The city of Jormun was filled with merchants—a prosperous trading hub where the noisy chatter between sellers and buyers created its distinct atmosphere.
Ciko walked through a narrow alley in Jormun, a dark and dangerous-looking passage.
His steps trembled; Ciko Joun was so nervous that his legs were shaking uncontrollably.
Suddenly, his footing slipped, and he fell to the ground.
In front of him stood a muscular man with a thick mustache, standing firmly like a wall.
Ciko Joun knew that dealing with such a man could only lead to trouble.
"Hey, kid," the muscular man asked loudly.
"GET OUT OF HERE, BRAT!"
the man barked.
Ciko caught sight of something—three of the man's subordinates were carrying suspicious-looking boxes into a warehouse.
"Huh? What are those boxes?"
Ciko whispered to himself.
He turned around and ran, leaving the dangerous alley behind.
Ciko wandered through the crowds of merchants and shoppers, having no direction or destination.
1 hour… 2 hours… 4 hours.
He walked aimlessly for a full four hours.
His stomach growled—kruuuk—a clear sound of hunger echoing from within.
Ciko Joun sat by the roadside, hoping someone would take pity on him… and give him a little food.
"I guess the isekai world isn't what I expected," he muttered.