Dan embarked on his journey toward the town, opting to travel on foot, unsure of the extent of magic in this world. After a brief two-minute walk, he reached the gate, only to find it closed and unguarded. Dan called out a greeting, but his voice reverberated unanswered against the empty walls.
Patiently waiting by the gate, Dan eventually spotted a guard patrolling atop the wall. As the guard caught sight of him, he approached cautiously and began speaking in a language Dan couldn't comprehend. Unable to understand the guard's words, Dan simply waved in response, hoping to convey his peaceful intentions.
As the guard walked away, the gate slowly creaked open, revealing six armed soldiers poised to confront Dan. They began speaking to him in their native language, but Dan's inability to understand left the communication barrier unbroken. Sensing his confusion, the soldiers gestured for him to follow.
Reluctantly, Dan complied, and they led him to a waiting room adjacent to the entrance gate. As he waited, an elderly man entered and began speaking, but Dan could only shake his head in apology. "Sorry, I can't understand you," he explained. However, the old man continued to speak, seemingly undeterred by Dan's lack of comprehension.
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Suddenly, it dawned on Dan what the old man was doing. He was speaking in multiple different languages, attempting to find one that Dan could understand.
As the old man ceased speaking, he shook his head in apparent frustration before leaving the room. The guard exchanged a glance with the old man before gesturing for Dan to follow.
Dan obediently trailed behind the guard as they made their way through the town, eventually arriving at an inn. The guard engaged in conversation with a young lady, and then gestured towards Dan.
Understanding the silent directive, Dan followed the lady as she led him upstairs to his room, Dan settled into his accommodations
Dan surveyed the modest room, taking note of its sparse furnishings—a bed, a small desk, and an empty shelf—along with a solitary window. Walking over to the window, he pushed it open and peered outside, observing the quaint surroundings of the small town. With a quick count, he confirmed that there were only 34 houses in the vicinity.
Returning to the room, Dan settled onto the bed, his thoughts swirling with uncertainty about what lay ahead.