After three days of travel, Raymond and Garret finally arrived at the capital. They found themselves waiting in a line that stretched out from the city gate, where guards diligently monitored those who sought entry.
As they approached the gate, a guard stepped forward and halted them. "Greetings. May I see your identification, please? Standard check," he said in a practiced tone.
Garret nodded with a friendly smile and handed over his ID. The guard examined it and waved him through. When it was Raymond's turn, he shifted slightly, his heavy armor glinting in the sunlight. "I'm sorry, I don't have an ID," Raymond said calmly. "It was lost during my journey."
The guard's eyes narrowed in scrutiny. "Is that so? Follow me."
Raymond exchanged a brief glance with Garret, who gave a reassuring nod before continuing on his way. The guard led Raymond to a modest room just off the main gate. The walls were stone, adorned with nothing but a worn bench and an arcane stone tablet sitting on a pedestal.
"What do I need to do?" Raymond asked, a hint of impatience in his voice.
The guard gestured to the tablet. "Place your hand on this. It will reveal if there's any criminal record associated with you."
Raymond hesitated only for a moment before placing his gauntleted hand on the tablet. It glowed softly for a moment before a clear, green light appeared—indicating no criminal record. The guard's demeanor softened.
"Looks like you're clear," he said, a faint smile forming. "You'll need to pay two silver coins for a temporary ID. Alternatively, if you plan to join the adventurers' guild, they can handle your registration."
"That was my plan, actually," Raymond replied, reaching into his inventory. He handed over a gold coin without a second thought.
The guard's eyes widened in surprise. "Hey, that's too much! We don't have change for this," he said quickly, shifting uncomfortably.
Raymond waved his hand dismissively. "Keep the rest. Consider it a contribution."
The guard's surprise turned into a grateful nod. "Thank you, sir. Your ID will be ready shortly. Good luck in the capital."
Raymond stepped out into the bustling street, where Garret was waiting with a grin. The city around them buzzed with energy—vendors shouted their wares from colorful stalls, adventurers recounted grand tales over tankards of ale, and the aroma of freshly baked bread wafted through the crisp air. The capital was alive, brimming with the promise of new beginnings.
"Well, this is where we part ways," Garret said, shifting the weight of his merchant's pack and adjusting the straps on his shoulders. "I have some trading partners waiting to see me. How about we celebrate with a drink later? A toast to safe travels and new fortunes."
Raymond met Garret's gaze and gave a brief nod, the gesture substituting for a smile. "I appreciate the offer, but I'll pass. I don't drink," he said, careful to keep his tone light.
Garret raised an eyebrow, a flicker of surprise crossing his face before he nodded, chuckling. "Ah, you're a man of discipline. I can respect that. Well, if you change your mind, I'll be staying near the marketplace. Now, let's find you an inn so you can rest those ironclad bones of yours."
They navigated the busy streets, dodging carts loaded with exotic goods and weaving through clusters of townsfolk. The din of the market followed them until they reached a quieter lane. Nestled between a blacksmith's forge, its chimney puffing gray smoke, and an herbalist's shop with neatly arranged rows of dried herbs, stood a modest inn. The sign above the door read The Hearth's Rest, its paint faded but welcoming. Lantern light bathed the windows in a warm, golden glow.
Inside, the air was filled with the scent of spiced cider and woodsmoke. A rotund innkeeper with rosy cheeks and a beaming smile looked up from polishing a tankard. "Welcome, travelers! Looking for rooms?"
Garret stepped forward. "Two separate rooms, please. What's included with the stay?"
The innkeeper's eyes brightened as he explained. "Each room comes with a comfortable bed, warm linens, and breakfast in the morning—perfect for weary travelers."
Raymond cleared his throat gently. "I'll take a room without breakfast, if possible."
The innkeeper's cheerful expression faltered momentarily, eyes flicking to Raymond's imposing figure. "Ah, I see. Not a problem, sir. One room without breakfast and one with."
After settling the payment, Garret turned to Raymond, eyes glinting with a mixture of curiosity and amusement. "Passing on breakfast too, eh? You're full of surprises, Raymond, but I won't pry. Just promise me you won't go hungry, big guy. The guild might keep you busy."
Raymond nodded, the slight dip of his head conveying his gratitude. "I'll manage. Safe travels, Garret. May your deals be fair and your path smooth."
Garret gave a hearty laugh and clapped Raymond on the shoulder. "Same to you, friend. Stay out of trouble—and don't let the guild run you ragged."
Raymond watched Garret disappear into the crowd before turning and making his way to the inn's stairs. The sound of his heavy boots echoed in the quiet hallway as he reached the door to his room. After securing the latch and ensuring the door was locked, he placed his hand on the strap of his helmet.
A quiet sigh escaped him, but it wasn't out of fatigue—it was the weight of the truth he couldn't shake. He had spent days in this strange new world, and every moment felt surreal, yet undeniable. He was here. But how? And why?
With a swift motion, he removed his helmet, placing it gently on the nearby table. He stood for a moment in the stillness, his eyes fixed on the reflection in the small cracked mirror hanging on the wall.
There, staring back at him, was his skeletal face. Hollow eyes, the bone pale and smooth, and the faint glow of his own cursed magic barely visible under the surface. For a moment, he simply stood there, staring at the skull that had once been an ordinary man's face. It was hard to reconcile the familiar with the unrecognizable. His fingers traced the edge of his jawbone, as though hoping to feel the warmth of skin that no longer existed.
"Is this really me?" Raymond whispered to the empty room, his voice muffled by the hollow echo of his undead form.
For days, he had fought to focus on the practical—on survival, on finding a place in this world. But the weight of his circumstances always lingered in the background. He had been reincarnated, thrust into a body that no longer had the warmth of life. A dark knight, clad in armor and magic, forced to walk a path no one else would understand.
His hand lingered over his skull for a moment longer, the chill of his bones serving as a harsh reminder. As much as he wished to deny it, the truth was clear: he was no longer the man he once was. And the more he thought about it, the more it seemed impossible.
Yet here he was, standing in the heart of a foreign world. How had he ended up in this place? What did fate, or whatever twisted force had pulled him here, intend for him to do now?
He placed his hands on the edge of the sink and leaned forward, his reflection staring back with empty, glowing eyes. "I'll figure this out," he murmured softly, the determination returning to his voice. "I won't be a pawn in someone else's game. I'll find out why I'm here."
With that, he set his jaw and replaced the helmet, pulling it back over his skull with practiced ease. Once again, he was a shadow, his true form hidden beneath layers of steel and mystery.
Tomorrow, he would take another step toward understanding this world. But tonight, he had questions, and those questions would have to wait.
The distant sound of the city's bells chimed again as Raymond sat down on the bed. It was time to rest—or at least pretend to. The night was long, and the adventure had only just begun.
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To be continue.....