Chapter 82

Secretly Resuming

After leaving the magic city, I headed for my hometown as planned.

Flying through the sky.

Since I finally learned the flight magic, there's no reason not to use it.

It's much faster than traveling by carriage on the road.

Not only is the speed faster, but being able to go straight is also a big advantage.

The road detours around forests and mountains, inevitably increasing the travel distance.

If I fly through the sky, I can even cross rivers without bridges.

This way, it should take only about one-tenth of the time it took to come here.

"…Hmm? A city."

I discovered a city ahead.

Since it's not in my memory, it's probably a city I didn't visit on my way.

Compared to the magic city, it's a small city, but it still has a grand wall protecting it, with a population of a few thousand.

Since I'm here, I decided to stop by.

I'm getting hungry, and I want to have a meal.

I have enough food, but eating only preserved food gets boring.

I landed.

Most cities charge an entry fee.

I might be able to enter from the sky without paying, but that's not really an option. I'm not short on money.

"Hmm. There are two gates."

I couldn't help but stop in my tracks.

Both gates are for entering the city, but their structures are completely different.

One is a grand gate where dozens of people can pass through side by side, with a beautiful arch.

The ceiling is high, and upon closer inspection, the walls are adorned with magnificent carvings.

The other is so narrow that two people passing through at the same time would bump shoulders.

The ceiling is low, and tall people might have to bend down.

It has no decoration, looking like a simple rectangular hole dug out.

Both gates have entry inspections, but the grand gate is open, and people are passing through smoothly.

There's hardly any line.

On the other hand, there's a long line at the shabby gate.

"This is a no-brainer."

I headed for the grand gate.

Still, why are people lining up at the shabby gate?

Just then, I was stopped by a gate guard.

"Are you a traveler?"

"Yes, I am."

"Then an entry fee is required. What is your occupation?"

For some reason, I'm suddenly asked about my occupation.

I don't mind answering, but it's quite rude.

As I looked puzzled,

"You cannot enter the city if you don't answer. And false reporting is a serious crime."

"Serious crime? For something like that?"

"This is the kind of city it is."

Hmm.

If I can't enter without answering, there's no choice.

"I am unemployed."

When I said that, the gate guard was momentarily stunned.

"…Is that true?"

"Yes, it is. If you want, I can show you a certificate."

"No, you'll be appraised upon entry, so it's not necessary."

They require an appraisal just to enter the city.

It's quite a hassle, but it's probably to prevent criminals from staying.

"If you want to enter the city, use the other gate."

The gate guard pointed to the shabby gate.

"The other gate seems less crowded, doesn't it?"

"Unfortunately, you can't enter from there. You can try if you want, but you'll be chased away and have to do it all over again."

"Is that so?"

It's a strange story, but it doesn't seem like he's lying.

There's no point in lying about something like this.

"Let me give you a piece of advice. This city won't be comfortable for you. It's better to look for the next city. …But if you insist, do as you please."

The gate guard left with that warning.

What does he mean?

Well, there's no point in thinking about it.

Rather, I'm curious, so I joined the line at the shabby gate as instructed.

Because they appraise each entrant, the line doesn't move quickly.

They seem to be using a magic device called an appraisal tool, which is a rare magic device.

The grand gate has multiple devices, but this one has only one.

After waiting for about forty minutes, it was finally my turn.

"I will appraise your occupation."

"Sure."

"…This… This is…"

The inspector gasped at the appraisal result.

Then he snorted and said,

"Here is a short-term resident card. The entry fee is three silver coins."

I took the card and paid the entry fee.

Looking at the card, it said "Short-term Resident (6th Rank)."

"What does this rank mean?"

"It's like a status in this city. Even short-term residents are assigned a rank without exception."

Thinking it's a peculiar system, I entered the city through the narrow gate.

At first glance, it's a very ordinary city.

However, many people walk with their heads down, as if they're afraid of something.

On the other hand, some people walk arrogantly, cutting through the air with their shoulders.

It's a strange impression.

It's hard to believe they're all residents of the same city.

"…Hehehe, it's overflowing with ugly human desires. It's the perfect city for demons."

Mati whispered happily.

I decided to look for a restaurant.

I found a store right away.

It was a clean and tidy place, popular with women.

Since I'm hungry and any place will do, I decided to go to this store and entered.

"What? 6th Rank? No way. We only allow 3rd Rank and above."

I was kicked out.

"Ha ha ha ha, turned away at the door—ouch!?"

I gripped Mati's torso and muttered.

"…There are entry restrictions based on rank."