Chapter 3: Darkoria

As Aric scanned his surroundings, he spotted the cat perched on the top of a tree, in a different direction. Determined, Aric slowly picked up a stone, took careful aim, and threw it at the cat. The impact caused the cat to drop the necklace, which fell on the other side.

With a burst of energy, Aric sprinted toward the fallen necklace, retrieving it with a mix of relief and curiosity. Holding the necklace in his hands, he took a deep look. When he finally looked up, Aric exclaimed in awe, "Wow."

In front of Aric loomed an imposing fortress, its towering walls stretching high into the sky. The sheer magnitude of the structure left Aric awestruck as he approached. Determined, he set out on foot towards the fortress, and as he neared, a peculiar sight caught his attention.

Before him, two queues had formed. One stretched out seemingly endlessly, filled with individuals from various walks of life, patiently waiting their turn. The other, markedly shorter, seemed to be exclusively reserved for nobles, their distinguished status granting them expedited entry.

Despite the temptation of the shorter queue, Aric chose to join the longer one. Hours passed as he inched closer to the fortress gate, the anticipation building within him. Amidst the shuffling crowd, a sudden commotion drew his gaze.

There, in the midst of the queue, a captivating sight unfolded. A beautiful elf, adorned with light green hair and pointed ears, engaged in a heated dispute with a bandit-like character. The bandit, displaying a lack of decorum, demanded an exorbitant entry fee from the elf.

Bandit: "Bitch, if you can't cough up 10 gold, scram!"

Elf: "You can't just arbitrarily raise the fee! It was only 2 gold coins last time!"

Bandit: "This is Darkoria – fairness has no place here. Pay up or Pay with your body he he."

The situation escalated as the bandit forcibly grabbed the elf's arm, attempting to pull her towards the entry. Undeterred, the elf retaliated, unsheathing a dagger in an attempt to fend off the assailant. However, her efforts were thwarted as the bandit skillfully blocked her attack and retaliated with a swift punch.

Bandit: "You stubborn wench!"

The crowd surrounding the skirmish grew, drawn by the spectacle unfolding before them. The elf, undeterred by the setback, rose defiantly, swiftly attempting to strike again. But before the bandit could react, a well-aimed rock struck him, causing him to stagger. Seizing the opportunity, the elf delivered a fatal blow, driving the dagger into the bandit's stomach.

Bandit: "Who dares..."

Elf: "Rot in the depths, you wretch."

With a determined gaze, the elf delivered another decisive blow, ending the bandit's menace. The crowd, now a mix of awe and chears watched. The elf, catching her breath, acknowledged the unexpected ally who had intervened, a mysterious benefactor in the crowd whose identity remained concealed.

After another thirty minutes of patiently waiting, it was finally Aric's turn to face the stern-looking soldier at the fortress gate.

Soldier: "Name, age, job?"

Aric: "I am Aric, 7 years old, and I don't have any job."

Soldier: "Hm. Do you have money? You need to pay 2 gold to get in."

Aric: "I don't have any money, but I do have some fruits. Want some?"

Soldier: "Kid, are you serious? Get lost."

Aric: "Please, accept this and let me in. I don't have any place to go."

Soldier: "Get lost."

Aric was roughly pushed out, teetering on the edge of falling, but he was caught by a tall man with black hair, black eyes, and a scar on the right side of his face.

Man: "What's going on?"

Soldier: "Sir Ethan, nothing much sir . This brat has no money and wants to enter the city. You don't have to soil your hands, sir. I will handle him."

Ethan: "Stop. Hey kid, what's your name?"

Aric: "Aric."

Ethan: "Why are you here?"

Aric: "I lost my family and got lost in a pirate attack."

Ethan: "Hm. Soldier, let him in. I will vouch for him."

Soldier: "But, sir..."

Ethan: "Any problem?"

Soldier: "No, sir." 

After entering the city with high expectations and dreams, Aric's face fell from excitement to disappointment.

Aric: "What in the..."

Ethan: "Welcome to Darkoria, and yeah, it's a slum."

Darkoria, situated in the east, was a lawless country fully ruled by the pirate king. Here, murder, rape, human trafficking, slavery, and drugs – everything is legal. The population was a diverse mix of races, including humans, elves, dwarfs, demons, spirits, and fairies. Black magic is a common practice, making it a chaotic and unpredictable country.

Aric: "Mm, it's creepy."

Ethan: "You'll adjust somehow. I'm Ethan Zenfoot. Here, take this."

Ethan tossed a pouch at Aric.

Aric: "What's this?"

Ethan: "There's 5 gold in it. Use it wisely and live a life."

Aric: "Thanks."

Ethan: "Do you have any plans?"

Aric: "I don't know. I think I need to look for a job."

Ethan: "Good. Go for it, and don't get into trouble. You die before you know it."

Aric: "Sure, thanks."

Ethan: "One more thing, be careful not to lose your soul."

Aric: "What?"

Ethan: "Just keep it in mind. Bye."

With that, Ethan left.

Aric: "Looks like I'm alone again."

Aric continued walking through the streets until he reached Traven. Along the way, he witnessed the grim reality of Darkoria – slaves in cages, open street fights, death battles, and heads displayed as trophies. Despite the harsh scenes, Aric persevered, drawing strength from the willpower that had allowed him to survive death.

Upon entering Traven, the atmosphere shifted. The place was bustling with people, filled with the aroma of alcohol and food. Aric headed to the reception, where a woman with pink hair and a fox-like tail greeted him.

Aric: "Hello."

Receptionist (Alice): "Hello, welcome to The Frothy Fox. My name is Alice. How can I help you?"

Aric: "I am looking for a stay for a night."

Alice: "Okay, that will be 20 copper coins with meals."

Aric placed 1 gold coin on the counter and received the balance of 880 copper coins.

Alice: "Your room is upstairs, B6. Here is the key. If you need anything, feel free to let me know."

Aric nodded and made his way to the room. After entering, he took a bath and went to bed, exhausted from the day's challenges.

At night, a man approached Alice.

Man: "Is he here?"

Alice: "Yes."

Man: "Good."