Chapter 81 City OF Eldoria
As David effortlessly dispatched the bandits and assassins who had dared to threaten him, a sense of accomplishment coursed through his veins. With the adversaries defeated, the trio consisting of David, Luna, and the horse cart puller resumed their journey towards the illustrious City of Eldoria.
Days passed with intermittent breaks along the way, their destination drawing ever closer. As they traveled, the sprawling expanse of Eldoria\'s cityscape gradually emerged on the horizon.
David, seated comfortably within the cart, gazed out of the window, his eyes fixed on the approaching city. The mud road beneath them gave way to a clearer path, revealing the city\'s grandeur in all its glory.
The sight that unfolded before David\'s eyes was unlike anything he had witnessed in the modern world. A magnificent castle perched atop a towering mountain dominated the skyline, its presence visible from even the entrance of the city.
The road inclined gently upward, leading to the main gate situated at the base of the mountain. From that vantage point, the city unfolded, with buildings of various sizes and architectural designs stretching into the distance.
As they neared the entrance, David\'s anticipation grew. The two guards stationed at the gate halted their progress, initiating the customary identity verification process. David presented the documents they required, a marked difference from his first encounter with the city.
This time, armed with his adventurer\'s license, he and his companions were swiftly granted entry. The hurdles he had faced before, including the need for Luna to pay a fee due to his lack of verification, were now a thing of the past. The gate security recognized his status and allowed him passage without delay.
With a renewed sense of excitement, David crossed the threshold into the City of Eldoria. The atmosphere buzzed with vibrant energy as merchants and adventurers went about their business. The streets bustled with life, showcasing the diverse and eclectic nature of this renowned city.
As David and Luna ventured deeper into the bustling streets of the City of Eldoria, David made sure to compensate the cart puller for his services. Adding a generous sum of extra gold coins as a token of appreciation, David\'s empathetic nature led him to consider the toils the cart puller had endured during their encounter with the bandits and assassins.
Though he had emerged victorious, David couldn\'t help but feel a pang of sympathy for the cart puller as he had to go through horrifying scenes on the way. Acknowledging his own wealth and the impact even a small amount could have on someone less fortunate, David deemed it a worthwhile gesture.
With a final farewell to the cart puller, David and Luna found themselves standing amidst the city\'s vibrant streets, still unfamiliar with their surroundings. Hunger gnawed at their bellies, prompting Luna to softly remind David of their need for nourishment.
"Master, I am hungry" Luna spoke as her stomach gurgled.
Having traveled for several days, even with provisions procured along the way, the tantalizing aromas of diverse cuisine in this new world only heightened their appetite.
"Oka, Lets go" David nodded in agreement, tempted to eat local cuisines from the city.
As they meandered through the streets, the lively atmosphere enveloped them. Shops of various kinds lined the bustling thoroughfares, offering an array of wares and services to the city\'s denizens.
From lodges to medicine dispensaries, weapon emporiums to clothing boutiques, and even food vendors stationed at every corner, the city presented a vast amount of choices.
Amidst the bustling streets, a captivating aroma wafted through the air, beckoning David\'s senses. Intrigued by the scent, he traced its origin until he stumbled upon a modest yet inviting eatery.
The tiny shop, tucked away in a corner, emanated an irresistible aroma of freshly cooked pork stew and cutlets. The tantalizing scent whetted their appetites, leaving them with no choice but to surrender to the allure.
Entering the shop, they found a cozy atmosphere and a modest seating arrangement. The fragrant steam rising from the bowls of stew and the sizzling sound of cutlets on the grill ignited their anticipation. David and Luna sat down, eager to sate their hunger with a warm and hearty meal.
Their hunger gradually subsided as they savored the delectable feast. In this moment, surrounded by the bustling city and relishing the local cuisine, David felt a sense of belonging and excitement.
With their hunger satiated, David and Luna pondered their next course of action. They had four days remaining before the highly anticipated auction, leaving ample time to explore the City of Eldoria.
David turned to Luna and suggested, "Shall we take a tour of the city?"
"Yes Master"
Luna\'s eyes sparkled with excitement as she eagerly agreed. Although she had visited the city once before as a young girl, she retained no memories of the experience. This was her chance to truly immerse herself in the vibrant surroundings.
Setting foot on the bustling streets, David and Luna embarked on their city exploration. They took their time, meandering through the lively thoroughfares, taking in the sights and sounds that surrounded them. The city revealed itself in all its splendor, showcasing a diverse array of shops, markets, and various species coexisting harmoniously.
As they strolled through the streets, two hours swiftly passed, and their feet grew weary. It was time to retreat to the comfort of their lodgings. David and Luna made their way back to the inn they had previously booked a room in.
Unlike some of the more renowned adventurers or high-ranking individuals who donned flamboyant attire, David opted for a simple and unassuming outfit. This, coupled with the fact that the city was accustomed to individuals of different species walking together, allowed them to blend in effortlessly.
Upon entering the inn, they were greeted by the warm ambiance and the familiar faces of the innkeeper and staff. Their reserved room awaited them, providing a much-needed respite from the bustling city. David and Luna settled into their cozy accommodations, ready to recharge their energy for the adventures that lay ahead.
As the sun rose, signaling the start of a new day, David and Luna still had three days remaining before the auction. The time had come for David to add his newly crafted sword to the list of items to be auctioned. They began their morning by enjoying a hearty breakfast from one of the street vendors before setting off towards the auction house.
Following the directions provided by the innkeeper, David led the way through the winding streets of the city. The route seemed to guide them towards a more secluded area on the outskirts.
Upon arriving at their destination, they found a seemingly unremarkable building surrounded by a lush garden. To an untrained eye, it might have appeared as a small and inconspicuous auction house. A sign bearing the words "Eldoria Auction House" adorned the entrance.
Though the exterior appeared modest, David\'s heightened senses and the assistance of his God\'s Eye skill allowed him to perceive the true nature of the building. Behind the façade lay an underground structure, concealed from the outside world. Through his enhanced vision, he could discern the grandeur of the hidden auction house sprawling beneath the ground.
David took a moment to appreciate the craftsmanship and ingenuity behind the architectural design. The main auction hall, with its magnificent layout and expansive space, lay hidden beneath the unassuming surface. The underground chambers held the promise of excitement, luxury, and a myriad of valuable items awaiting their turn on the auction block.
As David and Luna made their way towards the entrance, their progress was abruptly halted by a vigilant security guard stationed at the door. With a courteous tone, the guard inquired about their purpose, asking David to explain the reason for their visit.
"Excuse me, sir. Can you please tell me the purpose of your visit?" Guard asked politely.
"I\'m here to present a sword that I\'ve crafted for the upcoming auction," David confidently replied.
The security guard\'s eyes briefly scanned the sword at David\'s side, taking in its intricate details.
"For the upcoming auction, we only accept exceptional items. Common or rare items won\'t make the cut. However, you can register for the next auction, which will feature normal items."
Understanding the guard\'s concerns, David assured him, "Rest assured, this sword surpasses the realm of rarity or commonality."
The security guard nodded understandingly and gestured, "Alright, please follow me."
They made their way through the bustling hallways, arriving at the appraisal hall, where each item\'s quality was meticulously assessed. The guard directed David\'s attention to a cabin where a diligent apprentice sat, diligently recording the details of the auction items.
Introducing David, the security guard informed the apprentice of his intention to auction his sword. With a curious and focused gaze, the apprentice acknowledged David\'s presence and the significance of his submission.
Eager to proceed, David addressed the apprentice directly, expressing his desire to auction his crafted sword.
David spoke up, addressing the apprentice, "I would like to auction my sword."
The apprentice, recognizing the importance of his request, responded with a warm smile, thanking David for his contribution and assuring him that his sword would undergo thorough appraisal to determine its suitability for the auction.