Crimson and the Guardians

Nite, the merchant, and the oracle huddled next to a large wooden vehicle with iron-rimmed wheels and tarpaulin roofing.

"I think we should start by introducing ourselves. I'm George Freeman, but you can call me John."

"My name is Valerie Estel. I'm of no importance, just a simple oracle."

"That's the single most suspicious line anyone says in stories before it turns out they're someone important."

"She is. She's a famous Oracle known for her pristine predictions and her otherworldly aura, as she had never missed a prediction. I say had because you won that battle against the bear, despite her proclaiming your death." The merchant let out a soft giggle.

"You're going to hold that over my head like a child, aren't you?"

The merchant's giggle grew louder and longer. After a moment, the merchant and the oracle turned their focus on Nite.

"We never did ask, but before you jumped into the fight, where were you headed to?"

"Huh? I guess I was just exploring."

"So, are you an adventurer? Your skill with a sword was rather sloppy."

"If you have nowhere to go, why don't you join us as we are headed to Estel?"

The merchant wheeled on the oracle with a questioning gaze. His jaw dropped and his brows furrowed.

"Crimson would never agree for that. Are you crazy? If he didn't die against the bear, she'll definitely be his grim reaper."

"I understand your concerns, but who said anything about bringing him to Crimson? We can at least just drop him off in the city."

"And why can't he get there himself?"

"George, he saved our lives and..."

Her brows furrowed as her voice lowered. "He's obviously not from around here. Look at his clothes and mannerisms; they are nothing like an Estelrian's."

With a hushed voice, George replied, "True, but what are you trying to say?"

"I don't know, but I'm sure there's something special about him."

With a glance, the merchant looked Nite top to bottom.

"Very well. If you wish, you may come with us to Estel."

"Really?! Thank you." Nite placed his hand behind his head, moving it around slowly.

"With the looks they were giving off, I thought that I'd have to find my way to the nearest civilization on my own." 

Valerie and George sat at the front while Nite hid with the stuff at the back.

"Why do I have to stay in the back?"

"Estel is the capital of Estelria. If someone who isn't registered as an adventurer or a citizen tries to enter, they'd send you away at best and execute you at worst."

Nite felt a lump in his throat as his eyes widened.

"Just cover yourself with a cloth or tarp or something."

"Why is everything in this world so deadly?"

The wagon cart's wheels spun as the two white mules galloped through the grassy plains. The trip was smooth, despite there not being a man-made road.

The vehicle stopped as voices began talking.

"ID?" a coarse voice demanded.

"Here." Both George and Valerie replied.

"Wait while I check the cargo."

Heavy footsteps made their way closer, growing louder with each second. The curtains covering the back were spread apart as the vehicle shook a bit.

The clack of leather soles against the wood rang in Nite's ears as his heart pounded.

"What's all this for?" The voice echoed through the wagon bed.

George's calm and controlled voice replied with no hesitation.

"It's for a business trade of mine. A friend of ours requires significant supplies and miscellaneous goods—food, water, linen, lanterns, and the various other things." 

"There's no reason to be suspicious of someone with your reputation, Estelria's greatest merchant."

The guard crossed his arms, then he noticed a rumpled piece of fabric at the corner. A veil of darkness covered it, but its shape seemed peculiar.

"I'm sorry to interrupt, but could I possibly be on my way? Some of this stuff might perish soon, and that'd be a problem for me."

"Sorry, it was just a routine inspection."

The clack of leather grew distant as the vehicle started moving again. After a while, the wagon cart came to a stop, and the curtains slid open again.

"You can come out now. We're in the city." George spoke with an exasperated tone.

Nite threw off the piece of fabric covering him as he got up.

"Aren't you a pro hider? Covering yourself with a blanket in the corner."

"Whatever! My heart was pounding because of that guard."

"Are you okay, Nite?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. Thank you for this." Nite bowed his head with his hands flat by his sides.

"This is my wagon cart. Where's my thank you?"

"Even though you were a bit mean, I honestly thank you for your help."

George's cheeks flushed as his eyes widened. "You're a weird guy."

"Don't listen to his nonsense. He's just surprised at some real gratitude from someone he's just met. He's used to being overly cautious as a merchant."

"Okay, that's enough. You wouldn't survive in this town with the rags you're wearing, so I'll let you pick one outfit of your choice.

Don't go wild on my stuff."

"Really, thank you!"

A slight giggle escaped Valerie's lips as George's cheek flushed even more.

After a while, George and Valerie stood outside waiting for Nite. The curtains slid open to reveal a midnight purple jacket layered on a plain black shirt and a brown leather armor top.

His black joggers blended with his outfit as his hands were tucked away in its pockets.

"What do you think?"

"Odd choice, but I like the colour of the jacket."

"Right, we're twining now, though mine's a darker shade than yours."

"Why the armor? That isn't a normal piece of clothing."

"True, but if I get into trouble again, I want to not break every bone in my body again."

"Lightweight for speed. Good luck with your life, Nite. Give us some time before you leave the alleyway."

"Farewell, Nite Nexus. I hope we meet again one day."

The two of them rode off in the wagon cart, with Nite watching them leave. After a while, Nite walked to the entrance of the alleyway and checked for guards.

"Good, no guards."

Nite left the alleyway and walked into the bustling tiled streets, with people rushing left and right in a blur. Trying to get his footing, he pushed himself out of the crowd and found his way to a less-filled street.

The buildings were well painted and taller than expected. Estel was the capital city, but the city was advanced for normal medieval times.

"The world of Estelria is something else. It's nothing like I expected it to be. Though it's still less advanced than modern times, by the looks of it.

First, I got to find the adventurers' guild. It is a common thing in most isekais."

A scream cut through Nite's inner dialogue as a woman cloaked in red ran past him. A man chased after her with a bat in hand.

"What the heck is happening here? Either way, it's not my business, right?"

A purple swirl formed beneath her as she shot to the top of a tall building. Her cloak fluttered in the air, revealing her porcelain skin and pink lips as her teeth sank into a ruby apple.

Its juices ran down her lips as her feet tapped down on the slate roof.

"Wow! So cool!"

A wild grin grew on his face as his eyes widened, shimmering as he stared at her cloak. People ran past him with bats, swords, rakes, anything they could find, as they chased after her while they screamed.

"Monster!" "Magic-user!" "Evil!" "Abomination!" They yelled more and more, their words becoming more creative than the last.

"What's going on?! An Isekai world where people hate magic?! That's something."

Nite stared in the direction she ran.

"It's not my job to save her. I can just ignore it and find the adventurers' guild."

As he turned his back, a shock excited his nerves with a spine-tingling sensation. His head turned back for a moment.

"It's not my job to save her, but as an MC, I have to at least see what's going on." 

He wheeled around and launched himself forward with his pivot foot. He sped through the twists and turns without losing pace.

The mob that chased her had split up as they searched every nook and cranny.

He wheeled around a corner into a dark alleyway.

A silhouette stood at the end, their path obstructed by a brick wall.

"That girl." Nite thought as he staggered back with his brows furrowed on her.

The girl turned around and stepped into the dim light. Her hood revealed her crimson red hair and eyes, as she focused her gaze on him with a frown.