The Arrival at Kurogane

Neo pulled the reins of his horse as the sprawling city of Kurogane came into view. The setting sun bathed the tall, imposing buildings in a warm orange hue, casting long shadows across the land.

Compared to Valdris, Kurogane was vast, overwhelming even. The towering buildings, intricately designed yet exuding a sense of chaos, stretched as far as the eye could see. On the streets below, throngs of people moved like rivers, their energy palpable even from a distance.

Neo took a deep breath. "This is it... nothing like Valdris," he whispered to himself, curiosity bubbling within him.

The Gates of Kurogane

As he approached the city gates, Neo noticed the stark contrast to Valdris's guarded entrance. Instead of knights in gleaming armor, the gate was manned by individuals dressed in sleek black suits, each carrying a katana at their side. Their presence was intimidating yet elegant, their sharp gazes assessing every passerby.

One of the guards stepped forward, blocking Neo's path."State your business," he said curtly.

"I'm a traveler," Neo replied calmly. "Just looking to explore the city."

The guard's eyes lingered on Neo's worn clothes and the black horse he rode. "You're not from here," the guard said, his tone tinged with suspicion.

Neo offered a faint smile. "That's why I'm traveling—to see places I've never been to."

The guard smirked but didn't press further. "Don't get in the way. Kurogane isn't as forgiving as other cities."

With that warning, the guard stepped aside, allowing Neo to enter.

First Impressions

The moment Neo entered Kurogane, his senses were overwhelmed.

The streets were packed with people of all walks of life, from merchants shouting about their wares to street performers drawing crowds with their tricks and talents. The vibrant colors of the stalls clashed with the muted tones of the buildings, creating a chaotic yet captivating atmosphere.

Neo's eyes wandered to a stall encased behind a glass wall, displaying intricate jewelry and shimmering gemstones. He stopped for a moment, admiring the craftsmanship, until his gaze fell on the price tags.

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"Fifty gold coins for a bracelet?" Neo muttered under his breath. He glanced at another display—a small vial of perfume priced at thirty gold coins. "Who spends this kind of money?"

Shaking his head in disbelief, Neo continued through the bustling streets, noting the stark divide between the city's opulence and its underlying tension.

A Guard's Rude Direction

As Neo wandered, he realized the streets were becoming increasingly crowded, and the noise of merchants and customers began to overwhelm him.

Deciding he needed a better understanding of the city, Neo approached one of the black-suited guards stationed at a street corner.

"Excuse me," Neo began, offering a polite nod.

The guard turned his head, his gaze sharp and unimpressed. "What do you want?"

"I'm looking for a place where people share information," Neo said.

The guard raised an eyebrow. "Information, huh? What kind of information are you after?"

Neo shrugged. "Just stories, maybe. News about the city. Anything worth knowing."

The guard let out a low chuckle, his tone dripping with condescension. "You don't look like someone who can afford much 'information'."

Neo didn't react, keeping his calm. "I just need a suggestion. Where should I go?"

The guard smirked. "Head down that street," he said, pointing toward a dimly lit alleyway. "Keep going until you see the light get dimmer and the streets dirtier. That's where you'll find people like you."

Neo tilted his head. "People like me?"

"You'll see," the guard said, turning away dismissively.

The Rich and the Rude

As Neo made his way down the street, a group of finely dressed individuals brushed past him, their conversation loud and obnoxious.

One of them—a tall man with a jeweled walking stick—gave Neo a disdainful look. "Watch where you're going," he snapped.

Neo stepped aside politely. "Sorry about that."

The man scoffed. "You should be," he said, his tone dripping with superiority.

Neo didn't respond, watching the group walk away as they laughed and whispered among themselves. "People here are... interesting," he thought, shaking his head.

A Gradual Descent

Following the guard's directions, Neo noticed the vibrant streets gradually dimming. The bright glass stalls gave way to smaller, wooden ones. The clean, polished stone roads became cracked and uneven, and the noise of merchants and customers dwindled to a murmur.

By the time Neo reached the end of the street, the atmosphere had completely changed. The air was heavy with the smell of smoke and damp wood. The buildings were close together, their windows dark and uninviting.

At last, he spotted a small inn tucked between two shabby buildings. The sign above the door was faded, the letters barely legible.

Neo dismounted his horse and tied it to a post outside before stepping through the creaky wooden door.

The Innkeeper's Warning

The inn was dimly lit, with a faint smell of wood smoke and something sour. A handful of patrons sat scattered around the room, their conversations low and cautious.

Neo approached the counter, where a burly man with a weathered face was cleaning a glass.

"You're not from around here," the innkeeper said, eyeing Neo's dusty clothes.

Neo offered a faint smile. "I'm a traveler. Just passing through."

"From where?"

"Valdris," Neo answered.

The room fell silent. Conversations stopped, and all eyes turned toward him.

One man at a nearby table stood and approached, his expression hard. "Valdris? You mean the place where they churn out all their 'righteous knights?' "

Neo met the man's gaze. "That's the one."

The man squinted suspiciously. "So, what rank are you? Trainee? Aspirant?"

Neo shook his head. "I'm not a knight. Not even a trainee. Just a traveler."

The man blinked, his hostility faltering. "You're not with the Radiant Order?"

"Nope," Neo said simply.

The man frowned but stepped back, muttering something under his breath as he returned to his seat.

The innkeeper leaned forward, lowering his voice. "Word of advice: don't go around telling people you're from Valdris. Not in this part of town."

Neo nodded. "Thanks for the warning."

Settling In

Neo took a seat at the counter, his mind racing as he processed his surroundings. The hostility toward Valdris and the Radiant Order was palpable here, and it only made him more curious about what lay ahead.

"Kurogane is nothing like Valdris. This place... it feels like a whole different world."

As he sat quietly, the hum of conversation gradually resumed around him, though the occasional glance reminded him that he was still being watched.

Neo leaned back, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "This city has its secrets. I can't wait to uncover them."