The Guardian

Chapter 23: Tourism

Although the European War against the Middle East devastated Turkey and many Middle Eastern countries, turning that area into a lawless land ruled by guilds of lunatics and demons, at the time, the destruction also reached Greece.

After all, the only thing that divided it was the Aegean Sea, which was easy for both demons and lunatic gamblers to cross.

The result of that destruction changed the city of Athens from before the Great Cataclysm.

Enormous buildings like skyscrapers were not typical in Greece, but most of the buildings were of medium size.

Their style, on the other hand, carried an ancient touch with a ‘homogeneous’ appearance among the buildings, making it an impressive sight when combined with the imposing temples.

The bus drove through those places, and the students started taking pictures with their holographic watches like excited tourists.

The hotel they stayed at was in the center, so they arrived quickly.

A four-star hotel was quite renowned for its view from the balconies to the city and temples.

“Go to your rooms, leave your luggage. Do what you have to do, and in fifteen minutes, I’ll be waiting for you in the lounge,” Professor Villacrés said, after relaying the room information along with the students’ personal input to their respective holographic clocks.

When the bus stopped, the students quickly disembarked with their luggage.

Space rings were quite common, and while the price varied according to the size of the space inside, everyone had space rings of varying values.

But for some people carrying their luggage in those rings was annoying because of how little could be stored, and that was why they carried their luggage by hand.

However, there was also another reason, and that was...

They needed space for their new items!

The students hurried to the hotel to drop off their luggage and try to empty their space rings.

When they entered the lobby, their holographic clocks vibrated, identifying the entry that Professor Villacrés had transmitted to them.

Seeing that everything was in order with the hotel attendants, the students quickly made their way to the rooms to drop off all their items.

Aurora followed the information from her room and went up to the second floor with Alice.

Two students were to share rooms, and Aurora was assigned to her gluttonous friend.

The hotel was quite luxurious, worthy of a four-star hotel, while the rooms were also nice and big, being comfortable for two people.

Aurora had a space ring with a relatively large interior size, so she had no problem wearing her clothes, but she still wanted to leave them at the same time as she checked her room.

While she had traveled to Greece before, she had never actually taken a student trip.

She couldn’t deny that she was slightly excited.

“I’ve already booked the restaurant for dinner.” Alice reported with a severe tone, and giving a slightly excited smile, she added. “We’re having Greek food today.”

Aurora made a slightly strange expression at her friend’s excitement, but nodded and replied. “Come on.”

Hurrying down to the lobby, Professor Villacrés, along with a few students, was already waiting for the others.

It didn’t take long for the other students to arrive.

Seeing that they were all there, Professor Villacrés looked at her students.

“Everyone here is an adult and a responsible future hero. I don’t have to remind you of your boundaries, do I?” Professor Villacrés asked.

They were all eighteen years old at least, being legally ‘responsible’ adults.

Knowing what or what not to do was a question they would have to know themselves.

The students nodded.

“Okay, let me just give you a reminder,” Professor Villacrés said, and watching them closely, she cautioned. “You are free to do as you wish and go anywhere. Just remember to be careful. Although Greece is known because the security authorities are related to the Falion Empire and are strong, on the other side of the Aegean Sea is the ruins of Turkey and demons rule them.”

Humans started the European War against the Middle East but later became known as the European-Demon War because of the intervention of demons.

While the Falion Empire came and ended the war, that ending was only a peace after a long war.

The war was unwinnable because the demons were known to be the most belligerent but also the most dangerous race.

If they were cornered, no one could predict what acts of madness they might perform.

So a peace was chosen, which was accepted because many of the demons summoned were individuals who liked diplomacy or were interested in other matters.

It is for that reason that Turkey and the Middle East came to be ruled by peaceful demons and belligerent demons, along with guilds of players who, in some cases, were classified as terrorist organizations.

Turkey, in particular, was left as a country ruled by an ancient guild and a peaceful demon; however, that did not mean that other demons were not dangerous.

“Currently, all demons are considered dangerous races, but that doesn’t mean they all are. However, I would like you to prioritize your safety and travel in your respective groups,” Professor Villacrés said, and not minding the look of surprise at her first words, she added. “It may be complicated to arrange your plans among the entire group so that everyone is happy, but I hope you can organize and arrange it somehow.”

With those words, Professor Villacrés left.

She did not urge them to do homework because today was Friday, and they had Saturday and Sunday ahead of them.

They had arrived in the afternoon, so they were to enjoy the rest of the afternoon and evening to travel around this magical city.

The groups gathered and disperse with their respective groups.

Alice and Aurora approached Erica, Joslyn, and Andrés.

“It doesn’t matter to me what we do.” Andrés said from the entrance.

“I’ve got the place reserved where we’re going to eat,” commented Alice, and with a severe tone, she stated. “I hope you’ll join me. It’s on me.”

It didn’t feel like a threat, but... Why for Aurora did it?

“That’s fine,” Erica replied, and with a touch of excitement, she asked. “How about we go to the Dimensional Market and explore the surroundings?”

Immediately, everyone was interested in the proposal and nodded.

At great speed, they left the hotel and since the location of the ‘Dimensional Market’ was not far, they walked.

Their address was the old neighborhood ‘Monastiraki’ which for tourists was known to be an open-air market where some important places were located.

Unfortunately, after the last war, the neighborhood was devastated, as it was the center of the attacks and was rebuilt with a new name.

The Dimensional Market.

As the hotel was nearby, it didn’t take them too long to arrive; the buildings being the first thing they noticed differently.

The Dimensional Market was in the center, and its buildings had an older, more glamorous feel.

As soon as they entered through the crowded streets, they noticed the dozens of businesses on both sides of the street.

“She’ s an elf...” Andrés murmured in awe as he saw the saleswoman of one store.

The elf was a pretty woman with long ears, long green hair and a very charming figure.

But unlike what ordinary tourists would think when the word ‘elf’ came to their mind, she was not dressed in green clothes related to nature... She was dressed in ‘Chanel’ clothes, and the store was of the same brand.

For Andrés, who had only seen elves in pictures and who had been eager to see a bit of the ‘Dimensional Market’ that united two worlds, he felt his imagination break.

The group moved forward into the center, recognizing modern landmarks along the way, but as they went deeper, they noticed the difference.

Short stature people of stout builds, and long beards were serving beer in some bars and hanging out drinking with their own customers.

Magical item stores run by elves and weapon stores run by dwarves.

There were even a few humans still wearing their robes and fancy clothes that were very common in Terra nova.

Among the group, only Andrés and Joslyn seemed not to have seen these otherworldly races, so they couldn’t help but be excited to see them.

Seeing elves, dwarves, even humans with striking hair colors, no doubt to them, was interesting and exciting.

Adding the ancient and elegant style of the buildings, then it made the viewers believe as if they had traveled to that other fantasy world.

The entire group was excited to see all kinds of objects they would see nowhere else.

******

“Is this a book of advanced ice magic?” Erica asked excitedly to a vendor.

She was in the square in the center of the ‘Dimensional Market’; in that place, many people were setting up their small outdoor tents.

Although it was getting dark, the magical lights and lanterns illuminated the surroundings.

Alice ate her chips and watched as Erica shopped from afar.

“Yes, this book was written by one of the powerful Archmages of the Falion Empire Academy.” Explained the seller with a smile, and immediately Erica bought it from him despite the price that seemed like a scam.

It was true that a Terra nova Archmage wrote the book, but that book circulated freely in Terra nova, and the volumes had come to this world.

If one looked for it, one could have found the same book at a lower price.

In this market, like any other, there were all kinds of vendors and all kinds of tricks to sell their items and more in those small open-air markets that usually sold second-hand items.

As in any situation in life, most businesses depend on the acumen of the buyers and sellers.

Erica was someone easy to fool in that regard, most likely because of the perspective she had on money.

Alice averted her gaze to Andrés.

“Two thousand dollars for this ring... I don’t know, in Atlantis City, the rings must have security systems, although this ring has a large space. It’s risky,” Andrés said with a serious tone and a complicated look.

That solemn expression did not match his blatant lie.

Space rings had a safety standard when they went on sale, trying to avoid that for different reasons it would not cause harm to the user, like any product of modernity.

Most of the space rings for sale in this place had safety measures included, and it was not something related to a city, but such a topic about regulations would not be known to someone who came from another world.

“Oh, but young man, this is a medium-sized ring. You can carry larger sized things,” said the dwarf with an awkward expression and then with a smile, as if he had come up with a great idea, he asked. “How about you take some of the magic items and I’ll make you a price?”

Andrés, looking at the objects, selected one that was next to the artistic one whose only effect was that it could release a sphere of light to illuminate the surroundings and bought both.

Although he couldn’t reduce the price of the space ring, he took another item at a lower price, so they both won...

That was the exciting thing about the open-air flea market.

One could bargain looking for a better price as if it was a competition; for some tourists, this was something entertaining, and for the experienced sellers, this was an excellent way to make a profit.

Alice watched as Aurora was helping Joslyn buy second-hand defensive items.

Aurora wasn’t good at haggling, but she knew the true value of the items, which made it possible for her to help Joslyn get something useful.

When they were finished, they both walked over to where Alice was eating her chips.

“Are we going to dinner?” Alice asked in a tone full of excitement.

She had been looking at restaurants that served Greek and Terra nova foods; it was for that reason that she was quite hungry.

But she had already planned her food tour, and today she would savor Greek food.

“Sure, let’s wait for the others and go,” Aurora replied with a smile and was about to continue looking around the store when her holographic watch vibrated.

Alice watched as Aurora walked away to answer the call.

The holographic watch calls could be audio-only or video as well, but most of it was only shown to the individual, and only someone in the back could see it.

Alice was about to continue eating her chips when she noticed Aurora put on a serious expression.

It wasn’t as if anything important was going on, but it was the same expression she always had when they were working.

Alice’s eyebrows twitched, and she immediately walked over to Aurora.

“Liam, can’t you ask another group of mercenaries to take the job?” Aurora asked with a serious tone.

“Sorry boss, I know you’re on vacation, but you know no one likes to go near that forest and the village you asked for help is quite close... It’s hard to get anyone to accept the mission.”

Alice heard her coworker’s voice and her steps quickened, putting the chips away.

“I understand. Book the ticket and in a few hours I’ll be there,” Aurora said, nodding seriously.

“Boss, the Cosmos Portals have finished construction and are open. I’ll get you a ticket to...”

“No, Liam, we’re on vacation. Stop messing around,” interrupted Alice, revealing herself to the man on the other side.

Before Aurora could say anything, Alice, with a serious expression, ordered. “I already booked a restaurant. I won’t interrupt it for anything. I’ll ask someone to take over.”

“I understand...” Liam replied as he saw Alice talking seriously, looking at him with an expression that said to cut it off immediately... He ended up obeying.

Aurora looked strangely at Alice, but the latter quickly started a call with her holographic watch.

“Your Excellency... Miss, do you need something?” an elderly man with white graying hair asked.

“Do you still have him call you ‘Your Excellency’?” Aurora asked as her lips twitched in a smirk.

Alice’s expression quivered for a moment, but she contemplated the old man.

“Did something happen with the restaurant reservation? Give me a moment and I’ll take care of it,” the old man stated in a serious tone, as if that matter was of utmost importance and the reason for Alice’s expression.

“No, it’s another matter. I need you to send someone to our mercenary group. A matter has come up and I need someone to take care of it,” Alice ordered and, with a bit of hesitation, looked to Aurora to speak.

Aurora, seeing Alice’s serious look, sighed and explained. “It is one of the villages under our influence where some problems have arisen, but due to the territoriality of the magical beasts in that area of the Magical Forest, it is difficult for anyone to accept the mission for fear of attack.”

The Magic Forest was a massive forest that had spread over almost all of central Africa, eventually covering about a dozen ancient countries.

Considered one of the most dangerous places in the world, it was inhabited by powerful magical beasts, and some of them had a strong sense of territoriality.

“Oh, I understand. I’ll see about sending someone to handle that task,” replied the old man, and seeing Aurora’s complex expression, he added. “We also have to arrange the trade deal with the owners of the forest, so there’s no need to feel uncomfortable. We can solve both problems at the same time.”

Alice nodded uninterestedly and commented. “Thank you, Sebastian.”

The old man’s lips quivered, but the one who had the biggest reaction to hearing that name was Aurora, who started to get embarrassed.

“Hey don’t call him Sebastian...” Aurora muttered with a slightly embarrassed tone.

“You were the one who first called him ‘Sebastian’ saying that the best butlers have to be called that way,” Alice recalled with an amused smile, and looking at the old man, she added. “Thank you, James.”

“Enjoy your vacation,” James commented with a cheerful smile as he looked at the duo and the next moment cut the communication.

Alice looked at Aurora, who was embarrassed, but she just laughed in amusement.

A long time ago, Aurora called her butler as ‘Sebastian’, claiming that was the perfect name for every butler, but just as James called her ‘Your Excellency’ for things in the past and her friend teased her, Alice wouldn’t forget that fact either.

“You shouldn’t have involved him.” Aurora commented with a sigh.

“It’s true he has work, but he can handle this minor task,” Alice replied with a shrug, and seeing Aurora look at her strangely, she added. “Besides, I like to see you smiling and not with the serious expression you always have when we work.”

Aurora was embarrassed at that sincere comment, but Alice just nodded.

Her friend when she worked was too serious and strict, it was fine for the task they were doing, but it wasn’t healthy at all to always be that way.

Alice wasn’t lying when she said she liked her friend this way... It was one of the reasons she supported her mother when she had the idea to send Aurora to the academy, trying to take her away from work a little bit.

“Shall we go to dinner?” Erica asked, suddenly interjecting without noticing their conversation.

“Yes, let’s,” Alice replied in a hungry tone, while Aurora nodded with a sigh.

Alice looked at her holographic watch for direction and then led the group that had gathered nearby.

Since this was downtown, the restaurant was relatively close.

They had to walk a few streets, as they watched as the stores and buildings began to change in design.

They became more modern and shiny.

Walking down some of the busiest streets in Athens, the group got nervous as they saw the stores of all kinds that they passed through.

“Is this okay?” Joslyn asked, looking around at the stores that were getting more and more... Elegant and luxurious.

This section had dozens of glamorous and well-known brand name clothing stores, whose designed were upscale and for important individuals who could afford to spend a large amount of money.

It was not just about the brand or style, but the basic materials used.

Clothes that were tailored to fit the wearer, created from magical materials or materials that came from monsters.

They provided basic protection and were usually enchanted with different magical effects, such as the ability to conform to the wearer’s body.

Weapon, jewelry, and food stores were the same... They had some magical effect because of the materials they used or because of the process by which they were designed.

And particularly everything had a high value.

“If you want to invite us, how about we go to a restaurant in the Dimensional Market?” Andrés asked, out of consideration.

Looking at the offerings, he could tell that the food would be extremely expensive... And actually, that restaurant was small and common among the bunch on this street.

Joslyn nodded at his side.

Being invited to eat something from a random nearby restaurant was something ‘acceptable’, but being invited to eat in one of the most expensive neighborhoods in the city... It was something hard to accept.

But Alice saw it differently.

“When they start working, they’ll realize that this isn’t too much,” Alice commented with a tone of an expert as she looked around the restaurants.

Aurora nodded with an amused smile.

This was an expensive neighborhood with magical items for sale, but when compared to the real magical weapon stores whose products cost millions, then they would realize the difference.

However, everyone’s expressions quivered when Alice stopped at a four fork restaurant, as it was recognized.

This restaurant was related to the largest food company in the World.

The Apicius Company was a multinational whose priority was the production of food of all kinds and which was also dedicated to developing food-centric technology.

Also known as the world’s largest distributor of magical ingredients and a company that had ‘raised’ a city in Africa.

“Do you have reservations?” Erica asked with a slightly bemused look.

Although the old classifications still held, in reality, to be rated four or five forks, they had to have experts in cuisines and use magical ingredients.

On their menus, they had to have ‘magical’ dishes, that meant they had to be created with magical ingredients, whether it be from magical beast meat to magical wines and other magical liquors... Each meal was imbued with magical energy, which enhanced its taste and value.

Restaurants like these required reservations of weeks or months for some cases because of the scarce production of magical ingredients, even when a multinational supported them.

“If you want, I can...”

Get some reservations...

Erica swallowed her words as she watched the doorman open the door for Alice with a big smile, as if she had been recognized.

“She always spends all her allowance at restaurants,” Aurora explained with an amused smile, and looking at her gluttonous friend, she commented. “And she’s a well recognized ‘Gourmet’ in these parts.”

They all nodded, understanding a bit of their Academy’s famous A-Rank... And they found it made sense to her that she was a Gourmet.

After all, Alice was also known to be a glutton.