The moment we decided to enter the city, it became clear—
The city did not want us.
Two guards stepped in front of the gate, their spears crossing with a sharp metallic sound. Their armor was polished, their posture proud… and their eyes full of contempt.
They weren't looking at us like travelers.
They were looking at us like dirt.
Our clothes were torn from the forest. Dust, dried blood, scratches — proof of everything we had survived.
To them, it only proved one thing.
We were poor.
Unwanted.
Zeus clenched his fists."What the hell do you want? Let us pass."
One guard smirked.
Lucas leaned closer to me and muttered, "Who do these guys think they are…?"
Then louder, with his usual reckless confidence:
"Come on, Zeus. Let's just beat them and walk in."
I nodded. "Yeah. Let's do it."
We prepared to move—
And suddenly—
Both guards collapsed.
Just like that.
No strike.No sound.No magic circle.
They just… fell.
Lucas blinked. "…Did we do that?"
"I didn't touch them."
We exchanged confused looks, then slowly walked past them. No one stopped us.
After a few steps, I whispered, "Mirei… was that you?"
From inside my pocket came her quiet voice.
"Yes. When people see me, they don't see my small form. They see my true form."
"…Your true form?" Lucas asked.
"They were frightened. That is all. Please… put me deeper inside your shirt pocket. I don't want to cause you trouble."
There was something almost… sad in her tone.
We immediately did as she asked, hiding her so she wouldn't be seen.
The deeper we walked into the city, the worse it felt.
People stared.
Some laughed.
Others whispered loudly enough for us to hear.
"Look at them."
"Forest trash."
"Kids like that shouldn't even be inside the walls."
It was suffocating.
We didn't belong here.
Every step made us want to leave faster.
Then Mirei suddenly peeked out and whispered urgently:
"There. On the side. That is a guild. Go inside."
We turned. A large wooden building stood between stone shops, marked with a faded but proud emblem.
"Sell the serpent's skin there," she continued. "But do NOT give them the fangs. Take the fangs to a blacksmith. No matter how much gold they offer — refuse."
Lucas raised an eyebrow. "That serious?"
"Yes."
Inside the Guild
The moment we entered, conversations stopped.
The room was filled with large, dangerous-looking adventurers. Scars. Heavy armor. Weapons that had clearly seen battle.
And every single one of them stared at us like we had walked into the wrong world.
Then we saw her.
A beautiful woman standing behind the counter. Calm. Confident. Sharp eyes that measured everything instantly.
Her name was Ana.
"Well now," she said with a faint smile. "What brings little boys here?"
Lucas was about to respond—
But she saw the fangs.
Her expression shattered.
She actually stepped back.
"W-Where did you get those?"
Zeus answered plainly."We defeated a giant serpent in the forest. We want to sell the skin. How much will you pay?"
Ana stared like she didn't believe us.
"That… that skin… Wait here."
She rushed away.
We heard her whispering urgently to someone in another room.
Moments later, a tall older man entered — the Guildmaster.
"What seems to be the matter, boys?"
Lucas placed the bundle down. "We want to turn this in."
The Guildmaster examined it carefully.
Zeus frowned. "Why is everyone acting strange? Since we arrived, people keep looking down on us."
The Guildmaster cleared his throat."No offense was intended. This is… simply unexpected."
He finished inspecting it.
"It is genuine."
Zeus crossed his arms. "So? What's it worth?"
"100 gold."
From inside my pocket, Mirei whispered sharply:
"Don't accept. It's worth 150."
Zeus's eyes narrowed.
"Why are you lying to us? Because we're young?"
The Guildmaster stiffened. "I assure you, 100 is a fair—"
"No," Zeus interrupted. "It's worth 150."
Lucas shrugged dramatically. "Let's go, Zeus. These guys are shady."
We turned to leave.
"Wait!" the Guildmaster called. "We will pay 150."
Zeus didn't even look back. "Too late."
A pause.
Then—
"…200. As an apology."
Zeus finally smiled.
"Now we're talking."
Lucas grinned. "Pleasure doing business."
The Blacksmith
As soon as we left, Mirei directed us again.
"Next building. Go inside."
The blacksmith's shop was loud, hot, alive with sparks and hammer strikes.
Mirei spoke before we could.
"I want two daggers made from these fangs. You may keep the remaining material as payment."
The blacksmith looked around, confused.
"…Who said that?"
"You don't need to know who or what I am," she replied calmly. "Just make them."
He scratched his beard.
"…Fine. Deal. Come back tomorrow."
Zeus's face lit up. "We're getting weapons…"
Lucas laughed. "Finally! Real ones!"
Mirei yawned.
"I'm going to sleep now. If you need me, call my name. And listen carefully — do NOT waste money. Buy clothes only. Spend no more than one gold."
Lucas blinked. "What about food?"
"One gold each is enough."
"…Strict," Zeus muttered.
First Time Feeling Human Again
We entered a clothing shop.
For the first time since arriving in this world, we didn't look like survivors.
We looked like people.
Zeus chose a dark outfit — fitted trousers, a clean coat, and a black cloak.
Lucas picked the same design, but deep blue.
Each cost 500 silver.
We stepped outside—
And the stares changed.
No longer mocking.
Now curious.
Respectful.
It was the same city.
But it treated us differently.
The Princess Appears
We had just finished eating when trumpets suddenly echoed through the streets.
A royal procession entered the square.
At its center stood a young woman, radiant, dignified, glowing with presence that silenced the entire crowd.
She looked like the sun itself had taken human form.
This was Princess Tamar.
Her voice carried across the plaza.
"All boys of eight years of age — come forward."
Lucas blinked. "That's… us."
We ran with the others.
Nearly a hundred children gathered.
Mirei stirred awake in my pocket as if she sensed something important.
Tamar looked over us carefully.
Not judging.
Not mocking.
Measuring.
"Follow me," she said. "Do not fall behind."
And just like that—
We were led into the royal palace.
None of us knew why.
None of us understood what was about to begin.
But deep down—
It felt like the next trial had already started.