An Operator Lost in Another World [ONGOING]

Chapter 5: Test

The group made their way through the main gate and immediately entered the bustling heart of the town. While not as crowded as a city, Latina had a thriving population, with streets full of life. Groups of women huddled together gossiping, street vendors shouted at the top of their lungs, and customers browsed every shop that lined the roads.

Mason figured this outer part of town served as the commercial district. Further inside, he assumed, would be the residential quarters.

One thing that history books could never capture was the smell. Even in the central district, trash littered the edges of the streets, the muddy paths were slick with waste, and dead rodents lay ignored in corners. The stench worsened when they passed an alleyway—it reeked of rot, like a tomb stuffed with spoiled meat.

For most of the walk, Masami clung tightly to him. Her anxiety was obvious, and Mason never let go of her hand—he didn't want to lose her in the sea of people.

"You okay?" he asked gently.

"I'll be fine..." she replied, her voice tight.

"Let me know if it's too much."

"I will. I need to be stronger. I don't want to be a burden. It's just... a lot of people."

Mason nodded in approval. It was a good sign. Facing her fears like this was the first step toward healing—and surviving.

"Oh! I almost forgot," Luca said, turning back to him. "Mason, you should register for an adventurer identification."

"An adventurer identification?"

"Yep. It's accepted across every kingdom on this continent. You won't have to deal with questioning at every gate again. Sounds nice, right?"

"Definitely."

"You also look like someone who can handle themselves in a fight," Luca added with a grin. "You'd pass the evaluation easily. Plus, it might even help Masami—adventurers earn good money. You could buy her freedom someday."

That part made Mason's blood boil. Why buy freedom? He'd rather bulldoze any scumbag who claimed ownership over her. But he kept his thoughts to himself. As much as he despised the system, adapting to this world meant playing by its rules—at least for now.

"Alright. I'll do it. Where do I sign up?"

Luca beamed like she'd just won a bet. She grabbed his hand and slipped something into it. "I figured you don't have any local currency. Here's ten large copper coins. It'll cover the registration fee. Pay me back whenever."

She gestured ahead. "We're on our way to the Adventurer Guild—it's also where you register."

Mason followed the group until they arrived at one of the many bustling plazas in the town. This particular square was even more packed with vendors, performers, and shops. But his attention was drawn to a large, four-story building towering over everything else.

It looked like a modern town hall, constructed from well-cut bricks and stone blocks. Impressive, given the surrounding architecture.

Inside, the guild hall was alive with conversation and movement. Mason's eyes widened at the sheer variety of people. Every person looked unique in clothing, gear, and presence. Armor ranged from light leather to full plate. Weapons from spears to greatswords to massive war hammers. There were men and women, young and old, every one of them radiating hardened experience.

It was like walking into a fantasy fan's fever dream. Even Mason, who wasn't the type, was impressed.

Despite the chatter and laughter, there was a weight in the air. These were people who had danced with death.