The previous night was particularly restless for Arthur…
It was the first time he had been in such a situation with a lady in both his lifetimes.
Although he was glad that Gabriella didn't one shot him, a part of him was also disappointed that they didn't continue the act.
Who knows what it might have led to?
….
Morning soon arrived and Arthur noticed that although Gabriella seemed slightly flustered, she acted as though everything was normal and there was no tension between them.
But there was.
Not knowing if they should discuss it or not, Arthur decided to remain silent on the matter and wait for her to come around.
After doing their morning routine, Arthur climbed onto the horse after Gabriella and the two continued on their way in silence.
The silence stretched between them as they continued forward and soon Arthur noticed the faint silhouette of a building appearing in his line of sight.
It wasn't particularly a building, but from the distance it was the first thing Arthur spotted due to its staggering height.
From afar Arthur could already tell he was insignificant before the towering structure, and aside from that he noticed faint figures coming in and out of the massive city appearing in front of him.
Sentient City.
It was said that Sentient City was a heaven for players with all sorts of resources, dungeons, and treasure within.
Arthur didn't know how true this information was, but he was about to find out.
He and Gabriella continued quietly and after more than two hours they finally reached the location of a massive opened gate.
Stationed at the gate were four burly middle aged men radiating a pressure that Arthur guessed was at least level twenty.
Just entering into the gate and already noticing someone so terrifying. Arthur instantly understood that he had to be cautious here since it was a place filled with crouching dragons and hidden tigers.
Upon getting closer to the opened gate, he and Gabriella were soon the center of attention for the guards.
Their eyes filled with alertness scanned the two on the horse.
"A couple?" one of them muttered with a chuckle. Gabriella glared at the guard, then shrugged and tossed the man a bag of gold coins that appeared from her storage space.
Arthur was thankful that she still hadn't noticed what the little fox had done to her storage space.
One of the guards caught the bag of golden coins and studied its content before nodding and tossing it for the others to scan.
Since they would share it later, there couldn't be any unfairness between them.
Watching everything happening, Arthur wrinkled his brows slightly.
It seemed even in this world, just like back on Earth, humans were still the same despite them being players here.
"You two may continue on your way!" the guard bowed politely toward Arthur and Gabriella, calling out to them with respect in his voice.
Gabriella nodded nonchalantly, already used to this.
Then the two of them continued on their way.
"Where are we heading to next?" Arthur couldn't help but ask, not knowing the precise location of the academy although he had a guess in his heart.
"To the academy. It's located at the center of the city. That building you saw before? It's merely the dormitory…" Gabriella gently explained as the horse led them on.
Arthur nodded and along the way he took the time to admire the scenery.
A whole new world had opened itself to him.
Aside from the merchants passing by in carriages, he noticed others hawking their goods and there were also those casually discussing the recent happenings in the city.
Arthur perked his ears up and listened to them.
After all he needed as much information as he could obtain since entering into the city.
"Heard that the S-rank mission to clear Dragon Mountain has still remained in place."
"Yeah. Some folk tried to clear it the other day only to get swarmed by dragons. Perhaps forces from the capital will be forced to clear it if it gets too terrifying."
"That's to be discussed along the line. I'm real curious if my son can get into the Sentient Academy. Spent a fortune to enroll him you know?"
"Seriously? I heard for non nobles it costs roughly one hundred thousand gold coins to get enrolled. Peter, where did you get such money?"
A middle aged man with a dark goatee laughed poorly and replied.
"Been saving all my life. Since I noticed my son's potentials, I don't want it dying off halfway."
"Damn, you'd be in some serious shit if he doesn't get enrolled."
"Actually so. But there's nothing left to do. It's a fifty fifty chance everything works out fine!" the man replied with a wry sigh.
"I wish you the best of luck man," his friend replied, although his voice was filled with uncertainty.
After that episode, both men changed the topic and began discussing something else.
Meanwhile, having obtained some information, Arthur raised a brow curiously in the direction of the men and couldn't help shaking his head.
Thankfully, his family background wasn't too poor.
Nevertheless, he couldn't forget his reason for coming here.
He knew everyone would be waiting for him to at least break before they swarmed the Pendragon family and took all the treasures there.
He couldn't let that happen.
Arthur's conviction was stronger than ever as he unknowingly wrapped his hand tighter around Gabriella's waist.
"You're really having fun taking advantage of me all this while huh?" Gabriella's tired voice shook Arthur out of his thoughts.
It seemed her tease worked as Arthur loosened his grip on her slim waist while she led them both deeper into the city.
At first the city was bustling with activity, but as they delved deeper, they encountered more houses, scenery, and much quieter places.
Very soon, they reached a location with barely any houses and only a large grassland.
After moving through the grassland, they finally came before a massive gate that radiated an aura of devastation.
Arthur felt extremely insignificant before the bronze gate.
Off to the side, two guards were stationed nearby.
Arthur tried to probe them, but failed miserably.
How strong. He couldn't begin to imagine the level of strength the two guards possessed.
They cast Arthur a fleeting glance, then their gaze turned to Gabriella, recognizing her presence.
"Welcome to the Sentient Academy!" both men immediately saluted respectfully.