As they advanced, the plains became interspersed with small elevations of land and rocky gorges.
They had to be cautious when seeking water sources and supplies, since they found no one and, in the few times they crossed roads, they preferred not to be seen for their own safety.
As they entered the forests, the vegetation became dense and lush, providing shelter to a variety of wild creatures.
They heard the echo of birds singing and the rustling of leaves, but were also aware of the presence of predators.
As they approached civilization, they noticed beaten earth trails and signs of human activity.
They found small villages with modest houses built from local materials, such as wood and straw.
Colin hesitated for an instant, his eyes fixed on the environment ahead that was filled with a peculiar mixture of beings he never thought he'd see outside of games and RPG sessions.
Orcs with robust skin, elves with ethereal features, and common humans, all gathered together, mixed.
The momentary shock was replaced by cautious curiosity.
Colin's eyes swept through the crowd, absorbing the nuances of each race. Orcs, with their imposing forms and expressions that denoted brute strength, contrasted with the gracefulness of the elves, whose presence exuded a mystical and distinct aura.
Humans, immersed in the mixture, provided a sense of familiarity.
Deciding that this diversified cluster could offer a unique opportunity, Colin overcame his initial hesitation.
The place was far from being the welcoming refuge they hoped to find. The streets were narrow and muddy, with puddles of water that reflected the weak light of the lanterns.
The uneven ground seemed treacherous under their feet, making walking difficult.
The people they encountered along the way weren't exactly the kind of friendly neighbors one would expect in a village.
Many seemed rude and uninterested, some even drunk, staggering through the streets and letting out scandalous laughter.
Safira felt curious and hostile stares directed at them as they passed.
The village seemed to attract a crowd with dubious character.
Groups of people talked loudly, sharing obscene stories and loud laughter, while some played dice and cards in improvised taverns along the streets.
The women from the brothels were at the door of their workplaces, inviting men with lascivious smiles and suggestive gestures.
Colin stopped in front of a tavern, from which emerged a huge Orc, with his severe features and prominent muscles. He stared at Colin with a fierce look, a scowl that left no doubt about his disposition to fight.
However, he didn't say a word, limiting himself to taking a side step to allow the foreigners to continue their passage.
Colin and Safira exchanged a hesitant look before deciding to enter the tavern. As they pushed the heavy wooden door, the noise and commotion from inside hit them like a wave.
The environment was impregnated with a mixed smell of sweat, beer, and tobacco.
In the weak light of candles and lanterns hanging from the ceiling beams, they observed the establishment's patrons.
Drunk and scrutinized men were scattered across worn wooden tables, some leaning on counters, while others staggered in search of the next drink.
Men dressed in dark-colored capes occupied dark corners of the tavern, watching with attentive eyes every movement around them.
Some were bald, with visible scars and hardened expressions, indicating they were experienced mercenaries or adventurers.
The tavern women weren't different from those they encountered outside, offering themselves to the mercenaries and sitting on their laps, whispering provocative words.
A group of men played cards at one of the tables, their gazes concentrated on the cards they held. They bet with dirty coins and consumed beer in abundance.
The conversations and laughter were incessant, mixing into an almost deafening cacophony.
Frightened, the girl grabbed the edge of Colin's shirt. After what she had been through, it would be better to avoid places like that, but Colin was curious.
He approached the tavern counter, where the tavern keeper was busy, filling beer mugs and serving customers.
The tavern keeper was a robust middle-aged man, with a thick beard and grayish hair that fell to his shoulders. His experienced eyes carefully examined each person who approached the counter, as if he already knew all the stories they were about to share.
Colin cleared his throat to get the tavern keeper's attention, who finally turned to him with an expressionless look, as if he was used to hearing all kinds of stories.
"Excuse me, sir. I would like to know more about the castle here in the city. Could you give me some information?"
The tavern keeper looked at Colin, evaluating him with a raised eyebrow before responding.
"Information isn't free, young man. Here, in exchange for a good conversation, it's customary to pay for a drink."
The young man looked at the tavern keeper and sighed.
"I'm new to the city, I don't have much money. But I would be very grateful if you could give me a small piece of information."
The tavern keeper, with a condescending sigh, took a glass and filled it with beer. However, he only filled it halfway, saving some of the drink.
"Here you go, a courtesy for a stranger. Now, tell me what you want to know."
Colin smiled gratefully, took the glass and took a sip before continuing.
"The castle, what can you tell me about it?"
The tavern keeper nodded and began to explain.
"That castle was the residence of the leader of the Black Phalanx guild, one of the most famous mercenary guilds in this region. They were known for carrying out difficult and dangerous missions. But recently, something happened and the castle was abandoned. They say something sinister occurred inside, and no one wants to approach. If you're looking for work or money, at the end of the tavern there's a mission board. You might find some worthwhile task there."
Colin thanked him again and took a last sip from the glass before heading to the mission board at the end of the tavern.
He approached the board, where various pieces of paper were pinned. Each sheet contained details about a mission and the reward offered.
He carefully observed the available offers, considering which would be most suitable for his journey. Two in particular caught his attention.
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Highland Bandit Elimination:
Description: A group of bandits terrorizes the villages in the Highlands, stealing and causing chaos. They hide in an ancient fortress in the mountains. The villagers are offering a reward for the elimination of the bandits.
Reward: 100 gold coins.
Mountain Troll Hunt:
Description: Mountain trolls are a growing threat to trade caravans on the Rocky Mountain trails. A group of hunters is needed to eliminate the trolls and make the trails safe again.
Reward: 700 gold coins.
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"The price seems good to me," said a young man beside Colin. "Are you with the boy?"
Colin glanced at him sideways, but said nothing.
"Pleasure, Bastiat!" Colin didn't greet him, and Bastiat withdrew his hand. "There's a reason they pay so high for a mission like this, the risk of death is quite high. My team and I are considering taking this bandit one, and you?"
"I don't know yet."
"You should come with us, they'll pay well, we can split the money."
Colin frowned suspiciously, but Bastiat didn't seem suspicious at all. He was a handsome young man, blonde hair, pale skin and intense blue eyes wearing a dark cape.
"My group is over there." He pointed.
Colin looked in the direction indicated by Bastiat and saw a small group of adventurers sitting in a corner of the tavern.
There was a blonde woman with a staff, a man with leather armor and a large sword hanging on his back, and another man with a large bow on his back.
They were immersed in an animated conversation.
"What do you think?"
The false elf turned his back. "I'm not interested."
"You don't have a place to sleep, do you? And apparently you don't have money... I don't want to be inconvenient, but sleeping on the streets of this village is signing a death sentence, or, if you're lucky, you'll wake up just without the clothes on your body. We rented some rooms at the inn for a few days, why don't you come with us?"
Colin frowned. "And why are you offering this to me?"
"You have a low mana reserve, just like most of us. The only magic user is my sister, and even then she's not that skilled. More people is better, and since our little group is mediocre, the payment ends up being fair between the parties."
For a moment Colin pondered the possibility.
Damn... I need money. This idiot only chose me because I don't know how to use magic. Should have expected this, magic users must get good money for missions.
"And if I accept, how much do I get?"
"15 gold coins. My sister gets 40%, since she can heal your wounds, we split between me, my two companions and you, each taking 15 coins. You can buy a decent sword, sleep in taverns with warm beds for almost a month with that money, what do you say?"
This bastard is robbing me!
"Alright, I accept."
"Great, I'll introduce you to the gang!"