The Gate Traveler

We headed for Pemisor early the following day. The road was very straight and passed through large stretches of forest. Tall, old trees twisted their crowns above us to create a green tunnel on both sides. Sunlight glancing through the leaves formed a pattern on the road. I could hear far-off sounds of forest birds, and the air smelled like wood and mud.

The scene changed as we continued driving. Rolling hills began to climb and descend in the distance, mixing lush forests and pastures. The hills created a lovely background, and their mild slopes gave the view fluidity. Occasionally, I’d glimpse a valley below through a break in the trees. The ground there appeared to continue endlessly.

After three hours of driving, we crossed a river and drove through a small town. The road cut the town in the middle with colorful centuries-old houses on both sides. The windows had boxes with bright flowers. Between the boxes with the flowers and the colorful homes, the whole place looked like an explosion of color. It was very vibrant and cheerful. As we passed by, the residents waved and smiled.

After another two hours of driving, we reached another town. Though smaller, the second town had great appeal. It was at the base of a hill near a pond with a lovely old mill. Children playing in the pond filled the air with their laughter. Added to the rustic appeal of the town were the well-kept gardens and the charming inn with a thatched roof. We stopped there for lunch, and when we left the inn, a big group of people stood around our bikes and the ATV, staring at them.

“Where did you get those strange contraptions?” one of them asked, gesturing toward our bikes.

“Lotam,” Mahya replied confidently.

I opened the Map and checked. Lotam was one of the two smaller continents and was in the northeast—a good choice. It was so far away that the chance of these people having any contact with it was minimal.

The onlookers murmured among themselves, exchanging curious glances. Without waiting for further questions, we mounted our bikes and rode away, leaving a trail of dust and bewildered faces behind us.

As we continued our journey, we passed through two more towns in Lumis, each with its own unique charm and picturesque beauty. With their one-of-a-kind architecture and appearance, the towns looked like they belonged in a fantasy story from 200 years ago.

Towards evening, we reached a relatively sparse forest area. We got off the road and walked into the forest. After an hour of walking, we reached a clearing big enough for my house.

“Can you go around and make sure there are no settlements or people nearby?” I asked Mahya.

She nodded and ran into the forest. After twenty minutes, she returned. “All clear.”

After placing the core, I instructed it to open the house in a smaller configuration. I got my original house, but wider. I cooked us a dinner of crab bisque and fresh rolls, and then we kicked back on the porch with a drink. Rue and I settled for beer, but Mahya and Al went for stronger alcohol. The place was so peaceful. I played a bit on my guitar—nothing special, just notes for fun—and we went to sleep.

The next day, we didn’t feel like driving again. I was relatively okay, but I think Mahya’s and Al’s butts hurt after hours of riding a motorcycle, even though they said nothing. We stayed in the clearing for another day. I mostly sat on the porch and read a book. Rue explored the forest and returned after a few hours, covered in thorns and brambles but thrilled. Mahya started dismantling the first jet ski, and Al helped her. I didn’t feel like working today—I just wanted to sit and enjoy the peace.

During the night, it began to rain. We didn’t want to get wet, so we stayed home another day. The rain didn’t stop until the evening, so this time, I joined Mahya and Al in disassembling the jet skis, and by evening, we had finished disassembling it. Mahya had finished the initial blueprint, which only depicted the parts and their corresponding locations. She took out an enormous sheet of paper and started sketching the main blueprint and planning where to put runes, and I went to cook. Al used this opportunity to care for his mushrooms in the greenhouse. Towards the evening, the rain stopped, and we all crossed our fingers, hoping it wouldn’t start again tomorrow.

During dinner, Mahya commented, “Maybe I should have started not with the motorcycles but with the jeep. If we had a closed jeep, the rain wouldn’t have been a problem.”

“Why? Are you in a hurry somewhere?” I asked, turning towards her.

“Nah, but according to the locals, it snows here in winter, especially in the south. The more north we go, the less heavy the snow will be,” she said, tapping her fork on the plate.

“Is it the other way around here? The South cold, and the North hot?” I asked, furrowing my brow.

Mahya shrugged, “I’m not sure. The island we were on is in the south, and it was scorching hot. So, I don’t think it’s reversed polarity. It probably has more to do with mana.”

“Well, that’s not a problem,” I said, leaning back in my chair. “If it snows and we can’t go anywhere, we’ll find a good spot for the house and ride out the snow season. I’m sure we’ll find something to do, and we have enough food for years.”

Mahya and Al nodded in agreement and continued to eat, the clink of utensils filling the comfortable silence.

The next day, the nice weather held, so we continued. We passed through landscapes and towns similar to those on our first day of driving. We stopped in a shady and picturesque spot for lunch and continued driving. Towards evening, we drove up a very high hill or even a low and wide mountain. After climbing to the top of the hill, Pemisor spread on the other side. As the sun went down, the city’s beauty lit up by the setting sun amazed me.

A river flowed through the city, dividing it with colorful buildings on both sides. In the distance stood a magnificent castle, taller than anything else. The towers were so bright that they felt like they were glowing when you looked at them, catching the last bit of sunlight.

There were many bridges over the river, and their lights sparkled as the sun went down. The river in the city looked like liquid gold. I spotted a ribbon in the lake that mirrored the colors of the sunset.

The experience of looking at the buildings was genuinely incredible. There were small homes with lively wooden frames and large buildings with multiple stories and stunning facades. Window boxes and small gardens filled with bright flowers made the city seem more vibrant.

As darkness approached, the entire city lit up. Several windows along the meandering flagstone lanes streamed pleasant light, complemented by the glow of street lamps. It appeared as if many fireflies had overtaken the city, creating a whimsical and fantasy-like ambiance.

Above all else, the sky was a show. Because it was low in the sky, the moon made the area look magical because it seemed much bigger than it was. The thin clouds above turned red and purple as the sun went down. I could see the shape of another celestial body in the sky. I took out my camera and snapped some pictures to remember this view.

I could hear people talking, horse hooves, and water running against a riverbank in the distance. There was a light buzz of movement in the air. The smell of flowers, newly baked bread, and the deep, earthy smell of the nearby forests made for a cool and refreshing breeze.

When I stood there and looked at the beautiful scenery, I couldn’t help but feel excited and amazed. Pemisor was more than just a city; it was a work of art that looked alive.

We drove down into the city, and after asking two people, one of them directed us to an inn. We found a dark corner near the inn, verified we were alone, and stored the motorcycles and ATV. Mahya, of course, took the lead and paid for rooms for the night. This inn had no suites, so we each got a separate room. The rooms were quite simple: a single bed, a large trunk with a key at the foot of the bed, a table with a chair, a pitcher of water and a bowl on the table, and a chamber pot under the bed. In the morning, I woke up feeling like every muscle was protesting. Sleeping on a straw mattress had not been kind to me.

At breakfast, I turned to Mahya and said, “We need to find a better inn first thing today. I can’t keep waking up with my body grumbling every morning.”

She looked up from her meal, her expression determined. “I want to go find the Adventurer’s Guild right away.”

I sighed, considering her point. “Alright,” I conceded. “Let’s find the Adventurer’s Guild first, and then we’ll look for a quality inn nearby.”

She nodded, satisfied with the compromise. “Sounds like a plan.”

After breakfast, we approached the innkeeper. He looked up from his work, wiping his hands on his apron.

“Excuse me,” I said. “Could you tell us how to get to the Adventurers’ Guild?”

He nodded and smiled. “Of course. It’s not far from here. Head out the main door and take a left. Follow the street until you reach the market square, then turn right. You’ll see a large building with a sign of crossed swords and a shield. That’s the Guild.”

“Thank you,” Mahya said, giving him a grateful nod.

“You’re welcome,” he replied, returning to his tasks.

The streets were brightly lit and bustling with people, so we decided walking would be easier than explaining about a strange Inventory skill, or our transportation. The scent of baked goods from nearby bakeries filled the air, mixing with the earthy aroma of the cobblestone streets that the morning dew had washed clean. The chatter of townsfolk and the occasional clatter of horse-drawn carriages created a lively backdrop.

The guild building stood tall and imposing, made of sturdy stone with ivy creeping up its sides. Large, arched windows allowed light into the building, and a sign with crossed swords and a shield swung gently above the entrance. The wooden doors, reinforced with iron, looked like they could withstand a siege.

Before entering, Mahya turned to me, her eyes serious. “What does your personal information show?”

I glanced at my profile and replied, “It shows bard.”

She nodded decisively. “Change to a healer. Al, switch to a heavy warrior. I’ll change to a blade singer.”

We all adjusted our profiles accordingly and stepped inside. The interior was bustling with activity. Adventurers of all shapes and sizes filled the large hall, their conversations blending into a constant hum. The air smelled of leather, metal, and the faint scent of sweat.

On the right side, we spotted a large table with a woman seated behind it and a line of people waiting their turn. Weapons and maps covered the walls, and a massive unlit fireplace was on the left.

We waited patiently in line, observing the various adventurers around us. When it was our turn, we approached the woman at the table. She had a keen look in her eyes that softened as they went out of focus for a moment. Then she smiled at us.

“You have the base of a strong team,” she remarked. “Are you looking for a ranged fighter and a mage?”

We exchanged glances, and Mahya shook her head. “No, we’re good.”

She seemed surprised and leaned forward slightly. “If you take a ranged fighter and a mage, you’ll have an optimal group structure, especially with a healer on your team.”

“We appreciate the offer,” I said, “but we prefer to stick with our current setup.”

“Please show me your personal information,” she said in a businesslike tone.

I showed her mine, which displayed only my name—my real name, John Rue, for a change—and my class as Healer, Level 12. She entered our names into the registry and then looked up.

“That’ll be one silver for each of you to register.”

After we paid, she handed us copper badges. “These badges correspond to the level of tasks you can take. As copper, you can only accept jobs from the copper boards.”

Rue placed his paws on the counter and mentally yelled, “Rue is adventurer, too! Rue want badge, too!”

We all winced at the volume, including the clerk, who raised an eyebrow in surprise.

“Familiar?” she asked.

I nodded. “Yes, mine.”

She smiled and offered, “I can make a tag for him.”

After paying another silver, she handed us a tag with a hoop, perfect for attaching to Rue’s collar. As we left the counter, Rue wagged his tail a hundred times a second and walked with his nose held high. I doubted it was out of pride—he just wanted everyone to see his new badge.

Mahya turned to Al and me, her eyes scanning the bustling room. “Alright, you two, check out the boards and see if there’s any information about monster sightings or activity. I’ll mingle with the adventurers and gather more intel from the locals.”

We nodded and walked to the large bulletin boards lining the guildhall’s side. Various notices covered the boards, each detailing different reports and requests. The scent of parchment and ink filled the air, mingling with the more robust smells of leather and sweat.

“Let us see what is available to us,” Al muttered, eyes scanning the board. His fingers brushed over the papers, occasionally reading a notice more closely.

I stood beside him, doing the same. The boards had sections based on the type of information. We concentrated on the monster activity section, where they displayed reports of sightings, attacks, and other relevant information. Each notice had detailed descriptions, locations, and any special notes.

“Hey, this one looks interesting,” I said, pointing to a report about increased sightings of giant spiders near the eastern forest. “Looks like they’ve been causing trouble for local travelers.”

Al nodded, considering it. “Certainly a matter worth exploring. Let us explore what else is available in this area.”

As we continued to scan the board, I couldn’t help but notice the variety of reports available. From small critters causing nuisance to more dangerous creatures threatening townsfolk, the guild kept a comprehensive record of monster activities.

Meanwhile, Mahya was weaving her way through the crowded hall, striking up conversations with various adventurers. Her posture was relaxed but purposeful, and her voice carried a friendly yet inquisitive tone as she gathered information. I watched her momentarily, admiring her ability to connect with people so effortlessly.

She approached a group of seasoned adventurers, their armor bearing the marks of many battles. They gestured animatedly, clearly sharing valuable insights and local knowledge. Mahya’s eyes sparkled with interest, and she nodded appreciatively as they spoke.

Al touched my shoulder. I turned, and he pointed at one report. “Please direct your attention to this particular one. There have been sightings of a sizable, unidentified creature in close proximity to the northern hills. The report mentions peculiar tracks and uncommon nocturnal sounds.”

I glanced at the notice and nodded. Just then, Mahya returned with a satisfied smile.

“Gather any useful information?” she asked, glancing between us.

“We found a couple of interesting reports,” I replied. “There are giant spiders near the eastern forest and a large, unidentified creature near the northern hills.”

Mahya nodded. “Good finds, but I have something better. I found out about a place called The Neglected Gorge of Unyielding Monsters, northwest of the city. Although it’s in the opposite direction from the swamp, it sounds like the most suitable spot for our plans. It’s a huge gorge full of monsters. There are no interesting resources there, so few people go there. Only gold-rank adventurers clear it occasionally to prevent the monsters from attacking the population.”

“Where exactly is it?” I asked.

“They say it’s about three days from the city in the northwest direction. With the motorcycles, I don’t think it will take us more than two or three hours to get there.”

I opened the Map and looked. At first, I saw nothing, but I spotted a black line on the Map after zooming towards the northwest.

“Is that the black line on the Map?” I asked Mahya.

“According to their description, I think so. It’s annoying that no names are on the Map until a Traveler reaches a certain place.”

I chuckled. “Ha! I’m not the only one who complained about the Guidance.”

After consulting with Al and Mahya, we skipped looking for an inn in the city and headed straight to The Neglected Gorge of Unyielding Monsters. If needed, we could always use my house for rest.

We agreed to walk until we reached the city limits before taking out the motorcycles. It took us almost three hours to reach the last houses in the city, and I took some more pictures. Some people gave me strange looks, but I didn’t care. After another ten minutes of walking, and after a convenient bend in the road, we had to wait another hour until no one was in sight before we could take out the motorbikes and start riding.

The road ahead stretched out under the bright noon sun, a ribbon of dusty path flanked by verdant fields and patches of dense forest. The air was warm, filled with the earthy scent of freshly tilled soil and blooming wildflowers. As we rode, the noise from the tires on the dirt blended with the distant chirping of birds and the occasional rustle of small animals in the underbrush.

The scenery was picturesque. Rolling hills undulated on either side of the road, their slopes dotted with clusters of trees and the occasional farmhouse. We passed through patches where the forest canopy formed a cool, shaded tunnel, offering a brief respite from the sun’s glare.

We crossed a small stone bridge over a sparkling brook, the water babbling as it meandered through the landscape. Occasionally, we saw other people—farmers with their carts, villagers walking to nearby towns—each offering a wave or a nod as we passed.

After nearly two hours of driving, the landscape changed. Instead of lush greenery, the landscape became more rugged. The ground grew rockier, and the trees sparser, replaced by hardy shrubs and patches of wild grass.

As we approached our destination, the silhouette of The Neglected Gorge of Unyielding Monsters came into view. Even from a kilometer away, it was an imposing sight. The gorge was a vast, jagged chasm, its rocky cliffs rising sharply from the ground. Dark shadows pooled within its depths, giving it an air of mystery and danger. The occasional screech or growl echoed from the gorge, a reminder of the creatures that lurked within.

Mahya suggested we stay at the house and rest for the night, starting our mission in the morning. Al and I both agreed. I found a secluded spot hidden from the road, nestled between a cluster of trees. The area was just big enough for the house. We spent a peaceful afternoon and evening at home, with a nice dinner and a strategy discussion.

Tomorrow—monster hunting.

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