Konola City

Konola City is located in the border region of the Kingdom of Kamos. However, it is surrounded by mountains to the west and the Aegma Wasteland to the east (the same wasteland Punk passed through). A river also flows through it, making transportation and trade very convenient. Its geographical location can be described as advantageous for both offense and defense, making it an undeniable strategic stronghold. Although the region where the Kingdom of Kamos is located is barren and has seen no wars for many years, its relationship with the Kingdom of Dilon has become tense in recent years. Konola lies to the south, bordering the Kingdom of Dilon, which has led to many troops being stationed in Konola City.

Punk and Kane walked towards the city gate together. A huge, deep red flag hung directly above the gate, emblazoned with a rather abstract griffin. The flag fluttered in the wind, looking quite imposing. The twenty-meter-high city walls were built from large blocks of granite, still bearing numerous deep scratches from sharp weapon attacks. Coupled with the angular city wall bricks, a strong sense of history washed over them.

At the city gate, some citizens and merchants were queuing for inspection by the soldiers. These soldiers were all burly and extremely rude, openly soliciting bribes from those entering the city. An old man in tattered clothes was pushed to the ground because the bribe he offered failed to satisfy the guards. The guards also cursed and kicked the old man's leg.

Next to the main city gate, there was a smaller side gate, which seemed to be exclusively for nobles and professionals to enter and exit. Compared to the hustle and bustle of the main gate, the side gate was much quieter. Ordinary poor people kept their distance from it. Only an old man dressed as a warrior sat on a wooden chair, appearing to be the gatekeeper of the side gate. Punk casually sensed the old man, discovering that he was a Level 1 Apprentice Level warrior who was drinking wine in small sips. Judging by his age, he was the type who had no hope of advancement.

"Damn it, I don't want to wait in this line for half a day. I want to get into the city quickly and find a place to eat a big meal. Let's go through that way quickly. That old man definitely won't dare to stop us," Kane said, stretching and pointing at the side gate.

Punk secretly had the same idea, so he carried his staff and walked towards the side gate.

Seeing a mage-like figure and a knight-like figure approaching, the old gatekeeper quickly stood up, took out a piece of parchment from his bosom, and took another swig of wine before standing in the middle of the gate.

Seeing this, Punk's expression turned grim. The old man's posture suggested he wanted some "gratuity." However, Punk only had five gold coins on him. Although for an ordinary family, one gold coin was half a year's expenses, it was extremely scarce for Punk, who wanted to learn knowledge as quickly as possible. He didn't want to waste it on "gratuity" for no reason.

"If that old man asks me for money, I'll stab him and run!" Kane, standing beside him, looked indignant. The money he had was so little it was almost nothing. Furthermore, the week-long journey had turned this impatient fellow into a volcano. Now that they had reached their destination, they were being blocked by a greedy gatekeeper. Anyone would feel the urge to punch someone.

Punk didn't think they would be difficult to deal with. After all, both he and Kane were Level 4 Professionals (leveling up was quite fast in the early stages). It would be unwise to offend two Level 4 Professionals for a small amount of money. An old fox of a warrior should understand this.

As expected, the old man didn't extend his hand to ask for money like the soldiers at the main gate. He only asked Punk and Kane to register their professions and levels, not even their names. When he saw that Punk and Kane, both around fifteen years old, were actually Level 4 Professionals, the old man was so shocked that he dropped the parchment.

Seeing the old man's "unbelievable" expression, Kane proudly unleashed his peak Apprentice Level aura and strode into the city gate, deliberately making his armor clang. He completely ignored Punk's disdainful gaze.

Upon entering the city, a medieval-style urban landscape unfolded before Punk's eyes.

As a "military stronghold," Konola's roads were paved with gravel to facilitate troop deployment. During the humid Greenleaf Season, patches of moss grew along the gravel paths, adding a touch of green to Konola City. Directly facing the city gate was a marketplace. Many shops had simple names written in large characters, usually the owner's name plus the item sold, such as Shiba's Clothing and Hat Shop, Gugu's Fresh Meat Shop, and so on. Many merchants who couldn't rent shops set up stalls by the roadside, promoting their goods to everyone who passed by. Although the various shops were arranged chaotically, it gave a prosperous feeling.

"So, buddy, what are your plans now?" Kane asked, patting Punk's shoulder in a "close buddies, nothing to hide" manner. But Punk dodged with a sidestep. "What about you?" Punk replied, not answering Kane's question.

"Me? I'm going to the Adventurers Guild to start my super-great adventure career as the Knight Kane!" he declared, turning and walking towards the bustling food stalls. "But first, I need to have a big meal to reward myself."

"Then, goodbye," Punk said, turning and walking onto a quieter street.

"Bye-bye~~" Kane waved casually without looking back and then excitedly began to bargain with the stall owner.

Punk was actually happy to part ways with Kane. Although Kane appeared unreliable on the surface, seeming carefree and "sunny," he was actually a smart and cold-blooded person. Punk was quite good at judging people, especially those like Kane who were very similar to him at their core. While cooperating with such a person meant not worrying about them being foolish and ensuring efficiency, one had to be wary of each other during the cooperation. Otherwise, with enough benefits, the two who were brothers sharing life and death one moment could easily draw their swords and stab each other in the heart the next. Therefore, Punk preferred to cooperate with people from the good alignment. After all, by acting a little hypocritically, one wouldn't have to worry about being stabbed in the back by teammates. At critical moments, those "righteous heroes" would even "sacrifice themselves for righteousness," making them the best meat shields.

Punk was now walking directly towards a very iconic building – a grand guild hall with a high spire and constructed with genuine "green bricks and glazed tiles." That building was one of the countless branch halls of the Mage Guild. The flag on the roof bore a small, nine-petaled purplish-red flower, which was the symbol of the Mage Guild – the Flower of Vermis. Although Punk didn't know why the Mage Guild had made this branch hall entirely green, the conspicuous and ostentatious magical fluctuations allowed Punk to confirm its location from miles away – this was the Mage Guild.

Seeking recommendations, seeking collections, the plot is about to enter the next stage.