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"Nascent Soul!? He actually has command over one!?"

"No, he doesn't have full authority over him. However, he's gained permission from the King to deploy such a cultivator. This city has significance in trade due to its close proximity to the Imps and Ferizone's. With such an important city in jeopardy, the King has authorized the deployment of a Nascent Soul Cultivator. "

"Alright, we should be okay. As long as no one does anything stupid to provoke the beasts, they should only attack after the week has passed."

"Haha! Good thing no one is stupid enough to do such a thing!"

The mayor, guard commander, and the noble's envoy all breathed a sigh of relief. Although they weren't out of the woods just yet, they could see the other side. While they were almost assured of their survival, they still devised a few measures to keep this contained and controlled. However, what they didn't know was that someone stupid enough to provoke the beasts was in the forest at this very moment; one could only hope luck was on their side.

Edith let out a small sneeze, wondering if he was getting a cold. He believed the city was almost in sight; however, unknown to him, a beast was watching him from the treetops. "Oh? A little human?"

"It should be just about time."

"Time?"

"I never thought they would be so far away; I guess I'll just have to wait a little longer." "Is he bait? Or maybe he's a distraction!"

The beast, thinking he had outsmarted the humans and their plans, quickly dashed back into the forest heading to a small gathering of beasts. He fled into the cave and spoke with urgency, "Boss! The humans are going to attack!"

"Huh? Why would they do that?"

"A little human is inside the forest, talking about it's almost time for other humans to arrive! He must be a distraction or bait!"

"…"

"What? Why are you just staring at me?"

"Are you sure he wasn't just a human going alone or waiting for his friends? I mean, what are the chances he's a part of an elaborate scheme?"

"I promise he is boss! I just know he is!"

"Hmm, Gerro. I hope you know if he isn't you'll be paying the price."

"That's fine Boss! We need to take action!"

"Very well. Everyone get ready to head out! We're going to be the first to attack!"

While Edith had indirectly caused a massacre to happen for both humans and beasts, he had finally arrived at the city and was simply waiting in line to enter.

"Next! Name and reason for visit!"

"Edith, and I came looking for new opportunities."

"Sigh, I don't know what you heard, but whatever fairytales you've heard are just that—fairytales."

"Fairytales?"

"Oh, I guess you haven't heard about them then. Well, don't worry about it and don't do anything stupid, kid. That will be 10 Spirit Stones."

"Here you go."

Edith responded with slight annoyance at losing 20 DC. He entered the city and smiled at the joyful atmosphere. Kids were running around playing with each other, while merchants were yelling out towards passing people trying to attract their attention. The smell of meat skewers filled the streets, and various restaurants left their doors open, letting their food's aroma permeate the city.

"Hey, kid, I noticed you just came in! Would you like me to show you around!? It will only cost you 35 Spirit Stones, a bargain in a city like this."

"Hmm, alright."

Edith quickly exchanged 70 DC into Spirit Stones and gave them to the man. The man smiled and then pointed to a stall, and when Edith looked over, the man booked it. He swiftly navigated the streets and smoothly moved through the crowd. Edith turned back and noticed that the man was gone; confused, he shouted out, "Hey! Where did you go?"

"Don't even bother, kid; you got scammed."

"Scammed?"

"Yeah, he took your money and ran. You need to be on the lookout for such schemes in a city like this."

"I see, thank you old man."

"Old man? Well, I guess that fine. Hey, I can guide you to a good inn for a small price. "I'm not that stupid."

"Hoho! I'm not scamming you. If I wanted to, why would I inform you that you've been scammed?"

"Hmm, you make a good point. How much?"

"Hmm, how about 30?"

"Okay, here." Edith grumbled a little, however, he still paid the man. The man smiled and said, "The Main Street has many good inns to stay in."

Edith wondered where the Main Street was and looked around for any markers. However, while he was looking around, the man dashed into the crowds similar to the other man. Edith stared with confusion, however, he was able to understand what had happened by the laughs of those around him. His face flushed with embarrassment, and he quickly found an alleyway to return back to the shop.

Once he returned, he simply sat under a tree and stared into the sky. He wondered what he should do now and settled on getting his revenge, although he had no power or influence to do so. Just then, Luna appeared beside him and informed him that their guest was awake. Edith arrived at the Restoration Pod the man was in and found him already up, looking around.

"Where am I!? Who are you!? What do you want from me!?"

"You are inside the Dawn Shop; I'm the shop owner, and I don't particularly want anything from you. Well, of course, payment for saving your life, I'm not running a charity here."

"I need to leave; I have an urgent message for the King."

"I see, however, you must pay. The Restoration Services come up to a total of 80,000 DC."

"I-I don't have that kind of money, can I pay some way else?"

"Hmm, now that is a problem."

[ Quest: Give the man a Discount!

Objective; Give him a discount!

Reward: Enlightenment Pill

Consequence: Death ]

Edith looked at the quest with annoyance and due to his childlike naivety or maybe his inability to control his emotions, he decided to challenge the system.

'No. I won't give him a discount.'

'Edith, you have to, or the system will kill you.'

'Keke! Let it! Luna, tell me, what happens to this place if I die?'

'Hmm, the current inhabitants would either be ejected or ejected after they have paid their due. Then the artificial realm would collapse due to its lack of connection to the Origin Realm.'

'I see, I wonder what the system will do. It either has the choice to bend to my demand or kill me and break his connection to the Origin Realm. This would lead to the death of the one with the connection to the world's will.'

'Edith, I wouldn't gamble with your life like this. It would be simpler and safer to just give him a discount.'

'Maybe, however then what? I live as a puppet of the system that has to conform to its rules whenever? I would rather die than become a puppet to something.'

'…'