Our op Mc arrived at a random city somewhere in the vast expanse of the multiverse. It wasn't a grand metropolis brimming with celestial power or a remote village lost in time—it was somewhere in between, a place that felt just right.
With a population of around 100 million, the city bustled with life, but not to the point of being overwhelming. There was a quiet charm in its balance, a blend of activity and tranquility that made it an ideal place for someone looking to retreat from the spotlight.
He stood at the outskirts, gazing at the city in the distance, taking in the view of towering buildings interspersed with greenery, marketplaces filled with merchants and travelers, and the hum of everyday life. It was perfect for what he sought—a place where he could fade into the background, a world where he was just another face in the crowd.
With a thought, he swapped his distinguished, luxurious robes—once adorned with symbols of power and authority—for a plain, unremarkable set of black cultivator's robes. The transformation was subtle but effective; no longer did he stand out as someone to be revered or feared. He looked like any other traveler, just another soul passing through.
Satisfied with his new appearance, he started walking toward the city gates. There was no need for grand entrances or flashy displays of power. For once, he wanted to experience the world from a different perspective, to feel the ground beneath his feet and hear the sounds of the city up close. His pace was slow and unhurried, the rhythmic sound of his footsteps blending with the distant murmur of the city's life.
As he approached the gates, he could already sense the energy of the place—a mix of different cultivators, merchants, and ordinary citizens, each going about their lives. No one paid him any special attention, just as he preferred. This city, unknown and unremarkable in the grand scheme of the multiverse, would be his sanctuary, his retreat from the endless battles and conflicts that had once defined his existence.
For the first time in eons, he felt the stirrings of something unfamiliar—contentment.
Our op Mc waited patiently in line, standing among a variety of travelers, merchants, and other cultivators, as the queue crept forward. Nearly an hour passed before it was finally his turn. Approaching the city gates, he took in the imposing presence of the guards stationed there.
The guards were encased in armor from head to toe, each piece carefully crafted and enchanted, radiating a subtle aura of power. Clearly, the city's leaders hadn't cut corners when it came to security; every guard's armor bore complex enchantments that enhanced its durability, elevating it far beyond standard metal protection.
These were not mere ceremonial suits but genuine, battle-ready armor, polished to a mirror-like sheen and layered with spells to deflect strikes, endure elemental attacks, and sense hostile magic or techniques.
Each guard's visor glowed faintly with enchanted runes, likely a means to enhance vision, allowing them to pierce through illusions and detect the auras of approaching cultivators. Their weapons, too, were of the highest quality—spears tipped with shimmering blades and swords that glinted with barely-contained power, resting at their sides.
The guards' watchful eyes moved over him with practiced scrutiny, trained to detect any sign of threat. To the untrained eye, they might seem just another line of defense, but our protagonist knew better; these guards were a statement, a show of strength meant to discourage even the most ambitious from causing trouble.
As he stepped forward, the lead guard raised a gauntleted hand, signaling him to halt while his eyes assessed him. The air felt charged, almost expectant, as if the city itself were watching him through these soldiers. But he simply met their gaze with a calm, respectful nod, letting them see only what he wanted them to see—a lone traveler, unremarkable and unthreatening, seeking nothing more than entry.
"A hundred gold coins and a name," the guard stated flatly, his voice steady and authoritative. The sun glinted off his polished armor, casting a brief glare as our protagonist approached.
"Dax," he replied, pulling a bag from his belt and placing it on the wooden counter in front of the guard. The sound of coins clinking together echoed slightly in the stillness, signaling his compliance with the city's entry fee.
The guard paused, his eyes narrowing as he diligently jotted down the name on a parchment list. This system was crucial for maintaining order, allowing the city to track its inhabitants and ensure safety within its walls. "And your surname?" the guard asked, looking up with a raised brow, expecting the customary response.
"No surname," our op mc answered, his voice calm and unyielding. He felt a twinge of unease but pushed it aside; the simplicity of his answer would suit his purpose here.
"Okay, Master Dax. You may pass," the guard replied after a brief moment, seemingly unfazed. "Enjoy your stay in our city." With a subtle nod of approval, he motioned for Dax to proceed.
As our op Mc stepped through the gates, a sense of anticipation washed over him. The bustling streets before him were alive with the sounds of merchants hawking their wares, children laughing and playing, and the distant clatter of horse-drawn carts. The vibrant atmosphere was a stark contrast to the quiet solitude he had experienced for so long.
With each step deeper into the city, he felt a small surge of satisfaction. This was a fresh start, a new chapter in his life. He hoped it would bring the peace he had sought for so long, a reprieve from the burdens of his past.
As he moved further into the heart of the city, the rich tapestry of life unfolded around him. The tantalizing scents of various foods wafted through the air, drawing his attention to bustling market stalls. He could see vendors displaying their colorful fruits, freshly baked breads, and intricately crafted trinkets, all vying for the attention of passersby.
With every sound and sight, he felt a flicker of hope rekindle within him. This city, with its towering walls and vibrant life, might just be the sanctuary he needed to find himself again.