"Why not? If my memory serves right, today's Kingdom of Acilia was rebuilt after the execution of its former king," Hibert said, scratching his beard.
"Execution?!" Shin was a little startled, his eyes sharpening.
"Yes, the former king of Acilia—Lord Marcus Hekin. I don't know about the full details, but he was executed by one of his own sons…" Hibert scoffed.
"But how did that change Acilia?" Shin asked curiously, trying to gather information.
The old man's expression shifted, his big wrinkled eyes narrowing.
"The old Acilia was considered a land of gods, but now, all that remains from it is a land of rotten evils," he said, his voice trembling as he spoke.
Shin smiled softly. He couldn't help but find such a strong resemblance between this world and his own.
Along the way to the kingdom, they talked about many things. Soon, their carriage neared the massive gates.
"Well, young boy, you said you were looking for a job, right?" Hibert asked.
"Yes, although I don't have any preferences," Shin replied confidently.
"Then can you tell me, what type of Magi are you?" Hibert asked with curiosity.
"What do you mean?" Shin replied, slightly confused.
"I mean, what are your magical attributes—the Magi Index," Hibert explained, waiting for an answer.
"Magi Index?… Must be something related to magic. I can't ask him directly, it might make him suspicious of my identity. But what's my attribute…? Something related to weapons, I think", Shin thought briefly.
"Metal," he finally exclaimed, trying to look composed.
"Ah, I see. Then you must be a Metal Mahyer," Hibert said with amazement. "They're rare. You could easily be enrolled in higher adventurer guilds or even royal duties," he added.
"Royal duties?…"
"I wouldn't recommend those. They're really shady… But people with magical attributes are eligible for direct examinations for royal duties—like soldiers, officers, and… executioners," Hibert explained.
"Executioners… interesting," Shin murmured.
***
Rattling through the dense forest for over an hour, the carriage finally found an opening—a dirt road leading to the kingdom's gate.
Shin peeked out from the carriage. The walls that once seemed distant now loomed before him like mountains.
As they reached the gate, it groaned open. The sound of chains pulling it inward echoed, while two guards in heavy chain armor marched toward the carriage.
"Mr. Hibert, is that young man one of yours?" one of the guards asked, clearly familiar with Hibert.
"Yes, he's here looking for a job," Hibert answered, then leaned closer to the guard. "He's a Metal Mahyer," he whispered.
"I see… May I know your name, young man?"
"Shin," he replied.
The guard gave a signal, and the carriage rolled into the kingdom. The moment they crossed the gates, the atmosphere shifted.
Take it, young man, you won't find it cheaper anywhere… This will make you shine, madam!… These daggers are forged from beast teeth—
Shin smiled faintly. "Just like Earth… This place is corrupted. At first, everything seems good, but in truth… this place is already dead." He nods to himself.
The carriage stopped in front of a shop, its walls lined with clothes hanging everywhere.
"This is my shop," Hibert laughed. "Come, I'll treat you to something," he added, inviting Shin inside.
***
The sun finally set, and the moon rose, its silver light spilling across the streets.
"You're sure about this?" Hibert scoffed.
"Yes. Thank you for your hospitality," Shin said, bowing slightly in gratitude.
"No, no, you'll make me out to be a bad person. How could I accept thanks from the very man who saved my life?" Hibert replied with a wave of his hand. "Take care, young boy."
"Hah… I don't like thanks," Shin sighed.
As he headed toward the tavern Hibert had shown him earlier to register for a room, a sudden scream cut through the night. It came from a dark alley.
"A woman? … Not my problem." Shin's lips curled into an uncanny smile. "Now that I think about it, I haven't tested my magic capabilities yet."
***
"Welcome to our tavern, sir," a woman greets, her hair slightly red, standing behind the counter, wearing a peculiar outfit.
"I would like to register a room" a young man said with a tired voice, it's Shin.
"Very well, s-sir, it will be 4 bronze—" She paused, "May I ask you something? Why are there blood stains on your shirt?" She said, a little scared.
Shin smiled while handing the money that Hibert gave him as a sign to show his gratitude, "I got a little injured on my way," he said, his eyes staring the girl. She doesn't dare to ask any further.
"H-here is your room key, it's fourth from left , second floor," she quickly hands the key to him, "Thanks," He replied, lefting the counter.
"He sure is scary" she mumbled to herself.
Shin opened the door to his room, a lofty bed ready for him, he jumped on it without a second thought, just like a baby. "Finally something comfortable" he sighed.
His eyes sharpened again. "Show," he commands. Suddenly, a screen pops in front of his eyes.
"I thought so, I discovered it when I was enjoying my time with those guys, apparently I again leveled up."..
He washed his face and changed his clothes. "The old man was surel generous" he mumbled.
"Let's see, it does look like an RPG system, even though I am a murderer, I have my preferences," he laughs internally.
"I got some skills too..."
[Weaponizer] - Ability to control any weapon inside your set range.
"It doesn't specify what qualifies for a weapon," he then glanced at the other skills.
[Chain of Paralysis]: paralysed the enemy using electric shock.
[Lie Detection]: The User can detect lies if the enemy's deception skill is lower than the user's.
[Magnetism]: Attract and control anything considered as metal.
"Magnetism's the new skill that I acquired after leveling up. Every skill seems to have its own set of rules; I should use them carefully, then," he nods to himself.
"Well, there is no mana option like in games, but each time I use a skill, I feel a little tired", he recalls.
"Well, I do use the Weaponizer ability a lot today, while killing those guys," he smiled, crooked as always.
"Then everythings revised, Time to sleep then".
***
The night was in end phase, and the moon was shining brighter than usual. "I still can't sleep, they never leave me...". Yet In such moonlight that screams of dreams, Shin was sitting on the bed, unable to sleep, Again.