Gacha System: Reborn In The Hardest World

"What's with that guy? He acted like trying to break my bones was a high-five between buddies," Gael huffed, watching the general's back as he walked ahead. 

Blythe walked beside him, talking in a hush-hush tone, "The kingdom of Galios is one where strength reigns supreme. It is not a place of the weak–they simply forbid its existence."

"Seriously? Is there anywhere in this world that's just…normal?" Gael remarked, stepping into the tunnel leading through the grandiose walls. 

"It's because of the mindset that the kingdom of Galios prides itself on that it's able to stand up to Mastorn. That's the sort of resolve it takes," Blythe told him, tugging the compass into her dress. 

"Didn't mean to trash their culture, it's just a bit of an adjustment," Gael said. 

Passing through the tunnel, he stepped out into the capital itself alongside the others. It was an immediate sense of awe, greeted by the sight of steel skyscrapers, interconnected by bridges in the sky. 

"Woah," he couldn't help but emit his intrigue. "This place—it's amazing." 

Grandhield seemed to have heard the remark, spreading his arms as if presenting the city, "This is the heart of Galios! The work of our splendid craftsmen and brilliant minds!" 

It was a kingdom of steel, though not disembarking from nature as golden-leaf trees flourished in sectors. As he walked through the street, being passed by carriages pulled by wingless dragons, he couldn't help but look up. 

The bridges that connected between each of the towering buildings filled him with anxiousness and awe. It was a brilliant show of architecture, yet seeing the people walk across those high suspensions made his stomach drop. 

'In a lot of ways, it feels more advanced than cities on Earth. No, I guess that's not the right way to put it exactly—maybe. This is how humanity evolved with magic rather than technology, is that it?' He thought. 

"Gael, I'm heading to the Administration to relay what's happened," Blythe told him, stopping in the street. 

It was a bustling district of the city, having to constantly make sure passing people didn't bump into him. 

"I'll go with you—?" He offered, though felt he was hearing the opposite. 

"Unfortunately, this will be a highly confidential meeting. As such, I'd like you to explore the capital," Blythe said with a pleased smile, stepping closer to him. 

The flick of her eyelashes gestured for him to hold his hand out before he watched her place a rather plump baggy on it. 

Florentine leaned over, curious about the bag as well while Pucha looked up. 

"What's this?" He asked. 

"You can think of it as an allowance," Blythe told him. 

"Hah! That's the spoils you'd get from slaying a dragon—an allowance!" Florentine laughed. 

Holding that amount of money made him feel a bit vulnerable, glancing around to see if anybody was listening. There were certainly some colorful figures in the passing masses; adventurers strapped in dazzling armor, carrying spectacular weapons. 

"…I guess I can kill some time. Where should we meet up, then?" Gael asked, tucking the bag into the pocket of his sweater. 

Blythe pointed ahead towards a snow-white building in the center of the city that seemed to sparkle beneath the sunlight, "There. The guards won't let just anybody through the gates, so I'll give them a secret word for you to use. Hmm…let's go with…Apple?" 

"Creative," he sarcastically said. "Sure." 

With a small wave, he watched the silver-haired girl disappear through the crowded street. It felt as though he was a child being left in a mall with far more than mere pocket change. 

"I wonder what I should check out first?" He questioned in a mumble, looking around. 

"How about a tavern?! I could go for some good ol' mead!" Florentine suggested like a child wanting to go to a toy store. 

Getting drunk on booze didn't exactly sound like the worst idea considering the troublesome times he had. Still, he felt it would be a waste, "Well, you can go check that out." 

He parted a handful of the golden coins to the warrior, who beamed at the sight of the handed down allowance. 

"Err…Guess I'll go on ahead and scout out some good mead! I'll report back, Master!" Florentine saluted before excitedly hurrying off. 

Now, he found himself alone with the capybara by his side amidst the bustling crowd. 

"Guess it's just you and me now, huh, Pucha?" Gael said, glancing down. 

Whatever the case, he definitely stood out compared to the crowds of Galios. Still in his black hoodie and sweatpants, he felt like a foreigner—though he most certainly was. 

He casually walked through the street, accosted by the many merchants that ran their street-side shops. The street was paved of tan cobblestone, kept immaculately clean. 

'It's my first opportunity to see what this world has. Well, minus the crazy people who want me dead,' he thought. 

The aroma of savory food filled the air, finding multiple vendors that peddled grilled skewers. 

"Try a Leviathan skewer! Made from the meat of one of the sea's mightiest predators!" A bearded merchant peddled the steaming skewers on display. 

The smell of the seafood made his stomach grumble as he approached the stand. 

"Interested in trying one, young man? I'll throw in one for your furry friend there if you buy one!" The merchant offered, rubbing his hands together with a smile.

Gael glanced down at the capybara, who looked up at him as if intrigued by the prospect, "Sure." 

"A fine decision! Enjoy!" 

It was only a single coin for both, finding a seat on a bench stationed by a fountain sculpted into the shape of a warrior. He sat there as Pucha picked himself up beside him. 

"Here you go," Gael offered, sticking the skewer near the furry one's mouth. 

Pucha didn't hesitate to start nibbling away, seeming to enjoy it. 

"Better than grass, I bet," Gael remarked, biting into his own serving of the mysterious meat. 

It was rather juicy, yet a bit tough. Compared to salmon, the texture was closer to steak; definitely better than cooked rabbit. 

'Guess the cuisine here isn't so bad,' he judged. 

As he sat there enjoying his snack alongside his fuzzy companion, a commotion caught his attention. 

"Watch it, pussycat!" 

"What was that—?!" 

A crowd was gathering around a burly-built man in silver armor, who confronted a lithe woman half his size. To his surprise, she had a pair of cat ears and a tail that flicked with anger. 

Despite the disparity in stature, the cloak-wearing cat-girl looked more than ready to fight. 

"You heard me, fish breath!" The tall, bald man in dented plating scowled. "Watch it or I'll teach you to." 

"Oh, yeah? Try me, baldy," the brunette cat-girl slyly challenged, revealing the daggers beneath her cloak. 

It looked like bloodshed was about to be spilled on the streets, especially as the crowd only seemed to welcome the conflict. 

Gael stood up, a bit confused by the reaction, "Seriously...?" 

It wasn't as if it was entirely different from Earth, witnessing fights break out in the street, though— 

"I challenge you to a duel!" The cat-eared woman issued. 

"Hah! I accept!" The burly man agreed. 

The crowd erupted in excitement, seeming to move along as the two rivals agreed to their bout. 

Gael looked around, hearing the murmurs of citizens as he bit the last piece of his skewer. 

"Another duel? That's the third one today. Adventurers are a rowdy bunch," a merchant chatted with one of his peers, stroking his beard with a huff. 

"Wanna place a wager? I'll go for the big guy," the other peddler offered, a man with shaggy, blonde hair, leaning against a crate. 

"As if I'd bet against that! Ha-ha," the bearded merchant laughed. 

He listened to the chatter before deciding to follow along where the crowd had gathered, curious about what seemed to be a normal occurrence. 

'A duel? Right in the middle of the city?' He thought.