Entering the Capital

The massive gates of the capital loomed before them, a testament to the craftsmanship of a bygone era. Erebos's gaze, as always, remained unwavering and detached, but he couldn't help but admire the intricately carved details of the colossal doors. The wood bore the marks of age, its surface weathered by time, yet the craftsmanship remained as resplendent as ever.

Lucius, aware of Erebos's silent appreciation, took a moment to explain the significance of these ancient walls. He spoke of how they had once served as a shield, protecting the capital from the onslaught of the Demon King, and perhaps, had been the key to their survival.

Lucius: "These doors have stood for centuries, a barrier against the forces of darkness that sought to engulf our city. They are a testament to the resilience of our people, a reminder of the trials we have faced and overcome."

Erebos absorbed this information with his characteristic detachment, acknowledging the historical significance of the gates, even if he felt no emotional connection to it.

As they neared the gates, the bustling activity of the capital came into view. People were organized in orderly lines, patiently waiting to present their papers to the vigilant guards before being allowed entry. Erebos observed this meticulous process, his gaze flitting from one individual to the next, like a silent observer in a world that operated on the intricate mechanics of bureaucracy and order.

The guard asked lucious that Erebos removed his maks, and under a strange sequence of events, Erebos found himself compelled to remove his mask, an act that he had not undertaken in a very long time. With a deliberate and unhurried motion, he raised his hand to the mask that concealed his face, revealing to the world a visage that had remained hidden beneath layers of enigma.

As the mask slid away, the face that was unveiled struck those who beheld it with an eerie sense of otherworldliness. Erebos's features were human, yet his eyes held depths that seemed to plunge into realms beyond mortal comprehension. They were like chasms, dark and impenetrable, an abyss that beckoned the curious and terrified alike.

The soldier and Lucius, both taken aback by the sight, were momentarily silenced. Erebos stood there, his gaze unwavering, his face revealed to the world, yet his demeanor remained as cold and detached as ever. The revelation of his humanity was juxtaposed with the inexplicable depths of his eyes, leaving those who witnessed it with a sense of disquiet, as though they had glimpsed a fragment of a world that defied understanding.

With the perplexing encounter at the city gate behind them, the guard eventually allowed Erebos and Lucius to pass through the formidable gates. As they crossed the threshold, the bustling warmth of the city enveloped them, a stark contrast to the tranquility of the forest and the detachment of Erebos's existence.

Lucius, having fulfilled his role as Erebos's guide, bid him farewell with a few parting words. He pressed a small amount of money into Erebos's hand, a gesture of generosity that went beyond the boundaries of their strange encounter. Erebos, however, remained oblivious to the significance of the currency he held, the concept of wealth and trade a distant enigma to his disconnected existence.

As Erebos walked through the city streets, he became a silent observer of life unfolding around him. The city was a tapestry of existence, a cacophony of sounds, colors, and emotions. People bustled about, their lives interweaving in intricate patterns, like threads in a grand design.

Erebos moved through this vibrant tapestry with his characteristic detachment, his gaze unwavering and his pace robotic. He witnessed life in its myriad forms, from the bustling markets to the quiet contemplation of individuals in secluded corners. To him, it was a world both alien and fascinating, a tableau of human existence that remained enigmatic and distant.

As hunger gnawed at him, Erebos scanned the cityscape around him, gradually piecing together the intricate puzzle of human society. In a flash of insight, he grasped the core of their existence – money. It was the thread that wove through the fabric of their lives, the key that unlocked their desires and aspirations.

With three gold pieces in his purse, he realized the practicality of this currency. Money represented not only sustenance but also a means to navigate this unfamiliar world. Erebos knew that to secure his own freedom and autonomy, he needed more of it.

His gaze fixated on a succulent pork chop displayed in a nearby shop, his hunger driving him to seek immediate satisfaction. Money, he understood, was the currency of exchange, a tool that granted access to the goods and services that humans so fervently pursued.

Taking one of the gold pieces from his purse, he approached the shop with a determined air. Without uttering a word, he pointed directly at the desired pork chop, a silent but unmistakable declaration of his intent. In this simple act, Erebos embraced a fundamental truth of this world – that money could open doors, satisfy hunger, and pave the way to a semblance of freedom.

As he traversed the labyrinthine streets of the city, Erebos continued his silent journey, an enigmatic figure in a world that flowed with the ever-changing currents of human existence learning at a pace none could hope to achieve.