Chapter 3: The First City

The Hidden Sovereign: Beyond Fate

The morning sun filtered through the towering trees as Abster continued walking through the unfamiliar forest.

Hours had passed since the strange encounter with the giant wolf.

"...Aetherion."

The name echoed in his mind.

The fragments of knowledge he had received told him this was the world's name.

But they gave him no clue about who he really was... or why the gods had called him the Hidden Sovereign.

As he reached the edge of the forest, a breathtaking sight unfolded before him.

Beyond rolling fields stood an enormous stone city surrounded by towering walls.

Hundreds of people entered and left through its massive gates.

Merchants pulled wagons loaded with colorful goods.

Adventurers wearing armor laughed as they compared the scars from their latest quests.

Flying creatures circled above the watchtowers.

"This really is another world..."

---

As Abster approached the entrance, two armored guards crossed their spears.

"Halt."

The older guard narrowed his eyes.

"I don't recognize you. State your name and your place of origin."

Abster hesitated.

He couldn't exactly say he came from Earth.

"My name is Abster."

"And your homeland?"

"...A small village."

The guards exchanged skeptical looks.

"What village?"

Abster remained silent.

After a long pause, the younger guard sighed.

"He doesn't seem dangerous."

The older guard nodded reluctantly.

"Very well. Since you have no identification, you'll need a temporary traveler permit. Don't cause trouble."

Abster bowed slightly.

"Thank you."

The heavy gates creaked open.

He stepped into his first city in Aetherion.

---

The streets were alive.

Blacksmiths hammered glowing steel.

Children chased one another through the marketplace.

Mages demonstrated small spells to attract customers.

The smell of freshly baked bread filled the air.

Abster couldn't help but smile.

"So this is another world..."

Suddenly—

"Thief!"

A woman screamed.

A young boy sprinted through the crowded street with a stolen purse.

Several guards gave chase, but the thief darted through narrow alleys too quickly.

Without thinking, Abster stepped into the boy's path.

The thief smirked.

"Move!"

He swung a dagger.

Instinct took over.

Abster sidestepped the attack and gently caught the boy's wrist.

The dagger clattered to the ground.

With a simple twist, the boy lost his balance and landed on the street.

The guards arrived moments later.

"You've got him!"

The captain blinked in surprise.

"You handled him without hurting him..."

Abster simply shrugged.

"He looked scared more than dangerous."

The captain studied him for a moment before nodding.

"You've got a level head. We need more people like that."

The grateful woman hurried over and accepted her purse.

"Thank you, sir."

She reached into her bag and offered him a few silver coins.

Abster hesitated.

"I... don't even know what these are worth."

The woman laughed softly.

"Then you must really be new here."

Before she could say more, a deep voice called from behind.

"You've got quick reflexes."

Abster turned.

A tall man in dark leather armor stood nearby, a longsword resting at his side.

A silver badge was pinned to his chest.

"My name is Garrick Thorn," he said. "I'm an A-rank adventurer."

He smiled.

"Have you ever thought about joining the Adventurers' Guild?"

Abster glanced at the badge, then back at the bustling city.

Maybe joining the guild would help him learn about this world... and earn enough money to survive.

"I suppose that's not a bad idea."

Garrick grinned.

"Then come with me."

As they walked toward the guild hall, neither of them noticed a hooded figure watching from a nearby rooftop.

Beneath the hood, glowing violet eyes followed Abster's every step.

"So..."

"The prophecy has begun."

---

End of Chapter 3

New Characters Introduced:

Abster – The protagonist.

Garrick Thorn – An A-rank adventurer who notices Abster's potential.

Unnamed Hooded Figure – A mysterious observer connected to an ancient prophecy.

If you find any errors (non-standard content, ads redirect, broken links, etc..), Please let us know so we can fix it as soon as possible.