- VOL 1 – THOSE UNITED BY THE FATE -
Chapter 1: A New Journey! (8/10)
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''Ahh, that's right, that's why we started talking about it. I almost forgot when I was caught up in what you were saying. As I said, I don't know much about the war, but I don't know this city either. That's why I was looking around, but the place just a while ago caught my eye. It looked different from the rest of the city. Darker and more mysterious.''
While he was talking about these things, the duo had already left the mysterious streets. Even though it was evening time, the streets they were walking on could still be said to be "alive" compared to where they met. Most shops were not closed and there were groups of people chatting around.
''It will be like I'm constantly praising you, but you are indeed very observant. Normally, young people like you are more focused on the exciting adventure ahead of them than examining their surroundings."
''Thank you, Kulong-san. I guess it's a habit I got from hunting in the forests."
''As you said, the streets we passed through were a bit strange compared to the normal. That's because it's even more corrupt and unlawful than the rest of the city. The kingdom does not rule this place with any of its own men, and it would be very difficult to choose a single ruler because of the way the city works. Nevertheless, this city has its own rules too. Such as unwritten rules of respect between merchants and guilds. Or the fact that a certain part of the city is quite safe despite the lack of administration. Even if everything doesn't work according to written and clear rules, we have our own order. Those streets just before are outside this order. Even though there is no extreme danger around, it is a more lawless place. Of course, not everyone will try to attack you, but theft is commonplace. Scamming is also common, although you can find some good offers. So it's not a good place for a young man like you. Also, recently, guards have been assigned to the city by the joint decision of the guilds. I guess the fact that you haven't met anyone who would turn you away shows that they don't operate very well...''
Although Shin hadn't seen much yet, he was a little disappointed about the city. He never thought that a trading city would be so disorganized. He tried not to show his surprise on his face and continued speaking in a casual manner.
''I think it is an ordinary area for such a city. It's even better than I thought. I expected more when you said that it was lawless.''
Hearing these words, Kulong laughed with a sly smile and began to speak as if confirming the boy's thoughts.
''Hehehe. You're right, but there's more to this city. The Black Market is where the real dirt is.''
Shin was both excited and curious about what he heard.
''Black Market? That's a really strange name.''
''The name may sound strange at first, but it truly reflects its name. In the Black Market, you have to watch your back at all times. Everything is based on money and title. Every kind of dirty business you can think of goes on there.''
''So where is this Black Market?''
This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.
The big man looked at the boy next to him out of the corner of his eye. This time his face was not expressionless, he looked a little more excited and expectant. He seemed very interested in the Black Market, but Kulong had no intention of telling him everything he knew about this dangerous place.
''The Black Market is under the ground and has many entrances. The streets we met lead to the area where the entrances are located. You do not need to know these entrances. I told you about these dangers to satisfy your curiosity and to ensure that you do not go to the dangerous parts of the city. I don't think there will be any work for you in the Black Market. Just stay away from the mountain.''
As Shin was trying to wrap his head around what he had learned, the man in front of him suddenly stopped. By the time he realized this, the man was left behind him. It seemed they had reached the end of their conversation. They had arrived at their destination, the city center. He turned around and opened his mouth to say goodbye to the man accompanying him.
''Looks like it's time to say goodbye.''
''They say time passes fast when you chat. We've already reached the center of the city.''
''Ahh, yes.''
‘I was going to ask Kulong about the Golden Raven Guild, but oh well. I guess he doesn't have much more time to talk. I'll learn something from the guild itself later.’
He was quite lucky to meet this man. Instead of wandering the streets without knowing anything on his own and perhaps encountering dangerous people, he learned many things he did not know about the city he was in. Now that he was going to continue his adventure here, this information was very important for him.
''What do you plan to do after today? I think you should join a guild. You really came at a good time that guilds are looking for people right now. I like you and that's why I wanted to suggest you join the Golden Raven Guild.''
Shin, who thought the conversation was over, was surprised when the man in front of him mentioned the Golden Raven Guild as if he had read his mind.
The boy, whose astonishment did not last long, had a small smile on his face. Even though the man a few steps away could not see it within the darkness, the boy had a very satisfied expression.
''Thank you for your offer, Kulong-san. I was thinking of joining a guild, but today is my first day here. I think it would be a good idea to get to know the places a bit more.''
After saying these words, he closed the distance of a few steps between them and came right in front of the big man to say goodbye.
''The sooner the better. If you want to join our guild, tell one of the counselors my name. There are no extraordinary requirements to join the guild, so you can simply sign up. The counselors would tell you where I am, so I can help you as much as I can.''
The man took a breath and continued and made a suggestion to the boy. He seemed to be talking faster than before.
''I have a job tonight. That's why I have to go now. But before I go, I want to give you one last advize. Since you are new to the city, you don't have a place to stay, do you? There is a cheap and very good inn I know. I don't have time to show it, but if you haven't found another inn, I can give you directions."
''That would be very useful. It's already late, but I was just about to start looking for an inn.''
Kulong described the place with a smile on his face. He seemed to like this place and kept talking about the good things about it.
''It's called the Big Dom's Inn. Ahh... it reminds me of the old times.''
''Old times? I thought you were staying there.''
''Oh, no. I used to stay there when I first came to this city. Don't worry, nothing's changed in there. The place and the people inside are still the same. I go there for a drink from time to time. Dom, the owner of the place, is a really nice guy and welcomes newcomers very warmly. Also, I just remembered that I have a friend staying there right now.''
Although Shin only asked if he had stayed there out of curiosity, Kulong apparently felt the need to praise the place because he was not staying there. As a result, the conversation dragged on for a few more minutes, but now it was definitely time to part ways. This time Shin was the first to extend his hand and say his farewell words.
''Nice to meet you, Kulong-san. Thank you for the information you gave me. I'll definitely stop by your guild.''
''Nice to meet you too, Shin. I hope we'll meet again.''
''I hope so too. Then I'll see you until we meet again, good night.''
After a small goodbye, they left. Shin muttered quietly as he watched Kulong walking towards the guild building and then turned his head in the opposite direction.
''Maybe he's staying at the guild.''
For a moment, the tall man felt that he was being watched and turned around, but he could see nothing but a few merchants chatting among themselves in the darkness-shrouded streets.