City Of Ironmountain

Chrysos rode the wagon with Nadt towards the City of Ironmountain.

The City of Ironmountain is under the government of Supremia Vizos. Because of the Divine Lands having a very unnaturally gigantic size, the continent of Supremia Aliqierta divided its countries to help govern the humans and keep them in check.

And Ironmountain, just as its name suggests, is very rich in iron. Neighboring cities would hire workers, buy weapons, tools, and armor from Ironmountain because not only is it cheaper, they can also sell products and provide services in their own cities and gain profit.

Under the protection of The Great Divine Empires, all twenty continents of human territory were able to flourish happily and peacefully.

The Great Divine Empires are situated in very crucial areas in every continent. It is where the main control is centered as well as the resources and manpower.

In the Divine Lands, humans aren't the only beings who are able to stand on top of the food chain despite them being noticeably stronger than the humans from earth.

That's right, humans in the Divine Lands are still in the evolution phase where they need to keep certain traits to keep them strong against nature's elements. Even women in the Divine Lands are strong as the men, if not, stronger in order to bear children. The height between men and women are very similar averaging at least 1.9 meters.

And because of the low physical strength disparity, men and women do not have that much of a conflict nor dominance in the Divine Lands. They are treated as equal and do similar work.

Many races like the Waikshan, a humanoid plant race, Ociathei, an underwater species, Thriophos, a powerful three eyed race who has a more sensitive Divinious attunement, and many more races at least occupied fifteen continents or more.

All races have their own strengths and weaknesses. Some have more intellect, some have more strength and some have more mechanical or industrial capabilities than the other races.

Even though they are aware of each other's existence, they are all wary of each other. Especially humans.

This is because of the event that happened during the Divine War that basically ended the war.

During the Divine War, humans were rumored to have formed an alliance with another race, but soon betrayed that race for power. That was the reason humans conquered the most continents out of every other race in the world.

It was supposed to be a stalemate between all races, but because of human's craftiness, they managed to rise up to power.

As for the race that humans supposedly betrayed, they are extinct.

...

Chrysos finally reached the City of Ironmountain.

"Alright Chrysos, we're here." Nadt reminded him.

Chrysos opened his eyes from his nap and looked around. "This is the city?" Chrysos saw a huge gate made of metal. Guards were seen keeping order to the carriages, adventurers, travelers, common folk, and merchants coming in and out of the city.

The line of carriages moved in front of Chrysos and Nadt. The two of them slowly entered the city.

Nadt saw a guard and greeted him. "Yo Alor!" Nadt waved his hand at the guard.

The guard named Alor turned and saw Nadt. "Oh, it's you, welcome back." Alor looked at the wagon and saw a hooded man laying down in a relaxed position. "And uh, Nadt.. who's he?" Alor walked to Nadt's wagon.

Nadt looked at Chrysos. "Oh him? He's the alchemist I've been getting my potions from. I brought him here!"

"Oh, it's Sir Chrysos the Alchemist?" Alor opened his mouth in surprise.

"Yep! In the flesh." Nadt laughed.

"Very well.. make sure to treat him in the city then." Alor laughed and gestured to the other guards to let them in.

"Thanks!" Nadt then entered the city with Chrysos.

Noticing that people were already aware of him, Chrysos asked Nadt about it. "Hey, I didn't know I was known around here." Chrysos turned his head to Nadt.

"When I said that your potions sold like hotcakes, I meant it." Nadt gave a thumbs up. "Many adventurers bought from me and repeatedly asked me who the alchemist who made these potions was. Of course, you told me not to tell anyone, so I kept your identity a secret." Nadt explained.

"But how does that Alor know my name?" Chrysos had his doubts.

"Of course I'd tell him. He's my sister's husband." Nadt said with a carefree tone.

"So much for staying hidden I guess… Hopefully those who attacked Chrysos don't come for me next." Chrysos laid back down as he thought to himself with some worry.

In his past self's memories, he knew that he was betrayed by a powerful somebody. But that somebody doesn't have the coverage to find him in Ironmountain, so he can rest assured. For now.

"Oh yeah, how are you going to find a house or a residence? Because if I remember correctly, you don't have that much cash." Nadt asked him curiously. "And if you can't find a place to stay, you can stay at my place."

"No need." Chrysos immediately rejected. "I can find my own place to stay."

"Okay but, if you need any help, my door is always open." Nadt patted his chest.

"Thank you then." Chrysos appreciated Nadt's help.

...

Nadt dropped Chrysos off at a hotel. "Alright, I'll be off now." Nadt then drove his wagon to the market to sell his goods.

Chrysos waved goodbye to Nadt as he left. "Alright, now it's time for me to find a job." Chrysos looked around. Even though he went to the city with so much confidence, Nadt didn't know that Chrysos doesn't even have a single bronze coin with him!

In fact, during the past few years, Chrysos has never held a single coin in his life because he's too occupied brewing potions.

Of course, the new Chrysos lamented at how terrible his past self used to live.

"What the hell happened to this dude that caused him to live this miserable life?" Chrysos slumped down. The items in his backpack made clanking sounds.

Chrysos looked around and saw armored people with swords, bows, shields which he assumed were adventurers that were going somewhere.

"Adventurers…" Chrysos muttered to himself.

He decided to follow them without attracting attention to himself. Others had humongous shields and swords, so he isn't considered an odd one. People only glanced at him because they were merely curious or their eyes were just wandering.

Chrysos soon found a large building with a luxurious appearance. He also saw three words in a shiny silver plaque saying "Ironmountain Adventurer's Guild"

He entered the building and saw hundreds of adventurers turning in quests and some were registering for the guild. Apparently, it costs five silver coins which he didn't have.

"Okay, now how do I earn cash?" Chrysos looked around and saw a martial artist. The man had magical tattoos on his body that glowed once in a while.

Chrysos' disposition and tone changed as he approached the man and said, "Hey you, I'm short on coins... Can you buy one of my potions?" Chrysos took out a vial with pinkish liquid inside.

"Hm? what's that?" The shirtless martial artist looked at Chrysos and observed him from head to toe.

"It's a healing potion." Chrysos took out a knife and slit his forearm. He poured the potion and it healed after a few seconds.

The man was interested. "How much?"

"5 silver coins." Chrysos smiled. He thought to himself inwardly, "This man's tattoos look weird.."

"Cheap deal. Alright I'll take one." The man reached his pockets and took out five silver coins.

Or, tokens? The coins weren't what Chrysos expected. The silver coins were diamond shaped, they were thin and easily stackable, and they have mystical carvings of hands and eyes, including Aliqiertan letters that said, coin.

Each coin had one red crystal embedded into them.

Chrysos was amazed at the craftsmanship of the coin. He laughed lightly and said,

"That's awesome.." Chrysos took another healing potion and gave it to the martial artist. He finally had money.

The martial artist quickly left and at the same time, Chrysos followed a line to the registration area. And when it was his turn in front of the dark wood table, he paid five silver coins. The receptionist was a beautiful young lady wearing a blue uniform and a green button up shirt underneath. The flower brooch on her chest with a miniature sword was also beautiful.

She gave Chrysos a piece of paper and an ink bottle with a quill.

"Please write your name here and answer the questions to register to the guild." The woman said politely with a bright smile.

Chrysos wrote his name "Gerald Greenwood" and filled out the form. After that, the receptionist took a token and inscribed it with her Divinium and gave it to him. Apparently, she's a runemaster..

"Welcome to the adventurer's guild sir Gerald. This is your token that verifies your identity and please make sure not to lose it." The woman reached her hand out and gave it to Chrysos.

"Thank you." Chrysos took the metallic token with a unique rune drawn into it.

He used his earth counterpart's name in order to remain undetected for the time being. He didn't want to expose himself too early to the mysterious force that attacked the original Chrysos.

He then went to the quest and bounties section and went to another line to sign up if anyone is willing to hire him. When he arrived at the front of the line, an old man with a monocle was the one who greeted him. "Your token please."

Chrysos gave him his token. A rectangular metal token that has a blue swirling rune. "Reminds me of someone sketchy.." He thought to himself as he looked at the old man.

The old man scanned it in a strange looking detector next to him and gave it back. "We'll call you if anyone is willing to hire you."

"Thanks." Chrysos went to the waiting lounge and sat down.

The lounge was filled with numerous tables and chairs. Decorating the room are white marble statues of lions holding swords embedded on stones. The lions have blue gemstones as eyes.

Gorgeous as they are, Chrysos developed a bit of habitual hatred towards lions.

...

Many adventurers were also waiting for parties willing to hire and include them like him.

The way it works is when parties want to hire a specific class, they will check the files of those who are willing to offer their services. If they find someone they need, they will hire them immediately.

It doesn't take too long. In fact, an adventurer would be hired in a few minutes or so.

"Irean Oel." A voice called out. "A party is willing to take you in.

A young woman with a staff stood up and went outside.

"It would be nice if someone hires me next.." Chrysos watched the young magic caster leave.

"Alistor Mire. A party is willing to take you in."

"Drek Bairx. A mercenary group would like to meet you."

One by one, many people were eventually hired.

Chrysos was bored so he looked at the different bounties on the wall.

The first bounty was a lifelike drawing of a man holding a very refined and exquisitely crafted crossbow. His eyes were blood red as corrupted Divinious covered his entire body.

"Bloodshot, Sniper. Reward 1000 Gold coins. Wanted for killing nobles and assassinations of renowned adventurers.

The next bounty was a woman with very dark blue hair and dark violet eyes that gleamed like gemstones. She was covered in blood in her portrait as she held two blades in both hands. Her face was covered by her mask and her clothes that tightly fit her body were as dark as ink.

"Shalra Avesin, Assassin. Reward 500 Gold coins. Wanted for murder, kidnapping, arson, and assassinations of members of nobility."

The last bounty he looked at was a man wearing leather pants and a leather coat. He wore a white shirt with golden swirls adorning its buttons, his boots were also decorated with golden swirls that matched his shirt.

In his portrait, he is shown holding a black book with a cover that looked like a female porcelain doll. He wore a large black top hat and he had an arrogant expression on his face.

"Larecon Insteor, Shadow Inducer. Reward 2000 Gold coins. Wanted for murder and collision with corrupted forces."

"Wow, these guys are really wanted." Chrysos stopped looking at the faces of those in the bounty list.

…

The sun quickly passed until it was nighttime…

Chrysos waited and waited. It didn't take long until it was nighttime. No one hired him. He was the only one left in the room.

"That's just unfair, why isn't anyone hiring me?" Chrysos felt like he was going to lose it.

He slammed his hand on the table and grunted. Things aren't going as he planned.

"Gerald Greenwood. A party is willing to hire you."

"Eh?" Chrysos couldn't believe it. "Finally, some people are kind enough to pay me."

Chrysos walked outside and saw a swordsman, an archer, a hunter, and a magic caster. However, they weren't looking as nice as he expected.

They had scars all over their bodies and some on their faces. They were looking at him with piercing stares. Mixed with their ragged clothing made them look more intimidating.

Changing the way he interacted with these people, his tone became a bit timid. "Uhh hello?" Chrysos wasn't sure why they were looking at him this weirdly. Did he offend them in some way?

The swordsman walked forward and asked. "You were the one who brewed this right? The swordsman took out a vial of a half empty healing potion.

Chrysos eyed it for a while. "Yep, that's definitely my potion. Where'd you get it?"

"Follow us." The swordsman gestured with his hand.

"Okay." Chrysos only wanted cash so he went along with them. Plus, even if they decide to do something with him, he was confident he could at least defend himself.

And if they want to rob him? Aside from a few potions, he had no cash, so there's no need to worry about that.

They led him to a street with an empty and run down neighborhood. It looked abandoned for a while. However, there was one house in front of him that was still decent in quality.

"Alright, go in.." The swordsman indicated with his hand.

Opening the door, Chrysos saw the same martial artist who he sold the potion earlier. "It's you?!" Chrysos pointed at the man.

"See? What did I tell ya boss?" The man looked at an empty seat.

Chrysos was confused for a while and thought that this man was crazy until he saw a woman slowly reappear from thin air. He already knew from her cloaking ability that she's an assassin.

What caught his attention was a huge claw mark on her stomach that doesn't seem to have healed at all. But when he saw her face, he was shocked. "Shalra Avesin?! That Assassin who's wanted for 500 gold coins!?" his brain was rapidly thinking.

"What should I do, what should I do? Should I run? No, I'll get killed.. there's too many of them. What do they want from me?" Chrysos had these thoughts in his mind, but he quickly set them aside. His expression was hidden under his gas mask, so no one thought anything.

For now, he needed to go with the flow.

"Whoa, that's a huge wound." Chrysos pretended to be shocked.

"Give me the potion Feroi.." Shalra looked at the swordsman.

"Sure thing boss.." The swordsman named Feroi tossed the remaining potion to Shalra.

She took it and poured it on her wounds. However, it did little effect. "Hey you, Chrysos right? I need more of those potions."

"I have nothing left. That's the last healing potion I have." Chrysos put his hands up to show his innocence.

"If you lie, we can kill you." Shalra threatened him as her eyes narrowed.

Chrysos rolled his eyes. "They think that I'm weak just because I'm an alchemist right?" Chrysos thought to himself.

He pretended to be scared and said, "But I can brew another one, I have my equipment with me and I just need the ingredients!" He sounded scared and it was like he was pleading for mercy.

Shalra's eyes showed some understanding. "What do you need?"

Chrysos took a piece of paper made of raggedleaf. A brown, cheap and rough piece of paper that many people use to save money. He took a quill and a small bottle of ink and wrote the ingredients. He then gave it to Shalra with shivering hands.

Shalra took the paper and scanned the contents. "Hm.. Feroi, Vaila. Get these for me." She passed the piece of paper to the swordsman.

"Yes boss." Feroi nodded and left with the mage.

Chrysos waited for them and made sure to keep up his act. The martial artist was laying down on a bed and didn't even regard him as a threat.

The hunter and the archer looked at Chrysos from time to time, but didn't pay him any heed.

...

Not too long after, the two returned with the ingredients.

"Here, now start making it." The swordsman tossed a sack full of ingredients.

"Yes, I'll get it done.." Chrysos took the ingredients and opened his backpack. He took his cauldron and pot out and said awkwardly. Can you start a fire for me please? Chrysos looked at the magic caster.

The magic caster named Vaila rolled her eyes and lit up the fire for him.

"Thank you" Chrysos expressed his 'gratitude.'

Now, Chrysos began with his work.