The Difference in Status ( 1 )

As to be expected, Raen spent a good deal of his time looking out and marveling at sights that others likely took for granted. Synecca after all was new to him, so even a common animal could be a completely new experience. Though the landscape wasn't terribly fascinating he did catch a few more noticeable differences between his world and Synecca. For example, clouds often twisted into strange shapes which might not sound like much but these truly odd shapes were often hints of red, purple, or orange. He hadn't read anything to explain why they were different and no one else seemed to take notice so it must be natural enough once they distanced themselves from the S'ral Coast.

As for the others, Aldrich and most of the group were content to sit back and relax in the fairly cramped cart, carrying on about hopes and aspirations. A few even spoke of reaching grand scales, such as Aldrich who dreamed of working directly out of the Guild's main facility some day.

Others had more plausible goals in mind for now, such as Hala looking to join with explorations and Ceres wondering aloud how to end up in the district nearest their village so that he could be close to his sisters. Only Mia didn't really join in, too timid even with her friends to really get into the sudden high spirits. She even went so far as to find her way to the back and look out of the cart with Raen since it was the least crowded section.

Raen gave a polite nod, to which Mia smiled awkwardly and looked towards a nearby woods. It wasn't until her eyes became bright that Raen looked away, curious as to what caught her focus. It only took a second to figure out the answer though, a group of rather unique scaled creatures peering at the loud caravan from the safety of the tree line. Most ranged between a third of a meter to a full meter, standing on hind legs and covered in animal hide garb and red scales with golden edges. If Raen wasn't mistaken, these were the same creatures as the tavern had been named after, a Kharis.

It was all too obvious that Mia was fascinated with monsters from the small and quick interactions he had with her, noticing in the library that most of the books she read dealt with various beasts. What interested the both of them however was a peculiar Kharis that was only about half a meter with blue scales that had a light purple trim. Though Mia likely knew much more about such an oddity, Raen at least understood that this meant the creature differed in its abilities. Most Kharis could spit small fireballs, making the easily tamed monsters popular as a type of guard dog. It was a safe bet to assume this one could either spit a stronger fire or something else entirely, though that also meant it might be weaker than a normal Kharis.

The off color monster watched from its pack as the caravan passed and eventually was lost along with the forest as they pulled away, Mia moving back over to tell her sister about what she saw. Raen watched as she went and caught a glimpse through the group at the rest of the caravan. 

Their cart had never managed to get any closer, even if the large horses pulling their cart seemed to be putting in some effort in moving. Raen could also make out that the caravan had fallen into a line, with more luxurious carts now in the front and barely viewable while towards the rear carts grew less and less fanciful. Being at the back of the procession, it was easy to figure out where in the ranking their cart fell.

It wasn't surprising to see that this world treated the rich or the well known better, his home had been exactly the same. The real question was why. Unless Juin had failed to explain a key detail, each new recruit to the Guild had roughly the same strength once awakened minus those who had actually become proficient with a particular weapon. Magic users were all set at the same starting point as well, so it wouldn't help in differentiating who would turn into a useless adventurer and who would be the next legend.

Aside from seeing the Kharis, the day wore on rather quietly. The thin man eventually took out a few travel supplies from a tucked away storage near the front of the cart and passed them around with water to drink. It wasn't much, and Raen assumed other carts came with far better, but it was enough to keep the group comfortable. Eventually a few other nosy individuals came to look out the back of the cart and kept Raen company with a bit of conversation. All in all a peaceful day.

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" Hey look at that, told you he nodded off. Oi Raen come on, time to set up camp. " Aldrich's voice slowly dragged Raen back to the world of the living, stretching out and opening his eyes to find that the sky had long since gone dark. It seemed the peace had gotten to him and now night was settling in. The others were in a similar state save for Aldrich and Ceres who were starting to wake them all.

" Yes do please hurry, I have spent far too long cramped with you lot for my liking. " The thin man was watching Raen with a hint of irritation in both his gaze and voice, slipping past once Raen finally moved out of the way. Ceres followed after the thin man which left Aldrich and Raen with the groggy group. Eventually Aldrich explained that the caravan had stopped for the night and they were preparing to set up a sort of conjoined camp.

Everyone present could immediately understand why Aldrich had woken them, aside from getting to sleep without being cramped, this was a chance to stretch their legs and more importantly they could see or meet with others from the caravan. Aldrich clearly wanted to start making allies or at the very least a few new friends where as Ceres had been hoping to find some supplies to set up a proper meal which was why he had gone on ahead.

Raen actually ended up being the last one to exit the cart, the others barely waiting long enough for him to do so before heading in towards one of the larger crowds. It was actually fairly easy to mingle in as it seemed the crowd came mostly from the less expensive carts and carriages. Most were human but a few stood out thanks to their pointed ears or a particular accent which sounded like music, labeling them as elves or half elves. Herran and Mia were the only two who went over to the elves in particular, one having a fascination for their kind and the other admiring the bows which many of them carried.

Most of the group from the village stuck to the humans, discovering others from small villages and towns which made banter fairly easy to slide into. Ceres was actually having the easiest time it seemed fitting in, his skill at cooking even better than those who had already begun. It likely wouldn't be long until they would have a nice hot meal.

Surprisingly Raen couldn't find Aldrich or Hala, but knowing how Aldrich was he had most likely gone to try and set himself up with a few well off friends. There were two other crowds after all, one that was under a large tent while the other had multiple fancier tents, likely where the rich or elite were and what was likely Aldrich's first target. Raen sighed and shook his head, hoping for the best but not expecting too much. They would all be considered bumpkins and hicks at best guess by the richer crowd.

" Raen! Hey come on over here, stop staring off into space. " Herran called out and waved Raen back towards the crowd, the elves from before mostly gone save for a short female with captivating blue eyes and mid length blonde hair. She wore plains clothing underneath leather armor and had a bow slung across her back, which Mia was currently admiring. Deciding to leave Aldrich to his antics, Raen came over and greeted the woman.

" Ah you are Raen, your friend here told me you are quite skilled with a lance. It's a good weapon and can make up the core of many teams so I just wanted to meet you. " Up close it was easier to see the sharper lines in the woman's facial features as well as get a sense

of the strength she possessed. Though she was only about a meter and a half, her body was in excellent shape even to the naked eye. Holding out her hand, the pretty elf smiled warmly. " My name is Amerath. "

Raen shook her hand and was dragged quickly into being introduced to many of the other elves present. At some point Mia wandered off and ended up helping Ceres cook, some of the men paying attention now not only to the mouth watering food but to the lovely new cook as well. Herran kept pace until they reached a bonfire and then settled in with a group of humans who seemed to be from a nearby town. Amerath soon had run out of people to show off and brought the two of them to the edge of the crowd once more.

" Well I must say, I wasn't expecting to see so many elves. I thought you all stuck towards the northern forests or the caves to the far east. '' Rean had also expected them to be more elitist but that might have just been due to how elves were portrayed in many of the games and books from his home world. Amerath covered her mouth as she laughed, shaking her head and quickly correcting him.

" Though that is where many elves come from and where we hold the most power, our kind is actually as widespread as you humans. If I had to guess I'm the first elf you met and all you know is from books, yes? " Amerath needed only see the sheepish grin on Raen's face before smiling and shaking her head. " I figured as much. The world is a big place and books only do so much justice. If you want to really understand then you have to travel. Oh that reminds me, didn't Herran say one of you wanted to join in with the explorers? "

" That would be Halan but I wouldn't go telling her books don't do justice or she might never stop asking you questions. " Raen chuckled at the thought, turning to see if he could spot Hala or Aldrich since the two had run off together. After a few moments he spied Aldrich seated under an expensive looking tent with a group of well dressed humans and darker skinned elves. Apparently even if he was a bumpkin it wouldn't change how easy it was to just get along with him. Hala meanwhile was being chatted up by of all things a beastman, her expression one that told Raen it must have caught her interest.

The beastman looked a bit like what Raen imagined a minotaur would look like, though this one wore a regal outfit and had an air of sophistication that could be seen even at this distance. As Raen pointed out Hala to Amerath he also noticed more of the same kind of beastmen, both men and women in the groups of elites. A casual glance at the middle group didn't turn up any more or any other kinds which left Raen a bit disappointed as it would have been easier to mingle with the middle group than the elites, or at least he told himself that in his head.

Amerath excused herself to try and join in with Hala and the unknown beastman, leaving Raen to watch as she walked off. It brought up the question of if he was even right about there being a real difference in how the groups would treat one another, perhaps the wealthy were just as welcoming as the poor. They had allowed Aldrich to join in after all. Just as he turned to go try and find Herran, Raen managed to bump into a hooded figure.

The figure almost fell over but caught themselves in a slightly awkward position, hurriedly righting themselves as what sounded like a growl snuck free. " Could you watch where you are going? Humans, I swear... " The voice was feminine but hard to make out as it was muffled by the robe which covered her. Before Raen even got a chance to apologize she had stormed away, leaving him to think better of his earlier opinion thanks to her comment. Not everyone would be welcoming tonight.