After a few more hours of travel, the trees finally began to thin, replaced by farmland and the sight of a bustling town with high stone walls.
Reinhard had arrived in the Kingdom of Blumund. If he remembered the anime correctly, this was the kingdom the adventurer's guild would send investigators from to check on Veldora's cave.
His presence here was a perfect opportunity to get a feel for the timeline.
He hopped down from the cart as the merchant pulled to a stop just outside the main gate.
"Sir," Reinhard began, turning back to the man. "First of all, thank you very much for helping me get here. I would have been lost in that forest for who knows how long." He paused, then added, "I wanted to ask one more question, if you don't mind."
The merchant chuckled and shook his head. "Boy, I can see you're humble and all, but just a bit of advice. I don't know how things work where you come from, but if you stay this modest, someone's going to take advantage of you. And no, I don't mind. Ask away."
Reinhard blinked. His natural politeness, a reflex from Reinhard's memories, was being interpreted as simple modesty. That was a useful observation. Act kind and modest to fool people, he filed the thought away.
"Thanks for the tip, I'll keep that in mind," he said. "For my question: have you heard anything about the 'Jura Tempest Federation,' or even just the name 'Tempest' in relation to the Great Jura Forest?"
The merchant stroked his chin, thinking deeply. After a few seconds, he shook his head. "Not really. Nothing rings a bell. I travel these routes pretty frequently, so if something big happened, I'd usually hear about it. In the merchant business, information is just as valuable as coin. So no, I haven't heard a thing about any 'Tempest'."
Reinhard's expression didn't change, but inside, a piece of the puzzle clicked into place. No news of Tempest. That meant he was early. Very early.
"Oh, then... good," he said, catching himself. "I mean, never mind. Once again, thank you. I hope your business goes well here."
The merchant laughed loudly. "You too, kid! Don't get eaten by a goblin on your first quest!"
Reinhard offered a small smile. "I'll certainly try not to. Bye." He gave a final nod to the merchant and turned towards the city gate.
Two guards stood watch, inspecting everyone who entered. Reinhard walked straight up to them. "I'd like to enter, please."
The guards looked him up and down. His clean, noble-looking uniform and the impressive sword at his hip screamed one thing: high status.
"Name?" one of the guards asked, his tone professional.
"Reinhard van Astrea."
"Astrea?" the guard repeated, glancing at his partner. They seemed to be searching their memories for a noble family of that name. When nothing came to mind, the guard simply asked, "Are you a noble?"
Well, the body was from a noble family, so it wasn't a lie. "Yes, though I'm on a journey. I plan to become an adventurer and see more of the world."
The guard sighed, a look of weary familiarity on his face. "Identification."
Reinhard put on a slightly sad expression. "I apologize, but I don't have any. I lost my belongings in the forest while traveling here. I was lost myself, and would still be there if not for a kind merchant who dropped me off."
"No ID, no entry," the guard said flatly, but his partner nudged him.
"Hold on," the second guard said. "I saw him get out of that merchant's cart just now, so he's not lying about that. And look at him." He gestured vaguely at Reinhard's attire. "He's not causing trouble." He turned back to Reinhard.
"We'll let it pass this one time. Go register at the guild and get yourself a card. Show it to us next time you pass through here, you understand?"
Reinhard was surprised. He'd half-expected a demand for a bribe. These guards were surprisingly decent. His noble appearance was clearly doing most of the work for him.
The guards pushed the heavy gate open a little wider. "Go on in. And remember to check back with us once you get that card."
"Not to worry," Reinhard said as he stepped past them and into the bustling streets of Blumund. "I will, as soon as I get it."
The inside of the Blumund Kingdom was bustling. Reinhard took a moment to just stand and watch the flow of people: merchants hawking their wares, children chasing each other through the streets, and townsfolk going about their day.
The buildings were made of a sturdy combination of wood and stone, different from the grand, pale architecture he remembered from Lugnica.
It was another small, sharp reminder that he was a long way from home. If that was even my home, he thought.
Now, he needed to find the adventurer's guild. He had no money for food or a room, so that was his top priority. He started walking, letting the crowd guide him deeper into the city. He figured a place like a guild would stand out.
And it did. After about five minutes of walking, he saw it. It was a large, solid-looking building, but the real giveaway was the people coming and going.
Men and women dressed in leather armor, carrying swords, axes, and bows.
A few even had staffs, their hands crackling with faint magical energy. It was either a barracks or the guild. He was betting on the guild.
He pushed open the heavy wooden door and stepped inside. The place was filled with adventurers who were talking and other things.
No one paid him much mind, aside from a few curious glances from adventurers sitting alone.
With a polite and practiced smile, he made his way to one of the three reception windows.
….
A/N: You dont have to wait too long for a big fight. I did it under 12 chapters so you will be able to read it on sunday or monday.
Any questions:-