The City Of Asphar

As we walked toward the city gates, I couldn't help but stare at the towering partitions of Asphar. The stone systems had been huge, achieving higher than any building I had ever visible returned on Earth. Flags fluttered in the breeze, displaying a crest I didn't understand—a silver lion on a deep blue history.

"Elara," I stated, breaking the silence, "this region appears… extreme. What kind of metropolis is that this?"

She didn't observe me, however her lips tightened as though she changed into irritated. "It's the capital of the kingdom. Asphar's the heart of this land, and it's crawling with all types of people. Merchants, mercenaries, nobles… criminals."

"Criminals, huh?" I raised an eyebrow. "Sounds like my form of region."

Elara shot me a caution glare. "Don't get any thoughts. This isn't some playground. You act out of line, and the guards can have your head."

I held up my fingers in mock give up. "Relax. I'm not looking to cause trouble. I'm simply seeking to figure out wherein I suit in."

She sighed, her shoulders slumping barely. "Well, don't expect me to babysit you. Once we're within the town, you're for your very own."

"Wait, significantly?" I frowned. "I notion we were, like, partners now or something."

Elara stopped taking walks and turned to face me. Her inexperienced eyes were sharp, like she became sizing me up. "Partners? You sincerely suppose that simply due to the fact we fought a direwolf collectively, we're buddies now? I don't even realize who you are."

I blinked, greatly surprised. "I imply… I thought we had a terrific thing going. You recognize, like a group?"

She shook her head, a touch of leisure in her eyes. "You're delusional, Kaito. I'm a bounty hunter. I work on my own."

"Bounty hunter?" I repeated, surprised. "You? You don't exactly look the part."

Elara scowled. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing! Nothing." I waved my fingers speedy, seeking to backtrack. "You're simply, … no longer what I anticipated."

"Let me wager," she said, crossing her arms. "You notion I'd be a few massive, burly guy protected in scars, right?"

"Well… yeah, form of," I admitted sheepishly. "You're, like, manner too… uh, stylish for that."

She snorted. "Shows what you recognize. Being a bounty hunter isn't about brute strength. It's approximately talent, precision, and knowing how to take down your goal."

"Okay, k, I get it," I said, conserving up my palms in give up. "You're the actual deal."

Elara didn't respond, but the corner of her mouth twitched, like she turned into fighting off a grin.

We persisted walking, and soon, we reached the gates of Asphar. The guards status watch have been clad in sparkling silver armor, their faces stern and unwelcoming. As we approached, one in every of them stepped forward, blocking our course.

"Halt," the protect stated, his voice deep and commanding. "State your enterprise in Asphar."

Elara advanced, her expression calm and collected. "Just passing via."

The shield's eyes narrowed as he regarded us over. "And who's this?" He pointed at me.

Before I could answer, Elara cut in. "He's with me."

I glanced at her, amazed by means of her short reaction. The shield, however, didn't appear satisfied.

"Name?" he demanded, searching at once at me.

"Kaito," I stated, looking to sound confident. "Just Kaito."

The guard grunted, virtually unimpressed. "You're no longer from round right here, are you?"

I shrugged. "You may want to say that."

He gave me a suspicious appearance however didn't press similarly. After a moment, he stepped apart and waved us through. "Move along."

As we exceeded through the gates and entered the metropolis, I couldn't assist however experience a experience of awe. The streets had been bustling with life—merchants peddling their wares, children strolling round, and the sounds of blacksmiths hammering away at their forges. It turned into chaotic but colourful.

"So, in which to now?" I requested, turning to Elara.

She didn't answer right away, her eyes scanning the gang as if she became looking for some thing—or a person.

"Elara?"

She snapped lower back to truth, her expression serious. "I want to check in with a person. You can do anything you need."

"Wait, that's it? You're just ditching me?"

Elara shrugged. "I instructed you. I paintings alone. I've were given a job to do, and I don't want you getting within the manner."

I frowned. "What sort of task?"

She hesitated for a moment earlier than sooner or later answering. "There's a goal in this city. A massive one. If I deliver him in, the reward will set me for existence."

I raised an eyebrow. "Sounds risky. You positive you don't need a few backup?"

Elara smirked, but there has been no warm temperature in it. "Trust me, Kaito. You'd handiest sluggish me down."

"Gee, thank you," I muttered, crossing my hands. "I'm beginning to feel sincerely preferred here."

Elara didn't appear to care approximately my sarcasm. She turned and began walking away, mixing into the crowd conveniently. I stood there for a second, unsure of what to do. Should I follow her? Go my own manner?

After a moment's hesitation, I decided to let her cross. If she didn't need my help, quality. I may want to discern matters out by myself.

As I wandered thru the town, I couldn't assist however note how distinctive this vicinity become from some thing I had ever seen. The architecture become medieval, with stone buildings and slender alleyways, however there were additionally signs and symptoms of magic everywhere. Street companies bought sparkling potions, and I even saw a person levitating a barrel with a flick of his wrist.

"Man, this world is wild," I muttered to myself, grinning.

As I turned a corner, I located myself in a small market. The smell of freshly baked bread crammed the air, and my stomach growled. I realized I hadn't eaten whatever on account that I arrived on this international.

I approached a stall promoting pastries and reached into my pocket, hoping I had some kind of currency. To my marvel, I observed a small pouch of cash.

"Lucky me," I said, pulling out a few cash and handing them to the seller.

The vintage guy at the back of the counter smiled and handed me a warm pastry. "First time in Asphar, lad?"

"Yeah," I said, taking a chew of the pastry. It become scrumptious. "Just arrived."

The old guy chuckled. "You'll get used to it soon sufficient. Just watch your lower back. This town may be risky for inexperienced persons."

I nodded, chewing thoughtfully. "Thanks for the advice."

As I wandered through the marketplace, taking part in my snack, I couldn't shake the sensation that I became being watched. I glanced round but didn't see each person suspicious. Still, the sensation continued.

"Am I simply being paranoid?" I muttered, glancing over my shoulder once more.

Before I ought to figure it out, a person ran into me, almost knocking me off my toes. I grew to become to peer a hooded parent disappearing into the crowd.

"Hey!" I shouted, but they have been already long past.

I patted my pocket, and my heart sank. The coin pouch became missing.

"Great," I grumbled. "Welcome to Asphar, Kaito. You've been right here 5 mins, and you're already getting robbed."

I sighed and started out on foot once more, preserving my hand on my other pocket this time. Maybe Elara had a factor—this town wasn't exactly pleasant.

As I made my manner in the direction of the center of city, I couldn't shake the sensation that matters have been approximately to get a lot extra complex