As the caravan rolled to a stop in the bustling village of Everhearth, Ezra stepped off the cart and stretched. The fresh scent of baked bread and the distant hum of a market greeted him. The guards disembarked as well, exchanging relieved glances after their long journey.
Ezra turned to the merchant, offering a small nod. "Thanks for the ride, and for all the info. I owe you one."
The merchant chuckled, waving him off. "You don't owe me anything. Just stay alive out there and make good use of what I told you. And hey, if you ever find something worth trading, you know where to find me."
One of the guards stepped forward, a burly man with a scar over his left eye. "You're not like anyone I've seen before," he said, admiration evident in his tone. "That thing you pulled off in the forest with the wolves that was something else. If you're heading to the Adventurers' Guild, I'd wager you'll make a name for yourself in no time."
Another guard chimed in, grinning. "Yeah, try not to overshadow the rest of us too much, all right?"
Ezra smirked. "No promises, but I'll keep it in mind."
With that, he waved goodbye to the caravan crew and headed into the village.
---
Finding a Place to Stay
Everhearth was lively, with cobblestone streets bustling with merchants, travelers, and locals. Ezra approached a fruit vendor and asked, "Hey, know where I can find a cheap inn around here?"
The vendor pointed down the street. "Try The Rusty Flask, about three buildings down. Decent prices, and they don't ask too many questions."
Ezra nodded in thanks. "And the Adventurers' Guild?"
"Other side of the market," the vendor replied. "Can't miss it big building with the guild's crest on the front."
"Appreciate it," Ezra said before heading toward the inn.
---
The Rusty Flask
The Rusty Flask was a cozy but well-worn establishment. The common room was filled with chatter, the scent of roasted meat and ale thick in the air. Ezra paid for a night's stay with some of the gold he'd earned earlier and sat at one of the empty tables, enjoying a modest meal of stew and bread.
As he ate, he noticed a few patrons glancing his way, their curiosity plain. He didn't mind it was better than being outright ignored.
One man, a wiry fellow with a dagger at his hip, finally approached. "You new here?" he asked, his tone casual but his eyes sharp.
Ezra nodded. "Just arrived with a caravan."
The man's gaze flicked to Ezra's sword. "Nice weapon. You look like you can handle yourself. Where'd you get it?"
Ezra leaned back, keeping his tone light. "A gift from a friend. Why do you ask?"
The man smirked. "Just curious. We don't see many fresh faces who look like they've seen action."
The exchange seemed harmless enough, but Ezra could feel the tension in the air. A few of the man's companions were watching closely, their hands resting near their weapons.
When the man leaned in closer, Ezra decided to address it head-on. "Look," he said, his voice steady, "I'm just here to eat and rest. If you're looking for a fight, pick someone else. It won't end well for you."
The man's smirk faltered. "Is that a threat?"
"No," Ezra replied, his eyes cold. "It's a warning."
For a moment, the room seemed to hold its breath. Then, with a muttered curse, the man backed off, muttering to his friends as they left the inn.
The innkeeper approached, giving Ezra a grateful nod. "Thanks for keeping it calm. Last thing I need is broken furniture."
Ezra smiled faintly. "Just trying to keep things simple."
---
Settling In
Later, in his small but comfortable room, Ezra sat on the edge of the bed, reviewing everything he'd learned so far. He opened his interface and began organizing his objectives.
Small Objectives:
1. Visit the Adventurers' Guild and register.
2. Take on beginner quests to earn gold and build a reputation.
3. Investigate the Void-Touched Essence with an Appraiser.
Big Objectives:
1. Travel to the Verdant Dominion to learn more about magic and the Void.
2. Find clues about the Eternals and why they disappeared.
3. Uncover the source of the Void's influence and how to stop it.
Ezra leaned back, exhaling slowly. "One step at a time," he muttered. "First, the guild. Then, we'll see where this path leads."
As he lay down, the weight of his mission pressed on him, but so did a growing sense of determination. He'd come to this world by accident, but now, he had a purpose.
Tomorrow, his journey would truly begin.