"Year 742, October 17th"
Three weeks after walking and taking carriages, he arrived at the city of Marivelle. Its architecture was unique and detailed, the fresh breeze was refreshing, the streets were packed, clean, and organized, and hundreds of ships were docked with multiple naval vessels patrolling the waters. There were many shops of all kinds.
At the ticket booth, Rui took out the gold coins he had on him; his money had been reduced to 17 silver stags.
Taking his ticket, he couldn't help but sigh.
I can't believe I spent that much. I even took some jobs to have extra money. There were a lot of things I wanted to buy, a lot more things. Her bad habits have stuck with me. No, I can't split myself into two. I need to remember to treat her memories as mine.
There were still two hours before the ship departed. The ship was huge, able to carry 2,000 passengers.
Staring at it, Rui felt baffled.
Hm, how does the ship not sink? Its size is huge.
He walked quietly, listening to the conversations of others.
"Hey, have you heard? That huge ship named 'Lavis' apparently has new technology they want to test. They say it will take only a few weeks to arrive, but normally it should take a month." A man was whispering to his friend.
His friend nodded in agreement but didn't respond. Instead, he turned his head to look at Rui.
Flustered, Rui turned away and walked off.
Rui was in a dilemma about how to pass the time.
What should I do for now? I certainly don't want to spend more money. Sigh, everything costs money, from snacks to newspapers to activities. I might need to rob a major store or a merchant if I can't get more money, but if I do that, I'm no different from the road poachers.
There are a lot of dishes I want to try here before I leave. Good thing the ship has some of them, but for the rest, I might not have a chance to try them. Maybe I should spend a little; it's a one-time experience.
Hesitant, he decided to try some specially made fish dishes.
Walking around, he chose a simple restaurant with a mediocre design and few people.
I wish I could grow faster. I get a lot of weird looks because of my height. If there was magic to boost height or an artifact, I would work myself to death to get it.
He entered the restaurant and sat at a small table near the window and door.
He called for a waiter but was ignored.
Does he think I don't have money to pay? I should get closer and pull out some coins; maybe sitting next to the door makes me look suspicious.
He switched tables, pulled out 10 silver stags, shuffled them around, and placed them in another pocket.
Finally, that caught the attention of the waiter, who handed him a menu and asked, "What would you like to order, young sir?"
Having already made a decision after a quick glance, Rui pointed toward the dishes.
"I will have Dockhand's Loaf with a side of Brinebroth Stew and Moon-Shell Pudding for dessert, also no ale with the stew." He was afraid he had pronounced the names wrong.
The waiter nodded and headed to the kitchen.
I can't believe I am going to spend one and a half silver stags on a meal. He had just lost nearly ten percent of his wealth.
I have no knowledge about these foods, but a lot of people spoke highly of them. I hope I didn't get scammed. He kept muttering to himself until the food arrived.
Soon the waiter returned carrying a tray full of dishes. The aroma was incredible. Rui was already gulping before he even saw the food.
The Dockhand's Loaf was a round, crusty bread stuffed with salted fish, onions, and herbs. The Brinebroth Stew was a thick soup of shellfish, barley, and seaweed, boiled for hours until rich and hearty, served with dark ale, which he skipped. The Moon-Shell Pudding was a sweet custard made with goat's milk, honey, and ground almonds, topped with crushed seashell powder for "luck at sea."
As the food was served, Rui kept his manners, slowly savoring every bite.
He couldn't help but feel this was the best food he had ever tasted.
I now understand the high price. If only I could eat like this daily, it would be heaven.
He finished, took out 2 silver stags, and placed them on the table. The waiter returned with 10 copper stags as change. Rui took 8 and left the rest as a tip.
He grabbed his luggage and walked out, heading to board the ship. He had spent nearly an hour ordering and eating and didn't want to risk boarding at the last minute.
I am in room 4 in section C on the 3rd deck. It shouldn't be hard to find. There is a lounge on the 3rd deck too, along with a restaurant and two shared bathrooms in each section. Each section has twelve rooms.
Organizing his thoughts, he looked around. There were all kinds of people, from couples to merchants to workers.
This ship is even bigger in person.
He approached the entrance staircase and climbed to the top deck. A sailor checked his ticket and pointed.
"Take that staircase until you reach your deck, then walk forward and take the first right. You will see your section. Find your room; it will have a sign above it."
"Thank you." Rui nodded, followed the directions, and arrived at the section door. He grabbed the handle, but it was locked.
Is there a guard here? Or someone to give the keys? Right, I don't have the keys yet.
He knocked, and a voice called from inside, "Coming!" Moments later, the door opened. The person was an old man so tall Rui had to tilt his head back to see his face.
Rui handed him the ticket. The old man glanced at it and said, "Follow me, and please close the door behind you."
The old man walked slowly, his back hunched, his hair thick and grey, his skin rough and dry. Rui trailed behind, closing the door.
There was a key holder on the wall. After checking the ticket, the old man retrieved the room key and handed it and the ticket to Rui.
"Remember not to lose the key. There is no replacement. Do you understand?" he said in a friendly tone.
Rui gave a small bow. "Thank you for your concern."
The room was close by, less than a minute away. It was small, with only a bed, a desk and chair, and a drawer for clothes.
This is a middle-class room, and yet it is so simple. There is not even water here. Rui felt slightly scammed.
He put down his luggage, pulled out the book, and spoke to it out of boredom.
"Hey, you have been really quiet. I doubt you don't have thoughts of your own."
"I do, but why should I expose myself?" Ink appeared on a page.
Rui thought for a moment and asked, "Can you replicate the content of books I can read?"
"Yes," the book replied.
Ink began filling page after page until around 50 pages were covered.
The Fall of the Warbringer… Is this history or a novel? Either way, it doesn't matter as long as it cures my boredom.
He flipped through the pages for about ten minutes but found nothing interesting. It followed a knight who caused death, destruction, and terror. The writing was basic and likely fictional.
I will continue reading tomorrow. I will sleep until dinnertime, and after eating, I will sleep again.
He closed the book, took out a pouch bag he had bought, and placed the book, money, and other small items inside.
…
When he woke from his nap, the ship had already departed.
Rui sat up, his hair messy and his face tired.
How do people actually sleep? It doesn't feel comfortable at all. How am I going to do this for three weeks?
He ruffled his hair, grabbed the room key, and went to wash up.
After washing his face and hair lightly, he returned, changed into a short cloak, black pants, and a white vest, tied his hair into a bun, and left the room. The old man was still sitting peacefully by the door, reading.
Rui ignored him and walked past.
I need to remember to always mind my own business. I don't want trouble, and I don't want others causing me trouble.
He went to the restaurant and sat at a table for two. The food was simple, grilled fish of unknown origin with peas. He ate silently.
Halfway through his meal, a teen approached him.
"Hello, may I sit with you?"
Rui had no reason to refuse, so he nodded. The teen sat, and a plate identical to Rui's was brought, except without peas.
By the time Rui had just finished his plate, the teen had already finished his. He stared straight into Rui's eyes without saying anything.
Rui was uncomfortable.
He is making me really uncomfortable… Does he have nothing better to do?
The teen looked to his left and asked the air, "Is it him?"
"." Rui was speechless.
Is he mentally ill? He just talked to nothing.
As the silence dragged on, a voice answered from the same direction. "Yes."
"." Rui was even more confused. The teen grinned widely.
"So, Mr. 100 Dragon Coins, how did you get here?" he asked as he pulled out a strange item with a handle, a trigger, and a long barrel.
It was the first time Rui had seen such an item.
"Move, and I will shoot you in the head," the teen said, aiming it at him.
I shouldn't act while confused. Since he hasn't attacked yet, he probably wants to ask something. Rui stayed calm and waited.
This fellow is weird. Should I start by asking questions?
"Hey, what do you mean by Mr. 100 Dragon?" Rui asked.
Worst case scenario, I will yell His name.
The teen sighed. "So you don't know. A bounty of 100 Dragon Coins was placed on you due to your involvement in the supernatural case of Ashgrade. Even though you were living there, there were no remains of you. Before a servant died, they left a paper that said 'A terrifying artifact killed her instantly.' The fact you are here means you didn't arrive by ship."
So that's what it is, but how does he know the news? He is also here. Did he ask the air a few minutes ago and get an answer? A transmission ability? A spirit?
He doesn't dare attack me head-on because he doesn't know about the artifact. He is scared of me. Should I pull it out and see his reaction?
He stalled for time by asking how the teen got the information. The teen stayed silent, but his attention shifted for just two seconds.
In that moment, Rui pulled out the book and said quietly, "Now you don't move and place that object on the table."
The teen hesitated but eventually put down the weapon. Rui smiled and placed the book on the table.
"Who is he? What's his motive? How did he get the info?" Rui asked the book.
Ink appeared as the answer formed:
"Age 17, Name Alfred. Born on a frozen primitive island in the northern sea, he is part of the secret organization you should join. His motive is to make extra money to buy rare items he wants. He got his info from a spirit loyal to him, able to travel between the northern and southern continents in a few days."
Alfred was stunned. All his secrets had been exposed. Now he understood why the bounty warned, "Do not approach under any circumstances."
He is the one I am looking for. The book was right. My luck is truly bad if this is how I meet someone from the organization.
"Can you take me to your leader? I am interested in joining," Rui asked.
Alfred was still stunned and confused.
"Why are you interested in joining?" He was scared for his life, as well as the lives of his friends and family.
Rui smiled and pointed toward the book.
"You can ask it yourself."
Alfred froze. Every artifact had a drawback, and in this case, it was impossible to know what it was.
"Don't worry. It has no drawbacks. You can ask a question about anything, but it can refuse to answer," Rui reassured him.
Alfred hesitated but asked, "Why is he searching for our organization?"
The ink cleared, and one word appeared: "Guess."
"…" Both of them were stunned. Rui wanted to laugh, while Alfred was even more nervous.
It's best not to guess. I can never be too careful. Alfred holstered the gun.
Rui asked, "Does your room have two beds?"
"Yes," Alfred replied, "but why are you asking?"
Rui smirked. "Isn't it obvious? We will be staying together."
Alfred did not refuse. Fear kept him quiet.
Rui stood and gestured for Alfred to follow. They returned to Rui's section, where the old man opened the door.
"He is a friend. I will be staying with him. I am just grabbing my bags," Rui explained.
He collected his belongings, stuffed them into his bags, and handed one to Alfred.
"You are not staying on this floor. You arrived late to the restaurant, which means you were searching for where I was staying," Rui said, pointing at the door for Alfred to lead the way.
They climbed to the top deck. Behind the ship were three naval ships trailing, with a fourth in front.
I guess this really is a navy experiment. They wouldn't bring four ships just for pirate protection. Also, aren't the rooms here suites?
Alfred unlocked the suite door.
"Did you find who you were looking for?" a voice asked from inside.
"Yes. Also, where is the butler?" Alfred asked his friend, who was lying on the couch reading a book titled The Fall of the Warbringer.
"." Rui now understood why the book had chosen that novel.
It can search for knowledge in the area. That makes sense. It can't be omniscient.
The boy on the couch looked up, confused at the stranger standing behind Alfred.
Rui smirked. "Hello, I am your target, and I am going to be your guest."