Chapter 2 - Around In Town

After praying that the town is not hostile, I quickly ran down the hill, and straight to the…. Closed gates? I should be safe if I sleep out here, right? But, I can’t sleep with no blankets on the dirty floor, it’s freezing right now.

“Well, I guess I’ll have to stay up and wait for the gates to open. Ahh, this feels kind of nostalgic, just like that one time I was with dad, watching the stars. I wished, but...”

Thinking of the past, I unconsciously pulled out my guitar and started playing a song that he once played. Slowly, the sweet and melancholic tune brought tears to my eyes as I gaze upon the full moon. Each note slowly appeared before me, glowing ever so bright.

“Heh. I’m so tired that I’m even hallucinating now.”

I retorted to myself jokingly. It was cold and lonely, but somehow, it began to get warmer and warmer. Before I knew it, my consciousness faded as the song ends, and I began to enter a state of slumber.

“It is here…”

A murmur from something reached my half-conscious ears, it was hard to recognise what it was, but, it was sweet. Soon, everything became dark.

The darkness never ended; it was only me, floating in this empty space. Music notes slowly begin to appear as my mind drifted towards my past, drifting around me, it felt almost as if I was, embraced in something warm…

Then, before me, was-

“WAKE! UP! KIDDO!”

Suddenly, like a flashbang, the empty space disappeared in a bright flash. I could slowly feel my eyes opening as cold air began rushing past my face. The warmth disappeared sadly.

“Urgh.”

I accidentally loosened my mouth and let out a loud groan. My blurry vision recovered slowly, and I saw multiple armoured men around me, furthermore my back was aching like hell.

“Hey you, you’re finally awake. You were trying to enter the town at dusk, correct? Why did you not enter, but slept outside instead?”

“Eh? Oh, um… I was simply tired, and the gate was closed so I…”

“You could’ve just knocked on the gates.”

Stolen story; please report.

“Oh…..”

I felt stupid- no, I am stupid. I looked around the room, it was pretty small, and there were weapon racks to the side of the wall filled with swords and spears. I was currently sat on a wooden chair with a table in front of me, and there was another wooden chair opposite mine. I looked to the side, and the sun was rising up through an open hole that was probably the window, it was likely still around 6 in the morning.

“So… What now?”

“Do you have proof of citizenship?”

“Nope.”

“You can go to the commerce or adventurer guild and register yourself. I’ll let you off this time, stay safe, alright?”

“Yes! Thank you very much! My name is Furgaku. I can have your name, sir?”

“Sure, my name is Turnis. If you need anything, just find me here. I work at the southern gate from dawn to noon. 1st-morning bell till 1st-noon bell.”

“Alright. Thank you, and goodbye!”

“See ya later, kiddo.”

I quickly exited the room after saying goodbye to the nice guards and rushed downstairs with my guitar. It was quite embarrassing, to be watched when asleep. They probably have the impression that I'm dumb and careless.

“Wow…”

After exiting the guard station, I saw the busy streets of a medieval-looking town. It was ecstatic because I have for long wanted to visit Europe in order to see stuff like this. I can feel the blood rising in my body as I looked around, such beautiful houses and streets, I can’t hold my excitement any longer! Let’s go!

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After wandering the streets for a few hours, I realised that I’m lost. I should’ve asked where the guild was, damn it. I also need some money as well.

I looked around for a little and saw a nice fountain; the perfect spot for a street bard. I comfortably sat myself down and pulled out my guitar. What song should I play? Ah, something to motivate someone in the morning. Maybe I should play a famous western song… Pirates! That one super well-known pirate song, I should play that. What was it again? Pirates of the coffee beans? Oh well, let’s give it a shot.

I began playing, focusing all of my attention on the dynamic and tempo, I can almost hear the waves of the seven seas and the ‘arrghhh’ of western pirates. As I finished the song, I looked up to see a crowd of people. A long awkward silence begins. I stared at the crowd of people, and the crowd of people stared at me.

After a minute, the awkwardness ended when someone clapped, and every else began to follow along and clapped. I sat as still as a statue, watching the crowd giving me some money and dispersing.

I managed to knock myself back into reality after a few minutes and looked down at my guitar case to see quite a few coins. I gathered up the coins and counted 14 bronze looking coins and 7 silver looking coins.

“This should hopefully be enough to buy me some food.”

I turned around and found a street vendor selling sound kebab sticks. I quickly rushed up to the vendor and bought 3 sticks. I devoured everything within a minute and burnt my tongue.

“Dam, muh tong.”

I couldn’t pronounce anything with my burning tongue, but, at least I’m not hungry anymore. I should find some accommodation next. I should ask the locals for a recommendation.

“Excuse me, could you direct me to a good, cheap, inn?”

“Hm? Oh, there’s the Granklin Inn down the street. It’s 3 bronze for a night and 1 bronze for a meal.”

“Alright, thank you.”

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After getting directions from a random lady on the streets, I entered the Ganklin Inn that was recommended to me by her. Upon entering, I saw a lot of people dining and drinking, most having battle equipment on them. it was quite humid inside, and it reeked of alcohol.

I walked up to the counter and tried to grab the attention of a muscular man, presumably the receptionist.

“Greetings! Is there a room available?”

“Hm? Oh, there are still rooms available. Would you like a normal, or a premium room?”

“Normal, with breakfast.”

“Gotcha, how long are ya staying here?”

“2 days, 3 nights, I might extend it later.”

“12 bronze, or 1 silver and 2 bronze.”

I paid my fee and went to my room, jumping onto the hard bed. It was pretty bad but still better than the cold dirty floor. I should take a nap now.

Now that I think about it, why did the guards let me enter so carefreely? Was it because I looked like a teen? What if they are observing me right now, suspecting me for a super infamous criminal that looks like me? What if I get executed? What is the meaning of life actually...

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After ending my existential crisis, I went to sleep once again. Once again, I’m in the same scenario as before, except for the fact that THERE’S A GIRL WITH ME!