Rainy Season

[Solien-sama]

Far from the outskirts of Suncrest sat a forested mountain, seemingly left untouched by humanity.

The afternoon sun shone themes of gold, red and orange upon the mountain. However, the colors faded away as a dark cloud slowly covers the sun. By then, the strong scent of water sailed throughout the air, signifying that rain is coming. It seemed like the weather reports have failed some of the people's expectations...

Soon enough, it was getting dark. The mountain looked as if time itself has jumped an hour ahead. The scent of the rain was getting stronger and its droplets are starting to leave faint marks on the ground.

[SOS Mage]

"Did you feel those rain droplets too?" a small half-dog girl suggested.

"Mhm, indeed," the human girl answered. "I have an umbrella prepared for this occasion."

The human girl then took out a small object that was no larger than her own palm from the pouch hanging at the front of her waist and clicked a button on it. The small object transformed into a closed umbrella that she loosened completely open.

"Good call there!"

The human girl gave back a warm smile as she held the umbrella over the two to protect from the incoming rain.

"Now we'll stay all dry"

The two continued onward towards the direction of the temple as they travelled through the forest.

[Solien-sama]

As expected indeed, the rain began to pour. Stronger than expected.

The wind was strong enough to blow the rain at an angle where even people with protection would be drenched, even letting a couple of sensations that are threatening to blow the two's umbrella away.

Although visibility was quite low, the two have managed to reach the monastery. However, a wooden gate stood in front of their way for shelter.

[SOS Mage]

"The breeze is getting pretty strong," the human girl said calmly as she closed her eyes gently. "I do not believe we can stay dry through conventional means like this."

"You don't say?" the half-dog girl snarked.

The human girl simply reinforced her umbrella by extending a veil of Ki to create an "extension" of the umbrella over the two enough to repel the rain and wind. An ingenious idea for such a simple application of power.

"Is this better?"

"Mhm, much better!"

The two soon came across the estate and stopped before the gate.

"Hey, do you think they'll let us stay over?" the half-dog girl asked as she pointed ahead. "This rain looks like it may last a little longer anyway."

"We should locate any residents first to see if they would accept us first," the human girl answered. "This shall be brief, please prepare as we'll be vulnerable for a moment."

"Wait, wha-"

The human girl then let down the veil to expose the two to the wind and rain as she attempted to sense any notable Ki signatures in the vicinity.

"Hey, why are you getting us wet again!?"

[Solien-sama]

The human girl can pick up ki signatures seemingly converged in one area inside. There are some prominent ones, seemingly coming from two persons.

Meanwhile, the rain's temperature started to drop.

[SOS Mage]

"Ah, there are occupants within the property," the human girl said calmly as she placed her hand on her chest and sighed in relief.

"Well, can't we go inside now then?" the half-dog girl asked.

"The possibility shall be soon, please wait"

The human girl looked around for anything that would be usable as some kind of front gate alarm such as a bell or buzzer.

[Solien-sama]

Hanging at the gate's left side is a bell. It seems to be made up of heavy material as it did not swing along with the wind.

[SOS Mage]

The human girl identified the bell, nodding as she let out a reassuring smile before she rung it...

[Solien-sama]

There seemed to be no response after the bell was rung.

A couple of seconds later, there were some sounds coming from behind the gate. Then, it was opened by an old man.

"Oh, my," he said in a calm manner, though there is a hint of surprise in his tone. "How can I help you people?"

[SOS Mage]

"Salutations," the human girl responded with a smile. "I introduce myself as Hinata Asakura."

She then bowed at the elderly man.

"And my name is Terumi Yamat- Terumi!" the half-dog girl said as she clutched her staff firmly against herself. "It's wet, windy and chilly outside. Think you could allow us shelter for a little while?"

[Solien-sama]

The old man paused for a while as he looked at the appearance of Terumi.

"Why, of course," he said. Then, he pushes the gate further more open. "Please, come in."

[SOS Mage]

"We're gracious of your charity, Mister," Hinata said with a warm smile. "How can we repay you for your service to us?"

"Really!?" Terumi exclaimed excitedly. "Yay, thanks a lot!"

The half-dog girl then entered while Hinata spoke, wagging her tail excitedly as it clearly was indeed real.

[Solien-sama]

The old man rubbed his eyes as he watched Terumi's tail wag.

Oh, dear, did I just let in a demon...? he thought. Ooh, I just hope nothing bad happens...

He pushed the gate closed and walked in front of the girls at a slow, but steady pace.

"Follow me, please," he said as he treads along the stone floor of the monastery being battered by the rain. He seems to be walking towards one of the buildings.

[SOS Mage]

Hinata finally resumed in holding up the umbrella over herself as she followed after Terumi, who, in turn, followed the elder man.

"Where are we going to exactly?" Terumi asked as she looked up to the elderly man.

[Solien-sama]

The old man did not answer.

Upon reaching the building, he opens the door and walks inside while holding it open for the girls.

[SOS Mage]

"No answer?"

Terumi did not enter just yet as she simply stopped for a moment to wave her staff at the building to identify the nature of the building. Meanwhile, Hinata simply waited behind Terumi as she folded her umbrella and placed it back into her pouch.

"Seems okay, let's go!"

Terumi then walked in with Hinata following after.

[Solien-sama]

Inside is a massive ancient-looking hall with tables at the left side, saying that this is might be the monastery's cafeteria. On the right side are two doors. This seems to be the monastery's dormitory.

"Please, make yourselves comfortable," said the old man. "Then, after you've rested, you can either stay here for a while until dinner or you can visit the training area."

[SOS Mage]

"My, such a large sizeable room," Hinata commented.

"Indeed, there's so much space for us to use!" Terumi exclaimed in further excitement.

As they noticed the doors to the dormitory, Hinata and Terumi faced each other with a smile on their faces. They then looked back at the elderly man.

"Thanks a lot, Mister!" they said in unison. "We'll do so!"

The two entered one of the doors into the dormitory to observe the room.

[Solien-sama]

Inside are series of bunk beds that looked new. It seems that these were placed here just a couple of days ago.

At the base of some bunk beds lies some scattered casual clothes. Judging from its looks, this seems to be the male's room.

[SOS Mage]

"Huh, Hinata, this doesn't look right," Terumi said with a frown on her face.

"Hm?" Hinata rsponded as she turned her attention to Terumi. "What is wrong now?"

"I think this is the boy's room," she answered. "Just look at all the clothes left here."

Terumi gestured at the clothes left around.

"Oh my, I believe you are correct!"

Hinata placed a hand over her mouth and blushed in embarassment.

"Perhaps we should leave this room and walk through the next door?"

"I agree"

The girls then walked out the room and headed to the next door to observe that specific dorm.