They waited for almost half an hour more before everyone finished the crossing. The sun, however, was still high in the sky. This world's time ran differently than their real-world or, more precisely, from the Tutorial World. It was already evening when they left there.
It seemed that the old man, Honuren, didn't make the trip to Thereath with them. At least he didn't make an appearance at the gate.
During the wait, they heard occasional roars in the distance. They had never heard animal or monster noises like them before. The guards assured them that there was nothing to worry about; most of the time the monsters don't wander near to cities.
As everyone had now gathered, the Guard Captain stepped out to address them. He spoke in a deep, carrying voice befitting his station.
"Outworlders, the Gods informed us that you would be arriving and assured us that you are allies to our cause. Hence, our King, Themos, has granted each one of you permission to enter our capital, Thereath. However, please be aware that our capital, and the rest of our world, has regulations that you are expected and required to abide by. Any transgression will result in penalties. I expect you all to keep the peace and not create any trouble for our citizens or for each other."
He then read out the basic rules.
"No fighting is allowed within the city, though weapons are allowed to be carried.
"No commoners, including you outworlders, may enter the first zone of the city unless they receive permission from a noble or kingdom official. This first and innermost of the Capital's three zones is for nobility only. It is where the King's castle is located, together with the residences of the nobles.
"You have free access to both the second and the third zones. The second zone is where the business district and residential district for merchants and soldiers are located. The third zone, nearest the wall, includes the industrial district and slum housing.
"As for your accommodations, the inns in the business district are open to you, provided that you have enough coins, or you can use any empty shelter in the slum district.
"… There are still other rules," the Captain continued, "but you can learn about them yourselves as you explore the capital. As long as you avoid making trouble, you will get no trouble from us. There are occasional guard patrols on the streets. If you have anything to report, or further questions to ask, you can approach one of these patrols.
"Now, on behalf of King Themos, I welcome you to our capital, Thereath!"
His guards moved to either side of the gate, allowing these newcomers access to the city.
"Enter in an orderly fashion, please. Do not rush," the Captain added and moved aside.
The crowd started to trickle in. The scene resembled a huge wave of war refugees who had fled from other places and were trying to find shelter in this city.
As Jack walked through the gate, he could see rows of residential houses made of lumber, clay, and bricks. The main street they were on was very wide; almost twenty meters from side to side. Most of the traffic was people on foot, though some people were on horseback and there were a number of horse-carts traveling the street as well.
The city's inhabitants who were nearby were looking at all these newcomers with curiosity.
'Outworlders they called us,' Jack thought.
'That's what you are,' Peniel's voice replied, 'denizens from out of this world.'
'True. So, where should we go first?' He asked.
'Business district. Go find a place called Adventurers Association.'
'Oh? What's good there?'
'It's the most common place where you can pick up quests. Your priority right now should be increasing your level to 15.'
'Why's that?'
'Because level 15 is the threshold where you can apply for an Advanced class. Once you get an Advanced class, you will receive more skills. Furthermore, every level in the Advanced classes provides you with larger increases in attribute stats."
'I see. All right. Which way?'
'How would I know? Go ask a local!'
'I thought you said you know everything?'
'Not everything. But every standard knowledge, yes. How would I know if they have changed the layout of the city or decided to build new buildings? Now stop talking nonsense and go find out the way!'
'All right, all right,' Jack told her as he looked around for someone to ask.
He, instead, saw Silverwing organizing his guild. Jack approached him and found out that he was arranging his people into several parties to spread around the town and gather information. Jack was impressed; the fellow really knew how to lead.
When Silverwing noticed Jack, he asked, "Would you like to come with us? Once my people find out more about this world, we will know better how to proceed. I'm willing to share any information we gain with you."
"That is very kind of you," Jack was grateful for the offer. "But I think I would like to explore the city myself. Maybe we can exchange information later. If there is anything you need, just contact me via Friend chat."
"All right, I'll do that," he replied with a smile and got back to organizing his people.
"What about you two?" Jack asked Bowler and Flame. "You want to go explore by yourselves or follow me?"
Bowler was a bit hesitant. Flame was more direct, "I want to see the city for myself. I'll send you guys a message if I need you or if I find anything interesting," she said.
"All right," Jack told her, and then turned to Bowler, "what about you?"
"Uh, I guess I will take a stroll by myself too," he said.
"Okay," Jack nodded. "But be careful. Those Death Associates guys still hold a grudge. Although this city is a safe zone and they might get into trouble with the guards, that doesn't guarantee that they won't make a move. If they attack you, run to where the guards are, and contact me. Also, try to stay inside the city until we learn more about the outside. You heard Honuren; it is different getting killed outside compared to within the city."
Bowler and Flame nodded. They had long considered Jack as the leader of their gang, so they valued his words.
"Okay, keep in contact," Jack said as he waved goodbye to them.
He then approached one of the closest locals, a young girl who was walking with her dog. He asked, "Excuse me, miss, would you happen to know the way to a place called Adventurer Association?"
The girl's eyes were studying Jack in earnest; she looked like she was very interested in finding out about these newcomers. However, she didn't reply to Jack with words. Instead, she pointed out a direction with her finger.
Jack nodded and thanked her before leaving in the direction she indicated.
As he walked through the streets, he was impressed with the bustling activity of the city. It looked and felt completely real; unlike any of the past VR games he had played. The details and activities of the natives here, which in past VR games were called NPCs, were very real and complex. It was more like he was in a different world than in a game. He was feeling more and more that this might, indeed, be the case.
After passing several blocks, he came upon a street that was even livelier. There were many shops lining the street and also several street vendors showcasing their wares on the sides of the street. He looked at the merchandise as he walked past; there was food, cooking ingredients, clothes, materials, potions, and weapons. He decided to take a detour and visit one of the bigger shops that sold weapons. The owner was a plump woman; she smiled at him delightedly as he came into the shop.
"Is there anything specific you are looking for, sir?" She asked.
"I'm just browsing around," Jack answered.
"Oh, be my guest. Make yourself at home." She said politely.
Jack nodded and looked at the weapons hanging on the stands. There were short swords, long swords, broadswords, axes, maces, spears, and several other weapons he didn't know the name of. He tried to scan one of them using his God-eye monocle.
*
Steel mace, level 10/20 (common one-handed mace)
Physical damage: 40
Attack speed: 1
Durability: 30
Price: 2 silver 20 copper
*
He scanned another one
*
Iron spear, level 5/15 (common one-handed spear)
Physical damage: 32
Attack speed: 1
Durability: 30
Price: 1 silver 60 copper
*
'These are normal weapons. But damn, they are expensive.' Jack thought. He had thought his savings, 4 silver and 89 copper, was a large sum, but he only had enough to buy two or three of these weapons.
Edited by OneFellSwoop
'You could just touch them if you want to read their stats,' he heard Peniel's voice. 'Also, don't bother to look for uncommon or rare equipment. Normal shops usually just sell common equipment.'
'Oh, I guess that it's pointless for me to hang around then.'
Jack was just about to exit the shop when he thought of something. He immediately turned around and approached the woman who was the shop owner.
"Do you sell magic equipment?" He asked her.
"Of course," the woman said with excitement.
"It's over here by this stand," she said as she led Jack to the other side of the shop. There were numerous robes, wands, staffs, and garments hung on the stand.
He asked the owner, "Can you get me three of your cheapest magic staffs?"
The owner looked at him, "Are you not going to look at their stats first, sir?"
"It's ok. Any stats are fine by me," Jack replied.
The owner was confused but still proceeded to fulfill the request. She went and picked up three magic staffs from the stand.
'What are you thinking about doing?' Peniel asked.
'My magic weapon is underpowered,' Jack said. 'I think it's time to put that Transformation Cube to the test, don't you?'
"Oh… I see what you're getting at." Peniel caught on quickly.
The owner came back and placed the three staffs on a small table nearby. Jack checked them over; they were all level 5 common grade magic staffs. Their total price came to 5 silver and 40 copper. Magical pieces of equipment, it turned out, were slightly more expensive than their physical counterparts. The total cost was above Jack's budget. He was depressed.
"Do you buy items too?" He asked the owner.
The owner nodded, "Yes, if you have items or equipment you can't use, we can buy them from you."
Jack then took out some of the equipment that he had stocked away in his oversized storage bag and thought he would never use. He placed Tunic cloth, Protective Dress, Leather Vest, and Sandals on the table, then prayed that these were enough.
"How much would you pay for these?" He asked.
"I will take them off your hands for 1 silver and 52 copper," the owner said.
'So low?' Jack thought.
He gritted his teeth and decided to just sell all four pieces. After all, they weren't any use to him. Deducting the price of the three magic staffs, he just needed to pay 3 silver and 88 copper. After the transaction, he only had 1 silver and 1 copper coins in his bag. He felt much poorer suddenly. He stored the staffs, said his thanks to the owner, and made his way out.
He didn't stop at any other shops after that, afraid he couldn't resist the temptation to spend his few remaining coins. He passed by a white building in the shape of a tower. He saw many people in white robes going in and out of the building.
'What's that place?' Jack silently asked Peniel.
'That is a library,' Peniel answered. 'In fact, that's the first place most new arrivals should visit if they want to find out more information regarding this world. But you don't need it, of course, because you have me!'
He heard a hint of pride in Peniel's voice. He didn't deny it, as she really was a big help. Without her guidance, he would be lost and wouldn't know what to do when he arrived in this new world.
Jack then thought of Silverwing, who was currently trying to collect information. He opened his Friends interface and sent a short message informing him about the Library and its position.
A moment later, he received a prompt reply, "Thanks, my friend! I will send people there right away."
After asking another two natives to point the way, Jack finally arrived in front of the Adventurers Association building. It was a large and luxurious building. The layout seemed to be oval-shaped judging from the curved walls; it was completely out of place next to all the medieval building styles in the vicinity. The walls were supported by round pillars every eight meters. There were runes on the surface of the pillars; they flickered with light every now and then. Jack figured it to be some kind of magic enchantment that protected the place.
Judging from all the people coming in and out, Jack figured that he should be free to enter the building. He went right in the front entrance and was immediately greeted by a man in purple-colored formal attire.
"Greetings, sir, are you an adventurer?" He asked.
Jack answered, "Yes, at least I wish to be."
"New adventurers should register first, please come with me." He led Jack towards a counter staffed by a young girl.
Before leaving Jack at the counter, he said, "Once you are done with your registration, you can proceed to the Bronze Hall to review available quests."
The girl held a dark red orb. "What's your name, sir?"
"Storm Wind," Jack answered.
"Please put your hand on this orb, sir," she said.
When Jack followed her instructions, the orb color turned more reddish. The girl at the counter scribbled something on a sheet of paper while mumbling, "age 23, Fighter class, level 13."
The orb's light died down. She took it back and then placed a flat round object of bronze color on the counter.
"This is your adventurer badge sir, please keep it with you at all times. You will need to show it when you apply for a quest and when you submit the completion of your quest."
Jack nodded and took the badge. He observed it.
*
Bronze Adventurer Badge (special item)
Identification as a member of Adventurers Association
Adventurer points: 0
Available points: 0
*
He asked the girl how to get to the Bronze Hall. After getting the directions, he thanked her and started off.
The Bronze Hall was spacious with walls lined with many counters. Each of the counters was manned by staff members. Several people were at these counters doing business with the staff. Some people were leisurely sitting on rows of benches that were placed so they could read the quests on three large notice boards that hung from the ceiling.
'Bronze Hall and bronze badge. Looking at the name, I figure there must be ranks within adventurers?' Jack asked Peniel as he held the badge.
'Of course, there are ranks for almost everything,' Peniel replied. 'The Bronze rank is the lowest. You need to complete several Bronze rank quests and accumulate points in order to upgrade to the next rank.'
'That would be the point count I saw when I inspected the badge?'
'Yes, after you complete an Association quest, you will be awarded points and rewards. The points will be recorded on your badge. You can also report quest completions for quests which you've received directly from people or from the system when you're out in the city or in the wild. But those reports will not net you any rewards from the Association, just points. And the points given are also much lower compared to what you'll receive for undertaking quests from the Association.'
'I see. Why are there two point categories in this badge? Do I get two different points?'
'No. They keep track of the same points. The difference is, Adventurer Points records the total points you have accumulated over your entire career and determines your rank in the Association, while Available Points shows the points you have that you can exchange for items at the Adventurers Association. At the start, those two amounts will be the same, but when you start exchanging points for items, the second one will decrease.'
'I can exchange points for items?'
'Yes, so go out there and accumulate as many points as you can! Some items and equipment can only be gotten here. The higher the rank you earn, the better the prizes.'
'How many ranks are there?'
"Four. First one is Bronze, which is where you are. The next is Silver, then Gold, and the highest grade is Diamond. Normally there were only a handful of Diamond adventurers in a country. They are those of the highest points and countless battle records."
'So, a lot of natives are also adventurers? Does that mean we will meet some out there in the field?'
'Certainly. But now that you outworlders are here, you folks will most likely take up the bulk of the adventuring.'
Jack thought that was weird. In past VR games NPCs only stayed in safe zones and repeated programmed routines. He kept on forgetting this was a whole other world, not just some game he could log in and out of.
'Outworlders… I still can't get used to that name.'
'Never mind that, hurry up and take a quest. You need to grab as many prizes as you can before the others realize the importance of this place.'
'All right, but I need to at least inform Bowler and Flame about this place so they can get ahead of the others as well.'
'Man… You really are a goodie-do-gooder, you know that?' Peniel complained in exasperation.
Edited by OneFellSwoop
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