Chapter 5

As I approach the entrance, my steps are accompanied by a mix of curiosity and anticipation, the door before parts with a subtle swish as I draw near, granting me access to a realm that defies all conventions.

The interior unfolds before me, a sprawling expanse that resembles a crossroads between times. The space within is reminiscent of a bustling marketplace, yet it thrives within the confines of a medieval village. Shelves upon shelves stretch into the distance, each laden with an astonishing array of goods that straddle the realms of old and new.

Soft luminance emanates from enchanted crystals embedded in the ceiling, casting a warm and inviting radiance that bathes the wares in a flattering glow. The scents that permeate the air are a medley of spices, fabrics, and other enticing aromas, creating an atmosphere that is both nostalgic and entrancing.

My gaze sweeps across the scene before me, capturing the diversity of what this peculiar establishment offers. Aisles branch out like the limbs of a sprawling tree, each leading to a distinct section that resonates with a unique theme.

One aisle beckons with the allure of delectable sustenance. It mirrors a medieval marketplace, with barrels of fresh fruits, loaves of bread, and hanks of cured meat on display. Yet, here, the selection is a fusion of the familiar and the fantastical, catering to the needs and tastes of both eras.

Another aisle transports me to a realm of weaponry and martial implements. The place of a traditional butcher is replaced with a forge, where a blacksmith plies his trade, crafting weapons and armor of exquisite craftsmanship. The clang of a hammer on anvil resonates through the air, a testament to the fusion of ages.

Further down, an aisle boasts an array of lush greenery, plants of diverse shapes and colors beckoning to be admired. Next to it, vials and flasks line the shelves, an alchemist's haven filled with mysterious concoctions and potent elixirs.

A section dedicated to arcane knowledge captures my attention, housing scrolls, books, spell tomes, and artifacts that speak of mysticism and power. The ambiance is reminiscent of a library from both past and future, its shelves whispering secrets of forgotten spells and ancient wisdom.

Adjacent to this, a realm of enchantment awaits, overseen by a skilled enchanter. Glittering gemstones and enchanted trinkets hold the promise of enhancing one's possessions with magical properties.

And then, there is a place dedicated to clothing and finery. A tailor's corner is replete with fabrics of all textures and colors, a modern twist on medieval fashion that offers attire fit for both eras.

And as I approach the clothing aisle I see people going on a 2nd floor I see a lot of different people some dude and women armored like knight going up somewhat look like adventurer you know archers swordsman and the likes, but there some type of robed people going up too and they looks like magicians and priest ? But the same people go down the floor, some beat up others tired. What are they doing up here ? I'm really curious right now but I really need some clothes.

I search my pocket for my purse that I take discreetly from my subspace.

Of what I looted from the goblin most where trashed even the coins themselves so I can't use them, but i still have a whopping 58 golds 34 silver and 250 or so copper it's far enough to survive for now but if I want to delve into magic and all its nothing but a grain of sand. At least I won't die of hunger or anything. . .

After buying 10 sets of different clothes and 2 more of an expensive brand that I find really cool. Who doesn't want to look cool, huh ? I do know that it's a little wasteful but if I live all my life here I want to have all my chances to have a family and being presentable is the first step. I don't want to look like a beggar. I am 13 silver lighter.

Now that I have all I need I go forth to the second floor.

Ascending the grand staircase to the second floor of this extraordinary establishment, my senses are once again inundated with a blend of awe and amazement. The space here seems to defy the laws of physics, expanding far beyond the confines of the exterior. It's as if the very dimensions of the building have been manipulated through magical means, offering a realm of training and practice that is unparalleled.

As I step into this expansive training area, I'm greeted by the sight of separate courts, each tailored to a specific discipline. The layout is designed to accommodate the needs of diverse individuals seeking to hone their skills and master their crafts.

To my left, a training court dedicated to knights and swordsmen unfolds. Here, they engage in rigorous combat drills, their clashing blades a symphony of skill and precision. Expert instructors oversee the training, their presence commanding respect as they impart the techniques of swordplay and combat strategy. Each instructor exudes an air of unparalleled strength and experience, their movements fluid yet purposeful, and their gaze sharp and unwavering.

Adjacent to the swordsmen's court, assassins navigate a labyrinth of obstacles in a court that mirrors their shadowy craft. Stealth, agility, and precision are their hallmarks as they navigate complex terrain, launching silent strikes with deadly accuracy. The instructors here are shrouded in an air of mystique, their movements almost imperceptible as they guide their students through the art of subterfuge.

A separate court is dedicated to archers, the twang of bowstrings accompanied by the rhythmic thud of arrows finding their marks. The instructors here have eyes like hawks, honed through countless hours of archery expertise. They teach their students the nuances of marksmanship and the finesse required to achieve pinpoint accuracy.

In yet another court, shieldmen train in the art of defense and protection. Their shields become an extension of their bodies, blocking and deflecting attacks with practiced ease. The instructors are like immovable fortresses, demonstrating the impenetrable strength that a well-trained shield can provide.

At the heart of this extraordinary training area lies a central court, a place of convergence where individuals from all disciplines come together to practice and spar. This communal space is a testament to the harmony that can be achieved through the diversity of skills and strengths.

Beyond the already impressive training courts dedicated to physical and combat skills, the second floor of this remarkable establishment continues to unfold with even more specialized spaces, catering to the refinement of magical and mystical abilities.

A chamber aglow with ethereal light stands as the first of these new training courts. Here, aspiring aura manipulators gather to learn the art of channeling and controlling their inner energies. Instructors guide them through intricate exercises, teaching them to form and shape their auras into defensive barriers, empowering strikes, and a myriad of other applications. Students concentrate their focus, their auras shimmering around them like vibrant halos as they strive to master this mystical force.

Adjacent to the aura manipulators' court lies a serene sanctuary of arcane study. In this chamber, the delicate dance between mana and magic is explored. Aspiring mages, wizards, and sorcerers gather here to refine their spellcasting prowess. Instructors lead them through intricate incantations, teaching them to harness the raw energies of the world to produce spells of awe-inspiring magnitude. The air is charged with anticipation as students conjure flames, summon gusts of wind, and cast intricate illusions, all under the watchful guidance of their mentors.

A final chamber, bathed in a gentle, radiant glow, is dedicated to the art of divine magic. This court resonates with a palpable sense of healing and benevolence. Aspiring healers, clerics, and divine mages gather here to learn the sacred arts of restoring and blessing. Instructors guide them in invoking the divine forces that lie beyond the realms of mortals. Students learn to mend wounds, purify ailments, and provide protection through invocations that seem to bridge the gap between the mortal and the divine.

As I begin to enter the facilities, someone stops me. "Ah, greetings there, sir. Pardon the interruption, but I couldn't help but notice you're about to step into our esteemed establishment," the employee tells me with a welcoming smile. "Might I have a moment of your time?"

I raise an eyebrow, intrigued by his courteous demeanor. "Of course, mister. What can I assist you with?"

He nods appreciatively. "Thank you, sir. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Albert, and I manage the operations here. We offer a wide array of training opportunities for individuals seeking to hone their skills in various disciplines."

"Impressive," I reply, scanning the bustling interior of the establishment.

Albert continues, "However, I must inform you that our training services do come with a fee. We offer a one-week complimentary training in the lower tiers, so you can get a taste of what we provide. After that, there is a cost associated with continued access."

I nod, understanding. "And what determines the cost of these training sessions?"

"Each training class has its own associated fee, and the more advanced the discipline, the higher the cost. For example, combat skills like swordsmanship, archery, and spell casting are priced moderately. However, within each of these disciplines, we offer different tiers of training: Beginner, Novice, Medium, High, and Advanced. The more advanced the tier, the higher the cost due to the intricacies of the techniques and the level of mastery they demand."

Curious, I ask, "Can you elaborate on the different tiers within these disciplines? How do they affect the training and the pricing?"

"Certainly, sir," Albert responds. "Let's take swordsmanship as an example. In the Beginner tier, you'll learn the fundamentals of wielding a blade and basic combat maneuvers. Novice delves deeper into stance, precision, and weapon techniques. Medium offers advanced tactics, dual-wielding, and the use of specialized weapons. High covers expert-level techniques, counters, and advanced combat strategy. And finally, the Advanced tier encompasses profound swordsmanship, intricate techniques, and a notable level of mastery. Naturally, as you progress to higher tiers, the training intensifies, and so does the cost."

I lean in, intrigued. "And what about spell casting and other disciplines?"

Albert smiles. "With spell casting, the tiers follow a similar pattern. From Beginner, where you'll grasp the basics of spellcraft and incantations, to Novice, where you'll learn to channel and manipulate magical energy. Medium delves into more complex spells and elemental manipulation, while High covers advanced spellcasting techniques and multi-element combinations. And finally, the Advanced tier involves a comprehensive understanding of spell casting, fine control over magic, and the ability to cast intricate spells. The pricing reflects the depth of knowledge and practice required for each tier."

"Thank you for explaining," I say. "So, if I were to pursue the highest tiers of mastery, the investment would be significant?"

Albert nods. "Indeed, sir. Achieving true mastery demands both dedication and resources. We believe in providing the best training for those who are truly committed to their growth."

"Understood," I reply, taking a moment to consider the options.

Albert's expression remains courteous. "Thank you for your time, sir. Should you have any further inquiries or decide to embark on this journey of self-improvement, please don't hesitate to ask. And do keep in mind, in our principal establishment in the capital city, we even have Master-level instructors available for training in tiers beyond Advanced, should you wish to further challenge yourself."

With a polite nod, Albert steps back, allowing me to continue my exploration of the facility.

So I will need to talk to him again if I want to take the week of free training I won't now I will just look a bit a go back to Sophie's house to ask a little bit more about what there is here and go look for a library to know more about where the fuck am I precisely and if I need to be careful because every 1st monday of the month there is a war or something. . . When I see the training and the type of monster in human skin there are and more so real monsters that are lurking in this hell of a planet it sends shivers to me shivers. . . And I need to know too if it's a cliché fantasy world with a demon king or something . . . even then he doesn't exist. I don't know if I am safer . . . *sigh* let go, I'll come back again.

Waouh my 5th chapter and now more than 10k words I need to and will ask you your opinion. Have a nice day !