As they approached the towering stone gates of the city, Rayen gazed in awe. The massive outer walls stretched endlessly in both directions, lined with watchtowers and guarded checkpoints. Flags bearing the crest of the Human Empire fluttered gently in the breeze. The gates creaked open slowly to let in the steady flow of traders and travelers.
Inside the gates, there was no immediate chaos or crowded markets. Instead, they entered a wide entry district—a quiet buffer zone paved with worn cobblestones, dotted with stables and inns for travelers just arriving or preparing to leave. Caravans were parked neatly along the sides, while soldiers patrolled the area with a relaxed but watchful presence.
As they moved deeper into the city, the noise gradually swelled. After a few turns and winding streets, the city unfolded before them like a blooming flower. Towering buildings rose on all sides, crowds bustled through busy market stalls, and colorful banners swayed overhead. Beyond the calm outskirts and traveler zones, this was where the true heart of the city came alive.
Rayen's eyes sparkled with wonder.
This is incredible… It's just like the game's capital—but more alive, more real.
As they walked further into the market, the atmosphere grew livelier. The air buzzed with the chatter of people, the clatter of carts, and the calls of hawkers trying to attract customers. The scent of spices, freshly baked bread, and roasted meat mixed in the breeze, tempting every passerby. Bright fabrics hung from stalls, swaying gently, while street performers played flutes or juggled to gather a crowd. Children weaved between legs, laughing and chasing each other.
Rayen looked around. From the outside, he had recognized the city, but inside, much had changed. The markets were far larger than what he had seen in the game. Many buildings that once stood beside familiar landmarks were now different, altered or replaced. Though some landmarks remained the same, the surroundings felt unfamiliar.
The old man noticed Rayen's curious and shocked expression. He smiled and patted his head. "This is the City of Mira, the City of Peace. It lies far from any chaos and is the closest city to our home."
Rayen squinted, Closest? It took us three hours to get here… Thank God I never had to travel this in the game, thanks to portals. Then a thought struck him, Wait, are there portals here too?
"Isn't there any shortcut to travel the whole distance from our house to this city? Otherwise, I'll die from sunlight," Rayen said, pretending to be out of breath.
The old man nodded. "There is a shortcut. It takes only three seconds, or even less."
Rayen's eyes widened. "What is it? And why didn't we use it?"
The old man smiled. "It's called a portal, a teleporter. It connects two places instantly, letting us travel great distances in seconds. I could've made one since I have a clear image of the city in my mind, but I didn't—because traveling is more fun."
That's a pretty stupid reason, Rayen thought, but still, the journey was fun. It was full of dangerous beasts, and he defeated them all—even in his cane-supported state. Just as Rayen turned around, a sweet smell suddenly filled his nose.
He saw a stall full of delicious-looking sweets, their bright colors and sugary aroma pulling him in like a magnet. Rayen licked his lips, eyes gleaming, and bolted toward the stall without a second thought.
"Hey! Rayen, be careful!" the old man called out, reaching his hand toward him, but the boy was already gone.
With a small sigh, the old man followed behind slowly, his cane tapping against the ground. "This kid... always running on impulse."
Rayen reached the stall and pressed both his hands on the counter, eyes sparkling as he looked over the colorful spread—golden syrup-drenched sweets, fluffy pastries, and round, sugar-dusted balls that shimmered in the sunlight. His mouth watered.
"How much for this one?" he asked, pointing at a bright orange sweet that looked soft and juicy.
The hawker, a plump man with a friendly face, chuckled. "Three copper coins for one, boy. Five if you take two."
Rayen glanced back, pretending to wait for the old man, but his hand was already sneaking toward his pocket. Before he could grab anything, a wrinkled hand gently smacked his arm.
"No stealing from me, brat," the old man said, appearing behind him with a raised brow. He pulled out a few coins and handed them to the vendor.
Rayen grinned. "You're the best, old bald."
The old man groaned. "Say that again, and you'll eat the cane instead of sweets."
Rayen laughed and took the sweet, biting into it with joy. So soft… and sweet… this is definitely better than the in-game version.
They moved further into the market. Rayen stayed close to the old man, quietly watching the people pass by. Stalls were packed tightly, each one buzzing with customers. Vendors shouted prices, a few kids laughed and ran between carts, and somewhere, someone was playing a string instrument that barely rose above the noise.
Rayen glanced around. It's familiar but still different… So this is what it feels like to really be here.
The old man walked ahead, stopping here and there to glance at certain stalls. He didn't say much, only looking back now and then to check on Rayen.
Rayen didn't talk either. He was too busy taking it all in—the warmth of the baked goods on display, the chatter of buyers and sellers, the way sunlight hit the dust in the air.
The old man finally spoke. "We'll grab some things you'll need. Then we leave."
Rayen nodded and followed behind the old man, glancing left and right. I forgot I'm an introvert… My heartbeat's going wild. I can't survive in this kind of crowd. My social anxiety's going to eat me alive. His steps slowed without him realizing.
Old man looked back, noticing the distance. "Rayen, come fast! We need to get back before night!" he called out, waving his hand.
Rayen blinked, snapped out of his thoughts, and jogged toward him.
They moved further down the street until they stopped in front of a weapon shop. Just as they were about to step inside, a sudden wave of shouts echoed from the far left side of the market. The voices were loud and overlapping, all yelling something similar, but Rayen couldn't make out the words clearly.
What's going on over there? he wondered, glancing toward the sound.
He looked back to ask the old man—but he was already inside the shop, examining the weapons like nothing had happened.
He just ignored it? Rayen thought, blinking in surprise. Well, I can't. I should at least take a quick look!
As Rayen ran toward the source of the shouting, the crowd grew denser and louder. Pushing his way through, he finally saw it—a wooden stage had been set up in the middle of a plaza, and tied to a rough cross at its center was a young girl. Her skin was a soft purple, her limbs thin and bruised. She looked no older than fourteen, maybe younger. Her clothes were worn and dirt-stained: a plain linen tunic, a torn grey skirt that barely reached her knees, and a thick metal collar chained to the cross behind her. No shoes. Her feet were cut and dusty. Her black hair hung over her face in messy strands.
Rayen's eyes narrowed in disbelief. A demon? First that elf Vaelion, then the vampire girl, and now a demon? What the hell is going on? Why can't these bastards stay in their own damn empires?
The people surrounding the stage were furious, many holding farming tools, crude swords, and sticks. At the front of the crowd, a man with a little girl in his arms shouted above the noise, "Burn this goddamn demon! She'll destroy our city and everything we've built!"
The girl in his arms gripping a small clay doll, threw it at the demon girl. It hit her shoulder and bounced off. That single act broke whatever restraint the crowd had left—rocks, clumps of dirt, and more clay toys began flying through the air, pelting the girl one after another.
Rayen stood frozen, watching her flinch silently under the assault, her head still bowed. Is this what peace looks like?
Rayen looked down and sighed. How foolish. They don't think about the consequences. They think beating her will silence everything—but it'll only fuel the blood of demons. These people are starting a war without even realizing it. Though I'm a human too, humans are really pathetic. They don't even consider what their actions might lead to. No… I can't let them kill that girl and give demons a reason to destroy the human empire.
Rayen focused his life force into his feet and leapt toward her, grabbing the girl before anyone could react. Too fast!
He dashed into a narrow alley, clutching the demon girl close. She had her eyes shut, tears streaming down her cheeks.
"You're safe now," he said, catching his breath. "Don't be scared!"
But then a few townspeople spotted him.
"There! That's the demon girl—with a boy!" someone shouted.
We need be scared, I guess!