LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 4: Into The Fray
The morning sun bathed the streets of Fallowmere in a golden hue, illuminating the bustle of merchants setting up their stalls and customers haggling for the best deals.
Tobi strolled along the cobblestone path with his hands in his pockets, his gaze shifting from one vibrant stall to the next.
The scent of freshly baked bread mingled with the sharp tang of leather goods and the earthy aroma of herbs and spices.
Despite the unfamiliar surroundings, there was something comforting about the rhythm of the marketplace. It reminded him of street fairs back home — only with a distinctly medieval twist.
"Freshly crafted potions! Cure your ailments, heal your wounds!" one merchant called out, waving a small vial of glimmering blue liquid.
"Steelwork from the finest smith in Fallowmere!" another bellowed, his stall lined with gleaming weapons and armor.
Tobi paused for a moment, watching as a group of customers inspected a rack of swords. His hand instinctively touched the pouch of coins at his waist.
The ten bronze coins he had started with had dwindled to eight after renting the room for the night, and any purchase would leave him nearly penniless.
'Better spend wisely,' he thought, moving along.
After receiving directions from a friendly vendor, Tobi made his way toward a less polished part of the city.
The cobblestones here were uneven, the buildings more worn, their wooden beams darkened with age. It wasn't as lively as the marketplace, but it had its own energy — a grittier, more chaotic vibe.
This was where the unofficial adventurers congregated.
He had passed through this area briefly the day before, noting the groups of men and women clad in mismatched armor, their weapons slung casually over their shoulders.
These weren't the polished, disciplined members of the Shieldbearers or any other guild. These were freelancers, people who worked outside the formal system to take on smaller, riskier jobs.
Tobi had weighed his options carefully. Joining a guild was tempting, but he needed to test the waters first — to learn the ropes without committing to anything.
Freelancing seemed like the perfect way to do that. He wouldn't have to worry about evaluations or contracts, and he could keep his earnings without splitting them with an organization.
As he walked, Tobi's gaze landed on a stall tucked into the corner of a narrow street. The merchant, a wiry man with a sharp nose and a perpetual squint, stood behind a display of weapons.
"Looking for something to defend yourself with?" the man asked, his voice raspy but inviting.
Tobi hesitated, then nodded. "I need something small. Affordable."
The merchant gestured to a row of shortswords, their blades polished but showing signs of wear. "Five bronze for one of these beauties. Lightweight, reliable. Won't win you a duel, but it'll get the job done."
Tobi examined the swords, running his fingers along the cold steel of one blade. It wasn't fancy, but it felt sturdy enough.
He reached into his pouch and handed over the coins, his heart sinking slightly at the loss of half his remaining funds.
"Good choice," the merchant said, sliding the sword into a plain leather scabbard and handing it to Tobi.
"Thanks," Tobi said, strapping the weapon to his waist.
Now armed, he continued deeper into the district, where the sounds of laughter and clinking metal grew louder.
Groups of adventurers clustered around makeshift stalls and taverns, their conversations filled with bravado and laughter.
Tobi approached a small group gathered near the corner of a shabby inn. They looked like they had seen their fair share of battles — scarred armor, calloused hands, and eyes that carried both weariness and sharpness.
"Hey there," he said, doing his best to sound casual.
One of them, a burly man with a thick beard and a battle-axe slung over his back, turned to him. "What do you want, stranger?"
"I'm looking to tag along," Tobi said, gesturing to the sword at his hip. "I'm new to this, but I'm not looking to cause trouble. Just want to learn the ropes and maybe earn a few coins."
The man raised an eyebrow, his gaze flicking over Tobi's plain clothes and awkward stance. "You don't look like much of a fighter."
Tobi shrugged. "I'm not, but I can stay out of the way. Hit the smaller ones when they're distracted. You won't even know I'm there."
A woman in the group, her auburn hair tied back in a messy braid, snorted. "At least he's honest."
The bearded man scratched his chin thoughtfully. "We're heading out to clear some pests from the forest just outside the city. Nothing big — mostly slimes and horned rabbits. You think you can handle that?"
Tobi nodded, relief washing over him. "Yeah, I can handle that."
"Alright, then," the man said. "You can come, but don't expect us to babysit you. You fall behind, you're on your own."
"Understood," Tobi said quickly.
The group introduced themselves briefly: Garin, the bearded man and apparent leader; Lyra, the sharp-tongued archer; and Finn, a lanky mage who seemed more interested in his spellbook than the conversation.
As they made their way toward the city gates, Tobi felt a mix of excitement and apprehension. This wasn't the most glamorous start, but it was a start nonetheless.