"There are versions that work across carriages too," the operator explained, "but those can only be found in the higher carriages. They cost a lot too."
"What is it called again?" Jax asked.
"Comdev," the man said. "Short for Communication Device."
Jax decided to purchase one imdiately despite its cost in the hundreds, then turned to layne. "You should get one too."
She nodded and made the purchase.
"Should I buy so for Ning and Lucille?" Jax asked.
"Don’t bother," layne said. "I plan to tinker with mine and see how they work. If possible, I might be able to replicate it."
Jax was surprised to see how confident she felt about that. Could they really be replicated? He knew she could make weapons and armors, but such devices with magic circles seed foreign to those in concept.
He didn’t say that though. If she could make it, then he would let her make it.
They returned to their lodging to find Lucille had prepared a al for the group. The aroma of properly seasoned food was a welco change from their traveling rations. The food also seed way better than even the tavern als, and Jax thought those were incredible.
He sat down to eat along with layne and Lucille. Ning was missing for the mont it seems.
"He said he’ll be back in a bit, so we can just save the al for him."
They were halfway through their al when Ning returned. He sat down to eat and exclaid at the taste.
"This is fantastic, Lucy. Do you have experience cooking als?" Ning asked.
"I was a chef once," Lucille answered.
"Oh!" Ning said in surprise. "I was a chef once as well. Do you want to cook tomorrow?"
Lucille shrugged.
Ning ate quickly, finishing alongside the rest despite having started much later. Once they were done, Jax and layne showed them the Comdev. Lucille was surprised to see one, murmuring about sothing to herself. "Oh, where did you get one? I want to buy one too."
"l wants to make one from scratch, so she told not to buy one for you two."
"Oh, that works," Ning said. "I have been productive during my ti outside too."
Ning cleared the table and produced sothing that was fully scrolled. He spread it out to fill the entire table, showing everyone what it was – A detailed map of the surrounding area.
"I found this while I was out and decided to buy it," he said, gesturing for them to gather around.
The map showed their current location clearly. The forest they’d spent months in lay to the northeast of Fang Heights, and their entire region was part of an empire called Basinhall.
"I gathered so information about our next steps," Ning continued, pointing south on the map. "The city we need to reach for the next trial registration is about three carriage rides away. Five days total travel ti."
Lucille nodded. "That should be our next destination. We also need to find our fifth party mber before we go."
They debated where to search for a suitable candidate. Most adventurers in cities like this were either too weak or already committed to other groups.
"What about Carlton?" Jax suggested.
"Who?" Ning asked.
"The guy I’m in debt to," Jax explained. "His spell was quite good. He seems to be the supporting type, so he could be a good addition."
The others considered this. "We’re okay with him," layne said, "but we need confirmation that he’ll actually join us. And we have to make sure he’s close to reaching the first Erald stage."
Jax nodded.
After conversing for a bit, they retreated to their individual rooms to continue their Navi absorption training. Jax was making steady progress, though the next stage still felt frustratingly distant.
The next morning, he woke to a notification from his communication device. The ssage was brief and to the point.
"I’m at Ceremon city, in the Trigole kingdom. Hotel Queen’s Song."
No other information was provided, but Jax knew it had to be from Carlton. He went to check the map again, with Ning in the kitchen making breakfast for everyone, and found the Trigole kingdom far to the northwest of their current position.
He explained the situation to the rest of the group over breakfast.
"What should we do?" Lucille asked.
"Go and finish your deal," layne said decisively. "The sooner it’s done, the better. Try to find out if he’s willing to join our group while you’re there."
Lucille agreed. It made sense to handle both matters at once, even if it ant a long journey.
After getting the approval from everyone, Jax prepared to leave the very day.
The trip took longer than expected. Four days by carriage brought him to the Trigole kingdom’s borders, then three more days of travel to reach Ceremon city itself. The kingdom had a different feel from Basinhall. It was less mountainous terrain and had warr weather.
Upon reaching the city, finding the Hotel Queen’s Song proved as easy as it could be. It was a respectable establishnt in the city’s Fighter district. Jax arrived at the hotel and found a room for himself. Then, he stayed in the lounge area, waiting for Carlton to arrive.
The red haired young man arrived early in the evening, seemingly tired and went straight past the lounge. Jax had to rush to stop him before he went to his room.
Carlton looked at Jax in surprise. "That’s a surprise," he said. "I thought you would take longer. So, have you brought my money?"
Jax nodded and handed over the 2000 stones they’d agreed upon. The mont the paynt changed hands, he felt the mark on his palm vanish completely. The binding deal was finally complete.
"Alright. Cool. You can leave now," Carlton said casually. "Thanks for bringing it to here."
Jax stared at him. After all this travel and effort, that was it? He’d expected at least so conversation about how he was doing.
"Wait," Jax said before Carlton could walk away. "Do you wish to join our party?"
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