The cold light of morning filtered through the small window, nudging Orion awake. Stretching, he felt the remnants of yesterday's weariness leave his body. Determinedly, he set out on his first mission in the city: to find its library. The quest for knowledge was paramount, a beacon guiding him through the cacophonous streets of Frostbridge.
As he wandered, Orion admired the unique architecture of the buildings, a blend of ancient elegance and modern design. The aroma of freshly baked goods wafted through the air, and the harmonious sounds of street performers played a soothing background tune.
Following the directions of several friendly locals, he eventually found himself standing before an inconspicuously small building bearing the sign, "Frostbridge Library." The modesty of the establishment surprised him. For a city this grand, surely its well of knowledge would be vaster?
Undeterred, Orion approached the entrance, only to be halted by a guard bearing a stern look. "Entrance requires a pass," the guard said gruffly.
Orion inquired about acquiring one, and the guard pointed to a counter where passes were being sold. The cost was exorbitant 50 gold coins, far more than what Orion could afford.
"Why does it cost so much to enter?" Orion inquired, his brow furrowing.
The guard shrugged. "It's been this way for some time. Knowledge is valuable, and the city found a way to capitalize on it."
Orion left the library's steps, a pang of disappointment settling in his chest. It seemed odd, the high price of knowledge in a city of such prosperity. He wondered if this was a measure put in place by the Chosen or by someone else with power.
With a heavy heart, Orion left the library's steps. If he were to gain the knowledge he so desperately sought, he'd first need to earn some coin.
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Walking through the city, he observed craftsmen, traders, and laborers all engrossed in their work. Wondering where he might find employment, Orion eventually stumbled upon a large board standing prominently in the center of a plaza. It was the city's job board, displaying various tasks and their respective rewards.
His eyes scanned the board until they settled on a posting offering a tempting payout for low cultivation animals found outside the city limits. Not entirely certain what "cultivation" meant in this context,
Orion's eyes scanned the board, searching for a task that he could accomplish. Amongst tasks like "Assistant needed at the bakery" and "Carpenter required for minor repairs", one particularly caught his attention: "Reward for capturing low cultivation animals outside city limits."
The payout was decent, and the task seemed straightforward enough. With his skills and experience, he believed he could easily complete it.
Orion looked around, spotting a ragtag group of battle-worn warriors huddled near the board, discussing amongst themselves. "Greetings, warriors. I noticed this posting about animals with cultivation. Can you provide more information?"
One of the warriors, a tall man with a scar running down his cheek, sneered, "You? Planning to hunt them?" He glanced Orion up and down, taking in his unscarred form and humble attire.
Another warrior, a woman with piercing blue eyes, laughed. "They're not mere beasts. These creatures possess cultivation, energy that enhances their abilities. They're no easy prey."
"They'll rip a greenhorn like you apart," the scarred man added with a mocking grin.
The woman, sensing his determination, sighed. "Look, lad, it's not mere beasts out there. It's dangerous. The pay might be tempting, but is it worth your life?"
Staying silent, Orion considered her words. Orion was not impressed with the feelings he got from their cultivation and felt if they were able to survive he should be fine.
Shaking her head, the woman muttered, "Foolhardy youth."
Without another word, Orion left the plaza, making his way to the city's gates curious about what beasts he will find beyond the city walls.