"We're on sale! We're on sale! Two copper coins for two sticks of pork barbecue!" shouted a vendor with the enthusiasm of a man who'd sell his own boots if it meant closing the deal.
"Ladies and gentlemen, our pork barbecue is made from premium black boar meat! Top quality, more delicious than the rest—and only for today, we're selling it cheap!"
Apparently, this was a big deal.
Currency in this world was divided into four types: copper, bronze, silver, and gold. Copper was the most common and lowest value, while gold sat at the top of the money food chain. No surprise there—gold always wins.
I handed the man two copper coins.
"Here," I said, accepting the skewers and walking off to the side.
The barbecue? Not bad at all. A bit chewy, slightly smoky, and had just enough spice to remind me that I was no longer on Earth. Not that I needed more reminders.
After eating, I decided to wander around a bit more. To my surprise, there were street performers scattered across what seemed to be a park, just like back home. But instead of singers and dancers, most of them were magic performers showing off their elemental skills.
Some conjured water in a synchronized rhythm, forming a beautiful water-dance in midair that had kids cheering.
[Water Magic Imitated. Skill Acquired!]
Others juggled balls propelled by wind, sending them soaring high before catching them behind their backs like pros.
[Wind Magic Imitated. Skill Acquired!]
Then came the flashy ones—dancers sparking with electricity, leaving crackles in the air and a scent of ozone.
[Electricity Magic Imitated. Skill Acquired!]
I found myself clapping like a proud dad at a school recital. These people had flair.
Even off to the side, there was a calm guy sitting and carving sculptures using Ice Magic—no flashy show, just cold precision.
[Ice Magic Imitated. Skill Acquired!]
I didn't understand why I kept hearing that voice in my head every time I saw magic. Each time it said I had imitated the skill. My Unique Skill was still a mystery, but one thing was clear—watching magic gave me magic.
Yeah. Broken much?Not complaining, though.
This place was a lot bigger than I initially thought, and it was buzzing with life. Elemental magic seemed pretty common here. I saw people lighting up stoves with fire magic, watering plants with water magic, and even chilling drinks using ice like it was no big deal.
But even here, not everyone was equally gifted. You could tell who had control and who was just lighting their sleeves on fire by accident.
Then, just as I was enjoying the atmosphere, I heard something.
"Let go of me!"
The voice came from a nearby alley. Naturally, being the curious idiot I was, I followed it.
There, I saw three knights dragging a struggling girl. She had ash-gray hair, horns poking out from the top of her head—one broken—and fear in her eyes.
Yeah, this looked bad.
I stepped forward and raised a hand. "Yo."
Everyone turned to look at me.
This was already awkward.
"Is there a problem, young man?" One of the knights walked up and took off his helmet, revealing a confident smirk and perfect hair. Typical.
"Not really," I said casually. "Just wondering where you're taking her."
"This demon committed a crime," he replied. "We're taking it where it belongs."
Did he just say "it"?
I looked closer at the girl. Her eyes were wide, terrified. And now that I had a better look—yep, definitely demon, or at least part demon.
"Don't you mean she?"
"A demon is not a person."
Wow. That's… dark.
Before I could say anything else, the girl suddenly broke free and ran—straight into me, clutching my waist like I was her last lifeline.
"How the hell did she escape you two?" barked the knight, apparently named Captain Caspian.
"She used magic, sir," one of them said.
Nope. She didn't.They let her go. On purpose.
Captain Caspian turned to me. "Alright, young man, as you can see, I'm busy. Hand over the demon and head home like a good little citizen."
The girl gripped me tighter.
"May I ask what crime she committed?" I said, keeping my tone light but firm.
"She killed a knight," Caspian answered.
I crouched down and looked the girl in the eyes. She was trembling.
"Is that true?" I asked gently.
She shook her head, tears welling up. "He was hurting me… I didn't mean to…"
"Thanks for your honesty," I said, patting her head before standing up.
Caspian smirked. "See? I told you."
"You're right," I agreed, stepping between them. "But… I'm afraid I can't let you take her."
Yep. Big brother mode activated.
"What did you say?" Caspian snapped, drawing his sword. "Do you even know who you're talking to?"
I smiled. "Shouldn't I be the one asking that?"
"You messing with me?"
"No. I'm just trying not to kill you."
I took a deep breath and let a sliver of my Mana Manifestation leak out. Just a whisper of it. Just enough to make the air hum and the hairs on your neck stand up.
Caspian's eyes widened. His sword wavered.
Gotcha.
"Now… do you really want to fight for it?" I asked, my voice low and calm.
Thank God for all those times I practiced cringey anime lines in front of the mirror. Cosplay acting—finally useful.
The Captain slowly lowered his sword, sweat forming on his brow.
That was my cue.
I grabbed the girl's hand. "Let's go."
She looked confused but nodded without hesitation, following me without a word.
Inside, I was freaking out.
Caspian was scary as hell.
But I couldn't let her go with them. Not when she looked at me like that.