Drake walked away from the clearing near the city's outskirts, his steps deliberate as he made his way back toward a building . The rough-hewn buildings of the mini city were just visible through the breaks in the thick wooden walls surrounding it. He leaped onto a low ledge that overlooked the entrance, where a young woman was waiting for him.
She was striking—tall, slim, and radiating a quiet confidence that contrasted sharply with Drake's cocky demeanor. Her long, golden hair fell freely down her back, catching the sunlight in waves, and her sharp green eyes sparkled with curiosity. She stood with her arms crossed, leaning casually against one of the crude wooden stakes that made up the city's defenses.
"Drake," she said, her voice light but edged with curiosity. "You're back. Did you handle the intruder?"
Drake smirked, dropping his sword to his side. "Handled? More like humiliated. Kid barely tried to fight. Makes me wonder if he's hiding something—or if he's just a waste of time." He tilted his head back toward where Jin still lay recovering. "I wouldn't be surprised if he's from the Forbidden World."
Her expression shifted slightly, her interest clearly piqued. "The Forbidden World?" she repeated, standing up straighter. "If that's true, I want to speak to him."
Drake frowned, his smirk fading. "Don't bother. He's not worth your time. Kid's a joke. If he's hiding something, he'll crack eventually—but you don't need to get involved, Rebekah."
But Rebekah was already moving, her green eyes scanning the path leading back toward Jin. Without a word, she leaped from the ledge, her movements swift and graceful.
"Rebekah, don't—" Drake shouted after her, his tone sharp with irritation, but she ignored him, disappearing down the path toward the clearing.
"Dammit," Drake muttered, shaking his head. "Always sticking your nose where it doesn't belong."
Rebekah Meets Jin
Jin sat near the city's outskirts, close enough to hear the faint sounds of activity beyond the walls—distant chatter, the occasional clang of metal, and the crackling of bonfires. He rested against a fallen tree trunk, still catching his breath from the earlier fight. His blade lay beside him, its edge nicked slightly from the clash with Drake.
The sound of soft footsteps made him tense, his instincts sharp even in his weakened state. When Rebekah stepped into view, he relaxed only slightly. She was tall, poised, and carrying herself with a calm, deliberate confidence. There was no malice in her movements—just curiosity.
She stopped a few steps away, tilting her head as she regarded him. Then, with a faint smile, she extended a hand toward him. "You don't look like you're here to cause trouble. My name's Rebekah. I'm one of the Free."
Jin hesitated, his dark eyes narrowing slightly as he studied her. She didn't seem hostile, but the memory of Drake's arrogant demeanor was still fresh in his mind. After a moment, he reached out, taking her hand. Her grip was firm but not forceful as she helped him to his feet.
"Jin," he said simply, brushing dirt from his clothes.
Rebekah smiled, her green eyes flicking briefly toward the sword at his side before meeting his gaze again. "Jin," she repeated, as though testing the name. "I saw the fight. You weren't trying, were you?"
Jin's lips tightened slightly, his expression unreadable. "I fought enough to stay alive. That's all that matters."
Rebekah's faint smile grew into something warmer. "You're smart. That's good. Around here, being smart will keep you alive longer than being strong."
Jin's gaze shifted past her toward the city gates. "Is that where you're from?" he asked, nodding toward the settlement.
She turned slightly, glancing over her shoulder. "The Free World? Yes. But it's not as free as we like to think." She paused, her expression softening as she looked back at him. "Why don't you come inside? Maybe we can talk more about what you're looking for."
The wooden gates creaked open, revealing the bustling heart of the mini city. Jin followed closely behind Rebekah, his steps cautious but steady. The rugged settlement sprawled before him, a chaotic mix of salvaged materials and crude craftsmanship. Makeshift buildings lined the dirt paths, their walls patched with mismatched planks and rusted metal sheets. Smoke from scattered bonfires curled into the air, mingling with the scent of roasted meat and spilled ale.
Drake walked a few steps ahead, his demeanor unchanged—arrogant, dismissive, and clearly uninterested in Jin's presence. He cast a glance back at them but said nothing, his sword swaying lightly at his side as they moved deeper into the city.
The marketplace was alive with noise and movement. Merchants shouted over one another, peddling wares displayed on rickety stalls. Shoppers haggled, their voices blending into a chorus of heated exchanges. Jin's eyes scanned the scene—a mix of rugged survivors, each with a story etched into their worn faces.
A group of men sat around a large wooden barrel, their mugs sloshing with frothy beer as they laughed raucously. One of them slammed his mug down, spilling liquid onto the dirt, while another belted out a crude song. Children darted between the stalls, their laughter momentarily breaking through the chaos.
Rebekah glanced back at Jin, her sharp green eyes flicking over his tattered appearance. "We'll need to do something about your clothes," she said, her tone light but firm.
Jin raised an eyebrow, glancing down at his travel-worn outfit. The fabric was torn and stained from the journey, and his boots were caked with dried mud. He shrugged. "I've been through worse."
Rebekah smiled faintly but didn't reply. She led him toward a small building on the edge of the market. Inside, shelves lined the walls, holding folded garments in various earthy tones. Rebekah picked through them quickly, pulling out a dark coat and a pair of sturdy pants. She held them up, eyeing Jin critically before handing them over.
"Here," she said. "You'll blend in better with these. Go on."
Jin took the clothes without complaint, stepping behind a curtain to change. When he emerged, the transformation was immediate. The new clothes fit snugly, the dark colors making him look less like a wandering stranger and more like someone who belonged.
Rebekah nodded approvingly. "That's better. Now, let's get a drink."
Scene: The Bar
The bar was lit, its interior filled with the scent of stale ale and wood smoke. The low murmur of conversations hummed in the background, punctuated by the occasional burst of laughter. Jin followed Rebekah inside, his eyes adjusting to the dimness as he scanned the room.
Rough wooden tables were scattered throughout the space, occupied by groups of drinkers. Barrels lined the back wall, their taps dripping with dark liquid. The bartender, a burly man with a scar running down his cheek, nodded as they entered, sliding mugs across the counter with practiced ease.
Drake entered behind them but veered off to a separate table, dropping into a chair with a casual smirk. He gestured to the bartender, who immediately slid a mug his way. Drake leaned back, sipping his drink and keeping a watchful eye on Jin.
Rebekah led Jin to a corner table, motioning for him to sit. A moment later, the bartender approached, placing two mugs of ale in front of them.
Rebekah lifted her mug, taking a small sip before turning her attention to Jin. "So," she began, her voice steady but probing. "How'd you find your way here? You don't exactly look like you belong."
Jin took a sip of his drink, his expression unreadable. "You're not interrogating me, are you?"
Rebekah raised an eyebrow, her lips twitching into a faint smile. "It's a free world here. Just curious."
Jin leaned back in his chair, resting one hand on the table. "Then you know the answer already," he said calmly. "It's a free world. Whatever I want to do—that's on me."
Rebekah chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Fair enough."
Drake, seated a few tables away, watched the exchange with mild irritation. He muttered something under his breath, taking another long sip from his mug before setting it down with a sharp thud. Jin glanced in his direction briefly but said nothing, his focus returning to Rebekah.
Scene: Understanding the Free World
Jin set his mug down gently, his dark eyes locking onto Rebekah's. His voice was steady but carried a hint of curiosity. "What is the Free World?"
Rebekah tilted her head slightly, studying him with a faint smirk. "If I answer that," she said teasingly, "you'll have to answer one of my questions too."
Jin's lips pressed into a firm line as he nodded once. "Fair enough."
Rebekah shifted forward, resting her elbows on the table. Her voice dropped slightly, but it carried a certain pride as she explained, "The Free World is… different. It's a place for people who don't fit in anywhere else. A melting pot of outcasts, wanderers, and those who refuse to bow to anyone's rules. It wasn't built to be a kingdom or a state—it was built to survive. For a long time, it had no leader, no structure, just people trying to live their lives on their own terms."
She glanced toward the door of the bar, where the soft murmur of the city could still be heard. "But things change. People need stability, even in a place like this. Now, we've got someone stepping in to guide things, whether everyone agrees with it or not." Her tone carried a hint of skepticism, as if she wasn't entirely convinced of the changes happening in her home.
She looked back at Jin, her green eyes sharp. "But enough about us. You're from the Forbidden World, aren't you?"
Jin frowned slightly, his brows knitting together. "Forbidden World?" he repeated, the words rolling off his tongue like a question. "I've never heard that name before. What does it mean?"
Rebekah's smirk faded, replaced by a thoughtful expression. "The Forbidden World," she said slowly, "is a place we're not supposed to talk about. A city that was erased—like it never existed. You won't find it on any map, and most people think it's a myth. But…" She hesitated, her gaze flicking briefly toward Drake, who was seated a few tables away, feigning disinterest. "Some say it's real. That it's hidden somewhere, out of reach, and the people who come from there… they're different."
Her eyes lingered on Jin as she said the last words, her meaning clear.
Before Jin could respond, two figures walked past their table, drawing his attention.
The Soldiers in White Armor
Their movements were precise, almost mechanical. Two soldiers clad in gleaming white armor, their faces obscured by helmets that reflected the light of the bar. The polished surface of their armor caught the faint glow from the bonfires outside, giving them an almost ethereal appearance.
Jin's eyes followed them as they walked past, their long, flowing capes trailing behind them. Each carried a sheathed blade at their side, their presence commanding quiet respect from the other patrons. Conversations died down slightly as they passed, the murmur of the room lowering to a hush.
Jin leaned slightly toward Rebekah, his voice low. "Who are they?"
Rebekah glanced toward the soldiers, her expression unreadable. "Sentinels," she said simply. "They're like the city's enforcers. Keep the peace, settle disputes, that sort of thing. They're supposed to keep things stable, but…" She trailed off, her tone hesitant.
"But what?" Jin pressed.
Rebekah shrugged lightly, her gaze flicking back to him. "Let's just say not everyone likes having them around. They're not perfect, and sometimes they overstep. But we'd be worse off without them."
Jin's eyes lingered on the Sentinels as they exited the bar, their pristine armor disappearing into the bustling crowd outside. Something about their presence unsettled him, though he couldn't quite place why.
Rebekah's voice brought his attention back to her. "You don't act like the people we've had trouble with," she said, studying him intently. "But there's something about you—something familiar. You're not like them, but…"
Jin's gaze hardened slightly. "Them?"
Rebekah nodded. "Dark forces. Cloaked figures. They've been causing chaos in the outskirts—attacking,disappearing people. Some of them look like you, or at least they dress like you. But you don't carry yourself like they do."
A Moment of Reflection
Jin's jaw tightened as he processed her words. The idea of being associated with something sinister gnawed at him, but he kept his composure. "I'm not here to cause trouble," he said firmly.
Rebekah nodded, her expression softening. "I didn't think you were. But around here, people are quick to judge. You'll need to prove yourself, especially if you want to stick around and tell me about your motives here"