Kael stood in front of the city gate.
A few passersby were moving along the road—some on foot, some riding strange, chameleon-like creatures with leather saddles on their backs.
No cars. No electricity. It reminded me of a fantasy game.
"Okay, Kael. Don't worry. You can do it."
He took a deep breath and stepped out into the street.
Two armored guards stood near the city entrance. Helmets covered their faces, with only a narrow gap for their eyes to see.
One of them noticed him and raised a hand.
"Stop."
The guard came forward.
"Paper?"
"Paper" Is he asking for my ID!? But I don't have any. What should I tell him?
"Uh… I lost it," he lied.
The guard didn't move. "Entry is prohibited without identification. Also—your clothes. They're unusual. Are you from another nation?"
Kael glanced down at his clothes—jeans, sneakers, and a plain T-shirt. His jacket was tied around his waist. He definitely didn't look like anyone else around here.
Kael scrambled for something—anything believable. "Y-Yeah! I'm a merchant! I was attacked… Bandits got me. They took everything…"
"Hmph. Those bandits again…" the guard muttered, voice muffled behind the helmet. "The City Lord needs to handle this before things get worse."
Kael clasped his hands together. "Please! I came here to do business—to earn a living! I don't have anywhere else to go."
The guard gave a heavy sigh, then shook his head. "Sorry, kid. No ID, no entry."
Tch. These guards…
He glanced around, then slowly reached into his pocket.
Let's try it. Hopefully it works.
He pulled out a silver coin and held it up subtly.
"Would… this be of any use?"
The guard's helmet tilted slightly, examining the coin. A moment of silence. Then—he quickly took the coin.
"...go."
Kael didn't wait for him to change his mind.
Bribery is everywhere, isn't it?
He slipped past the gates and into the city.
The city seemed to come alive as soon as he entered.
Rows of shops lined the streets. Merchants shouted over one another, their voices filled with energy.
"Fresh mantis crab! Right from the River Bane!"
"Magic stones—three for a silver! Buy now before they crack!"
"Fire charms! Wards off beasts and spirits—limited time discount!"
The people were even more fantastical.
Some wore light leather armor, others long flowing robes. A man in a red cloak walked past carrying a staff topped with a floating crystal that pulsed faintly. A pair of adventurers passed by, laughing, one with a sword bigger than Kael's torso strapped to his back.
His fingers twitched. He wanted to touch everything. Ask about every item. Try every food. But he held himself back.
While feeling this excitement, Kael's stomach suddenly growled.
Right… I haven't eaten since lunch. And that lunch was… what, 14 hours ago?
He looked around and spotted a small food stall tucked beneath a faded green canopy. Smoke wafted from behind it, and the scent hit him instantly—meat, grilled over charcoal, rich and smoky.
Kael approached.
The vendor was a stocky man with a thick beard and a stained apron, turning skewers of meat over a crackling fire. He noticed Kael and grinned.
"Hey, you! Hungry, are you? I've got horned goat kebabs—fresh and juicy. I'll even give you a discount."
Kael's mouth watered. The meat glistened with oil, sizzling as it cooked. The aroma was intoxicating.
"What kind of meat is this again?" he asked, already leaning closer.
"Horned goat. From the southern highlands. Real tender. Just 5 copper per skewer."
Kael reached into his pocket and pulled out a silver coin—the same kind he used at the gate.
"I'll take one."
The vendor raised an eyebrow. "Silver, huh? You don't have any copper? One silver equals a hundred coppers, you know. It'd be a waste for you."
Kael scratched his head. "This is all I've got…"
The man gave him a curious look. "You're not from around here, are you? What country are you from?"
"Ah, uh... it's a faraway place," Kael said quickly, waving a hand. "You wouldn't know it. I'm just really hungry right now…"
The vendor paused, then let out a hearty laugh. "A traveler, huh? Alright, alright. No need to explain. You're not the first foreigner I've fed."
He handed over a warm skewer, thick chunks of meat glistening with charred edges, then opened a small wooden box and carefully counted out copper coins.
"Here you go. One skewer, and 95 copper back."
Kael blinked. "You're giving me change?"
"Of course. I run a clean business. Don't want the guards on my case."
The vendor wrapped the coins in a cloth pouch and handed it over with the meat.
Kael took the skewer gratefully and bit in.
The flavor exploded in his mouth—juicy, smoky, a little spicy with a hint of wild herb. He practically melted.
Oh gods… this is incredible.
The vendor chuckled at his expression. "First time trying horned goat, huh?"
Kael just nodded, chewing happily.