DanMachi: The Golden Cicada

The Golden Cicada:

Once upon a time, there was a man who wished for knowledge, and it was for that knowledge that he decided to start his journey. From the walls of the Labyrinth City he recede, and thousands were the shoes that he worn out on his search. On his eyes was reflected the best and the worst of that strange and mysterious world — its horrors and its beauties, its battles and its peace. And thanks to all of them, he was now known as "The Pilgrim".

With all the wisdom he earned on the road, he helped a thousand names, of which, many of them ended up becoming his friends, and at his side they marched looking for what the world had in store for them. Some of them found it, some of them found a better future, one like they've never imagined, and some others, less fortunate ended up losing themselves in their own darkness. But that's the life that they've chosen at the end of the day — he who search for lives for the blade will die for the blade, and who lives for justice will also die for it. Said is the subject that bring us here, because, you see...

"Eh... ¿Sir?"

The carriage driver's voice brought the monk back to reality. He looked around, founding himself at the entrance of the well-known city of Orario. Therefore, the poor guy observed the man with an embarrassed smile.

"Oh... sorry. I got carried away again, didn't I?"

The driver sigh and replied with resignation on his tone. "Look man, I got stuff to do. Can I get my payment before you start all over again?"

"Y-Yeah... off course," he assent while checking into his bag.

As the money changed of hands, the merchant gave his back to the stranger and tried to continue his road. The horses whinny as their legs began to move forward, but before they could get any further, the monk stepped on their way.

"Wait!"

"What? What is it now?!" the merchant yelled with visible annoyance.

"The thing is... I've never been on this city."

"Well, I never... Who would've guessed?" his eyes rolled up as he frowned.

"Yeah, I know it's unbelievable. That's why I really need your help."

Besides his tone and manners that could suggest a mind full of wisdom, the monk didn't seemed to get the irony on the driver's voice. But even so, he didn't hesitated before bowing on his presence — lowering his head and prostrating on one knee as a prayer.

"Please, would you bring me into a place where I could get a proper guidance?"

The man over the carriage looked at the monk with bewildering before turning into discontent. "Absolutely no. I brought you all the way here, I heard every single one of your dumb stories and even gave you some of my food. It's over."

"I'll pay you the double..." said opening one eye to look at him. "...and I promise to stay quiet till we get there."

The presence of money in the question gave the moment a sudden turn. The man rubbed his forehead, considering the idea for a moment as a little puppy face began to appear on the monk's face. The temptation was strong, but it was also evident that he had more than enough of his presence.

"Triple," he finally claimed. "Triple and not a single word till we get there."

The face of the stranger got pale as he heard the counter offer. Still, with the lack of options, he didn't saw another way out than besides lowering the head, gave the other cheek, and nod in agreement.

"Not a single word."

"Fine... come up then."

Showing a contempt smile, the monk jumped over the carriage and began his journey inside the massive walls of the city. As he promised, he didn't said a single word, even if those were burning on his throat as he contemplated the beauties of the places. His mind filled with the stories he heard from his captain — from the man who saw and habit that same place in all his glory. He felt lucky to be able to experience this feeling, but luckier of charging with such task as was the one assigned to him.