Exploring the city

Blaze discussed with Viorica everything that happened between him and Leus last night, so she got up early to prepare breakfast and talk with Leus before they left the house ...

When Leus got up, Viorica invited him and Blaze for breakfast, and so, the three sat together ...

Viorica spoke with a smile

"Leus, you're all grown up now ... Blaze told me that you both will be going outside"

"Yes, Mom. We are going out today"

She turned to Blaze and asked

"So where are you two going?"

"First, I'll show him around the city and ensure he knows enough not to get lost when he goes out alone.

Then maybe I will take him to The Guild? We will see"

Leus didn't know what the guild was, but he didn't ask

'The food is tasty'

Besides

'I'll get to know everything anyway'

After they were done eating, Blaze and Leus got ready to go ...

But before leaving, Viorica hugged Leus at the door

"Be safe, Leus!!"

"Sure Mom, don't worry"

She kissed him on his cheek then he went outside, and a few moments later, Blaze came behind him ...

"Always keep your sword on you, and make sure to remember the way"

"Sure, Dad"

As they were walking, Blaze began talking about the city

"The city is usually a very safe place.

And regardless, you're strong enough to protect yourself unless you're up against an Elite, and those can't cause trouble here. If they do, the Crimson Guards will handle them.

And while the Crimson Guards may not bother with minor issues like injuries, if someone starts killing people on whims, the Crimson Guards or even Duke Ignatius himself will step in to neutralize the threat."

"Neutralize?"

"Yeah, that's the word they use when they kill someone"

"I see, but isn't that a lot of killing?"

"A lot? People die all the time, especially in the Slums"

"Slums? Looks like there are a lot of terms that I don't know ..."

Blaze snickered

"Don't worry, you'll learn everything"

Then he continued

"Slums are places that are inhabited mostly by poor Mortals, and such places are usually controlled by dangerous gangs"

Leus furrowed his brows

"Oh? Dangerous gangs? What about the Crimson Guards? Can't they take care of it?"

"Of course they can, but they don't"

"... Why?"

"I came to know the reason behind this in the Military, after I became an Elite. Do you want to know?"

Leus' interest was piqued

'Dad is creating a sense of suspense'

" ... Yeah, I do"

Blaze took a deep breath and then began explaining

"The Kingdom needs powerful people.

They need Soldiers to volunteer for the Military, and they need Knights and Mages to increase the Kingdom's overall strength.

But there are a few problems:

While everyone can become a Soldier, becoming a Knight or a Mage is something entirely different; it requires so much training that only a few people can afford that luxury. For many, the daily struggle to survive leaves little room for ambition.

And even those with the means to train often question why they should bother. Why leave the safety and comfort of city life for the strict Military life?

So, to maintain a steady supply of Soldiers and stronger, the Kingdom devised a plan.

They created an environment so hostile, so dangerous, that people are forced to become stronger.

The Slums, or more specifically, its violence and poverty, became their answer.

There, strength is a necessity, and for many, the only escape from gang rule or starvation is to volunteer for the Military—a desperate bid for survival.

In short, the Slums create warriors, and in their desperation, the Kingdom finds its strength."

After hearing everything, Leus stayed silent for a while ...

' ... This sounds quite cruel'

He spoke bluntly

"So basically, the Kingdom tortures people to force them to become more powerful, and then takes advantage of them?"

Blaze chose his words carefully

"You could paint it black like this, yes. But the reality is more complicated.

The people need the Kingdom as much as the Kingdom needs them.

The safety of the City keeps you alive; The Crimson Guards keep the Beasts out, and the law ensures that powerful individuals don’t run rampant. Also, if you manage to become a valuable asset, then you'll be able to afford a pleasant lifestyle."

He met Leus' gaze

"There are indeed not-so-nice policies, you might even consider them evil, but the Kingdom never stops anyone from growing stronger, nor from leaving entirely if they choose.

And on top of that, not everyone has to fight. A successful merchant or skilled smith can earn enough to escape the Slums and move to better areas eventually. The path to strength isn’t the only way out.”

Leus didn't like what he was hearing, but he could understand it

'I guess it's understandable because the Kingdom is basically in a war with the Vice Kingdom ...'

'The nature of the world is cruel I guess'

After thinking about it for a while, Leus replied to Blaze in a serious tone

"I understand, maybe you are right"

'Becoming more powerful is not the wrong decision, perhaps I even need to become more powerful than this ....'

While Leus was in his dilemma Blaze was thinking to himself

'Being physically strong is of no use if he's not mentally prepared to use his strength ...'

'He must be ready for whatever comes his way'

' ... I need to put him in some tough situation soon'

Before they noticed, the two reached the Market Square in the middle of the city ...

Blaze decided to lighten up the mood

"Here you'll find shops for all sorts of things. Wanna take a look around?"

"Yeah!"

They entered the square, and the first thing Leus noticed was that there were people buying water ...

He tilted his head in confusion

"Is water ... not free?"

Blaze laughed

"Free? Well, not exactly.

There are wells all around the city that offer a limited amount of water for free, but it's ..."

He added with a shrug

"It just doesn't taste good, you know?"

He pointed at the water buckets and bottles

"This water is made with magic, it's clear and cheap, and also, it saves time.

Many people don't want to stand in a long line for wells and carry buckets for long, so they buy it here"

Leus inwardly smirked

'I found a backup plan for my future'

'I can get rich by selling water, I have an endless supply!'

They walked deeper into the square, and Leus noticed that people were occasionally glancing at his hair ...

He didn't care, but he didn't find the place interesting

" ... Let's go somewhere else"

Blaze chuckled

"Bored already? Well, there's not much to see here unless you want to come shopping, it's just important to know the location"

Before leaving, Blaze showed Leus the location of a couple of inns and restaurants, but according to Leus, there was nothing particularly interesting

"There really isn't anything exciting here, Dad"

"Is that so? I see, then why don't you tell me what you want to see?"

"What about the Guild you spoke about? Or the Slums? I want to see what it looks like"

"It's getting dark, the Slums will especially be dangerous now; we will meet all sorts of troublesome people"

Leus just shrugged it off

"Dangerous? With you? Dad, come on"

Blaze narrowed his eyes

'This might be my chance'

"Fine, but with one condition"

"What?"

"You must deal with whatever we face. If some situation occurs, I'll just watch"

'It'd be good for him to get in a fight or two'

Leus didn't mind

"Sure, let's go"

He was very interested ...

'I want to see what it looks like to be poor in this world'

'Seeing isn't like hearing after all'

And so, Blaze took Leus and they ventured into the slums ...

However, they didn't know that an unforeseen twist awaited them, a Fate they could never have anticipated ...