Chapter 5: Valtheris, the City of Beginnings

The sun was at its zenith when Alex and Lyria spotted the walls of Valtheris. The city rose like a bastion of civilization amidst the wild landscape, with white stone towers and a large wooden gate flanked by guards.

"Finally," Alex sighed, feeling relieved to see something other than forests or bandits.

Lyria, though more recovered, was still limping slightly. "Valtheris is a safe place to regain strength. But be cautious. Though law rules here, it also attracts opportunists."

"Great, a paradise for thieves," Alex muttered.

As they approached, the guards gave them evaluating looks but didn't stop them. Once inside, Alex was awestruck. The streets were alive with activity: merchants haggling, adventurers armed with swords and magic, children running between stalls, and the aroma of freshly cooked food filling the air.

"This is... incredible," Alex said, marveling.

Lyria nodded. "Valtheris is a hub for travelers and adventurers. If you're looking for work, resources, or allies, this is the place to start."

Before doing anything else, Lyria insisted on finding an inn where they could rest. They found a modest place called "The Boar's Horn", run by a robust woman with a kind smile.

"Two rooms, please," Lyria said, handing over some silver coins they had taken from the bandits.

"Two?" Alex raised an eyebrow.

"Yes, two," Lyria replied without hesitation. "I'm not sharing a room with you."

"What? Don't you trust me after everything we've been through?"

Lyria smirked. "It's not about trust. It's about comfort."

Alex huffed but didn't argue.

Once settled, Lyria suggested Alex explore the city while she rested.

"I need to regain my strength before we look for a blacksmith," she said, sitting on the edge of her bed. "But you might learn something useful on your own. Maybe you'll find someone willing to train you."

"Train me? I can barely hold a dagger," Alex retorted.

"That's exactly why you need help," Lyria replied with a slight sigh.

Deciding not to argue further, Alex left the inn, determined to make the most of the day.

As he wandered the bustling streets, Alex recognized a familiar face. There was Elia, the hunter they'd met on the road, chatting with a merchant.

"Hey, Alex!" she greeted him.

"Elia? What are you doing here?"

"Work, as always. Valtheris is my main base when I'm not out hunting. How's your arrival been?"

"Good, I guess. Though I still feel like a fish out of water."

Elia laughed, giving him a pat on the back. "Well, at least you're alive. That's something."

"Yeah, thanks to Lyria," Alex admitted. "Without her, I'd probably be in the belly of a giant wolf."

"Lyria? Is she your partner?"

"Something like that. She's more like my temporary savior," Alex explained, trying not to overthink their strange relationship.

Elia looked at him curiously. "So, what's your plan now?"

"No idea. Lyria suggested I find someone to train me, but I don't know where to start."

"I could help," Elia offered with a smile. "I'm good with a bow, but I also know the basics of melee combat. We could practice a bit."

Alex hesitated but eventually agreed. "Alright, but don't expect much from me."

"We'll see about that," Elia replied, leading him to a nearby training ground.

At the training ground, Elia showed Alex how to properly hold a dagger and move to avoid being an easy target.

"First, lower your center of gravity," she said, correcting his stance. "If you're off balance, you're dead."

Alex tried to follow her instructions but soon tripped.

"That was pathetic!" Elia exclaimed, laughing.

"I know," Alex grumbled, brushing off the dirt. "You don't have to remind me."

After several failed attempts, Alex managed to pull off a decent move. Elia congratulated him with a light tap on the shoulder.

"Not bad for a beginner. Keep at it, and maybe you won't die so quickly."

"Thanks... I think," Alex replied, trying to catch his breath.

As Alex and Elia wrapped up their practice, a tall, elegant figure approached the training ground. She was a young woman with silver hair and blue eyes, dressed in a robe embroidered with arcane symbols.

"Interesting display," she commented, her voice soft yet firm.

Alex looked at her, confused. "Who are you?"

"My name is Selene Vynhart," the woman replied. "I've been observing you. You seem to have potential, though you clearly need a lot of work."

"Thanks... I guess," Alex said, feeling awkward.

Selene ignored him and addressed Elia. "If you don't mind, I'd like to try something with your friend here."

"Try what?" Alex asked, alarmed.

"A protection spell. It's harmless," Selene explained, raising a hand.

Before Alex could respond, Selene muttered a few words, and a faint glow surrounded his body.

New Skill Unlocked:

Minor Protection Aura: Reduces damage received by 10% for 5 minutes.

"That was... magic?" Alex asked, surprised.

Selene smiled slightly. "Indeed. If you want to survive in this world, you'll need more than brute strength. If you're interested, I can teach you the basics of defensive magic."

"Wait, hold on!" Elia interjected, crossing her arms. "Who said you could recruit him?"

Selene raised an eyebrow. "Is he yours?"

"No, but I was helping him!"

Alex sighed. "Is it too much to ask for a little calm?"

Both women turned to look at him, and Alex felt an odd pressure between their dominant personalities.

"This is going to be a problem, isn't it?" he muttered to himself.