Morning sunlight leaked through the curtains when Tatsu stepped out of his apartment, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. Behind him, Fridge Sama followed with the slow, unhurried steps of someone who believed the world should adjust to his walking speed.
Tatsu tried to explain the plan of the day.
"We are going to Mage Roadway," he said as they moved down the stairs. "It is the main street for awakened. Lots of shops, training halls, potion stalls, all that stuff."
Fridge Sama nodded without looking impressed."Show me everything."
"Everything," Tatsu repeated. "You might freeze half the city."
"That sounds like a you problem," Fridge Sama replied calmly.
Tatsu sighed.
The moment they stepped onto the street, Mage Roadway exploded into view.Floating lanterns drifted above stalls. Runes glowed on sidewalks. Vendors shouted over each other trying to sell enchanted herbs or cheap spell scrolls that claimed to increase muscle growth but probably only increased bankruptcy.
People walked past them with visible auras.Red flames.Blue shields.Green wind spirals.Tatsu walked among them like a dull dot in a world of glowing neon signs.
Fridge Sama observed everything with mild interest."These people use magic like seasoning," he said. "Excessive."
Tatsu shrugged. "When you are awakened, you get attention."
"And you," Fridge Sama asked, "do not."
"I get attention for being in the way," Tatsu replied.
As they walked, Fridge Sama stopped suddenly.He stared at a large glowing board hanging on the side of a building.A flyer shone brightly, enchanted to catch the eyes of every passerby.
TOWER OF TRIALS REOPENSALL AGES QUALIFYENTRY TESTS BEGIN IN TEN DAYS
Fridge Sama's expression did not move. His eyes stayed fixed on the announcement, unreadable.
Tatsu felt a familiar twist in his chest.Every time he saw that sign, he remembered his powerless status like a punch to the ribs.
"That is the tower," Tatsu said. "The big challenge. Everyone dreams of climbing it. I, um, am not allowed to enter."
Fridge Sama did not ask why.He did not comment either.
He simply looked at Tatsu with quiet eyes."You want to enter."
Tatsu forced a laugh."I mean, yeah. Who does not want to try. But I am not exactly tower material."
Fridge Sama looked away."You will show me more of this world."
"That is a weird response," Tatsu said.
"You are used to disappointment," Fridge Sama said. "But not despair. I am correcting that in order."
"Thank you," Tatsu said, voice strained. "I think."
They continued walking until they reached a quieter alley.Tatsu pointed at a shop selling mana batteries."This store scams people, do not go inside."
He pointed at another."That one sells street potions, do not drink anything that glows purple."
Fridge Sama nodded as if he was receiving holy knowledge.
Then a voice cut through the air.
"Well well," someone mocked. "Look who is back. Mage Roadway's famous loser."
A young man stepped into the alley.Bright orange hair, sloppy grin, aura crackling with low level lightning.Two of his friends followed behind him.
Tatsu stiffened.This punk again.
The orange haired guy smirked."What is this. You finally bought a friend. Or is he just another appliance you carry home."
Fridge Sama did not look at the punk.He looked at Tatsu.
"This one annoys you," he said.
Tatsu forced a smile that looked painful."It is fine. He picks on everyone weaker than him."
The punk laughed loudly."Please. Everyone is stronger than you."
The alley went silent for one second.
Fridge Sama slowly stepped forward.His voice was calm.Too calm.
"Human," he said, "do not speak to my contractor like that."
The punk scoffed."Contractor. What are you, some kind of fridge wizard."
Fridge Sama lifted one hand.
A faint frost curled across his fingers.Not enough to reveal anything grand.Just enough to make the temperature drop by a single degree.
The punk rubbed his arms."What is that. Are you trying to scare me with air conditioning."
Fridge Sama looked him in the eyes."I am not scaring you. I am warning you."
Tatsu stepped between them quickly."No fighting. No freezing random people. No turning bullies into ice cubes. Please."
Fridge Sama kept his gaze on the punk."If he continues, I will freeze his attitude."
The punk stepped back, confused by the sudden cold aura he could not explain.He tried to speak, but the words stuck in his throat.
Fridge Sama finally turned away."Tatsu, let us continue."
As they walked out of the alley, Tatsu glanced back.
The punk stood frozen in place, not in ice, but in fear, as if he had glimpsed something he could not understand.