Limon's journey through Arizela felt like a quiet exploration of a bustling city. As he navigated the city's lively streets atop his Dudu Bird, his mind was occupied with the details that had been imparted to him during his brief interaction with Lalasa at the Adventurer's Guild.
The layout of the city was mesmerizing—its three concentric rings of roads, the tall buildings that seemed to stretch higher as he ventured inward, and the distinctive desert hues that painted the city in warm shades of ivory. The architecture was a fusion of old-world charm and practical design, with tall, narrow spires and broad, sweeping rooftops that seemed to catch the sun's rays. The streets, though busy with vendors and adventurers hurrying about their business, had a rhythm that spoke of something greater beneath the surface—a city not just of people, but of ideas, ambition, and wealth.
Limon adjusted his grip on the reins of the Dudu Bird, the creature's steady trot providing a peaceful rhythm amidst the bustling surroundings. With the atlas in his hand, he could see how Arizela was designed to be a fortress of sorts—its three ring roads enclosing its most important landmarks like the palace at its center. The First Ring Road surrounded the palace, and the Second and Third Ring Roads were for various districts, with the Third Ring Road marking the outer limits of the city, where merchants, travelers, and other citizens lived and worked.
As he rode, Limon's thoughts drifted back to his recent conversation with Lalasa. He had been surprised at how quickly he had gained the recognition of the Adventurer's Guild, especially given that this was only his first official task. The rewards—both in terms of gold and adventure points—felt almost too generous. Still, he knew this was just the beginning.
In this world of magic, monsters, and professional adventurers, strength was everything. He could sense that there was still much he didn't understand about the true nature of the world he had found himself in. The magic tide, the evil gods, and even the concept of adventure points—it was all new to him, and yet he had already begun to carve out a space for himself in this strange new reality.
He passed by the various shops and stalls along the street, each selling wares ranging from simple trinkets to powerful magical artifacts. There were also street performers and traveling merchants trying to draw the attention of passersby. Arizela, despite its location in the heart of a desert, was alive with activity, as though the city itself was a living, breathing organism. Every corner, every street, seemed to hum with energy.
Eventually, Limon reached the Dudu Bird Stable, tucked away in a narrow alley. The youth behind the counter, who had greeted him so warmly the day before, looked up in surprise as Limon dismounted.
"Your Excellency is truly assiduous," the young man exclaimed. "Here, your Dudu Bird, the same one as before."
Limon smiled, handing over the deposit. He could tell the boy was genuinely impressed, but Limon didn't feel the need to explain himself. His goals were clear—to grow stronger, to gather more knowledge, and to carve out his own destiny in this world.
Once on the bird's back again, he steered the creature towards the heart of the city, where he could seek out a team. As Lalasa had suggested, it was crucial for him to join a group of adventurers. A lone warlock would not last long in such a perilous world, and the importance of teamwork had already been underscored by his previous mission. Limon had no illusions about the dangers that lay ahead—he knew that even the most powerful magic could not protect him from everything. His survival would depend on his ability to form alliances with others.
Riding through the city, Limon reflected on the lessons he had already learned. Adventure points, as Lalasa had explained, were not just a form of currency—they were a mark of status and achievement. With each task completed, an adventurer could rise through the ranks, earning the respect and trust of the guild and the cities they served. A higher rank meant better tasks, more lucrative rewards, and increased influence. For someone like Limon, who had come from a world far removed from this one, it was an enticing prospect.
He arrived at the center of the city, where the hustle and bustle were even more pronounced. The streets here were wider, lined with towering buildings and illuminated by magical streetlights. Limon glanced at the task board as he passed it—there were numerous notices pinned up, many of them for mercenary groups or hunting teams. But Limon wasn't looking for just any job; he needed to find the right team, the right group of adventurers who could help him navigate the challenges that awaited.
His mind raced as he thought about the future. The idea of forming a party, working together with others to tackle difficult tasks, was something he found intriguing. But it also presented its own set of challenges. Would he be able to find people he could trust? In this world, trust was earned, not given.
Limon's gaze shifted to the sky as the sun began to set, casting an amber glow over the city. There was a sense of quiet anticipation in the air, as though the city itself was holding its breath, waiting for something to happen. The adventure was just beginning, and Limon could feel the weight of what lay ahead.
He smiled to himself, a sense of determination filling him. No matter what the future held, he was ready. This world might be strange, and it might be dangerous, but Limon had always been one to rise to a challenge. And in this world of magic and mystery, there was no shortage of challenges to face.