CHAPTER EIGHT: Scenery

As Elias traveled alongside Kai and Lily, he marveled at the sights and sounds of Elysium. It was a world unlike anything he had ever known, a vibrant tapestry of cultures and beings coexisting in harmony. Elves, dwarves, beast men, different races and species could be found. It all felt surreal. Tall buildings towered over bustling streets, where vendors peddled their wares and the aroma of exotic foods filled the air.

His stomach rumbled with hunger, a reminder of his own needs in this unfamiliar land. Turning to Kai and Lily, he broached the subject of acquiring some food.

"Erm, guys, I'm feeling pretty hungry," Elias began, his voice tinged with embarrassment. "Do you know where we can get something to eat around here?"

Kai's eyes lit up with excitement, eager to help his newfound friend. "Oh, there's a great food stall just down the street," he exclaimed, pointing in the direction of a bustling marketplace. "They sell the most delicious mo wu skewers!"

Lily nodded in agreement, her gaze drifting toward the tantalizing array of dishes on display. "Yes, I've heard about them. They're supposed to be amazing," she added, a hint of longing in her voice.

Elias's mouth watered at the thought of sampling the local cuisine, but a pang of concern gnawed at his conscience. "But, um, I don't have any money," he admitted sheepishly, hoping his companions might have a solution to their predicament.

“Ah, the captors took all our possessions” Lily replied after confirming from Kai.

Elias rummaged through his subspace inventory, his heart sank as he realized he had nothing of value to sell. Only worn-out weapons, his trusty scythe, and a few other useless trinkets filled the space.

But then, amidst the clutter, his fingers brushed against the smooth surface of two horns he had collected from a two-horned beast months ago. A spark of hope ignited within him as he considered the possibility of trading them for some much-needed coin.

"I wonder if these horns are worth anything," Elias mused aloud, holding them up for Kai and Lily to see. "Perhaps we could find a pawn shop and see if they're willing to buy them."

With determined strides, they ventured through the bustling streets until they stumbled upon a quaint little shop nestled between two larger buildings. The sign above the door read "Treasure Trove Traders," its faded letters hinting at the shop's long history.

Entering the shop, they were greeted by the sight of shelves lined with all manner of oddities and curiosities. Trinkets and treasures from across Elysium adorned the walls, each one whispering tales of adventure and mystery.

A gruff voice snapped them out of their reverie as the shopkeeper, a burly man with a scowl etched upon his face, approached. "Well, what do we have here?" he grumbled, eyeing them suspiciously. "Buying or selling?"

Elias cleared his throat, mustering up his courage as he presented the horns to the shopkeeper. "We're looking to sell these," he replied, trying to keep his voice steady despite the shopkeeper's intimidating demeanor. "Do you think they're worth anything?"

The shopkeeper's eyes widened in surprise as he examined the horns with a magnifying glass, his hands trembling slightly. "Where did you get these?" he demanded, his voice betraying a hint of awe mixed with disbelief.

Elias exchanged a glance with Kai and Lily before turning back to the shopkeeper, his tone measured. "That's not important," he replied cryptically, choosing his words carefully. "What matters is that we have them now, and we're looking to sell."

The shopkeeper's gaze flickered between Elias and the horns, a mixture of suspicion and curiosity evident in his expression. After a moment of silence, he grunted and nodded approvingly. "Well, you've got yourselves a rare find here," he admitted begrudgingly. "These horns are highly sought after in certain circles."

A glimmer of hope sparked within Elias as he listened to the shopkeeper's words. Perhaps their stroke of luck had finally turned in their favor.

The shopkeeper scribbled some figures on a piece of parchment, his expression stern as he named his price. "I'll give you 500 gold pieces for the pair," he offered, his voice leaving no room for negotiation.

Elias hesitated, mentally calculating their expenses and the value of the horns. It wasn't the fortune he had hoped for, but it was better than nothing. "Deal," he agreed finally, extending his hand to seal the transaction.

With a firm handshake, the deal was struck, and Elias felt a sense of relief wash over him. As the shopkeeper counted out the gold coins, Elias couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope for their future. Perhaps their luck was finally beginning to change.

As Kai and Lily excitedly chattered about the value of the gold coins, Elias listened intently, absorbing every detail about the world's monetary system. Lily explained how 500 gold pieces could sustain an average household for six months, highlighting the significant value of their newfound wealth in Elysium's economy.

With newfound enthusiasm, the trio set off in search of a suitable eatery to satisfy their rumbling stomachs. After a brief stroll through the bustling streets, they stumbled upon a quaint little shop adorned with colorful banners and the enticing aroma of grilled meats wafting through the air.

The shop, with its cozy atmosphere and welcoming ambiance, beckoned them inside. Elias couldn't help but marvel at the array of mouthwatering dishes displayed behind the glass counter, each more tantalizing than the last.

As they approached the counter to place their order, Kai eagerly recommended his favorite dish – skewers of succulent grilled meat, served with a side of crispy vegetables and savory dipping sauce. Elias and Lily nodded in agreement, their mouths watering at the thought of indulging in such delectable fare.

After placing their order, they found a table near the window, bathed in warm sunlight streaming through the glass. With their stomachs grumbling in anticipation, they settled in comfortably, eagerly discussing their plans for the remainder of the day.

As they nibbled on their skewers and savored each flavorful bite, they deliberated on their next steps, including where to spend the night and how to continue their journey. Kai estimated that it would take them several days to reach his hometown, detailing the various landmarks and waypoints along the way.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the bustling streets of the city, Elias led his companions in search of a suitable place to spend the night. After a brief search, they found a quaint hotel nestled in a quiet corner of the city, its modest facade promising a comfortable night's rest.

Inside, Elias approached the front desk and arranged for two rooms – one with a double bed for himself and Kai, and another with a single bed for Lily. As they settled into their respective rooms, exhaustion weighing heavy on their eyelids, they drifted off to sleep, the events of the day fading into dreams.

The next morning dawned bright and clear, the promise of a new day beckoning them forward on their journey. After a hearty breakfast at a nearby cafe, they set out once more, the rhythmic clatter of their footsteps echoing through the streets as they made their way to the train station.

Kai, ever the knowledgeable guide, suggested they travel by train, noting that it would expedite their journey and bring them to his hometown in a fraction of the time it would take by other means of transportation. 

“Are trains the fastest means of transportation?” Elias asked in curiousity

Kai is surprised Elias didn't seem to know what everyone seemed to know but simply replies: “Well, cars are faster but only nobles and millionaires can afford to buy one, most people travel by carriage or just walk, but with enough money, travelling by train is a very convenient option”

Elias nods as he turns towards Lily, eager to experience the convenience and efficiency of modern travel in Elysium.

As they arrived at the train station, Elias marveled at the sleek, futuristic design of the trains, their polished surfaces gleaming in the morning light. With tickets in hand, they boarded the train, settling into their seats as they prepared for the journey ahead.

As the train pulled out of the station, gathering speed as it hurtled toward their destination, Elias couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation, eager to see what adventures awaited them in Kai's hometown.