5 The lost and found town

The next day, the two started traveling at the early dawn. The visibility was poor since the day was foggy, but there was a straight path through the forest, so it wasn't hard to pass through.

As the day grew, the cold wind blowing eastward cleared the thick fog. However, amid all this, it was hard —almost impossible— to converse while riding horses.

Lucifer had heard that after traveling a day westward from there, one would come across a medium-sized town.

The real name of that town was Kreen. However, these days, it was more popularly known as lost and found town.

At the start, it was just a small village established by merchants. But its fame grew rapidly because of the new business they started a few hundred years ago.

The town was the headquarters of a famous organization that used to capture and bring back the slaves that ran away.

Usually, people didn't care much about slaves since they could always get new ones. And even if they do escape, they will be connected to their masters through the system. But there were some slaves that were indeed valuable.

Even though the agreement of both parties was required to sign the slave contract, once signed, all the system did was display stats. There was no way to command them using the system.

Later, when some slaves had a change of heart, they could easily run away, disregarding the orders given to them. However, the stain of being someone's slave would always remain in their status.

"Heyy! Let's take a break a little further!"

After hearing Michael scream from a little behind, Lucifer stopped his horse near a large tree.

They had been traveling for several hours, so it was no wonder the old man needed some rest.

Once the old man stopped, the two jumped off their horse and leaned by the tree.

The sun was up, but the chill wind was still keeping the temperature in check. In a way, this time was perfect for taking a break and relaxing.

"Old man, you are the guide, right? So, tell me, how many hours is it gonna take us to reach there?"

The old man was breathing heavily. After taking several long breaths, he could finally breathe properly.

"About three to four hours perhaps. But let me tell you this, once we reach there you will do as I say until the ceremony. After that, you can do whatever you like."

"Heh! Alright, alright… now, tell me more about yourself and how did you find me."

The old man took another long breath and continued.

"Well, you see, I am a star-reader. The stars, they show me the right path..."

The old man looked at the branches of the tree. It was an evergreen tree that still had all its leaves even though the Fall just passed.

"...Honestly, I was pretty surprised myself when I realized the person I am guiding would be in prison. But stars have never lied to me, so I went in after doing some preparation beforehand."

"Huh! Does that mean you can see the future old man?"

"Of course not! I can only predict a few events happening in the near future... And it's not like I can do it everyday or when I want. It only happens on the new moon day when the sky is clear."

Lucifer sighed when he realized he was getting excited for no reason. Many people out there would want to know what's going to happen to them next. Lucifer was no exception.

"So… it's basically useless."

"Well, I wouldn't say that if I were you. If it wasn't for this ability of mine, you would have been stuck in that prison for the rest of your life."

"Ha-ha! Then I guess I should be grateful then."

"Yeah, you should… well, anyway, let's eat something because the next time we stop will be in the city."

The two then started preparing lunch.

It wasn't hard for Lucifer to find woods and branches and light fire. He even caught a wild rabbit while collecting firewood.

Despite the looks, the old man was an unbelievably good chef. His knife handling ability and use of spices were remarkable. He had everything, including the frying pan, cooking oil ready.

For once, Lucifer was astonished by how prepared the old man was for this whole thing.

'I was foolishly expecting things to be as I imagined. There are a lot more things one needs to consider before heading out.'

He was lost in thought for a while. For some reason, this all motivated him to move forward. He wanted to see what more this world can teach him.

Lucifer thought about that the whole time during lunch. The old man was tired, so he didn't speak much, so the lunch was quiet.

The two finished the clean up after lunch and continued the journey.

After traveling for a while, the two reached the bottom of a hill. Attached to the hill on the other side was the city they were heading to.

It was impossible to climb the hill on horses, so they had to go around it. That took a bit of their time, but the two were able to reach the town by the dimly lit dusk.

From afar, the city was surrounded by several small hills. There was a small canal that went through its center. Medium-sized boats were used to transport goods and people from one end to another.

Most of the houses were made up of wood, and very few using stones and concrete.

The exact population count of this town was unknown since most of the people living in the town were traveling merchants. But on average, there were around fifty thousand people living in the town.

There were all sorts of inns at different prices ranging from one copper to one gold coin. Of course, the difference in their services was like land and sky.

One gold coin could give someone the night surrounded by lovely slave ladies with the smell of fresh flowers. While in comparison, one copper coin could give one a night filled with mosquitoes and cockroaches and a tasteless meal.

Lucifer's silver coins were taken before the guards threw him in prison, so he was flat broke.

When the two reached in front of the inn keeper's door, Lucifer looked towards the old man. It didn't take long for the old man to figure out what he was expecting.

The old man sighed. "Okay, but this is the last time I am paying for you."

"Thanks, old man. I promise I will return your amount with interest."

"You better."