"Well, we need an inn. So, you want to go grab one in 1st district, 2nd district, or 3rd district?" asked Amethyst. "The city is divided into different areas based on wealth and living conditions. That's why there's a lot of difference in the townsfolk's tastes. Let's say we go with 2nd district." "Alright, let's go," she said excitedly.
They started walking, but were stopped by a man. "Oh, hello! Are you looking for an inn?" "Yeah, we're here to find a place to stay." "Well, it's a bit far, but there's a nice inn called the Silver Moon Inn. I think it's a place people like yourself would enjoy staying." "Alright, that you for the information, sir!"
The walk was a little long but was well worth it. The guild district was right next to it, and it wasn't far from the citadel anyways. Everyone was very tired, so they just collapsed immediately. Except for Lia and Lust. Lust because he's a perv and he has his reasons, and Lia, because of a far more serious affair.
She was remembering the time that a mysterious figure called the Host had called them contestants. Were there other contestants in the fight? What was this? She then realized Lust was up, and decided to ask him for any insight he may have. "Lust, what's going on?"
"Nothing. Just thinking about my past." "What do you mean?" "Just that you know, I'm not a normal guy. When I was in the dungeon, I had to choose between killing all of the other adventurers, or surrendering and dying. I chose the latter, and died with dignity. Then, when I woke up, I got recruited by the host. The only problem was, I couldn't remember anything. How did I die, or anything?" "What? You didn't die? Only injured." she told him. "No, I'm pretty sure I died. And the Host must've been the one behind reviving me, yes?" "Really now? Does he manipulate this world?"
"Well, I wouldn't doubt it. I mean, he already acts as this is some gameshow of his." "Well, I'm tired. I'm to sleep... Goddamnit, Wjedczie! Of course he occupied the bed I called!" "Well, I have some space in mine..." "Ok, perv. You win this time." Lia conceded.
***
Lust, despite his best efforts to not fall asleep, eventually succumbed to fatigue and fell asleep. However, that was not the case for Kyoko. She remained awake, thinking of many things. For example, the Host was clearly powerful, she was certain of that. But why was he doing this? Why was he manipulating worlds? Was it just for the amusement of himself? Or was there more to it than that?
As Kyoko pondered these questions, she realized something else: The Host was, in fact, the reason for her survival in the dungeons. Since she listened in on the conversation earlier, it must have been. His sudden recovery, the fight like hell, the whole cogs in a war machine, destruction of the portal, how else? She also had a creeping suspicion that he was at least somewhat responsible for the system of ranks. But whoever this Host figure was, they couldn't be ignored. Ever.
But anyhow, everyone was to bed and woke up without issue. Of course, Peter being a middle-aged man and father to a 14-year-old back in his home city of Stirling, he had to ask Lia a load of questions relating to her choice of bed last night. She mostly ignored the questions.
But then, it was time. If they were to do anything meaningful in a large city like Ashteir, the first thing they should do is contact some officials. Lia headed to the nearest information center. In the information centers, you can talk to information clerks about anything you want. Information clerks are usually high-level NPCs, but in smaller cities, they're often low-level. But either way, they're a good source of information.
The clerk was an old woman. Lia approached her desk. "Good day, ma'am. I'm looking for someone to help us with our problems, please." "Hm? Well, if it's about jobs, you'd need to head to the guild in the guild district." "Ok. But for future reference, how about larger jobs?" "Well, the mayor sometimes. But I'd say the best you can do is the king's steward. He always needs new people, Jock isn't the best king and Bryda as Princess Regent wasn't a great idea. Rosalind was a better choice, a smart woman with good military strategy. Sure, Bryda's smoking hot and they need good earls or barons to make some princes, but hell. I'm just an old lady, expressing her political views."
After finishing her rant, Lia thanked her and left. She was wondering whether to try and meet the queen or not. After all, her father served under the "queen" in Tokyo (a leading fashion model). Perhaps she could get some advice on what to do. The first thing she did after leaving the info center was to head to the nearest inn.
This inn, however, was not what she thought it would be. It had an elegant design, with a large sign saying 'Silver Moon Inn'. And indeed, it was silver. Well, that's what it seemed as. It was the same, nice, wooded inn as it always was. But it felt like silver. But she then thought it out. Wait, would it be a good idea to go back inside? Or go to the guild area with the rest of the party? She quickly came to her senses and went with the latter.
Meanwhile, the rest of the party was walking around. And this one time, it was the natives who were surprised. All the reincarnated earth people had lived in large-ish cities or experienced Medieval Europe. But Red Dagger? Orange Glaive? People who lived in the woods. Never before experienced.
They found the quest board. Unlike the ones at inns, it went and went and went. Tasks were neatly divided, from cleaning someone's chicken coop (5 GP) to slaying a dragon which was being an asshat to some miners (100,000 GP). They went to the dead center and found a quest.
"Well, we've 2 weeks to do this one. I assume we want to have some fun here, so why don't we take it?" asked Lust. "Not a bad idea." "Yeah, I'd love it." "Finally, a fucking break!" Everyone seemed enthusiastic to not have to do anything for the next few days. Then a man walked up to the party.
"Hey, did you see some guy in white robes? He had a sword on his hip, and a staff that looked like a stick. Pretty short, too. Do you know where he went?" "Well, no. Do you? I don't ask for exact coordinates, just the general direction of where he went." "Yeah, sure. He went off that way." He pointed towards the red-light district. Goddamnit! Of course, the fucker just had to run into the most crowded place, forcing his way through whistling hookers, foolish drunks, Entreprenurial gamblers, and filthy murderers and thieves.
"Well, this'll be one hell of a chase..." Wjedczie rolled his eyes, and pulled out a fistful of oats. Instantly, a horse came running- his. He fed it the oats and an apple, and then got on. The rest of the party hiked it on foot though, which was very unfortunate.