As they stepped outside, Jinzo couldn't help but notice a peculiar sight - a tall pole emitting a soft glow, illuminating the streets with its magical light.
The road they walked on was flat and smooth, free of any debris or obstacles. It was a refreshing change from the rugged terrain they had been traversing earlier. As they walked, Jinzo noticed very few people on the streets, and those they did see hurried past with a sense of urgency.
Jinzo followed Kenji as they walked in the west direction. As they strolled through the city, Jinzo couldn't help but see the slightly damaged buildings that lined the streets. Despite the damage, the buildings still held a certain charm, and Jinzo found himself wondering about their histories.
As they walked, Kenji gestured to the buildings around them and remarked, "Aren't these buildings fascinating? There's so much to explore in this new world."
Jinzo nodded in agreement, taking in the sights around him. He couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder at the new world he had found himself in. The buildings were constructed from a variety of materials, ranging from stone and brick to wood and thatch.
As they walked, they passed by several shops and stalls, each selling their unique wares although not many activities were going around. Jinzo couldn't resist stopping at a weapons stall, marveling at the intricate designs of the swords and spears on display. Kenji chuckled at his friend's fascination but made no move to stop him.
After a few more minutes of walking, they arrived at the center. As they approached the center, Jinzo noticed the Raven's Watch symbol displayed prominently on a small building.
It was similar to the town hall in structure, but with a more functional and practical design. The symbol itself was a black raven perched atop a sword, and Jinzo recognized it as the same badge Kenji had shown him earlier.
"Ah, there it is," Kenji said, pointing to the building. "That's where we need to go to get your badge."
As they approached the entrance of the center, Jinzo leaned in close to Kenji and whispered, "But how will we get the badge if the recruitment phase is over?"
Kenji shot him a knowing look before replying in a hushed tone, "We'll just have to say we lost it while fighting in the forest. They'll give us a new one."
Jinzo shifted uneasily from foot to foot, his gaze darting nervously around the room. He knew what Kenji had suggested was risky, but he didn't want to be a burden or disappoint his new friend.
Kenji pushed it open, and they stepped inside. The room was dimly lit by a few torches on the walls, casting flickering shadows that danced across the floor.
In the center of the room was a wooden desk, behind which sat a gruff-looking man with a scar running down his cheek. He wore a leather jerkin and had a sword at his side. Jinzo thought he must be the assistant here.
As they approached the counter, Jinzo couldn't help but feel nervous. The two mercenaries standing there were intimidating - the man towering over him and the woman with a fierce look in her eyes. He could hear them speaking in low voices as they got closer.
"I can't believe I lost my damn badge," the man grumbled, his voice deep and rumbling.
The woman snorted. "You're always losing things, Valtor. It's a wonder you can even keep hold of your spear," she teased.
Jinzo felt a knot form in his stomach as he realized that they were not the only ones trying to deceive the recruitment center.
The tall man approached the counter, his heavy footsteps echoing through the small room. Kenji and Jinzo followed suit, standing a few steps behind him. The woman by his side glanced over at them, giving them a quick once-over before turning her attention back to the man.
The tall man leaned forward on the counter, his muscular arms crossed over his chest. "We lost our badges in the last skirmish," he said gruffly.
Kenji chimed in, "My friend lost his badge while hunting. Corrupted wolves ambushed us, we were outnumbered and had to run."
Hearing Kenji's words, the tall man's gaze flickered to Kenji's waist where his katana hung, a glint of curiosity in his eyes, but he remained silent.
The man at the counter looked up at them, his expression skeptical. "You both lost your badges at the same time?"
The tall man scowled, his muscles tensing. "What, you think we're lying?"
Jinzo felt his heart racing as he realized the assistant was following their plan. He glanced over at Kenji, who gave him a subtle nod of encouragement.
"We're not lying," Kenji said, stepping forward. "It was a tough mission, and things got a bit chaotic. We must have dropped our badges in the confusion."
The man looked between the three of them, still looking doubtful.
The man at the counter crossed his arms and gave them a stern look. "We specifically warned all mercenaries to be careful about losing their badge. It's your responsibility to keep it safe," he said in a firm tone.
The tall man calmly reasoned with the man, "We understand your concern, but we're willing to pay the fee for the replacement. We need the badge as soon as possible for our current mission."
The man at the counter considered their request for a moment before nodding, "Very well. It will cost you, but I can get you a replacement badge" Kenji and Jinzo both breathed a sigh of relief, exchanging a glance of gratitude toward the tall man.
The man at the counter gave them a skeptical look but eventually sighed and went inside a nearby door. After a few moments, he emerged with 2 badges in hand.
Jinzo felt a sense of relief wash over him as the man handed them their badges. "Thank you," he said, trying to sound grateful.
The man simply nodded and went back to his work, leaving the rest to exit the center.
As they walked out, Kenji turned to Jinzo with a sly grin. "See, I told you it would work," he said, patting him on the back.
Jinzo and Kenji walked towards the inn located eastward, with Jinzo still gazing curiously at his badge. As they rounded the corner, the medium-sized inn came into view, its wooden sign creaking in the light breeze.
Jinzo squinted at the sign, its markings seeming like gibberish to him at first. Then, a sudden realization dawned on him - he could understand the language and even speak it, but he couldn't read it.
They pushed open the heavy wooden door and were greeted by the warm glow of flickering candles and a lively buzz of conversation. The walls were lined with shelves of dusty bottles.
Jinzo and Kenji stepped into the quiet inn, finding only the innkeeper, a woman, behind the counter. Kenji presented his badge, and Jinzo did the same. The innkeeper's eyes glinted for a moment as she took in the badges, and then she smiled warmly and gestured toward the hallway.
"Two empty rooms await you at the end of the hall," she said, her voice soft and welcoming.
The innkeeper handed them each a key, and Jinzo and Kenji made their way down the dimly lit hallway to their room. Upon entering, they found themselves in a small but cozy space, furnished with polished wooden pieces.
Two comfortable-looking beds were placed side by side, adorned with soft blankets and fluffy pillows. The room was clean and inviting, with a window overlooking the village's central square.
Jinzo finally took out Kenji's olive cloak and handed it to him. Kenji took back his olive cloak and draped it over a nearby chair. "Tomorrow, I'll teach you how to hunt," he said with a grin. "Then you'll be able to take care of yourself out there."
Jinzo nodded silently, pulling the blankets over himself and sinking into the soft bed. As he lay there, he couldn't shake the feeling of unease that had settled in his chest. The day had been so crazy and unbelievable, and he couldn't help but wonder what other dangers might be lurking in this strange new world.
Despite the warmth and comfort of the inn room, he couldn't shake the nagging worry that tomorrow would bring new and even more terrifying challenges.