Chapter 5 - The Harsh Reality of the City Gates
The towering walls of Tredolus came into view, bathed in the warm afternoon light. It was an impressive sight — a vast, bustling city surrounded by sturdy stone defenses, with banners fluttering proudly atop the ramparts. Zeno, Bloo, and Gobu stood at the edge of the main road, taking in the scene before them.
"This is it... our first step into the real world," Zeno said, gripping the hilt of his sword tightly.
Bloo wobbled excitedly next to him, while Gobu looked around nervously. Though the journey had been filled with minor dangers — wild beasts and low-level monsters — they had managed to overcome every obstacle together. But now, a different kind of challenge awaited them.
As they approached the massive gates, the atmosphere grew tense. Lines of merchants, adventurers, and travelers queued for entry. The guards — tall, armored men wielding spears — scrutinized everyone carefully.
When the guards spotted Gobu and Bloo, their expressions darkened instantly.
"Oi, what's that goblin and slime doing here?!" one of the guards barked.
The nearby people turned to look. Whispers spread like wildfire. Some pointed. Others sneered openly.
"They're monsters! Keep them out!"
"Disgusting creatures shouldn't be allowed in!"
"Watch your bags, they might steal something!"
Gobu flinched under the harsh glares and hateful words, his hand instinctively gripping his worn sword. Bloo shivered, shrinking behind Zeno.
Zeno stepped forward, keeping his voice calm but firm. "They're my companions. They haven't harmed anyone. We request permission to enter the city under supervision."
The guards exchanged glances, clearly uncomfortable.
One of them — a senior-looking man with a scar across his face — sighed. "City law forbids monsters from entering freely. However... if you take full responsibility, and keep them under strict control, we'll allow it. One mistake, and they're out — or worse."
Zeno bowed slightly. "Understood. I swear on my honor."
The guards reluctantly moved aside, allowing them through.
But the trouble didn't end there.
As they passed through the crowded streets, the abuse continued. Passersby openly mocked and insulted them.
"Look at that goblin — disgusting!"
"And a slime too? What a joke!"
"They're probably plotting something..."
Gobu lowered his head, his large hands clenching into fists. Bloo let out a small, sad squeak.
Zeno placed a reassuring hand on Gobu's shoulder. "Ignore them," he said quietly. "We know the truth. We know who we are."
Gobu nodded slowly, though the pain in his eyes was clear. Bloo hopped forward, determined to stay cheerful despite everything.
They turned into a quieter street, hoping to escape the eyes of the crowd. But just as they rounded the corner, a group of young men — likely adventurers — blocked their path.
"Well, well," one of them sneered, "looks like someone brought their pets into the city."
Zeno stepped in front of his companions, narrowing his eyes. "We don't want trouble."
Another man smirked. "Too bad. We do."
He reached for his dagger, but before he could draw it, a loud voice called out from nearby.
"That's enough!"
An older woman, wearing a merchant's apron and holding a basket of bread, stood at the doorway of a nearby shop. Her gaze was sharp.
"You think the city needs more thugs threatening newcomers? Go pick a fight somewhere else."
The group hesitated, then cursed under their breath and walked off.
The woman turned to Zeno. "City folks aren't all bad, boy. Just... don't let the filth poison your heart."
Zeno bowed his head slightly. "Thank you, ma'am."
They continued walking, the incident leaving a heavy silence between them.
Soon, the lively sounds of the central square surrounded them again. Towering buildings made of stone and wood lined the streets. Merchants shouted their wares, the smell of roasted meat and fresh bread filled the air, and colorful banners fluttered from every corner.
Amidst it all, Bloo suddenly pressed against Zeno's side and let out a soft gurgle.
"Hm? What is it, Bloo?" Zeno asked.
The little slime pointed — or rather, leaned — toward a street vendor selling shiny trinkets: small colorful pouches, glass beads, and cheap jewelry.
Bloo's gaze was locked onto a tiny blue pouch embroidered with silver threads.
Zeno chuckled softly. "You want that, huh?"
Bloo bounced excitedly.
Without hesitation, Zeno approached the stall.
"How much for that pouch?" he asked.
The vendor eyed them suspiciously — particularly Bloo and Gobu — but, seeing that Zeno looked human enough, he answered gruffly, "Two copper coins."
Zeno paid, and handed the pouch to Bloo.
The slime practically shone with happiness, wrapping its gelatinous body protectively around the pouch like it was the greatest treasure in the world.
Gobu smiled faintly at the sight, some of the tension leaving his shoulders.
"Let's find an inn," Zeno said. "We need rest before anything else."
They began making their way down a quieter path that led away from the main square, past rows of inns, taverns, and small shops.
As the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the cobbled streets, Zeno glanced up at the towering spires of Tredolus.
His voice was quiet. "This city... it's not what I imagined. I thought reaching it would be the end of our struggles."
Gobu grunted in agreement. Bloo gently nuzzled Zeno's side.
Zeno stopped walking for a moment and turned to his companions.
"We may not be welcomed here," he said, "but we'll make this place our home. Even if we have to carve our own path through all this hatred."
They nodded — not just in agreement, but in shared resolve.
Just then, a distant horn echoed through the city — a signal from the upper gate.
Zeno's eyes narrowed. "That's... a warning horn."
People around them started murmuring.
"Monsters spotted near the eastern woods."
"Another wave already?"
"Didn't they reinforce the border patrol?"
Zeno turned to Gobu and Bloo. "Looks like our rest might have to wait."
They exchanged glances.
Their journey had only just begun — and already, a new threat loomed on the horizon.
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