A gentle breeze swept through the area as the sun dipped behind the horizon of Shadowed Peaks Territory. A youthful figure sat perched on the side of a timber and wattle two-story structure. Due to the limitations of its thatched roof, Alfred opted to position himself on a sturdy beam at the rooftop's edge.
His gaze wandered with admiration across the surrounding buildings. Constructing these homes from an array of challenging materials must have required considerable time and effort. Despite the constraints posed by tools and materials, the inhabitants of Shadowed Peaks Territory demonstrated remarkable resourcefulness in crafting such intricate structures.
Alfred stared at the great wall off in the distance, he reached into his pouch and grabbed the last meat bun.
Ah, that must be the outer border.
The outer wall of Shadow Peaks Territory stood as a formidable barrier, its sheer height and imposing presence cast an aura of impenetrability. Constructed from massive stone blocks, meticulously fitted together, it stretched far and wide, encircling the territory like a protective embrace. The wall was adorned with intricate carvings depicting strange symbols.
Atop the wall, battlements jut out at regular intervals, manned by vigilant guards who kept watch day and night. Towering spires rose at strategic points, enhancing the fortress-like appearance of the structure.
Despite its imposing exterior, the wall bore signs of age and weathering, with moss clinging to its crevices and ivy creeping up its sides. Yet, it remained a symbol of strength and protection, instilling awe and trepidation to those within its confines.
Within the walls were the sprawling slums that engulfed an astonishing twenty percent of the city, encircling the heart of Shadowed Peaks Territory like a constricting noose—a relentless symbol of poverty and despair.
A smaller barrier delineated the boundary between the middle class and the slums, boasting numerous openings compared to the mere four gates guarding the perimeter of the entire territory.
I need to gather information before anything else.
If Henri's recollections were accurate, Alfred's presence in this city constituted a capital offense. Should he be discovered, death would be certain and without trial.
Maybe Vesperans are more welcoming?
Alfred had no problems with becoming an enemy to humans, unbound by moral or ethical constraints when pursuing his objectives. Yet, the persistent threat of discovery left him anxious, driving his search for resolution.
With a bold leap, the young man descended from the beam, alighting securely on the ground.
*Pat*
He glanced around at the desolate street.
Before searching for a library of sorts, I need to find a place to sleep tonight.
Alfred glanced longingly at the windows of surrounding houses with soft yellow light peeking through their curtains.
Despite growing accustomed to resting on filthy floors beside stray animals over time, Alfred yearned for the simple comforts of clean sheets and a warm bed, especially after indulging in a hot shower. He resolved not to let the harsh experiences of his past tarnish his dignity or alter his personality.
The mere thought of venturing into the inner city, an exclusive realm inaccessible to slum residents, quickened Alfred's pulse. He understood the dire consequences of being apprehended by the guards, realizing that such an outcome would spell disaster.
His sole hope lay in devising a plan to bypass the heavily guarded testing stations, yet he grappled with uncertainty regarding his courage to proceed.
Elijah Feng's memories guided him to the most lavish residence in the slums: the domain of the Boss, known as Leonis Fangstride. Its opulence starkly contrasted with the surrounding poverty.
Several maids diligently maintained warmth within the house, even using their bodies to heat Leonis' bed. Alfred chuckled at the memory, knowing there were more efficient ways to warm a bed.
With determination burning in his eyes, Alfred silently declared his defiance against Leonis, the tyrant who ruled the neighborhood with an iron grip.
How dare someone enjoy a harem in my presence!
However, Leonis was far from an easy conquest - he commanded a massive network built from taxing the local businesses. It would take more than mere bravado for him to have any chance of success.
Elijah was one of the many henchmen of Leonis. However Leonis' ability was not limited to just his henchmen, he was powerful in his own right. It was said that he possessed knowledge of two basic spells, which enabled him to control the slums with an iron fist.
Rumors circulated that Leonis was an illegitimate child from a middle-class family. Many speculated that someone within the inner city had given him their support.
Alfred was no longer content now knowing Leonis. He could no longer hide in the shadows, it was time to claim his share in this world. He developed a taste for risk in his previous life and now under pressure, that excited him.
Time to take down Leonis! Alfred exclaimed to himself in excitement. After my victory, maybe some of the women would rush to serve me.
He stopped dead in his tracks and stood still when he remembered something.
Tch, damn it. Alfred sighed and gritted his teeth, even if the women were willing, he wouldn't be able to do anything with a 13-year-old body. I'll make sure to take my anger out on this so-called Leonis, the sinister! How dare he indulge in a harem when I'm stuck in this body!
Leonis Fangstride earned his infamous title through the slums for the way he treated those under him - a force of nature that could quickly turn from benevolent to wicked. He was commonly known as Leonis the Sinister.
Alfred trudged on, the sun soon setting over the horizon. He decided it would be best to attack at night when his prey was most vulnerable. So he waited outside the Boss' house until after dark.
Not long after he arrived, he noticed the target house was larger than the others in the area. Even so, it was constructed with similar materials. The size of this abode was a giant leap up from Henri's hut and Alfred couldn't help but admire it.
He discovered a narrow alleyway opposite Leonis' house and settled down near a heap of garbage. Passersby mistook him for an abandoned kid and walked by without even the slightest glance in his direction, assuming he was the average beggar.
This worked out in his favor, Alfred took no notice and rethought his plan as he waited for his opportunity.
The Boss finally arrived, followed by an entourage.
That's going to affect my plan, I can only be patient and wait for a possible opportunity.
The meek boy was aware that he had no chance of facing that many enemies, so he decided to give them some time and see if they dispersed before throwing in the towel.
Shortly after, a party ensued with laughter and loud singing. Alfred was surprised at the similarity of the music to the music of Earth in the twentieth century.
Could there have been someone in this world before me to influence their culture? Or did things develop naturally? I need to find a library after this.
Amidst his thoughts, Alfred noticed the guards were also drinking. The presence of drunk guards worked in his favor, so he continued to be patient.
For three hours, the men and women continued partying until it finally started to die down. The guests started leaving one by one. Alfred, being very perceptive, had already taken count of the guests before they entered The Boss' home.
He continued counting as the guests left. After another hour, the youth was certain that only The Boss, the two guards sitting outside, and the maids were left.
With a deliberate pace, he rose to his feet and confidently strode towards the drunken guards stationed at the entrance initiating the first part of his plan.
"Hey there, sirs! I need your assistance!" Alfred spoke in the most adorable voice he could muster.
As one of the guards lifted his gaze, it was evident he drank excessively, leaving him disheveled and unkempt.
"Fuck off kid, before I tear you to pieces," the man grumbled in a low tone.
"Sir, I implore you to consider my mother's situation. She is in dire need of assistance." With a pleading look in his eyes, Alfred hoped to evoke their sympathy and understanding.
"I said fuck off!" he threw a pebble near him at the boy.
Alfred pretended to cry before laying his trap. He continued, "But my mother," sniffle "some scary men took all her clothes and she needs help!"
The guard's attention was immediately captured. The Boss forbade them from indulging in the women inside. Frustrated and looking for an outlet, they eagerly considered how they could alleviate their pent-up frustrations.
And just like that, the boy's timely appearance seemed to present a perfect solution to their cravings, essentially offering them a possible, much-needed release.
"And where is your mother?" the other guard spoke up.
Just like I thought, these people are even worse than me. I need to find out why the situation in the slums is so bleak that no one wants to help anybody else.
"There she is, just over there," the young boy exclaimed, pointing towards the alleyway he had just emerged from. Urgency filled Alfred's voice as he continued, "We need to hurry! She's injured and unable to move!" Without pausing for a moment, he sprinted ahead leading the guards.
As if on cue, the guards immediately rose to their feet and obediently trailed behind Alfred toward the dimly lit alleyway. Had they caught a glimpse of the youngster's expression, doubt would cloud their minds and they would second-guess their actions.
The two guards staggered slowly, one slightly towering over the other, their physiques finely tuned for battle. Braden, the taller figure, gripped a formidable sword, while his shorter companion, Bors, wielded a sharp ax, both ready for any threat that dared to approach.
Braden's long black hair cascaded over his leather-clad shoulders, concealing his toned muscles, a deceptive appearance that belied his strength. With swiftness unmatched by his comrade Bors, Braden dashed ahead, trailing Alfred closely. A wry smile played across his lips as a cunning thought crossed his mind, "If I reach the boy's mother first, I'll claim the spoils."
Contrasting with his companion, Bors possessed a more substantial physique which gave him a slightly shorter appearance. Adding to his captivating presence was his untamed, dirty blond hair that exuded an air of fierceness. Its rough and spiky texture added an edge to his overall look.
Alfred, being quick on his feet, was the first to arrive at the scene. With a sense of urgency, he swiftly entered and strategically concealed himself behind the carefully arranged pile of rubbish. Braden closely followed suit, determined to locate both the boy and his mother without wasting a moment.
Bors arrived shortly after. "Where are they?" he asked
"I don't know, the boy was right here and then just disappeared."
They decided to walk further into the alleyway and search for his tracks.