Living in a different world with a new set of societies would require plenty of adjustment. However, since learning he was reincarnated, Leonard had thought about it multiple times.
Even before he was reincarnated, Leonard had watched and read various stories where the protagonist was transported to another world. He had observed what needed to be done and, now, he knew what he must prepare for.
Firstly, he didn't know much about human society except for the village he came from. They had taught him basic survival skills but not how to handle a harsh environment. Essentially, he had lived a secluded life focused solely on farming.
This time, things would take a huge leap. He was a Player, and a gaming system existed in a few people of this world.
As he approached the city gates, he kept his purpose in mind. He would observe and learn. He needed to understand the culture, any language differences, and dress appropriately. Since he had only casual clothes from the village—a tunic that was essentially a low-quality t-shirt—he knew he needed to adapt.
"Identification." Leonard halted as he reached the giant wooden twin gates of the city, attached to the enormous concrete walls surrounding it.
"I don't have one, sir," he answered politely. The guard, wearing chainmail and carrying a spear, looked behind the gates, facing a different officer at the outpost.
The language difference was clear. The language in the village was the same as in the city, indicating a close history between the two settlements.
"Enter." The guard motioned for Leonard to proceed through the gates, where a small desk and an officer in the same attire as the guards stood.
On top of the desk was a wooden slate, glowing with different colors from its intricate patterns. The officer pointed at the slate and said, "Place your hands on top of it."
Bewildered by its purpose, Leonard hesitated to place his hands. However, seeing that this might be part of their security procedure, he complied.
The slate's glow intensified as he touched it. The officer, with a stern expression, intently watched the slate until its glow lightened.
"No negative reaction. You may enter. Please register for identification at the Civil Registry Office at the end of the city plaza."
"Do they require payment for registration?" Leonard asked.
The officer nodded. "If you don't have any money, you can register at the Hunter's Guild for a temporary identification card."
"That's good to hear."
After that, Leonard went to the Hunter's Guild, following the guards' directions.
The street buzzed with medieval life, lined with timber-framed houses that cast shadows over the cobblestones. The air was rich with the earthy scent of wet stone and baking bread, mingled with the aroma of roasting meat from a nearby tavern.
An elderly herbalist with a white beard sold fragrant herbs outside a stone apothecary, while the blacksmith's forge glowed orange as he hammered out horseshoes. Colorful stalls with vendors calling out their wares—fresh vegetables, cheeses, and textiles—added to the lively, bustling atmosphere, punctuated by the chatter of townsfolk and the occasional bray of a donkey.
The atmosphere was refreshing to Leonard. Even though he came from Earth, he was still amazed at how the city was built with artistry straight out of historical paintings.
Leonard came from a modern technological era on Earth, which showed a huge gap compared to the medieval life of this world. However, what Leonard felt at the moment wasn't nostalgia or a desire to see the past, but rather the excitement of a countryside boy arriving in a big city full of opportunities.
He reached the Hunter's Guild quickly, and it was not unlike the other establishments around. It had an emblem above its twin doors, featuring crossed swords and a bow. It was intriguing, making Leonard enter the building with a hint of vigilance.
From the fantasy novels he had read, most guilds like these resembled taverns. However, he was greeted with an unexpected office-like atmosphere, albeit with an archaic setting.
There were desks and chairs at the side, probably a lounge for the hunters. At the end of the building was a receptionist hub, with each desk having doors behind them.
"Which teller should I approach if I want to register?" Leonard asked an archer who seemed to be studying the bulletin board for quests.
The man, with a wrinkled face but sharp eyes, looked at him. Leonard felt a slight skip in his heart, but he managed to compose himself.
"Teller One."
Leonard nodded. Before heading to the teller the man pointed out, he paused and asked once more.
"What is the minimum age to become a Hunter?"
The man hesitated to answer, only staring at Leonard. Kids nowadays were too rushed; they couldn't wait until adulthood before seeking a Hunter's license. Blinded by the wealth and fame that being a Hunter could promise, the man understood that Leonard was one of them.
"At least sixteen."
Leonard proceeded to Teller One after giving his gratitude. As he reached the desk, the receptionist didn't entertain him, clearly perceiving him as too young.
"Not the right age, kid. Please return when you are an adult."
"I am already an adult. I just turned sixteen," Leonard said, beaming with confidence as he stood his ground.
"No, you are obviously a kid. Don't bother people when they are working. It's inappropriate."
Noticing how the receptionist was treating him like a child, Leonard sighed and leaned closer to the desk. He then whispered, "Please, I really need an identification. I am a Player."
As soon as Leonard said this, the receptionist's attitude changed. Hitting the right spot, Leonard had accurately identified the rarity of being a Player. It seemed he had taken a gamble that paid off.
"Why didn't you say so? Alright, I'll register you for a temporary identification. But please return here after three days. I'll be preparing for your examination."
Nodding, Leonard understood he had learned something valuable. Next, he needed to integrate with the people and acquire relevant skills. Becoming a Hunter seemed like a good start, though he anticipated it wouldn't be easy and was considering other ways to join society.
"Temporary… is this the same as the official identification card issued by the Hunter's Guild, or not?"
The receptionist shook his head. "No, kid. This is only valid for city use—entering and identifying yourself within the city. You cannot enter the tower without the official identification card."
"Understood." Leonard nodded before filling out the form given to him.
'So, the tower seems to be a hub for Hunters, and the identification card issued by the Guild allows entry into the tower. I wonder if it's really similar to the towers in Korean manhwas.'
PassingNote: Let's have a trade.
For every 50 power stones, I will provide a bonus chapter. After chapter 15, the novel will be updated twice a day.