Chapitre 3: Two Sides Of The Same City
Anthur. The capital of the Mortis Kingdom. Once a flourishing jewel of prosperity, now it stood as a bleak shadow of its former glory. What was once the vibrant heart of the Kingdom had become a city weighed down by endless food shortages and a never-ending influx of homeless refugees from the West.
Mel walked through the dilapidated streets of the city's suburbs, his sharp eyes taking in the scenes of desperation around him.
'Things are getting worse and worse,' he thought, his expression cold as he observed the frail, starving people huddled by the roadside. 'This city is on the brink of collapse.'
The market that should have provided food for the people in these outskirts was a sad sight. A few cracked and dusty homes bordered the little marketplace, where most of the stands were barren. What little food remained was fought over by the masses—hungry, desperate souls clawing at scraps.
Those who had received any kind of mana training fared better, using their strength to beat the weaker ones to the precious few supplies. Fights erupted in a chaotic frenzy of survival.
Mel ignored it all, his pace steady as he made his way toward the central gate—the divide between the impoverished outskirts and the grand houses of the nobles.
The number of guards stationed at the central gate far exceeded those at the western one. It was no mystery to Mel why. The nobles' true fear was not wild beasts or invaders, but the desperate masses just beyond their walls. The tension was palpable—stones flew from the crowd, shouts of rage filled the air, and it was clear that a rebellion was only a matter of time.
The army struggled to keep the road clear for the caravans, but their efforts were met with increasing resistance. It was only a temporary solution.
Mel weaved through the angry mob, his goal set on reaching the central gate. He moved with purpose, slipping past the throngs of people obstructing his view until he finally stood before the guards.
"Who allowed you to pass? Go back—"
The guard's words trailed off, his eyes widening as Mel produced the golden plate from his pocket, emblazoned with the royal crest.
"Ah—! My apologies, my Lord," the guard stammered, bowing quickly. "We've all been tense with the current situation, as you can see. Please, enter the central gate at your leisure." He stepped aside, allowing Mel to pass.
Beyond the gate, the sight that greeted him was like stepping into another world. Gleaming villas and pristine houses lined the streets, their marble walls glistening in the sunlight. The Ten Thousand Years Market spread out before him, filled with a bounty of food that seemed unimaginable just beyond the gate.
Mel's eyes widened at the sight. After spending eleven years in the forest, he had almost forgotten the rich scent of fresh bread and vegetables. Every type of meat imaginable was on display, and the people here were dressed in fine clothing, strolling leisurely as if unaware of the chaos outside.
'Do they even know what's happening beyond this gate?' Mel wondered, letting out a small sigh. 'I hope Captain Arion isn't the only useful person left in this city.'
He approached a stand selling fresh bread, waiting patiently in line despite the curious stares of the nobles around him. His ragged appearance drew their attention, but Mel ignored them. His mind was focused on one thing: food.
'I'll buy clothes after this,' he thought, his stomach rumbling.
When his turn finally came, Mel asked for a piece of bread. His mouth watered just from the smell of it.
The seller, a well-dressed man with a haughty gaze, looked Mel up and down before sneering. "Do you even have the money to pay for it?"
"How much is it?" Mel asked, pulling out five gold coins.
The seller's eyes widened in surprise. He never would have guessed that this poor-looking boy could have such wealth.
"T-Ten silver coins," the seller stammered, quickly handing over the bread.
Mel hesitated for a moment, shocked at the price. He remembered a time when bread had cost less than a silver coin.
'Has the shortage really driven prices this high? I thought I was wealthy with the money my grandfather left me, but at this rate, I'll be broke soon.' He mentally calculated—twenty-five silver coins equaled one gold coin.
"Well, no point dwelling on it. Can't let this beautiful piece of bread wait," Mel said with a grin before taking a big bite.
His eyes lit up immediately. "It's even better than I remember! They must have improved it over the years," he said, savoring the flavorful taste as he devoured the rest of the bread.
As he enjoyed his meal, Mel overheard a conversation between two nobles walking by.
"You heard the princess started a hunter's team?"
"Really? That girl is unstoppable. Not even the King can control her."
A faint smile tugged at Mel's lips. 'That girl... still fighting against the world, I see.' He sighed. 'A hunter's team, huh? That might be a good way to make some money, considering I'm nearly broke.'
He looked toward the far side of the market. 'If I remember right, the Hunter's Guild should be just left of the Royal property.'
Without wasting any time, Mel set off toward the Hunter's Guild, determined and focused.
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone