Chương 4: First Impressions

(Scáthach's POV)

I awoke to the dim light filtering through the curtains into the dingy motel room. My thoughts turned to the boy - no, young man - I was now bound to. Glancing over, I saw my new Master still asleep, his body wrapped tightly in the thin blankets his dark black hair framing his face. Sharp eyebrows, long eyelashes, I had to admit that he was a handsome man.

When he first summoned me, I was surprised. The ritual was unfamiliar, as was the nature of this world we found ourselves in. There was no Grail War here that I could sense.

Yet the earnest determination in his steel gray eyes convinced me to accept the pact. I am not one to shy away from battle, and his quest resonated with my warrior's spirit. Still, I cannot deny feeling a hint of curiosity regarding his motives and origins.

In our short time together, I've gleaned a few insights about his character. The care he takes not to lethally harm the petty criminals we encounter shows a certain moral compass. And though raw, he has some natural talent and the dedication to refine it.

There is an odd duality to him - on one hand, a seemingly ordinary teenager. On the other, he bore the mantle of a Master and Heroic Spirit with gravitas beyond his years.

I wonder which side will win out? Will the burden break him or will he rise to the challenge? Only time will tell. For now, I shall train him as promised. It is the path he has chosen.

My thoughts turned to our situation. We know little of this world - its heroes, dangers, and the ones who govern it from the shadows. Information is crucial. And allies...even I cannot fight an entire world alone. We shall need to tread carefully.

I hear my Master stirring awake. The day's training awaits. For now, I banish these thoughts and turn my focus to the present. One lesson at a time...that is the way.

(Eli's POV)

I slowly awoke to the morning light filtering into the motel room. Stretching, I sat up in the lumpy bed and saw Scáthach already awake, sitting stoically in a chair by the window.

"Good morning," I mumbled, still shaking off the last remnants of sleep.

"Good morning, Master," Scáthach replied evenly. "I trust you are well rested. We have much training ahead today."

I nodded, knowing she would work me hard again. But first, my stomach rumbled loudly. Causing Scáthach to raise an eyebrow.

"Let's get some breakfast," I said with a yawn.

"I saw an eatery down the street - we will replenish your energy there."

"Sounds good but first let's get you some clothes you stick out too much in your battle outfit."

"Ok."

After washing up and getting dressed, we left the motel and I bought Scáthach a new outfit while getting some essentials for myself. Afterward, we headed to the nearby diner. It wasn't anything fancy, Formica tables with cracked vinyl seats, but the scent of fresh coffee and sizzling bacon made my mouth water.

We sat in a booth by the window and a waitress came by carrying menus, a bored look on her face but seemed to perk up when she saw me.

"What can I get ya handsome." I gave her a slight smile and ordered a stack of pancakes, eggs, and extra crispy bacon along with orange juice. Scáthach simply requested black coffee.

As I dug into my food, I noted that it seemed that because of the changes in myself due to my new powers I had an increased appetite. Scáthach sipped her coffee, gaze constantly scanning our surroundings. I could tell she was alert even while appearing relaxed.

"So what's the plan after this?" Scáthach asked between sips of coffee.

"First I need to get some more money so we'll head to a place where I can exchange some of my accessories. Then what I really need is information and serious funds so I plan to summon another Heroic spirit most likely an Assassin."

"I see that is wise anything else?"

"Of course afterwards we will resume training," I said knowing the answer she wanted from me.

"Good." She responded a small almost imperceptible smile gracing her lips.

After we finished our breakfast we left the diner and headed to a nearby jewelry store. Making our way inside I approached the glass counter displaying various jewelry pieces. An older man with a meticulously groomed mustache looked up from polishing a ring.

"How can I help you today, young man?" the jeweler asked.

"I'm looking to sell some of my jewelry," I replied, pulling out a platinum necklace, two silver rings, and a pair of platinum earrings from my pocket.

The jeweler's eyes lit up as he looked over the pieces, picking each one up and scrutinizing it closely. "Hmm, these are some very fine items. The sapphire earrings especially are excellent quality."

He glanced back up at me. "May I ask where you acquired such lovely jewelry?"

I waved my hand casually. "They were gifts from various family members over the years. But I have no use for them now, so I figured it was time to sell."

"I see, I see," the jeweler murmured, still examining the pieces. "Well, I can offer you $550 for the lot. That's the best I can do."

My eyes narrowed slightly. "You and I both know these are worth far more than that. $1000 would be much fairer."

"$1000?" the jeweler scoffed. "Out of the question!" His eyes then fell on the ring that was still on my finger.

"Hmm I would be willing to give you $1000 if you throw in that ring as well" I looked down at my hand for a moment then shook my head.

"No deal, this ring has… sentimental value."

"That's too bad then $625 is the highest I can go."

"Surely you can do $750," I countered smoothly. "That necklace alone is pure platinum. I know you'll turn around and sell it for triple what you pay me."

The jeweler took a while to decide but eventually relented. "Oh, alright. $750 it is. You drive a hard bargain, young man." He counted out the cash from the register.

I pocketed the money with a satisfied smile. "A pleasure doing business with you."

With the transaction complete, Scáthach and I turned to exit the jewelry store, ready to move on to the next steps in our plan. Unfortunately, it seemed that fate had other plans.