'This...'
Darius was too focused on his new life and the subsequent events of the system that he failed to see this problem.
He truly didn't have enough funds for a building!
'This is indeed the real world.' Stroking his imaginary beard, Darius felt troubled,' If this were a kid's novel, I would find a random cheap building. But truly, such things are impossible in cities; buildings aren't something that any Dick and Mary could get a hold of.'
Tsk!
Clicking his tongue, Darius cursed,' Stingy system, shouldn't you build one for me and alter it?'
"..."
The system was speechless.
The carriage traveled along the bumpy road, but this bit of bumpiness was nothing to Darius and the merchant, as they were used to such harsh conditions.
Finding no other thoughts coming to his mind, Darius just struck up a conversation with the merchant. His predecessor had little knowledge about the sanctuary, and a merchant would surely know way more.
The carriage sped forward, and Darius's voice rose again, "You spoke about awakeners coming from another world. Aren't we also from the other world? If I'm not mistaken, none of the myriad races are natives of the sanctuary, no?"
Darius had a general understanding of the situation, and although he was a native of the sanctuary, his ancestors and everyone were, in reality, people from other worlds who decided to start a family here, finding it more convenient.
Albert the merchant was silent for a long time; he felt Darius's animosity towards this disregard for their real home: "I don't know if you know about the existence of demons."
Albert glanced at him before shaking his head after noticing the confusion in his eyes.
"You'll understand once you live here long enough. Sanctuary cities aren't safe places. Not from demons… and not from humans either."
He didn't elaborate further.
Three hours later, Dragon City appeared in sight.
Compared to the majestic cities in his past life anime, Dragon City was rather crude and simple.
As a city of the human race that barely held any land in the sanctuary dangerous zones bordering the demon race, the atmosphere was oppressive here, with no sense of prosperity. The city walls bore various claw marks; the repaired gaps recorded the battles with the Demon and aliens.
The carriage mixed into the crowd and quickly entered Dragon City. Darius had never been here personally, although he had the memories; he was still a bit unfamiliar with the place.
However, Albert must have been here before countless times; he sat in the carriage, secretly guiding Darius with directions through Secret Transmission, winding through paths, and finally, the carriage stopped outside a courtyard.
As soon as the carriage halted, the courtyard door opened, and a venerable old man, hair and beard white, stepped out: "Mister, you've finally returned."
Darius jumped out of the carriage and lifted the curtain. Albert bent down and disembarked, too.
"I have taken you a bit further away from the city center," He pointed at a rather crude wall in the far-off street with a small gate that could accommodate a person at a time, and continued," That's the line splitting the inner city from the outer city, you will surely find something suitable for your business there."
Darius thanked him and handed him the gold coins he had, too reluctant to hand over the stones," For the information and ride, please accept them."
Albert didn't stand on ceremony and quickly took a glance at the amount before he placed the gold coins in a pouch and handed them over to the venerable old man with white hair.
Darius could tell that Albert was rather satisfied with the payment as a rare smile appeared on his face,' Treat kindness with kindness to gain further rewards in the future, right?' Feeling content with the lessons he learned from his novels, he was about to depart when he heard a voice.
"Careful from the gangs inside, "Albert was about to continue when he saw a faint silhouette walking out of the outer city gate. Quickly, he gathered the rest of his belongings and entered his courtyard.
Darius saw this scene, smiled, and moved to the outer city.' Maybe this guy can come in handy in the future,' Thinking of his system and the building he had to grow its fame and influence, a serious look appeared on his face before he headed to the outer city.
Albert took a last glance at the back of Darius before he entered his courtyard, and he shook his head, a warm smile adorning his face," What an interesting kid. He said he wants to build a business there, didn't he? Maybe I'll visit him one day."
"Sir, what are you murmuring?" The old man noticed his master's odd expression and quickly spoke.
"Nothing, Alfredo, nothing. Just reminiscing about my younger days."
On the other side of the gate, Darius held his head high as he looked at the setting sun and the rays of warm light faintly spreading one last time." Truly a magnificent view, I wonder what life has in store for me from now on."
Chuckling, Darius decided to first head to a hotel nearby before setting out to complete his mission. Nights, although the most lively and a lot ventured out, they were always the most dangerous, and his life was too precious to risk.
With that in mind, he quickly asked around and found a cheap hotel to stay the night that wasn't too close to the gate but also not too far into the outer city.
As Darius walked a bit deeper into the outer city, the lively sounds of Dragon City faded behind him.
Broken signboards swayed in the wind.
With each step he took, he could tell that someone was watching him from the dark alleys on the left and the right.
'Truly creepy and dangerous, no wonder the guy spoke about abandoned buildings in this place,' Darius composed himself, making sure that he didn't appear to be fearful. If it weren't for his future growth, he would never risk his life to such a degree.
Suddenly...
[ Detection triggered… ]
Darius stopped after hearing that familiar voice of the system inside his mind, with a blue screen appearing in front of him that showed a tiny dot of light that pointed in a direction.
Following the direction, his gaze slowly shifted toward a collapsed storefront covered in dust and claw marks.
The system screen flickered again.
[ Suitable Pavilion Location Found ]
Before he could react, he heard faint footsteps behind him.