Chapter has been re-written. Note at the end.

Four days has passed since Ryu and co departed from base. The journey was exploration and learning every step of the way. The first day was entire spent pacing themselves through the roughed terrain around the base. The roots of the enormous tress, uneven ground and copious moss. The terrain delayed the mobility of the wagons as they had to make several adjustments, arrangements and detours.

The first point of the group had been to make their way to the nearest point of the path between Ishbaala and the Human territories outside the forest. The point had been roughly 60 kilometers southeast from the base, in the 4.30 position. It took them until afternoon the next day before they arrived at the point.

The area near the path was less dense with thicker and widely spaced trees, even dirt grounds, a clean trek, scare moss. It had the signs of care and management as the cobblestone path was clear and undamaged. The path was wide enough for seven people to walk along in side by side with further open space between the edge of the cobble path and the trees. The trees seemed almost evenly space as the clearing for the path was also fairly wide. The trees 2 times thicker than the ones around the base. It would take atleast 20 of them to surround any one of the trees near the path.

After arriving on to the path the group rested for lunch, before departing direct east along it. Their destination was the first border outpost that controls the inward traffic from Human Territory to Ishbaala. The original plan was for them to take a day to arrive onto the path and three more to arrive at the outpost. A total of four days had been anticipated for the first trek of the journey.

Though behind schedule, the group was in no hurry as they had no schedule to keep. They carefully observed the path marking locations and geography as they made their way. Their rudimentary map was slowing having more features and notes added on to it.

Thanks to the cobblestone path, the group was able to successfully arrive at the outpost within two and half days later. They were able to make time due to ease of travel made possible from the maintained path.

Arriving in the outer vicinity of the outpost, the group was amazed from the breathtaking scenery and scape. In the last several hundred meters of the path leading to the outpost, fireflies and mysterious glowing lights had created a fantasy like environment that lit up the area adding a sense of tranquil profoundness and clam. The closer the group arrived, the wider the clearing became. Still covered under the thicket of the giant tree branches above, a closed meadow appeared before the group. The size was roughly just as large as the meadow Ryu had first arrive at. However, in the middle of this vast space, a single ginormous tree. This was simply the largest of the trees they had seen. With several hundred meters of distance from the edge of the meadow to the center, the tree that looked as large if not larger than the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. Its branches towered over the entire meadow and even above the surrounding trees. At its base was, what was presumed to be the first outpost point. Though calling it such would be an understatement.

At the base of the tree was what one would generally call a fortress. A citadel fortress, built upon layers and heavily fortified, it gave onlookers the impression of power, strength and scale. Built into two layers, fortress was one-tenth the scale of the base perimeter that Ryu had established, yet it was built upon so many layers that it had reached half the height of the tree trunk. This could easily be over 50 floors. The center of the fort was the citadel like structure that stood imposingly. As for the out section, it looked to be fairly densely constructed with an out that encompasses the entirety of lower levels. The walls looked to be as tall as 8 meters and the gate houses looked to be as large as the Arch de Triumph of France.

Though a fortress in its existence, the architecture was very elegant even at the distance. Observing from a far, Ryu could make out parts similar to his perceived expectation of elven architecture from the structure. The parts of elegance and décor along the towers, archways and side passage that could be observed from a far were numerous. That said, these in no way diminished the imposing feeling the structure portrayed.

Arriving infront of the main gate, Ryu and co arranged themselves behind a short line of merchants and their escorts that were being and waiting to be processed by the soldiers guarding the gate to enter. The line had four groups infront of Ryu excluding the one being processed at that moment. Each group had roughly two to three dozen people with more than half of the group being adventurers and escorts. It was unclear if the amount in normal for a day or a longer period, however the amount of cargo and scale of parties per each of the groups infront of them gave Ryu a sense of prosperity and flourishing trade between humans and elves. However, Ryu quickly shut the notion down as he recalled not to have biased first impression from observations, an order he gave to the group travelling with him.

The group slowly waited at the back as roughly half an hour passed before their turn had come to be processed by the gate guards. Maintaining and outwardly calm, Ryu observed the armor fittings of the elven guards with great fervor and euphoria in his mind. The guards were in shining, spotless body armor and helmets that were decorated with golden leaves and a short green cape to their back, the soldiers were position a pair on each side of the gate that was as wide as the path. They each held halberds in one hand and a curved sword on their belts.

[Sir. Welcome to the Noven Border post of Ishbaala. May I inquire if you’re here on official business or trade?]

One of the gate guards greeted Ryu as he spoke.

Slightly startled by the fluent speech of Hyuman language by the elf and his use of polite language, Ryu replied a beat late.

[Hello. We are a group of adventurers and merchants here for possible trade. I am unsure on the permits and entry requirements as this is our first time coming to Ishbaala. Could you possibly help advise us?]

Ryu replied back politely to the guard. He could not help wonder on the change of tone of the guard compared to the interaction between them and the previous merchant groups.

[I see. If this is your first time coming for trade into Ishbaala, please take this token and head to the Central Office. Past the gate, head down the main path until you reach a large plaza. It is the largest of the buildings that is visible in the main plaza. The staff there can assist you. You will need a permit to travel further inside ad also clarify any further information from them]

The soldier replied as he extended a cyan colored tablet the size of a smartphone to Ryu.

Ryu accepted the tablet as he thanked the soldiers and entered past the gate. Examining the tablet, Ryu discovered that it was as thick as note book and was not heavy and rather light. The tablet also had carvings engraved. On the front was the figure of a soldier with a spear, a leave-less tree and stars overhead. The design was simple but beautiful. The craftsmanship was appreciable considering the intricate details of the soldier’s armor that replicated the same as the soldiers guarding the gate. Also the starry sky over the tree was also made unordinary. The backside of the tablet had a weaved pattern made of various shapes and item such as maple leaves, diamonds, swords and a shield. The tablet in total was a work of exquisite craftsmanship and had signs of careful maintenance.

The group after entering past the gate followed as instructed along the main path as they walked further inside the outpost. There was a slow elevation in the direction they walked as they notices the increasing hustle and bustle on the street.

Lined on either side of the roads were various stalls and eateries as they saw many different races. Other than hyumans and elves, they also saw hobbit like and beast-man like races. Each of their observations increased the acceptance of the surreal-ness of the other world.

Not too long after, the group arrived at the plaza. The area was fairly wide as it laid right at the doorstep of a massive double doors that lead into the fortress built onto the trees. The doors were colored ash black, standing almost as tall at the gatehouse of the outer wall.

[Over there. I think that is the Central Office building]

While Ryu was lost observing the architecture, Hitomi called Ryu out of his trance. Ryu looked in the direction she was pointing towards to find a four story building. It was a standalone and elegantly decorated building, the hallmarks of an official building. Those around it was fairly simple and shorter with mostly two floors. The group walked towards the identified building with their wagons in tow.

Now, you would wonder why she was here. It was in the days leading up to the expedition, that Hitomi made constant appeals to Ryu to allow her to join the expedition. Though he was adamant in ignoring her, she pestering for several days wore him out. Also, Kuroz also made a request of Ryu to take her after he too could not help but feel overwhelmed. Only Tolle had maintained his stern refusal. With her wearing down Ryu and Kuroz, she was able to force herself to be part of the expedition group. She was part of the sword battalion’s participating group.

After arriving at the building, Ryu had the shields and swords group wait outside with the horses and wagons as he led the rest inside.

Heading inside, they entered a massive hall. It was possibly as large as a football pitch with massive windows along the main entrance wall. The sides had several column arches with lounging seats. To large chandelier like objects were hanging from the ceiling emanating light that illuminated the hall. They were no candles, however Ryu could not identify what they exactly were either. The middle of the hall was open space that had a large, laid out carpet. At the very back of the hall was four counters with a receptionist manning each.

Ryu unhurriedly made his way to counters. He arrived at the right most counter that was manned by a female elf.

[Welcome to Central. My name is Yilin. How may I be of service?]

The female elf called Yilin replied professionally. It is important to note that elves that Ryu had seen in the fortress all match the stereotypical description of elves made in the movies and films of earth. With long pointy ears, long hair, slender and tall. Yilin also matched with this description. Though her figure was undiscernible from the uniform of the receptionist, she had the refreshing aura around her.

[Hello. My name is Ryu. I was told to come to the center and present this token to you and request your assistance]

Ryu replied courteously to Yilin as he passed her the token he had received by the gate.

Receiving the cyan colored token, Yilin placed her hand on top of the token. In what was almost an instant, she put the token away as she smiled back to Ryu and continued.

[Dear Sirs. I believe this is the first time you have travelled to Ishbaala. How may I help you?]

After seemingly having verified authenticity, Yilin professionally approached to inquire the purpose of Ryu’s group.

[Yes, this is our first time to Ishbaala. We would like to clarify several things from you, mostly for a basic introduction on Ishbaala, rules, passes and others relative]

Ryu calmly replied back to Yilin, maintaining his courtesy.

Taking a moment to ponder. Yiling dropped down under her counter as she rummages through what was stored under it. After a few breaths of time, she stood back up with two books in hand. One was fairly thick like an encyclopedia while the other was the size of small note book.

[These are two books that will provide basic introduction to Ishbaala, its rules and customs. There is also information about trade and commerce within the kingdom, for your reference. The books will cost you 50 rimits each]

Yilin offered the books for Ryu to purchase and self-study.

Smiling wryly while lightly scratching his cheek, Ryu leaned onto the counter as he spoke in a low voice to Yilin.

[Ms. Yilin, this is difficult to ask, but we are slightly troubled to have to go over the information by ourselves. Additionally, we have some circumstance that we will clarify to you, but not at the counter. We would appreciate if you could give us an easy walk-through of information privately. As for the books, we first want to exchange some of our cargo to purchase them]

Ryu spoke humbly as he gave a soft, defeated gaze to Yilin.

Startled, Yilin gave Ryu and co a disbelieving look. She then gave a quick glance towards the other counter staff before replying just as softly to Ryu.

[Mr. Ryu, would perhaps be in some sort of trouble? Our country does not offer protection for fugitives]

Yilin stated.

Ryu was dumbfounded by what Yilin had mistakenly surmised. He couldn’t help but look at her flabbergasted and wide eyed.

At then someone else spoke up.

[Ms. Yilin. That is an incorrect notion. We are not fugitives or anything remotely close. We assure you that, though we are troubled, the situation is not as remotely close to such a thing]

Tolle spoke up from behind Ryu. Giving a slight smile, he stepped closer to the counter as he spoke just as softly as to be not overheard.

Yilin have a looked startled and immediately embarrassed as she slowly turned red at the ears. She couldn’t help berating herself for the grave miscomprehension she had made. Giving a light bow, she picked up the books and moved the group to a side lounge. Recommending everyone to sit, she asked some of the group to bring other sofas and chairs closer to sit around. However, other than Ryu, Tolle and Hitomi others remained standing.

Tolle, lightly told Yilin not to mind as he encouraged her to begin.

Collecting herself, she placed the books on to a side as she seated herself closer to Ryu in a separate seat.

[Now to begin again, my name is Yilin and I am an information receptionist of Central. Central is the official main information and handling center in the Kingdom of Ishbaala and is a public service center. We are present in every town and outpost in the kingdom and therein provide unparalleled support within the kingdom.

As for the kingdom, this is the Forest Kingdom of Ishbaala, built, ruled and protected by the Forest Elves of Moore. Ishbaala was founded 3,000 years ago by the founding king, his majesty Rudome Hainz Ishbaala. It has been consecutively ruled by his descendants, to the current king, Komenz-sama. He is the 69th king of Ishbaala.

As you may know, Ishbaala is referred to as the frontier kingdom and a military elven state. This is because of our extremely close proximity to the Dungeon of Glaze that is to the north of the country. There is less than 400 meng between the northern border and the boundary of the dungeon. I will explain ‘meng’ and other denotations later.

Our country was forged through blood and the fires of wars, surviving through several calamities emerging from the dungeons. All our experience has been bitter; however, it has helped forge a powerful country.

The country is made up of 56 provinces, which are divided between the various nobility and the king. Though not an official census, it is calculated that our country has a population little over 200 million elves, not including other races that reside in our country. By this scale we can be considered a peak middle size nation if among the human nations. However, if we include the other races we would be over 250 million citizens making us an initial large nation. The elven archers of Ishbaala are the strongest among the profession, excelling as hunters and adventurers…]

Yilin carefully introduced about Ishbaala to Ryu and co. Ryu, with the assistance of AI committed the information to mind as he listened intently. The history, scale, power and experiences were information not included in the guide. The information Yilin spoke, helped Ryu assemble chunks of an image regarding Ishbaala and the Moore’s region as well as about human nations.

After speaking for almost an hour about the history, composition and strength of the country in general, Yilin took a break to drink some water before she moved to basic internal knowledge.

[Moving on to internal practices ad common knowledge, in Ishbaala, we use Rimitz with the (₺) symbol denoting currency as the main coin and as our country’s lowest denominator. It is made of copper and is the general use currency. This is further supplemented with the use of coins of precious metals in exchanges for more expensive items.

1 Small (₺) coin – lowest denominator

1 Large (₺) coin = 10 (₺)

1 Silver coin = 100 large (₺) / 1,000 (₺) – thousand

1 Jade coin = 100 silver / 100,000 (₺) – hundred thousand

1 Gold coin = 10 jade / 1,000,000 (₺) – million

1 Platinum coin = 100 gold / 100,000,000 (₺) – hundred million

1 Obsidian coin = 10 platinum / 1,000,000,000 (₺) - billion

From these, Jade and Gold are used by merchants and mages for important transactions frequently. Platinum and Obsidian are used by the country, royalty and nobility and mostly in rare cases.

Other materials and items will need to be evaluated and appraised by the appropriate professional to be set a price. It is important that each nation treats precious metals in various degrees of importance based on availability]

The Yilin explained with a chart in the encyclopedia, depicting the evolution of values and currency.

[As for other standards to remember are;

Length: 1 Meng > 1,000 Kon > 100,000 Nos. The sofa is 1 Kon.

Weight: 1 Rye > 1,000 Joul > 100, 000 Ziq. A human on average weighs 50 Joul.

A water canteen costs 5 ₺, and a meal costs 10 ₺. A household normally spends 10 silver in a year]

Yilin explained the various standards. Comparing to the knowledge of earth, the scale of each measure measured relatively. Length progressed from Kilometer to Meter to Centimeter. Therein meaning that the sofa was a meter long. Weight was also relatively simple, with the standards being equal to Tons, Kilogram and Gram.

Stopping here, Yilin took another break as she collected her breath and drank more water. Taking a moment to look at the contemplating Ryu, the vigilant Tolle and the smiling Hitomi, Yiling decided to place her first question to the trio.

[After explaining here, I would like to inquire of Mr Ryu. Who are you all? And what is your circumstance? Though this is a little direct, however I need to clarify in order to properly assist]

Yilin gave an apologetic look and slight bow as she spoke.

Ryu returned a wry smile as he let loose a small sigh. Sitting upright on the sofa, Ryu gave a deep gaze to Yilin.

[Ms. Yilin, to first explain, I must ask you, what do you see us as?]

Ryu first proposed a question to Yilin’s query.

Taking a moment to take a look around the group, Yilin observes each person carefully before returning to look at Ryu.

[From what I can observe, you should be prominent people on an official visit. However, this does not match with that we had spoken previously nor your approach to matters. Please clarify for me clearly, who are you?]

She spoke solemnly and clearly to Ryu, not averting her gaze.

The trio gave her a small smile, with Ryu replying.

[As you can now understand, we are not officials. I do not understand why we have been mistaken so.

Ms. Yilin, honestly we are from a reclusive people here in Moore’s forest. However, compelling circumstances have forced us to come here. To tell you honestly Ms Yilin, we are refugees.

Our home was recently attacked very viciously form a monster horde. We have lost everything. The horde was enormous. We who have lived reclusively for generations, who had already experienced disasters were annihilated from the horde this time. We have lost all of our families. Those here and others waiting outside are all that survived.

We are here in order to regroup. To survive. That said, we are not here to ask citizenship. Taking out time, we have consulted amongst us and choose to become adventurers and traders. We wish to explore the outside world, to gain knowledge and after our journey’s try to rebuild a home for ourselves again]

Ryu spoke, heartbroken as he gave a strained smile and let loose a tear. He emanated an aura of victimization, causing Yilin to unconsciously try to reach out to him. His words pulled on her heartstrings as she gave another look around. This time, she saw the people sympathetically. The loss of loved ones, was a pain that was too hard to overcome and yet those in the group maintained a tough front in front of her. She could not have known that all of this was a lie. The story was an agreed and rehearsed piece among all of them. Ryu, used his small acting skills to deceive the naïve Yilin in order to win themselves space and assistance more easily. To make it as believable as possible, Tolle and Hitomi also looked down as to not show their faces to Yilin. While Hitomi could hide behind her bangs, Tolle had a crimpled face portraying anguish. The soldiers maintained a resolute look as those with conviction.

Yilin, choosing not to explore further on the emotional scars, gave a small apology and a deep bow. She moved on to ask on how she may help them in their pursuit.

[Well, as you have spoken, you can register as an adventurer without becoming citizens of a country. This is a way for wanderers to remain unaffiliated to any nation. Though the world does not have a unified guild, guild cards are accepted everywhere. As for becoming traders and merchants, that is not possible without becoming a citizen of a nation. However, this can be pursued as adventurers as well, since adventurers travel frequently and unrestrained.

Since you are here as refugees, you must not have the cash required. Everything involves a price, including registering for the guild. What do you intend to do for some starting funds?]

Yilin spoke as she noticed the road block.

Ryu gave another small smile as she replied.

[Ms. Yilin, I wonder if Central may purchase some of the items we have on hand, in order for us to raise the funds]

[You want to sell mementos and the like?]

[No. The things we are looking to trade are monster parts that we harvested from those that we killed]

[Ah! I see. Please show them to be so that I may appraise them. As mentioned previously an appraiser can only value items. All staff of Central are trained to appraise items]

With Ryu having clarified, Yilin spoke with relief beckoning him to bring out the items.

With Yilin’s affirmation, Ryu signaled one of the solders to go to the wagon outside and bring in a crate. After a few breaths the soldier returned, with one of the smaller crates from the wagon. This was also as planed as Ryu had already plans not to sell too much first as to observe the valuation rates.

When the crate was present infront of Yilin, the soldier quickly removed the top allowing Yilin to look and rummage inside. When the top was removed, Yilin couldn’t help but furrow her brows. She stretched her hands into the crate to withdraw one of the items. She withdrew a horn, one of two in the crate. As she examined the horn, her eyes slowly widen. She then placed it on the side as she withdrew another item. This time she had drawn a paw with claws. This time she was utterly flabbergasted as she gave Ryu a shocked look.

Noticing the flurry of emotions and expression from Yilin, Ryu, Tolle and Hitomi couldn’t help but feel puzzled.

[Is something the matter Ms. Yilin?]

Ryu quietly asked.

[Un… Not a problem. However, for these items, did you say you harvested form the hoard?]

[Yes. We harvested these from the defeated monsters]

[So that means, you had killed them?]

[Yes. Precisely]

[Umm… Can I ask what your levels are?]

[That is a little difficult. As we explained before, we are from a reclusive village, we do not have any things to know the details of our levels and strengths. Is there some difficulty?]

Ryu, replied to Yilin looking troubled. He did so because from the guide, he had understood that each nation and guilds had their own recording system for such information as part of their identifications. Though he could answer for himself, he could not for the soldiers. In order to be uniform, he chose to reply as such.

[Ah! Sorry, I had forgotten about that. Well, let me explain. First the items you have brought are a bit... say unique. These are possible from rare monsters. I was under the impression of beasts and not precisely monsters. What you have brought is roughly what is considered B rank and above monsters. A little roe serious than I can handle. Therein, can you give me a moment, I will head inside to speak to out manager and clarify]

Yilin spoke flustered as she had forgotten about Ryu’s introduction. She explained the difficulty and her misunderstanding again of the situation. Excusing herself, she walked towards a door behind the counter as she went inside to supposedly speak with her manager.

In this last exchange, Ryu couldn’t help but feel truly troubled. He had not expected such an escalating situation. That said he could not withdraw, as they needed to establish some contact and gain some funds for their journey forward. They also yet had to get a pass before they could continue and was only possible to attain one form Central. Feeling restless he gazed towards Tolle and Hitomi.

Noticing Ryu’s nervousness, Tolle gave him a gentle smile.

[I do not think there is anything to be worried about. If things become serious, we will ensure to get you to safety]

Tolle spoke to reassure Ryu.

Hitomi also spoke up to express her opinion.

[Commander, please do not worry. If things become too annoying, we only need to take control by force]

She spoke exaggeratedly as she gave a fierce look at the door which Yilin left into.

Where Tolle’s words offered some calm but much embarrassment, Hitomi’s words were more concerning and foreboding.

[Though both of you want to reassure, please try to retain sensibility. We will try to resolve things as much as possible and I hope neither of you overreact. I would appreciate it if you would just help remove me from any stupor. And Hitomi, I hope you did not forget that we are pretty much under a fortress. We cannot create too much of a disturbance under any circumstance unless facing imminent threat. Don’t be so boorish with your words or actions. Also, do not call me commander, here call me leader]

Ryu lightly berated Tolle and Hitomi, and more Hitomi than Tolle. Over the course of the past several days, Ryu had come to learn that Hitomi was very much an ambitious brute. She always had a confrontation first approach. Maybe her position in an aggressive battalion played part to her character in the summoning. This gave Ryu several headaches during their trainings back at base and the primary reason to why he did not want to bring her at first. However, she was persistent and unyielding. She had won her way into the expedition.

Resting back on the sofa, Ryu pondered on what he had previously learned from Hitomi. The existence of monster tribes, beasts, the human nations, other eleven nations, resources and arts. He was particularly interested in magic and sorcery that was second best practiced in Ishbaala after archery.

Ryu was still unskilled any weapon, he could hold himself with a simple short sword and carbine. She had bene trying to get the swordsmanship skill in order to use the sword he had received when he arrived in the world. From the soldiers who had trained the same time as Ryu, many had already started getting better at it than Ryu who was still notice. He could not comprehend why he could use a short sword but couldn’t use a larger sword. Because his weapon skills were hampered, he decided to search for opportunities to learn magic and sorcery in Ishbaala.

Magic, was the use of the elements and various powers with aria or chant less, using mana. Sorcery involved the use of magic circles or medium in their casting and use. The difference between them being that sorcery needed mediums for invocation. They were the major forms of magic systems used by elves and dwarves.

Other than these two, there was also druid magic and djinn magic. Druid magic, involved the use of nature spirits in their invocation. They needed people to be fairly connected with nature and able to converse with the spirits. Though on the smaller side, they were still sizeable. Lastly is djinn magic that use summon of magic spirits and creatures to invoke powers. Unlike druid magic, djinn magic involved the manifestation of a spirit or creature matching the requirements of the summoner. Druid magic made use of already existing spirits in nature. These two were two opposing magic systems.

As Ryu continued to ponder, little more than half an hour passed. Just as Hitomi was getting impatient and was about to leave her seat, the chime of the door being opened sounded. Garnering everyone’s attention, they all gazed at the door behind the counter.

They saw a nervous Yilin returning, her pace quite fast as she arrived to stand infront of Ryu.

[My apologies for being late. I have spoken with the manager. He has asked to meet with you. Are you willing?]

Yilin spoke hurriedly. Ryu, Tolle and Hitomi who were still seated, could see the beads of sweat on Yilins forehead as she bowed deeply after speaking.

The situation had unraveled with Ryu feeling unrelieved and ever increasingly worried. As He held a wry smile looking at the deeply bowed Yilin.

Author's Note:

Dear Readers,

I do apologize for re-writing this chapter. Ever since I had put up the initial chapter, I have been having a lot of trouble connecting the next stages. After spending days reviewing and editing, I have completely rewritten the chapter.

I hope the new chapter finds better with all the readers. I am motivated due to the readers feedback and view count. I hope to have your comments and advise going forward. Also if you notice any issues with my grammar, punctuation or questions about the plot lines, please do comment or write out a feedback. I will try to reply to them, and not spoil upcoming chapters.

Best Regards