Chapter 25 - The Game Begins
The port city of Zant was a chaotic blend of sounds, smells, and constant movement. The main streets were filled with merchants shouting to advertise their wares, while sailors, adventurers, and common citizens moved amidst the unrelenting noise. Rygar walked among them, staying alert, his eyes scanning every detail around him.
He had ventured out because he felt the need to understand the environment, prices, and people, as well as to gather useful information for his mission. It had been a long time since he had interacted in a human society, and his opinion of the humans in this world wasn't very positive. This was largely due to the many slavers he had faced and the stories Verdia and his mother had told him. However, Fendrel had made him believe that there might be better humans out there.
As he passed through an open market, he noticed a stall apparently selling paper and maps. The vendor, a thin man with graying hair and a tired expression, was engrossed in a book as Rygar approached. The man glanced at him without much interest, seemingly unfazed by the fact that Rygar was a young member of the beast race.
Stepping closer, Rygar asked, "Hello, do you have any maps of the city available?"
"I've got two—one detailed and one simple," the vendor replied indifferently, pointing at two stacks of seemingly hand-drawn maps.
Rygar examined the maps. One cost two Milis silver coins, while the other was five. He wasn't sure if this was expensive for a map, but it felt a bit pricey.
"If you can't read, the simple one is two silver coins, and the detailed one is five," the vendor said, his tone uninterested as he returned to his book.
"Alright, I'll take the detailed one..." Rygar replied, thinking at least this man wasn't trying to scam him.
He retrieved the coins from his pouch and handed them over.
"Thanks for your purchase. If you find any important landmarks in the city not shown on the map, let me know. If I find it worth noting, I'll give you a silver coin," the vendor said in a slow, dragging tone as he handed Rygar the map.
Examining the map, Rygar assessed its utility. It was rudimentary but detailed enough to show key points such as the port, commercial areas, and several main streets. "This will do for now," he thought.