Chapter 2

It turned out he hadn’t needed to walk vary far before he spotted signs of civilization. He must have only been on the rode about an hour before he started seeing signs of cultivated fields. In the distance, he could see what looked to be a man cultivating some sort of tall green plants, way in the distance. He couldn’t make out many details, but even from a distance the man looked odd. He waved at the strange farmer, and a bit to his surprise the farmer looked up and waved back. Welp fortune favors the bold I guess. He walked towards the farmer, and the approached him as well. As he got closer, it became apparent there was indeed something off about the farmer. What stood in front of him was a bit unsettling. The 'man' was a shortish up right rabbit, perhaps less than five feet if you didn't count his ears. He wondered how he should address the beast person, assuming he was going to be able to communicate at all. It turned out he needn't have worried.

“Hoo, what cun a doo fir ya sir elf?” Said the rabbit beastkin

To Hugo's ears his accent sounded vaguely Irish, but not quite. Also. HE COULD UNDERSTAND HIM. That was going to be convenient. Hugo didn't even care about the explanation for it. It was one less thing he had to worry about. He was genuinely concerned that this would be one of those story's where he would have to learn the language from scratch. He was never the best at learning foreign languages. Also, did he just call him an elf? Hugo was fairly certain he was not an elf though everything in his life was in question since today.

“Ummm..eh. Elf?” Hugo said slightly dumbfounded

“Oh aren’t yeh un Elf? Pardon me if’n I was mistaken. How may I adress yee then? Also pardon my rudeness, my name be Rob’oan of the You’leth clan.

“Oh, yes that's alright. I’m sorry for interrupting your work. My name is Hugo and I’m human actually.”

The Rabbitrii looked at him inquisitively, but not with hostility. Hugo took as a sign that he hadn’t made a mistake in correcting him. He had half considered letting the farmer misidentify his race, but he had wanted to test his reaction.

The Rabbitrii rubbed his chin. “Quite tall fur eh human, though I admit to not seeing that many round these parts. I spose I should’ve noticed yur round ears, forgive me once again. I don’t talk ta many of the fair skinned people.”

“Fair skinned people? I’m not sure I understand you. Do you mean my light skin?”

“Noono you know elves, ana dwarves, an hoomans as well, uncommon uz they're I suppose. Those’ns that not be blessed with fur like my brothers an sisters.”

“Oh. Oooh. Excuse me I see what you mean now. You think I’m tall?” Hugo gave a slight smile

“If’n I’m any judge, but I dunnot see very many human folk and cannut claim to ever have.”

“Not many humans live around these parts?”

“Not that’n I’m being made aware’uv noo. You might try look’n in Bru’gatha city just up’n the rode. Doo yee be look’n fur some of yur kin?”

“Uh no not really, I’m glad you mentioned the city was up ahead. That’s what I wanted to ask about. How far is it? I’m just a little lost at the moment and don’t know my way around the area. Do you think I can make it before it gets dark?”

Rob’oan rubbed his furry chin again “If’n you walk quickly you will probably make it there befor’n they be closen the gates for the eve. Do’n ya have any supply's fur travel, I dunna see a pack or bedroll. Els’n you could at least be camp’n outside the city if’n you don’t make it in time.”

“I lost my supplies.” Hugo lied. He could hardly explain to this random farmer his entire situation. He didn’t totally believe it himself yet.

“Actually if you have a bed roll and something for water I can play you. Also, maybe a small something to eat? I still have some money but I don’t know if it’s any good here.” It was technically true, his wallet had a holder where he kept a few quarters, and he had maybe twenty three cents in pennies. He could probably pass that off as copper, even if modern pennies barely had any copper from what he remembered.

The rabbitrii gave Hugo a slight smile. “Fur be it from me nutta help a stranger that be need'n some supplies. If’n you’l be wait’n here a few moments I’ll be back.”

Sure enough, about ten minutes later Rob’oan came back with a sack all tied with some twine and what he assumed what must be a water skin

“Yur bein’ in luck. I found ye some suitable supplies fur if’n you get stranded outside befur the gate closes. Did ye say ye had sum coppers ya could spare fur these supplies?”

“I do but I don’t really know what a fair exchange would be here. How much is fair for a blanket and the water skin?

“Hrmm, I’da say about’n twelve coppers would’na be an unfair price. I’ll even’be throwin in some Tapapa roots so’zn you won’t be hungry. They’be in the blanket clean’n wurshed.”

Hugo pulled out his wallet and counted out twelve pennies from the zip pocket. When he handed them to Rob’oan whose eyes went wide as he took a look at the engraving.

“I’ve never’a seen tha like a tha craftsmanship un these coins. An tha shine on’em. An ye say these are copper? It’s as if a god crafted 12 identical coppers and made em shine like'n to a gold piece.”

All of the pennies in Hugo’s wallet had been of a newer mint and really were new and shiny. He hadn't even consider that they might look unusually well crafted in a world that most likely didn’t have modern machining. Rob’oan asked a few more questions about the coins and where they came from, but Hugo was evasive. In the end he figured that this exchange had still been worth it. Now he had a blanket so he wouldn’t be so cold when night fell, and some water. He drank from the skin greedily. The water was cool and had minerally taste, but was not unpalatable. He also looked at the strange tubers that Rob’oan had called Tapapa’s. They looked a bit like a carrot crossed with a potato. They had sort of a fat shape to them and looked pale with little rooty bits on the end. He took a little nibble off of the end of one. It was crunchy and a bit bland, but he figured it was probably safe to eat.

Hugo saw the city just as the sun was beginning to set. He was hoping, based on his reaction with the farmer, that the city might not be to unwelcoming to humans. He was stilling dwelling on what Rob’oan the farmer had told him “I admit to not seeing that many round these parts,” and that a bit concerning. He hoped that whatever kind of beast persons or dwarves or whatever fantasy’esque creatures were in charge of the city that they weren’t hostile. He also considered if it would be better to enter the city at night, or spend a day camping outside and wait until morning. Muggings were probably a universal in cities, and beign caught in a strange city at night sounded treacherous. He hadn't seen any sign that there were anything like monsters out here, so he decided to take a chance on camping.

He was fortunate that where ever he was dropped, the weather seemed to be ideal at the moment. Hugo found a nice tree near enough to see the city, but too far to be easily seen from the walls. He cleverly place the water skin down and he found that the stopper was strong enough to allow it to be used as a pillow, after some careful testing by slowly resting his head. Placing the skin against a tree for support, he unwrapped the bedroll and placed the two of the Tapapa roots beside his water skin. He nibbled on the third as he began to make his bed, clearing away twigs and debris.

Now that he wasn’t as worried about immediately being killed, everything hit Hugo at once. He began to weep. He mourned for the things he knew he had just lost. He mourned for his family and friends that he had left behind. He wondered if he’d ever be able to browse the internet again. He doubted it. Who ever or what ever had sent him here was playing games with him. He wondered if god was testing him. He’d always grown up in the church, but he had not been as faithful the last few years of his life and Hugo knew it. He began to pray. After a few minutes passed he grew wrestles and pulled out his phone. Turning it on, he browsed at the pictures on his phone. There were not nearly enough pictures of his family. There was, however, ample pictures of his cat. Hugo fell asleep that night under the tree looking at distant stars. They were beautiful and alien, and he hoped that the wonder he felt from looking at them was a good omen

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Hugo awoke the next morning feeling surprisingly alright. The night had been only slightly chilly, but the clean linen like material of the blanket had kept him warm. That first night looking under the stars would be something that he would not forget. He poured a little water on his face to rinse away the dirt he felt. He stretched, and went over to a nearby bush to relieve himself. Finishing the morning business, he sat against his sleeping tree and took a moment to think about how he wanted to tackle what was effectively his first full day in a fantasy world. Based on his interaction with the rabbit man farmer person he was actually hopeful. Who knew, maybe a more mixed society of beast people did things better than your average medieval human society. He made a mental note to try to figure out the proper way to address different beast people. He was almost sure that referring to them by the animal they sort of resembled was like some one calling him an upright monkey thing. Not a very flattering way to talk to some one.

First things first, scout out the gate and approach with caution. If it seems safe, see if you can get into the city. Next, explore the city and try not to die. Ooh maybe I should look at getting a knife? Getting work might be an issue though. Hugo had been on his first year of his law degree when he’d been transmigrated. He was fairly sure US law structure probably wouldn’t apply here. Maybe he could get hands on a law book if such a thing even existed. Realistically, he didn’t have much starting cash though. He used to carry credit cards for most things and only ever kept small amount of paper money and coins. He doubted the paper could be used, but perhaps he could trade the four dollars he had in paper notes? He still had three quarters eleven pennies left. Maybe he could stretch their value based on the craftsmanship? He hoped so or things might get kind of desperate fast. The best option might be to get more supplies and just camp out side the city most nights until. He could avoid whatever the cost of an inn was until he figured out a way to make some currency. I might be able to trade my clothes too! I bet if I’m smart I can trade the cloth for something that won’t stand out as much and the tailor will probably be very impressed with the stitching. Hugo hoped that he could make a few extra coins from the trade too. Hopefully whatever he traded his clothes for wouldn’t be too scratchy.

Hugo also looked at his phone and considered whether he should attempt to sell it or not. Ultimately it came down to his lack of information. He doubted he could get a good price for it. He had no idea what magical artifacts would sell for if their even was such a thing. He was betting on it, but until he knew more it was best just to hide it. Unless he could get it charged some how, it would become useless in a very short amount of time anyway. He put the phone back in his pocket. Selling that would have to wait until he knew more, if he ever did. Today would be an exploration mission.

Hugo secured his water skin to his belt and wrapped up the bed roll. Without any straps the easiest way for him to carry it was just tucked under his arm. He had eaten one of the Tapapa’s last night, leaving only the green end of the stem. He nibbled on the second one as he began his walk towards the city. As he walked he practiced flicking on and off his character sheet. The sensation still felt strange, but he could do it without any issue. His stats remained unchanged, with the exception of his status changing to (hopeful) mild (determined) mild. He thought that seemed accurate. After his first meeting, and finding that he could communicate, he actually WAS hopeful that he would not just die out right in this strange new world. Wonder of wonders, I might actually be ok.

As he approached the town, he began to see more and more of the strange 'people' that lived here. Some were wheeling out hand carts, no horses or pack animals were present. He had expected more rabbit men like the farmer, but to his surprise he encountered a number of what appeared to be huge lizard men coming and going from the city. “They are big aren’t they.” he mumbled to himself. If one of them decided he didn’t like Hugo, he doubted he could avoid becoming a bloody pile of meat. There were more kinds of creatures as well. He spotted several more beast people, noticing at least three separate kinds so far. One group looked like huge bears, and they were nearly as tall as the lizard people. He noticed a few that resembled either a dog or a hyena, staying close to their own group. He saw at least two that he was sure resembled giant rats, underneath their hood and cloaks. He noted the distinctive rat like tale that poked out from the back of the cloak. Those two were getting some what hostile glares from the rest, which they casually ignored.

As he got closer to the gate, more beast people noticed him. Nobody appeared to pay close attention, however. No one gave him much more than a wary glance, before continuing onward towards the line for getting into the city. He saw a few people exit the gates without being stopped by the guards, so it seemed you only needed to check in with them when entering the city. He watched the procedure the guards used for each individual and group. They asked for names, business in the city, whether they were residents or not, if they had identification, and to declare any magical items they had on them. Hugo especially noted that last part. He debated on whether he should hide the phone, or declare it. He chewed over the decision, though the phone technically wasn’t magic so it really wasn’t a lie. Hugo took a place in line behind one of the bear men, who turned around and snorted at him. Friendly, isn’t he. Hugo kept his head up, and progressed with the line. He sensed looking fearful or weak was probably not good for his health, even if his nerves were telling him he had to throw up.

The lined progressed. City residents in the line presented the bored looking guards with clay tablets about the size of a book mark and similarly shaped. They weren’t asked to touch the crystal, but they were still asked about magical items they had on them. Getting a better look at the entrance, he now noticed that one of the guards was a bear man, and another was one of the large lizard looking people. So they have a mixed society. That is probably why no one seems to care about a lone human wondering around, i hope. So far Hugo had only seen beast people, but based on what the farmer had told him and the un-interested reactions of the beast men around him he figured that there were probably more non beast people around somewhere. All good signs as far as he was concerned. Finally, the line progressed to his turn. The guard gave him a curious look and spoke.

“Pleas-se s-state your name and business-s.” The tall lizard like guard said in a gruff voice. He held his spear in a relaxed position, supporting him on the staff. That spear is much taller than me, and man that broad head looks wicked, Hugo thought to himself. He would NOT be causing trouble if he could avoid it.

“Hugo Harris” he replied.

The guard gave appraised Hugo with his eyes before asking his next question.

“Business-s in the city?”

“I’m purchasing supplies, and I’d like to explore a bit.”

“Not a res-sident then. Do you have any magical items-s that you want to declare before entering the city?”

Hugo paused at that. He didn’t want to deceive that guards but he also didn’t want to reveal his 'magical item' to the group behind. Seeing how he was basically defenseless and probably the smallest person in this crowd. He needed to keep his cards close tho the belt. His shoulders tensed.

“None. All I have are some coins, my bedroll, and my water skin..oh and some root vegetable.”

The two guards gave each other a skeptical look, and the lizard like guard raised his eye brow and spoke.

“And your cothe’s-s are just normal cloth?” he spoke, seeming some what surprised.

Hugo knew that his khaki and polo shirt must look unusual, but he hadn’t even considered that these people would assume they were magic in some way. In this case he wasn’t sure if standing out was good or not. Possibly that is why he was getting suspicious looks but being left alone. Maybe size wasn’t always a good indicator of ability in a world with magical artifacts? Probably the people here were just being cautious of a stranger, and not wanting to create a scene in front of the main gate.

“I will be conducting a s-scan, are you sure you don’t wish to change your ans-swer?”

Hugo looked at him and his teeth clenched, but he nodded. Nothing on me is magical, as far as I know. I’ve got nothing to worry bout..except that guards giant spear. The guard locked eyes with him for a moment, craning his neck down on his impressive seven foot tall frame. Then, he slowly waved his clawed hand up and down Hugo’s body. Hugo watched as the air distorted around the guards hand, and he could feel a slight tingle where it was placed near him. It gave him goose bumps. When the guard was satisfied he turned to his partner.

“He’s-s all clear. Pleas-se touch the identification crystal.”

Hugo looked at the large, smooth purple crystal that was embedded into the wall at about his shoulder level.

“I just touch it?” He looked at the guard, a bit hesitantly.

“Yes’s, just approach the crystal and touch it. It does the magic by its-self.”

Hugo did as instructed and the crystal glowed softly. The crystal felt warm to the touch, and after a few seconds the guard instructed him to let go. The bear beast man who had stayed quiet through most of the interaction pulled a silvery tablet that looked about the size of ipad mini out of a belt pouch and examined it. He walked over to his lizard partner and showed him the information. He traced his finger over one parts of it and he murmured in his partners ear hole. Hugo started to get a little nervous as they reviewed his information.

“..and were sure that this-s is correct? But how could be be level one. Most children don’t s-stay level one for long, even extremely sheltered ones. How could he have traveled from where ever he came from. The drakonid guard whispered to his barear companion.

“I don’t know. I’m just as interested in this “Human (variant) reading, and there is no more to the description. I didn’t even know that fairskins had variant clans. Let alone how rare humans are these days. I thought he was an elf. I’ve seen humans before but never as tall as that’n.

“When was’s the crys-stal calibrated las-st?” The drakonid asked

“Only a month, ago. I’m sure it’s still ok. It hasn’t showed me anything unusall at’all until this’n”

“Very s-strange. We should tell the guard captain have him obs-served. I’ve heard of magics that can disguis-se ones-s s-soul window, but I’ve never s-seen it mys-self. Sss-sus-spicious-ss.”

Their quiet murmuring was just out of ear shot, and Hugo was becoming agitated. Just before Hugo could work up the nerve to ask if something was wrong the lizard man approached him.

“How long do you intend your s-stay of the c-city? I’m obligated to inform you s-stays of longer that one week must be regis-stered in the c-city c-center.”

Hugo rubbed his chin. “I’m really not sure. At least a few day’s to buy supplies. Beyond that I don’t know.” Hugo honestly had no idea when he would leave the city. He needed information even more than he needed supply's.

“In that cas-se, cause no trouble and you should have a pleas-sant s-stay. Here is a wooden token good for up to one week in the c-city.”

Hugo slowly reached for the token that the clawed hands moved toward him. He gingerly grabbed the edge to avoid touch the scaly hand. He looked at the wooden token that had some writing on it, and an official looking ink stamp. He was disappointing when he found he couldn’t read the letters. He hadn’t even had time to consider that he’d be able to understand the language but not read it. He pocketed the token for later puzzling over. With that, the guard ushered him forward through the gate and helped the next person in line. Behind him, the bear beastkin scribbled a name of interest in a small journal.