Chapter 49: New Arrivals

Freshly baked golden bread, crispy on the outside and fluffy within, gleamed with a pure golden hue. The honey looked like liquid amber.

Wang Yu took a bite of the bread with a spoonful of honey spread over it. The simple sweetness and soft texture of the bread filled his mouth.

Steak, lightly crisped and freshly prepared, was sprinkled with seasoning that Wang Yu was unfamiliar with. It had the perfect mix of saltiness and flavor.

Wang Yu picked up a tender slice of meat with a fork and took a large bite, savoring the rich, fatty aroma released by the heat, as well as the meat's natural juices and texture. It was incredibly satisfying.

Wang Yu had picked a decent-looking restaurant at random, and he was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food.

Its owner was a master at grilling meat and baking bread, and could even make great desserts. The prices were reasonable considering they were in the capital, a luxurious place. Wang Yu feasted to his heart's content.

Eating was one of Wang Yu's few interests, and he never held back from indulging himself when he could.

He loved hearty meals and taking big bites of meat and bread. As a knight, he had a physically demanding profession that allowed him to devour large meals without much concern—that were, in fact, necessary to sustain his expenditure.

There were plates stacked up high on the table. Not an absurdly high pile, but more than enough to feed several people.

The owner of the restaurant, who was experienced with all sorts of customers from his time at the capital, wasn't particularly shocked. He remained busy in the kitchen, providing Wang Yu with more meat and grilled bread.

Meanwhile, Avia ate far more delicately and sparingly. She much preferred desserts—soft, honeyed egg tarts, for example, each bite with a crispy crust and sweet filling.

She was currently in the middle of eating a small slice of cake, scooping up small bits at a time as her eyes lingered on Wang Yu.

It was rare for her to see Wang Yu enjoying something so earnestly, though he was usually cheerful and never seemed troubled or conflicted.

He didn't seem to have any particular hobbies. Most of his time was spent training or handling serious matters, leaving little time for simple pleasures.

Indeed, compared to Earth, which he frequently talked about, this world's entertainment was terrible.

Even in the capital, the pinnacle of entertainment was just the local theater. The movies, virtual reality, and computer games that he spoke of were complete unknowns to this world.

It wasn't impossible—the presence of magic in the world allowed for many fascinating developments and interactions between magic and technology.

Professional illusionists or wizards skilled in visual and sensory manipulation could theoretically create something like virtual reality, but the real issue lay with the inherent class structure of the world and the small number of transcendents at large.

Wang Yu's world had no supernatural phenomena, and technology had brought universal advancements to one and all, serving all people roughly equally.

In this world, on the other hand, the existence of transcendental powers created a schism in the populace. Techniques available to powerful individuals like spellcasters were practically godlike to the common folk.

As a result, technological advances were fragmented across society at large. In Wang Yu's world, advancements were universal; here, they existed in isolation.

High-level innovation remained exclusive to a small elite and never trickled down to anyone else.

Avia thought that Wang Yu had it pretty rough. This world was like a cultural desert for someone from Earth. If not for his curious and incredibly determined personality, she wasn't sure how he could have managed.

For Avia herself, the greatest benefit she had received from Wang Yu's world wasn't its technology or anything of the like. Rather, it was the broadened perspective it offered her.

Wang Yu had made it clear that he wasn't a scientist or knowledgeable about things like how to make gunpowder.

He had no plans to bring new technology to the world.

Instead, his stories enriched Avia's own perspective about different cultures and ways of life.

His accounts of classic strategists and philosophers, simple fables, and the customs of daily life broadened her outlook in countless ways.

Wang Yu had never felt superior about the fact that he came from another world, and neither did he feel that having lived two lives made him smarter than others here.

The only thing he felt proud of was the fact that he had knowledge of a vastly different world—a unique perspective.

It was hard to describe precisely what difference perspective made, but it certainly had a number of unique benefits.

Avia ate the final piece of her cake, a residual sweetness still lingering in her mouth. She smiled happily, as she rubbed her stomach. She didn't have much of an appetite, and was full after eating just a few slices of cake.

She smiled as she watched Wang Yu happily devouring his own food. She propped up her face on her hands, thinking about cooking for him someday.

Given how much he seemed to love eating, Avia couldn't help but smile at the thought.

Wang Yu devoured the last piece of meat, wiped his mouth, and called for the check. The bill came to four gold coins—a hefty sum since the meal didn't include anything exotic. Wang Yu didn't mind, though. As long as he had the means, he could certainly afford to enjoy himself from time to time.

He wasn't just a strength-obsessed fanatic who would dedicate himself to training day in and day out. Wang Yu had a simple view on life. He didn't seek power for power's sake; becoming stronger was all for the sake of enjoying life better.

He paid with his mana crystal card, then left the restaurant with Avia. Eating out all the time was clearly unsustainable.

Wang Yu's remaining gold wouldn't last long if they kept eating out like this. He'd have to start cooking for himself sooner or later.

The moon was already high in the night sky by the time they emerged. Their carriage had entered the capital at evening; after dinner, it was already nighttime. It was now that the capital showcased how different it was from elsewhere.

No matter how prosperous other towns in the kingdom were, the lights essentially all went out after nightfall as everyone went to sleep, except for a few official locations or places like taverns and brothels that never tended to close down.

Otherwise, most shops and residents would lock up and go to bed. This was partly a matter of safety, and partly because there simply wasn't much else to do.

However, the capital was different. The capital was home to the best of the kingdom's elite. Those who couldn't keep up with others would automatically be screened out and excluded. Plenty of people came to the capital to try their luck year after year.

The capital was indeed a place where one could rise to great heights—but just like investing in stocks or buying lottery tickets, hitting rock bottom was far more common.

Near the city walls were where those who had failed to seek their fortunes lived. The area was dirty, chaotic, and, most importantly, hopeless. Their lives weren't much better within the capital than outside of it.

At the heart of the city, on the other hand, was where transcendent individuals gathered en masse. Knights and magicians alike sought to exchange information and knowledge and trade for rare materials and resources.

Even after nightfall, the crystal street lamps along the road automatically lit up, casting a soft glow to illuminate the streets.

About half the shops remained open even after nightfall, though there weren't too many people around. Most were walking with purpose and seemingly busy with something—perhaps they were attending gatherings of the transcendent, or involved in clandestine nighttime activities.

At the very least, this scene reminded Wang Yu of Earth's bustling cities. It was familiar and even a bit nostalgic.

Thoughts of the looming war, however, left Wang Yu feeling a little helpless. Would this prosperity change or disappear under the looming pressure of war?

Considering what he had seen and heard, was the foundation of this prosperity truly solid, or was it built on rotting flesh and bone?

Shrugging off these thoughts that he couldn't do anything about, Wang Yu continued down the street with Avia. He followed the street signs to Redmaple Street. Neither of them were familiar with the capital, and they spent quite a while trying to figure out directions.

As they rounded a corner, they suddenly saw a large group of soldiers running toward them, armed with swords, spears, and other weapons. The passersby quickly stepped aside; Wang Yu did the same.

The soldiers sped past him, a faint but distinct smell of blood on their bodies causing him to furrow his brows. Was this place really that dangerous?

"I wonder if it's those cults again, or if there's been another murder..."

"Right? Things have been getting more and more chaotic. Plenty of people have been dying by the walls, and no one really knows what's going on."

"That area's always been a mess. Deaths are common there, aren't they? The soldiers don't usually bother with them, but they've been heading over there a lot lately. Supposedly, there's some fanatical cult growing popular these days..."

"I really hope things settle down soon. I'll have to take my herbalism exam soon so I can make a little more money..."

As they walked, Wang Yu could overhear a number of conversations via his inner eye. People were discussing the basics of life, future developments in the war, their day-to-day life in the city, and the increasingly unstable public order.

"A storm really is brewing..." Without realizing it, Wang Yu had linked the sudden mention of a cult with those frenzied, fanatical goblins he had faced. He decided to get in touch with the Nightblades as quickly as possible. It would be a good way to gain more connections and a channel for acquiring more information.

"Avia, do you intend to enroll at the Stevenson Royal Academy of Magic in the next few days?" Wang Yu asked, turning to the girl walking behind him.

"That's right. I intend to go tomorrow so I can start learning as soon as possible. My mother already arranged things for me, and one of her friends is an instructor there. I'll be studying under him."

"That's great. In that case, I'll walk you over tomorrow, then head to the Nightblades myself." Wang Yu nodded.

"Alright."

The two of them continued walking along the street. The number of pedestrians began to dwindle.

Wang Yu suddenly had a strange feeling. The city felt like it was getting darker; as the night deepened, a heavy silence seemed to settle over the city.

The street's crystal lights appeared to dim slightly with decreasing foot traffic and the closing shops—but in reality, nothing had changed.

Wang Yu felt as if the city was becoming somewhat eerie and desolate, as if the vibrancy he had sensed earlier was fading, as people gradually found their way home for then ight.

A strange, heavy darkness flowed through the city and surrounded Wang Yu and Avia as they walked down the street, almost as if they had caught the attention of something in the dark.

Wang Yu felt Avia grasp his hand from behind. Her expression was tense, and she seemed uneasy. Clearly, she shared some of the feelings that Wang Yu had.

The quietness of the city felt oddly sinister in a way that was hard to pinpoint but remained distinctly unsettling.

Wang Yu's expression remained calm. The uncomfortable feeling was just that—a feeling. None of his senses could pick up anything wrong.

So, he chose to ignore it.

He walked with Avia, hand in hand, as they continued following the street signs toward their destination, deliberately ignoring these unsettling sensations.

Suddenly, the streetlights seemed to grow brighter. Wang Yu raised his head toward the distant road ahead.

There was a figure carrying a lantern walking down the street. The lantern emitted a radiant glow; where he passed by, the strange feeling dissipated.

Wang Yu glanced over. His view was partially obstructed by the bright glow from the lantern, but his inner eye could capture every detail.

He was tall, with a thick axe hanging at his waist. His hair was slightly curly and light gray in color. He wore a rather old-fashioned gentleman's hat and a simple shirt under a large overcoat. He held the lantern in one white-gloved hand.

The pipe in his mouth flickered as he took a puff and exhaled, the smoke clouding his sharp eyes.

Wang Yu continued to walk. The lantern-bearer didn't seem to pay him any mind, but as they passed each other, he spoke in a deep, hoarse, somewhat magnetic voice, "Don't wander outside at night if you don't have to."

Wang Yu nodded and kept walking. After the man passed by, the eerie stillness and darkness had dissipated entirely, as if his lantern was specifically designed to do so.

Wang Yu wasn't sure who he was. He seemed like a night watchman of sorts—and as for that strange feeling, perhaps it really was just a feeling.

After turning another corner, Wang Yu finally arrived at his destination, Redmaple Street.

He turned into the street only to find that it really was near the center of the capital, which remained vibrant and lively. Even at this hour, when there were few people in other parts of the capital, this place still bustled with activity.

Many shops were still open, alchemy shops, weapon stores, and blacksmiths among them, as well as many small shops selling odds and ends.

Redmaple Street only had a single tavern, the sole place where drunkards and adventurers could go to exchange information. It was easy to find—the tavern was where the crowd was thickest.

With a slightly bemused expression, Wang Yu entered the tavern, which was apparently named "Old John, Favorite of the God of Light." Wasn't it supposed to be called the Golden Azalea?

Wang Yu didn't dwell on the odd name for long. He went straight to the middle-aged owner, who was instructing a young bartender on how to mix drinks.

"Excuse me, sir. I'm Wang Yu. Has the gnome merchants' guild left something with you?"

"Hm? What's the location?" The owner set down the glass in his hand.

Wang Yu recalled his conversation with the gnome. "District 8, No. 41."

"That checks out. Here." The owner took a brass key from his coat pocket and handed it to Wang Yu.

"Thank you," Wang Yu took the key and turned to leave.

"No problem. Not going to have a drink or two? For a newcomer, it's on me," the owner offered.

"No, thank you. I'll have to rush back." Wang Yu declined. He didn't drink.

As Wang Yu and Avia left the tavern, the owner, Old John, shook his head. "Coming to the capital at a time like this... It really is poor timing." Then, he resumed his drink-mixing lesson.

With a click, Wang Yu turned the key to his new residence. On the table was a lit oil lamp and a few extra bottles of oil, seemingly brand-new. Elliot likely had it prepared for him.

The house consisted of two bedrooms, a living room, and a washroom. There was a simple kitchen in the living room. There wasn't much furniture beyond basic wooden stools and chairs, but that was enough.

The bed in the bedroom was quite comfortable. The mattress was soft, and the blanket was made of fine material. Wang Yu tried lying on it for a moment and was quite satisfied; it reminded him of the beds in Earth's hotels.

He and Avia each picked a room at random, said goodnight, and prepared to rest.

Wang Yu's bedroom had a lamp with a switch, almost like a modern-day electric lamp, but one powered by mana crystals rather than electricity. A small button on the headboard allowed Wang Yu to turn it on or off, a surprising convenience.

Wang Yu sat down at the desk near the window and began to review his Endless Pages.

He pulled a pen out of his pocket and started taking notes as he read. There was a lot to learn and record now that he had arrived at the capital, so he began with a quick summary.

With his impressive agility, Wang Yu swiftly guided the pen across the Endless Pages, jotting down notes on his experiences in the capital.

Then, he began sifting through the hastily scrawled notes to pinpoint key details.

The tip of his pen scratched against the paper as Wang Yu circled a few keywords—"new cult," "disorder by the walls," "deteriorating public safety," "strange feeling of eerie desolation," and "lantern-bearer" among them.

Then, after considering it for a few moments, he underlined "cult" and "disorder by the walls" for emphasis.

No matter how he looked at it, the crazed goblins that he had encountered en route to the capital were unusual.

And then there was the Lady of the Night now present in his mental space, a presence he couldn't easily ignore.

"A cult, huh? It's time to look into this Lady of the Night and see what she's really like."

Wang Yu tapped his pen against the table, made up his mind, stored the Endless Pages away, adjusted his posture, and let his spirit turn inward. He entered his mindscape once again.

Wang Yu reappeared over the vast expanse of the lake that mirrored the starry sky. He looked toward his mental domain and blinked in mild surprise.

The Lady of the Night's towering figure stood beside his broken door as she leaned down to inspect his mental domain. From her tall figure, Wang Yu could sense an emotion he could only describe as... curiosity.