I gazed at the massive city in front of me and remarked, "So, this is the Human Capital City, NeoPolis."
As the sun began its gentle descent over NeoPolis, painting the sky in hues of warm gold and tangerine, I found myself standing in awe of the grandeur that surrounded me. NeoPolis, the human capital city, was a colossal marvel. Its massive stone walls, towering high into the sky like ancient giants, encircled the city, exuding an air of majestic protection that was impossible to ignore.
As I approached the city, a breathtaking sight greeted me. Flanking the entrance were two immense statues, each as tall as the walls themselves. These incredible sculptures weren't made of regular stone; they were crafted from a dazzling, otherworldly metal that shimmered and shifted in color.
These imposing figures, with meticulously detailed features, held massive swords close to their chests, much like a knight would cherish their most treasured possession. The swords emitted a captivating, ever-changing light as if they held a touch of magic.
The statues' armor was a testament to exceptional craftsmanship, adorned with intricate engravings that told stories of past battles and victories. Their expressions were resolute and unwavering, as though they were peering deep into the souls of all who passed beneath their watchful gaze.
These guardian statues, made of this mystical metal, seemed as if they were also guardians of the city's mighty walls, standing eternally vigilant alongside the living guards. They were more than just statues; they were the silent protectors of the city, offering an unspoken assurance of safety.
Approaching the city gates, A few vigilant guards, dressed in ornate armor and draped in the colors of red, stood at the entrance. They checked each passerby with a discerning eye, their presence a testament to the city's unwavering dedication to safety.
There were several small lines of people waiting to enter the city, just like me. I chose one of these lines, and fortunately, they weren't too long. Soon, I reached the guards. They gave me a thorough once-over, sizing me up before one of them spoke, "Do you have an ID?"
I quickly retrieved my Adventurer card and handed it to him. He examined it for a few moments and then asked, "So, you're an Iron-ranked adventurer from Random Town. What's the reason for your visit?" He looked at me curiously.
"Well, you know how it is. Random Town is nice and all, but there aren't many opportunities for adventures there, especially for Iron-Ranked adventurers like me. In order to rank up again, I need achievements more than quests," I explained with a casual shrug.
"Huh, that's true. Adventurers like you are always hungry for achievements and money. But I don't blame you, though, since your profession is a very dangerous one. So you've got to enjoy your life as much as you want. And since adventurers frequently defeat monsters around here, we also have less work to do. So I'm not complaining," he replied, understanding the adventurer's life.
"All right, everything looks good. You can go now," he said, returning my adventurer card.
"Before I go, I have a small favor to ask. Can you tell me where the adventurer guild is? I'm new here, so I'd really appreciate your help," I asked politely.
For some reason, he seemed surprised and inquired, "Are you really an adventurer? Usually, those people are very rowdy and like to cause a lot of ruckus wherever they go," he said with suspicious eyes.
"Well, I can't speak for others, but I'll only be aggressive when I'm dealing with monsters, not with humans," I assured him with a shrug.
But then he burst into laughter and remarked, "Ha ha ha ha ha, you're certainly a weird one. And I know that adventurer card is the real deal because adventurer cards aren't something that can be easily forged. So, you want to know how to reach the adventurer guild? Just go straight and take the second right. You'll reach a street called Adventurer Street, and you can easily find the adventurer guild since it's the largest building on that street," the guard kindly provided me with directions.
"Thank you. I really appreciate your help," I expressed my gratitude and entered the city.
Compared to the decently sized Random Town I'd visited earlier on my journey, NeoPolis felt like an entirely different world. The streets of NeoPolis were bustling with people, like a river of humanity flowing with energy and excitement. It was as if the city itself had a heartbeat, and that heartbeat was the collective footsteps of countless people filling its streets.
As I wandered through the city, the transition from day to evening brought a feast for the senses. Skilled artisans and expert chefs were setting up stalls, filling the air with the mouthwatering scents of exotic foods and lively conversations between eager merchants. It was as if the city was preparing for a vibrant night of entertainment and delight.
Yet, what truly captured my attention was the massive castle that stood proudly above NeoPolis. Located on top of a small mountain, this architectural masterpiece reached for the sky, its stonework glistening like a precious gem in the fading daylight. The castle wasn't just a symbol of power; it was a testament to human creativity and ambition.
My journey eventually led me to the adventurer guild, and the contrast with Random Town was remarkable. After taking in the breathtaking scenery, I entered the guild. Here, the guild was a bustling hub of life and adventure, brimming with people from all corners of the world. The atmosphere was buzzing with the thrill of shared tales and the strong bond formed through their risky adventures.
I approached the guild reception and struck up a conversation with the receptionist. "Hello, good evening. I'm an Iron-ranked adventurer who just arrived in the capital city from Random Town. I'm currently looking for a place to stay for the night. Can you suggest a good place?" I asked curiously.
The receptionist looked at me and said, "Certainly, that's not a problem. But before that, could you please give me your adventurer card? We need to register you as one of the adventurers based in the capital instead of Random Town. Also, the adventurer card serves as an ID, which helps us learn a bit about you," she explained with a slight smile.
"Sure, here you go," I handed her my adventurer card, and she scanned it in a machine that resembled a computer, and then returned it to me.
"Thank you for waiting. I've successfully registered you. Regarding your request, unlike most guilds, ours offers people a place to stay at half the price of the inns, but we don't include meals. We only provide accommodations," she informed me about the guild's services.
"Really? Then, are there any free rooms available to begin with?" I asked her curiously.
"I understand what you're trying to say, but most adventurers, once they start earning more money, usually opt for more expensive and better inns rather than using our rooms. The people who typically use our facilities are new adventurers or adventurers like you who come to the capital from other cities," she explained once again.
"I see. So, are there any rooms available? I'd prefer a separate room if possible," I inquired curiously.
"Wait a minute, let me check," she said and began working with the machine that resembled a computer. After a few minutes, she said, "I'm sorry, but we only have two sharing rooms available. Is that okay with you?"
Hmm… Well, the reason I came to the guild in the first place is to gather information and find a good place to rest. I'm planning to go to the castle tomorrow and meet the king that Bandalf mentioned, so I guess the two-sharing room is fine for now.
"All right, I'll take that room," I replied.
"Okay, just wait a minute. I'll give you the key to the room," she said and disappeared briefly. After a few minutes, she reappeared, handed me a key, and said, "Your room number is 69. Go to the second floor, and you'll find the room easily. I'll also inform your roommate," she told me with a small smile.
"I see. Thank you," I expressed my gratitude and tucked the key into my pocket.
After that, I was just looking around the guild and the requests available in this guild. There were many requests available here, unlike the ones in Random Town, where quests ranged from gathering herbs to killing monsters like griffins. As I was browsing, someone started shouting something at me.
"Can even dogs and pigs become adventurers now?" I turned to see the source of the voice. It was a man in his mid-thirties, clearly drunk, wearing impressive armor, and carrying a fine-looking sword at his hip. His gear must have cost him a fortune. He held a wooden mug, likely filled with alcohol, and it was clear he was intoxicated.
"Get out of here! Do you think anyone can become an adventurer? Do you take us for fools?" He approached me, continuing to rant.
*Sigh*
I let out a weary sigh. I have seen situations like this countless times in manga and anime: mediocre adventurers who clearly didn't know their place always harass newcomers because that's all they are good for. But unlike before, I was much stronger now and fully capable of dealing with people like him. As I contemplated this, the drunk adventurer continued to approach me. I retrieved my trusty Blood Axe Rex and got ready.