A few days later on their journey south, the once-quiet road began to bustle with more activity.
Lassim, who had just decided to take a break from meditating up until now, peered out from the carriage.
He noticed a considerable increase in travelers and merchants along the road, their faces lit up with excitement as they greeted each other as they passed.
"Hallen, there seems to be quite a crowd heading this way. What’s so special about the place up ahead?" Lassim asked, his eyes glancing across the diverse group of people merging onto their path.
Hallen, looked out alongside Lassim for a moment, smiled knowingly, the leaned back into his seat again. "Ah, we’re approaching Durelia Town. It’s quite famous, or infamous depending on who you ask. Based on the crowd, it’s most likely the crowd for the monthly martial tournaments. They attract a wide array of participants and spectators from all corners of the Aurora Kingdom.
It’s popular, I must say."
Lassim’s interest piqued, leaning forward eagerly. "Martial tournaments? So, like, is it a big free for all or duels or…? I’ve only ever seen the sparring matches we’ve had at the academy. We also had our trials where we battled monsters, but, how does that compare?"
"Well, Young Master, these tournaments are definitely a thrilling spectacle to behold.," Hallen explained, his eyes gleaming with the reflection of past events he had witnessed.
"Fighters from various stages of cultivation come to test their mettle, earn reputation, win contracts as private guards and of course, they also can receive prize money. What makes the city run, and so infamous, is that there is a strong culture of betting being involved. The sums are quite substantial, and the fighters earn a cut of the total profits.
This betting culture bleeds over and into the other aspects of the city. Personally, I think it’s a bit renegade on how they do things if you ask me. However, at least it lets new and also destitute cultivators have an easy way to generate a large sum of ESS quickly."
Lassim’s eyes lit up at the description. "That sounds incredible! I just advanced to Spirit Growth stage and haven’t met anyone else in this stage either. Do you know if there be other Spirit Growth stage spirit warriors? I think, if I can watch others, it might show me how well I might compare. Plus, the whole tournament idea sounds like an exhilarating experience!"
Hallen chuckled, nodding in agreement. "Indeed, it is quite the event, full of excitement and unpredictability. Yes, there should be others in your same cultivation stage trying their luck. But, Young Master, there’s more to Durelia than just the tournaments. Like I mentioned, the town thrives on this culture of betting and gambling.
It makes every match a high-stakes game, not just for the fighters, but for the audience as well. There are a lot of folks with gambling addictions that try and get lucky during this time. Some, are very desperate people, so watch your magic pouch and firmly keep it secured at all times." He paused, taking a breath as he double checked the firm tension that tied his own magic pouch to his belt.
"Also, the town has many other betting arenas for other games of chance as well. Folks can bet on anything in the city. All gambling is allowed. It’s best if you don’t wander into any of those gambling dens while we’re here, Young Master. Just accompany me and we’ll have a solid time." He patted his chest as he finished explaining to Lassim.
The thought of such a city where gambling and risk taking was an integral part of the culture made Lassim both nervous and curious. "It must be intense, living in a place where so much can be decided by luck."
"Certainly," Hallen replied, his expression turning a tad somber. "It’s a town of highs and lows, but that is the very nature that adds to its allure and draws in crowds from across the region. You’ll see soon enough, Young Master. Durelia Town is quite the experience, for better or worse."
As the caravan rolled into Durelia Town, the atmosphere shifted palpably. Even at the gates, it seemed like your entrance into the city relied on a lottery chance.
Hallen ordered one of the other Rohese company employees, someone he thought was typically lucky when they traveled together, to pull a stick from the city guard’s cup. Thankfully the bottom of the stick was colored red, which meant they had a 10% discount on the ESS required to enter the city.
Others seeking entry into the city might pull a stick with a black bottom and be ordered to pay double the usual entry fee.
The city itself had arranged it so the cup held more red sticks than blacks, but they used this as a tool to really set the tone for newcomers on what exactly this city was about.
Though, as a deep secret some thought might be a conspiracy, some days when the Mayor needed extra funds, they might easily add more black sticks without being questioned; blaming it all on luck.
After paying the entry fee, the streets opened up, lively and vibrant.
Lassim saw that they were lined with people of all ages engaging in various forms of gambling.
It was like a big outdoor casino with the tournament’s draw of crowds forcing all the dealers of the city to try and earn some ESS while it was busy.
He could see everything from seasoned bettors placing large wagers to children running small stakes games. The spirit of risk and reward permeated the atmosphere.
Lassim, absorbing the scene from the carriage, turned to Hallen with a furrowed brow. "This place is... certainly different. You weren’t joking at all. Gambling seems to be a way of life here."
Hallen nodded, watching as the caravan was guiding the carriages through the bustling streets. "Yes, Durelia is unique in that regard. The town’s economy and culture are heavily influenced by the tournaments and the gambling that accompanies them. It’s just like you saw at the gates with the guards. It’s a significant source of income for many of the residents. The mayor heavily encourages it as well.
There will be many other opportunities for us to gamble our way through the city later on."
Lassim’s gaze drifted over the townspeople, noting the stark contrasts in their fortunes.
Some wore lavish clothing and flashy jewelry, possibly indicative of recent wins or being lucky.
While others wore a look of desperation, their faces etched with the hard lines of loss and regret.
Lassim observed, a hint of disapproval in his voice. "Doesn’t this culture of gambling on everything lead to problems? It looks like not everyone is doing well. Shouldn’t we be focusing our time and effort on defeating the Dragal?"
Hallen sighed, watching the carriage maneuvering past a particularly rowdy group cheering over a dice game. "Indeed, Young Master. While many thrive and revel in the wealth brought by good luck and using strategy in their betting, others fall into despair due to bad decisions or sheer misfortune.
The town does have systems in place to help those who’ve lost their way to gambling, like addiction support centers and food assistance programs, but not everyone seeks or accepts the help. I agree with you that there is the ever looming threat of the Dragal, but remember young master, you’re only 8 and a half years old right now.
Most of these folks are hundreds or even thousands of years older than you. That means that they’ve also been safe enough for that time, without any significant invasion by the Dragal. People have more immediate needs they worry about. I know you just experienced an invasion, but that’s certainly not the norm."
For some strange reason, Lassim felt like the lightning mana particles in the air felt a bit enraged. They gave a feeling like they were disgusted.
Zaphy sent a mental thought, "Brother, I don’t feel so well."
"Yeah, me too. Don’t worry Zaphy, that guy up there is just a bit annoyed. Hey, knock it off! You’re grossing us out." Lassim replied as the feeling disappeared after his admonishment.
As they passed through a less affluent part of town, where crowds were a bit sparser, Lassim’s eyes caught sight of individuals who seemed to have lost everything, their expressions hollow as they watched the caravan pass.
A pang of empathy struck him, "I feel for them," Lassim said softly, his previous excitement dampened by the reality of the town’s darker side.
"It must be hard living in a place where your next meal might depend on the roll of a die or the outcome of a fight."
Hallen glanced at Lassim, noting his concern. "It’s a harsh reality, but many here accept it as part of life. The thrill of the gamble, the chance to turn one’s fortune around with a single victory, it’s intoxicating for many.
But, like I said earlier, for those who are truly down on their luck, the town guards and local sects occasionally offer work or assistance to get them a chance to get back on their feet. It’s a cycle, one that keeps Durelia Town alive and buzzing with energy, for better or worse. You don’t have to stress yourself too much, Young Master."
Lassim silently reflecting on the city’s seemingly extreme culture.
The anticipation of witnessing the famed martial tournament was a bit dampened by the somber mood enveloping his thoughts.
As the caravan wove through the bustling streets of Durelia Town, Hallen leaned out of the carriage and flagged down a passerby, a middle-aged man with the look of a seasoned gambler.
"Excuse me, friend!" Hallen called out, catching the man’s attention. "Could you tell us when the next martial tournament is scheduled to start?"
The man, eyeing the luxurious caravan curiously, nodded enthusiastically. "Oh, the tournament? Starts tomorrow morning, it does. The whole town’s buzzin’ about it. Should be a grand spectacle!"
Hallen thanked the man, flipping him a mid-grade Elemental Spirit Stone (ESS) as a token of gratitude, which the man caught with a delighted grin.
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Turning back to Lassim, Hallen’s expression was thoughtful. "Young Master, we have a bit of leeway in our schedule. The next small project on our journey south is in Triton City, but it isn’t scheduled to start for a few days. Would you like to stay and watch the tournament’s opening rounds tomorrow? It could be an interesting experience and a chance to see some more skilled cultivators in action."
Lassim’s eyes lit up at the suggestion. "That sounds fantastic! I could learn a lot."
Pleased with Lassim’s enthusiasm, Hallen nodded and then leaned out of the carriage window, shouting directions to the caravan leader. "Change of plans! We’re heading to the Golden Goblet Inn for the night. It’s time for the Young Master to enjoy some of Durelia’s famed entertainment!"
The caravan’s guards roared back in excitement, eager to enjoy the bit of relaxation that staying in the city would provide. The members of the crew seemed a bit overly excited at hearing that Inn’s name especially.
They adjusted their course, heading towards the mentioned inn down a different set of opulent streets that had less street gamblers and more elegant business fronts.
As they approached, Lassim could see that the Golden Goblet was no ordinary inn or tavern. No, it was massive.
Its sprawling structure and grand design was complete with ornate balconies and a bustling entrance with six men and four women standing by, maids and butlers, ready to assist every carriage that approached.
It was more akin to a luxurious mansion. It was known by many for accommodating wealthier visitors and those coming to Durelia for the tournaments.
The caravan pulled up to the inn’s entrance, where attendants quickly came forward to assist with the luggage and stable the creatures. The butler at the front eagerly greeted and waited on Hallen as he recognized the head of one of the branches of the Rohese family’s Architecture Company.
Hallen and Lassim were led inside, where the interior proved to be just as impressive as the exterior.
The lobby was a large, open space with high ceilings, adorned with chandeliers and tapestries depicting scenes of past tournaments and Durelia’s history with the portraits and statues of mayors and prominent figures interspersed throughout the design of the space.
There was also a restaurant adjacent to the lobby where the clang of glasses clinking together and boisterous conversation roared out. A band was playing a nice soothing piece to infect the atmosphere even more with a lively mood.
Lassim, taking in the sights and sounds of the lively inn, felt a surge of excitement for tomorrow’s events.
He was excited to eat at the restaurant and make full use of the opportunity to witness a martial tournament firsthand.
This stop on his trip promised to be a highlight of his journey in getting to know the Aurora Kingdom, his homeland as the son of one of its Marquis’, better.