Second World

They waited for almost half an hour more before everyone finished the crossings. The sun at this place however, was still high in the sky. This world time was different from their real-world or more precisely, Tutorial World, which was already evening when they left. The old man, Honuren didnʼt appear before them anymore.

During the wait, they heard occasional roars in the distance that they had never heard before. The guards assured them not to worry. That the monsters most of the time wonʼt wander near to cities.

As everyone had gathered, the Guard Captain stepped out. He spoke in a deep voice befitting his station.

”Outworlders, the Gods had informed us of your arrival and assured us that you are allies to our cause. Hence our King had granted each one of you the permit to enter our Capital Thereath. However, please be aware that our capital and the way of our world have regulations that need to be abided by. Any transgression will result in a penalty. I expect you all to keep the order and do not create any trouble to the native inhabitant nor to each other.”

He proceeded to inform them of the basic rules. Sufficient to say, no fight was allowed within the city. Weapons however were still allowed to be carried. The Capital was divided into three zones. The first and innermost zone was the zone for nobility, it is where the Kingʼs castle was located together with the residentials for nobles. They were prohibited to enter this zone unless they received permission from nobles or kingdom officials.

The second layer zone was the business district and residential for merchants and soldiers, while the third zone was slum and industrial district. These two zones were free for them to visit. For accommodation, they could use inns in the business district, providing they have the coins to spare. Or use the shelters in the slum district.

”… there are still other rules, but you can learn about them yourselves as you explore the capital. As long as you avoid making problems, then you will get no trouble from us. There will be occasional patrols on the street, so if anyone had anything to report or further questions to ask, you can ask one of these patrols. Now, on behalf of King Themos, I welcome you to Capital Thereath!”

His guards parted way to both sides of the gate, allowing these newcomers to enter the city.

”Enter orderly, please donʼt rush,” the Captain added.

The crowd started to trickle in. The scene was like a huge wave of war refugees who had immigrated from other places trying to find shelter in this city. As Jack came to the other side of the gate, he could see rows of residential houses made of lumber, clay, and bricks. The main street they were on was very wide, it was almost twenty meters from side to side. Aside from people on foot, some people on horseback and carts pulled by horse were seen traveling the street. The city inhabitants who were nearby were looking at them in curiosity.

ʼOutworlders they called us,ʼ Jack thought in his mind.

”Thatʼs what you are,” Penielʼs voice replied. ”The denizens from out of this world.”

ʼSo, where should we go first?ʼ He asked.

”Business district, go find a place called Adventurers Association.”

ʼOh? Whatʼs good there?ʼ

”Thatʼs the most common place where you can pick up quests. Your priority right now should be increasing your level to 15.”

ʼWhyʼs that?ʼ

”Because level 15 is the threshold before you can apply for Advanced class. Once you get an advanced class, you will receive more skills. Furthermore, every level in Advanced class provides you with more increase in attribute stats.”

ʼI see. All right. Which way?ʼ

”How would I know? Go ask a local!”

ʼI thought you said you know everything?ʼ

”Not everything. But every standard knowledge. How would I know if they change the layout of the city or decided to build new buildings? Now stop talking nonsense and go find out the way!”

ʼAll right, all right,ʼ Jack told her in his mind as he looked around for someone to ask. He instead saw Silverwing organizing his men. He came near him and found out that he was arranging his men to be grouped in several parties to spread around the town and gather information. He must say, the fellow knew how to lead.

When he noticed Jack, he asked, ”would you like to come with us? Once my people find out more about this world, we will know better what to do. I can share with you the information that we have.”

”That is very kind of you,” Jack was grateful for the offer. ”But I think I would like to explore the city myself. If there is anything you need, just contact me via Friend chat.”

”All right, Iʼll do that,” he replied with a smile and got back to organizing his people.

”What about you two?” Jack asked Bowler and Flame. ”You want to go explore by yourselves or follow me?”

Bowler was a bit hesitant. Flame was more direct, ”I want to see the city for myself. Iʼll send you guys a message if there is anything,” she said.

”All right,” Jack told her, and then turned to Bowler, ”what about you?”

”Uh, I guess I will take a stroll myself also,” he said.

”Okay,” Jack nodded. ”But be careful, those Death Associates guys still held a grudge. Although this city is a safe zone and they might get into trouble with the guards, it is not guaranteed that they wonʼt make a move. If they attack you, run to where the guards are, and contact me. Also, try to stay inside the city first until you learn more about the outside. You heard Honuren, it is different getting killed outside compared to within the city.”

Bowler and Flame nodded. They had long considered Jack as the leader of their gang, so they valued his words.

”Okay, keep in contact,” Jack said as he waved goodbye to them.

He then approached one of the closest local, a young girl who was walking with her dog. He asked, ”Excuse me, miss. Do you know the way to a place called Adventurer Associations?”

The girlʼs eyes were studying Jack in earnest, she looked like she had much interest in knowing about these newcomers. However, she didnʼt reply Jack with words. Instead, she pointed with his finger in a direction.

Jack nodded and thanked her before going towards the direction indicated.

As he walked through the street, he could see the bustling activities of the city. It looked and felt completely real, unlike any past VR games he played. The details and activities of the natives here, which in past VR games were called NPC, were very real and complex. It was more like he was in a different world than in a game. Perhaps that was indeed the case.

After passing several blocks, he came upon a street that was more lively. There were many shops lining up the street and also several street vendors showcasing their wares on the side of the street. He looked at the merchandise as he walked past, there were various kinds of products. There were food, ingredients, clothes, materials, potions, and weapons. He decided to take a detour and visit one of the bigger shops that sold weapons. The owner was a plump woman, she smiled at him delightfully as he came into the shop.

”Is there anything specific you are looking for, sire?” She asked.

”Iʼm just browsing around,” Jack answered.

”Oh, be my guest. Make yourself at home.” She said politely.

Jack nodded and looked at the weapons hanging on the stand. There were short swords, longswords, broadswords, axes, maces, spears, and several other weapons he didnʼt know the name of. He tried to scan one of them using his God-eye monocle.

Steel mace, level 10/20 (common one-handed mace)

Physical damage: 40

Attack speed: 1

Durability: 30

Price: 2 silver 20 copper

He scanned another one

Iron spear, level 5/15 (common one-handed spear)

Physical damage: 32

Attack speed: 1

Durability: 30

Price: 1 silver 60 copper

It was also a normal weapon. But damn, they were expensive. He thought his savings of 4 silver and 89 copper were already a large sum, but he could only buy two or three of these weapons.

😉