The transition to the dungeon town felt different than the transition to the Inn. Whereas the transition to the Inn was for all intents and purposes instantaneous, the transition to the dungeon town carried with it a disorienting and noticeable transit time. It wasn’t long, perhaps two seconds, but it was a dizzying whirling sensation of being twisted and turned around before Duke emerged at the top of what appeared to be a mountain.

The vision before him was a scene straight out of a tourist guide. The mountain had a gentle slope leading down into an idyllic wide valley. Sitting inside that valley was not the small town that Duke had expected, but a city that seemed to be buzzing with activity. He decided to stop gawking and head down to visit.

One TELEPORT later, he was walking up to an entrance checkpoint. There was no wall around the city and Duke had seen numerous buildings under construction on the outside edges of the city so concluded that the rapid growth of the city precluded walling it in. He proceeded to the checkpoint.

“Greetings traveler and welcome to Havenreach. What is your name and the nature of your business here?” The guard spoke clearly and with the hint of a smile in his voice. Duke could read a very positive vibe from the guard that reinforced the guard’s words of welcome. He quickly took in the guard’s tabard and heraldry which consisted of a glowing red gem on a white background surrounded by a sky-blue border. Overall, each of the five guards at the checkpoint were wearing the same chainmail under tabards and were armed with axe-headed polearms as well as smaller axes at their waists.

Duke smiled warmly. “Thank you for such a warm greeting. I am Duke and have come to check out the city and surrounding area.”

One of the guards was standing behind a table with various instruments and devices on it. He picked one up that looked to be some sort of glass sphere set in a brass setting. It was pulsing with a soft blue light. After a glance, he paled slightly and nearly dropped it to the table in his haste. “Your Majesty! King Duke has graced us with his presence!” He immediately bowed, followed by the rest of the guards. They held the pose, not meeting Duke’s gaze.

“Please be as you were. I do not wish such formalities, especially from the city guard. Protecting your citizenry is far more important than any formality.” Duke was starting to get used to this sort of courtly speech, but he would have much preferred to give them a “dude, chill” instead but he had expectations to live up to now. It rankled him to no end.

The guards straightened up but still stood stiffly at attention. The guard behind the table spoke. “You, of course may pass as you wish, Your Majesty.”

Duke sighed inwardly. Should have come in disguise. He nodded to the guard and fired off a CLEANSE and RESTORE combination leaving the guards surprised but feeling even better about their appearance before he headed into the city.

“Please do not announce my presence.” Duke admonished as he activated his seldom used LASTING DISGUISE Ability to make himself shorter and thinner. He changed into what he hoped would be an inconspicuous man. The guards didn’t remark but Duke could easily read their interested looks as he turned and walked into the city.

Duke spent the next three hours wandering around the city and getting used to its hustle and bustle. There was one thing that stood out to him over this time – everyone seemed at least pleased, if not outright happy.

I really hope this is not some strange ploy by Sam to keep everyone in the city. Because that would complicate things to no end.

He checked out numerous stores, shops, and smiths in his travels before he wound up in front of Halgrim’s Smithy. The large sign declaring the four story-tall, three-floor building to be such was the overwhelming clue that Duke had arrived. He stepped inside the shop entrance.

Inside, the shop was laid out with all manner of metalwork. There were five racks of various forged iron tools, two racks of steel weapons, and a row of six mannequins draped with various types of armor. As he perused the goods, he was greeted by the shopkeeper.

“Greetings good sir. Is there something I can get for you to try on? Or perhaps try out?” Duke turned to see the shopkeeper, or as he suspected, Halgrim’s daughter. The girl could not be more than twelve years old, but she had a fully confident bearing.

“Actually, I’m here to see Halgrim.” Duke responded.

“I’m sorry sir, he does not generally speak with customers. I assure you that I can help you with whatever you need. Even if it’s a commissioned item, I can get it all started for you.”

“I understand, but I will speak with him anyway.” Duke let his disguise fall.

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

The girl took a step back, startled, but then seemed to steel herself. “I don’t care if you are able to grow bigger, that doesn't change things.”

The conversation was halted when the overly large door to the workshop opened and Halgrim stepped through, stretching up to his full three-meter height, face held taught in irritation. Upon seeing Duke, his expression softened considerably. “Your Majesty, what an unexpected pleasure. Excuse me a moment.”

He knelt down next to the girl and whispered to her. “This man is King Duke. He is responsible for all of this and our safety. He always has permission to see me. I know you didn’t know that, so you did nothing wrong, ok? Now go fetch us some ale.” She scampered off, her confidence fleeing as she departed.

“I don’t know whether to bow, or salute, or do something else.” Halgrim confessed.

“How about a handshake?” Duke offered as he extended his hand.

Halgrim happily shook Duke’s hand. “What brings you to my humble workshop, Your Majesty?”

“We’re alone, no need to be formal. I really wanted to make sure that your smithy was everything I hoped it would be. Oh, and to give you this.” Duke retrieved Golgatha’s Hammer from his INVENTORY and handed it to Halgrim. He had been holding on to it for quite some time and was glad to finally give it to a worthy smith.

Halgrim took the hammer with a somewhat confused look on his face. Moments later, the confusion vanished in favor of wonder. “This…this is a wonderous hammer. It is too much for me.” He tried to hand the hammer back to Duke who took a step back with raised hands.

“No, Halgrim. You are the best smith I know. The hammer belongs in your hands. Use it well.”

“Then I shall craft a weapon for you!”

“I don’t really use weapons all that often.”

“A fine suit of armor, then.”

“Used to wear armor but not so much anymore.”

“Um, boots?”

“I like my shoes too much. Tell you what, use it to fashion something for your family. That will be the best use of it until you need it for a customer.”

“I will. Thank you, Duke. You continually shower me with gifts, and I have done nothing for you in return.”

“You serve this city and that is enough for me. Use the hammer in good health. I have a few more errands to run.” Duke headed back out the door, undisguised. He had seen enough of the city incognito to see that it was prospering, and the people were genuinely happy with things. He did not notice the young girl holding two ales behind him. Nor did he notice Halgrim quickly down both of them.

There’s one building I have to check out before I move on. Ok two, but I really wonder what the Adventurer’s Guild is like.

Duke continued out and into the city, heading for the governmental square where both City Hall and the Adventurer’s Guild stood. Many more people recognized him, which he initially found odd but eventually, he looked at his reflection in a store’s window and realized that he was still wearing the crown. This left him with a dilemma.

Do I remove the crown and lose the prosperity bonus for the kingdom, or do I deal with being easily recognized.

In the end, there really was no choice. He strode down the street, confidently showing off his shiny crown. Reactions, although most seemed positive, were somewhat mixed. Many bowed, some ducked into doorways, and even a few cheered. The impression that Duke got from his XENOGLOSSIA and Intuition was that they really didn’t know what to make of him and their last king was a complete piece of shit. Caution ruled their actions. Duke, for his part, kept up his smile and waved, occasionally offering a verbal greeting.

He continued on his way right up to the City Hall. The building itself was made of marble and strongly resembled the iconic New York City courthouse that was used in so many movies and TV shows. Duke could see no seams in the construction of the hall, giving it the impression that it had been carved from a single titanic granite block. The wide marble steps that encompassed the entire front of the building led towards several thick, fluted Doric columns. Duke chuckled as the building was beautiful but stood out too much from the surrounding architecture with most buildings being made of wood. He wasn’t sure if Sam had made the building or if the resident had done so. His money was on Sam.

Climbing the stairs, he saw city guards standing at the top of the steps wearing the livery that he had grown used to seeing throughout the city. In his journey to City Hall, he had seen more and more of the city guards. He presumed that they were keeping an eye on things to maintain order, but he really hadn’t needed them. Most residents were happy to just go about their own business even if Duke’s presence had made many nervous.

He greeted the pair of guards. “Good day to you.”

Before he could continue, they snapped to attention and saluted. The left guard was apparently designated as the speaker as the right remained locked in position. “Your Majesty, the Mayor bids you enter and be welcome. He is awaiting you inside.”

Duke nodded at the guard. “Thank you for the welcome. Don’t think I didn’t notice the guards’ presence throughout the city. It was a nice touch but unnecessary. Still, I appreciate it.” He headed into the City Hall to find the mayor waiting for him.

“Greetings, You Majesty. Be welcome within these halls. I am Mayor Shellenberger, and somehow wound up in charge of this place.” The mayor was tall, but not nearly as tall as Duke had become. From his pointed ears, Duke assumed that the mayor had some elven descent but was not sure.

Duke extended a hand to the mayor. “Pleased to meet you, Mayor Shellenberger. I’m glad to finally have the time to see the city. It looks like you have done a fine job getting and keeping things going here.”

The mayor shook Duke’s hand looking uncomfortable and unsure of what to do or say. Duke decided to make it easier on the man. “Let’s head back to your office and out of such public view.”

The mayor obliged and quickly led Duke to his office, closing his door behind them. Shellenberger seemed suddenly conflicted on where to sit. Duke let him off the hook. “Your office, your chair.” Duke sat opposite the desk in a guest chair.

Shellenberger sat down in his chair and asked Duke. “What can I do for you, Your Majesty?”

Duke smiled. “Someone mentioned that you have been collecting taxes on my behalf…”