The air of the city was cool and crisp, but the streets were already alive with the sounds of life. Merchants were setting up their stalls, their voices mingling with the chatter of passersby. Children chased pigeons through the cobbled streets, their laughter contagious.
Veron was a city vibrant with life, a melting pot of cultures and races. Humans, elves, dwarves, and even a few halflings lived side by side, their differences celebrated. The city was vibrant with colors and textures, a mix of sights and sounds. The architecture of Veron was as diverse as its inhabitants. Towering stone buildings stood side by side with wooden structures, their roofs covered in colorful tiles. The streets were lined with shops and stalls, each offering a unique array of goods. In the heart of the city, the Grand Market was a hub of activity. Merchants from all over the world gathered here, their wares displayed on colorful stalls. The air was thick with the aroma of spices, the scent of freshly baked bread, and the sweet perfume of exotic flowers. The people of Avani were a friendly and welcoming folk.
Veron specifically, they were known for their hospitality and their love of life. The city was a place where people came to celebrate, to trade, and to simply enjoy the company of others. Musicians and dancers filled the streets, their performances drawing crowds of onlookers. The air was filled with the sounds of laughter and music, the city one with life.
Even in such a colorful environment, their group certainly still stood out, evident from the various glances of wonder they received. "By the Gods, this city is phenomenal!" The excited declaration came from none other than Galadriel's crown princess. The girl looked around in wonder, taking in every minute detail.
"Veron seems more diverse than the capital," Mikoto noted, spotting a number of people with varying degrees of animal appendages.
"Veron was built to accommodate all races and cultures," Fiona informed. "It's quite nice to see this many demi-humans in one place." She smiled as her eyes wandered to the various stalls selling unique and foreign items.
"Look at all the food!" Holding no reservations, Mai exclaimed as her gaze almost ferally darted from one food stall to the next. Even Adrian seemed somewhat intrigued, though Lukas seemed impatient.
"Yes, yes, the city of Veron is vast and vibrant. But we're not here for sightseeing," Guinevere reminded, reining in everyone's attention. "Now then, we'll be here quite a while. Mikoto, you're with me. The rest of you, go acquire accommodations." She ordered with the confidence of a natural leader.
"Hey, can't I come with? You're hogging the most interesting guy here to yourself," Mai whined.
"No, look after the children," Guinevere bluntly denied as she gestured for Mikoto to follow. He merely shrugged and gave Fiona a wave and Astrid a nod. "See ya later, demon fiddler," he gave Adrian a special goodbye, though he ignored Lukas, the young knight who was glaring at him every step of the journey. For some reason, he seemed to harbor a distaste towards him.
As Guinevere strolled away, Mikoto trailed behind her, taking in the somewhat foreign sights. "This is still Galadriel, yet this city seems way different than what I normally see." The capital city seemed plain compared to the natural and diverse nature of Veron.
"Veron prides itself on its diversity. This city is part of Duke Arthur Von Achenbach's territory. He resides vigilance over this city even though he does not fully oversee it. He made sure it welcomed all with open arms," Guinevere informed.
("The old man, huh? Wonder how he's doing.") Mikoto mused, though as he walked alongside Guinevere, he noted the stares he received. Some were nervous, others apprehensive.
"You would do well to be rid of the ominous helm," the court mage advised as she too noticed the stares.
Mikoto snorted, "Never, if I grace them with my face, they'll all fall in love." He joked, at least it got a ghost of a smile from her. Well, he was not lying. Telluris said he was prettier than Lucinda. He would rather be more handsome, but unfortunately, life was just unfair. He felt like sighing once more because of his 'cursed' appearance. Shaking his head, he sought to think of another subject. "Anyway, where are we going?"
"The adventurers guild," she answered, eliciting a hidden raised brow from Mikoto.
"What's there?"
"We'll find information on the S-class Astrothians we aim to hunt there. Adventurers do a number of tasks from simple explorations of dungeons, gathering resources to hunting animals and Astrothians." She explained, "Though their strength is limited, and with such strong beasts lingering about, it impedes their other work. Hence requests are put in to call for help from more accomplished sorcerers or warriors."
Mikoto hummed in interest as a thought entered his mind, "Lesser dragons are classified as Astrothians too, right? Will we be killing some of them?" He asked, his voice sounding somewhat excited at the prospect of killing dragons.
"No," Guinevere denied immediately, "They're much too rare. It would be a miracle to find one alive. Though I am not quite sure which Astrothians we shall be facing, they're only class S and not Z."
(Makes sense, I guess.") He thought disappointed, (Still weird how they're considered Astrothians despite not being magical beasts... filthy reptiles... huh?") His thoughts were cut short as he abruptly stopped, catching sight of something strange. It was a tall cobblestone building nestled between an eccentric-looking restaurant and what seemed to be a large bank. They numbered at least in the hundreds, humans and demi-humans, all dressed in tattered white uniforms, some sporting nasty injuries. A little girl missing her left arm, a man without an eye, a woman having to lean against another due to her lack of a right leg. Some people were attending to them, handing them new clothing and leading those with the worst injuries inside the building complex first.
Guinevere glanced at the scene as well, "Refugees, it seems like." She noted, "Many come here to Veron as it is a safe haven that does not discriminate. But worry not about them, they shall be taken care of."
"I see...." He could not help but frown as he followed after her once more. ("I guess scenes like that are commonplace. I'll swing by later and see if they need more help. I can at least heal the limbs they lost.") He decided as they continued their journey through the city.
"You yearn to help them," Guinevere noted. "I did not fancy you as the type who would care that much," she mused.
"Must've made a bad impression then."
"Far from it," she smiled ever so slightly. "But I am curious as to what goes on inside that head of yours."
"Just ask, I'll answer honestly... probably." Mikoto shrugged.
"Nay, I think the mystery fitting. And besides, you would no doubt avoid my most prominent question," the court mage reasoned, and he could not argue with that. "But do answer me this, the blade Sabre saw you as worthy, so do you view yourself as a protector of this realm?"
Mikoto quirked up a brow at that, of all the questions she could have asked. "Protector of this realm, that seems much too broad for me. I'd like to save people where I can, but I've no grand goals or anything like that."
"Despite you holding such vast power?" Guinevere mused, "It's not out of the realm of possibility."
"I guess, I dunno... I'd like playing the hero, but it isn't a concrete objective of mine." He admitted, "Suppose I'm just going with the flow until I accomplish my actual one."
"And what is your goal?"
"Getting back home," he answered easily enough. He, of course, left it vague on purpose.
Guinevere tilted her head at that, "Do you not hail from Doma? It should be a simple task, no?" She reasoned, Mikoto gave a hum at that.
"Unfortunately, it ain't as simple as that," he voiced, "When I say home, I don't mean a 'place', it refers to my little sister and my mother. They're far away currently."
Guinevere remained silent at that, an unreadable expression upon her face. It was odd she could not see his face, yet she knew the emotions currently displayed, a longing for family. It was something she could relate to. She wanted to say something, maybe words of encouragement that despite his family being out of reach, he would reach them all the same. However, she did not. It was not her place to impede in another's affairs.
"Ah, there it is." Guinevere suddenly stopped, causing Mikoto to do the same, "It's not changed since the last I've been here," she informed with a smile of reminiscence. A large white building decorated in a bright green color. Its exterior was grand and welcoming with a varying degree of adventurers on the premise. Ranging from simple warriors outfitted in rough armor to sorcerers in expensive robes and uniforms. There was no shortage of unique people. "Come," she gestured for him to follow. Walking up to the guild's large oak doors, Guinevere pushed past them.
The interior was simplistic yet spacious and clean. What looked to be the guild's various receptionists were located at the back behind counters, and there was a bulletin board littered with numerous papers. Numerous sleek wooden tables were sprawled about, seats surrounding them, and adventurers occupying most tables. The adventurers guild seemed to double down as a place of respite also, numerous beverages and savory foods being served to the haggard-looking adventurers.
("Like something straight out of an RPG,") Mikoto mused internally. Guinevere walked on as he followed. Of course, they received various stares, the guild was made up of numerous unique individuals, yet the duo was still looked at with interest. Well, Guinevere was mainly receiving lecherous stares and catcalling, which she ignored. While they looked at Mikoto as if he were out of place, some looking with apprehension due to the ominous armor.
Reaching one of the receptionists, a woman of average height, shoulder-length neatly styled brown hair and green eyes dressed in an elaborate green dress adorned in white, it was more of a uniform. The woman greeted them with a polite smile, "Greetings, I've not seen you two here before. Are perhaps interested in becoming Adventurers? I can have the forms ready in a moment," she offered like an expert salesperson.
"No, we're with the extermination unit sent by the capital," Guinevere quickly clarified. The receptionist's eyes widened in realization as she flashed them an apologetic smile.
"My apologies, I was not expecting you here so soon," she sheepishly admitted. "Is it just the two of you or...."
"Worry not, our full team is stationed nearby," Guinevere quickly waved off her concerns. "Now, do you have information on all the S-class Astrothians roaming nearby?"
"Of course!" The receptionist quickly reached beneath the counter, retrieving a stack of papers. Guinevere gestured for Mikoto to take it. The receptionist sent him a smile that seemed a tad strained as he took them, glazing over their contents. "Reports some of our adventurers made, it details their habits, nest, weaknesses, and attack patterns."
"Thank you kindly, we'll get to exterminating them effective immediately." The receptionist gave a grateful bow as Mikoto and Guinevere turned to leave.
"These papers are kinda useless to me, I'll just bulldoze through all the Astrothians," he stated boldly.
"Were anyone else to make such a statement, I'd call them an idiot," Guinevere chuckled slightly, "But there's great praise of your power, so I am inclined to believe you."
"It says here there are six Astrothians, do we hunt them one by one or split up. But that would affect any evaluation, no?"
"We'll split up. This test is mainly for the princess, Fiona, and Lukas. So as long as I and Mai can get a gauge on their effectiveness, it does not really matter."
Mikoto hummed as they exited the guild, a hunt. It was a simple endeavor, but with how crazy this world was, he appreciated the simplicity.