NOVEL WEB Chapter 1157: Awaiting
The prevalent belief held that the overlords of the prison, who orchestrated the game-like challenges, were responsible for the disappearances. It was assumed that they intervened to maintain control and prevent any one faction or individual from gaining overwhelming power within the city.
The shadow of uncertainty and fear lingered, discouraging technological innovation and keeping the inhabitants in a perpetual state of caution.
The city also didn't expand that much because the number of the population rarely increased or decreased. Some people would occasionally disappear, probably being erased or reaching the next zones. No one knew the secrets to reach the other zones, at least in theory. People created bands and began to work together, and everyone could tell that some of those groups had valuable information.
There was even a group that had been formed around the successors of the founders of the city. They didn't rule the place, but they emphasized the obedience of the three laws, which were, don't fight, don't steal, and don't force the others to do anything inside the walls.
"I guess it is a fair game to do those outside the walls then," Elisabetha said.
"Go back to work," Rain thought.
"Anything else?" The barkeeper asked.
"Was everyone here captured as well?" Rain asked.
"Some people came from civilizations that spread across the cosmos and made enemies out of those they shouldn't," The barkeeper explained. "Some people were captured on their planets when those reached a breaking point for unknown reasons. Some people were just criminals from advanced societies and thrown here."
"I am looking for people who came to this city recently. Can you find them?" Rain asked.
"There is no information of anyone arriving in this city in the last 150 hours," The barkeeper said. "We can inform you of that when that happens for a price."
"Please do…" Rain said. "Is this the only place that people come after crossing the second zone?"
"There are rumors of other cities around, but no one who came to look for those places returned to tell the tale," The barkeeper said. "Anything else?"
"Is that dangerous to leave the walls? How do you produce food here, then?" Rain asked.
"That is my magic. I produce nutrients from my mana and transform them into all kinds of drinks and foods," The barkeeper said and then grabbed a wooden cup and put one of his branches on it, and then beer came out from it… it looked like a bear, but it also looked like piss.
"Well, it is a handy technique," Rain said.
"Thank you very much," The barkeeper smiled.
The tree creatures that Rain had met so far made him think that all of them were either gloomy or angry, but the barkeeper was changing that image a bit. Regardless, power and sources of power were the currency in that city. It was obvious by now, but it seemed that the place lived in peace… at least apparently.
"How do things work around these parts?" Rain asked.
"We have here people with all sorts of knowledge like mine. Food and water aren't a problem," The barkeeper said. "You can live here in peace just fine, and those who captured us won't do a single thing against you. More than eighty percent of the population is fine staying here, knowing that the people that they once opposed hold so much power. The other explores the outside of the city.
I can't divulge any information about the world outside, though. Only the bands and those who work with them can sell that kind of information, which they rarely do."
Despite the apparent tranquility within the city, some tension existed among its inhabitants. The presence of an old group, adhering to the principles of the founders and maintaining order ensured a semblance of peace. However, the pursuit of personal gain was still beneath the surface.
In a city where power equated to currency, individuals sought ways to get ahead of their peers. The race to level up and grow stronger persisted, as everyone harbored the shared goal of reaching the next zone. Yet, questions loomed over the residents like an unspoken challenge: what awaited them beyond the confines of this prison-like world?
The prospect of obtaining enough power to escape the prison tempted many, sparking a fervent pursuit of strength. However, the path forward remained shrouded in mystery. Was there truly a way to transcend the boundaries imposed by the overlords?
Another option, even if it was a riskier one, involved seizing control of the city itself. A desire to rule and dominate over others simmered beneath the surface. However, the perilous nature of such aspirations became evident when considering those who enforced the three laws.
These enforcers, holders of knowledge passed down through thousands of years, were a formidable obstacle to any who dared challenge the existing order.
The delicate balance within the city hinged on the coexistence of these contrasting ambitions. While some sought personal power to escape, others contemplated the acquisition of authority within the city itself. As the residents grappled with these choices, uncertainty, and intrigue became the driving forces shaping their individual journeys in this enigmatic realm.
"I will return soon… is there a place where I can stay to be informed immediately about the people that I am looking for?" Rain asked.
"There are some bedrooms below my tavern. You can use them for a fair price," The barkeeper said.
Rain nodded, and after paying his bill, he was soon led to one of the bedrooms. Underground, he could use his magic to sense the vibrations above and even receive some information, but he needed to be cautious while doing that to avoid trouble. Regardless, the bedroom was simple, with a bad table and a chair, but it was large enough for Rain to relax in.
After he jumped on the bed, he wondered what he should do from now on… waiting for the others seemed like the only option…