Sinbad, this is Crystal.

Chapter 13

"I'd be interested in hearing more about your story. Battling ferocious dragons and finding treasure rooms in historic ruins? Your stories mesmerize the senses even more than a court poets," Harun said to Sinbad.

"Wow, you really think so?" replied Sinbad.

"Going on adventures, and exploring every corner of this vast world. You're living a dream most could even imagine. You've earned my envy. But there's something I can't figure out; what exactly are you planning to do with this amazing power you've acquired?"

"Simple. I'll revolutionize the world."

Crystal gagged and slammed her head the table in pain. 

"Sinbad, I think I ate too much."

Sinbad sighed. "Crystal, I told you not to order two extra orders of pig steak."

Crystal gagged again.

"I'm gonna go to the bathroom." Crystal ran out of the restaurant as fast as she could.

"Sometimes, you really confuse me," Sinbad whispered to himself as he watched Crystal stumble her way out the door.

"Enough of that," Harun said, "You were saying what,  Sinbad?"

"My home country," Sinbad began to explain, "Parthevia, it's heading to ruin and taking the population right with it. More than anything, I want to save my people. But, I know I can't do it alone. That's why I set out to gain greater power. I need to create a country that moves the world along the right path. And so, I'll become king."

"King?" Harun looked skeptical. "Sure, a king has power, but he also carries a heavy burden. It's impossible to cater to the needs of the world and your subjects."

There was a light pause, then Harun stood up from his seat.

"Sinbad, while your story is intriguing, it is immature. Understand that it won't be easy to gain admission to Reim's merchant Union. You must first acquire a letter of recommendation from a current Union member and pay a one thousand gold fee. For most commoners, this obstacle is insurmountable. But if your motivations are genuine and you truly wish to revolutionize this cruel world of ours, find a way to make it happen. I leave for Romana in the morning. However, I'll return in one month. Prove yourself by raising one thousand gold coins by the next time we meet. If you are able to do so, I will personally write your recommendation letter to the Union."

With that, Harun walked out of the restaurant with Sinbad staring at his back.

Sinbad had a new fire burning inside of him, something sparking his determination and ambition to a whole new level.

Crystal walked in the restaurant looking like she got ran over by a carriage.

She sat down and lied on the table. 

"Hey, where's Harun?" she asked quietly to Sinbad.

"Romana. I need to raise one thousand gold coins in a month to join the Union."

Crystal's eyes widened in shock. She didn't know if that could be done or not. But that didn't matter. She knew Sinbad would never give up.

"And..?" she said with a small smile.

"I will not fail."

~

"I wonder...what's Harun's true identity?" Sinbad asked Crystal.

"Must be someone really high up. He paid for our entire stay here."

"Yeah.." he replied getting lost in thought. 

They were both lying down on the one bed they shared in the room. 

Crystal suddenly sat up in distress.

"Don't think about that right now, Sinbad. You've come this far! You can't miss out on this chance!" she exclaimed.

"You're right, Crystal. I told Hinahoho and the crew that by the time they got back, we would've joined the Union. So there's no time to lose. Okay think: what can I do to raise one thousand gold coins?"

Crystal sighed and fell back on the bed.

"I don't know, get a job?" she said sarcastically.

Sinbad chuckled.

"As a boatman or carriage guard, I'd only make three bronze a day. I suppose I could work as a dishwasher if I really needed to, but I wouldn't make that much in a month."

Crystal yawned. "I don't know. Sounds like there aren't that many jobs available that even offer that much money."

Sinbad suddenly sat up.

"A thousand gold. That's a drop in the bucket when it comes to founding a country. So think, dammit!" Sinbad said frustratingly. "What am I going to do?"

Crystal slowly got up and placed her hands on Sinbad's shoulder and hands, leaning her body against Sinbad's back. He turned around to meet her intense gaze.

"You can do this, Sinbad. I truly believe in you and I know you can." Crystal yawned again and rested her head on his shoulder, letting her eyes close a little. "Besides, you're Sinbad the Dungeon Capturer. You can do anything you set your mind to."

Sinbad gasped. "That's it! I have an idea!"

He was about to stand up, but realized that Crystal had fallen asleep on him.

He smiled softly and slowly placed her down on the bed, setting her body down gently. 

He ended up hovering over her, finding himself staring at her peaceful sleeping state, every crevice of her face. The bend and lift of her cheekbones, the long curve of her eyelashes. The plump and full color of her lips, that just looked so soft.

Sinbad began to lean in, not even knowing it. He was so close, he would count the small freckles dotting her nose. 

Just then, Crystal turned to the side and Sinbad jerked away from the bed. Sinbad backed away blushing, accidentally hitting a counter, which caused his sword on top of it to fall to the ground.

He walked up to it and picked it up. 

"I was able to capture both the Baal and Valefor dungeons because I had this."

Sinbad smiled at the sword, causing the eight-star symbol on it to glow beautifully.