As I made my way toward the city, I did a minor update on Quincy.I walked with a steady pace down the dusty road, eyes forward—but attention elsewhere.The air was cool, and a light breeze stirred my clothes as I fiddled with the System Window.With a simple hand gesture, I adjusted his voice permissions.
—"That way you can explain things to me without me having to read so much..." I murmured lazily, watching the floating blue screen.
Suddenly, multiple shadows stretched across the ground around me.I frowned.Instinctively, I looked up. The sky was clear—no clouds.And yet, those shadows...
—"What the hell are those things in the sky?" I asked.
Quincy's calm voice responded, as if vibrating close to my ear:
[They are ships, Master.]
—"Ships!? You mean those things..." I pointed, blinking in confusion, while a stronger gust of wind ruffled my hair.
[Master, the world around you is a fusion... You don't necessarily need to know everything.]
—"Okay... but can you explain how these cities work?"
[The great city of Atris... a very important city in the Kingdom of Lichstein.]
—"I know that. Tell me what matters, will you?"
[Master, the city is a starting point for users.]
—"Does that mean what I think it means?"
[Correct. The introduction or tutorial takes place in the cities.]
—"Great. Now can you explain why the Nymphs and Aphrodite are connected?"
[Stop being lazy and read a little, Master.]
I squinted, bringing a hand to the back of my neck—uncomfortable and annoyed.
—"Hey, I'm your creator and master. Don't forget that."
[...]
—"Quincy, answer me."
[...]
—"Fine... don't talk to me. I'll figure it out myself. Later."
I was already about 50 meters from the city gate.A massive wall rose before me, covered in faded banners.I stopped for a second, scanning the scene.
"Money is key, but also a risk... I have to be smart with how I use it... and now that I look like a child, I doubt they'd be heartless enough not to help me."
When I finally reached the entrance, I saw two guys with insignias on their chests standing guard.It was obvious they weren't actual guards.
And I could feel the condescending look they gave me as soon as they saw me.I didn't know why—but I ignored it.
I walked through the massive gates, honestly expecting the system to reward me.But nothing happened. No message.I froze, waiting to see the classic "Welcome to Atris!"...
Nothing.
I sighed, looking around.Still, I had to admit—it was way more beautiful than I expected."I'm used to idealizing the medieval era as unhygienic..."
But the streets were spotless.The cobblestone paths gleamed under the sun, and the architecture—a harmonious mix of castles, 14th-century wooden houses, and 20th-century buildings—left me speechless.
But the most impressive thing of all...Were the many ships flying across the skies.Elegant, varied—each one with artistic, stylized, and modern touches.
I walked through the streets, awestruck by everything around me.My neck turned side to side as my eyes scanned façades, rooftops, and vibrant skies.
And then...
I realized who owned those ships.They were mainly nobles and merchants.
I deduced this was deliberately staged—To highlight the social class gap. And as I saw and felt that, I thought:
"Damn nobles... wouldn't be surprised if there's a rebellion brewing somewhere."
I went deeper into the city.Fountains decorated squares and gardens like living jewels.But no one looked at me. No one offered help.The eyes that passed over me were indifferent.
I was invisible.
I was being ignored by everyone who saw me...But I kept walking, ignoring that fact.
Then suddenly—A ship flew directly overhead. The engine's roar vibrated in my chest.I looked up and saw it was transporting people... a lot of them.
Out of curiosity, I followed the ship.My pace quickened so I wouldn't lose it.And when it landed, I saw a building that looked like a commercial shop. I got closer.
And then I saw something I didn't like at all.My expression hardened instantly.Inside—men, women, and children in chains, displayed like merchandise.
A guy was promoting them. Slaves for sale.
Their bodies were presented like products.The men had their shoulders, arms, and torsos exposed—to show off their muscles.
The children were organized by appearance...
And the women...They were either naked or in provocative clothing.
I admit—it was sensual.But I hated and disapproved of how they were displayed.
People are people.No matter how you try to sell them.
Sure, they're NPCs.But even so—it's wrong.No one should be forced into something they don't want.
And I thought that...Because one of them was being bathed in oil—completely naked.
Coldly, I understood this was meant to attract buyers (through lust or desire).
I had read about this practice in history books—But never expected to witness it firsthand.
It was the same method used by slave traders who transported people from Africa to America...And from what I barely remember from world history class:
Price depended on skin color, attractiveness, health, age, etc.But the most expensive were always beautiful women and healthy children.
Because women were always expected to fulfill sexual duties.And children... had many years of labor to exploit.That was the only reason women and children were high-value.
But the focus I see in this game is totally inclined toward the sexual aspect...I just hope "Arcade" imposes licenses so this kind of content doesn't reach anyone under 18.
I stopped thinking. I couldn't intervene just like that—So I simply moved on.
For two hours, I asked people where the Adventurer's Guild was.No one answered. Just evasive glances.So I searched on my own—And with the System Window malfunctioning since Quincy's last update, it was all the more difficult.
After five hours of searching—I was relieved. I finally thought I'd found the Adventurer's Guild.
I recognized it thanks to that shield emblem—Similar to the insignias worn by the guys guarding the city gates.
I instinctively knew it was the Adventurer's Guild.I've translated enough manga to have a pretty solid idea of its design.
It was a big building.Really impressive, honestly.
So I decided to go in...To my surprise, I didn't see anyone inside.
Except the typical gorgeous receptionist who welcomed me.
But her facial expression was full of hypocrisy and falseness.(I could tell—silence says a lot.)
She greeted me with a plastic smile.The coldness in her eyes told me:
—Delia: Welcome to the national adventurer's guild "Live." I'm Delia. What can I help you with?
—"W-well... ahem... I'm here to register as an adventurer."
She scanned me from head to toe, evaluating every rip in my torn clothes.
—Delia: I'm sorry, but to register as an adventurer, there's a fee.
—"How much...?" (I knew it. Money moves everything.)
—Delia: 20 silver coins.
—"What?! I thought registration for beginners was free..."
—Delia: If you don't have it, you can leave.
I took a deep breath.Closed my eyes for a second.
—"Fine. I'll pay." (Damn corrupt system.)
Despite the glitches...The System Window skill still allowed the converter feature to function via the electronic bank option.
And in that moment...Money, once just a digit on that floating blue screen...Became physical coins—beautifully designed—in the palm of my hand.
It felt like magic.Honestly, thanks to that—I was even more convinced this was definitely the new VR game "War of Kingdoms."
I placed them on the counter.And finally said to the receptionist:
—"Here you go, miss."
Delia looked at me with a crooked smile.
—Delia: You're not strong enough. You'll have to pay an additional commission.
—"How much?"
—Delia: 5 gold coins.
—"That much?!" (I can't waste a single damn coin.)
—Delia: The guild isn't responsible for weaklings. Sorry, brat.
—"Ok. Okay... I'll pay."
I felt kind of extorted, but I couldn't level up otherwise.So I had no choice.I used the electronic bank again—converted more coins—and gave her the amount she asked.
And with a suspicious smile, she approached me.
—Delia: Before registering you... may I ask a question?
—"Sure... go ahead."
—Delia: Are you a slave?
—"Yes. Why?"
—Delia: I'm sorry, but no guild on this continent accepts slaves.
—"What?! Then give me my money back."
—Delia: Sorry. No refunds. You should leave before I call security.
That's when I realized it was a trap.This bitch knew I was a slave the moment I walked in.But how did they know?
No one knows me in this city.I haven't even spoken to anyone...How is that possible?
But at that point—it didn't really matter.
Everything she said was a lie.And I had just been scammed by this damn woman...I was about to respond—Until someone walked into the guild and interrupted the scene.
—Big Johnson: What's going on here?
Delia's expression changed completely when she saw that man.It was obvious—now she looked sweet and kind.(Like receptionists should be, damn it.)
Her attitude had shifted so hard—It was like someone dumped a bucket of sugar on her.
—Delia: Nothing. Just that this kid was leaving.
—Big Johnson: You shouldn't be kind to a slave, Delia.
—Delia: I know, but you know I'm just like that...
Their voices were soft. Familiar...Those two were talking as if I didn't exist.Not even that guy looked at me.I got pissed and asked:
—"Who the hell is this guy?"
That man looked at me with hatred and contempt...But Delia answered instead.
—Delia: He's Aaron Johnson—better known as Big Johnson. B-rank adventurer.
The man still acted like I didn't exist.And he told Delia:
—Big Johnson: You don't explain things to trash, my dear Delia.
—Delia: Do you... want your member service?
He answered shamelessly.
—Big Johnson: Of course, Delicia.
She bit her lip and invited him to the member lounge.The man followed Delia through a door near the reception desk.
When Delia opened that door, I heard moans and obscene noises coming from inside...Clearly lewd sounds and acts my body isn't fit to witness.
So after hearing that—I got the hell out of there.(Not like I lost that much anyway.)
Once outside—
I also figured out: if no one was inside or outside the guild...It was probably because everyone was in there.
I honestly didn't know anymore if I was stuck in a VR-MMOARPG...
Or in a damn Eroge.
What I did know—was that this kingdom is trash.
And its people—Well, generally speaking, they're trash too.
I hate this kingdom's society.They're so dismissive of slaves.
I just hope it's not the same everywhere...
Whatever—according to that bitch,No Adventurer's Guild will accept me because I'm a slave...
Great. Now I have no idea what I'll do next.I was left without options or direction...Without the adventurer's guild—what was even my goal now?
I was walking around the area near the guild, trying to find a solution...
And just when I was thinking that—Some random guy in the distance shouted:
—Neil Obraham: If you're a runaway slave and looking for work, go to the mercenary guild!
I raised my hand and shouted:
—"Thanks—whoever you are!"
But the guy was already gone...
And that's when I realized something important and said:
—"But you could've at least told me where it is..."