“This really is my lucky day, huh?”

“To think the guards would be so easy to bribe…”

They weren’t just easy, it's as if it was only natural for them to be bribed. Like that was the entrance fee into this city. Not only that but what was with the explosion and those knights before? Based on what Marie said they must be important so why would they patrol a line of merchants trying to enter the city. Unless they expected something akin to the explosion happening.

“Not only that but I wonder what was with those ‘Knights of the Old Order.’”

“It is strange. In one of the letters my brother sent me he mentioned that most of the knights were out fighting in the wars. The rest stayed in the castle protecting the king.”

Walking through the streets of the capital was, in a way, more or less what I expected. At least as far as architecture and the layout of the city. Cobblestone roads with merchant stalls, shops and taverns lined along the sides. But the loneliness of these streets seems unlike what one imagines for a capital of an entire kingdom.

As we made our way past the third tavern we’ve seen, even Marie was starting to wonder as well.

“In the letters my brother sent he always talked about how livly Erd is. But why are there so few people out and about? Especially in the Market District?”

“I was thinking the same thing. I wonder if it has anything to do with that explosion.”

We decided to approach a guard to ask for directions who pointed us in the right direction.

“You’ll want to head north down this street and once you reach the fork you’ll want to take a left then right and head through the Entertainment District for a while before reaching the Academy Grounds where the Dojo is.”

We gave our thanks and attempted to move on but then the guard quickly stopped us as if he forgot to tell us something.

“You’ll want to get past the Entertainment District before dark. Streets aren’t safe these days.”

“Is that why they’re so few people out?”

“‘Fraid so. With the War on Three Fronts things have been tough around the capital. Terrorists smuggling in weapons. Strange murders at night. We even have the King’s Knights helping patrol the city.”

That would explain the explosion, a possible terrorist smuggling into some kind of bomb that accidently went off. I can only imagine how much three wars would drain your resources as a kingdom, especially a small one of humans who are on the bottom of the food chain.

We thank the guard again and then continue heading down the cobblestone road.

This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

After following the guard’s instructions we found ourselves past the Entertainment District and approaching a large stone wall and steel gate with several guards patrolling. As the sky is dyed a deep red we finally make it past the gate with another successful bribe.

From what I gathered the Noble District is next to the Academy surrounded by a thick wall laid right before the doorstep of the King’s castle. Due to the crime rising in the capital more focus has been spent on protecting the nobles. Which ironically enough is probably causing even more crime to rise in the poorer areas.

After getting lost for a bit we finally made it to the dojo. Marie was nervous since she hadn’t seen her brother for at least four years but she quickly resolved herself to step through the doors with me.

Upon entering the dojo I couldn’t help but be amazed at how much of a dojo it actually looked like. I expected a dojo in a fantasy world completely detached from my own to be vastly different but it was like it had been lifted directly from my world. There even seemed to be Japanese characters written on banners. I felt like my head was going to spin with all the questions I had.

As I was engrossed in my surroundings a old man with a slightly hunched back and a long white beard approached us with a warm smile.

“Welcome to the Erd Capital Dojo. I’m afraid we are closing up at the moment but you may come back in the morning at dawn.”

“Uh, actually my name is Marie Hart. My brother, Joseph, works here. I came to visit and I wasn't sure if he was here…”

“Ah! I see, I thought your aura felt familiar. Joseph!”

A loud thud could be heard from the back and then before long a man popped out with short blonde hair and face that almost resembled Henry’s. This must definitely be Joseph. Upon seeing his sisters his eyes grew wide before rushing to embrace her. It was a cute moment to behold.

As if Joseph remembered something he jerked his head towards the old man with a nervous look which the old man replied with the shaking of his head.

“I can close up by myself. Please, go enjoy spending time with your sister. Though, I would like a moment alone with her friend here.”

Oi, who, me?! Why am I being singled out? Even Joseph started eyeing me suspiciously. I guess it makes sense, seeing your sister with a strange masked man you’ve never seen before would make any normal brother suspicious.

As Marie and Joseph exited the dojo the old man turned to me. “My apologies, I never introduced myself. You may call me Master Craven.”

“Hello, Master Craven. What is it that you wish to speak to me about?”

“Your aura is unlike anything I’ve seen before. It’s… almost inhuman.”

Oh shit, don’t tell me this guy is already onto the fact that I’m an undead?! Of course wearing a mask to clearly hide my identity probably doesn’t help much.

“Forgive me, I will not pry anymore. Nor will I ask about what is under your mask.”

“If you don’t mind me asking, Master Craven, what is this exactly about then?”

“I can tell you are powerful. The magical energy that is leaking from your body is vast, but also uncontrolled. I wish to train you if you would give me the opportunity.”

Wait, shouldn’t this be the other way around? I should be the one asking him to train me. If he can tell all of that just by looking at me then this old man is clearly strong. Though I had no idea I was “leaking” magical energy. It must be invisible to the naked eye unlike when I used Martial Arts against the cave trolls.

This old man, he’s definitely a step above most individuals I can only assume. I can’t let this chance go to waste. With that an agreement was made, I would return in the morning at the crack of dawn to begin my training.

If this world had stats like an RPG I think my luck stat would already be at max.