The streets of the Astoria Kingdom's capital were teeming with life that afternoon. The hustle and bustle of people passing by sounded like a ceaseless river. Horses pulling luxury carriages crossed paths with street vendors peddling their wares in loud voices.
Amidst the crowd, Arvin Vedegra walked with firm strides. His sharp eyes observed the back of the hand of everyone who passed him. He felt amazed.
Arvin's mind raced, and his eyes gleamed as he observed the phenomenon around him. Great! I see so many white contract symbols here. Some are blue, a sign of loyalty to a deceased partner. Not once have I seen a yellow contract symbol, let alone a black or red one. The morality in this world and this kingdom truly amazes me! This is living proof of how sacred the bond of love is in this world.
However, his awe was disturbed by the reaction of the people around him. The presence of a handsome academy student walking alone in the center of the crowded city naturally became the center of attention. Moreover, Arvin was wearing the Special Exit Permit Uniform—a dark blue robe with gold stripes that radiated the aura of a student as well as magical energy.
Realizing that he had become the center of attention, Arvin ignored the stares. He put on his signature cold expression, chin lifted slightly in arrogance, and focused on stepping toward his main destination: the slum area.
People whispered as he passed.
"Look at that uniform... isn't that a student from Astoria Academy?"
"So handsome, but his gaze is terrifyingly cold. Like a student who just failed an exam and is ready to blow up anyone."
No one dared to greet him. Arvin's aura was too intimidating.
As soon as he arrived at the border between the prosperous city district and the fringe area, the scenery changed drastically. The streets that were previously neatly paved with stone now changed to muddy, uneven ground. The aroma of bread from the city center changed to a musty, damp smell.
Arvin stopped for a moment in front of the narrow alley that served as the entrance to the area.
He thought while furrowing his brow. Is this the slum area in the capital? The place is exactly the same as what I saw in the game.
Without hesitation, Arvin began to step into that labyrinth of poverty. His shoes started to tread on the muddy ground, but without a shred of disgust, he continued to traverse the slum area.
Around him, the view was getting more distressing. Many homeless and poor people sat pensively in front of rickety shacks. Some even lay directly on the ground without mats, their bodies thin and dry, and their clothes tattered.
So, this is what the inside of the slums looks like in the real world? In the game, only a few places were highlighted as background. Reality is far darker.
Arvin continued to observe the situation around him. His heart was slightly touched seeing the suffering displayed right before his eyes.
I want to help them, but I can't just recklessly bring strangers to the Vedegra territory. I have a special mission today.
The further he walked entering the area, the more oppressive the atmosphere became.
The presence of an academy student in a place like this was like a sheep entering a wolf's den. All eyes were on him—some staring with curiosity, some with envy, and others radiating malicious intent.
And sure enough. From a distance, five burly men carrying weapons came approaching him. They blocked Arvin's path.
Some carried swords, spears, and one had a bow and arrow slung over his shoulder. Their clothes were somewhat shabby, but their muscles showed that they were experienced fighters.
Facing each other, Arvin remained calm. He didn't take a single step back. He stared at the faces of the five armed men with a flat gaze.
"What is an academy student doing here?" asked the man standing at the very front.
He looked like their leader. His voice was heavy and roughly intimidating.
"I wanted to come here!" Arvin answered firmly.
The man raised his eyebrows, surprised by the boldness of the kid in front of him. "Oh... so you wanted to come here yourself? What is your purpose in coming to this bad place, young man? You should be enjoying the comfort of the capital over there! This isn't a tourist spot!"
Arvin looked straight into the man's eyes. "I want to meet you, Rayand, the leader of the Red Sand mercenary group!"
Rayand's eyes widened. His four companions immediately gripped their weapons tighter. The young man before them knew their secret identities.
"Who are you?" Rayand asked with a wary tone. "How do you know my name and my group's name? We never show ourselves or show off our group name!"
Arvin ignored the barrage of questions Rayand threw at him and immediately stated his intention for coming to the slums. "I just want to offer you something!" Arvin said casually.
Rayand laughed hard, a laugh that sounded dismissive. "Hahaha! Do you want to hire our services? Is there another noble bullying you at the academy, Kid?"
"I don't want to hire you! But I will recruit you as a special force under the leadership of the Vedegra family!" Arvin answered casually but with full self-confidence.
Silence...
Rayand stared at the face of the young man who intended to recruit him as a soldier under the leadership of the Duke's family. Even the other four men looked at each other, exchanging confused glances after hearing that crazy offer.
"What if we refuse?" Rayand challenged, his hand moving closer to the hilt of his sword.
"I don't want to hear a refusal!" Arvin said arrogantly. Then, he played the ace card he had prepared. "Just bring Gaile here! I want to duel with him!"
Rayand and his four companions grew even more suspicious. The young man in front of them knew too much. The leader's name, the group's name, and now the name of their strongest fighter, Gaile.
"Are you a spy from the Marland Kingdom?" Rayand growled.
Arvin chuckled, a cold laugh. "Hahaha! What? A spy? How could Arvin Vedegra, the son of the honorable Duke Melvin Vedegra, be a spy?"
Rayand and his colleagues were shocked again.
What did he say? This young man is Duke Melvin Vedegra's son?