Lost in his thoughts, Bastian journeyed swiftly into the Human Monarchy, arriving at sundown in a bustling town. Notably, the 20-meter-tall black stone walls surrounding the city imparted a sense of security to its inhabitants. Bastian, along with Esha, Luna, and Aurora, easily entered the city after paying the entrance fee. There were no inquiries or investigations regarding their origins or purpose of visit.
Curious about the city, they wandered through its busy streets for a considerable time. Bastian observed the diversity of the population, marked by distinct appearances and languages. However, the most commonly spoken language in the city was English. Bastian effortlessly understood a variety of other languages as well. They found a place to eat and rest for the night without much difficulty.
Early the next day, they resumed their exploration, seeking any available information. This led them to another sector of the city – the inner walls – where upscale stores were situated. As some locals mentioned, they ventured deeper into the city.
After paying another entrance fee, they accessed this sector through a gate in the high walls. This area likely housed the wealthier residents of the city. The difference was akin to that of Mixundor City – an upscale neighborhood adorned with elegant stores and immaculate streets.
Bastian observed variations in style and types of products, with less of a "magical" ambiance. Stores selling "artifacts" or "alchemy potions" were notably absent. However, Bastian did spot the familiar Auction Hall, not far away in a splendid building, which caught his attention.
Accompanied by some of his companions – Julya, Aleena, and Asha – Bastian entered the lavish building to showcase some of their wares and inquire about the upcoming auction. A melodious voice greeted Bastian in English, prompting him to engage with the tall gentlewoman, satisfying his curiosity.
Surprisingly, the auction was scheduled for several days later. As for the products, Bastian was undeterred in compiling a list. The auction would feature power stones, gemstones, magic cores, potions, herbs, artifacts, armor, and weapons of the highest quality, according to the gentlewoman.
With limited options at hand, Bastian and his companions wandered the streets, seeking more information or points of interest. After lunch, Bastian secured accommodations for them, where they could stay until the auction and gather more information.
Fortuitously, currency was not an issue, as the same currency was accepted throughout the Fallen Continent. Bastian possessed ample gold and mithril pieces, affording them privileges and benefits.
Toward the day's end, they stumbled upon a library selling maps. Bastian took his time perusing the selection, seeking detailed maps not only of the city but also of the entire Human Monarchy.
While examining the Monarchy map, Bastian unearthed the city's name – "Bordertown" – and learned that it was one of the smaller cities. He also came across several other intriguing maps and decided to purchase them all.
According to the maps, Bastian also noticed that there were more cities within the Human Monarchy, and there was no division of regions or states. The total area of the Monarchy was about 20-30 percent of the Empire's, but it was densely populated.
Another piece of information piqued his interest: there were almost no Magic or Spirit Herbs or Beasts. Bastian began to inquire about this and discovered that they were nearly extinct in the Monarchy, and the resources for cultivation were extremely rare.
Armed with this information, Bastian readied himself for the auction, and several days passed quickly. Accompanied by his women, he proceeded to the auction hall, where he found a multitude of people gathered to participate. Fortunately for him, tickets for "cabins" were still available for sale starting from 1 gold piece. He opted for one of the more expensive options priced at 10 gold pieces, securing a favorable position and additional perks.
The auctioneer began presenting the products one by one, a process that took a considerable amount of time. However, neither Bastian nor his companions showed interest until, near the end, the announcement of a map caught his attention. The map depicted a Hidden Realm on an island near the shore. According to the auctioneer's description, it was a treasure held by a prominent family from the Monarchy itself.
Contemplating that the Hidden Realm might have already been explored, Bastian weighed the potential gains against the risks, as usually these Hidden Realms could bring fortune, but were certain to be dangerous encounters.
Ultimately, he chose to try his luck. As the bids escalated and the auctioneer was on the verge of closing the bids, Bastian made a bid of 10 Mithril pieces. His bid caused an immediate uproar, though the bidding war did not last long. With 120 Mithril pieces, Bastian secured ownership of the map.
Following the auction of other items, a lady approached Bastian's cabin with the map to collect the payment. After settling the transaction at 120 Mithril pieces, accounting for the auction house taxes, Bastian returned to his lodging before finally examining the map.
Before heading home, he stopped by a restaurant and invited all his women to join him. Their pleasant presence and company were dear to him. In the restaurant's private room, they engaged in lively conversation until an abrupt knock interrupted their merriment.
A burly man stood at the door, pounding violently. As Bastian moved to answer, the man burst into the room, grabbing Renee, who was closest to the door. He attempted to hold a knife to her neck, but with remarkable ease, Renee broke free from his grasp. Acting swiftly, Maleen thrust her sharp dagger into his chest.
The burly man had no time to react; he crumpled to the floor lifeless. A scream pierced the air, and the waitress rushed in upon hearing the commotion, her eyes widening at the sight of the lifeless body on the floor.
The manager rushed to the scene to investigate the disturbance and was greeted by the sight of the lifeless body on the floor. Inquiring about the situation, Bastian took a moment to explain. The manager was astonished to learn that Maleen, the petite girl, had been the one to strike down the tall intruder. Upon revealing that she was a Martial Artist, the manager's concern grew, especially upon recognizing the deceased as an assassin from the Monarchy.
Seeking more information, Bastian probed further, but the manager remained tight-lipped. Instead, he urged them to settle their bill and vacate the premises. Bastian took charge of the dead body, with intentions to dispose of it later.
Back at his lodgings, Bastian noticed the odd stares from the surroundings. Opting for a cautious approach, he retreated into the safety of the Godly Abode, awaiting the unfolding events.
The night passed without incident, but as dawn broke on the horizon, a contingent of guards descended upon the lodge in search of Bastian. Resolving to confront them alone, he instructed his women to stay within the Godly Abode and greeted the guards at the door.
The guards demanded his presence for an investigation into the man's death. Unperturbed, Bastian cooperated, as their actions had been in self-defense. After a while, they arrived at an opulent palace, where a corpulent elderly man sat on a throne in an ornate hall.
The rotund elderly man erupted in fury, demanding an explanation. Patiently, Bastian recounted the events, and the man's face contorted with rage. He ordered Bastian to surrender the map. Standing before the man, encircled by a formation of spear-wielding men, Bastian burst into laughter and retorted:
"Are you attempting to rob me?" The portly man, evidently of noble lineage, introduced himself:
"I am the Viscount of Sabugosa. I have no need to steal what is already rightfully mine!" Bastian, drawing from a memory of a TV series from his youth, chuckled heartily and responded:
"Ha! Ha! Ha! All right then, if you can summon 'Emilia' and 'Saci,' I will gladly hand it over to you!" The overweight man furrowed his brow in confusion:
"Are you insane? I do not know any 'saci' or whoever you are referring to!" Bastian regained his composure and calmly stated:
"I purchased it, and it belongs to me." The corpulent Viscount of Sabugosa clenched his teeth and commanded:
"Kill him!" In swift motion, Bastian retrieved a sword from his space ring and moved deftly amidst the men, beheading them one by one. Even after he halted his assault, the severed heads had yet to touch the ground, their demise echoing in the air like thunder. The headless body of the Viscount and his remaining guard stood frozen as Bastian exited the building smoothly.
Determined to leave the city swiftly, Bastian wasted no time. With a single-minded purpose, he departed in the direction of the shoreline, ensuring a trouble-free journey by utilizing his Thunderbird for flight.
After five days of continuous flight in the direction indicated by the map of the region, Bastian arrived at the shoreline. Given the unsettling nature of his previous journey, he chose to conceal a Teleportation Base in the forest, just in case.
A restful night's sleep with no incidents passed away and Bastian concluded that continuing the trip by air would be preferable. According to the maps, the voyage by ship or boat would require a minimum of 10 days, whereas flying would be slightly quicker. Bastian's calculations estimated a flight time of around 5 days.
The challenge emerged during the nighttime hours. Bastian decided to divide the journey into segments, as there were three small islands along the route. The first leg from the departure point to the initial island would occupy nearly a day, and the journey from the second island to their destination would consume another day.
The primary safety concern lay between the first and second islands. Bastian's calculations indicated a minimum of three days for this portion. Flying during daylight hours was safer, yet they needed a place to land at night, not solely for the Thunderbird's rest, but for their safety as well.
To reduce the burden, Bastian resolved to fly alone on the back of the Thunderbird, exclusively during the night. He would use his Ship Artifact from the Godly Abode to provide a resting place. While illusion arrays bolstered his security, they did not offer complete assurance, thus the teleportation base served as an escape route.
With a well-defined plan in mind, Bastian set off early in the morning atop the Thunderbird. Following the map's directions, he discerned the small island on the distant horizon just as the sun was about to set. Landing on the rocky island with limited light surprised him, as it turned out to be larger than anticipated, taking a considerable time to traverse. He summoned his Shadow Panther to stand guard, then entered the Godly Abode for a secure rest.
After a refreshing sleep, Bastian began his day early, enjoying a hearty breakfast. He mounted his Thunderbird and prepared to take flight, ensuring his Shadow Panther was safely secured within the Godly Abode.
The Thunderbird soared for an extended period until Bastian was surprised by an unexpected but glad sight. Amid the ocean, there lay a small island, or more accurately, a pointed rock jutting above the water's surface. Seizing the opportunity, he landed and had the Thunderbird enter the Godly Abode to rest. Bastian did the same and stationed his Shadow Panther atop the rock to oversee security.
The night passed uneventfully, and as Bastian observed, breakfast had already been served. In the company of his companions, he relished a lavish morning meal. Emerging from the Godly Abode, he noticed that the water level had risen due to the tide, submerging half of the rock.
Whether for better or worse, he and his Thunderbird had ample time to rest. After the customary preparations, they resumed flight. During this leg of the journey, Bastian discerned shadows of sizable creatures lurking beneath the water's surface, revealing the presence of massive beasts. To maximize their flight duration, he persevered until the Thunderbird's endurance waned. However, a heartening sight awaited him on the horizon: another island had been reached.
Upon their descent, heavy rain began to fall, causing Bastian to speculate about the possibility of an environment infused with "thunder energy." Fortunately, the downpour proved to be short-lived.
Truly happy to find shelter on another island to rest, he didn't hesitate to make his way across the island. The Thunderbird was drawing its last breath, and filled with pity, he decided not to burden the animal any further.
After setting up camp on the beach, he took a moment to release Shadow Panther before seeking refuge in the Godly Abode. Before resting, he spent some time talking with his companions, as it had been a long time since he had felt so "alone".
Exhaustion and stress from the arduous journey were evident, and soon he drifted into sleep, even while conversing with his companions on the lap of the enchanting Julya, without a trace of embarrassment.
With the break of the new day on the horizon, the women began preparing a lavish breakfast, including all his favorite dishes - succulent ham, pancakes, juices, jelly, and fresh bread. The aroma permeated the Godly Abode until Bastian finally rose from his bed.
The welcoming ambiance of the home was unmistakable, apparent to anyone who paid even a little attention. After the hearty breakfast, Bastian decided to venture out of the Godly Abode, leaving the Thunderbird to rest a while longer. He chose the Humvee for a ride along the beach. It was a lengthy journey, but eventually, he reached a vantage point that afforded him a clear view of another piece of land on the horizon - presumably the final destination island according to the map he held.
Feeling somewhat fatigued, he made up his mind to rest for the remainder of the day and night, planning to set out early the following morning. This time, he was eagerly anticipating the company of his loyal and stunning companions.
Lost in his thoughts, Bastian journeyed swiftly into the Human Monarchy, arriving at sundown in a bustling town. Notably, the 20-meter-tall black stone walls surrounding the city imparted a sense of security to its inhabitants. Bastian, along with Esha, Luna, and Aurora, easily entered the city after paying the entrance fee. There were no inquiries or investigations regarding their origins or purpose of visit.
Curious about the city, they wandered through its busy streets for a considerable time. Bastian observed the diversity of the population, marked by distinct appearances and languages. However, the most commonly spoken language in the city was English. Bastian effortlessly understood a variety of other languages as well. They found a place to eat and rest for the night without much difficulty.
Early the next day, they resumed their exploration, seeking any available information. This led them to another sector of the city – the inner walls – where upscale stores were situated. As some locals mentioned, they ventured deeper into the city.
After paying another entrance fee, they accessed this sector through a gate in the high walls. This area likely housed the wealthier residents of the city. The difference was akin to that of Mixundor City – an upscale neighborhood adorned with elegant stores and immaculate streets.
Bastian observed variations in style and types of products, with less of a "magical" ambiance. Stores selling "artifacts" or "alchemy potions" were notably absent. However, Bastian did spot the familiar Auction Hall, not far away in a splendid building, which caught his attention.
Accompanied by some of his companions – Julya, Aleena, and Asha – Bastian entered the lavish building to showcase some of their wares and inquire about the upcoming auction. A melodious voice greeted Bastian in English, prompting him to engage with the tall gentlewoman, satisfying his curiosity.
Surprisingly, the auction was scheduled for several days later. As for the products, Bastian was undeterred in compiling a list. The auction would feature power stones, gemstones, magic cores, potions, herbs, artifacts, armor, and weapons of the highest quality, according to the gentlewoman.
With limited options at hand, Bastian and his companions wandered the streets, seeking more information or points of interest. After lunch, Bastian secured accommodations for them, where they could stay until the auction and gather more information.
Fortuitously, currency was not an issue, as the same currency was accepted throughout the Fallen Continent. Bastian possessed ample gold and mithril pieces, affording them privileges and benefits.
Toward the day's end, they stumbled upon a library selling maps. Bastian took his time perusing the selection, seeking detailed maps not only of the city but also of the entire Human Monarchy.
While examining the Monarchy map, Bastian unearthed the city's name – "Bordertown" – and learned that it was one of the smaller cities. He also came across several other intriguing maps and decided to purchase them all.
According to the maps, Bastian also noticed that there were more cities within the Human Monarchy, and there was no division of regions or states. The total area of the Monarchy was about 20-30 percent of the Empire's, but it was densely populated.
Another piece of information piqued his interest: there were almost no Magic or Spirit Herbs or Beasts. Bastian began to inquire about this and discovered that they were nearly extinct in the Monarchy, and the resources for cultivation were extremely rare.
Armed with this information, Bastian readied himself for the auction, and several days passed quickly. Accompanied by his women, he proceeded to the auction hall, where he found a multitude of people gathered to participate. Fortunately for him, tickets for "cabins" were still available for sale starting from 1 gold piece. He opted for one of the more expensive options priced at 10 gold pieces, securing a favorable position and additional perks.
The auctioneer began presenting the products one by one, a process that took a considerable amount of time. However, neither Bastian nor his companions showed interest until, near the end, the announcement of a map caught his attention. The map depicted a Hidden Realm on an island near the shore. According to the auctioneer's description, it was a treasure held by a prominent family from the Monarchy itself.
Contemplating that the Hidden Realm might have already been explored, Bastian weighed the potential gains against the risks, as usually these Hidden Realms could bring fortune, but were certain to be dangerous encounters.
Ultimately, he chose to try his luck. As the bids escalated and the auctioneer was on the verge of closing the bids, Bastian made a bid of 10 Mithril pieces. His bid caused an immediate uproar, though the bidding war did not last long. With 120 Mithril pieces, Bastian secured ownership of the map.
Following the auction of other items, a lady approached Bastian's cabin with the map to collect the payment. After settling the transaction at 120 Mithril pieces, accounting for the auction house taxes, Bastian returned to his lodging before finally examining the map.
Before heading home, he stopped by a restaurant and invited all his women to join him. Their pleasant presence and company were dear to him. In the restaurant's private room, they engaged in lively conversation until an abrupt knock interrupted their merriment.
A burly man stood at the door, pounding violently. As Bastian moved to answer, the man burst into the room, grabbing Renee, who was closest to the door. He attempted to hold a knife to her neck, but with remarkable ease, Renee broke free from his grasp. Acting swiftly, Maleen thrust her sharp dagger into his chest.
The burly man had no time to react; he crumpled to the floor lifeless. A scream pierced the air, and the waitress rushed in upon hearing the commotion, her eyes widening at the sight of the lifeless body on the floor.
The manager rushed to the scene to investigate the disturbance and was greeted by the sight of the lifeless body on the floor. Inquiring about the situation, Bastian took a moment to explain. The manager was astonished to learn that Maleen, the petite girl, had been the one to strike down the tall intruder. Upon revealing that she was a Martial Artist, the manager's concern grew, especially upon recognizing the deceased as an assassin from the Monarchy.
Seeking more information, Bastian probed further, but the manager remained tight-lipped. Instead, he urged them to settle their bill and vacate the premises. Bastian took charge of the dead body, with intentions to dispose of it later.
Back at his lodgings, Bastian noticed the odd stares from the surroundings. Opting for a cautious approach, he retreated into the safety of the Godly Abode, awaiting the unfolding events.
The night passed without incident, but as dawn broke on the horizon, a contingent of guards descended upon the lodge in search of Bastian. Resolving to confront them alone, he instructed his women to stay within the Godly Abode and greeted the guards at the door.
The guards demanded his presence for an investigation into the man's death. Unperturbed, Bastian cooperated, as their actions had been in self-defense. After a while, they arrived at an opulent palace, where a corpulent elderly man sat on a throne in an ornate hall.
The rotund elderly man erupted in fury, demanding an explanation. Patiently, Bastian recounted the events, and the man's face contorted with rage. He ordered Bastian to surrender the map. Standing before the man, encircled by a formation of spear-wielding men, Bastian burst into laughter and retorted:
"Are you attempting to rob me?" The portly man, evidently of noble lineage, introduced himself:
"I am the Viscount of Sabugosa. I have no need to steal what is already rightfully mine!" Bastian, drawing from a memory of a TV series from his youth, chuckled heartily and responded:
"Ha! Ha! Ha! All right then, if you can summon 'Emilia' and 'Saci,' I will gladly hand it over to you!" The overweight man furrowed his brow in confusion:
"Are you insane? I do not know any 'saci' or whoever you are referring to!" Bastian regained his composure and calmly stated:
"I purchased it, and it belongs to me." The corpulent Viscount of Sabugosa clenched his teeth and commanded:
"Kill him!" In swift motion, Bastian retrieved a sword from his space ring and moved deftly amidst the men, beheading them one by one. Even after he halted his assault, the severed heads had yet to touch the ground, their demise echoing in the air like thunder. The headless body of the Viscount and his remaining guard stood frozen as Bastian exited the building smoothly.
Determined to leave the city swiftly, Bastian wasted no time. With a single-minded purpose, he departed in the direction of the shoreline, ensuring a trouble-free journey by utilizing his Thunderbird for flight.
After five days of continuous flight in the direction indicated by the map of the region, Bastian arrived at the shoreline. Given the unsettling nature of his previous journey, he chose to conceal a Teleportation Base in the forest, just in case.
A restful night's sleep with no incidents passed away and Bastian concluded that continuing the trip by air would be preferable. According to the maps, the voyage by ship or boat would require a minimum of 10 days, whereas flying would be slightly quicker. Bastian's calculations estimated a flight time of around 5 days.
The challenge emerged during the nighttime hours. Bastian decided to divide the journey into segments, as there were three small islands along the route. The first leg from the departure point to the initial island would occupy nearly a day, and the journey from the second island to their destination would consume another day.
The primary safety concern lay between the first and second islands. Bastian's calculations indicated a minimum of three days for this portion. Flying during daylight hours was safer, yet they needed a place to land at night, not solely for the Thunderbird's rest, but for their safety as well.
To reduce the burden, Bastian resolved to fly alone on the back of the Thunderbird, exclusively during the night. He would use his Ship Artifact from the Godly Abode to provide a resting place. While illusion arrays bolstered his security, they did not offer complete assurance, thus the teleportation base served as an escape route.
With a well-defined plan in mind, Bastian set off early in the morning atop the Thunderbird. Following the map's directions, he discerned the small island on the distant horizon just as the sun was about to set. Landing on the rocky island with limited light surprised him, as it turned out to be larger than anticipated, taking a considerable time to traverse. He summoned his Shadow Panther to stand guard, then entered the Godly Abode for a secure rest.
After a refreshing sleep, Bastian began his day early, enjoying a hearty breakfast. He mounted his Thunderbird and prepared to take flight, ensuring his Shadow Panther was safely secured within the Godly Abode.
The Thunderbird soared for an extended period until Bastian was surprised by an unexpected but glad sight. Amid the ocean, there lay a small island, or more accurately, a pointed rock jutting above the water's surface. Seizing the opportunity, he landed and had the Thunderbird enter the Godly Abode to rest. Bastian did the same and stationed his Shadow Panther atop the rock to oversee security.
The night passed uneventfully, and as Bastian observed, breakfast had already been served. In the company of his companions, he relished a lavish morning meal. Emerging from the Godly Abode, he noticed that the water level had risen due to the tide, submerging half of the rock.
Whether for better or worse, he and his Thunderbird had ample time to rest. After the customary preparations, they resumed flight. During this leg of the journey, Bastian discerned shadows of sizable creatures lurking beneath the water's surface, revealing the presence of massive beasts. To maximize their flight duration, he persevered until the Thunderbird's endurance waned. However, a heartening sight awaited him on the horizon: another island had been reached.
Upon their descent, heavy rain began to fall, causing Bastian to speculate about the possibility of an environment infused with "thunder energy." Fortunately, the downpour proved to be short-lived.
Truly happy to find shelter on another island to rest, he didn't hesitate to make his way across the island. The Thunderbird was drawing its last breath, and filled with pity, he decided not to burden the animal any further.
After setting up camp on the beach, he took a moment to release Shadow Panther before seeking refuge in the Godly Abode. Before resting, he spent some time talking with his companions, as it had been a long time since he had felt so "alone".
Exhaustion and stress from the arduous journey were evident, and soon he drifted into sleep, even while conversing with his companions on the lap of the enchanting Julya, without a trace of embarrassment.
With the break of the new day on the horizon, the women began preparing a lavish breakfast, including all his favorite dishes - succulent ham, pancakes, juices, jelly, and fresh bread. The aroma permeated the Godly Abode until Bastian finally rose from his bed.
The welcoming ambiance of the home was unmistakable, apparent to anyone who paid even a little attention. After the hearty breakfast, Bastian decided to venture out of the Godly Abode, leaving the Thunderbird to rest a while longer. He chose the Humvee for a ride along the beach. It was a lengthy journey, but eventually, he reached a vantage point that afforded him a clear view of another piece of land on the horizon - presumably the final destination island according to the map he held.
Feeling somewhat fatigued, he made up his mind to rest for the remainder of the day and night, planning to set out early the following morning. This time, he was eagerly anticipating the company of his loyal and stunning companions.
