In my world, I’d seen firsthand how people turned a blind eye to each other. Once, on the bus, I was sitting at the back when I noticed an elderly woman trying to get off through the back door. She moved slowly due to being old—probably in her eighties. The driver, unaware, assumed she’d stepped off and shut the doors, catching her hand between them. She let out faint cries for help, but he didn’t hear. The rest of us? We just sat there, watching in silence. I was just relieved it wasn’t me that got stuck there. It hit me then how the city had numbed me, made indifference a reflex. Here, though? People offered me free baths, free rides, even helped me with a quest. It was jarring… but still, I’d choose my city because at least I knew its rules.

“Hmm.”

After paying for a room, I counted what I had left—eight gold and seven silver. With no plans for the rest of the day, I figured I might as well attempt a nap. Unfortunately, being an insomniac meant sleep rarely came easily, and I wished for my pills to knock me out.

The sun was still high, kids were at school, and I was lying around. It could’ve been worse, but here I was—somehow, still alive.

"Wish I could charge my phone…” I muttered, glancing at the screen.

The battery was dropping fast, no doubt thanks to all the flashlight use. Maybe I should’ve just sold the thing while it had juice left because, once dead, it’d be nothing more than a weight in my pocket. Unless I found a way out of here first.

Turning over, I sighed, shutting my eyes to the muffled sounds of people talking and eating downstairs. Sleep really wasn’t coming easily.

A knock at the door startled me. “Hey, it’s Phobe. Are you sleeping?”

“Phobe?” I muttered, swinging my legs over the bed to answer the door. I opened it to find her standing in the hall, her expression anxious, like she’d been fretting over something.

“Hey, honey,” she said, apologetically. “Sorry to bother, but… have you seen Gentle Gerald?”

“Gentle Gerald?” I asked, trying to place the name.

“Yeah, the dog who lazes around here,” she explained, concern deepening in her voice.

“Oh… no, sorry. Haven’t seen him today.”

“Ugh, he’s missing. This isn’t like him.”

“Hmm,” I muttered. “Hope you can find him.”

“I heard you found that lost sheep pretty quickly,” she went on, hopeful. “Think you could help find a dog too? I’d make it worth your while, of course.”

“Sure, I’ll give it a shot,” I replied, a hint of tiredness slipping through.

“Thank you! Last I saw him, he was headed toward Karmak District to play with the cats. He loves that spot.” She said, “You might want to check there.”

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I nodded, already mentally preparing for another search. “There was another missing dog there. Borado… alright, I’ll let you know if I come across him.”

“Thank you, really,” she said, relief softening her expression before she turned to leave.

Shutting the door, I sat on the edge of my bed, slipped on my shoes, and let my cape drape comfortably over my left shoulder. For a moment, I just sat there, gaze resting on the empty wall, eyes half-closed. Eventually, I let out a quiet sigh, took one last look out the window, then stood up. I stepped into the corridor, locked the door, and pocketed the room key.

As I headed downstairs, I noticed two guards speaking with Phobe, who was stationed behind the counter, handing them a cold beer.

“No, honey. No elves here,” she said, her voice firm. “If I ever see one, I’ll be the first to report it, trust me.”

“Good,” replied one guard, his helmet glinting as he nodded. “Can’t be too careful in Kinowa anymore. Little rats might be everywhere.”

Phobe caught my eye, and I gave her a slight nod before stepping outside, stretching as I adjusted to the blazing afternoon heat. The sun was merciless, and people were fanning themselves while kids played, undeterred by the weather. Back home, it was either cloudy or, well… more cloudy.

“Perfect,” I muttered to myself, my voice dull. “Just what I need, a sauna. Great…”

“Oh, hey!” A familiar voice called from my left. “Axel!”

I turned to see Mortan waving. “Hey, Mortan,” I replied, noting the impressive sword he was holding.

“You doing alright, kid?” he asked, shifting the weight of the sword. It was a beauty—well-crafted, almost regal.

“Getting by,” I said, eyeing the blade. “That’s some sword you’ve got there.”

“Ah, yeah,” he chuckled, holding it up so the light caught the details along the blade. “This one’s a delivery for the Queen herself, all the way to the Queen’s Palace. Had to close the shop for this. Normally, my son would run deliveries like these, but he’s still at school.”

“Hmm.”

Mortan reached into his pocket and held out a piece of parchment. “Actually… think you could take it to her for me? This paper should help get you inside. What do you say, eh?”

Normally, I wouldn’t jump at the chance to help anyone, especially without a reward. But Mortan had gotten me out of the forest. I figured I owed him this much at least.

I took the sword and examined it closely. The blade was polished to a mirror-like sheen, runes etched along its length. The hilt was wrapped in fine, deep blue leather, with a polished silver crossguard that gave the weapon a noble appearance, as though crafted for royalty. Credit where credit is due, he did a good job making this sword.

“Alright,” I said, accepting the weapon and the parchment.

“Thanks, boy,” he replied, nodding approvingly. “Now, remember, when you get to the throne room, kneel on one knee, hold the sword by both blade and hilt, and lift it into the air. And whatever you do, don’t make eye contact with Her Highness. Understood?”

I nodded. “Got it.”

“Good. Catch you later, then… oh, I almost forgot. Which class are you in?”

“F.” I replied curtly. “I got free room, though.”

“Free? F doesn’t get free rooms. It’s one or two gold a month, can't remember."

“Oh…”

“Well, anyway. Congratulations. See you, kid.”

Watching him walk away, I let out a breath, the weight of the sword solid in my grip. It gleamed under the bright sunlight, making the usual guard swords look like they were crafted from scrap metal in comparison. I had a feeling this one could take down a tree with a single swing.

"Guess finding that dog will have to wait," I muttered, unfolding the map from my pocket. I traced my finger over to the Queen’s Palace, a district away. “Alright, let’s get this over with.”