The massive city walls loomed overhead, casting dark shadows across the roadway. A horse-drawn cart approached the city entrance, where two guards stood on either side, collecting tolls. The driver tossed a bronze coin into a guard's hand and was waved through. Sitting quietly in the back of the cart, Rev and Akemi watched the bustling city come into view.
Rev stares out as they pass rows of buildings. "Oh, fun memories here. Lots of them," he whispered to himself.
The cart came to a halt, and the two men hopped off. Akemi handed the driver a silver coin. The driver tipped his hat and continued on his way.
"Well, we made it," Akemi said, gesturing toward a quaint bakery with an inn attached. "Let's get you settled."
Inside, they leaned against the front desk as a bulky man with a thick beard approached. Despite his imposing figure, his warm smile and gentle voice belied his appearance.
"Good evening, gentlemen. How can I help you tonight?"
Akemi waved. "My friend here needs a room."
The man dusted flour from his hands onto his apron. "That'll be two bronze coins."
Akemi tossed the coins across the counter.
"Thanks," Akemi said. "Rest up and clean up. I'll bring my friend, a doctor, by in the morning to patch you up a bit more." He gave a small nod and headed out.
The innkeeper led Rev to a simple room and handed him a set of towels. "Name's Fink. If you need anything, just holler." He turned and walked away.
Rev set down his gear—a black cloak, a belt lined with potion holsters, and finally, his sword and scabbard, which he propped in a corner. Sitting on the bed, he pressed a hand against his swollen eye. He pulled off his shirt, revealing a muscular frame covered in scars, then lay back with a pained expression. He drifted into an uneasy sleep.
The next morning, sunlight streamed through the window, and birds chirped outside. Rev groaned as he sat up, his body still sore.
"How did this happen?" he muttered.
The warm smell of fresh bread drew him to the dining hall. There, he saw Fink working behind the counter, kneading dough. Rev found a seat as the burly man approached with a basket of bread and a plate of cheese.
"Morning. You looked pretty beat up yesterday," Fink chuckled.
Rev gave a faint smile. "Still sore, but I've been worse."
"Where're you from?" Fink asked, curiosity plain in his eyes. "You don't look like the locals. I don't get out much, but I meet plenty of travelers, and none quite like you."
"That's complicated," Rev said, taking a piece of bread. "Let's just say nowhere close."
Fink placed a glass of water on the table. "Fair enough. Welcome to the capital."
The door creaked open. Akemi entered with a woman in a doctor's coat. He waved and approached the table.
"Morning! Rev, this is Sam. She's a friend of mine. She'll help with your injuries."
Sam sat beside him, tending to his wounds. As she worked, Akemi leaned forward. "So, do you remember how you ended up on the dungeon's bottom floor?"
Rev sighed. "No. I still don't know. But I can't stay here. I need to see someone in the capital and figure out what happened. Then, I have to move on."
Akemi frowned, but before he could speak, his face lit up with sudden enthusiasm. "OH! An adventure. Please let me come with you!"
Rev blinked, startled. Sam finished wrapping a bandage as he buckled on his belt and cloak. "No, you don't," he said firmly. "What I do is far more dangerous than dungeon crawling."
"I won't slow you down," Akemi promised. "I have skills. I'm a good fighter. And... I want to do something important. Meeting you wasn't an accident. I need this."
Rev chuckled quietly as he took a bite of bread. "You're persistent. Fine. But if you become a burden, I'll treat you like that dungeon monster. Got it?"
Akemi swallowed hard. "Got it!"
Fink raised his flour-dusted hand. "This sounds insane... but can I come too? I know I'm just a baker, but I raid dungeons sometimes. I need money for a farm. I'm useless in a fight, but I know plants, animals, and monsters. And I've never left this block. I want more."
Rev sighed, rubbing his temples. "Well... looks like we have a party, then."