"If you're planning to start your own business, the protection fee ranges from 10 to 5 gold coins. If you're living with family, it's between 10 to 20 silver coins," the driver explained, his tone matter-of-fact. "And if you live alone, it's 30 copper coins. Someone from these gangs comes to collect every month."
Adam muttered under his breath, "That's pretty cheap."
The driver glanced back with a frown. "Did you say something, Sir?"
Adam quickly responded, "No, nothing."
"Ahh... okay." The driver nodded and returned his attention to the road ahead.
Adam leaned forward slightly. "Do you know anything else about the situation?"
The driver hesitated, then sighed. "Sir, a small mouth like mine has said too much already. But if you're going to River City, here's some advice: don't interfere in others' affairs. If you see something wrong happening, just look the other way."
"I'll keep that in mind," Adam replied calmly.
As they approached the city, Adam noticed something peculiar through the window. Unlike the grand gates of the capital, River City had no gates. Instead, there was a large stone bridge spanning the wide river that encircled the city. The bridge served as the main entryway, allowing people to cross into the bustling streets beyond.
The bridge leading into River City was heavily guarded, with soldiers stopping and inspecting everyone who approached.
The main gate bridge of River City, situated on the eastern side, was a grand and imposing structure, both an entrance and a defense. Towering stone pillars framed the bridge, each covered in intricate carvings that depicted the city's history and its strong bond with water.
The walls surrounding the gate were made of solid gray stone blocks, weathered by time but still robust, standing tall as a symbol of protection and pride. The double doors of the bridge were enormous, designed not only for travelers and wagons but also to allow small boats from the river to pass when needed.
Above the gate, beneath the arch, was a beautifully carved emblem of the city—a stylized blue stone with flowing water, representing the magical water source that sustained the city.
Atop the gate, a parapet stretched along the wall, lined with guards. They wore uniforms of blue and silver, their breastplates marked with the same emblem of the blue stone, signaling their sworn duty to protect River City. Their sleek helmets covered their faces, the visors gleaming under the afternoon sun. Armed with long spears and shields etched with water motifs, the guards were an impressive sight.
Some guards, stationed with crossbows, kept watch from their high vantage point, eyes sharp for any signs of trouble.
The gate was under heavy guard, with a rigorous checkpoint process. As Adam's carriage approached, two guards stepped forward. One held a ledger, meticulously recording each traveler, while the other scanned the crowd, inspecting every person and their cargo to ensure no threats or contraband slipped through.
From his seat in the carriage, Adam gazed out at the breathtaking sight of River City, From this vantage point, he could see the heart of the city—a grand, **celestial crystal** at its center. Its translucent surface gleamed under the sun, casting a mesmerizing interplay of light and shadow across the entire cityscape.
The carriage moved closer to the main gate bridge, offering Adam a clear view of the intricate, canal-like structures that branched out from the central crystal. These man-made waterways served dual purposes, acting as both walls and lifelines, dividing the city into five distinct districts.
Each district seemed to pulse with its own unique energy, reflecting the vibrant culture and life that flourished within. Adam's eyes traced the canals as they wove through the city, providing water and sustaining life for its people.
In the distance, he could make out the bustling market district, the scholarly quarter, the sacred district, the wild district, and the fortified stronghold, each one like a world unto itself.
As Adam's carriage rolled up to the gate, he was greeted by the cool breeze coming off the river, the bustling entrance to River City—a perfect blend of stone, water, and magic.
A guard approached the carriage, eyeing the driver. "Where have you come from?" he asked, his voice gruff.
"We've come from the Capitol on business," the driver replied, his tone neutral.
The guard, without hesitation, stepped inside the carriage, sitting directly in front of Adam. His eyes narrowed as he smirked, saying, "So, Fatty's here for business, huh?"
Adam was caught off guard by the remark. He hadn't expected the guard to be so brazen. Without a word, he reached into his inventory and pulled out a gleaming gold coin, holding it up for the guard to see.
The guard's reaction was swift. His eyes widened as he snatched the gold coin with impressive speed. After a quick inspection of the coin, his expression changed instantly, and his eyes began to blink rapidly, the greed barely hidden behind them.
"Sorry, sir, I didn't recognize you," the guard said, immediately grabbing Adam's feet in a show of exaggerated deference.
Adam, internally amused, thought to himself, *Wow... that was a quick change of character.*
He leaned forward and asked, "Where can I find the quietest place here, where no one will disturb me?"
The guard, holding up the gold coin like a badge of honor, replied, "Sir, with this, no one will dare bother you."
Adam, unimpressed, pushed the guard away from his feet. "Now get out of here."
"Of course, sir! Remember me if you need anything," the guard said eagerly as he scrambled out of the carriage.
The carriage continued its journey across the bridge and into the city, leaving the groveling guard behind.
As Adam's carriage rolled into the heart of River City, the bustling streets teemed with life. Merchants shouted their wares, children played in the streets, and the smell of fresh bread wafted through the air. After traveling a short distance, Adam signaled the driver to stop.
He stepped out of the carriage, handing the driver a gold coin with a casual flick of his wrist. "Remember, I didn't come here," he said with a hint of mischief in his voice.
The carriage driver nodded, a look of understanding crossing his face. "Of course, sir," he replied, pocketing the coin before driving off into the throng of people.
Adam, still in the form of the portly Fat Man Gobar, scanned the area. He quickly spotted a deserted alleyway, a narrow passage that seemed to promise solitude amid the chaos of the city. With a slight smirk, he slipped into the shadows.
Once safely hidden from prying eyes, he closed his eyes and focused. The familiar sensation of magic tingled at his fingertips as he transformed, his body shifting and reshaping until he emerged as a young girl, her features delicate and unassuming.
With his new appearance complete, Adam took a moment to adjust to the subtle nuances of his disguise. The world felt different through the eyes of this form—lighter, less burdensome. He stepped out of the alley and into the bustling street, ready to explore River City.