I tapped upon the card that was given to me. The people around me giving me a wide berth. They seemed to be reserving their judgment.
The only reason I can think for why they were doing that instead of staring with disgust at my half broken attire was that they knew that we were just transported here.
I felt the card buzz for a moment before it turned into a hologram of sorts. It showed the face of the woman that had given me the card. She was drinking tea and looking out over the city.
"Is this… wait actually you never gave me your name" I say, trying to remember if she had ever given me her name.
"Oh I'm sorry little one, my name is… well you can call me Nia"
"Nia then… I was wondering if you could give me a tour of the city, you know the lay of the land and all."
For a moment, one that seemed to drag on for minutes, she sat back with her eyes closed as she sipped at her tea.
I gulped in nervousness, though I tried to not show it. I was actually a bit desperate as I had refused the paid tour.
If I didn't get her to do that for me then I would be stuck on my own.
A moment later she stops her contemplation and her brilliant eyes gaze into mine. She gave me directions for a cafe and told me to go in there and wait for her.
I just nodded and disconnected the call.
…
Looking at the sign I found it to be the cafe that I was told to find. I nodded to myself and opened the door.
A ring echoed through and the people in the cafe glanced at me. Though I could already see the disgust and contempt they held for me.
It was clear as day and I could not blame them. I was dirty and full of blood, my attire was half ripped up and even my sword was half hanging out with the sheath broken.
I watched as one of the servers seemed to lock his gaze with mine. He sighed before approaching me. His face a picture of disgust as he opened his mouth to say something.
"Leave" He said, the word hissed out more than it was said. "We do not welcome beggars here."
"I was invited" I simply say in response, even if I could feel the difference in our strengths I would not back down besides…
I look to the side and see the woman watching the interaction with a small smile on her face. An expression that said that she would deal with it.
"Invited? Hah- Who would invite a filthy rat like you!"
Just as he had said that I felt an overwhelming feeling of oppression that seemed to consume me. A hand reaching out to grab the half broken collar of mine.
BANG
Yet before he could even attempt to get any closer his hand was broken. Shock appeared on his face as he stared at Nia who was giving him a chilling smile.
For a moment he didn't react, then I saw it. The fear and pain in his eyes as both the pain of his broken limb and the terror of whatever Nia represented took hold of his mind.
"He is my guest… do not make me angry."
He whimpered for a moment before he backed off and went back to the back of the cafe.
"Little one… follow"
I did as she said, a bit fearful of what she wanted from me.
She was overwhelmingly powerful and from the reactions of the people around me, influential too.
I sat down across from her. Taking some of the food and placing it in front of me.
I started to eat. It was a meal that was properly cooked and spiced.
I wasn't going to waste it.
All the while Nia was looking at me with that small smile of hers.
I finish my first mouthful and swallow, "so…?"
"Ah- yes, you wouldn't know hey I wanted you."
"Yes, that's why I'm asking." I tried to glare and put some heat into my gaze but it just didn't come.
I didn't have the courage to do that to someone that could kill me with a thought.
"That sword, you made it yes?"
For a moment I freezed before nodding.
"Good, then you do have use."
"Use?"
"Yes I was looking for a smith to nurture and you happened to be the first."
"And this nurture? What does it entail."
"Nothing too much on your end. I will provide you with the facilities and you will provide me with weapons once you reach the appropriate level."
I nod before looking at her once more. This was too good of an offer. There had to be some caveat to it other than forging her a sword.
"But," just like I thought there was one, "You need to climb to the tenth floor of the tower before I will provide you with anything. You should be able to at least do that if you want to work with me."
"On my own or are you going to give me some support?"
Her smile becomes more mischievous before she leans in and gazes directly into my eyes.
"Now why should I do that… you don't have any worth other than my slight curiosity. Prove yourself."
I gulped, my entire being filled with fear as she did that. It was like the whole world was consumed by darkness as she looked upon me.
I was terrified and for minutes after she had leaned back I was just sat there. Panting.
I looked back up and saw that she had tilted her head, her hands clapping together.
"Now about that tour"
Deep breathes. I took many of them. In and out. For a moment after that I barely registered her voice.
Yet when I did I turned my gaze to the city.
"All you need to know is that," She points to the middle where a tower seemed to pierce through the clouds with its height, "Is the tower and where you will climb."
With that she sat up and left.