Finally, I reached the city gate.
I was utterly exhausted from the long walk—so much so that I even considered turning back. But the reward kept me going. Every time I thought of retreating, the prize snapped me back to my senses.
"Finally."
I stepped through the city gate—and froze at the sight before me.
Even though I'd seen the city in the game, its real-life appearance was insane.
Third-Person Perspective
"Sylphia" was a city that knew no rest. The limestone-paved streets stretched like golden veins across an impossibly vast expanse, teeming with thousands of people moving back and forth like puppets in an endless play. Towering skyscrapers and high-rises loomed overhead, swallowing the sky.
Kim Hyul stood at the city's entrance, his thick black hair cascading like a waterfall of shadows. His crimson eyes burned like two embers in his pale face. He wore a long, ash-gray coat and simple, dust-covered boots—proof of his long journey.
When he entered the city
He didn't need to speak.
His mere presence made heads turn.
A fruit vendor at the gate flashed him a fake smile.
"Hey, handsome! Want some apples? Fresh today!"
But her eyes lingered on the sword at his waist.
Hyul ignored her, walking past as he caught her whisper:
"Look at him—he's ridiculously handsome."
"Should I try my luck and ask for his number?"
"Don't even dream about it. Look at him—he could live in luxury just off his looks alone."
"He's even prettier than celebrities."
The murmurs of countless girls followed him.
In a dark corner, a little girl clutched her ragged doll, freezing when Hyul passed by. He turned to her. She stopped crying.
"Are you lost?"
The girl stared at his face, mesmerized.
Hyul's Perspective
Kim Hyul sat at an outdoor café, ordering a cup of hot tea. The waiter set it down quickly and retreated without another word.
But Hyul could read the emotion in the waiter's eyes.
"Hatred… envy."
He smirked.
At the next table, a middle-aged woman sipped a dark drink while watching him. After minutes of silence, she spoke:
"You're new here."
Hyul glanced up.
"How could you tell?"
The woman chuckled.
"Because you're still looking around like the city might bite you. The locals learned to hide their curiosity. And your clothes are filthy."
[She's lying.]
"She's tailing me."
The woman swirled her drink.
"Since you're new, how about I show you around?"
Hyul took a sip of his tea.
"Not interested. Thanks."
The woman's face flushed red with anger at his dismissal. She slammed her fist on the table—splitting it in half.
"Are you coming, or do I have to drag you?"
Dozens of eyes turned toward the furious woman. Some girls even stood up, ready to intervene.
Realizing the attention, the woman cursed under her breath and stormed off.
"Tch. Living with this face is such a hassle."
I tried to convince myself I was annoyed, but deep down, I was thrilled.
"With looks like these, seducing the heroines won't be impossible."
I grabbed my phone from the broken table.
"Lucky me—it didn't break."
I left the café and headed for the express train.
"System, how much time is left?"
[Two hours remaining.]
I boarded the train just as the conductor announced:
"All passengers, prepare for departure."
I took my seat, and a ticket collector approached.
I pulled out a small wallet.
Wait… how do I have this? I didn't bring money.
Simple—I "borrowed" it.
[You stole it, you mean.]
"System, I told you—I borrowed it. She just didn't notice."
[And how do you plan to return it?]
"No idea."
While I was mentally arguing with the System, the ticket collector spoke up.
"Sir, could you please pay for your ticket?"
I opened the wallet, searching for cash—but there were only three bronze coins.
"How much is the fare?"
"25 bronze coins."
"Damn it."
I handed over the three coins and flashed a pleading look.
"Can you lend me the rest? Just for today?"
The attendant couldn't resist his puppy-dog eyes.
"Sigh…"
She pulled out 25 copper coins from her own pocket, paid the fare, and told me to keep the three.
I almost jumped for joy.
"I didn't know handsome men had this kind of privilege!"
[1 hour and 40 minutes remaining.]
I checked the mission timer. The train would reach the Academy in 20 minutes.
"I'll nap until we arrive."
Just as I was about to doze off—I felt a hand creeping up my leg.
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I hope you enjoyed the chapter(๑♡⌓♡๑)