Chapter - 21
Jacob felt a surge of power coursing through his weapon, an instinctive understanding of its newfound magic. Without hesitation, he aimed his gun at the locked door and fired. The door exploded in a burst of blue light and splintered wood, sending shockwaves through the room.
Chaos erupted. Shouts echoed down the corridor as guards rushed in, weapons drawn. Leading them was the man who had appraised the slaves. His eyes widened in shock at the sight of Jacob, and more specifically, at the faerium swirling around him.
"You fools captured a mage and brought him to me!" he bellowed, turning furiously to Jacob's captors. His anger quickly shifted to panic as he approached Jacob with hands raised, his demeanor shifting to one of appeasement.
"Esteemed mage," he said, his voice trembling. "I am deeply ashamed of what my underlings have put you through. Please, come with me. I will rectify this situation as best I can. I beg for your magnanimity and forgiveness."
Jacob, barely able to stand from the exhaustion of firing that magical bullet, nodded. He knew that for now, playing along was his best option. The energy it took to use his newfound ability had nearly drained him completely, and he needed time to recover.
The man led Jacob to a private room, where he was given food and a chance to rest. As Jacob ate, the man continued his apologies, his fear palpable.
"Please accept this compensation for the distress you have endured," the man said, handing Jacob a pouch of money. "It is a small token of our regret."
Jacob didn't hesitate to accept the money. Once he felt slightly more composed, Jacob left the building, the pouch of money tied to his belt. He stepped out into the bustling streets of Ironhelm City, a place both alien and familiar, with towering stone walls and cobblestone streets filled with people and strange, magical contraptions.
He had a revolver filled with magic, a mysterious mission, and the haunting promise of a wish that could bring Eliza back. He needed to find allies, information, and a way to harness the power within him. But first, he needed a place to sleep.
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Mirntha was a realm of ancient magic, where fantastical landscapes and towering cities coexisted with untamed wilderness and deadly creatures. Mirntha's geography was dominated by three vast landmasses, separated by the Great Sea, a sprawling ocean filled with perilous waters and mysterious islands. Each landmass was home to its own unique cultures and dangers.
The four great kingdoms of Mirntha were Avele, Valtoris, Drahgor, and Theran. Avele, where Jacob now found himself, was known for its lush forests and well-developed cities, its people skilled in both agriculture and the arcane arts. Valtoris, to the west, was a kingdom of scholars and architects, its cities filled with towering spires and libraries that held the accumulated knowledge of centuries. Drahgor, to the north, was a harsh and rugged land, its people hardened by the cold and constant threat of invasion from barbarian tribes and monstrous creatures. Theran, to the east, was a realm of deserts and oases, where nomadic tribes and powerful sorcerers vied for control of the scarce resources.
Monsters roamed the wilds of Mirntha, from the towering behemoths known as Titan Beasts, which could crush entire villages underfoot, to the elusive Shadow Wyrms that slithered through the darkness, preying on the unwary. The sky was not safe either, as fearsome Sky Serpents would swoop down from the clouds, their scales glinting in the sun as they carried off livestock and unwary travelers. In the depths of the Great Sea lurked the Kraken, a colossal beast with tentacles that could drag entire ships to a watery grave. Even the forests held danger, with packs of Direwolves and the eerie, ghostly Stalkers that could phase in and out of reality, making them nearly impossible to track or escape from.
Ironhelm was the capital of the kingdom of Avele, known for its beauty and its magic. The people here were proud and resilient, their city fortified against the threats that lurked in the shadows of the enchanted forests and mountains. Ironhelm's towering walls were a testament to its need for defense. The main gate, an imposing structure of iron and stone, was flanked by watchtowers where guards kept a vigilant eye on the horizon.
It had been a week since Jacob had transmigrated to the world of Mirntha. In that time, the young man had navigated the bewildering blend of magic and life, but now he faced a pressing problem: he needed to find a job. The money he had received from the slave trader had sustained him till now, but it was quickly running out. At least it had given him a cushion to understand this new world and become accustomed to its ways.
Jacob had familiarized himself with the currency of Mirntha, known as Orins. The system was straightforward: there were three types of Orin coins—gold, silver, and bronze. One gold orin was equivalent to ten silver orins, and one silver orin was worth ten bronze orins.
Jacob's mornings often began with breakfast at the Iron Mug Inn where he had rented a room. The inn's owner, a man named Thorne, had taken a liking to Jacob and often provided him with advice about the city and its opportunities. One morning, as Jacob sat in the dining hall, Thorne approached him with a thoughtful look.
"Jacob, you found a place to work at?" Thorne asked.
"Unfortunately, not yet. Do you have any suggestions. I can do hard labour." Jacob told him.
"You seem like a capable fellow. Have you considered joining the monster hunters' guild? They're always looking for new recruits."
Jacob looked up, intrigued. "The monster hunters' guild? What do they do exactly?"
Thorne chuckled. "They hunt down dangerous beasts and monsters that threaten the city and its outskirts. It's a dangerous job, but it pays well. Plus, if you've got any skills with a weapon, it could be a good fit for you."
Jacob's mind raced as he thought about his situation. He had his magic gun which could summon mystical bullets and might give him an edge in combat. Hunting monsters for money seemed not too different from being a bounty hunter, a role he was familiar with from his previous life. The thrill of the hunt, the danger, and the reward at the end—it all felt like something he could excel at.
"Thanks for the tip, Thorne. That actually sounds like something I could do," Jacob said, finishing his meal.
Thorne nodded approvingly. "The guild hall is just down the main road, near the market square. Talk to one of the receptionists there. They'll set you up with everything you need."