GERM

Dante has spent his life in the secluded Village of Riverant, curious about the world beyond its walls but kept there and trained over the years by his caretaker, Rita, for his own safety. His questions about his true origins seem destined to remain unanswered—until two students, Terra and Xavien, arrive, drawn by rumors of a boy who is part man, part beast arrive to the village one day.

Offering Dante the chance to leave and discover not only what's outside of the walls, but his true heritage, they invite him to the Kingdom of Auradelle. A successful and prospering kingdom in the Eastern Region. But as a Dragonborn, Dante must face the challenges of blending into a society that not only fears, but will rid of his kind if found out. Will the two students be his key to freedom and what he's always wanted to know, or will the outside world prove more dangerous than he ever imagined and it all be for naught.

Only one way to find out...

SYPHER

Dante looked around wondrously, seeing many things he never thought he'd see. From the many people walking amongst the streets, men and women of different races, some distinct being amongst elves and beast folk. His nerves began to rise as the crowds grew bigger the further they walked into the city. Dante tugged on Terra's cloak, and she turned to see a worried look on his face.

"I'm just… not too used to the crowds. Or walking amongst them…"

"Hm... I didn't consider how you'd do in crowds."

"I don't mean to be a burden… I'll do my best."

He gave a small, wary smile as she nodded, and the trio continued to walk. He continued to walk closely behind the two. He looked around some more to see shops in the area as they seemed to pass along the farmer's market. Fruits and different crafts and goods were being sold; he spotted many knickknacks and treats he'd never seen before. Turning to see one of the stalls stood a woman clothed in black and a wide-brimmed hat. She noticed his gaze as she waved at him lightly. Dante was intrigued as he slowly approached the stall, unbeknownst to his party.

She greeted him sweetly as he approached.

"Hello there, sweet child. Welcome to my small and humble potion stall. Why not look and see if anything interests you, sweetie?"

His eyes wandered around wondrously, seemingly distracted by the many different bottles. The vials were filled with various colors with small descriptions of each's effects. He didn't recognize any of them since he'd never seen an actual potion outside of the mention in one of the books he'd read over the years.

"Healing potions… mana potions… stun potions… elixirs…?"

He thought to himself as he pointed at each one curiously; the woman in black had a soft smile as she watched him mull over the potions.

"Each of these costs 5 fil each since they're all just beginner-level stock. Though if you come back when you're a little more experienced, I'll give you some of the "good stuff,"" the vendor said, leaning in with a wink. Dante's eyes widened at the statement and filled with wonder as he looked at each one. He seemed to be having trouble choosing which one to choose before she picked up the small red vial and placed it in front of him.

"I don't know why, but I have an odd feeling you may need this more than I do. I'll give you this for free, but only if you promise to come back and pay me back!" the vendor said as she bowed her head. This confused Dante, as he wasn't sure why she would be generous enough to offer one of her goods for free. Though he knew it'd be rude to reject such an offer from someone showing kindness to him.

"Thank you… I'll make sure to come back for sure!"

Dante turned to look at the glass vial in his hand before suddenly being grabbed by the arm. It was Terra, who apparently had been looking for him as he appeared to disappear into the crowd before stopping at the stall.

"What were you doing over here? Also, where did you get that vial…? I hope you didn't snatch it from one of the vendors."

"No, no, I didn't! That lady over there gave it to me…?"

As he pointed to where the stall with the woman was, it had seemingly vanished into thin air when he turned back with no sight of her or the stall. His face turned to one of confusion as Terra began to drag him away from the area as he pocketed the vial and continued behind her. They continued to push through the heavy crowds as Terra spoke to Dante about some of the things commonplace in the kingdom.

New Kid On The Block - Chapter 3