Chapter 17: "Searching for Answers"

The towering trees of Liras Forest stood like sentinels, their thin trunks reaching straight toward the sky. Dense canopies allowed only faint beams of sunlight to filter through, casting shifting patterns on the mossy forest floor. Thick grass softened my steps, muffling sound as I moved. The crisp air carried faint whispers of nature—the distant chirp of a bird, the rustle of leaves in the breeze.

The stillness felt timeless, as if this part of the forest had remained untouched for centuries. For a brief moment, I let the quiet wash over me.

But I had work to do.

I bent down to examine a cluster of mushrooms near a fallen tree. Their caps glowed softly with blue and orange bioluminescence—exactly what I needed. Carefully, I plucked them, making sure not to damage the stems, and placed them in the woven basket on my back.

It had been a month since I became an adventurer. While Jason and the others joined higher-ranking parties to level up, I stuck to low-level missions like this one. My basket was already full of mushrooms, enough to finish the task. There was no reason to linger.

Standing up, I adjusted my cloak and took one last look around the quiet forest before heading down the mountain. The narrow path was familiar—I’d traveled it often for herb-gathering missions. Even so, the view of Liras City below, bustling with life, always captivated me.

As I descended, the peaceful sounds of the forest faded, replaced by the hum of civilization—the murmur of voices, the clatter of hooves on cobblestone, and the creak of wooden carts.

The city gate came into view, a massive stone structure with wide arches and tall cylindrical towers flanking it. Flags fluttered above, and guards patrolled the battlements. The wooden gates, reinforced with iron, radiated security. Above them, the city’s crest was carved into a stone arch, a symbol of power.

The area around the gate buzzed with activity. Caravans laden with goods trundled forward, merchants with wagons full of produce and supplies mingled with travelers on foot or horseback. The sheer size of the gate reflected the city's wealth and importance, a grand entrance that inspired awe.

As I approached, the crowd thickened. Merchants, adventurers, and travelers moved in and out of the city like a living stream. Guards stood watch, their sharp eyes scanning for anything suspicious but letting most people pass without issue.

I joined the steady flow of people entering Liras City. A merchant passed by with a cart of clay pots and baskets, while travelers ahead carried supplies on their backs. The air was alive with the creak of wheels and the rhythmic clatter of hooves. The city's vibrant energy could be felt even before stepping inside.

Once inside, I headed toward a line of carriages bound for the Southeast District . Climbing into one, I settled in, watching the city unfold around me. Narrow alleys branched off from wide streets, vendors called out their wares, and people rushed about. The constant activity was mesmerizing, a chaotic rhythm that made the city feel alive at every turn.

Two hours later, the carriage finally slowed at the entrance to the Southeast District . I stepped down, stretching slightly as I looked ahead. Public carriages weren’t allowed to go further unless delivering goods to the shops or restaurants beyond this point. From here, I would have to walk.

As I entered the Southeast District , the atmosphere shifted noticeably. The streets were wider, lined with elegant lampposts and fluttering decorative banners. Polished carriages rolled by, their surfaces gleaming under the afternoon sun. Well-dressed pedestrians moved with poise, their refined attire highlighting the district’s sophistication.

Amid the elegance, my simple cloak and basket stood out. No matter how I tried, blending in here was impossible.

As I weaved through the crowd, a sudden voice rang out, halting me in my tracks.

"Hey, where are you going?" A city guard stepped forward, his tone authoritative. His armor gleamed under the sunlight, a contrast to the worn leather of my adventurer’s attire.

I shifted the basket on my back and gave him a polite nod. "I’m an adventurer from the Willow Guild. I’m here to deliver mushrooms to the Gamey Restaurant."

The guard’s suspicious gaze softened at the mention of the restaurant. "The Gamey Restaurant, huh? It’s near the Yearn Jewelry Shop. Just go straight and take a left."

"Thank you," I replied, offering a brief smile.

Before I could move on, the guard called out again. "And be careful. Try not to get involved with the nobles around here."

"I’ll keep that in mind," I said, my voice neutral.

Though Liras City was officially governed by a republican council, the influence of the noble families lingered like a shadow over everything. They were still treated like royalty in certain circles, and anyone who crossed them found themselves in deep trouble, regardless of the city's official stance on equality. It was a reminder of the invisible power they wielded.

Following the guard’s directions, I soon reached the Gamey Restaurant. Its pristine exterior gleamed in the afternoon light, a clear indication of the kind of clientele it catered to. The scent of fresh bread and roasted meat drifted through the air, teasing my empty stomach, but I pushed the hunger aside and approached the back entrance.

I knocked three times, and after a moment, the door creaked open to reveal a chubby, bald man with an annoyed expression. His white apron was stained with splashes of sauce, and he wiped his hands on a cloth as he regarded me with mild irritation.

"You’re early," he muttered, stepping aside to let me in. "We weren’t expecting the delivery until later, but it’s fine. We can start preparing the dishes sooner."

I handed him the basket. "Here are the mushrooms you requested."

He checked the mushrooms in the basket before nodding. "Good, good here is the parchment you needed as proof that you already finished the mission You can go now." He handed me the parchment

I turned and left, satisfied with the successful completion of my task. The bustling streets of the southern district surged around me. Vendors called out their wares, footsteps clattered against cobblestones, and the hum of countless conversations filled the air.

As I navigated through the crowd, a carriage caught my attention. It was a striking sight—a pristine white coach with intricate gold detailing, drawn by four immaculate horses. Lanterns swayed gently on its sides, their light glinting faintly in the afternoon sun. The driver sat upright, exuding an air of precision and control. This was no ordinary carriage; someone important was clearly inside.

Mesmerized, I forgot to watch where I was going.

“Oof!”

I stumbled back, nearly losing my balance. I had collided with someone—a man in his late twenties, his golden hair catching the sunlight. His elegant attire and the air of authority in his posture immediately marked him as a nobleman of considerable status. His expression twisted into a mask of indignant fury as he glared down at me.

“Watch where you’re going, you lout!” he snapped, his voice sharp and condescending.

I took a step back, instinctively bowing my head in apology. “I’m sorry, sir. Please forgive this commoner,” I said calmly, though his disdain was like a slap in the face.

The man’s gaze swept over me from head to toe, his lip curling in disdain. I could smell the faint tang of alcohol on his breath.

Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

“You should learn your place,” he sneered. “Step aside when someone of importance is passing. What’s someone like you even doing in the Southeast District? Are you here to steal?”

Before I could respond, another voice cut in.

“Excuse me, is there a problem here?”

A city guard approached, his expression worried but alert.

I turned to him quickly. “I accidentally bumped into him,” I said, keeping my tone even.

“This commoner,” the nobleman interjected angrily, “has no business being here. He’s probably a thief, and you’re clearly not doing your job.”

The guard frowned slightly and turned his attention to me.

“I’m an adventurer from the Willow Guild,” I explained, reaching into my pouch. “I’m here on a mission for Gamey Restaurant. Here’s my badge. You can confirm with them—I was delivering the mushrooms they requested.”

The guard inspected the badge briefly, then nodded. “Understood.” He turned back to the nobleman with a polite tone. “Sir, please forgive this adventurer. They’re not from this district and might be unfamiliar with its customs. I’ll ensure he’s more cautious in the future.”

The nobleman’s face flushed with annoyance, but he said nothing more. With a huff, he turned and strode away, his boots clicking sharply against the cobblestones.

The young woman at his side lingered for a moment, her eyes fixed on me. She was beautiful, her brown hair perfectly styled. Her age is probably close to mine

When she realized he had walked ahead, she hurried after him, her shoes clicking against the stones as she caught his arm. Despite her grip, the nobleman barely acknowledged her, his focus fixed forward as though she were an accessory rather than a companion.

The guard sighed and patted me on the shoulder. “Be more careful next time,” he said before walking away.

I lingered, my gaze following the nobleman and the woman as they disappeared into a nearby restaurant. I’d never been treated like that before. As I walked back to the Willow Guild, the nobleman’s sneer replayed in my mind, cutting deep. In my former world, I was treated with respect—my words mattered, my actions were valued.

Here, I was nothing. Just another commoner to be dismissed. The bitterness of that realization twisted in my chest, a painful reminder of how far I’d fallen.

When I reached the Willow Guild, the familiar sight of Elle the elven receptionist, greeted me. She stood behind the counter,smiling warmly at the adventurers coming and going.

"Hey, Elle ," I called out as I approached. "I’ve finished my mission for the day."

She glanced at the clock on the wall and laughed softly. "That was fast! Are you sure you don’t want to take on another? You could earn a nice bonus today."

I hesitated. "Actually, I wanted to ask you something—if you don’t mind."

To my surprise, Elle’s face turned red, and she looked flustered for a moment. "Are... are you asking me out?" she stammered, glancing around nervously.

I froze, completely caught off guard. "N-No! That’s not what I meant!" I said quickly, rubbing the back of my neck. Elle was one of the most popular receptionists in the guild, and the idea of accidentally sparking a misunderstanding with her admirers made my stomach churn.

She laughed, the awkwardness quickly fading. "I’m just teasing. What did you want to ask?"

"I’ve been looking for information about a portal —something that appears out of nowhere," I explained. "Have you ever heard of anything like that?"

"Elle's playful expression shifted into one of thoughtfulness. She frowned, tapping her chin as she considered the question. 'A portal, huh? I can’t say I’ve heard of anything like that, but if you’re looking for rare phenomena, the public library might be a good place to start. It’s near the council building in the center of the city—just ask a city guard, and they will guide you there. They have all sorts of records, though I can’t guarantee you’ll find what you’re looking for.'"

A spark of hope flickered inside me. "Thanks, Elle . I’ll check it out."

Without wasting another second, I left the guild and headed straight for the city center. Hunger gnawed at me as I passed by several food stalls, the scent of roasting meat and fresh pastries making my stomach growl. I stopped briefly to buy a meat skewer, the warmth and flavor enough to keep me moving.

As I approached the heart of the city, the council building came into view, standing tall and grand with red pointed roofs and towers at each corner. Its castle-like presence was hard to miss, with a large clock centered above the wide stone staircase leading to the main gate. Lush greenery softened the edges of its stone walls, but the building’s sturdy gate left no doubt about its authority.

I paused near the entrance, catching the attention of a city guard. "Could you point me to the public library?" I asked.

He gestured just beyond the council building. "Right over there."

The library, with its yellow walls, red domed roof, and tall front windows, sat peacefully by the council building. A small porch with pillars marked the entrance, while palm trees and bushes lined the welcoming path.

The council building commanded attention, but the library’s graceful presence was no less striking—a quiet counterpart to the nearby seat of power.

The air was cool and smelled faintly of dust and parchment. The librarian, a short man with a neatly trimmed mustache, eyed me suspiciously as I approached the desk.

“Afternoon,” I greeted him. “I’m looking for books on natural phenomena. A friend mentioned I might find some here.”

The librarian nodded curtly, his expression never changing. “We have a section dedicated to that. But remember, the books stay here, and any damage will have consequences.”

“I understand,” I assured him.

The library's interior was grand, with towering bookshelves reaching up to the vaulted ceiling. Sunlight poured through a massive stained-glass window, casting colorful patterns on the stone floor. Vines hung from the shelves, adding a touch of softness, while wooden desks with scattered books and quills invited quiet study.

Most of the volumes here were older than me. A handful of people sat at the reading tables, scribbling notes or flipping through thick tomes. I spent hours combing through dusty books, searching for any mention of a portal—but found nothing.

For the next several days, I returned from morning until night, determined to find something—anything—that could help. I read about ancient myths, natural disasters, and strange anomalies, but none resembled the portal that had pulled me into this world.

One afternoon, as I buried myself in yet another heavy tome, I heard footsteps approaching. I glanced up to see Arthur , a young man I had befriended during my visits. His purple hair was neatly styled, and his brown eyes held a calm, thoughtful gaze. Arthur carried himself with the air of someone mature beyond his years—collected and responsible, like a scholar.

Beside him trailed Sarah , her orange hair pulled into two playful buns, each tied with a ribbon. Her large blue eyes sparkled with excitement, and her energy seemed to brighten the space around her. While Arthur was composed and serious, Sarah was his opposite—outgoing, bubbly, and full of life.

Despite their contrasting personalities, the two were nearly inseparable. I learned they had known each other since childhood, their bond evident in the easy way they interacted.

“Still at it, huh?” Arthur said with a faint smile.

“Yeah,” I replied, rubbing my tired eyes. “I’m starting to think I’ll never find what I’m looking for.”

Sarah plopped into the chair beside me, resting her chin on her hand. “Don’t give up! Sometimes the answers show up when you least expect them.”

Her optimism was infectious, and for a moment, I let myself believe she might be right.

“Caelan, it’s lunchtime. You should take a break,” Arthur said, nudging my shoulder. “You’ve been staring at that book for hours.”

I blinked, realizing how drained I felt. “Yeah, I guess you’re right.”

We headed to the nearby restaurant where we always ate after long hours at the library.

As we settled at our usual table, Arthur glanced at me curiously. “You said you’re an adventurer, but you’ve been at the library every day. Are you thinking of leaving adventuring to join the academy?”

I shook my head. “No, I’m still an adventurer. I’m just looking for something important.”

“What kind of something?” Sarah asked, her big blue eyes alight with curiosity.

I hesitated before answering. “I’m looking for anything about a portal that appears out of nowhere.”

Arthur frowned thoughtfully. “I’ve never heard of anything like that.”

“Me neither,” Sarah added.

I sighed, the weight of my frustration heavy. “I’ve been searching for weeks and still haven’t found anything. I’m starting to lose hope.”

Arthur leaned forward, his expression serious. “If the public library doesn’t have what you’re looking for, the academy might. They have exclusive records and books that aren’t open to the public. There’s even a professor at Liras Huntington Academy who studies natural phenomena.”

“But you said those records are only for students,” Sarah reminded him.

“True,” Arthur admitted, “but Caelan could always enroll.” He grinned, hopeful.

Sarah smirked. “You just want Caelan to enroll so you can hang out with him at the academy.”

Arthur flushed. “Well... maybe. I don’t have many friends besides you two.”

I smiled, touched by his honesty. “Thanks, Arthur. I’ll think about it.”

For two more weeks, I scoured the library, but when I still found nothing, I made my decision: I would enroll at Liras Huntington Academy.