Westbridge smelled like baked bread, wet stone, and the faint hint of something fried beyond recognition. Kazuto led the way through the main thoroughfare, sword sheathed, eyes wide at the bustling crowd. He had expected something more dramatic. Towers, pomp, fireworks—maybe a parade. What he got instead was… normal.
"Wow," he muttered. "It's… a city."
"Correct," Lira said. "Population slightly over five thousand, one central well, and enough street vendors to distract you from meaningful decisions."
Selene followed behind, staff in one hand, adjusting her glasses with the other. The thick lenses made her eyes almost invisible, giving her the effect of perpetually observing everything and nothing at once. Kazuto had learned it was easier not to look directly at her while she inspected magical shops.
"Do we… need to do anything here?" Kazuto asked.
"Yes," Lira said. "But nothing urgent. Gather supplies, meet contacts, collect minor information. You know, standard city-introduction chores."
Kazuto frowned. "That sounds… boring."
"Exactly," Lira replied. "We're still in the exposition phase. Don't expect excitement yet."
They stopped at a weaponsmith, a quiet shop tucked between a bakery and a general store. Kazuto had hoped for something flashy—maybe an upgrade that would explode in usefulness—but the blacksmith shook his head.
"Not today," he said. "Inventory's fine, equipment's fine, hero's sword is fine. Pay, or leave."
Kazuto sighed and left, slightly disappointed. Lira didn't seem bothered. Selene tilted her head, muttering about elemental traces in the stone flooring of the shop.
Outside, a street performer juggled knives poorly. A child almost got hit. The performer smiled, oblivious.
"Welcome to Westbridge," Lira said. "Safety standards are approximate."
Kazuto blinked. "I… see."
As they passed a fountain, a commotion caught their attention. A small group of townsfolk clustered around a notice board, talking excitedly. Kazuto approached cautiously, expecting… a monster? An assassination plot? Something.
Nope. It was a lost puppy.
"Of course it's a lost puppy," Kazuto muttered.
"Classic early city trope," Lira said. "Optional side quest. Narrative padding."
Selene adjusted her glasses again, peering at the board. "I could help locate it, if desired. It will only take a minute and a spell, but I will need quiet and a clear line of sight."
Kazuto nodded. "Do it."
Selene muttered a quiet chant. The puppy yipped. Ten seconds later, the small animal emerged from an alley, tail wagging, apparently delighted by the magic that had located it without her having to move more than a step.
Kazuto crouched. "Good job, Selene. That… actually helped."
Selene's glasses reflected the afternoon sun. "…It was efficient. I approve of efficiency."
Lira clapped lightly. "Mission accomplished. We have aided the city and gained moral points."
Kazuto rubbed his temples. "I think the city just expects us to wander aimlessly until a plot hook appears."
"Correct," Lira said. "That's how these chapters work. The hook will come, eventually. But for now… consider yourself acclimated."
They continued through the streets, passing bakeries that smelled better than they tasted, merchants yelling over one another, and guards who appeared polite but largely unhelpful. Kazuto silently resolved to pay attention, in case the "hook" decided to show up in the middle of a crowd.
And it probably will, I warned. But not yet. Not today. Enjoy the mundane city life while it lasts.
By evening, they reached the inn designated for travelers. Rooms were small, beds were lumpy, and dinner was edible. Not great, not terrible. Westbridge had charm, if one ignored the constant clatter and occasional shouting.
Kazuto sank onto the bed. "I feel like nothing has happened, but… something will, right?"
Selene adjusted her glasses, blinking slowly. "It usually does. Eventually."
"Eventually," Lira echoed. "For now, rest. Tomorrow, we move forward. Or sideways. Whichever the story dictates."
Kazuto stared at the ceiling. "I think I prefer forward."
Forward is a relative term, I noted. But yes, tomorrow, we will try to introduce a hook. You may actually encounter conflict.
Kazuto groaned quietly. "Great."