Cruzer's arrival in Labyrinth City was met with a blend of awe and curiosity. The city was a fascinating mix of the modern and the magical, with skyscrapers that seemed to touch the sky, adorned with glowing runes and magical barriers. Streets bustled with people of all races and species: humans, elves, dwarves, and even more exotic creatures like minotaurs and fairies.
The cityscape was dotted with towering spires and floating platforms, connected by shimmering bridges. Magic-infused vehicles whizzed through the air alongside traditional cars, while street vendors sold both mundane and enchanted items. Shops displayed a range of goods from magical artifacts to everyday necessities, their windows lit by soft, ever-glowing lanterns.
At the heart of the city stood the Grand Plaza, a sprawling open area filled with vibrant markets and street performers. Here, merchants from distant lands peddled their exotic wares, and mages demonstrated their enchanting skills, attracting crowds of curious onlookers. The air was filled with the tantalizing aromas of street food, from grilled skewers to sweet pastries, blending with the occasional burst of magical energy from a nearby demonstration.
The city's infrastructure was an architectural marvel, blending the old with the new. Ancient stone buildings, remnants of a bygone era, stood proudly beside sleek, modern structures reinforced with magical runes. Every corner of the city exuded a sense of enchantment, from the illuminated signboards to the lampposts that glowed with an otherworldly light.
Streets were lined with trees that shimmered with bioluminescent leaves, casting a gentle, soothing light. Parks and gardens were interspersed throughout the city, offering a peaceful retreat from the bustling streets. These green spaces were meticulously maintained, with magical fountains and statues that moved gracefully, telling stories of heroism and adventure.
To the south of Labyrinth City lay the Great Jura Forest, a vast expanse of dense woodland teeming with life. The forest was known for its towering ancient trees, whose canopies formed a thick, almost impenetrable roof. The underbrush was rich with rare herbs and magical plants, making it a prime location for herbalists and potion makers. The forest was also home to various magical creatures, both benign and dangerous, making it a popular destination for adventurers seeking challenges and rare ingredients.
North of the city rose the Mistveil Mountains, a majestic range shrouded in a perpetual veil of mist. These mountains were known for their treacherous paths and hidden caves, often explored by miners and adventurers. Rich veins of precious metals and magical crystals were said to be buried deep within these mountains. At higher altitudes, the air was thin and cold, and the peaks were often covered in snow, even during the summer months.
To the east flowed the Serpent's River, a wide and winding river that glistened like a silver ribbon under the sun. The river was named for its serpentine course and was crucial for the city's water supply and trade. Small fishing villages and farming communities dotted the riverbanks, their livelihoods intertwined with the river's bounty. The river was also known for its magical properties, with certain sections believed to have healing waters or currents that could enhance magical abilities.
The western side of the city opened up to the Emberfall Plains, a vast, open landscape covered in golden grasses that swayed in the wind like waves on an ocean. These plains were known for their fertile soil, making them ideal for farming. Scattered throughout the plains were ancient ruins and standing stones, remnants of civilizations long past. The plains were also home to various herds of magical beasts, making it a popular hunting ground for adventurers seeking to test their skills and gather resources.
Cruzer began his search for accommodations, exploring the vibrant streets and noting the variety of inns and boarding houses. He finally settled on a modest but comfortable inn named "The Wandering Traveler," its sign adorned with a glowing map that promised comfort and affordability. After securing a room, he headed out to buy the necessary items for his new life as an adventurer in Labyrinth City.
He needed new armor as his combat suit had been rendered useless from his time at school. He also was in need of weapons, accessories, and potions. With the sale of his house at a relatively high price, since it was close to a popular academy, he had ample funds to start his new life.
His first stop was a general store that catered to adventurers. The store was filled with shelves of potions, enchanted weapons, and sturdy armor. He picked up a few health and mana potions, a new set of durable clothes, and some basic supplies like food and water.
He also bought a storage terminal with an area of 10 cubic meters for keeping his rations and dropped items. The shopkeeper, a kindly dwarf with a long, braided beard, also suggested a map of the city and the nearby dungeons, which Cruzer gratefully accepted. He also sold him a data chip with a compendium of all the recorded monsters, herbs, and other necessary points of interest for adventurers.
Next on his agenda was to buy some skill books and a weapon. He arrived at a weapons store and browsed through the inventory, picking up two skills: Basic Earth Wall, a defensive skill that created a sturdy and enchanted mud wall around the caster, and Aerial Cutter, an offensive skill that conjured blades made of invisible air with high penetrating power.
He also bought a decent sword made of magic steel that could cut through metals like paper. When he looked at his funds, he realized that he was back to being dirt poor again. He then scrapped the idea of buying accessories as he didn't have enough money and needed to keep some spare for accommodations and other emergencies.
He then moved back to his accommodation and decided to study the compendium to learn more about the monsters found in this area so that he would be well-prepared to take them on without risking his life too much.