New to the World

Ariz's eyes fluttered open. He sucked in a ragged breath, his vision swimming. Weakness clung to him like a shroud—but at least his body obeyed again. He found himself sprawled on vibrant green grass. The midday sun beat down, and a chaotic thicket of trees encircled the clearing. Slowly, he pushed himself up, scanning his surroundings. A breeze rustled the leaves overhead, whispering a soft, calming shhh.

His gaze dropped to his own body. He wore a tailored black tailcoat and unremarkable brown leather shoes. Drawn to a nearby pond, he stumbled towards the water's edge and froze.

Staring back from the rippling surface was his face—nearly identical. The same messy brown curls. The same sharp, handsome features and unnaturally pale, almost bloodless skin.

'I… I'm alive? This… is insane! Utterly unbelievable! If anyone who knew me sees this… they'll grill me for weeks. The whole world might hear about it. Gods, what a nightmare. And that abyss… the Slumber-Soul Ballad… that voice… Shivers racked him. Especially those cursed 'conditions'! Something in that deal made me forget! No… worse! Panic spiked. Most of my memories from before I died are gone too! Gone! What do I do? Only chance is to ask questions… carefully. Can't seem like a complete fool who skipped his studies. I know this world has magic… mysteries… powers… but gods, did they teach how resurrection contracts work in school? Doubt it. Screw it—figure it out later.'

Driven by suspicion and swirling questions, Ariz pushed through the trees towards society. Gradually, the muffled roar of a crowd reached him. He emerged at the edge of a town.

It was unlike anything he'd known. Sturdy buildings rose tall, crafted from rough-hewn stone and dark timber—a distinct, imposing style. The streets themselves were paved with interlocking metal plates, shockingly extravagant. Rows of lush, towering trees lined the metallic road. Ariz was still taking it in when a young man nearby waved frantically, beaming with unnatural enthusiasm.

'Do I know him? Shit! Did he know me… before? Maybe I should bolt! Wait… If he did know the 'dead' me, wouldn't he be screaming right now?'

Before Ariz could decide, the stranger bounded over, stopping directly in his path. "Hey there, friend! You're new in Kashia, right? Looked a bit lost!" His smile was dazzling. "No worries though! You found me! Tray's the name! I'll get you sorted!"

'Do I really look that clueless?'

"Er… sir?" Ariz hedged, keeping his voice carefully neutral. "Shouldn't introductions come first?"

Tray flushed slightly, slapping his own forehead. "Whoops! Sorry, sorry! Got carried away! I'm Tray! Tray the Guide! World-famous, soon enough! Seeing a fine tourist like you," he gestured grandly at Ariz, "it's practically my duty to show you around! Won't cost a copper!"

'World-famous… First customer… Those two things don't exactly add up.'

"Lead on, Guide Tray," Ariz said dryly.

Tray's grin could have powered the sun. "Alright! Welcome to KASHIA! One of the Five Great Cities! We've got the Marketplace Core – shops, stalls, entertainers, the works! But the real draw?" He leaned in conspiratorially. "Magic. Lots of folks here got the Spark. Schools, lectures… you name it. 'Course, you gotta prove yourself to get yours, ya know? The Awakening… or the Trial… whatever they call it now. Point is, everyone's Spark is unique! Never two the same! And you gotta see the Grand Wyrm Bell! The craftsmanship is…" Tray's voice settled into a steady, enthusiastic stream as he unspooled fact after opinion about Kashia's wonders.

Nearly half an hour later, Tray finally wound down, slightly breathless.

'Gods, that kid could talk the scales off a dragon. Well… at least I learned something. Kashia City. One of the Five Greats. Magic exists here – Awakening, unique to each person… fascinating. Alright, practicalities. Need shelter. Then… employment.'

As if summoned by the thought, Ariz's hand brushed against his tailcoat pocket. Something crinkled inside. He dipped his fingers in and felt the unmistakable texture of banknotes… and the cold, heavy discs of gold coins beneath.

'…Money. He left me MONEY. Thank whatever twisted force brought me back. Small mercies. Wasn't looking forward to destitution.'

Leaving the still-babbling Tray with a noncommittal wave, Ariz melted into the bustling metal-plated street. He walked aimlessly for a few minutes, absorbing the sights and sounds of this alien yet vibrant city, until a building caught his eye. It soared higher than its neighbors, painted a striking turquoise. Its facade was studded with windows shaped like stylized birds in flight. A simple, elegant sign swung above the entrance: The Perching Sparrow Inn.

[Author here, I don't have too much time to keep writing , so see ya later.]