The wind in this world felt different.
It carried the scent of pine forests, distant rivers, and something older—something wild that Lucian had never experienced on Earth before.
Lucian stood at the edge of the forest, staring across the massive valley before him.
The mountains stretched across the horizon like giant stone walls, their peaks cutting into the clouds. Far in the distance, the medieval city they had seen through the portal stood tall beneath a massive castle.
Smoke rose from dozens of chimneys.
Stone walls surrounded the city.
And beyond those walls, farmland stretched across the land like a patchwork quilt.
Elena stepped forward beside Lucian.
Her red eyes scanned the landscape.
"…Okay," she said slowly.
Lucian glanced at her.
"What?"
She gestured toward the city.
"You didn't tell me we were stepping into a fantasy world."
Lucian shrugged.
"I didn't know."
Elena folded her arms.
"Pretty sure that's a castle."
Lucian squinted at it.
"Yep."
A faint smile spread across his face.
"This is awesome."
Elena sighed.
"You are way too excited about this."
Lucian turned around slightly.
Behind them, the Merchant Gate still hovered between two trees, glowing softly like a ring of golden light.
Lucian nodded toward it.
"Good. It's still open."
Elena glanced at the portal.
"So we can go back whenever we want?"
Lucian opened the system interface.
The screen confirmed it.
Merchant Gate Active
Return Path Available
Lucian nodded.
"Yep."
Elena relaxed slightly.
"Good."
Lucian closed the interface.
Then he looked toward the city again.
"So."
Elena raised an eyebrow.
"So?"
Lucian pointed.
"Let's go see who lives here."
Elena smirked.
"You're hoping to find more customers."
Lucian grinned.
"Obviously."
They began walking down the forest path toward the valley.
The ground felt solid beneath Lucian's feet.
His Earthsense hummed softly.
But it felt… stronger here.
Lucian frowned slightly.
Elena noticed.
"What?"
Lucian glanced down at the ground.
"The earth here feels… alive."
Elena blinked.
"Isn't all earth alive?"
Lucian shook his head slowly.
"No."
He placed his hand against a nearby tree.
Energy pulsed faintly through the bark.
Lucian's eyes widened slightly.
"This world is full of natural energy."
Elena tilted her head.
"Magic?"
Lucian nodded.
"Yeah."
Elena grinned.
"Well that explains the dragons."
Lucian laughed.
"True."
They continued walking for nearly twenty minutes.
Eventually the dirt road leading toward the city came into view.
And they weren't alone anymore.
Farmers worked the fields.
Horse-drawn carts rolled slowly along the road.
People moved between the farms and the city gates.
Lucian stopped walking.
Elena looked at him.
"What's wrong?"
Lucian scratched his head.
"We might stand out."
Elena glanced down at his clothes.
Modern jeans.
Sneakers.
A black jacket.
Then she looked at the farmers wearing medieval tunics and cloaks.
"…Yeah."
Lucian sighed.
"Didn't think that part through."
Elena smiled mischievously.
"Relax."
Lucian raised an eyebrow.
"How?"
Elena stepped closer.
Her eyes glowed red briefly.
Dark mist wrapped around her body.
Within seconds—
Her appearance shifted.
Her modern clothes transformed into a long dark cloak and leather armor.
Lucian blinked.
"…You can do that?"
Elena smirked.
"Vampire illusion magic."
Lucian crossed his arms.
"Show off."
Elena pointed at him.
"Your turn."
Lucian looked down at his clothes.
"I don't have illusion magic."
The system suddenly chimed.
Lucian froze.
"Oh."
A new menu appeared.
Merchant Equipment
Lucian opened it quickly.
Several new items had unlocked after the rank upgrade.
One caught his attention immediately.
Merchant Traveler's Cloak
Effect: Adapts appearance to local world culture
Lucian grinned.
"Well that's convenient."
He tapped the item.
Light shimmered around him.
His clothes shifted instantly.
The modern jacket became a dark leather coat.
His sneakers turned into sturdy boots.
Even his shirt changed into something that looked like medieval traveler clothing.
Elena whistled softly.
"Okay that's cool."
Lucian nodded proudly.
"Merchant perks."
They resumed walking toward the city.
As they approached, the massive stone gates became clearer.
Two armored guards stood outside.
Each carried a spear.
Elena whispered,
"Try not to say anything weird."
Lucian nodded.
"Got it."
They reached the gate.
One of the guards stepped forward.
"Halt."
Lucian stopped.
The guard studied them carefully.
"State your business in Ironhold."
Lucian paused.
Elena glanced at him.
Lucian thought quickly.
"…Travelers."
The guard raised an eyebrow.
"From where?"
Lucian smiled calmly.
"Far away."
The guard frowned.
"That's not helpful."
Lucian quickly added,
"I'm a merchant."
That changed everything.
The guard's expression softened slightly.
"A merchant?"
Lucian nodded.
"Yes."
The guard looked at Elena.
"And her?"
Elena shrugged.
"Assistant."
Lucian coughed slightly.
The guard studied them for another moment.
Then he stepped aside.
"Very well."
The massive gates slowly opened.
Lucian and Elena walked into the city.
Inside—
The streets were alive with activity.
Market stalls filled the main road.
Merchants shouted prices.
Blacksmith hammers rang loudly in the distance.
Children ran between the crowds.
Lucian's eyes lit up.
"Oh yeah."
Elena glanced at him.
"What?"
Lucian smiled widely.
"This place is full of customers."
Elena laughed.
"You're unbelievable."
Lucian looked around the busy market.
Travelers.
Warriors.
Merchants.
Adventurers.
A city full of people from a magical world.
Lucian rubbed his hands together.
"Business is about to get very good."
But somewhere above the city…
Inside the towering castle…
The glowing eyes that had awakened earlier were watching.
And the moment Lucian stepped into Ironhold…
The ancient being whispered again.
"The merchant walks our streets."
And the game had begun.