123 Diverse Alley (2/2)

Aion is sleeping in the last row as he lays his head on the desk with his hands covering his face to block the sunlight and his eyes closed. But under his arms, his lips form a curve slowly.

”Shall we continue training at my home tomorrow? Since it's the weekend, we can practice at our home.” While leaving for home, Awarnach asks Faust concerningly.

Concern, because he wants Faust to learn as much as he can and quickly.

”Let's take a break tomorrow, I have other work to do. We'll meet again Monday.” Saying that Faust and Awarnach both go their separate ways to their homes.

”You want me to come with you tomorrow?” Aion asks regarding the thing Faust is going to do tomorrow.

”For what? I'm going there with Aunt. It's ok, I have company.”

”Hmm, if you say so. Be careful.” Aion suggests him

”Careful? We're only going to sell stones and get money. Anyway, I will see you later too!”

-

On the next day, Faust goes into a dark alley with Neith. Following Neith's suggestion, they both visit the alley on a bright sunny day. The alley is really small, only three people can walk next to each other. Most of them have to walk in queues to avoid running into each other.

Fortunately, the alley is free with less people. So, Faust and Neith can walk next to each other without any discomfort. There are different kinds of shops on either side of the alley. However, most of them are closed and only opens at night.

Some of the shops displayed paper lanterns with the shop's name on it. Like typical Japanese shops. There are also walk-in food stalls with the capacity to harbor five to seven people at once. With tables, but no chairs, a person has to eat while standing.

After reaching the middle of the alley, they encountered a thin stairway, that goes further down into a darker street. The end of the stairway, however, is blocked by a worn-out gray cloth to go to the other side. And an old man is sitting on a stool to a side.

”Wow, auntie, you came all the way here when I asked you to sell my black stone?” Faust refers to Neith, implying that she has already come here once to sell the black stone that is given to Faust by his school.

This alley is the reason why Faust bravely stopped Tsumugi from trading the stones for money in her house. He has sent Neith to this alley before to sell the black stone and he has information on the prices of each stone.

”Oh, one can't possibly step foot inside this alley. You know the formalities.” The old man sitting on a stool with a hat that covers his eyes speaks to Neith and Faust as they are about to enter.

”Of course, of course, I know the drill, Dante.” Neith, Standing in front of Faust hands over a small piece of paper that is the size of a business card to the old man.

”You may enter.” The old man welcomes them with a smile on his face.

Neith pushes the curtain to her side with a hand as she enters inside. Faust catches a glimpse of what is inside, he sees a huge shadow with fur inside. With the curiosity building up, Faust pulls the curtain to aside to walk in.

”Be careful.” The old man mutters as Faust enters inside.