Abyssal Awakening

As they neared the port, Alice could smell the saltiness in the air. While it wasn't her first time at a port, it was her first time going without worrying about anything else. The last time she visited a port city, she was infiltrating while also worrying about whether or not she'd die from the injuries that she'd sustained along with the biting cold.

This time around, she was relaxed and could enjoy the warm weather and clear skies.

Originally, she was a little worried that the Doctor would keep chasing her. But seeing as how the journey was mostly uneventful and she didn't receive a message from the Void Hawk, the capital was safe.

With that in mind, Alice relaxed herself a little.

Naturally, to the guards, the image of seeing a cute girl swinging her legs back and forth while drinking mead was a little jarring. Especially when they consider that this was the same girl that kicked their asses solo just the other night.

After entering the port, Alice was immediately surprised by the vast variety of people that she saw. Most cities would hide those with a visible side effect, especially if it made them look 'less human'.

But everywhere she looked, there were people with gills or other aquatic details.

"It's not polite to stare. In this city, this kind of thing is common." The Scout spoke up as he slowed down and walked next to Alice.

"Oh? Why?" Alice blinked her eyes curiously.

"That's just how things are. It also makes their job of diving into the water much easier." The Scout shrugged. He didn't visit the port often enough to know the full details behind it.

Scratching her chin, Alice also noticed a thin layer around the gills. Probably because they weren't being used on land and they only needed it in the water.

Aside from the gills, there were also those that were walking around with fins around the side of the head. They wore makeup and outfits that seemed to mimic the look of scales, embracing the beauty of this side effect.

Of course, there was more than just aquatic side effects but they were the majority.

Compared to them, Alice's split hair didn't stand out as much anymore.

[Perhaps we should stay in this city for a bit master.] Cayla suggested. Clearly, she was also interested by the uniqueness of this port as this kind of thing was practically unthinkable in the Abyss of today.

Everyone hated the look of side effects as it was a clear sign of greed for more power. If you were living in the city and were seen to have side effects, you'd be reallocated to the slums and hidden from public view.

Alice had seen this often when journeying in the Abyss.

'Sure, we need a moment to earn some money after all. I don't think I have enough for boat fees to reach the east.' Alice nodded with a light sigh when thinking about their current financial troubles.

Since this was a port city, there's no doubt that there will be ways for her to earn a bit of money.

If anything, this place reminded her a little of her first 'visit' to the Abyss. Thrown into the deep end of the Slaughter Docks and forced to fight with her life on the line.

She didn't want to change any of the events that occurred but if there was one thing that she regretted, it was that she couldn't help her friend. Maybe… if she was able to save Lilia back then, the two of them would be journeying together right now.

Laughing, joking, creating trouble together.

If it was now, maybe Alice could've helped Lilia resolve her issue with the Vampire Lily.

To burn away the roots that are spreading through the body and help her recover.

However, what happened in the past couldn't be changed. The best she could do was to live a full and happy life. So that when she sees Lilia again, she can tell her that her freedom wasn't wasted.

Parting ways with the rest of the caravan, Alice decided to explore the city a little. She wanted to get a general understanding of where everything was as well as Inn prices. Surprisingly, the Hunter's Guild branch here was rather run down.

Most of the commission didn't need Hunters since they struggled with water combat.

It was much cheaper and far better to just hire local pirates or private companies that handle protection.

While exploring the city, Alice had also discovered a rather fascinating piece of news. That being the fact that this city was split into three layers.

Main Port, Pirate Bay and Mercia.

The main Port was self-explanatory as this is where most people reside. Traders from overseas and civilians all live here.

Pirate Bay is a little further away and offshore but is still considered part of the city. It's the home of the pirates and holds a different set of rules to the main Port. But despite the difference in rules, the two still live in harmony so long as one side doesn't violate the peace agreements.

Of course, Pirate Bay can't control all of the pirates which is why if any show hostility first, travellers are allowed to kill on sight.

And the last was what pulled Alice's attention the most.

The underwater city Mercia.

It's the home for those who can breathe underwater and is affiliated with the main Port. Not a lot of information can be gotten from there as most of the residents refrain from saying much. And getting permission to visit is difficult.

Originally, Alice thought that it would be pretty easy to just go anyway since she noticed that there were a few tools to help a person breathe underwater. But both the Pirates and the Guards protect Mercia, preventing invaders.

These three were the main factions that kept this city in balance.

On top of this, the port city of Caethis was independent from Verona despite being in the north. It's a neutral place that oversees trade between the North and the East.

But with the current war between Extalia and Verona, the port has declined trade vessels from Extalia from entering. After all, if they allow Extalia to land, that's practically telling Verona that they want to fight. And while Verona has respected their independence, showing such a case of hostility will have her sending Urigar to take care of them and that was something neither side wanted.

Chewing on a squid skewer she bought, Alice noted down everything she discovered while exploring this city.

But the best thing of all, there was a duelling arena!

Alice wanted to scout things out a bit first and disguise herself. Plus, she also wanted to see if she could fight any of the easterners who travelled from overseas.

If she were to get a taste of their fighting style now, she wouldn't be surprised when she visits the East.

Who knows, she might even learn something useful from them. According to Ria, they're professionals when it comes to utilizing their bodies to their maximum efficiency. To put it simply, martial arts designed around the usage of Sigils.

Alice wanted to get a first hand experience of these so called martial arts.

'Let's find a place to stay at first. We don't even know if this place allows gambling and betting on yourself since it's the surface. The rules here are different.' Alyss suggested.

'Fair point. Also, you should try these squid skewers, they're pretty tasty with the spices imported from the East. It should fit your tastes quite nicely.' Alice offered.

Taking over momentarily, Alyss took a bite and folded her arms.

'It's pretty alright but I'm not a fan of the squid. I don't think seafood suits me.' Alyss furrowed her brows.

'Shame. I'll take care of this then.' Alice shrugged. If Alyss didn't like it then it was more food for herself.

Finishing the skewer, Alice bought a map of the city and noted down where all of the Inns were. Because this is a trade hub, most of the Inns were a bit more expensive than the usual prices. Anything that was close to the port or even remotely close to the centre was beyond her budget.

At this rate, Alice might have to sleep on the streets if the arena didn't allow for gambling.

Letting out a sigh, Alice crossed out another Inn on the map as it was too expensive.

She thought she would at least have enough money for one night but that wasn't the case at all.

"I guess this is the last one…" She muttered, looking at a rather rundown building on the outskirts of the city. It was near the border and if it wasn't for the map, Alice wouldn't even know that this was an Inn.

If anything, it looked more like a bar than an Inn.

Pushing open the doors, her lips twitched as the door almost fell over. This kind of run-down place was probably the only thing she could afford if the prices were low.

But to her surprise, aside from the rather poorly maintained door, the inside was surprisingly high quality. Everything was clean and might even be better than some of the other inns she saw.

"Ah sorry! I'm still working on renovating the place. I'll sort out the door tonight." A voice called out from the back.

Furrowing her brows, Alice felt the voice was a little familiar but couldn't put a finger on where she'd heard it before.

But as the figure stepped out with a woman by his side, Alice realised who it was.

The youngest cardinal to be appointed by the Church of the Moon. Tristan.

A person who tried to figure out Alice's curse when they ran into one another at the port stronghold.