A New City, A New Path
Akira arrives in the distant city of Meltuz, a bustling place full of merchants, adventurers, and mysteries. Confused but curious, he begins exploring, seeking information, and searching for a safe place to stay in this unfamiliar world.
A couple of days later, Akira reached the distant city marked on his map, Meltuz. From the outskirts, the city looked alive: dark stone walls glimmered in the sun, smoke curled from chimneys, and the calls of merchants echoed through the streets. Children ran between market stalls while armored guards patrolled with disciplined steps. The city was bustling, unfamiliar, and full of possibilities.
Akira slowed his pace, absorbing the details. Meltuz was larger than he had imagined, a maze of narrow alleys and wide plazas. Each corner revealed something new: traders from distant lands hawking spices and fabrics, performers bending the eye with sleight of hand, and knights whispering rumors of quests in shadowed corners. He needed a place to stay, but first, he wanted to understand the city and how its people lived.
As he wandered, he collided with a man carrying books and maps. They tumbled to the ground with a clatter.
“Oh! I-I’m sorry!” Akira said, crouching to help.
The man blinked and then focused on him. “Wait… you spoke that just now?”
Akira nodded. “Yes. Sorry, it’s a habit.”
The man’s eyes widened. “You’re Japanese!”
Akira’s heartbeat quickened. “Yes… you too?”
The man nodded, a mixture of relief and surprise on his face. “Yes. I am Shizaku Nihuhara. I’ve been wandering around trying to find information and a place to stay. I didn’t expect to meet someone from home.”
Akira smiled faintly. “It feels strange to meet someone here who understands the language. So… you’re also trying to figure this city out?”
Shizaku nodded. “Exactly. There’s so much I don’t know, and everything feels different.”
Before they could continue, a warm voice called from a doorway.
“Are you both looking for an inn?”
They turned to see a woman smiling. Her dark hair was tied back in a simple braid, and her apron was dusted with flour. “I am Inuai Tesicae. We have rooms for travelers.”
“Yes, we are,” Akira and Shizaku said almost at once.
A small voice giggled from behind her. “In sync!”
A child peeked from behind her skirts, her bright eyes full of curiosity. Akira felt a small warmth in the strange city, the comfort of normalcy amidst the unfamiliar streets.
“In that case,” Inuai said, “it is only 20 copper coins per night.”
Akira quickly calculated in his mind. A copper coin was worth four hundred yen; twenty coins would be eight thousand yen. Not bad, he thought, but before he could say anything, Shizaku nudged him.
“We do not have money yet,” Shizaku whispered.
Akira nodded. “We’ll come back later,” he said politely. “Thank you for the offer.”
They stepped back into the streets, letting the sounds of Meltuz wash over them. Merchants shouted, the smell of spices and bread filled the air, and blacksmiths hammered metal into unfamiliar shapes. Each detail made the city feel alive, full of opportunities, but also confusing and overwhelming.
After wandering for a while, they encountered a young woman speaking with a merchant. She noticed them hesitating and waved. “Do you need help finding something?”
“Yes,” Akira said. “We are trying to find the Adventure Guild. Do you know the way?”
The woman smiled. “I do. I am Ericaye Beltmye. Follow me; I can take you there.”
They followed her through the twisting streets, asking questions along the way. Ericaye answered patiently, explaining the city’s layout, the location of important shops, inns, and how the guild operated. Akira and Shizaku listened carefully, absorbing as much as they could.
Finally, they arrived at a larger building with a carved wooden door. A sign above read: Adventure Guild of Meltuz.
Akira paused at the gate, taking in the activity. Adventurers of all types moved around the courtyard: some checked weapons, others organized supplies, and a few carried large packs with careful precision. Flags bearing the guild emblem fluttered above the entrance, marking this as a place of opportunity and information.
He glanced at Shizaku, who was also staring at the guild with a mixture of awe and curiosity. “Do you think this is where we start?” Akira asked quietly.
Shizaku nodded. “Yes. If we are going to learn anything about this city or find work, it should be here.”
Ericaye stopped near the gate and looked back at them. “This is the guild,” she said. “Inside, you will find information about available jobs, local rules, and people willing to help newcomers. Take your time, and ask questions if needed.”
Akira and Shizaku exchanged a glance. The guild gate loomed ahead, a portal into a world still strange and uncertain, but filled with opportunity. With a deep breath, they stepped closer, ready to cross the threshold into Meltuz’s hub of adventurers and knowledge
In this chapter, Akira meets Shizaku, encounters the innkeeper, and is guided toward the Adventure Guild. Their first steps into Meltuz mark the start of new discoveries and challenges. Thank you for joining them on this journey.
Next Episode At: 17 March (Expected)
