Chapter 398 - lost in the streets
We have been fourth hours in the line at the entrance to the capital. We were finally able to get to the capital.
Unlike Urmut or Bestia, we have not had any conflicts with other adventurers, which is already a plus.
Having passed the check at the entrance and parting with the merchants, we first went to the Adventurer's Guild. The fact is that the head of the adventurers guild in Barubor, Gamudo, told us to show the letter of recommendation to the guild master first.
Since this place exist for more than a thousand years old, many buildings in the capital looked very ancient. We had not yet reached the main street with shops and other establishments, and walked along an alley, both sides of which were lined with blackened stone buildings. Although I don't think they have never been rebuilt in a thousand years, they were definitely one or two hundred years old.
Plus, the alleys were narrow. It was practically a maze. Apparently, these were private and apartment buildings, built without observing the urban layout.
The reason I have immersed myself in these reflections is that we are now truly lost.
“Oh, since we didn't know the shortcut for sure, we had to stay on the avenue,” I said.
- Maybe we will jump?(Fran)
- No, in the capital we should not draw attention . Let's look a little more for the way on main street.
- Got it.
The surroundings of the fortress walls looked more neat. But the part of the city where we were located was very ancient, the buildings around us referred to those times when the capital was expanding most vigorously.
There were buildings that looked like apartment buildings, with a a lot of narrow alleys stretching between them. Many of the apartment buildings had shops on the ground floor, so the voices of inviting merchants echoed in the narrow alleys.
From time to time we passed underground passages and tunnels piercing through buildings. Fran and Urusi were in a good mood.
If this place is deserted, like some ghost town, you like it or not, you will feel anxiety and fear. But the place where we were was hardly quiet.
Cheap taverns and public canteens, and other suspicious establishments came across every corner, and we walked among the tipsy townspeople, flirtatious-looking women, and whatever you look at, not very decent-looking men. From everywhere came menacing male voices, now charming female voices.
This place was definitely not very good for living, but at the same time it felt a kind of chaos and ardor.
Surprisingly, Fran liked that. She probably had nothing against such a lively atmosphere. Despite the fact that we were lost, she walked briskly and in high spirits.
And she completely ignored the evaluating glances directed in our direction and the feeling of someone's presence behind our back. Given his clumsy attempts to hide his presence, he was not our enemy.
After many unsuccessful attempts to hide from our skill of presence recognition, he finally felt the real power of Fran, and fell behind. Simply put, our annoying pursuer once again turned out to be a small fry.
“Hmm, I can't get out of here,” I said.
Due to the fact that everything around was densely built up with four and five-story buildings , we could not even see the landmark in the form of a royal palace or a large temple, so we got lost. Although Fran has the skill “Sense of Direction” , and she should have roughly understood where to go, but … Considering how many dead ends and unexpected turns there were in this place, it was not particularly useful.
“We need to lern the way,” Fran said.
- Well, we have no choice . (Master )
The only question is, whom to ask … Anyone in one of the establishments nearby?
While I was thinking about it, Fran suddenly turned 180 degrees. After that, she went to the diametrically opposite side from where we were going before.
- Fran, what are you doing?(Master)
- I know the way.(Fran)
I didn't even have time to ask who she was going to find out from.
- Excuse me, how do I get into the Adventurer's Guild?(Fran)
- How the hell did you notice me?(Men)
The voice belonged to a young man who had followed Fran's trail for almost half an hour. Probably one of the locals. Although he was surprised to be noticed, did he really hope to go unnoticed?
I don't think he was following Fran, or anything like that. If the goal was surveillance, then he would carefully hide his presence, and moved on his heels very carefully. So he didn't even follow Fran. Apparently, therefore, Fran's instincts did not find him hostile. Or at least not considered an enemy worthy of attention.
“I want to join the Adventurer's Guild. (Fran)
- Huh? Guild?(Men)
I thought the young man would answer in a rude manner but , he remained surprisingly calm. Although Fran looked weak at first glance, the sword on her back and her good ability to recognize presence hinted at her strength. Besides, she had a wolf with her.
Perhaps instead of robbing us, he decided to try to pull a coin or two from us safely.
- Of course, it's not hard for me to tell , but what do you have …
- Hey, wait !(Men 2)
With a vile expression on his face, the young man was already ready to demand payment for information, when someone interrupted him in mid-sentence. This voice belonged to a grown man with a piercing gaze.
He set off after us about the same time that the young man followed us. From the way he stalked us, I can tell that he is pretty good at it. He was comparable to the exploration adventurers, and his fighting power was appropriate.
It seems that Fran also realized that this man should not be underestimated. However, his gaze did not intersect with Fran, but was directed at the young man.
- Kalk-san, what are you doing?(men)
- Don't mess with this girl.(Kalk)
- What is it? I just wanted to sell her information, that's all.(men)
Unsurprisingly, the young man made a displeased face upon hearing such words from the man he named Kalk. Perhaps he thought that he wanted to take "game" from him.
“Anyway, don't mess with her. (Kalk)
- Hmm? What are you talking about?.(men)
- Its not your business ! Get out of here, quickly!(Kalk)
- Understand!(men)
Kalc's serious expression and menacing voice forced the young man to leave Fran. Before leaving, he glanced at Fran again, but was immediately kicked by Calc.
The young man flew to the wall and fell on the ground with a crash. He didn't seem to expect such a thrust from him, and looked up at Calc with a face full of fear.
- I told you in an amicable way - disappear.(Kalk)
- Iii … Sorry!( men )
Having finally received a portion of his suppression skill from Calc, he stumbled and ran away. After that, Kalk stopped and bowed his head low in front of us.
- I apologize. He's just a fool who has no idea about the difference between his and your strength. Will you be generous enough to forgive him?(Kalk)
- Nn? (Fran)
“Oh no, I didn't mean to make you angry. Anyway, you wanted to find way to the Adventurer's Guild?(Kalk)
- Yeah. Will you show the way? (Fran)
- Yes. Follow me.(Kalk)
It looks like he decided to show us the way with his own hand.
- Maybe you just tell us how to get through?(Master)
- No, I must be your guide. Such fools who want to stick their nose in your affairs, like this one, are countless. It's scary to imagine what will become of this area if someone starts a fight with you … Kalk
Kalk muttered those words, not hiding his fear. It seems like Kalk is good at the art of assessing the real strength of other people. This ability is granted to him by a magical vision called the "Eye of Weakness." This is a magical eye that unmistakably recognizes those who are stronger than him. Moreover, it allows you to find out exactly what the gap between your strength and the strength of the target is. Apparently, in his opinion, Fran is just some incredible monster.
What would have happened if that gopnik started a fight with her? The destruction would be enormous. It seems that this is what he fears most.
Whatever the reason, Kalc did not lie when he said he was going to deceive us himself. He seems to have a good understanding of these places, so we should rely on him.
- I see. Let's go.( Kalc)
- Please this way (Master )