"Okay".
The biggest district in the Ark, the center district, was filled with many strong and luxurious places because the place itself acted as a stronghold. The district was divided into four sections north, where many prestigious or famous people stayed; it was also called a wealthy section.
West was the place for entertainment and recreation, and many places such as casinos, theme parks, pools, and late-night clubs were built there.
The south section was the place for manufacturing, whether it was craftsmanship, alchemy, or even blacksmithing. It was also the place where researchers sought the truth about the world.
Last but not least, it was the east section, which could also be called the heart of the center district, for it was filled with various malls, shops, and markets. This place also offers many places to hang out.
Soma was exploring the east section and finally arrived at the place he wanted to go.
"Here you go, sir!".
"Thanks Kid".
After paying the driver, Soma and Xiao Lian arrived at the market. The place was lively and chaotic. They were overwhelmed by the sheer energy the crowd had shown them. The air was thick and filled with the smell of fresh-produced food, sizzling, and the sweet and savory fragrance that caught their noses made their stomachs growl in protest.
Soma grabbed Xiao Lian\'s hand so that they wouldn\'t get separated in this crowded place. This was probably the effect of the weekdays, when many people, couples, tourists, and even local residents filled the place.
They venture deeper toward the market and occasionally buy some snacks on their way. Soma did not have a big appetite in the morning, but it was different from Xiao Lian, who got hooked by the sweet scent that lingered in the air.
He stopped at a small stall that sells various accessories and scanned the items in detail. But Soma had not found anything that caught his interest before he witnessed one store that seemed worn out, with its gray paint and moss-covered walls.
The place itself was still standing firm on the ground, but its external look made it stand out from the others. However, his instinct told him that he might find something interesting inside.
"Let\'s go Xiao Lian".
"Here, are you sure?".
Soma brushed aside her warning, placed his palm on the black wooden door, and pushed inside. A loud creak echoed, making their skin crawl, and suddenly, a chime from a bell began to spell their sight for the scene in front of them.
The interior was so much different from the outside. It was clean and filled with many well-maintained wooden racks and shelves filled with Books or perhaps a grimoire. The rack with enhanced glass on top contained many items for a wizard to have, including accessories and a colorful potion, which made them open their eyes in shock.
"Welcome to my humble store. What sort of items do you guys want to buy?"