Walking toward the gate, Ian and Arroow moved quickly. As they approached the city came into view. Past the tall gatehouse there was a wide street going into a plaza. The area was full of market stalls and stores. Peddlers sold their goods to people walking past.
Most people in the streets were human. The other races weren't super common outside of their territories. In fact most players picked the human race not only for its familiarity but also because they resided in the center of Freuth. The other races territories like the Southern Wastes or the Emerald Forest were farther out on the edges of the continent.
As he got near the gate Ian's [Hawk Eyes] saw different people moving about. While rare there were a few of other races. What really stuck out though were the players. Flashy equipment and the names above their heads made them stick out like a sore thumb in Ian's vision.
'Other players. I wonder where Tyson is. He said something about an inn last time we spoke.'
Ian reached the gate and got into a relatively long line to enter the city. There were wagons full of merchandise traveling in and out of the city. As he waited Ian turned to Arrow. The hawk looked a bit different when compared to before. After reaching level 10 with Ian's help its feathers had become even darker. Its body grew a good amount as well.
The introduction of mana seemed to have given him an affinity to darkness. At his current level it wouldn't do much beside strenghten him at night or in dark areas but in the future it could be useful.
The guards at the gate shot him a look as he walked past. Ian thought they might stop him but they let him past because of Arrow. It seemed tames were common in the game.
Finally entering the city Ian looked for 'The Knights Rest', an inn where Tyson had mentioned. He hoped to find it quickly and meet up with his friend so they could head out and travel.
It took around 10 minutes for him to find it after asking for directions from the local people. Walking toward its doors Ian swong them open. Inside was a tavern, multiple booths and tables filled the hall and at the back you could see the barkeeps stand.
Ian went straight up to the woman behind the counter.
"Hey I was wondering if you've seen a friend of mine. He's an orc warrior, Ty of the Daybreak Tribe."
The woman turned to him as she listened to hus words.
"Oh Ty! Yes I have seen him! Were you looking for him sir?"
"Yes, he told me to meet him here but I'm not seeing him anywhere in here. I was wondering if you could tell me where he went or at least if he would be back soon."
Just as he said that a booming laughter came from behind him. A shadow covered hus bidy as a huge man walked toward him.
Turning around Ian saw a tall orc. A name shone brightly on top of his head [Ty Daybreak].
He had dreads that reached his cheeks with a reddish hue. Not bright red but definitely noticeable. He had a chiseled face with sharp but short tusks sticking out from the corners of his mouth.
Tyson wore armor that only covered his heart and the shoulder above it. He wore leather pants with bone ornaments on his belt. A large broadsword rested on his back. All that combined with his large size and green skin made him look pretty intimidating if it weren't for the dumb grin on his face.
"Holy shit Ty! You are huge."
Ian looked at his friend with wide eyes. In the real world they weren't much different in size but here, Ty towered over Ian.
"No shit dude! I'm an orc what else did you expect?!"
Ty laughed loudly seeing Ian's dumbfounded expression.
"Two ales here Mary! My firend deserves the best welcome."
Ian sat at the bar with Ty. The drinks in their hands spilled as they cheersed.
"Honestly better than I thought. The sense of taste here is really realistic."
Ian took a swig of the ale in his hands savoring the bitter taste.
"Wait can you get drunk? How would that even work?"
A thought popped into his head.
Ty looked at him with a knowing glance.
"You know I thought you'd ask. And yeah you can. I really have no idea how this is even possible but it is. And it's pretty fun too, just don't go overboard and you'll be fine."
For the next few hours Ian and Ty sat and talked. From their experiences in the tutorial to Ty's travels around Freuth. The world seemed much more alive than critics gave it credit for.
"Hahahahahha!!"
Loud laughter resounded in 'The Knight's Rest'. It was safe to say Ian and Ty had a good time.
Ian and Ty had red faces and Arrow just sat on the counter looking exhausted. They had gotten a bit carried away with the drinks.Ian staggered out of his seat almost falling flat on his face.
"Let's go Ty! It's time for adventure!!"
Ian pointed upward with a dumb grin.
"Hahahaha! You are the coolest bro. The drunkiest."
Ty laughed in his face.
"I'm not drunk dumbass! You're drunk."
Ian turned to him with a red face.
"Yeah yeah buddy. Whatever you say."
Ty guided him to his lodging bumbing into walls and tables along the way. Opening the door to his room on the second floor, they went inside.
A relatively large bed sat in the corner with a desk across from it. The room was pretty bland, it had little to no decorations and furniture.
Tyson went straight for the bed, laying in a starfish position. Ian pulled a chair from the desk and sat next to him. Arrow perched on the windowsill looking at them with an exasperated expression.
"Alright, time to lock in i guess."
Ian fiddled with his settings and turned off inebriation. At that moment his senses came back and his focus returned.
"This game is insane dude. With the click of a button I'm sober. How does this even work?"
Tuson sat up from his position and opened his menu as well. He turned to Ian and shrugged.
"I don't know man. It's literally like magic, there is no other explanation. At least not one I can understand anyway."
Ian looked around. The game truly felt magical. Not even just the mana in the air but everything, it truly seemed like a different world with culture and history of its own.
"What now?"
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Chapter 8!! What should they do from now on? Any ideas on dungeons or future stories would be helpful. Let me know your thoughts