Limitless Summoner: Rise of the Soul God

Ethan rubbed his temples as he watched the little girl gobble up food from her plate. She stuffed her mouth with one meatball at a time, hoarding five at once like a little chipmunk. Her cheeks were so bulged that they looked as if they were about to burst.

Lia stifled a laugh. "I think she's trying to store food for winter."

Ethan groaned. "Kid, you're gonna choke."

The girl shook her head rapidly, still chewing. Her silver hair bounced with each motion, and her wide eyes remained fixed on him, as if terrified he would snatch the food away at any second.

Ethan sighed and reached over, tapping her forehead lightly. "Slow down."

She froze mid-chew, then reluctantly forced herself to swallow. It took a few exaggerated gulps before she finally cleared her mouth. Then, she pouted. "But what if the food disappears?"

Lia raised an eyebrow. "Why would the food disappear?"

The girl looked down at her plate, poking at the remaining meatballs. "Because… because that's what always happens."

Ethan frowned, exchanging a glance with Lia. That answer didn't sit right with him. "Kid, where exactly were you before we found you?"

The girl swung her legs under the chair, avoiding his gaze. "In the dark," she mumbled. "With the monsters."

Lia leaned forward. "The rats?"

She hesitated, then shook her head. "Monsters with blood-red cloaks. I don't know how they look. They always have red color cloaks on." She trembled a little as she spoke, even forgetting to take the next mouth.

So she was talking about humans wearing red cloaks? Ethan decided to save the next questions for later. The girl looked like she hadn't eaten in days and the least he could do for her was buy a couple of meals.

After some time, the trio left the small tavern. Ethan looked at the little girl and let out another sigh, "We need new clothes."

The fight did not get too bloody as Ethan wasn't personally involved. They were somewhat okay with the clothes they had on at the moment but the new addition was still in her rag sack, screaming 'I am suspicious'. She needed to be in new clothes asap.

He had already dismissed his minions and thankfully they did not lose anyone today but almost all of his demons were gravely injured. He needed to summon his minions and heal them soon. For that, they also needed some private space.

Inns were good places to stay but they were also the most obvious locations that would get raided. Staying in an inn at the moment was not very safe for them. They needed a new place to stay, somewhere less obvious.

The group continued wandering. They stopped at a clothing stall, where an older woman greeted them with a warm smile. "Looking for something for your daughter?" she asked, her eyes twinkling kindly.

Ethan opened his mouth to correct her but then stopped himself. "Yeah. She needs something… normal."

The woman laughed, her voice gentle. "I've got just the thing." She began pulling out simple dresses, each one modest and practical. Ethan picked a dark brown dress that was plain but well-made, and a hooded cloak to match.

"Try these on," he said, handing the garments to the girl.

She took them hesitantly, looking up at him with wide eyes. "You're… buying these for me?"

Ethan scratched the back of his head, his gaze shifting awkwardly. "Yeah. Can't have you looking like a ghost."

Her eyes brightened, and she clutched the clothes to her chest. "Thank you, big brother."

Ethan's face turned slightly red. "Y-Yeah. Just go change."

She ran behind a makeshift screen, her small figure disappearing from view. Lia laughed softly, her eyes gleaming with amusement. "She's really attached to you."

Ethan scowled. "I don't know why."

Lia leaned in, her smile mischievous. "You know, for someone who acts so tough, you're pretty soft-hearted, Master."

Ethan's ears turned red. "Shut up."

Before Lia could tease him more, the girl stepped out from behind the screen. The brown dress fit her perfectly, the simple design complimenting her small frame. The cloak draped over her shoulders, the hood pulled low to conceal her silver hair.

She looked… normal. Just an ordinary little girl.

Ethan blinked, momentarily stunned. "Wow. You actually look normal now."

The girl's cheeks turned pink. "Do I… look pretty, big brother?"

Ethan's face turned even redder. "Uh… yeah. Sure."

Lia laughed, a warm sound that made the girl smile. "You look adorable."@@novelbin@@

The girl beamed, her wide eyes sparkling. Ethan cleared his throat, pretending not to notice how happy she looked. "Alright, that's enough. Let's go."

He paid for the clothes quickly, leading them away from the stall before anyone else could get too curious. They weaved through the marketplace, Ethan's eyes constantly scanning for threats. The girl clung to his sleeve, her small fingers wrapped around his arm.

Lia walked beside them, her expression thoughtful. "So… what do we do now?"

Ethan shook his head. "I have no idea but I think it's best if we lay low for a few days and let this whole thing blow over. Unless they have some way to track a person."

He still did not know enough about this world and magic and he felt as if he was hitting against a wall every direction he turned. If it was not a proper academy, then he at least needed some sort of mentor to guide him through something.

As he was thinking about this and walking through the streets, Lia suddenly stopped him and pointed to a sign.

[Apprentice Needed]

[Room and Board Included]

[No Experience Required]

Ethan's eyes widened as he read the sign. An apprentice job meant stability, shelter, and most importantly, a place to lay low while they figured out their next move. It was perfect.

He turned to the little girl, who was peeking out from behind his cloak, her silver hair barely visible beneath the hood. She blinked up at him, her wide eyes curious. "Big brother, what's an apprentice?"