Eldrith City

Almond stepped into the open world, deeply inhaling the fresh air that he had never experienced before on Earth.

He wanted to savour the moment, but his mind was drawn to the bustling activities in the Central District.

The sun was high in the sky, beating down on the city, signalling that the day had just started.

People went around going about their business. Children ran around, playing with each other. Merchants shouted out prices at people passing by. Musical melodies sung through the streets, companied by the sounds of instruments.

But what Almond was most drawn to was the cities people. They were nothing like any he had seen before.

He saw all kinds of different body types, and unique forms, even compared to those in the fantasy stories he used to read back on earth.

At first, he saw the common types of races.

Orcs with green skins and muscular forms.

Elves, like Ynell, with pointy ears and pale skin. However, some had darker complexions.

Dwarves, half the size of a regular human. Just reaching past his waist.

But he also saw beings who's skinned seemed to glow. Or beasts who seemed to resemble animals more than humans.

This is incredible...

Amongst the countless races, there were also other humans just like him, though he seemed to be the minority.

Where do I even start?

Almond thought for a few moments before deciding that he should simply walk through the city streets and try his best to gather as much information on this world as he could.

He continued throwing the bustling streets, passing lavish wooden homes equipped with gardens out front.

He passed many stalls, and even other inns and taverns. They seemed to be bustling with activity inside. However, he quickly noticed something.

Each tavern was more popular with certain races. For example, he passed a place named "Elf Sanctuary", and the only people he saw exit the tavern were elves draped in robes.

He also saw a building made entirely from stone, with a sign outside of it that read "The Broken Horns." Inside, he spotted orcs and beastkin singing songs together as they threw back mugs of ale.

My inn won't be anything like that. I'll make sure it's a home to all kinds of people.

As he continued his journey, his attention was drawn to a merchant stand. On its display were strange items that he had never seen before.

The vendor was a lizard-like man with slit eyes and a forked tongue. He carried with him the air of a businessman, and as he spotted Almond, his eyes lit up.

"Ahh, a new face! It seems like you have questions to ask." The man hissed, clasping his hands together. "And lucky for you, I have the answers... Of course for a price."

Finally, someone that I can gather information from.

Almond reached into his pocket and pulled out a single Lenar coin, handing it over to the lizard-man.

The vendor quickly took the coin, a smile wide on his face.

Almond noticed that he had made skin-to-skin contact with the man, but his pleasure touch seemed to not affect him.

Good... That's good to know.

"What can you tell me about the city?" Almond asked him, deciding it would be a good place to start.

"Hmm, well, I'm sure you know about it already, or you wouldn't have moved here. This is Eldrith. Capital of the southern region, under the rule of the great king Dulmar." The lizard-man spoke with an animated tone and actions, as though he were playing a role.

Almond nodded his head, taking in the information.

So I'm in the capital of this world's southern region. The king's name is Dulmar, and the people of the city seem to like him.

That's good. I'm glad I didn't awaken in a realm governed by some tyrant.

Almond opened his mouth, prepared to ask the next question, but the vendor's mind was already turned to a new customer.

"Greetings orc! Can I interest you in this magical shield?"

Almond let out a sigh, before leaving the market stalls and making his way back to his inn.

---

As he stood outside the building, he had a good look at the exterior.

It was plain, with no sign to suggest what the name of the tavern was. He also had other questions to ask about it, such as who built it?

The storage unit was filled to the brim, but how and why? Will I have to constantly restock my wares?

Standing in the bustling central district, he stroked his chin in thought.

I should come up with a name for it... That's a good start.

...

I know.

I'll name it 'The Pleasure's Rest'

---

Ynell made it back to her home to find Ulnessa relaxing outside. The red-haired woman had finished tending to the garden and now seemed to be sat waiting for her friend to return.

As she saw Ynell, still walking with shaky legs, she quickly rose to her feet and ran over to her.

"Ynell!" She said excitedly. "Was I right? Is the Innkeeper-" Her words were cut off as she looked down at the wet stain on Ynell's dress.

Ulnessa's eyes opened widely, as a smirk slowly tugged at her lips.

The elf let out a sigh, quickly rushing her friend inside.

"Yes... It's true. He has a magical touch. But let's head inside before someone thinks I've wet myself."

The two hurried inside excitedly. The news unbelievable.

The city of Eldrith was about to change, especially after news spread.

But how far would it stretch? Just how popular could The Pleasure's Rest become?

[Don't forget to comment or send power stones in order to become a fan! It's really appreciated, and will motivate me to keep writing.]