Chapter 99: 99:Back At The Beginner Village
The place looked almost exactly the same as the last time Reigns had left.
The only major difference was the larger number of guards patrolling along the walls and the additional Plant Shooters rooted at various positions.
Reigns had read and heard about zonal transfers countless times before, but this was the first time he had personally witnessed a massive city that had been transferred into their world.
Even he found it difficult to wrap his head around what stood before his eyes.
As the APC drew closer, the guards immediately became alert.
Several soldiers stepped forward and pointed their weapons at the approaching vehicle.
"Please identify yourself and state your reason for coming."
Hex calmly stepped out of the APC.
Cold winds brushed against his coat as he reached into his pocket and took out a Federation badge.
"I am a representative of the Human Association of this world. I wish to meet the City Lord and have a discussion. We mean no harm."
His voice was calm and steady.
Even without trying, Hex gave off a subtle pressure that made people instinctively take him seriously.
The guards exchanged glances.
One of them carefully scanned the group standing behind Hex.
Then his eyes suddenly landed on a familiar face.
"Hey... Isn’t that the boy who was with the City Lord?"
His words immediately attracted everyone’s attention.
Several guards turned toward Reigns.
A look of recognition flashed across their faces as they all looked at him.
Reigns awkwardly scratched his cheek under their gazes.
Hex noticed this and gave him an encouraging look.
Understanding the signal, Reigns stepped forward.
"It’s me... The City Lord had dealings with me before, and I assure you that we mean no harm."
The guards exchanged another round of glances.
"Please wait a moment."
They immediately began discussing the matter among themselves.
Several minutes passed.
Then...
CREEEAK...
The huge wooden gates slowly opened.
The sight immediately caught everyone’s attention.
"Start the engine... Move forward slowly!"
The APC slowly rumbled ahead.
Reigns blinked several times.
"Was this our destination all along?" Reigns asked in a stupor.
"Yes... Our task is to meet the City Lord."
Hex nodded calmly.
"And having a familiar face certainly helps."
"How did you even find this place?" Seon asked curiously.
"We have people for that."
Hex gave a short answer and didn’t elaborate further.
_____
Upon entering the city, the cohort was greeted by guards who quickly made way for them.
People gathered along both sides of the streets, peeking curiously at the APC.
For many of them, it was probably the first time seeing something so majestic.
The APC looked like a giant steel beast compared to the wooden carts and animals they were used to.
As it slowly rolled through the streets, countless eyes followed it.
Whispers soon began spreading among the crowd.
’Just what kind of monster entity is that?’
’It’s giving me chills.’
’That black color looks dreadful.’
’How can something so large move by itself?’
The whispers continued as the APC advanced deeper into the city.
Inside the vehicle, Reigns quietly looked outside through the window.
One familiar sight after another entered his view.
The stone paths.
The wooden houses.
The training grounds.
The bustling streets.
Everything felt strangely nostalgic.
He still remembered how the things here had once filled him with awe and respect.
Back then, even looking at the guards made him nervous.
The levels of the people living here had given him a sense of trepidation.
Every powerful individual seemed untouchable.
But now, all of that felt like a distant memory.
Reigns quietly watched the city pass by, lost in thought.
A faint smile slowly appeared on his face.
A lot had changed since then.
Soon, they arrived at the large field where the recruitment event had previously taken place.
Standing at the front of it, Reigns noticed a group of people waiting for them.
At the very front stood the white-haired elder.
The City Lord, Hisen Ulf Silverware, surrounded by his guards.
The moment Reigns looked at him, he was taken aback.
There were still question marks floating above the old man’s head instead of a number.
’What the heck!’
’This is insane... Is he a Tier 2 individual or something even higher?’
The APC slowly came to a stop before the group. Hex stepped down from the vehicle and walked toward Hisen, who greeted him with a warm smile on his face.
"Welcome, representatives of the other World. I hope the journey was pleasant."
"It wasn’t..." Hex replied.
Reigns and Duster almost stumbled upon hearing that reply. Seon and Gianna also looked at their captain in horror.
’Captain, you need to be a little more tactical for this.’
Hisen’s gaze remained on the man for a moment before a chuckle escaped his lips.
"You are a blunt guy. That’s good."
"I know you all want to talk about it, but after a long journey, I am sure you need some rest."
He then turned toward Reigns and gave him a warm smile.
"You have grown stronger, lad."
Reigns grinned and gave a small bow.
"Anyone would after going through a few unsavoury things."
"That’s the way of the world, kid... If you want to grow, you’re bound to face difficulties."
"Come in..."
With that, the group was led inside the mansion, where each of them was given a private room along with warm hospitality and excellent service.
Everyone immediately went to freshen up.
After not taking a bath for several days, anyone would feel salty and uncomfortable.
Warm water washed away the dirt, sweat, and exhaustion clinging to their bodies. Coupled with good food, it gave the group a rare moment of refreshment in their cumbersome lives.
For the first time in days, they could relax without having to constantly watch their surroundings or prepare for another battle.
Setting everything else aside, they decided to drown themselves in a little luxury.
Anything could happen in a single second, so one ought to enjoy those brief moments of rest without having second thoughts.
The soft beds, clean rooms, warm meals, and peaceful atmosphere felt almost unreal after everything they had gone through. For now, they chose not to think about dangers, missions, or the uncertain future.
They simply enjoyed the comfort while it lasted.
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