Chapter 6:Getting registered

Kain gradually opened his eyes, still feeling a wave of lethargy wash over him, and slowly rose from his seated position. He made his way out of the closet and spotted a bowl on the bar. As he approached, he noticed a letter nearby that read:

"Eat this, then head into town and register. Just ask the guards at the bridge; it's free. -Vulcan"

Reading the note left Kain a bit bewildered, but he decided to eat the contents of the bowl. The food had a thick texture and was devoid of any real flavor, yet he consumed it nonetheless before setting off towards the bridge.

When he arrived, he approached the guard on his left to inquire about the registration process.

The guard studied him for a moment, then took a deep breath and exhaled dramatically. "Brad," he called, "I'm going to take this kid to get registered. Can you cover for me?"

"Sure, whatever. Just make it quick, David," Brad replied with a wave of his hand.

"Don't worry, I've got this," David said. "Alright, come on, kid."

Kain and David set out on their journey towards the city with a sense of anticipation. As they walked, the bustling environment around them came alive, filled with the sounds of chatter, distant music, and the rhythmic clatter of horse-drawn carriages on the cobbled streets.

Kain, with his youthful enthusiasm, found himself captivated by the scenery. He marvelled at the intricately designed buildings, the vibrant flower boxes hanging from windowsills, and the hustle and bustle of city life. Every few moments, he would stop abruptly, gazing in awe at a particularly ornate facade or a richly colored banner fluttering in the light breeze. These frequent pauses, however, were met with growing irritation from David, who began to feel the toll of Kain's distractions on their progress.

"Come on, Kain! We can admire this later," David would urge, his patience thinning with each interruption. In response, Kain would offer a range of expressions—curiosity, joy, and even a certain oblivion—to David's pleas. This lack of awareness only fueled David's mounting exasperation, turning the adventure into a test of endurance.

As they continued their trek, Kain remained blissfully unaware of the disapproving glares from passersby who watched him lose himself in wonder at the everyday sights. Their stares, filled with bemusement and implicit judgment, seemed to penetrate the joviality of Kain's mood, yet he remained untouched, lost in the city's allure.

In his exploration, Kain became fascinated by the architectural style that dominated the landscape. As he walked, he noted the proliferation of buildings that shared a distinctive aesthetic. Most structures were composed of sturdy stone and warm timber, with their layered designs creating a sense of depth. Each building's roof was adorned with clay shingles, lending a rustic charm to the streets. While this repetition hinted at a potential lack of creative diversity in the city's design, Kain was still struck by the inherent beauty of the structures.

He mused to himself, pondering whether a single architect had masterminded this uniformity or if perhaps a communal adherence to certain principles had stifled individual creativity. However, despite any critical thoughts swirling in his mind, Kain couldn't help but appreciate the cohesive visual identity the architecture provided. Each abode, complete with its own fireplace—a necessity against the chill that often swept through the city—seemed to tell a story of warmth and comfort that resonated with him deeply.

As they pressed onward, the city unfolded before them like a vibrant tapestry filled with promise, revealing the layers of life and culture that lay beyond each street corner.

As Kain strolled through the picturesque town, taking in the charming sights, he was suddenly brought to an abrupt halt when he collided into David, who had come to a standstill right in front of the grand town hall. The unexpected encounter sent Kain's nose crashing against the back of David's head, and he winced at the impact, momentarily dazed.

The town hall stood majestically before them, a striking architectural blend of polished stone and robust timber. Its A-frame design soared gracefully into the sky, topped with an elegant steeple that culminated in a sharp point, giving it a distinct silhouette against the backdrop of the blue sky. The structure boasted two stories, embodying both historical charm and civic pride, with intricate details carved into the wood and stone that suggested a rich tapestry of community history wrapped within its walls.

After regaining his bearings, Kain followed closely behind David, who confidently approached a young woman stationed behind a rustic wooden bar. With a casual air, David addressed her, saying, "This kid is here to register." His voice carried a tone of familiarity, as if they were acquaintances who had crossed paths before.

The woman, her attention momentarily drawn away from David, directed her gaze toward Kain. She tilted her head slightly and gestured with a subtle nod, signaling him to follow her. Without hesitation, Kain complied, trailing closely after her as she led him through a narrow, dimly lit hallway. They eventually entered a sparsely furnished room that felt almost austere in its simplicity.

Inside, the room was devoid of any notable decor or embellishments, except for a single, unadorned wooden table situated in the center. Atop the table rested a transparent orb, its smooth surface glinting softly in the low light, almost inviting Kain to approach.

The woman then turned to Kain with an air of authority and instructed him, "Please place your hand on the crystal ball." Her tone was firm yet encouraging as if she believed this simple action would usher in a significant moment.

Responding to her command, Kain stepped forward and rested his hand on the cool surface of the crystal ball. To his surprise, a wave of warmth radiated from the orb, enveloping his palm and sending a gentle tingling sensation through his fingers. The warmth felt almost alive, pulsating in rhythm with his heartbeat.

Without breaking eye contact, the woman moved closer, placing a plain sheet of paper onto the crystalline sphere. She waited a moment, allowing the energy between Kain and the orb to build, and then she swiftly lifted the paper away, revealing whatever mystical process had just begun. The atmosphere in the room felt charged with potential, leaving Kain curious about what would unfold next.

On the paper, it was written:

Name: Kain

Race: Human

Age: 14

Attributes:

Strength: 1

Defense: 3

Stamina: 2

Agility: 3

Dexterity: 3

Intelligence: 5

Charisma: 1

Perception: 1

Inborn Talent: Regeneration 1%

Learned Skills:

Running: Level 4

Pain Tolerance: Level 2

Sleight of Hand: Level 3

Cleaning: Level 1

The woman surveyed the situation without much concern and then instructed Kain to follow her again

They made their way back to their original spot at the front of the establishment, a bustling tavern filled with laughter and the clinking of mugs. As they settled into position, the woman turned toward Kain with a commanding presence. "Stand in front of the bar," she instructed him firmly. Kain nodded and complied, stepping forward to take his place.

Once in position, the woman reached into her satchel and retrieved a small inkwell and a quill pen. With deliberate precision, she began to inscribe an intricate symbol on a blank card — a symbol that eerily resembled a noose. Kain watched in fascination; this was no ordinary act, but the first tangible display of real magic he had encountered in this strange realm. The sight ignited a spark of wonder within him.

After finishing her intricate design, the woman directed her gaze at Kain. With a smooth, fluid motion, she extended her hand toward him, an invitation he instinctively accepted. But then, without warning, she deftly produced a small needle and pierced the tip of his finger. The sudden sting caught Kain off guard, and he instinctively tried to pull his hand back. Yet, the woman's grip was surprisingly strong, holding him in place as a few drops of his blood fell onto the card, which flickered to life with a brilliant white light.

Once the light dimmed, she finally released her grip on Kain's hand and presented the card to him. "This is your identification document," she explained, her voice steady and clear. "You can use it to register for school, enlist in a guild, or simply to confirm your identity. If you need to update the information, just provide another drop of blood."

Kain took the card from her and studied it intently. His heart raced as he noticed that all of his pertinent information gleamed on the surface, including a series of skills and attributes he had never fully understood. However, the most intriguing part was the large, bold numeral "0" displayed prominently in the corner of the card. Confused, he turned to the woman. "What does this mean?"

The woman looked at him with a knowing expression and replied, "It's your Level."

Kain turned to express his gratitude before rejoining David, who had been patiently waiting at the front the entire time. With a subtle nod of appreciation, Kain stepped back beside his companion, and the two of them resumed their journey. As they walked, Kain's attention sharpened, allowing him to observe the people surrounding them with greater scrutiny. He noticed that most of the locals were dressed in humble attire, draped in multiple layers that seemed quite heavy despite the relatively mild weather.

Each time Kain's gaze fell upon an individual, he was met with an unmistakably hostile stare, a silent challenge that hung in the air like a heavy fog. These looks made him acutely aware of his own presence and the potential scrutiny that came with it. As he continued to scan the crowd, his eyes fell upon a distinct group that stood apart from the rest.

This party was noticeably outfitted in various types of armor, exuding an unmistakable air of strength and purpose. The first member of the group was a towering male, standing at an impressive height of approximately 6.5 feet. He was encased in full-body armor that glinted in the light, brandishing a formidable sword and wielding a large metal shield that completed his imposing visage. The second member, also a male, was less encumbered, wearing a sleek metal chest plate that accentuated his agility while a sword hung confidently at his hip.

Flanking them were two females—each exhibiting a different style of minimal armor. They both held staffs that suggested an affinity for magic, but what caught Kain's attention was the distinctiveness of one of the women's attire, which could best be described as holy garb. The contrast between her outfit and that of the others hinted at a significant role within the party.

Kain pondered to himself, "A party composed of a tank, a swordsman, a mage, and a healer. Not bad." The combination of their talents could indeed be a formidable one.

Without further delay, David and Kain made their way back towards the bridge. As they reached it, Kain continued onward, but David abruptly halted to return to his post, his duty beckoning him back to the task at hand. Kain proceeded alone, navigating the familiar path toward Vulcan's Workshop. The trek was uneventful, and his mind wandered as he anticipated the tasks that awaited him.

Just as Kain was on the brink of entering the workshop, he suddenly became aware of raised voices emanating from within. It sounded like a heated argument, and it stirred a flicker of concern in his chest. As he paused at the threshold, he found himself caught in a moment of indecision, engaging in a brief internal debate. Should he push through the door and interrupt whatever confrontation was unfolding, or was it wiser to wait patiently and gather more information before diving into the fray? Each option weighed heavily on his mind as he listened intently to the escalating altercation within.