Redwood Town

The remaining journey was uneventful. Given recent events, everyone cautiously moved without letting their guards down. The loss of two comrades weighed heavily on the adventurers. The journey was quickly reaching its conclusion. 

The thick forest gradually thinned. The color of the bark of the surrounding trees noticeably started to become more prominent. Each tree had colorful bark. They were all consistently red hues. The ground also had changes. 

It was noticeably easier to walk as it became well-trodden. Marks of carts and heavy use formed a path that broke up the wild terrain. Feng Ye hid his sword under his robes. This sword was quite flashy. Getting it seen would cause unwanted attention. He would find a safe place before placing it into his system inventory. This subtle movement was noticed by Anne who was walking nearby. 

As the group kept walking, the outline of civilization became gradually visible. The first sight of Redwood Town.

Anne lets out a breath of relief. "We are nearing Redwood Town." 

Redwood Town was a border town between Westwind Province and the Radiant Kingdom. It got its name from the distinct red-hued trees in the surrounding forest. It was of considerable size where it was much larger than a village but cannot be considered a large city. Due to its border position, it was a critical trade and supply hub for the numerous merchants requiring a place to rest or resupply. 

It was a town that was under the jurisdiction of the Radiant Kingdom on paper, however, in reality, it was a little more than an afterthought. The Radiant Kingdom didn't place much importance on this border town due to its lack of strategic importance. The capital saw no need to heavily invest. Governance, thus was weak, oversight was minimal, and power was early carved by a variety of competing factions. 

It wasn't completely lawless. The town still had order, though order was kept through influence rather than by authority. The population within contained a variety of characters. It was a melting of both the good and the bad consisting of merchants, criminals, adventurers, opportunitists, and many others. All had different motives to be in Redwood Town, be it to trade, gather information, or hide from the law. 

The walls surrounding the town were built of a red sturdy wood - redwood. The wood was reinforced with iron plates. It could deter wild beasts but not enough to hold against a siege. Radiant Kingdom had no intention to truly defend it.

The town was very much alive even at this hour. As the group approached one of the western gate entrances, warm lights could be seen behind the town's walls. The streets were filled with traders, merchants, adventurers, mercenaries, and locals. Roasted meat, burning wood, and sweat lingered in the air. 

Everywhere, voices engaged in loud conversations, bartering, and heated arguments could be heard.

Feng Ye's eyes scanned the various buildings and streets as they passed through the gates after paying a small entrance fee in grey beast cores. The guards didn't even spare them a glance after collecting a routine entry fee. As long as payment was collected, they didn't press with questions. With a dismissive wave, the guards continued their routine of collecting the next person's entry fee.

Due to looting the bandit leader's sack earlier, Feng Ye had a modest amount of grey beast cores. Not rich by any means but it could last a reasonable amount of time.

Inside Redwood Town, the layout was structured where the center contained the largest buildings. Feng Ye made them out to be the guild halls, auction houses, and trading posts based on the signage. Smaller homes and open-air markets surrounded the rest of the space. Smaller makeshift stalls were set in some of the streets. Street vendors hawked continuously to try to attract customers to purchase their goods. Banners of different guilds and factions were hung from wooden poles in a variety of areas to mark territory and influence. 

The town had some semblance of order, but there were still conflicts that would arise in the streets. At every corner, armored guards stood watch with their weapons visible. Some were town guards, while others were contracted mercenaries. The law was weak here. It did still exist, but mostly in name. As long as an unspoken balance was maintained, the town continued to function. The guards turned a blind eye as long as the unspoken rule was not broken.

The group continued to walk deeper into the town. The layers of power were very obvious. The influence and power were concentrated around the central district where those with status or backing operated. The buildings that Feng Ye made out from afar came into view. 

The auction house was one of the most prominent. It had a polished wooden exterior lined with engraved metal plating. It was very refined and modern compared to the rougher stone and timber buildings further away from the town center. 

The closer one was to the center, the more orderly it became. There was a much larger volume of guards and mercenaries doing patrols. After reaching the town center, a small central fountain could be seen. It was made of stone and was still in operation. It looked well-kept and didn't seem to age. 

The group walked up to the fountain and stopped. Here is the town center. Around the fountain were several key locations.

The Adventurer's Guild Branch was just in front. It was a large wooden structure similar to a large guild hall with a large symbol carved on its entrance. Numerous adventurers went in and out of its doors. One could catch a glimpse of what the inside looked like if they peered inside while the doors were open. Within, bulletin boards were filled with quests, bounties, and mercenary hire requests. 

The Beast Core Exchange could be seen next to it. It was filled with merchants negotiating prices and appraisers inspecting the cores with some sort of magic measuring tool. It was very clear that the currency here was cores. Cores had a variety of ranks where the grey set the base and the brighter the color or more translucent, the higher the value. Cores had multiple use cases as both currency and as sources of energy which could be used to power magical artifacts, or more. 

A very busy tavern could also be seen a bit further down the street. A large sign outside read, "Redwood Brew". It was much larger than the smaller drinking locations scattered throughout the city. This was seemed to also double as an inn. 

Feng Ye looked back at the auction house. The auction house was a place where rare items, artifacts, and high-value contracts were sold. Occasionally, a rare skill would appear and it would become the talk of the town. Entry seemed restricted though. Two large gruff and armored guards blocked the entrance letting only those with status, wealth, or a specific entry token in.

Beyond the center, we could see a variety of other venues such as inns, bars, and entertainment venues. There were many establishments, but their buildings were not as outstanding and prominent as those at the heart of the city. 

Anne turned to her party. "We split here. Resupply and gather information. Meet back here before nightfall." 

She glanced at Feng Ye and Lucas who were nearby. They weren't part of their party. Their involvement is no longer needed. 

The cleric remained silent. The remaining warriors glanced at each other but did not comment either. 

Feng Ye nodded and walked off in the direction of the Redwood Brew. He had his own priorities. It was no longer necessary to stick with this adventurer group. Lucas also turned around and started walking in a different direction. 

Now, it's time to secure proper currency. His looted beast cores can support him for some time, but he needs some more. He can also use this opportunity to gather information. 

His gaze flickered towards the Beast Core Exchange and the Auction house. He will definitely visit these places. He also glanced at the Adventurer Guild Branch. Perhaps, it would also be best to get some status here as well to facilitate his movements. 

Regardless, Feng Ye needed information. The adventurers didn't share much and had kept their distance during their journey previously. So Feng Ye was able to glean much information from them.

A tavern is the best place to get updated on the latest rumors and town news. It would be his first stop. Lots of questions loomed in his mind, but he hadn't gotten a chance to sort it all out yet. Ever since he had arrived in this world, he only had more questions but no answers. The past few days have been relentless survival and exhaustion. 

He now has some breathing room to regroup his thoughts and hopefully answer some of his questions. What's the political situation like? What's the status and hierarchy of the influences within this town? Potentially, he could glean information on otherworlders.

At this time, Feng Ye arrived at the entrance of the tavern. Adventurers and merchants went in and out. 

His first stop would be Redwood Brew!