The stranger's pace was fast for someone burdened with grocery bags. Alden struggled to keep up, his armor clanking with every step. The late-night streets were nearly empty now, save for a few humans staring as they passed. Neon lights bathed everything in color blues, pinks, and greens so bright they hurt his eyes.
> [Quest Progress: 47% — Follow the stranger without getting lost.]
[Tip: Try not to look like an escaped medieval re-enactor.]
Alden tried to walk naturally. His metal boots clattered against the smooth stone beneath him no, not stone. He crouched mid-step, touching it.
"System, this surface, It's too uniform to be cobblestone. What is it?"
> [Material: Asphalt.]
[Primary usage: human transportation surfaces.]
"Ash-fault…" Alden repeated reverently, as though it were some holy metal. "Even the ground is engineered. What manner of gods forged this world?"
The stranger looked back over his shoulder. "Hey, less talking to yourself, more walking. You're attracting attention. Alden straightened at once. "Yes, my lord."
"Not your lord."
"Ah, then, my liege?"
"Also no."
"…Master?"
The stranger sighed audibly. "We're not doing this."
They turned down another street, narrower, quieter, lined with identical doors. Alden marveled at how every building looked exactly the same, perfectly squared, with glowing numbers beside each entrance.
"By the heavens," he whispered. "This must be a fortress district."
The stranger gave him a sideways look. "If by fortress you mean 'cheap apartment complex,' then sure."
"Cheep apartment…" Alden frowned. "Do you mean it's guarded by birds?"
> [System Note: "Cheap" = low value. "Apartment" = shared human dwelling.]
Alden blinked. "Your tongue is strange, System. And… somewhat cruel."
> [Affirmative.]
The stranger stopped before one of the doors and dug through his pocket for a small metal object. With a quick turn, he unlocked it , and light spilled out into the hallway.
"Alright, fantasy guy," he muttered. "Get in before someone calls security."
Alden hesitated at the threshold. "Am I to enter your abode uninvited? That feels discourteous."
"Then consider yourself invited."
"Ah." He stepped inside with ceremonial care. "My thanks, benevolent one."
"…Yeah, okay."
The interior was small, smaller than any peasant's cottage Alden had ever seen, yet oddly clean and efficient. The air was warm, humming softly with unseen magic. A strange box in the corner glowed faintly, filling the room with a blue light.
Alden scanned everything like a soldier on enemy ground.
A kettle that whistled on its own.
A rectangular metal door that exhaled cold air when opened.
A glowing tablet resting on a low table.
> [Quest Complete: Enter the stranger's dwelling.]
[Reward: Temporary Shelter.]
[Subquest Unlocked: Identify household artifacts.]
Alden crouched before the cold-air box, awed. "System, there's frost inside, even without runes. Incredible…"
"Don't touch the fridge," the stranger said without looking up, hanging his jacket on a hook.
"The… fridge," Alden repeated. "A powerful name for a powerful artifact."
He pressed a hand against the smooth white surface and nodded solemnly. "I shall respect its spirit."
The stranger blinked, then muttered, "You're seriously out of your mind."
> [Observation: The human displays mild tolerance despite confusion.]
"Alright," the man said, moving toward the kitchen area , though to Alden, it looked more like an alchemist's corner. "Before we go any further, I need to ask: are you dangerous?"
Alden paused mid-inspection of the rice cooker. "Dangerous?"
"Yeah. Which I should have asked way earlier before even letting you in my apartment. You got a sword, armor, and you talk like a historical drama. Should I be calling the cops right now?"
Alden straightened, indignant. "I am no criminal! I am Alden Veyra, Hero of the Eastern Kingdoms, Slayer of the Demon Lord, Defender of—"
"Got it, so 'yes' on the delusional part," the stranger cut in, opening a can of beer with a hiss.
Alden blinked at the strange sound. "Your potions hiss at you?"
"It's beer."
"Bee-er…" He frowned. "Does it sting?"
The stranger groaned. "This is gonna be a long night."
Alden watched him take a sip, then offered a hesitant smile. "You have shown me hospitality despite my strange appearance. May I know the name of my rescuer?"
The man lowered his can, eyeing him warily. "Ren. Ren Hayashi. And I'm not your rescuer. You just looked too pathetic to leave out there."
Alden considered that. "Then I owe my life to your mercy, Sir Ren Hayashi."
"Stop calling me 'sir.'"
"Then… Lord Hayashi?"
"Even worse."
"Ren… the Merciful?"
Ren stared at him for a beat. "That one's new. Still no."
> [New Relationship Established: Ren Hayashi — Level ???]
[Status: Neutral / Mildly Annoyed.]
[Tip: Try not to break anything.]
Ren sighed and dropped onto the couch. "Okay, ground rules." He gestured lazily. "You sleep there."
He pointed to a narrow mat rolled up by the wall.
Alden nodded solemnly. "A humble resting ground is more than enough."
"Good. Don't touch the TV, don't open the fridge unless I say so, and don't swing that sword indoors."
"Understood. I swear upon my honor."
Ren gave him a flat look. "Yeah, sure. Honor. Great."
A moment of quiet passed. The hum of the fridge filled the silence.
Alden sat cross-legged on the floor, staring at the unfamiliar city lights outside the small window. He could see his reflection faintly, a man out of place, his armor scuffed, eyes tired.
> [System Analysis: Emotional instability detected.]
[Recommendation: Rest.]
[Subquest Added: Adapt to Civilization.]
[First Objective: Learn the customs of "Earth."]
He sighed softly. "Learn their customs… That may be harder than slaying demons."
Ren, half-dozing on the couch, mumbled, "Try not to burn my apartment down while you're at it."
Alden looked at him — really looked. The man's face was ordinary by this world's standards, but there was a quiet kindness in the way he hadn't turned Alden away outright.
"Thank you, Ren," he said quietly.
"Whatever," came the half-asleep reply.
> [Quest Complete: Secure Safe Shelter.]
[Reward: One (1) Grumpy Roommate.
Alden smiled faintly. "A fair trade."
Later that night, Alden lay awake, the System's faint blue glow reflecting off the ceiling.
> [Initializing new main quest.]
[Title: Quest — Survive Modern Civilization.]
[Objective 1: Understand the ways of this world.]
[Objective 2: Earn the trust of Ren Hayashi.]
[Failure Condition: Expulsion from apartment.]
The System's text flickered briefly, almost… playful.
> [Good luck, hero. You'll need it.]
Alden chuckled under his breath. "Luck, huh?"
He looked toward the couch, where Ren was snoring softly.
"Maybe, for once, that's enough."