I stood outside the newly opened restaurant, gazing at the people inside, savoring their meal. The aroma of the cuisine wafts through the glass window, reaching my nostrils. Families, friends, couples. I envied them all as they enjoyed their extravagant meal.

“Are you the one who has been making a name for himself?”

Taken aback by the alluring voice of a woman, I quickly turn towards her. The natural curves of her body immediately caught my eyes attention. Wearing a tight, one-piece dress, she looked at me with leering eyes.

"I heard you have been making a handful from those portals. I can tell it must be hard. I am a slave too, you see.” Leaning out her body, she smacks her lips “Say, care to spare some change?” Asking in a seductive tone, she tugs on the top part of her dress, giving me a small peek of cleavage.

Fixated on her pair, I quickly snap myself out of it “Um, I’m a minor… so–”

In an act of desperation, she moves closer, taking hold of my trembling hands. “Who cares? Don't you want to know how it feels?"

Turning our back to the restaurant, she guides my hands onto her breasts “Go on, while no one is looking.”

Although hesitant at first. Feeling the warmth of her body with my hands, I instinctively press against her soft–

“No!” She shouts, pushing me away.

I stumble back before regaining my balance, observing her as she crouches with an unpleasant look on her face.

“Even if it is for money… I just cannot with a child.” She mumbles, wiping the few tears of regret flowing down her cheeks.

I stare at my sweaty hands. Letting out a quiet sigh, a few droplets of water land on the palm of my hands. I look up at the cloudy night sky before a barrage of water drops hits my face, a heavy rain.

Looking straight ahead, I walk by the still-weeping woman without saying a word.

“You sure did not hesitate…”

I try to ignore her words, increasing my pace.

“Looking down on me, huh? Selfish bastard.”

***

I awaken in a cold sweat, greeted by Luna's scrutiny, peering at me through her blindfold.

"Did you have a nightmare?" Luna asks, distancing herself away. She casually rests her arm on the side.

As my racing heart settles, I take a deep breath and release a sigh. "It was just an unpleasant memory."

"Hmm," she remarks, tilting her head in interest. "Perhaps this will distract you." she suggests, pointing towards something behind me.

Following her gesture, I glance back and through the window. Instantly, a recurring motif from the countless fantasy light novels I had read comes rushing back to me: A compact mediaeval city, situated in the midst of greenery. Encircled by large, man made walls, protecting the city from outside threats. Maybe allowing a stream of river through.

While similar, calling those ‘Large’ walls would be an understatement. They closely resembled mountains, their peaks reaching the sky. It was as if parts of the planet's very crust were uprooted, some reaching great heights while others even soared higher. They stood side by side, forming a long, endless line.

As we approached the only gate in front of us, the sun slowly vanished behind those giant structures, causing a lack of light in the vicinity.

Coming to a halt, two guards advance towards us from each side. Covered head to toe in sturdy iron armor, they bear long, pointed-tip spears. The car's window slides down, allowing them to look inside. One of the guards gives me an odd look, but we quickly break eye contact as Luna interferes, waving her hand.

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“Welcome back.” With a firm greeting, they make their way back. The gate appears to open automatically.

Entering through, my legs get restless. I observe that despite their impressive grand width, the walls are not as wide as I was expecting .

With the sudden ressurge of abundant sunlight, even through the dark tinted windows, the light momentarily blinds me, prompting me to rub my eyes. As my vision returns, I catch a fleeting glimpse of the landscape beyond. Overwhelmed, I press against the window in utter astonishment.

Extending as far as the eye could see, the buildings were meticulously arranged in an orderly fashion, flanking the neatly paved roads that crisscrossed above, below, and around. Gradually growing in magnitude from right to left until they reached a point of absurdity.

As if competing with the imposing walls, the breathtaking white castle gleamed with an ethereal radiance. The base of it seamlessly blends in with the surrounding buildings. Ascending gradually, narrowing into a slender pinnacle. The castle looked like it could easily take up half of the land if laid down horizontally.

Descending down a slope, we eventually merge into a bustling street. Initially, passing by a handful of buildings before their number multiplies. Upon closer inspection, they certainly possess a unique aesthetic, neither completely modern nor entirely medieval. Their flat rooftops, fancy doors and distinctive window designs gave an almost early vintage feel.

Though what stood out the most were the line street vendors. Selling goods ranging from fruits and vegetables to utensils, textiles and peculiar drinks. Meanwhile, the proper, well lit shops established inside the buildings displayed their designer clothes and well polished, sparkling weapons.

Shifting my gaze towards the people, I'm once again reminded that this is indeed a fantasy world. Among the crowd, a diverse array of beings catches my eye. Some have animal-like ears and tails sprouting from their heads and backs, while others resemble humanoid lizards, walking on two legs, armed with large axes, long swords, and razor-sharp daggers. Each of them had their own unique sense of fashion.

From coats, cloaks, hats, masks, eye patches, and protective gear, to the simplicity of plain shirts and shorts. Some are clad in pieces of armor, while other opted for none

Amidst the crowd, a large bearded man stands, proudly displaying his muscles with a massive claymore strapped to his back.

Tall, elegantly dressed women, wear pointed hats as they enjoy their evening drinks.

A mysterious group of individuals wear concealing clothes with pattern-imprinted masks.

Children play nearby, using sticks as their makeshift weapons.

Further down the street, a band of performers entertain their audience with a musical spectacle.

I find myself lost in the lively environment for an entire hour, unaware of the passing time, my legs fidgeting restlessly. I’m finally interrupted as I hear my name being called out.

“A.. you… su.. ab… de..c…”

Unable to hear her words, I lean in closer, trying to make out what she is saying.

“Are you sure about your decision?” She asks louder. Reaffirming her words.

I stay silent before answering “Yeah.”

“I see,” She says, stepping out of the car and stretching her body. "I won't force you to join, but I'll assist you in any way I can."

"But why?" I inquire.

"Because I want you to become a hero," she replies. "Whether you choose to join me or not, that has always been my goal."

Feeling torn, I wonder if I should just join her… why am I so hesitant?

"Anyways, I have something to do. Albert will help you out from here," she says, swiftly closing the door.

"Ah, wait," I exclaim, clutching the handle. I attempt to open my side of the door, but it's locked. "Hey, could you unlock the door? I need to pee." I look at Albert through the rearview mirror, and our eyes meet.

"There's no public restroom nearby right now, and I've been given strict orders," he replies, breaking our eye contact.

I grip the handle even tighter, my legs becoming increasingly restless. I force myself to calm down. I glance again at Albert, taking note of his pointed ears. Pondering whether he might be an elf, like the ones in the many fantasy novels I've read. I start a conversation to distract myself.

“You have very long and pointy ears, could it be that you are an elf?” I ask.

He stays silent, focused on driving the car.

"You must be a cautious driver," I remark, but he shows no sign of acknowledgement.

With a frown, I lean back in my seat. Resting my arms on the sides, my hand comes in contact with the empty soda can. I pick it up, my restlessness growing. I stare at the can before bringing it closer to my lap.

"Please refrain from doing it there." Albert pleads.

"Haha, made you talk..." I chuckle, placing the can back onto the seat, releasing a disappointed sigh.

Luna did say he may be shy, but he seems more like a depressed person, uninterested in talking… or I’m just being annoying and he hates me.

“Are you angry that I didn’t take up her offer?” I ask again.

Ignoring my question, Albert maintains his stoic expression, driving on without uttering a single word. His commitment is truly admirable.

I resign myself to the silence, gazing away at the scenery outside to treat my boredom.