Arriving at Yunisse

Riding on his horse, Aren, with other adventurers; was nearing the vicinity of Endrew River.

To his knowledge, Endrew River was one of the largest rivers in the continent, flowing through the heart of Ashlar Kingdom. Due to it, the kingdom's lands were always fertile and Yunisse City, from where it passed by, became the second largest city of the kingdom.

Being the next big city after capital, it was a place filled with opportunities for many merchants, adventurers and declining noble families. This city, therefore, housed branches of many large organisations and if one was not careful, he or she might offend some powerful character. Even its size didn't lose out to some of the big cities of earth when earth was still flourishing.

Arriving at the bank of river where lots of pebbles were scattered around, Aren looked at the bridge. The bridge was made up of yellow bricks and it looked sturdy at a glance. This newly built bridge was nearly 30 meters wide and 5 kilometres long. In this world, where technology was not improved, he couldn't fathom how many labourers were needed to build this.

The sun was about to set and everyone was tired from this whole journey so everyone was eager to reach the city and get some rest. Furthermore, the city gates would be closed during night time. So without wasting anymore time, they quickly started to cross the river.

While crossing the river, he looked down at the silently flowing river below. The water was crystal clear that he could even see fishes swimming here and there, searching for food. A setting sun coupled with a huge river produced a beautiful view. The afterglow of twilight blanketing the river with red color.

"Beautiful..." Daisy said, mesmerized.

'Sigh, even if it was only for this, I'm already satisfied with my first adventure. This really is a good place to live in.'

Looking at the magical view presented by the nature, he couldn't help but sigh in admiration.

After crossing the river, they came right before the city gates. Showing their passes one by one, they entered the city wall. The merchants also signed their names on the quest papers after entering the city. The adventurers' task was to bring the merchants to Yunisse City within three days, safe and sound; which they managed to do it in a day.

Parting ways with merchants, their group of ten went to the Adventurers Guild and submitted their quest. After everyone got their share of reward, then as per agreement, everyone went their own ways.

Looking at 5 sliver coins in his hand, Aren smiled bitterly "No matter where you go, making money is always difficult if you're weak and don't have any connections."

'I'm hungry. I should find an inn soon.'

Pocketing his hard-earned money, Aren started to search for a place to stay for the night.

He didn't have to search for long though. In this large city, even a lost child could find an inn if he wandered around for a bit. 5 minutes later, he was standing before a three-storied building which was undoubtedly called 'Honey & cookies' inn.

Clang! clang!

As he pushed the door open, the bells tied behind the door made resonating noises, informing the owner of the inn of his arrival.

"Welcome to Honey and Cookies inn." a petite girl came forward and welcomed him, seeing him enter. Behind this girl was a lean man. It seemed like he was the owner of this inn.

"Hello. I want to stay here for a night. Ah, I will also have dinner here. How much does it cost?" Aren asked, looking at the girl who welcomed him.

"For one night, Its 1 silver. We have three rooms available. If you want to have dinner here as well then 60 coppers will be added to the price." the girl unhurriedly answered.

Finding the price reasonable, he took out two silver coins and handed it to her.

"Alright, I will leave tomorrow after having breakfast."

Then, the lean man came over and gave him a key which he took out from his pouch and said, pointing at a number written on the key.

"Your room is upstairs. Use this number to find your room. Dinner will be served a while later."

Aren took the key which had ''312'' written on it and went upstairs. The wooden stairway creaked when he walked over it. There was a long corridor on the second floor. Many rooms were on both sides. Some were shut tight while some had faint light glowing inside. It took him a while to find room no. 312.

The room was standard in size having a bed at left side with white quilt over it. Beside it was an oil lamp. A chair and table were opposite to it. A small window was situated between them from which the round Moon could be seen. All in all, it was a typical inn's room.

After checking his room, he went downstairs and quickly ate dinner. The dinner was the same rice curry, soup, bread and salads. For sixty coppers, it was a decent enough meal.

After eating dinner, he went straight to his room without bothering other people who stayed at this inn and lied down on his bed. He was very tired today so he needed rest above everything else.

...

The next day.

"Good morning! Ummmm..."

"My name is Elise." the petite girl from yesterday replied.

"Right. Good morning Elise. Do you know where the city's public library is?" Aren asked, sitting on a chair. In front of him were two cheap breads, a glass of milk and a boiled egg placed neatly on the dining table. This was morning breakfast here.

He asked Elise about the library because he felt that his understanding of this world, be it history, culture, political division and current affairs were still too shallow. Although Tina had taught him, there were still some important information that even she forgot or didn't know.

This made him naturally seek out a library. Also, Yunisse City's library had quite a reputation as well. It was one of the must-visit site for travellers coming here for the first time.

"Gilbert Library? I believe I know the way there. Are you new to this city?" Hearing Aren and Elise's conversation, a handsome man, who was also having his breakfast, chimed in.

He was about 175 centimeters tall, wearing a white vest with a skin-coloured suit over it. The pants he wore, of the same color and his luxurious shoes proved him to be someone rich.

"Yes, I am an adventurer. I just entered the city yesterday. Gilbert Library? Is that the name of public library?" Aren asked. For him, it didn't matter who knew the way. As long as he got there everything else didn't matter.

"Yes. It's named that because Marquis Gilbert constructed it. But if you want to read there you'd have to become a member." the handsome man said, putting a piece of bread on the milk.

"Then how can one become a member. Is there a certain criteria?"

"Anyone can become a member as long as they are recommended by an actual member."

Hearing this, Aren felt a headache in his head. He didn't know anyone in this city. If he wanted to read books in that library, he'd have stay here for a month and slowly try to socialise. But he didn't have that much time.

Seeing Aren slightly anxious, the man decided to give Aren a hand.

"My name is William. I'm a member of the library. If you'd like, I can recommend you but you would have to do a work I commissioned for you."

"As you are an adventurer, this method will be much more suitable for you than staying here and getting to know people. What do you say?"

After he heard that the man would recommend him, he was delighted at first but quickly come to his senses and sure enough, he would have to do a work to get this chance.

Aren pondered over it and asked "What is the commission?"

William, hearing his question, got up and said. "Follow me."

Arriving at an alley where most people didn't come, he took out a map and pointed at an area.

"I need you to inspect this area. See if you can find this emblem craved anywhere on the woods." William showed him a wooden tablet. Painted on it was a symbol of a human skull. It had green flames burning in place of its eyes and it was horrifying to look at.

"That's impossible! There are lots of undead wandering around that area. I came from there just yesterday." Aren quickly refused. He knew very well what the undead would make of him if he entered the forest alone.

"Don't be so quick to refuse. There is way from where undead can't pass. Plus I can pay you 5 golds right here and also write a recommendation letter now if you do this mission." William said handing him 5 gold coins.

"I need to think for a while." that said, Aren didn't believe him. Anyone who can pay 5 golds without batting an eyelid to only inspect some area was sure to be a shady character.

Following that, he asked merchants who travelled through the forest and found out that there really was a place where undead were not present in that area. That place had a Temple of Moon Goddess which made it forbidden for undead. Whenever an undead tried to enter, moonlight would shine at that place, disintegrating that undead into pieces.

After asking around for an hour, he came before William.

"Alright. I'll take this mission. However, I will only go tomorrow."

"No problem." William said smiling as he handed the recommendation letter he promised.

After Aren went his way, William looked at the emblem on his hand, muttering in a low voice.

"His spirit is decent. It should be enough to activate the Necromantic magic array. Once the gate to deathlands open, I shall inherit the legacy of the Undead King!"