Weeks went by as the pair of master and follower ventured further north in search of the border city, Doba.

Both stood on a cliff, observing a splendid city near an oasis. Tens of traveling merchants could be seen arriving and leaving from and to the northern direction.

Hundreds of houses encircled the center sprawling a patchwork of rooftops, tall watchtowers, and narrow streets.

Dust clouds were blown around it, nestling against the harsh and barren lands of Erterin as if it were a fortress against the endless wilderness.

Azzel's scarlet eyes scanned the city, revealing a look of determination and interest. His dark cloak fluttered against the breeze, a faint gleam of his lean and youthful frame hidden beneath the layers of cloth and armor.

His tensed posture embodied the quiet resolve of a young man who suddenly found himself being transmigrated into this foreign world.

"We have arrived. Abaddon, it seems that your memory has not failed you." Azzel smiled.

He looked at his robust yet cold follower who was once a sprawling corpse on the southern coasts. The changes have been abrupt yet continuous, and the now-forgotten memories slowly crept back as Abaddon's strength increased.

Azzel remained unsure of his follower's past life, and despite their prolonged companionship has remained silent about it.

'He should be no ordinary swordsman, unlike someone like me…'

He shook his head and ignored the negative thoughts.

Abaddon would slowly reveal himself later anyway.

For now, Abaddon was his right-hand man capable of slaying hundreds of people with his large sword and inhumane skills.

Just as they were about to step forward, he noticed the long queue of people on both sides and the southern part of the city.

"Did something happen recently?"

Azzel's eyes flickered and was alerted. He looked at the bird on the verge of its death nearby, grabbed it, and infused dark magic to bring it under his control.

Necromancy Initiation. A basic spell he had learned by himself after spending a long time on the southern coasts of Erterin.

Although the critters he controlled would rot and decay, it was still enough to gather sufficient information about the things he wanted to know.

He did not understand the drastic difference between his short-lived critters and Abaddon, but perhaps it had something to do with the capability of their physical bodies to contain the power of his dark magic.

On the other hand, the bird was revitalized yet the liveliness in its eyes was unnatural. If anyone would spare a glance, they would notice something unusual about it.

"Go scout what has happened in the city."

The bird flapped its wings and went to the skies.

Azzel sat on the ground amidst the heat with Abaddon guarding him. He focused on the bird and viewed the city from the sky.

"There's a lot of commotion inside the city, and the usual bustle has been suppressed. Something important must be going on."

He didn't dare to approach the watch towers and other areas with suppressing auras in fear that his bird might get targeted, arousing the suspicions of the city guards.

The bird landed on top of a wooden post. Beneath it was the market with hundreds of people loitering around.

"Did you know? The Knights of Glory have recently arrived in Doba. I heard they were looking for something in the city. I wonder who or what it is."

"You think so? The last time I heard, the Knights of Glory were part of the military force of the Caprian Holy State. I doubt there is something in this god-forsaken city that could catch their eyes."

"Many gangs in Doba are hiding now. They must be afraid of the Knights of Glory."

"I don't think they are hiding because of them. There are sights of heretics from the Ashen Veil gathering here as well. Nobody wants to be on their bad side."

The circulating rumors piqued Azzel's interest. 'Knights of Glory, and some heretics. This will make for some good drama.'

Knowing he would not be able to gather anything useful, the bird took off and was soon absorbed by Azzel using his Life Drain ability.

The young master and swordsman set off to the city and arrived in the early afternoon.

The guards scanned them and saw that nothing was wrong, they were let in after Azzel paid 5 silver coins for entry.

This amount just for city entry shocked Azzel. Five silver coins could guarantee hiring a bodyguard or two or could feed a common family for an entire month.

'No wonder those merchants looked at the guards as if they have stolen their wives.'

He committed this peculiarity in his mind and continued into the city.

'I just wonder, why did they not ask for my identification?'

He glanced at Abaddon and guessed that they must have been intimidated by his build. After all, who would dare ask for your identification if your bodyguard looked like somebody who should not be messed with?

'The shadow concealment is holding Abaddon perfectly. No one has noticed the dark aura around him anymore. This dark magic power is remarkable. It manifests to dominate, or vanish into silence when necessary.'

Azzel explored the area and soon found a busy large tavern near the city center.

He approached the entrance and saw a group of city guards blocking it. Around them were two people bickering against one another. One young presumably the city lord's men clamoring with an arrogant expression, and the other a grizzled man feigning weakness but possessing a sharp eye.

Azzel was interested in the drama in front and chose to watch it.

"I'm telling you, Rudgel, the city lord needs the tax in advance. Fork out 10 gold coins now or I'll make your business suffer!"

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

Rudgel, the grizzle man, looked at the other party with resentment. "We've just paid our share recently and you want to tax us again? Laxios, why don't you rob those bandit camps outside?! They've been profiting from the merchants for long. Perhaps the city lord isn't aware of such things. You fools should advise him from time to time."

Laxios scowled and stepped forward. "Watch your mouth! The lord's health has been failing and you have no right to question his methods! Dare to speak again and I'll see if your coins can spare you out of trouble."

Rudgel folded his arms.

"I'm just suggesting how you should work as the city lord's men. Doba city thrives because of its people living in harmony, not by squeezing those who are already struggling."

Laxios felt irritated and lowered his voice.

"I will tear you apart if you speak any more blasphemy, old man. I can suggest you leave Doba right now or I'll have someone tear this tavern apart."

Rudgel harrumphed.

"Maybe I will leave, but don't be surprised to see half the city gone when the rest of the folks decide to follow."

Laxios felt frustrated and wanted to act. Sensing the crowd's ever-disdaining gaze on them, he held back and retreated.

"I will not let this slide, old man! By next time, I'll have you fork out 20 gold coins instead!"

Azzel looked around and noticed the whispers spreading through the crowd.

Abaddon cautioned him.

"Master, it is wise to keep distance for now. The city is not... very stable."

"I know, but we can't just go somewhere else now, can we?"

The city's atmosphere was suppressive with all the chaos around. Nevertheless, the city's plight was none of his concern.

If it fell, he would leave the city at the shortest notice.

For now, he should make something out of it.

The tavern's liveliness seemed to have returned as Azzel could hear their screams and laughter outside the entrance.

Inside, the tavern was dimly lit, with a faint aroma of ale and roasted meat.

Azzel sat quietly at the table in the corner, Abaddon always on the side like a glued shadow.

The tavern owner served drinks to his loyal patrons and occasionally glanced in his direction.

The barmaid noticed Azzel and approached him to serve. He saw her elegant movements, too good for a barmaid of her age and status.

She leaned over and looked at him.

"Afternoon, young man. Do you need anything? Some food or perhaps a drink?"

Azzel was unsure what to feel as it was the first time interacting with such a person.

"Uh yeah, something light, I guess."

"How about a stew and some roasted meat?"

Azzel nodded.

"That sounds good. I'll have that and water please."

The barmaid left and soon returned with his orders.

"Your eyes seem to be tired, young man. You look like you could use some help."

Azzel furrowed his brows. This barmaid was unusual and could see through him at a glance, yet he spoke none of his suspicions and continued savoring the delicious treat.

"I do need some help, I think. I'm not from around here and finding some work… sounds tough."

The barmaid examines him and smiles.

"Things always happen around here though I doubt you would have an easy time with the city lord's new policies."

Azzel raised his brows.

"You mean those early taxes and gate fees?"

The barmaid sighed and rested her chin on her hand.

"Yes. Life has been hard lately so don't try to stay too long if you are having a rough time."

"I won't, hopefully…"

He forked out a few gold coins and slid them near her.

The barmaid's eyes glistened at the sight, taking the gold coins gladly.

"The tavern has a few rooms available. Pick what you like, I'll show you around later."

"How long should this last me?"

The barmaid chuckled.

"A month or so with all services for free."

Azzel's eyes squinted. He did not expect that the rent would be a bit expensive.

These were gold coins worth a hundred silver pieces each, or ten thousand copper coins, a huge sum not many could afford. Then he realized that the tavern was near the city center and prices this high would be reasonable.

After a while, the barmaid led him to a room upstairs. It was one located on the other side, near the public balcony.

The room was neat, with a large wooden bed that had a mattress and pillows.

"Enjoy your stay."

The barmaid gestured for him to enter and bowed with finesse. Her actions seemed a little too refined for Azzel.

'Is this how they treat wealthy patrons, or is it their casual professionalism at display?'

Azzel settled down and had Abaddon guard the door outside.

He was counting on his money and came up with a plan.

"This wealth can last me for a while. Maybe a year or two. Hopefully, the city lord does not increase the tax and force the businessmen, or I might be poor in less than half a year."

The ring on his index finger glowed. He rubbed it and contemplated for a while.

"I also need to sell these weapons but take it slowly. People might assume I have robbed someone on the way if I show these things all at once."

Azzel left his room and arrived at the city center. He noticed the lack of postings in most stalls and contemplated.

'Vendors do not seem to post the prices of their wares which means things are negotiable. But how negotiable can they be?'

He furrowed his brows and chose to observe for now.

Not far away, a woman was haggling with a fruit vendor about lowering the prices. The negotiation succeeded as she walked away with a smile on her face, carrying a small bag of fruits.

Then, he went around for more and saw a blacksmith and another customer discussing prices here and there. The display racks also showed the prices of swords, daggers, and such.

Azzel committed them to his memory and mentally tallied the worth of the items in his storage ring.

'These short swords could be sold for fifty coppers or so. No, their quality is too cheap. Even selling it for 40 copper coins would be a stretch.'

'This broken armor could only be sold for a silver or less…'

'These medicinal substances are quite important. I don't want to sell them for now. Maybe I could use it for magic later.'

'This dagger… and this shield… and that boot…'

As he made his way through the city center, Azzel suddenly found himself at the corner where a disheveled old man could be seen selling a mishmash of tools and secondhand worn weapons.

The old man's countenance looked listless, and those haggard eyes could imply he was not that attentive to details.

Barely anyone could be seen here, aside from the patrolling city guards.

'This one may not care where my wares come from. If I keep it simple, then it shouldn't draw too much attention.'

Azzel took a deep breath and slowly approached the stall.

The old man noticed his advance and eyed him.

"Hmm? Something catches your eye, or you want to sell something?"

Azzel nodded with an awkward tone.

"Uh, yeah. I have a few items here. Simple ones."

The old man was delighted and immediately gestured for him to bring them out.

Azzel carefully took the items out from his storage ring. The old man was surprised but didn't ask much.

He was more concerned about this fellow's wares than whoever Azzel was.

The old man scrutinized them for a while and concluded.

"This should be worth a silver and 5 coppers."

Azzel squinted his eyes and tried to haggle.

"Make the coppers 10."

"Sure, no problem."

The old man shrugged and took out the coins. Azzel received them and counted them carefully.

Seeing that nothing was amiss, Azzel continued.

"Old man, you know some places that you know, need some work? I can handle weapons and… escort work."

The old man scrutinized Azzel and nodded.

"Yes, there's a few places. The city guards are one, with all the chaos recently, they are short on hands that could hold a weapon. A few caravans are searching for extra security too, but I doubt you could find one now. The bandits are too harsh, and the caravans want to be assured of your experience to defend the caravans should they find themselves in an unfavorable situation. All sorts of reasons are there, but the people are forced to stay despite the ridiculous actions of the city lord. If the bandits were taken care of or they left by themselves, I doubt caravans would stay in this city a day longer."

"Patrols and caravans… are they good?"

The old man twitched his mouth at Azzel's question.

"Good? Nothing in this city has been good lately. If you don't mind the risk, you can get contracts from the mercenary guild and eradicate the bandit camps plaguing this city and the caravans for a while now. You would have everyone's gratitude except the city lord himself."

Azzel looked at the old man in a new light. "Why is that?"

"Can't you see how this works well for him? I don't know what goes in that city lord's mind but using his crippled body as an excuse..."

The old man almost blurted out. "Aye, go now. I don't have the mood to talk to you."

Azzel nodded slowly, taking in all this new information.

"Right… thanks for the tip."

He moved away from the stall and started considering his options.

This world was a bit more complex than he had imagined.

Securing a job is the first step to understanding the intricacies of this world's society, its political and power system, and learning more about magic and possibly new spells. He considered going to the archives or libraries, but the thought was interrupted.

The merchant in front of him oversaw a stall filled with well-kept armor and supplies. He has a stern, practical look, implying that he had his fair share of hardship along the way.

"Excuse me, sir. I was looking to see if you need some additional help. I'm kind of new to this but I assure you I am good with weapons. Guarding, escorting, things like that."