Chapter 27: Moonshadow City pt-1

After two hours of traveling in the wagon, Max began to notice a tall gray wall in the distance, standing at an impressive height of about 10 meters.

While it was not clearly visible to the average person, Max's enhanced eyesight due to his unique physique allowed him to perceive it more distinctly.

Seeing Max's curiosity piqued, Butler Nois decided to strike up a conversation. "Ahem, kid, we are getting close to Moonshadow City. By the way, do you know anything about Moonshadow City?"

Max, surprised by the sudden engagement from Butler Nois, replied honestly, "No, Head Butler."

Nois proceeded to enlighten Max about Moonshadow City, "Let me tell you, Moonshadow City is the third-largest city in the LIONHEART Kingdom. But what truly sets it apart is its dungeon. Do you know what a dungeon is?"

Max was caught off guard this time. He hadn't had the chance to access libraries or gather extensive information during his journey, believing that Edward had already provided him with all the necessary knowledge. He couldn't help but think, "Shit, there's always more to learn in this world."

Max grumbled inwardly, frustrated by the lack of a mental map. "System, you didn't think it was necessary to install a map inside my brain for user guidance? I'll give you a one-star review if there's ever a review system for you."

The system responded in its usual nonchalant tone, "[Host, you can buy it from the shop once it's open, and I'm not Google Maps!]" Max sighed, realizing that he'd have to rely on good old-fashioned directions and his wits to navigate the unfamiliar world around him.

"But, you can at least tell me what a dungeon is, right?" Max asked, hopeful for some information.

[Whom you're calling is out of service, please send a voice mail.]

Max rolled his eyes at the system's antics. "Great, I'm stuck with a sarcastic AI. Lovely."

"Kid, are you listening to me?" Nois spoke, noticing that Max seemed lost in his own thoughts.

"Yes, Head Butler Nois, but I don't know what a dungeon is," Max admitted with a hint of awkwardness.

"It's fine, kid," Nois reassured him. "I assume you're familiar with the Abyssal Forest, where magic beasts rampage?"

Max nodded. Edward had mentioned the Abyssal Forest to him before. Nois continued his explanation, "Good kid, you can find magical beasts in the Abyssal Forest, but it's very dangerous. Few people hunt monsters there in the outer region and forget about the inner and deep regions. What I want to tell you is that there's another way to hunt magical beasts, and that's through dungeons."

Max listened with rapt attention and he was genuinely surprised this time, his curiosity piqued. The concept of dungeons and their significance in Moonshadow City fascinated him.

"In dungeons, you can find not only magical beasts but also monsters like goblins, orcs, lizardfolk, and more. Adventurers are permitted to enter these dungeons, and there are countless dungeons in our northern continent," Nois explained. Max couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement at the prospect of facing such exotic creatures.

"But guess where the only dungeon in our kingdom is located?" Nois posed the question, and Max's eyes widened in anticipation.

"Mo...Moonshadow City?" Max hesitated before answering. The revelation that Moonshadow City held such a unique and valuable asset left him awestruck.

"Then, does that mean Moonshadow City is the wealthiest city in the whole kingdom?" Max inquired.

Nois acknowledged Max's surprise with a chuckle, appreciating the young man's curiosity. "You're quite clever, kid. The answer to your question is both yes and no. Moonshadow City is indeed one of the wealthiest cities in the kingdom, but that's because our country pays the maximum taxes. Half of our profits go to the kingdom, making Moonshadow City the second wealthiest in the entire kingdom. It's earned the title of the 'City of Dungeons' due to the presence of the kingdom's sole dungeon."

As Max absorbed this information, he couldn't help but feel a mixture of awe and trepidation. Moonshadow City wasn't just a culinary paradise; it was a hub of adventure and opportunity, offering experiences he had never dreamed of in his previous life. His journey in this new world was turning out to be far more complex and exhilarating than he could have imagined.

---

As the wagon approached the city gates, Max couldn't help but be amazed at the stark contrast between Moonshadow City and the small town of 'Alfona;'.

The city's fortifications were on a grand scale, with walls towering above 10 meters in height and measuring an impressive 5 meters in width. These walls were equipped with four massive gates, each seemingly constructed from a robust material resembling iron.

The gates were clearly demarcated, with one gate designated for wagons and magical beasts to enter and exit, while the other two were designated for pedestrians and other forms of traffic.

The entire entry process was impressively systematic, leaving Max astounded at the level of security. It was a far cry from the security measures of his past life, making them seem almost child's play in comparison.

Much to Max's surprise, the wagon didn't need to pay an entry fee or wait in line. The noble Count's family crest displayed on the wagon was all the proof required for instant passage through the city gates.

Once inside the city, Max's amazement only grew. He had initially expected Moonshadow City to have a medieval charm, but it defied his expectations.

  The cityscape was characterized by tall, modern-type buildings that lined the well-paved, wide streets, constructed with a material resembling concrete. The outer walls of the buildings were constructed using glass, allowing passers-by to catch glimpses of various scenes and activities within.

Streetlights adorned each side of the road, casting a warm and inviting glow that felt like something out of a fantasy world.

The sheer contrast between Moonshadow City and his previous world was staggering. It was as if Max had stepped into a realm where medieval aesthetics seamlessly blended with advanced technology.

The city's grandeur and modernity left him wide-eyed and eager to explore every corner of this new and intriguing world.

As Max lost himself in thought, a sudden voice jolted him back to reality, "Max, do you find our city to be just like any other insignificant place?" Nois's question caught Max off guard, and he felt a surge of curiosity. He eagerly nodded, signaling his desire to learn more.

"Very well, then pay close attention," Nois began his explanation, leaning in with a glint of pride in his eyes.