The system notification window from the previous night still hovered in the air, awaiting Hiro's attention.
As the sun reached its zenith, the old man gently woke Hiro from his deep slumber. His face was kind, and his voice warm with concern. "Kid, wake up," he called softly.
Hiro stirred, stretching his arms and easing the aches from the previous day's transformation. The sun's warmth kissed his skin, and the crisp morning air filled his lungs.
"I'm heading to Frostvale, a city in the Valor Empire," the old man said. "Want to join me?"
"Frostvale? The famous entertainment city?" Hiro asked, momentarily disregarding the system notification.
The old man nodded.
"Yes, I want to go," Hiro said eagerly, his curiosity reignited.
With their backpacks shouldered, Hiro and the old man left the remnants of yesterday's campsite. The smoldering ashes of their fire and faint footprints in the snow were the only signs of their presence.
The journey to Frostvale, a border city of the Valor Kingdom, was arduous. The wind howled like a crouching tiger, its icy breath seeping through their fur-lined cloaks, chilling them to the bone. Snowflakes danced in the air, swirling in an endless waltz and blanketing the landscape in pristine white. The path was treacherous, winding through icy valleys and rugged peaks, each step a battle against the elements. The mountains loomed ominously, their jagged peaks shrouded in mist.
The crunch of their footsteps in the snow was the only sound breaking the eerie stillness, save for the occasional distant howl of a wolf—a haunting reminder of the wild dangers lurking nearby.
As they approached Frostvale, the city's outlines took shape through the falling snow. Tall, fortified walls surrounded the city, protecting its citizens from nearby dangers.
A vigilant guard stood at the gate, his face weather-beaten from years of braving the elements and repelling intruders. He greeted them as they neared the gates, his voice slicing through the biting wind.
"Uncle Mike, it's been a while," the guard said, recognition brightening his eyes.
"It has indeed, Joe," the old man replied warmly.
The two exchanged words for a few moments, seemingly unaffected by the chill, their camaraderie evident.
"Uncle, who's the kid with you?" Joe inquired, his gaze shifting to Hiro.
"This here is Hiro," Mike said. "I found him a few days back. Go on, introduce yourself, kid."
"Hello, my name is Hiro. Nice to meet you," Hiro said, his voice steady.
"Nice to meet you too, Hiro," Joe replied with a friendly smile.
Reaching for the large iron key at his belt, Joe inserted it into the lock. With a practiced motion, he turned it, and the heavy wooden gates creaked open, revealing the bustling market square beyond. The scent of fresh bread and spices wafted through the air, mingling with the chatter of merchants haggling over prices.
Joe stepped aside, holding the gate open for Hiro and Mike to pass through. "Welcome to Frostvale," he added, his eyes twinkling with a hint of mischief. "Make sure to visit the market; it's quite a sight."
Inside the gate, the city unfolded, a testament to resilience. Buildings, sturdy and snow-laden, lined the streets. Smoke rose from chimneys, promising warmth and life within.
The streets were alive with activity—merchants hawking their goods, adventurers sharing tales of their exploits, and craftsmen showcasing their skills. The air was thick with the aroma of spiced foods and the lively tunes of street musicians.
Hiro gazed at the city ahead, excitement and anticipation coursing through him until the old man's voice broke his daydreaming.
"Kid, I guess it's time," the old man said, his voice tinged with both reluctance and resolve. He pulled his cloak tighter around his shoulders as the wind picked it up. "If you need help, come find me in the southwest of the city. I'll be there."
Hiro nodded, memorizing the instructions. The old man's piercing eyes held a depth of experience, and Hiro couldn't help but feel a pang of gratitude mixed with uncertainty.
"See ya," the old man added, his voice softer this time, almost as if he didn't want to let go of the moment.
With a final nod, they parted ways. Hiro watched as the old man disappeared into the shadows, the city lights flickering in the distance. He took a deep breath, steeling himself. As he walked into the heart of Frostvale, awe washed over him. The streets were vibrant, full of life and color, different from the village he grew up in.
He wandered through its bustling streets, his curiosity leading him from one intriguing sight to another. He passed by a market square where colorful stalls offered everything from exotic spices to finely crafted jewelry. Merchants called out their wares, inviting passersby to inspect their goods.
"Ho there, traveler! Care for a taste of our famous Northern spices?" a jovial merchant exclaimed, waving a wooden spoon enticingly.
Curious, Hiro approached and sampled a pinch of the aromatic spice blend. Its warmth spread through him, a welcome contrast to the chill outside. "That's potent," he remarked with a smile, nodding appreciatively at the merchant.
Continuing on his journey through Frostvale, Hiro stumbled upon a lively tavern bustling with patrons. Laughter and conversation filled the air as adventurers swapped tales of daring escapades over tankards of frothy ale. The warm glow of the hearth bathed the room in a cozy light, creating a stark contrast to the icy world outside. Intrigued, Hiro entered and found a seat at the bar, eager to soak in the atmosphere.
"What can I get ya, lad?" the barkeep asked, wiping down the counter with a rag.
"Just water for now, thank you," Hiro replied politely, scanning the room with keen interest. The walls were adorned with various trophies and memorabilia from past adventurers, each item telling a story of bravery and conquest.
A group of adventurers at a nearby table caught Hiro's attention. They spoke of the newly built adventurer's guild, their voices filled with excitement and anticipation. They exchanged stories about the guild, painting vivid pictures in Hiro's mind.
Hiro listened intently, absorbing every detail with the hunger of someone eager to learn and grow. After a hearty meal of roasted venison and root vegetables, Hiro left the tavern with a contented sigh. "I will also register myself," he declared, determination setting his eyes aglow. The prospect of joining the adventurer's guild filled him with renewed purpose as he checked the notification.
**System Quest: Hatch the Egg**
Hiro checked his bag and pondered, a frown creasing his brow. Where's the egg?
Just then, a shadow darted across his path, and a mysterious figure in a hooded cloak whispered, "If you want the egg, follow me." Without another word, the figure disappeared into the dark alley, leaving Hiro with a pounding heart and a choice to make.