Store.
[Unequipped Item:] Veil of the Moon
The weight of the broken fabric vanished from my torso, retreating back to the liminal space of my inventory. I was left stark naked, but as I was under the bridge, no one could view my chiseled yet wounded form.
I trailed a finger over a long, dried gash over my broad chest, an action which caused me to twitch.
This body had seen better days.
Ugh...I miss the leveling up system...
I hissed, "Damn, Untethered."
SPLOOSH.
I slowly descended into the stream, tapping it with my feet before going waist-deep in.
HA...
"It's cold but soothing...", I cooed as I relaxed.
Alex...am sure you know this is the kinda spot kids come to take a leak.
My eyes shot open.
HSS...
I immediately shot out of the lake.
My inner voice laughed.
Hahaha...am kidding. Yes, it's true that in normal cities kids leak under bridges but this city isn't normal...it doesn't fit that vibe.
Despite my inner voice's solid claim, I still didn't enter the lake.
Fuck...oh well, I guess we're using the gallon...
Open.
[Equipped Item:] Stone Gallon.
The block keg weaved itself into existence before resting in my arms. Lifting it above my head, I doused the last remnants of water it had onto myself, drinking some in the process. I poured every last drop above my head, making sure to wash off the stains of blood and grime.
And now we're down to the last gallon...
I dismissed it before opening my inventory.
[Inventory:] Salvaged School Uniform, Acolyte Leaves, Box of Seasoning, Hunting Knife, Quill-Book, Leather Map, Silver Lining, Veil of the Moon, Inept Lantern, Worthless Bowl, Maladroit Ax, Arch of Error, Featureless Quiver, Empty Goblet, Stone Gallon (4), Thorn of the Profane Cockatrix (57), Midnight Pleasure, Meat Stick (2), Overcooked Meat Stick (7), Waste Chest, Crude Axe, Sin of Wrath, Crown of Thorns, Nucifera of Oblivion, Posh Reverie
Meat Sticks.
I summoned the last two remaining meat sticks from my inventory.
[Equipped Item:] Meat Sticks (2)
The system spoke as they formed into my hands, weaving themselves from a constellation of sparks.
Once they formed, I ate in silence.
My dripping wet hair strands clung to my face as I ate, my gaze was absent.
"How long...?", I muttered, "How long have I been gone?"
"Have my classmates already left the game?"
"Am I...am I the only one here?"
My reflection in the water flickered, distorted by the ripples caused by the stray lilies.
The face staring back at me was a far cry from the one I had before stepping into this world. Dark-circled eyes, a sharp jawline marred by faint scars, hair longer than I remembered, strands clinging to my damp skin.
I looked like someone who had been wandering for far too long.
"Hehehe...", I chuckled.
It was strange.
Throughout my journey, I had rarely felt this way... alone. Maybe because there had never been anyone else to compare my isolation to.
But now?
Surrounded by the bustle of a living, breathing city—people chatting, laughing, going about their daily lives—I felt the emptiness more than ever.
"Tch...so am still bound by these emotions, huh."
This need for connection...
Of course, It was only natural.
Despite all my several mind-boggling feats, despite how much I'd adapted, I was still fundamentally human.
Tell me, Alex do you regret it?
What? Coming here? Not at all.
No, I meant what happened in that dreamscape, that 'unravel the first thread' shit...
I went silent, simply staring at my rippling reflection as I chewed.
Why? Are you curious? Curiosity killed the cat, you know.
You're dodging the question.
I finished, chewing down the last portion of meat before rising turning away from my reflection.
You do know what my philosophy is right?
Yes. 'Human beings' opinions are like buckets they only matter when you give them water.'
I smiled, as I summoned the rags of my salvaged school uniform, tearing out a small strip out of it.
You see whether I regret my actions or not, in the end, it only matters as to how much I want it to.
Gathering my hair into a pony-tail, I used the strip to tie it up, before letting it cascade down my back. Dismissing the rags, I turned to look at my reflection in the stream, I smiled faintly before tugging on a single strand of hair, pulling it so it fell down beneath my brows.
"Hehehe, I look like those Chinese young masters."
Satisfied, I rose back to my feet and then summoned the black drape from inventory.
Open.
[Equipped Item:] Posh Reverie
The moment the drape settled on my frame, I looked at my reflection and gasped.
My inner voice was taken aback as well.
Holy shi-
The Posh Reverie was...a masterpiece.
Hands down the best piece of clothing I had ever worn.
It was a masterwork of aristocratic tailoring—sleek, refined, yet deceptively practical.
The long, double-breasted coat draped over my frame like liquid shadow, its obsidian fabric threaded with subtle gold filigree along the cuffs and lapels. Beneath it, a fitted waistcoat of deep midnight blue hugged my torso, layered over a crisp alabaster dress shirt with a high, structured collar.
My bewildered gaze dropped down to my lower region, and grew even wider.
The trousers, tailored to perfection, tapered down to polished black boots laced with silver-threaded cords. A muted cravat, fastened with a mysterious clasp, rested at my throat.
Clad in the Posh Reverie, I felt...
"Damn, I don't even have a proper word to describe myself."
A wide smile stretched across my lips.
"Oh...tonight is going to be spectacular."
...
GALLOP. GALLOP.
TMP. TMP. TMP.
CLICK. CLACK.
I listened to the various sounds concocted by the hustle and bustle of the sprawling city.
Several people, young and old, human and not were littered across the street going along their daily lives. Stagecoaches and post-chaises littered the streets from time, accompanied by the neighs and gallops of magnificent horses.
It was also so surreal.
To find such a lively city underneath a mystical garden, and one with such fabulous aesthetic.
"It's like a Goth concept and the Renaissance period had a baby.", I muttered under my breath, before raising my gaze to look at the sky.
It was like an ashen veil, brimming with radiance and yet seeming like it was hiding something.
I licked my lips.
There was definitely something in there...something that hid behind the sky.
I won't even be surprised if the Elder was the one behind.
It wasn't a feeling or my intuition that made me state this. It was just because of the very fact that I was in the Abyss.
A place where the world bent to strange rules.
I leaned back, settling comfortably in the wooden bench I was on whilst crossing my legs.
My fingers interlaced as they sat atop my legs.
I was observing.
Watching and waiting.
Waiting for the Elder's next move.
This Elder must be quite the silent type...
Unlike, Wyrtweard, the Elder of Oblivion, who immediately showed itself a few moments after my arrival. The Elder of this layer, the city of Eidolenhollow, had not made any sort of direct contact towards me.
It was both frustrating and comforting.
Frustrating because, it made me feel like the Elder was ignoring me and comforting because...
I watched the bustling street, catching the sight of a dwarf and human roll a finger over their chest and say something.
My poor hearing didn't let me hear it, but the sight made me smile softly.
It was comforting because I didn't want to leave this city just yet.
But just as I was watching the netizens of this surreal city, they were also watching me.
"By the Drake! Who's that?"
"Is he a noble?"
"He's really handsome."
"Wait...I think I've seen him before..."
"He looks sharp, I wonder how well he'd in my quarters."
Murmurs could be heard amongst the various pedestrians of the street. Women ogled me as they moved, children stared at me with amazement, some men looked at me with a slight hint of jealousy and while some...
Well let's just state that I don't swing that way.
I have to comment though...the change in public opinion is insane...
I chuckled inwardly.
It's called the Halo Effect.
"Mother! Mother! Look!"
My gaze fluttered to the source of the sound; it was couple of feet away. It was a precocious little elven child, gripping onto her mother's hand while pointing his tiny hand. His sharp-pointed ears glinted as his eyes shone with excitement.
I watched with interest.
The mother, a blond elf with a sharp yet elegant poise dressed in a long flowing gown, followed the boy's tiny finger before her eyes landed at a large billboard.
On it was an extravagant advertisement for the upcoming ball.
The Ever Gait Ball.
"What is it darling?", the mother responded, her gaze returning to the child.
The little elf boy bounced on his feet, eyes sparkling with excitement.
"The Ever Gait Ball, Mother! Can we go? Can we?!"
His mother chuckled softly, smoothing a gentle hand over his golden hair, "That's an event for nobles, my dear. It is not so simple to attend."
"But we can try, right? You always say effort can open doors!"
I smirked at that.
Smart kid.
But my amusement only deepened when the mother turned back toward the billboard—only to realize her son hadn't been pointing at it at all.
His tiny finger was aimed just below it.
At me.
A supposed noble.
Her composed features wavered for just a second.
Her gaze fell on me properly now, sweeping over my relaxed figure on the bench. From the casual way I sat with one leg crossed and fingers laced to the effortless sharpness of my attire.
My midnight-blue waistcoat, fitted with precision. The long coat draped just enough to hint at poise without trying too hard. My hair, dark and slightly tousled, falling past my shoulders.
Her lips parted, just slightly.
Then a very, very quick glance away.
Like she had just touched something too hot.
Hehe...the Posh Reverie is already pulling its weight, huh?
I tilted my head, as I stared at them, amused.
The mother tugged her son away, moving in the opposite direction.
I watched them go with a smile, only sighing when they were no longer in sight.
"Oh well, this was fun."
I muttered, before rising to my feet.
I guess it's time for the next stop before night falls...
Yeah, the library.
I was eager to learn what knowledge this city holds.
Besides, I heard learned an interesting snippet.
Dipping my hands into my pockets, I pulled out a gold coin and stared at the engraving on it.
'By the Drake' huh...