The warm sun hung lazily in the sky, painting soft golden hues across the wide, endless fields. A gentle breeze stirred the tall grass, whispering secrets that only the wild knew.Alistor stood with his arms crossed, eyes narrowed, surveying the foreign landscape before them. His gloved hand rested under his chin in thought, his long black coat flapping slightly with the breeze.
"Hmmmm... where are we?" Alistor muttered, tapping his finger thoughtfully against his lips as he slowly walked in a small circle.
Beside him, Micreal brushed dirt from his once-pristine uniform, scanning the area carefully."Sir, it seems there's a road behind us," Micreal said, pointing to a dusty, well-worn path cutting across the green. "It could lead to a village... or perhaps a city."
Alistor's lips curled into a slight grin."Yes, that would be most optional," he said with a playful tone, "but first, let me confirm something."
He extended his right hand, fingers spreading open. A few seconds passed — and then, with a faint whoosh sound, a black flame flickered to life in his palm. The flame danced, emitting a soft, eerie glow.
"Hmm," Alistor mused, examining it. "Magic still works... That's a relief."
With a casual snap of his fingers, the flame vanished into smoke."Alright then," Alistor said, clapping his hands together lightly. "Let's get moving."
They followed the dirt road, their footsteps soft against the earth, the air growing warmer as the day advanced.After several minutes of walking, a distant rattling sound caught their attention — the clatter of wooden wheels against stone and dirt.
A wagon approached from the horizon, pulled by a tired-looking mule. Riding it was an old man, his back bent with age, guiding the reins with care. At the back of the wagon, crates filled with vegetables and fruits swayed gently with every bump.
Alistor raised his hand politely."Hello, good sir!" he called out. "Might I ask where you're headed?"
The old man tugged the reins and brought the wagon to a slow halt."Yes, yes... I'm on my way to the town of Zulu," the man replied, wiping sweat from his brow. "I sell these here crops at the market."
Alistor exchanged a quick glance with Micreal before stepping forward with a warm smile."If we may, could we request a ride too?" he asked.
(Talent Used: Persuasion)
The old man chuckled, his eyes twinkling."Of course! Though... what happened to your carriage?" he asked curiously as Alistor and Micreal climbed aboard.
Alistor shrugged and spoke with practiced ease."Ah, unfortunate business. Bandits ambushed us and made off with everything, even our carriage," he said, forcing a tired sigh for effect.(Though inwardly he thought, "If that were true, they'd be the ones running away from us.")
The old man shook his head sympathetically as he nudged the mule forward again.
"So, about Zulu," Micreal spoke up, sitting upright. "What is the capital like? We're... new to this country and not familiar with its lands."
The old man smiled knowingly."Well, like most capitals, it's big — real big. Has a grand castle where the Empress and Emperor rule over the lands. Busy streets, traders from all over, you'll like it."
Alistor leaned back slightly, fingers again under his chin, his mind racing.Empress... and Emperor? he thought. This might get interesting.
The wagon rolled onward as the old man continued talking."There are four major regions on this continent," he said, counting off on his fingers. "First is Zulu, second is Zlaxvine, third is Xresa, and fourth is Yranlas. Each has its own rulers, laws, and troubles."
Alistor nodded thoughtfully."And... is it allowed to travel freely between these lands?"
"Aye, it is," the old man said. "So long as you have a valid Traveler's Certificate. Otherwise, you'll be stopped at every gate, treated like a suspicious drifter."He cast a sideways glance at the two, as if measuring their intentions."Careful though — new lands mean new faces, and not all of 'em are kind."
"You sound like you have experience in that," Alistor said with a grin.
"Sure do," the man chuckled. "Been a traveling merchant for most my life. Seen a lot of things."
Micreal, always practical, leaned in."And the currency system?"
The old man tapped his cane against the wagon's side as he explained."We use bronze, silver, gold, and platinum coins. Hundred bronze makes one silver, hundred silver makes a gold, and a hundred gold makes a platinum. Simple enough."
He then squinted at the two."Now that I look closer... your clothes sure are odd. Never seen anything like 'em."
"We intend to change clothes once we reach the capital," Alistor said smoothly, then leaned close to Micreal and whispered, "We have money, right?"
"Yes sir," Micreal whispered back. "We brought three platinums from our world. Almost identical in system — ours was bronze, silver, gold, and Wachnester (WN)."
Alistor gave a short nod."Good. Break it down into silver coins when we get a chance. We'll need smaller change later."
"Yes sir," Micreal replied quietly.
As the capital city finally came into view — distant towers rising against the blue sky — the old man sighed.
"Well, here we are," he said. "Sorry, but this is as far as I can take you. There's a checkpoint ahead — only merchants allowed beyond."
He pulled the mule to a stop.
"Wait!" Alistor called out.
The old man turned curiously.
Alistor smiled warmly."As a token of appreciation... Micreal?"
Micreal reached into his coat and retrieved a platinum coin, handing it carefully to the man.
The old man's jaw nearly dropped."A platinum?! I—I can't accept something that valuable!"
"Please," Alistor insisted. "Consider it an investment. Maybe upgrade your farm a little. We'll visit you again someday."
The old man's eyes glistened with gratitude."I thank you... I truly do," he said, bowing deeply.
With that, they parted ways — the old man waving cheerfully as his wagon disappeared down the road. Alistor and Micreal approached the city gates where a crowd of travelers waited in line.
Two heavily armored guards stood at the checkpoint. One of them raised a hand, halting them.
"Halt! Do you have your Traveler's Certificate?" the soldier barked.
Alistor and Micreal stiffened.
"Uhh..." Micreal muttered, exchanging a nervous glance with Alistor.
Neither of them had one.
And just like that, their first problem in this new world had arrived.