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.