I was finally able to get some sleep once the cleanup was done from the battle with the bandits. Maya and I were both without sleeping gear, but the merchants were so thankful for our aid that they were happy to supply us each with a bedroll. I fell asleep the instant my head hit the pillow, the exhaustion of the day catching up to me.

When I awoke, I realized something strange: I couldn't remember dreaming while in VERTEX. I wondered if that meant I wasn't dreaming at all. From my time as a professor of psychology, I knew that many people thought they didn't dream but were actually dreaming without remembering it. Was that what was happening here?

I knew how to find the answer—the tried and true dream diary method. I'd have to get some paper and a writing utensil in Templeton if I could. I should also consider trying to meditate. Meditation had been the catalyst for discovering my mental powers and the system evolving my class in the way it did. It stood to reason that I should keep exploring that. Would I be able to meditate and enter my subconscious while in VERTEX?

Maya interrupted my musing. "You were in such a hurry yesterday. Let's get up and get going. If we get there early enough, we can get something done. I have a plan for what you should do next."

I'm not sure why, but I didn't love the sound of that. "I want to look for Elyria," I stated, firm.

"I know, Everett," she said, an edge to her voice. "But she's not going anywhere. You should see if the mayor here will teach you about the town management features of the system."

"What town management features?" I asked, momentarily distracted from my thoughts of Elyria. "I never learned about anything like that at the tournament."

"I doubt you would," she said matter-of-factly. "I'm guessing they only taught you what you needed to survive. Figuring that you would die anyways, why waste your time with information you didn't need? But now, you need it."

We packed up quickly, eager to reach Templeton. The journey was relatively uneventful, giving me time to think about all my options. On one hand, I needed to find Elyria. We had been separated for too long, and who knows how long it would be until we were pulled out of VERTEX for another jump. I didn’t want to miss my chance to find her. Who knows where she will be by the next time we get pulled out? On the other hand, I knew nothing about the town management features and really should learn about them. I didn’t know what I was going to find when I finally made it back to Earth, but having knowledge of the town management system would most likely be of great use to me. Still, Elyria should come first.

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It was decided. I spent the rest of the trip making idle chit-chat with Maya and trying to meditate. I think the horse was too distracting, as I wasn’t able to enter my meditative state like before.

As we neared Templeton, my anticipation grew. The first sight of the city did not disappoint, it took my breath away. Templeton was like a city out of a movie or a video game. The walls were high and fortified, with ornate carvings of mythical beasts and what could only be deities guarding the entrance. Tall spires and grand cathedrals rose above the city, their stonework catching the light in a way that I found mesmerizing. Stained glass windows reflected a kaleidoscope of colors, casting the streets in a vibrant glow where they touched. I had never been religious, but even I had to admit that the cathedrals of this town were awe inspiring.

The city was just churches though, it was alive with activity. The streets were crowded with people of every race imaginable. There were definitely humans, a few different types of elves that I could see, something that looked like dwarves, and various types of orcs, no Iron Hegemony though. I saw what could only be goblins, they looked just like out of a video game it was hilarious. There were even a few other beings I couldn’t even name. I was so interested in all of this. I wonder if the real universe was this full of different races and beings? I hoped so.

Merchants shouted their wares, children played in the alleyways, and pilgrims moved purposefully towards the many places of worship. The air was filled with the sounds of different languages and the scents of exotic foods being prepared by vendors.

At one point I found myself struck by the sheer scale of the cathedrals. Each one was a marvel in its own way, their towering forms dominating the skyline. There was on particular cathedral that stood out from the rest, its spires reached towards the heavens, and its massive stained-glass windows depicted scenes of divine miracles and heroic deeds. Another temple stood in stark contrast to its magnificence, its dark stone walls absorbing the sunlight and giving off an eerie foreboding.

Despite the hustle and bustle, there was a sense of peace and purpose that permeated the city. Spiritual gardens dotted the landscape, each more beautiful than the last. Maya explained that these gardens were maintained by the various religious orders, each competing to create the grandest display of piety through beautification. Rare and exotic plants were carefully tended, and fountains and statues of deities were common features. The gardens served as places of meditation and reflection for the city's inhabitants and visitors.

Maya and I dismounted and made our way towards the central square. The guard captain, recognizing us from the caravan, greeted us warmly. "Thank you again for your help," he said, handing us a small pouch of coins. "Good luck with your journey."

I thanked him and turned to Maya. His statement had broke my reverie and I knew what we needed to do next. "We need to find Elyria," I said, my voice filled with urgency.