Rasenbur. The closest city to the former bandit camp, as far as my map indicated, Rasenbur sat upon a wide flatland, with clear, level ground surrounding it. The city is protected by a moderately high stone wall, perhaps 20 feet tall, with additional stone watchtowers evenly spaced out every 30 feet or so. I couldn’t tell if there were other entrances, but from where I stood I could see an opening wide enough to allow four vehicles to pass through side by side in complete comfort. A portcullis was clearly visible, though I couldn’t tell at this distance what sort of metal was used. Knowing that magic played a huge role in this world, I figured that it was not simple iron, probably some alloy that allowed for a better defense.

Then again, I have lived through worlds where people were stupid enough to ignore the threat of magic when building defensive structures. Though, there is always the matter of the cost of materials.

I don’t know why I am so distracted right now.

Actually, I think my thoughts are so scattered because of the one thing I did not expect when I finally caught sight of my destination.

The lines.

I never thought there would be such a line to enter the city, but there wasn’t just one line, but four! Thankfully each line had a distinct purpose that I could reason out.

The four lines were divided into lanes, each running parallel to the others. The two on the far left were for exiting the city, while the two on the right were for entering. Starting from the furthest left, the first lane was for people exiting by mount or vehicle; the second lane for those exiting on foot; the third for those entering the city on foot, while the last, the one furthest to the right, was reserved for those entering the city by vehicle or mount. It looked quite orderly and well designed, ensuring that traffic flowed as smoothly as possible.

Unfortunately, there were quite a lot more people in my lane than any other. Naturally, I was in the third lane, entering the city on foot.

The day before, I finally encountered other travellers, ones of the normal, non-criminal kind, and they confirmed that I was in the right direction. A man and woman together, they had the look of a couple returning from some exploration, with heavy laden packs and short swords hanging openly at their waists. Maybe they were adventurers? While they did not welcome me to join them like some long lost brother, they did let me stay close enough to them to enjoy the presence of other people. It was unavoidable, at any rate, since we were heading to the same place. When Rasenbur finally came into view, many hours of awkward vigilance later, they stayed back and kindly insisted that I go on ahead of them.

No trust towards strangers at all, huh? I wonder if that is common in this region or if those two in particular had some bad experiences before.

I didn’t make a fuss and thanked them for their company. Striding on ahead, I saw that the road we travelled on was just one of a number of roads that converged into the four-lane path that cut into the city. My map did not indicate anything like this, I only saw the two cities and one road connecting them. Of course, I should have realized that there would be much more than that to the area, especially considering how long it took for me to get here in the first place, but for some reason the notion never crossed my mind. I have to try to be more aware than that, I can’t let simple reasoning escape me so easily, not when it could make all the difference in learning how to die...and stay dead.

Bringing myself back to the present, I looked around at those in each of the lanes. The lanes were divided by waist high stone walls, all of a dark grey color. They would not prevent anyone from hopping over with some effort, but they do provide some measure of protection from those who are riding vehicles or creatures.

To my immense interest, I saw both.

Four-legged reptilians with moderately long tails, wolf looking creatures that were twice my expected size, a few bird-like mounts with strong legs, stubby wings and long necks, all in line with two, three, and four wheeled contraptions that looked similar to the cars and motorcycles of my original world. The vehicles, however, appeared to be much simpler in design compared to what I knew, and I doubt they had such things as seat belts and airbags.

Still, I had to remind myself, magic. If this world has refrigeration, I am sure that they found ways to make vehicles safe.

Also, I definitely have to find out what they are called so I could stop thinking of them as just “vehicles”.

My line moved forward at a slow, but constant pace. The other lanes were somehow processed much faster, but then there weren’t that many people traveling “in style” to begin with. I soon found myself just staring at the foot traffic, with all the various mounts and vehicles already inside the walls or long down the roads to other places. As I got closer to the gateway, I was finally able to see part of the procedure for gaining entry.

Two tables were set up by each of the entry lanes, elevated so that the person sitting behind it would be at average eye level without needing to strain their necks. At each side of the table stood a guard with a spear in hand. Two clerks, four guards altogether for my lane. I figured that this way, if one clerk had trouble, the guards could resolve it quickly while the second clerk continued on as normal. The more I observed, the more I saw a practice of efficiency.

I wondered, though, what exactly these clerks do with each individual.

“Next!”

Looks like it’s time to find out.

I walked over to the the free clerk, nodding to the guards standing at the sides before turning my attention to the man at the table.

“Good day sir, identification please,” he politely stated.

...Uh oh.

“I do not have any good sir, I apologize for the inconvenience,” I responded without hesitation and in a clear voice.

The man frowned slightly and sighed, the guards looking slightly more alert and focused on me. I hoped this wouldn’t turn out badly.

“Any person entering the city without identification is subject to a fine of two gold coins, a full Scan, and is highly advised to acquire a form of identification before leaving. If said person leaves without obtaining identification and attempts to reenter, they will be subject to arrest and confinement for a period lasting no more than 14 days; upon release, they will be magically branded with the Rasenbur Mark, which will serve as proof of untrustworthiness until proper identification has been procured. Refusal or inability to pay the fine or submit to the full Scan at this time will directly lead to confinement of no less than 7 days and no more than 30 days, as well as the branding of the Rasenbur Mark upon release. You may obtain proper identification from the Adventurer’s Guild Hall or the City Hall at any point during your unconfined stay in Rasenbur. Do you understand all the proceedings as I have outlined them?” The clerk’s voice was cool and businesslike, completely uncompromising yet not disdainful in any way.

There was a lot to consider from his words, but it basically boiled down to: no ID, you’re in trouble. I took a moment to think through everything he said, then replied, “I understand everything. Where do I go to see about paying the fine?” I guessed that this would not be something he took care of personally, as it would be inefficient to hold up the line for every person who had to pay up.

Speaking of currency, I had to remind myself that two gold is a significant amount. It wasn’t obscene, but it would definitely hurt a lower class individual who had to spend it on a fine. I don’t know yet how the wealth is distributed in this country, but I do know that the currency goes as follows: 100 copper coins equals one silver, and 10 silver coins equals one gold. There are other denominations as well, but those are used by the government and large organizations, as far as I understood it. Copper, silver, and gold were all that mattered for common circulation.

It seems I was right about my guess as the man didn’t have me empty my pockets on the spot. The clerk nodded his appreciation at my cooperation and said, “The gentleman on my left will guide you where you need to go, for right now I need to conduct the full Scan. Do you agree to the use of my skill on your person?”

Ah, the lovely sound of consent. I could never get tired of it. “Yes, I agree, I will submit to the Scan.”

The clerk nodded to me again, then his gaze sharpened in focus as he activated his skill with a clear voice. “Scan!”

I felt a rather unpleasant sensation wash over me, as if someone was staring at my insides from every angle. The feeling vanished as shortly as it appeared, however, leaving me somewhat disoriented. No wonder they need to ask for consent…

I shook myself and met the eyes of the clerk, who I noticed was frowning more than before. That can’t be good.

“Sir, are you aware that binding an Inventory to yourself without approval by one of the main Guilds is an offense punishable by confinement term defined by a Guard Captain?” the clerk asked in a serious tone. The guards at the side were far more interested now, hands tightening on their spears.

Yeah, that’s definitely not good.

“No, good sir, I was not aware of that,” I told him. “I will submit myself to the punishment, however, since ignorance of the law is no excuse for breaking it.” I tried to be as cooperative and polite as possible, hoping that it will build these men’s respect and put me in better standing when I dealt with their superior.

The clerk looked at me a bit coldly, but did not say anything more. Maybe I saved myself from a stronger reaction because I did not argue? Whatever the case, I added yet another thing to figure out when I get the opportunity: why is it such a crime to have an unapproved Inventory?

The guard on the clerk’s right, receiving a gesture from the man, stepped forward and beckoned to me. “Follow me and don’t cause any trouble. It would not end well, I promise you.” He spoke without feeling, neither bragging or threatening. It really was...a promise.

I only nodded and followed him quietly.

About 15 minutes later I found myself sitting in a small locked room with only a single window set in the door.

Sigh. Not even one foot in a city and I’m already a criminal.