Chapter 2: The Guild
The sun was already rising behind the mountains when Eren Vale opened his eyes.
He’d spent the night outside the brothel, arms crossed and staring into nothing. It was better there, since he couldn’t "sleep" with all that noise inside. Not sleep in the traditional sense—he just entered a state of conscious rest, keeping his senses minimally alert.
When he stood up, his bones protested with dry cracks.
Full simulation. Even joint pain. Sadistic detail.
He ran a hand over his face, rubbing his eyes to bring them into focus. The sky had lightened to an almost artificial blue, and the morning breeze carried the smell of damp earth and wood smoke from distant fireplaces.
The first people were starting to cross the dirt road. Peasants, merchants pulling carts, kids chasing chickens.
Eren began walking slowly, his makeshift boots sinking into the soft mud.
With every step, he thought.
I need money.
He pulled the small leather pouch tied at his waist. Shook it. Two coins. Maybe three, if they accepted the worn-out change.
Not enough for even a dagger. Or food. Or a roof.
He remembered what he’d seen the night before. The tables, sweaty bodies, the screams. How naturally they sold and bought sex, without any shame.