Chapter 6: The Semi-Transparent Glass Sphere
At the break of dawn on the second day, the circus embarked on its journey.
Before setting off, Xia Zuo had entrusted Audrey with three silver coins retrieved from the underground hole. Now, only a travel bag filled with new clothes and a broken crutch remained by his side.
His travel companion was the strongman, Pole Pie.
Sitting together in the carriage felt somewhat cramped. Pole Pie's hearty appetite and higher-than-average body heat elevated the temperature inside the carriage.
Despite the stifling and cramped conditions, Xia Zuo felt content. It was leagues better than the underground cell or the dense forest.
"Xia Zuo, my lad, hehe."
Pole Pie had an imposing stature but lacked a bit in wit.
When he spoke, he stuttered, often pausing after sentences longer than five words.
"Hey, walking alone in the woods for two days was brave of you."
"Thanks for the praise, Pole Pie." Xia Zuo poked the bulging muscles of his companion's arm. "You're so strong, any secrets?"
"Breathing technique, hehe... We all have it, but you're too young to learn."
Breathing technique! It sounded like something that could enhance physical abilities.
"Why can't I learn it?" Xia Zuo's eyes widened.
"Hehe... you're still growing. You can learn after 18. Hehe... or if you have elemental affinity, you could directly study alchemy and magic at the mage academy, skipping tasks at the warrior guild."
Elemental affinity, alchemy, magic!
Mage academy, warrior guild!
According to Pole Pie, mages were much more esteemed and rare in this world than warriors.
However, becoming a mage was far more challenging.
"What's elemental affinity?" Xia Zuo sat up straight, gripping Pole Pie's robust arm.
"Don't know, hehe... Big Sister Audrey seems to know. Hehe... she said the next stop is Rosac City, where they'll test you. You might have elemental affinity."
Pole Pie ruffled his buttery hair. "But I think, hehe... you don't have it, just like us."
Xia Zuo felt a bit down at the words, but then his mind shifted to mental attributes!
Right! Maybe by allocating points to spirit after leveling up, he might gain elemental affinity?
Excitedly rubbing his hands together, Xia Zuo looked out of the carriage window. The sky appeared even brighter and more beautiful under the sunlight, amidst the blue sky and white clouds.
...
The three-carriage convoy steadily traversed the country road.
Some traders in a hurry would shout and urge their horses, overtaking the circus caravan.
"Audrey, where's your next stop?" A messenger wearing a cloak and carrying a satchel rode up to the first carriage of the caravan, seemingly familiar with the circus and its leader.
"We're heading to Rosac City, my friend. The circus will stay there for a week."
Big Sister Audrey's clear voice drifted from the front.
"The kids are going to have a blast again. Ha, I'll go ahead." The messenger called out before riding off into the distance.
"Is our circus very famous?" Xia Zuo asked his companion.
"Hehe... quite renowned in the Rosac Province. Every town knows us. We tour the entire province every six months."
Pole Pie, kneading a highly elastic rubber ball, displayed muscles on his forearm, contradicting his seemingly relaxed demeanor.
This rubber ball seemed like a tool for exercising arm strength in confined spaces.
"Are we the only circus in Rosac? Won't others compete with us?" Xia Zuo continued.
Pole Pie paused his activity, running a hand through his hair, his thick eyebrows forming a right angle.
"Seems like there are. Hehe... Big Sister Audrey should know. Fan Er Si used to be a fire performer in another circus, then for some reason joined us."
Xia Zuo pondered... Did Fan Er Si's previous troupe discover his penchant for theft? Audrey had never mentioned Fan Er Si's habit to the group. Best not to meddle.
...
About five days later.
The road to Rosac City transformed from muddy paths into cobblestone streets, wider and smoother.
The carriage no longer jostled, and when Xia Zuo unscrewed the water flask, less water spilled out.
During the journey, the caravan passed villages without stopping, only replenishing food and freshwater. Even at dusk, they pressed on, traversing the night.
Initially surprised by traveling in the dark, Xia Zuo learned that Audrey, the clown siblings, and Sneck took turns driving the carriages.
But how could the horses keep going non-stop?
The answer revealed itself upon reaching the first village...
Turns out, the pack animals were provided by Rosac's Horse Guild.
This leasing service, paid annually, allowed for swapping fatigued pack animals at any stables along the way, selecting well-fed, energetic replacements.
Such humane business practices heightened Xia Zuo's anticipation for the impending destination.
The grand sight of Rosac City did not disappoint.
The city walls, made of tightly fitted large stone bricks, measured 5 meters thick and over 10 meters high.
The city gate, a colossal opening, required the combined effort of six guards to push the hefty doors ajar.
This was a place one could only reach after crossing a 5-meter wide moat.
The caravan from the circus troupe arrived at the city gates, joining the caravan of merchants, subject to the scrutiny of the city guards.
The guards, wearing steel helmets and wielding long halberds, clearly recognized Audrey. Their smiles were as gentle as the glint on their silver armor.
Audrey accompanied the guards, inspecting all three sections of the carriage, even scrutinizing the equipment and weapons hidden within the compartments.
The guards cross-checked the markings inside the equipment and the steel stamps on the weapon hilts; everything seemed in order.
As for Xia Zuo's identity, they didn't conceal it from the guards, narrating the boy's experiences straightforwardly.
A few guards, upon hearing this, muttered curses for the deceased old villain and the marauders who ravaged the villages. With a wave of their hands, they allowed the circus troupe to pass.
Once the carriage entered the city, it didn't take long for it to halt.
"We've arrived. Everyone, disembark," Audrey announced.
Opening the door of the third carriage, Audrey lifted the young boy, gently running her fingers through his black soft hair. "Xia Zuo, have you adjusted well to the journey? I was busy with the caravan and couldn't attend to you."
"Big sis, thank you for your concern. I'm doing splendidly now. Eating well, sleeping well," Xia Zuo beamed with a smile on his face.
"That's good."
Audrey took the boy's hand and addressed the surrounding members, "Everyone, carry on as usual. Pole Pie, move the tents to the square. You two, change into promotional attire. Sneck, you stay here and guard the carriage."
Members who received orders swiftly began their tasks.
With a hand, Audrey unfastened a small pouch from her waist and tossed it to the fiery-eyed individual who was eyeing her, "Fan Er Si, go check out the apothecary."
The shiny-bald Fan Er Si, flipping the pouch in his hand, a faint smirk curved his lips, a rare sight.
"Xia Zuo, come with me. Did Pole Pie tell you anything about Elemental Affinity?" Audrey took the boy's hand, leading him away from the parked carriage onto a bustling street.
Cargo-laden carts waited outside shops as their goods were unloaded. Boisterous cries advertising various wares filled the air, amidst a variety of shops.
Xia Zuo sidestepped playful children on the street. "Pole Pie did mention it to me. He even said I don't seem to have any Elemental Affinity."
"He probably wasn't wrong, Xia Zuo. Every child undergoes a test at birth. I intend to take you for a re-examination. It's possible the village's testing apparatus was too antiquated to accurately assess you."
Audrey and Xia Zuo walked a hundred meters down the street, stopping at a place with a hanging sign.
"Starlit Academy Enrollment Testing Station."
"This is it."
In less than five minutes inside, Xia Zuo wore a visible expression of disappointment upon leaving.
He placed his hand on the semi-transparent glass sphere representing Elemental Affinity, but there was not even the slightest change.
In this world, being born with Elemental Affinity was crucial for a swift rise to prominence.
If one had Elemental Affinity from birth, it meant an instant ticket to the prestigious Starlit Academy, the mage institution, with the entire family relishing the capital's luxuries.
"Cheer up, Xia Zuo. We have another path," Audrey extended her hand, rubbing the boy's downcast face.
"Big sis, are you talking about joining the Warrior's Guild?" Xia Zuo's tone grew somber.
"Don't underestimate the Warrior's Guild. If you can reach my level, there's still a chance to enter the mage institution."
This only added to Xia Zuo's confusion. Why would a warrior enter a mage institution?
"It's too early to discuss this now. You're not even learning basic breathing techniques yet. Come on, let's get you some practical things."
Audrey had no intention of clarifying things for the boy, pulling his arm as they entered a bookstore.
When they returned to the street, Xia Zuo held two thin books in his hand. "Big sis... you don't mean for me to read, do you?"
"Kid, don't pout. If you had read these two books earlier, you wouldn't have fainted from hunger in the forest."
Audrey was right.
These two booklets stacked together were barely wider than a pinky finger, but their contents were far from simple.
Initially, Xia Zuo had some complaints about why his big sis didn't just teach him some sword moves. However, as he flipped through the pages, he found himself engrossed.
"'Geography of Rosak Province,' memorizing this book yields 3 experience points, enhancing mental attributes by 0.02 points. Upon completion, it will automatically scan and record the book's content into the host's knowledge repository."
"'Wilderness Survival Handbook,' memorizing this book yields 1.5 experience points, enhancing mental attributes by 0.01 points. Upon completion, it will automatically scan and record the book's content into the host's knowledge repository."
A double harvest of experience and mental attributes! Books truly were spiritual sustenance.
"I love reading! And books love me back!" Xia Zuo exclaimed, "Big sis, I want to buy two more."
Audrey tapped the boy's head with her finger, "Kid, finish these two first."
Within no time, the pair roamed the streets, shuttling between shops.
Though Audrey looked tough and strong, almost masculine, when it came to shopping, she had a feminine touch.
In a short while, Xia Zuo's arms were laden with paper bags, his eyes brimming with anticipation.
Among them was his work attire, to be worn when selling tickets the following day.
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