Vengeance Upon Fate - Chapter 39

The city of Furren was fairly different than Kurogane’s main city, Varsilis. Collectively, the picturesque facades and slightly more modernized, structural designs were prevalent throughout.

Almost every building had windows and were commonly made of concrete with the occasional use of bricks, followed by pointed, tiled roofs. Three storied buildings weren’t as common in comparison to the two storied buildings and the walkways were smooth concrete with bricked trimming, which compiled an unusual yet appealing design.

Unlike Varsilis, Furren did not appear to have any stalls on the streets. Businesses and shops were all indoors in plain, orderly structures. There was no adventurer’s guild either, which is why someone like Kurogane stood out a lot. Judging from the merchandise one would commonly see being sold, none of the shops seemed too combat oriented, but rather affiliated with food, clothing, utilities and other general, non-combat related supplies.

If both of the cities had one thing in common, it would be the radiant, crystalline lamps they hung from the outsides of their shops and homes. The citizens compiled with mostly middle class citizens, which meant that there were less horse carriages on the streets, giving more space for people to freely move around if they wanted to.

The presence of guards were almost identical to Varsilis, despite being a city that was just above half as large in diameter. The surrounding walls were undeniably concrete thick, though a little taller than what one would perceive at first glance. These walls wrapped around the city in a circular structure instead of the rectangular type in Varsilis.

Kurogane didn’t have time to stay and explore, but observed what he could as he walked his way through the lengthy paths.

(Being in a new city is a relief. Though, if they knew about the rumors, I’m sure the environment would turn over instantly on my end some way or another.)

After walking for a long period of time, he was finally at the city’s northern entrance. This was his gateway to exit into the wilderness. Wuxiaworld for visiting.

(Aside from what they packed for me, I didn’t find any need in buying anything else. I should be good to go until my next stop.)

The guards at the entrance equipped long, razor edged spears and wore iron chain-mail, studded black leggings, dark brown, long sleeved shirt tops and armor pads on their knees followed by medium helmets that revealed their faces.

Their metal boots reached their knees, prominently serving their role of heavy duty leg protection and the undeniable noisiness. Not nearly as good as the guards back in Varsilis, but still were bold enough to not meddle with.

To Kurogane’s surprise, he got through without struggle, and immediately made his way towards Kardirie without delay.

Having reached the outskirts, he looked around and analyzed the rather different landmass he was now traveling on. The land was full of hills, though not as tall as the ones he experienced on the way to Furren.

The grass was even shorter, almost as if it carpeted the region. It had a lot of bald areas with rocky surfaces. With that in mind, the soil wasn’t too fertile, which only meant fewer trees on places that weren’t as dry and rocky.

Tall, dark green evergreens and just a handful of oak trees could be seen on both sides, followed by a few bushes from time to time.

Surprisingly, small bodies of water built up past some of the hills. Occasionally, a few mountain deer and large lizards would be seen drinking.

After venturing for several hours, he found himself roughly an hour away from Kardirie.

(This went by a lot quicker than I thought… leaving during the morning was a good idea after all.)

To his delight, the skies were fairly cloudy, with most of it guarding the surface from the scorching rays of the sun and exchanging what felt like consistent, rewarding breezes.

(If I’m as close as I think I am, then it doesn’t hurt if I take a break. Perhaps I should find some shade.)

Kurogane went off of the main rocky path and found a fully grown oak tree to rest under.

He placed his bag down, took a sip of water from the pouch he had, and dozed off into the fluffy skies.

(I wonder what the next city is like. I’ll have to spend more time there and gather information before I make any moves. I’ll rest a bit and head out – for all I know it’s too dangerous to stay in one place anymore. Those members of the alliance are still out there planning their next move… and could be near the city of Kardirie as Reo advised.)

After pondering further, Kurogane took a deep breath and closed his eyes for a few moments.

….?

Sooner enough, his eyes shot open, though he made sure his body didn’t make his suspicions noticeable.

He could feel that same irritating sensation of someone or something watching him.

Kurogane slowly got up, his eyes cautiously scanning his surroundings.

The wind blew through, but that did not overcome the silence that sat in his ears. All that he could listen to were the thuds of his heart, and the very faint sounds of footsteps flattening the crisp grass nearby.

(Someone is definitely here… but who? Did they end up finding me again? Shit, I don’t have time to think this through.)

Kurogane’s eyes jolted to his right.

…!

{Rtnnggggg}

He quickly drew out his sword and swung behind his shoulder to his right.

A loud clinking sound rose from the depths of the intimidating silence. Without a doubt, he made contact with someone’s weapon, which surely would have been several inches inside of him if he didn’t sense its presence any earlier.

(Urgh, that was close..)

…