Isekai Losers!

Chapter 9: Stressed Losers!

Both Barny and Lan look surprised as Gabriel declares his wish to learn alchemy.

Barnies look of confusion fades as he starts smirking.

"I knew you'd come to your senses! You will not regret it, for alchemy offers the key to countless secrets and truths of our world!" The old man raises his arms, looking at the ceiling with an expression of excitement.

He then turns his look to Gabriel again. "I will take you as my apprentice, young skyborn. But beware, the path of alchemy is rough and difficult, it will take precision, commitment and focus. One mistake while brewing something can be lethal."

"I'll do whatever I have to." Gabriel says with confidence.

"Gabriel you-" Lan utters.

"Splendid!" Barny voices over Lan. "We will start tomorrow. Till then, young skyborn." Barny waves dismissively at Gabriel before turning back to his beakers and ingredients next to the monstrous plant.

"See you." Gabriel bows before heading for the exit.

Lan stood in the middle of the room, completely dumbfounded.

"Hey!" She then decided to rush after Gabriel. She stops him at the exit of shop by grabbing his shoulder and turning him around.

"Gabriel! Don't ignore me! Is this your plan? You could've told me!" She says with a look of anger on her face.

"Eheh-" Gabriel chuckles nervously. "Almost forgot to tell you-- You see, by becoming Barnies apprentice, you and I get to spend more time together. While we gather berries or whatever he sends us to gather, we can practice magic and he won't suspect a thing!" Gabriel says, feeling proud of his plan.

Lan thinks for a second. "Well...that sounds like a good plan but you'll become grandpas student..." Lan looks away. "He can be very demanding...You'd also waste precious time on alchemy, you'd have to sacrifice so much! What will your party think?" Says Lan, still unsure of Gabriels plan.

"I'm sure they'll understand. After all, It's all so I can learn magic. Besides, learning some alchemy won't be that bad either, If I get to make awesome potions like the one you gave me the other day." Gabriel smiles, reassuring Lan.

Lan seems slightly flushed. "I really can't help but admire you, Gabriel." She sighs. "Very well, I'll do whatever I can to speed up your progress as well, so you can count on me!" Lan exclaims with passion.

"Good! I'm looking forward to practicing with you, Lan!" Gabriel smiles warmly.

"Me too!" Lan nods.

"I should get back to my party now. See you later, Lan." Gabriel waves as he awkwardly walks backwards.

"See you!" Lan waves back, which takes away some of Gabriels awkwardness and allows him to turn around and disappear around the corner, leaving the narrow alley leading to the Alchemists shop and entering one of the main streets of Lyugo.

As Gabriel makes his way to the Inn, his attention turns to one of the streets to the right, specifically the one that leads into the street market alley. There he sees 2 familiar figures standing at one of the stalls.

"Come on man, why don't you just take the whole rabbit? I'll even sell it to you for a little discount." Ivan, who was holding a motionless jackalope by the horns argues with a stall owner.

"I'm only interested in the horns, I don't offer the best price in town for nothin'. I want my horns clean and rabbit-free." The man says dismissively.

"Wow, you are a very difficult man." Says Ivan, seeming tense.

The man shrugs. "I've been told that."