Rebound In Time

Mitchell strolled into the village, the soft hum of activity greeting him as shopkeepers opened their stalls and early risers went about their business. The sun cast a golden glow over the cobblestone streets, and the faint scent of baked goods wafted through the air. His stomach growled, a stark reminder that he hadn't eaten much since the night before.

As he approached the Adventurer's Guild, he caught sight of Ange through the window. She was seated at a table near the corner, a plate of food in front of her and a tankard of what looked like cider. She seemed lost in thought, idly twirling her fork between her fingers.

"She's here again," Jack remarked, his tone teasing. "What are the odds?"

Mitchell stopped at the door and stood for a few moments. Now that he thought about it, he doesn't know what he would buy. He considered asking for help but he knew no one here and wanted it to remain like so.

Mitchell hesitated, adjusting the strap of his bag as he considered Jack's words. Ange was sharp, no doubt about that, but she didn't seem like the type to help without a reason. Still, Jack had a point—if anyone could help him in this regard he might as well go and ask her.

'Just to and ask her for help, you proud fool'. Mitchell didn't like the way jack spoke to him but he ignored it.

"Fine," Mitchell muttered under his breath, drawing a few odd looks from nearby adventurers. He shook his head, ignoring them, and approached Ange's table.

"Mind if I join you?" he asked, standing just to the side.

Ange looked up, her green eyes narrowing slightly before she gestured to the seat across from her. "Suit yourself."

Mitchell sat down, setting his bag on the floor beside him. He watched as Ange took another bite of her meal, her expression unreadable. For a moment, neither of them spoke.

"So," Ange said finally, breaking the silence, "what brings you back here so soon? Didn't think you'd be in the village this early."

"Need supplies," Mitchell replied simply. He hesitated before continuing, his fingers drumming lightly on the table. And I need your help"

Her brow arched. "Oh? What is it?"

Mitchell leaned forward slightly, lowering his voice. "I wanna get some supplies but I don't know where I can get them. Since you have stayed here for quite a while, I wondered I you could help me."

Ange's expression didn't change, but he noticed the way her grip tightened on her tankard. She set it down carefully before speaking. "And what would I gain from that".

"I was hoping we could help each other," Mitchell said, his tone measured. "You've been here longer than I have, and you seem to know more about this place than I do."

Ange studied him for a long moment, her gaze sharp. "You're not from around here, are you?"

Mitchell shook his head. "Not exactly."

"Where are you from?" she pressed. "I've been in this region for years, and I've never seen you before."

Mitchell hesitated, then shrugged. "Somewhere you probably wouldn't know. It's not important."

Ange's eyes narrowed, but she didn't push the issue. Instead, she leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms. "Alright, say I help you. What's in it for me?"

Mitchell frowned, considering his options. He reached into his pocket and pulled out the small pouch of coins he'd earned from the mission. "This is all I have right now."

Ange glanced at the pouch, then shook her head. "Not enough." He was still holding copper coins. Not at least even silver ones.

Mitchell sighed, running a hand through his hair. He hadn't expected this to be easy, but he was running out of options. Before he could respond, Ange leaned forward, her tone softening slightly.

"Tell you what," she said. "I'll lend you some coins to cover whatever you need. But you'll owe me—double, and a favour as well."

"Double?. Why a favour ?"Mitchell echoed, his eyes narrowing. "That's steep."

"My father owns this very branch of the adventure guild, takeke it or leave it," Ange replied with a shrug. "I'm not running a charity."

Mitchell considered her offer. He didn't like the idea of being in debt to anyone, but he needed her help. Finally, he nodded. "Fine. 

"Not so fast, there is something you must do for me, my father can not see me walking with a stranger, he would question me".

---

The two of them spent the next hour weaving through the village marketplace. Ange led the way, pointing out stalls that carried quality goods and haggling with the vendors when necessary. Mitchell couldn't help but notice how easily she navigated the bustling streets, her confidence evident in every step.

They purchased fresh food, a new bedroll, and a small assortment of herbs and potions. Ange also insisted on getting him a new set of cultivation robes, claiming his current ones were "practically rags and didn't even look like cultivation clothes." Mitchell attempted to protest this was the clothes he had been wearing since he got here, but she waved him off, tossing a few coins to the tailor without a second thought.

By the time they finished, Mitchell's bag was significantly heavier, and his debt to Ange had grown. He frowned as they walked back toward the guild, his thoughts lingering on the two cores still sitting in his cave.

"Here," Ange said suddenly, stopping in front of a small shop. She reached into her pocket and pulled out a small, blue jade slip. "Take this."

Mitchell took the slip, turning it over in his hands. It was smooth and cool to the touch, faint runes etched into its surface. "What is it?"

"A communication device," Ange explained. "They're now very common and the most recent communication device. If you ever need to get in touch with me—use it". I've already memorized my aura into it. Just say my name and you can talk to me anytime".

Mitchell nodded slowly, tucking the jade slip into his bag. "Thanks."

"Don't mention it," Ange said, her tone light. "Just don't lose it. Those things aren't cheap, even if I am not the one buying it".

As they walked back to the guild, Mitchell couldn't shake the feeling that his life was about to get a lot more complicated. Ange was a valuable ally, but she was also a stranger . He didn't want to get tangled with her for no reason.

After that Mitchell thanked her and walked out of the guild. She went back to her seat before saying to herself ' Mitchell what a nice name, I hope I get to see him again, oh, i have already memorized his aura, so i can call him whenever i want.

 Meanwhile when Mitchell entered his cave he couldn't help but remember the requirement ange demanded for her to help him.

********

"Do you know what a Dao companion is"ange asked him. He shook his head signalling that he had no clue. 

"You are definitely not from around here. But where are you from that you do not even know what a Dao companion is." Mitchell smiled wryly in his heart 'if you only you knew'.

"A dao companion is someone you do these kind of things with. Let's think of it as a couple. . . . "

"You mean a girlfriend. Yeah, I nearly had one where I came from." He gave another wry smile. How his life turned upside down in such a short time. He chuckled nervously, in one side he did not know why she was asking him this but on the other side he was happy to learn some new things about this world. Ange looked at him with excitement clear on her face "Ok, I'll go with you but on one condition."

He remembered hack laughing heartily like a merry old man. His face curled into a frown. Anges walked with red cheeks and a flustered look on her face while Mitchell walked nonchalantly. They were both holding hands while Mitchell looked for what to buy.

"Remind me why we are holding hands again, I can feel the stares on me". Mitchell asked ange, his cheeks were starting to get red little. 

"I told you before we have to hold because if people see me going around with a boy, they will have funny ideas, my dad also said tha I must find a dao companion before the month ends".

"And what will happen if you don't find a dao companion before that time comes. What will happen?".

"My father will lock me in my room until I reach the Nihility realm.