"Welcome customer, to Levante's ancient boutique!

I can sell everything necessary a tired soul like yourself might need to recuperate. From highly energetic food to fresh beverages!

I also have some quality weapons you might find useful before starting your journey. I know that being a young damned is pretty tough these days, so I can offer you a limited deal.

For just one measly gold coin you can pick one of these newly forged weapons. In addition, if you buy two of them with souls crystals instead, I'll give you a third one for free!"

The little old man that referred to himself as Levante, was the wandering merchant Linneo had seen behind the tent with the soldier inside it.

He was emanating the aura of an old experienced vendor, with his long beard and large pointy hat it wasn't easy to get a hold of. Yet his voice betrayed the greed he was holding up inside, the man was clearly expecting to manage a few deals today.

'It is tempting indeed, however, I am completely penniless and I urgently need something to drink. I think I'll have to do this the hard way.'

As Nestor was in the middle of making up a plan, the silent giant, Linneo, approached him. His almost weightless steps kept coming closer, one at a time as if to imitate a kind of strange dance.

Then he whispered into Nestor's ears.

"Do not believe the old fox, as a knight I have developed quite the eye for weapons. I can assure you that they have just been recently sharpened and cleaned on point, but they are not in any way new."

With this new piece of information, everything was in place, it was only a matter of psychological preparation. The monk was about to act.

Suddenly Nestor went down on his knees, maintaining a praying position as if he became all of a sudden the victim of a crime.

"Oh, good sir! Please listen to the pleads of this poor monk. I-I am in serious need of something to drink or I feel my body might suddenly collapse!

As a former hand of our merciful God, I assure you that your help won't go unnoticed. Please help this poor brother of yours!"

The desperate pleas didn't go unnoticed, as a small crowd gathered around the merchant. The people here were mostly normal humans, with a few exceptions of more bizarre humanoid races like Linneo.

Unfortunately for Levante, the Gate of Summoning number 3240 was responsible for the passing of humans and other souls really similar to them. This race was particularly famous to be fond of creating their own religions and venerating their gods. Thus he couldn't risk it by condemning the prostrating monk in front of him as a fraudulent swindler.

"I am very sorry for your circumstances, but nothing is free in this cursed city. As everyone is having a tough time just to survive another day I cannot just give away my merch for free.

Otherwise, everyone would demand some as well, stating their poor situation."

Before the old Levante could keep on going with his 'righteous rant', Nestor decided to reveal his cards.

Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.

"I understand, your words opened my eyes. But still, I demand some food and water to place my hunger and thirst.

In exchange, I offer you the pair of boots I am wearing at the moment, as you can see they are in very good condition. I will also help you by spreading words about the exquisite quality of your merch."

Upon saying the last phrase, Nestor moved his hands to the side, just to let Levante sightly see the wide grin on his face.

'You wanted this old man, not even offering a glass of water to the poor me. Now you'll have to accept or lose face in front of the customers, on top of having bad rumors about your goods.'

The crowd of spectators started to murmur about the situation. The majority of them were mostly either concerned for the monk or had high expectations about the deal. In truth a lot of them weren't faring that much better, they too had walked before reaching the gate.

Only a great minority had seen through the psychological battle between the two.

"Fine fine! I accept the deal. Quick, give me the boots and scram, don't hold up my precious clients!"

Nestor then took off his boots, stood up, and received a big jug of water, together with two sandwiches packed with strange vegetables and meat.

"I didn't expect you to be more on the sly side, weren't you an honorable monk?"

Linneo's inquisitive gaze swept upon Nestor that was now indulging himself in eating and drinking, seemingly having the time of his life.

"As a former monk, I feel no shame in receiving the offerings from the rich. The old fox was lying through his teeth, he isn't anywhere near the edge of bankruptcy."

Also, the rest of the water and the other sandwich are yours, you deserve them. Without what you've told me my boots wouldn't have been enough to close the deal.

" I gladly see that some clergymen still abide by their codes nowadays."

Then he sit down near Nestor, towering over him, yet with exceptional grace, he started to eat.

A few hours later no new damned had been coming out the gate for a while.

"Attention everyone! I am Captain knight Cole and I am responsible for this batch of newcomers. That means you.

Orders have been issued and I've been tasked to escort you to the great academy. Now follow behind me in an orderly manner, be quiet, and don't pick up any fights.

Violate the rules and I'll revoke your admission into the academy."

The muscular knight that was previously sitting inside the tent had now woken up and with a thunderous voice declared his intentions. Soon after he stepped forward, quickly heading out of the gardens.

Nestor and the others quickly trailed behind him, not wanting to find out whatever happened if they skipped on the teachings of the academy.

While on the way, Nestor managed to notice a particular gothic-styled building. Its stature and grandeur made it stand out in contrast to the others, which he understood were properties of single individuals.

Also, this one had a huge arc signaling the entrance of the building, written on it were the words 'Lodgings of the damned'. Needless to say, Nestor understood that he would be living here for a while.

They kept walking for almost half an hour. The hardness and dirtiness of the road weren't pleasant for the bare-footed Nestor, yet it wasn't anything new either. He probably spent almost half of his previous life without wearing any shoes.

Finally, a majestic domed structure presented itself to the group. It was an ample complex of roman styled buildings, resembling the luxurious villas of the patricians. They were all connected to the central structure that was most eye-catching thanks to his tall cupola.

There was no garden or gate placed at the entrance, but it simply had tall wooden doors directly leading inside the building.

Once inside Nestor took a quick glance at the exquisite marble floor and the various statues placed near the walls of the main hall.

He then looked up toward the ceiling. The arched dome of the academy looked extremely far, he could also see some figures quickly flying in the air above, as if it was some sort of corridor. Nestor had noticed various paintings on the cupula, mostly depicting heroic figures struggling in the middle of gruesome battles.

They kept on walking until Captain cole stopped before a small reception-like structure. A woman that looked to be in her late twenties was sitting in front of a desk, various stacks of paper were neatly laid upon it.

"Teresa I have brought the new groop from gate 3240, please take care arranging those that came without a key. Be careful.

Listen up! Those of you that managed the crossing thanks to the key will follow me. The others can talk to Teresa to get sorted up and go their separate ways."