28 days after the last attack.

Hannah and Shin were taking their own path after school. Shin had something to take care of and needed Hannah's help.

"Speaking of which, when is your given timing for the exam?" Hannah asked.

"The day after tomorrow."

With the second month coming to a close, it was time for the next exam.

Twinsoul was an institute that cultivated fighters. For that, it deemed that a student must be qualified in three categories: Natura usage, weapon handling and teamplay.

Natura was something taught to people from a young age, so it required least effort to prepare. Conversely, the tests for Natura are made to be reasonably more difficult.

The tests were divided amongst the semester at the end of every month. First month - review, second - Natura, third - teamplay, fourth - weapon handling, and fifth - a combination of all three.

The Natura test itself was divided into three: raw output, versatility and material control.

The review test already dealt with most basic ways of manipulating Natura: the ability to affect oneself and others.

In reality, most of the students were capable of performing more complex tasks, meaning, the test didn't reflect a student's true worth. It was simply a bare minimum one needed to fulfill to be considered worthy to pass.

For example, running really fast was simply that: running really fast. What actually mattered was how much of that speed could be useful in actual combat. How much their 'effective speed' was.

This was also true for the exception test that Diavolo took. His raw output might've been more than 5000, but how much he could actually utilize effectively was the main issue.

"Relax. You'll ace it. You've been practising your Material Natura everyday. The gross amount of electricity you can utilize is enough to deal decent damage. Moreover, I'm impressed by the fact that you realized you needed more control over it. Looks like you aren't all muscle for brains after all," Hannah said with a smug look.

"What's that supposed to mean! I'm not that dumb, okay! I know which areas I need to improve upon!"

Till now Shin stopped wanting to increase the amount of charge he could control and diverted more attention to controlling what he already can more flexibly.

He realized that so much electricity coursing throughout his entire body was outright dangerous. While overflowing with energy felt great and exhilarating in its own way, things were different if it was actual electricity rather than just energy. He could somehow still manage if his arms or legs were paralyzed temporarily, but it was obviously bad news if it was his vital internal organs.

"But… even if that's the case, I'm still concerned about next month," Shin continued.

Versatility was not the only thing Shin was practising. Although things were looking good in the former aspect, the latter training was still a problem he needed to address: his weapon.

Numerous trials, and there were no problems. The compatibility was fine, the energy injection was smooth, and the attribute was in fact plasma. Yet Shin was still failing to get proper control over it. There was however just one exception.

At one point Shin didn't care anymore and just lazily injected his Natura. It was at that point that the sword accepted it willingly and glowed with sparks here and there. But as soon as Shin got excited from it, the sword went haywire and exploded out of his hand.

This would imply that the sword only worked if he didn't have a clear motive, but that was a problem on its own. How could he fight with a weapon which needed the absence of a motive?

"Are you sure you don't want to change weapons? It could as well be a glitch in the new models. If by any chance you're doing this is to not bother me, then please don't."

"No! I will overcome this! I chose this weapon and I'll see it to the end!"

Hannah sighed. "Why do you have to be so stubborn? You know, even if you've gained a fair degree of control over your material, if this continues, it won't matter. Your weapon will be the one to harm you instead."

"I'm fine with that! I just can't accept it if I'm the only one who has to give up and choose another weapon simply because of some unknown shortcomings…" Shin clenched his fists as he said that, a frustrated look appeared as he stared at the ground.

"So that's what it was…" Hannah thought.

Rivalry. The thing that drives their friendship closer. Adding to that was Shin's pride.

Diavolo had been his long time rival and it was natural for him to not want to lose against him. But now that Yukio was added into the fray, he had more reason to push himself.

Both his friends owning a first generation weapon already had him left out. The kind of weapon that chooses its master rather than the other way around. For being able to wield such a weapon, it was something to be proud of. But not only did he not get such a weapon, but the weapon he himself chose was not responding to him. What could be more humiliating?

If he stopped and took a different weapon, it would leave a sour taste in his mouth forever. He just could not accept it! He would not accept the fact that even if all parameters seemed to be fine, he could still not deal with his weapon!

"So, then. What did you need my help with?" Hannah asked.

Shin snapped out of it and looked startled. "Oh, right. A job."

"I get that you have a job to take care of, but what is it?"

"No, I actually meant a job. I'm looking to work part time."

"Eh? Why?" Hannah became flustered. "Is there something you needed to buy? If you want, I can—"

"No it's not that. I know you don't really mind us freeloading like this, but it's just me. No matter what you say, it still kinda makes me feel uncomfortable. So let me do this, 'kay?"

"But you're working for us, right? It would be strange if you do a part time job if we pay you."

"Hmm, that's true…" Shin folded his arms and went into thought. "Let's go with this: the money I earn from the Rose is entirely sent back home to my family, so I don't have any for pocket exchange. How about that?" He smirked.

Hannah sighed again and shrugged. "Very well. But I'll tell you this. You're not allowed to skip training, alright?"

"Of course!" He showed a thumbs up.

"Then? What kind of job are you looking for?"

"That's why I needed your help. Any ideas?"

"Hmm, let's see… How about there?" She pointed at a building and quickened her pace.

In this way, the two tried out several options. One after another, they went from place to place and tried some of the jobs out for 30 minutes to let Shin see which he liked best.

A waiter, a store employee, a cashier, a technician assistant, a security guard, a delivery man, etc. until it was already dark.

"Well? Anyone you like best?"

"Hmm…" Shin pondered for a bit. "Considering the timings, the jobs that need my presence for a long time are out of the question…"

"That much is a given," Hannah agreed.

"Then there's also experience to factor in…"

"You can get that as you work, though."

"But then there's also background knowledge to worry about. I'm not good with complicated stuff."

"If you nitpick this much, none of the jobs will suit you, you know?" She smiled awkwardly.

A good long silence passed as Shin thought more about it. As more time passed, the fact that he wasn't responding to Hannah made him feel awkward. Although Hannah didn't really mind and continued to walk beside him in silence, it was quite distracting for Shin and he couldn't think as clearly.

"Argh! This is so frustrating!" He scratched his head and broke the, at least to him, heavy atmosphere.

"If choosing a perfect job is such a hassle, one would usually go for the simplest or nearest job. Why don't we return for now and check out the places in the outskirts?"

Shin sighed. "Fine…" And scratched his head with his back hunched over. He felt slightly disappointed at the end result, but it couldn't be helped.

Unfortunately, such an unfavorable situation somehow reminded him of his weapon again.

"I absolutely must hold its rein properly. No matter what!"

He secretly wished that he knew about first generation weapons beforehand. If so, then he would've tried those out instead.

But then again, they were such weapons which had their roles reversed. The weapon chose its master and not the other way round. Even if he did try them out, what were the chances he would actually encounter such a weapon?

Speaking of which, if first generations were so rare and picky, what were the chances that both of his friends would be chosen by first gens in the exact same city? It would have to be tremendously low, right? Shin couldn't grasp the true degree to how unlikely it was for two people to consecutively find the perfect first generation weapons in the same area, but he more or less got the fact that the whole thing was pretty odd.

This made him feel funny. A cloud of emotions welled up inside him, but he couldn't discern what that exactly was. Doubt? Annoyance? Frustration? Inferiority? Hatred? Envy? Hollow? Incompetence? He tried thinking of all these words but none seemed to entirely fit in the socket.

"Maybe this is a sign… that I won't be able to keep up for much longer…"

Diavolo was originally from Derdalf. Yukio was also from outside. His friends belonged to a world far more vast than the tiny speck known as Cosmic Island. If so, it wasn't unnatural for them to possess talents which he didn't. Yes, that was probably it. If one considered the entire world as the sample pool, then it might just be possible. Unlike those two, Shin was just a village boy. A country hick. He would be too optimistic if he thought he also had a chance to get a first gen if he tried.

Suddenly, Shin's entire childhood flashed through his head. Memories of good old adventures, the times they got into trouble and times when they faced dangers. But then, for some reason, one particular memory seemed to flash a little too strongly in his head. It almost seemed like his thoughts projected a lifelike replica of the image.

"Wait a minute…" he thought as he focused a little more on the 'picture'.

"Eh?!" he exclaimed. "Isn't that the Ausnid plant?!"

With his mind returning to reality, he was surprised to spot a familiar herb simply potted to the side of the sidewalk.

"This is so rare! How'd this end up here!" He reflexively bolted towards the spot and keenly observed it, making sure his eyes weren't deceiving him.

"What happened?" Hannah asked, catching up to him.

"Ah, sorry!" Shin apologized, realizing he had unintentionally left her behind. "This thing. It's a really valuable plant back home. You see, there's this place on the island where none of us are allowed to enter because of this bug. But we went there once anyway and would've almost died if the adults hadn't found this thing, hehe!"

"Almost died?!" Hannah's eyes widened hearing his words. "Don't say such scary things while laughing, geez!" But sighed as well.

"Ah, Miss Rose! Welcome! What brings you here?" a motherly voice called out.

Looking to his other side, Shin saw a stout, middle-aged woman approach them. She bore an apron and a head cloth, while wiping her hands with a handkerchief. Giving off a gentle, welcoming smile, she bowed towards Hannah.

"No, please raise your head. We were just passing by when my frie— attendant spotted something of interest."

"Pleased to make your acquaintance! My name's Shin!" he greeted energetically.

"Ah, so you're one of the new employees!" The woman lightly gasped at having met someone responsible for the recent topic of conversations. "Were you perhaps the one responsible for the gallant display that day?"

The words pierced right through Shin's chest and the corner of his mouth twitched. "N-no, that would be someone else. I'm assigned to be in close quarters with Miss Hannah and we were further away during the scene."

"I see…" She seemed a bit disappointed, yet still impressed. "But you too seem quite young and strong, so don't let it get to you!" She held up her arm and flexed. "I'm sure you too will be able to exhibit amazing feats, not just your colleague! If only Master Rose were here, then he'd gladly recruit you lot as well!"

"Ehehe…" Shin laughed awkwardly. "I'll try my best not to disappoint." And scratched his head. He knew she meant well, but he couldn't help but be a little disheartened for being thought to be inferior to Diavolo. It was one thing if it was he alone who thought so; he could use it as a means to improve. But if someone pointed it out, it definitely pricked.

"Ah, right! This plant, the Ausnid, would you happen to know where I could find more of them?"

"Ausnid…?" the woman asked as she looked towards where Shin pointed. "Oh, that! Goodness, it's quite rare to find someone using it's southern name! Are you from the south?"

"Well, something like that…"

"I see, I see."

"Um, about the plant…?"

"Ah, yes! This plant is grown in large quantities in between cities because of the forests nearby. Those beetles are quite difficult to spot, you see. But since you won't find many of them here, the need for this herb in the cities is quite less. Unless it's a large scale hospital, you'd probably find a few potted plants like this in stores such as ours."

"I… see…" Shin internally sighed. He wished to send some home so that the people could take the chance to explore the restricted area. But it seemed that he would have to wait. Unless. "Oh, but would you happen to know how to—!" He stopped as he noticed something behind the woman over her shoulder.

"Is that… IT IS!!" Shin exclaimed pointing to the direction of another pot.

"Hmm?"

"That plant helps prevent blood clotting! Oh, and that one! That helps with paralysis!" he exclaimed with amazement. With three familiar plants noticed, Shin's eyes darted here and there and figured out this store was filled with medicinal herbs!

"Oh my, I see you're quite knowledgeable in this! How reassuring, fufu! With the rise in medicinal capsules and tablets, not many people bother about herbs anymore."

"Eh?! Why?! That's such a waste!"

"It can't be helped. Since they extract the main ingredients and mix them together, it's quite convenient. Herbalists like us don't have many places to go. Unless we're in a very rural area, we're kind of useless."

"Something like that… is too sad!" He lightly shouted in frustration. "Hannah, I've decided! I'll be working here!"

"EH?! Shin, are you sure?! Didn't you say you aren't good with complicated things? If you become an herbalist, you'll not only have to remember which does what but also which combination of chemicals work in which way under which conditions, you know? Will you be able to handle all that?!"

"It's alright!" he replied, placing his fist on his chest. "For my village, this sort of knowledge will be incredibly useful. I don't know for what purpose the elder sent us to the outside world, but I'm going to make full use of the chances!"

"J-just what got you riled up so much? There are tonnes of other suitable jobs out there, you know?"

"No! I wish to work here!"

"U-um… this conversation seems to be progressing without the employer's consent, though…" The woman timidly intervened.

"Ah, I'm so sorry! Please, I may be incompetent in things other than fighting, but could you allow me to work here?" Shin bowed earnestly. "I was going to ask you if you could teach me how to grow Ausnids, but after knowing all this, I just couldn't help myself!"

"But…" She turned towards Hannah for questions. She was also confused as to why Shin would need to work somewhere else even after being employed by the Rose. But more importantly, how would a small family like theirs be affected if she accepted the Rose princess' bodyguard in? Her husband was quite strong, but he was currently out of the country with Hannah's father. Would she be able to fend off potential threats?

Her uneasiness was lifted when Hannah looked back at her. "Rest assured. Your family's safety is guaranteed, so… could you be kind enough to help out this idiot?"

"I see…" The woman smiled, and turned towards the bowing Shin. "Well, we won't be able to pay you much with our current state. Is that—"

"It's not a problem!" he interrupted, looking straight into the woman's eyes. "I simply wish to learn. I promise to not be and bother and work earnestly, so please accept me!"

Unlike his friends, Shin was a resident of Cosmic Island by birth. From day one, people who are born there, don't leave the place mostly. People come in, but don't leave.

Throughout his childhood, Shin had read books and stories, where, in villages like these if people were to leave, they were either castaways or the like. But when he was sent out, none of the elders seemed hostile in any form. Meaning, if he were to ever return, he would be welcomed with open arms. But that shouldn't just be the case.

People usually bring back souvenirs and presents, but Shin wished to do something more. Something that would help out the village as a whole. Not just temporarily, but for a long time to come. He didn't simply feel obliged to do so, but also wished from himself to go forward with it. This was far more valuable than a few pocket exchanges!

On the other hand, the woman was at a loss for words.

"If you look at me like that…" she mumbled. When she got to know Shin was Hannah's guard, she expected him to be more uptight and unapproachable, but seeing him as he was at the moment made her feel as if he was just like any other boy. She felt like he was like her own son all grown up, and the distance she thought existed was no longer. Like any parent, she had a soft spot for her child and thus felt defeated once her son would ask her of something so earnestly.

She smiled again. "Please raise your head. Someone of your status shouldn't bow down to us common folk."

"T-then…"

"Yes, we'll be glad to have you over. However, it's getting quite late, so please come by another day to discuss details, okay?"

"Yes! Thank you very much, Missus…"

"Caren."

"Thank you, Missus Caren!" And bowed once again.